#my dad voted no already before i could even talk to him

[raecaw]

god dammit apparently the expected referendum outcome is 65% No vote why is my country so fucking racist

so many people are voting no because they don't think the voice is enough and of fucking course it's not enough!!!!! we need a revolution!!!! we need to give back so much land and rights and it's still not enough in the face of colonialist genocide but there's no freeform textbox on the voting sheet for you to say "No, but..." you're simply voting "No" just the same as the fucking nazis and pauline fuckface hanson

this referendum isn't really about this specific parliamentary decision, it's about getting a general consensus on how Australia feels about first nations issues. a no vote is fucking embarrassing in 2023.

[aropride]

ok story before bed time. everyone gather around

you are me at age 13. you are an 8th grader who just realized he likes girls and recently had a gender crisis in the home depot lighting aisle. it is november of 2016, and trump has run for president for the first time. you are watching the map change over your dad's shoulder. you aren't really sure how it works yet but you are seeing a lot of red on there and you are very frightened. you just found out you have free will, like, last year, and you are only beginning to grasp the gravity of the situation- the situation being the united states of america in general- and it already is looking very bad.

when you wake up in the morning your dad tells you trump has won. he's too happy about it. you're skipping breakfast to make the bus in time. the sun's barely risen, btw, but you are 13 so you have little to no autonomy or rights, so you are in the fluorescent-light torment-nexus they call a "middle school" by 7:45am on the dot.

you see your friend as you're walking to your homeroom. he's a fellow gay emo middle schooler, he sucks, and he really likes to guilt-trip you into skipping class to hang out with him by telling you he's going to kill himself if you don't. you have other qualms with him, but this illustrates enough. he says hi, you say hi, there is a sort of thick dread in the air despite barely anyone in the building being old enough to vote and most everyone completely baffled by the concept of the "electoral college."

he asks how you're feeling. you say bad, and he agrees.

he looks you in the eyes and puts both his hands on your shoulders. he says, "don't worry about gay marriage. they can't get rid of it."

you don't say anything; he doesn't give you a chance to.

"i ran into the senate at subway yesterday and i asked them. and they said trump can't repeal gay marriage."

you do not know much about the government. you are not quite sure what a senator is. however, you know there are one hundred of them. you also know that the only subway in your little corner of maine is very small- there's, like, three booths to sit in. only a few people can even get in line to order at a time. you were born recently but you are able to draw some conclusions here:

1) there is absolutely no way that subway could fit 100 people inside of it at all,

2) there is no reason that the entire senate would be in a little town in maine the night after the election,

and 3) this guy is making shit up again, more than anyone's ever made shit up in their life.

you say, "okay. that's good." you are aware that gay marriage is not the only thing to be worried about, here. you are aware that this guy lies recreationally and it is not worth arguing the matter.

"isn't that great?" he asks. it is not great.

you go to homeroom and you do not stand for the pledge of allegiance (you never stand for it again). you go to pre-algebra. you listen to my chemical romance instead of paying attention. you go to english class, you go to study hall, you go to lunch. you go to social studies and your teacher lets you and your other gay friend (who doesn't suck and in fact you have crush-adjacent feelings for them) sit out in the hall to talk about the election, because you asked nicely. they do not try to tell you that they ran into the entire senate at subway.

you think about this interaction several times a month through the next two election seasons. you are a 21 year old man and you are still thinking about this. you are still imagining ways the entire senate could cram themselves into this tiny subway. you regularly share this story with new friends because you just cannot stop fucking thinking about it. he ran into the entire senate at a tiny little subway in maine at 7 in the morning. and they said gay rights were safe forever.

[luminouslywriting]

Heeyyy so I saw that you had a scary surgery?? Ur so brave and get better soon!

I was wondering if maybe you could do a pregnancy HC with any of the BOB boys?? :)

Nonny, you are so sweet 🥹🥹 thank you!! And yes, I’d love to do this one for you! Reminder that my requests are open and I don’t mind spam! More below the cut, cut for length, light spice sprinkled in:

Dick Winters:

-He’s absolutely thrilled to be a father. The minute that you tell him about it, he’s practically giddy like a little kid haha. -A family is always something that he’s wanted and settling down is honestly a dream to him. Especially with you! -Winters thinks that you’re even more perfect pregnant and definitely gets even more of a praise kink during pregnancy. Service top who???

-Doesn’t coddle you but definitely spoils you a little bit and tries to make sure that you have everything you need/want so that things go smoothly. -Loves getting to talk baby names with you and gets really into your self care routine while pregnant. -Probably cries the first time he holds the baby.

Lewis Nixon:

-A wreck. I’m sorry, there’s just no way that this man is NOT panicking about you having a kid bc he feels like he’s already messed things up before and doesn’t want to do that again. -Might need a little bit of space initially to figure out his feelings and pull himself together. But then once he does, he’s all in. I’m talking going to doctors appointments with you, doing additional reading, and researching best ways to cure morning sickness type of guy. -Send him out for cravings, he likes to feel useful while you’re growing a baby haha. -Waxes poetic about the ability to grow life inside of you and pretty much views you as the center of his universe from this point onwards. -Absolutely has sympathy labor pains, I can’t explain that one at all

-Does not let you lift anything heavy or do anything strenuous the entire time you’re pregnant.

Ronald Speirs:

-Gets this really soft expression the minute he hears the news from you and is almost scared of the thought—but he’s ready and he’s super tender about things. -Definitely develops a breeding kink during this time and is so attentive to anything that will help you feel better, including orgasms. -Shows up one day from work with just a TON of baby stuff and maternity that he’s splurged on because he wants you to feel loved and special

-Loves holding you at nighttime and definitely will never admit this, but he talks to the baby and has so many plans

-Foot massages from him and he’ll try to hold the baby weight for you by holding up your stomach once the pregnancy progresses

-Is so protective and lets a few tears shed when the baby is born—he never left your side the entire time. His love for you has multiplied exponentially.

Buck Compton:

-Is the type of man to laugh excitedly and pull you into a fierce kiss that sweeps you off of your feet

-He’s immediately voting on a little boy and starts referring to the baby as Junior. -Is very attentive to you and wants to put the entire nursery together himself. Gets pretty far in the process too! The paint job could be better, but that’s okay! -Likes sharing showers with you and lotions your stomach afterwards with a sweet kiss to the swell of the belly. -But he also lays awake pretty anxious about being a dad and not being the same as he used to be. He wants this kid’s life to be absolutely perfect. -Gets sweetly emotional throughout the pregnancy milestones, including the baby kicking and the first time he hears a heartbeat.

Carwood Lipton:

-The grin on this man’s face will never be matched. He’s so thrilled and so excited about it! -He definitely treats you like precious cargo from there on out; a hand over your stomach when you’re walking in public, a hand in yours during drives, he’s constantly watching out for you. -Loves the way that your body changes and grows to accommodate the baby and thinks that stretch marks are sexy. BODY PRAISE KINK maxed haha. -Very into compliments and he wants you to know how much he loves you each and every day. -He is already good with kids and so he practices by babysitting his nieces and nephews. Watching him with kids is probably a turn on tbh. -Gets oddly into cooking since you’re tired and comes up with the best craving dishes at your request.

Joseph Liebgott:

-Shocked, bamboozled, shooketh, and the softest dumb smile on his face when you tell him. Asks you a million questions immediately following. -This is also followed by the sweetest sex wherein he praises and serviced you to the point of you literally falling asleep haha. -Literally tells everyone he knows because he’s so excited about the entire thing! -Is taking bets with the men in easy on the gender of the baby (he thinks girl haha)

-Also develops a lactation kink during the midst of all of this lol

-Coaches you through labor with support and a hand hold that nearly broke his hand haha

Donald Malarkey:

-An excited soft bean who immediately kisses your stomach in excitement

-Wants to go shopping with you for ALL of the baby things immediately. Please explain that there’s a whole nine months of cooking to him. -Is literally in shock and amazement at the changes your body undergoes as he learns more and more about pregnancy. He is wowed by you and expresses this daily. -Literally the most gentle he has ever been while you’re pregnant and Lowkey a mother hen who doesn’t want you to fall or do anything like lift something heavy. -Probably has a ton of lullabies memorized from his own childhood and starts dusting them off immediately. -Is the most vocal support during labor and encourages you like your life depends on it.

Eugene Roe:

-A flurry of excitement, French words, and light kisses all over immediately

-He’s already ruminating on baby names and trying to imagine how things will go. That being said, he’s best for morning sickness and pregnancy bleh energy. -Knows a ton of wives��� tales about pregnancy and how to help with natural remedies, which he awaits to try out whenever you’re ready

-Bath sex together during this time

-He gets good at doing your hair for you when you’re feeling especially worn out or tired

-Is so soft and sweet the minute you go into labor and stays by your side until the entire thing is over. 10/10 a great dad.

Bill Guarnere:

-Has to blink several times and ask you to repeat it and make sure that he heard you correctly the first time. But once he’s sure, he’s the most excited person ever. -Calls everyone he knows to tell them the news….and he wants to name the baby after Joe Toye if it’s a boy. -Takes the mood swings with a grain of salt but will try all of your cravings with you. He likes a few of them as actual snacks haha. -Gets creative in figuring out positions for sex so that you can be more comfortable

-Sometimes gets nervous about being a dad and kinda retreats within himself. I promise that one good flash of skin will remind him that everything is fine. -Is a wreck during labor but super calm and chill the minute he gets to hold the baby.

Joe Toye:

-Immediately kisses you like you’re his last breath of air. If he was in love with you before, that’s nothing to how he feels now. -Has some insecurities about how he’s going to be a dad with his injury, so hype him up as a dad. -Does all of his own research on the growth of babies and pregnancy. Will recite these facts randomly to you during dinner. -Loved getting to lay with you at nighttime and just talk to you about the kid and all of the hopes and dreams you both have for them. -Probably acutely aware of the cost of pregnancy on your body and is so in awe…he wants more but definitely leaves that in your court since it’s your body. -Also really great with dealing w/ postpartum depression and understands in a different way than most men.

George Luz:

-Goes to make a joke, gets told you’re pregnant, and is rendered totally speechless. Congrats reader. You did that haha. -Immediately starts suggesting names for the baby and starts planning out a whole gaggle of kids on the spot. -Is extremely horny while you’re pregnant and his sex drive rivals yours tbh

-HYPE KING OF COMPLIMENTS and reassuring you that you’re perfect and not a swollen penguin. -Would definitely walk around with a watermelon to feel sympathy for you haha. -Is afraid he’s going to drop the baby but never would ☺️

[my-castles-crumbling]

Warmth- Jegulus holiday fluff!

Hi guys! You voted on a holiday present and this is what you chose! It's hogwarts-age jegulus, AU-no Voldemort, background wolfstar holiday fluff! Enjoy!

Regulus always associated the holidays with the cold.

A cold house. A cold bed. The coldness of his family.

And he was so used to the way his family did things.

It started with planning. So much planning. Making sure everything, every minute detail, was perfect. That the menu was impeccable. The decor, superb. The outfits, tailored and luxurious.

Regulus and Sirius were expected to be flawless representations of their House and ‘Superior Bloodline.’ Put-together and polite; seen, not heard.

The pressure was more than intense.

And the actual party?

So many people. So many high standards.

The chit-chat was suffocating, and Regulus always dreaded it.

There was nothing personal about the holidays. No time for family. Only networking. Putting on a show. Making sure their family was constantly on top.

It was cold.

Regulus spent the entire day feeling lonely.

So, when Regulus first agreed to spend the holidays at the Potters’ he wasn’t sure how to feel. He knew, of course, that the Potters were pureblood. Well-off. They probably had fancy parties, too.

“What shall I pack?” he asked his boyfriend one day while they were studying, close to break, realizing his old dress robes might not fit any more. Did the Potters expect him to wear his custom-made twelve-piece robes, or would some of his more comfortable three-piece outfits suffice?

“Pack?” James asked, looking a bit distracted. He was currently trying to figure out what looked like a botched Potions essay, and Regulus knew he would have to take pity on him and help soon. “I mean, it’s a bit cold. Make sure to pack some extra jumpers.”

Regulus rolled his eyes, endeared by the taller boy’s oliviousness. “I meant for the party.”

“Party?” James asked, looking quite shocked. “We’re going to a party?”

Now his patience was wearing a bit thin. “On Christmas, James. Won’t your family have a party?”

James laughed out loud at that. “I mean, it’ll be my mum, dad, Sirius, Remus, and both of us. Is that what you mean?”

Regulus thought about that. “So…no party?”

“No,” James answered, looking a bit concerned. “Is that alright? I know your family-”

“It’s perfect,” Regulus nodded, quickly pulling James’s mess of an essay toward himself. “This is not.”

-

As soon as the boys arrived in the bright, warm kitchen of the Potter Manor, a woman swept Regulus into a hug so quickly he almost yelped with surprise.

“Regulus. It’s wonderful to meet you,” the woman hugging him said warmly.

“Don’t suffocate him, mum,” James admonished, throwing Regulus a grin as he hugged what could only be his father.

But Regulus, who normally hated being touched, especially by those he didn’t know, found himself melting into the embrace. He realized almost instantly where James got it from- his safe, kind, accepting persona. His warmth.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. and Mr. Potter,” Regulus stammered as Euphemia released him. “Thank you for inviting me to your home.”

“Effie and Monty,” Monty replied easily. “And how could we not? James talks so much about you, you’re practically family already."

James turned bright red at this, and Regulus smirked a bit. Sirius made a gagging noise from behind them.

“As if you don’t talk just as much about Remus,” Effie chided him, pulling him into a hug as well.

“Mum! I’m supposed to be the favorite!” Sirius pouted, making Effie grin.

“I have no favorites. Though if we’re going by number of times I’ve gotten letters of complaint from Minerva McGonagall, then Regulus is currently the favorite,” Effie retorted, making Regulus turn pink.

Even though both Sirius and James protested more about that, it was clear that all the comments were in good fun. They were laughing. Smiling. Enjoying each other’s company.

He’d never experienced family like this before. It was strange. The warmth.

-

Regulus quickly figured out that he liked Potter Manor almost as much as he liked Hogwarts.

He, James, Sirius, and Remus (when he arrived a few days later) spent their days flying, lazing around, going into the Muggle town nearby and exploring. He knew that Monty was a Potioneer, but he was thrilled to find that once he tentatively asked the older man about his work, Monty was eager to show him everything he was working on. He even let Regulus help.

He also found a piano, tucked away in a lonely room on the fourth floor, and spent hours at a time just playing, reveling in being able to just be, while James, Sirius, and Remus caused chaos Merlin-knew-where.

He felt safe. Wanted. This, he realized, was how family was supposed to feel.

-

He’d believed James, of course, when he’d said there wouldn’t be a party. But he was still unsurprised, somehow, when on Christmas morning, he was awoken at dawn by someone shaking him awake. Good thing he packed something presentable.

“Happy Christmas, Reg!” James whispered into his ear.

“Mmmpfh,” Regulus mumbled into his pillow. “Thought you said there wasn’t a party?”

“What? No, I…I have something to show you. Will you come with me?” James asked, looking a bit nervous.

“Alright.”

It was early, and cold. And Regulus was thankful, really, that he’d listened to James and packed multiple jumpers because he pulled two over his head, blearily following the taller boy out of his room.

“Sorry it’s so early. It’s just…I’ve been trying to get you alone for days and I figured if I try before Sirius is awake, I’d have more of a chance,” James grinned a bit sheepishly.

Regulus snorted. Sirius had been quite the nuisance over the past few days. Every time James and Regulus had had two minutes alone, he just appeared. “He’s your best friend, Potter.”

James chuckled, leading Regulus to the front door.

“Outside?” Regulus blanched. He might have two jumpers on, but he wasn’t dressed for the snowstorm currently raging outside.

“Trust me?” James asked, levelling a challenging look at Regulus.

And fuck James Potter, because he knew that the answer to that question was yes.

“Alright,” Regulus murmured, shivering as James rapped his wand sharply on Regulus’s head. A feeling of warmth slowly seeped through Regulus’s very veins, like he’d stepped into a hot shower.

“C’mon,” James said, grabbing his hand and guiding him into the storm.

-

They walked for a few minutes, hand-in-hand, through the raging snow. Even as the storm persisted, however, Regulus could only feel warmth. No wind, no cold. Just the comfortable heat of James’s spell and their intertwined hands.

It was loud, however. And it was hard to see. “James, where the hell-?” Regulus yelled, feeling a bit nervous.

“Not much farther now! It’s just here!” James called to him, dragging him a few more feet before stopping.

Then, James pulled out his wand again and tapped it on seemingly nothing, before pulling Regulus a few more feet forward.

Regulus was thoroughly confused for a moment, until-

Quiet.

They seemed to be in a bubble. Almost a reverse-snow globe. Their little space on the ground, about ten feet in diameter, was quiet. Warm. Free of snow. But outside, the snow still fell and the wind whipped it around.

It was strangely beautiful. Haunting but safe.

“Just here,” James said softly, guiding him to a blanket on the ground.

Shocked, Regulus lay on the blanket, allowing James to pull him close, as they looked up and watched the snowstorm surrounding them.

“James, this is-”

“We used to do this all the time when I was a kid,” James explained, circling his thumb on Regulus's back soothingly. “On Christmas, especially. If it snowed, my dad would come out and set this up. And we’d just sit out here and watch. Be together.”

Regulus moved a bit closer to James, feeling so incredibly content. “This is what your family does on Christmas?”

He felt James shrug next to him. “It’s nice to just…escape sometimes, you know? And I just wanted to be with you.”

Regulus felt tears prickle his eyes as he took that in. It was somehow precious, to be shown this tradition. To be allowed this window into James’s life. To be included and wanted and loved.

And it was so warm, here.

Here, in the snow. Here, in James’s arms.

“I love you,” he whispered, kissing James softly.

And he lost himself in the warmth of the kiss.

Hope you guys liked it! Please leave comments and kudos, I need them more than I need a nap (a lot!)

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Kyōko Kagawa (Tokyo Story, Sansho the Bailiff)— She's just so charming and talented and pretty what else could you want

Sophia Loren (Marriage Italian Style, Houseboat)—Major Italian star, first actress to win an Oscar for a performance not in English (for Two Women (1960)) and later when Roberto Benigni won an Oscar in 1999 he jumped over the chairs towards the stage going "Sophia Sophia!!" because he was running towards Sophia Loren and said he cared more about her than the Oscar, that's the effect she had on people. She was big in the 60s already even though she gained a lot more notoriety after that. And I mean. Can we take a moment and just.

This is round 2 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Kyōko Kagawa:

Sophia Loren:

im submitting her in honor of my dad bc she was the first celebrity crush of his he ever admitted to me and my sister :) and he was right. shes so pretty

She has maxed out all her stats: beauty, elegance, sensuality, she's got it all. her mesmerizing eyes, her sensual mouth, her sharp face shape, her everything is so striking and unlike any other beauty in films. she was also voted the world most beautiful woman when she was freaking 65

OSCAR WINNER. Worked with some of the hottest leading men in Hollywood but remained faithful to her husband whom she had a loving marriage with till he died (even though Cary Grant almost tempted her once, it's complicated)

One of the most well-known sex symbols of the Golden Age of Hollywood, and unlike some unfortunate others, she seems to have been pretty well at peace with occupying that status. She made assertiveness and a tempestuous temper seem glamorous, and although she's famous for side-eying Jayne Manisfield's cleavage, honestly? She's one to talk.

Absolutely, drop-dead sexy, also a hard working, extraordinarily talented actress who didn't shy away from the less glamorous roles to gift us some gritty, memorable performances

JUST LOOK AT HER Y'ALL

Submitting this on behalf of my dad, who knows nothing of tumblr or this blog, but I remember being a kid watching Houseboat while my mom thirsted after Cary Grant, dad thirsted after Sophia Loren, and I was excited that they lived on a boat. Anyway, she's extremely beautiful and was an international star, doing a ton of movies in Italy before being recognized in the US.

Big in the chest, snatched in the waist, pretty in the face 😳

Very smart and beautiful, the characters that she played (I mean those in the movies that I put in the previous question) are as strong and determined as her which I think adds to her hotness.

Global superstar and my late grandfather's long time movie star crush and for a man as quiet as he was, and as hopelessly devoted to his wife as he was, the fact that I know that means she was EXCEPTIONAL.

Sexy, beautiful, deep. A real star.

Her performance in "Man of La Mancha" is just so very captivating. Dubbed as "the Italian Marilyn Monroe", she looks beautiful in any movie and at any age.

Forget the exotic sexpot of her Hollywood films and go back to her Italian career: sparking with Marcello Mastroianni as the woman who drives him mad and outwits all his fumbling attempts at macho posturing in their early films, and showing a tender side in their 1970s films. Sophia isn’t self-conscious about who she is or her beautiful body: she enjoys being herself and she wants us all to enjoy ourselves too.

She starred in films as a sexually emancipated persona and was one of the best known sex symbols of the time. She is a great cook and her filmography is immense.

On the misattributed quote that Sophia owed everything to spaghetti: 'Did you actually say the quote frequently attributed to you, "Everything you see I owe to spaghetti"?' "Non è vero! It's not true! It's such a silly thing. I owe it to spaghetti, no, no. Completely made up."

[slytherinshua]

OUTNUMBERED (mingyu as a dad pt. 1)

genre. fluff. mingyu as a dad. warnings. y/n is pregnant for the second time. it's just extremely adorable nothing much more. pairing. husband!mingyu x fem!reader. wc. 1.4k. a/n. this will be pt 1 to a series of mingyu as a dad because i have lots of ideas for this lol enjoy!!

pt. 1 | pt. 2 | pt. 3

“What was it that you wanted to tell me?” Mingyu asked, smiling as he placed some food in front of Dowon for dinner.

“You know I missed my period this month…” You started.

“Yes…” Mingyu followed along, brain coming to the hope sooner than you could get the words out, “Did you take a test?”

You nodded, pulling it out from behind your back and handing it to him. He glanced at it just to be sure before a huge grin broke out on his face.

“Looks like Dowon’s getting a sibling.” He said, wrapping his arms around you tightly, “I love you,” He whispered to you softly.

You smiled, feeling grateful that you could have another child with Mingyu. You both had always wanted Dowon to have a younger brother or sister to play with, and it was happening sooner than you thought. He wasn’t even 2 yet.

After your 20 week ultrasound, you both found out that you were pregnant with twins, not just one baby. The news was shocking, of course, but Mingyu seemed only happier after hearing it.

“3 kids is even better than 2.” He assured you, hand on your stomach to try to feel any kicks from the babies. Ever since a week ago, the twins had been quite active in your womb, kicking you throughout the day. “Plus Dowon will probably be over the moon about it.” Mingyu added, giving your cheek a soft kiss before moving to your lips and kissing you deeper.

//

Throwing a baby shower was a big feat given that you were going to invite all of Dowon’s uncles. Each of them had promised to bring presents, and you were positive that the twins were going to be even more spoiled than Dowon was.

You had set up a fun gender reveal as well. Each of the guys would write down whether they thought it would be a boy or a girl and then put them in a box. At the end, you would pop the balloon and reveal that you were actually expecting twins. 

You and Mingyu already knew that you were expecting a boy and a girl, so it would be obvious when you burst the balloon. Mingyu was ecstatic at the thought of getting a daughter, just as you expected. He had already splurged on adorable dresses for when she was born and you scolded him for spoiling her more than his son. He had compromised by buying boy clothes that matched the dresses to appease you.

“They’re going to have a daughter this time, I swear.” Jihoon commented, sipping on some punch. He was talking to Seungcheol, Vernon, and Dokyeom. Wonwoo was technically sitting with them as well, but he was too preoccupied with his glasses being stolen by Dowon to add much to the conversation.

Joshua, Jun, and Minghao were talking with you about the pregnancy, and making sure Mingyu was being nice to you. Of course, that was an unnecessary thing to worry about. All the guys knew there was no one more whipped than Kim Mingyu.

As for Soonyoung, Seungkwan, Chan, and Jeonghan? They were busy teasing Mingyu within an inch of his life. He really couldn’t catch a break when they were around. You caught a glimpse of his puppy eyes from across the room, pleading with you to save him but you just laughed. When it came to teasing your husband, you’d always take his friend's side.

When the socialising came to a slow and everyone was more than eager to get to the gender reveal party, you grabbed the box filled with guesses and went through them with Mingyu. After tallying them all up, the predictions for a girl just barely surpassed the votes for a boy. Seungcheol, Joshua, Jihoon, Dokyeom, Minghao, Seungkwan, and Chan voted for girl, and Jeonghan, Jun, Soonyoung, Wonwoo, and Vernon voted for boy.

You both decided that Dowon should get to pop the balloon, so Mingyu held him in his arms, carefully guiding the thumbtack towards the black balloon. The balloon popped and out burst blue and pink coloured confetti. You bit back a smile while Mingyu couldn’t wipe off his proud grin.

The guys were confused, and eventually Wonwoo was the first to realise what was actually going on. He gave Mingyu a look, probably communicating in some silent language with him. Mingyu had been roommates with him for years, so they understood each other the best. Mingyu nodded slightly, prompting a smile from his best friend.

Seungkwan figured it out a second later, jaw dropping as he asked, “Really? Are you really having twins!?”

Once he shouted that out, the room exploded and it was impossible to hear anything anyone was saying. Mingyu shushed them all, replying to all their questions with one simple statement, “Yes, we are having twins. One girl and one boy.” He giggled as some of his friends were still shocked at the news.

A whirlwind of questions flew your way as each of the twelve guys wanted to know different things. Whether you had names picked out, whether the names were going to be matching, whether their outfits were going to be matching, whether they could buy the twins matching outfits and toys, when your due date was, if you were expecting to get a c-section. The questions went on and on for over an hour as each one was answered and a new one thought of to replace it.

But eventually, the party died down, and the guys left one by one. Once Seungcheol had finally stepped out of the door, being the last one to leave, you and Mingyu both let out simultaneous sighs. It was exhausting and fun, but you were still very glad it was over. 

Minghao had offered to take Dowon for just this night to let you and Mingyu catch a break, which you much appreciated. Mingyu led you to the couch and you both crashed. You immediately snuggled into his chest, his arm wrapped around you and hand naturally rested on your baby bump, rubbing gentle circles on it.

“You’re already showing so much, love.” He mumbled adoringly. He was the kind of guy that couldn’t get over how cute your bump was. It was his babies in there after all.

“I’m carrying twins, of course I’m showing.” You replied, yawning as tiredness took over your body.

“You shouldn’t sleep on the couch, let me take you to bed.” He said, taking note of your eyes threatening to close. He picked you up easily despite the extra weight from the twins, carrying you carefully to bed as if you were made of glass. He placed you on the soft mattress, adjusting the pillows and pulling the blanket up to cover you. You smiled sleepily at him, reaching your hand up behind his neck to pull him down for a kiss.

“Come here, I don’t sleep well without you.” You whispered. Mingyu smiled charmingly, climbing into bed next to you, head resting on the pillow with a dreamy look in his eyes as he looked at you. 

“We’re soon to be outnumbered… Do you think we’ll manage okay?” You asked.

“Just make sure they’re extra adorable, then we can get Minghao and Dokyeom to babysit more often than they already do.” Mingyu compromised, assuring you of your worries.

You giggled softly at the thought. Mingyu was probably right about it, though. Minghao and Dokyeom were already wrapped around Dowon’s little finger. The twins would easily win over their hearts. As for the cuteness factor, you weren’t too worried that the children of Mingyu would be lacking in it.

You fell asleep quickly once Mingyu started humming, hugging you close enough that you could hear his heartbeat match the rhythm of the soft melodic notes. Once he was sure you were in your dreamland, he slowly stopped his lullaby.

“Don’t kick her in the night, kiddos, she needs to sleep.” Mingyu mumbled to your bump, “Sleep well, darling. I love you.” He kissed your temple lightly so as not to disturb you and then settled down to sleep himself. It was rare to have a night uninterrupted with an almost two-year-old in the house, and you both knew it would only worsen once you had two newborns in addition, so you took advantage of any extra sleep you two could get.

↳ svt taglist: @kangtaehyunzzz,, @yeonjuns-bluehair,, @ddeonudepressions,, @hannahsophie0103,, @multi-stan-jenny

[fluentmoviequoter]

Hey could you do fluff fic for David 'Deacon' Kay x wife reader where they spend their day together after hectic week? She's school teacher. Tag me later. Thanks!!

Of course! This was a fun one; thanks for the great request!! Hope you enjoy and let me know what you think!🤍 @pear-1206

Hectic Relief

Warnings: reader is an elementary teacher (I didn't specify which grade, just implied younger kids), hectic week, lots of fluffy comfort, kissing.

Word Count: 2.2k+ words

Masterlist Directory | Deacon Masterlist | Request Info/Fandom List

Picture from Pinterest (it goes with the end [and makes me smile😊])

“Yes, Drew?” you ask, smiling at the young boy as he lowers his hand.

“When is Sergeant Kay visiting again?” he inquires.

“Hmm… Well, he’s really busy this week, but I’ll ask him to come back soon.”

Drew nods with a bright smile. He loves your husband, Deacon, and asks about him often. Since Deacon came in for career day, Drew and several other students have become big fans of his.

“Can he come Friday?” Drew continues.

“Why Friday?”

“It’s my birthday!”

“Oh, I see. I’ll ask him, but remember what Sergeant Kay said last time? He’s really busy at work, so he may not be able to.”

“Can’t you make him?” someone else asks. “My mom makes my dad do stuff all the time.”

You chuckle at the implication that wives have control over their husbands before gesturing for everyone to pipe down.

“I’ll see what I can do, Drew,” you promise. “But either way, I’ll make sure you have a good birthday at school.”

Drew nods, and you think the day will be easier with the idea of Deacon coming in soon. It only takes an hour for that hope to be crushed, as the week takes a turn for the worse.

✯✯✯✯✯

Deacon sighs. It’s only Tuesday morning, and his week is already feeling long. He hasn’t seen you since Sunday night. Yesterday, a call ran long, and you were asleep before he came in. You moved closer to him in your sleep, but he had to leave before you woke up.

“Everyone ready for another night of overtime?” Rocker cheers before pretending to cry.

“I vote we just let the criminals take each other out this time,” someone mumbles.

“If my wife wasn’t working in this city, I’d agree,” Deacon says, surprising everyone.

✯✯✯✯✯

During your free hour, while your class is with another teacher, you drop your head to your desk and take a deep breath. The kids are restless, you’re tired, and each day this week seems longer than the last. You send Deacon a quick text to let him know you’re thinking of him and love him before turning your attention to the stack of papers on your desk.

Across town, Deacon is sitting in Black Betty, wondering when he’ll hear your voice again. It feels like the longest week of his life, and each passing minute makes him miss you more. His phone buzzes, and he smiles for the first time in hours as he reads your short message. Luca slams on the brakes and yells for backup before Deacon can answer, but he knows you understand. Even if it’s unfair to you and hard on him.

✯✯✯✯✯

By Friday morning, you feel part zombie, part teacher. The small gift you got for Drew and the card you signed from you and Deacon are sitting by your bag. You hope it’s enough to cheer Drew up even without Deacon stopping by to see his favorite of your students.

“Happy birthday, Drew,” you tell him when he enters the classroom. “This is from me and Sergeant Kay. He said to wish you a happy birthday and that he’ll come visit as soon as he can.”

It’s a lie; you haven’t even talked to Deacon in days, but you know he would be here if he could. He loves the kids and would do anything to help you out.

Drew’s smile falls just enough that you notice. He thanks you, anyway, even though he’s clearly disappointed his favorite SWAT sergeant won’t be dropping by today.

“Alright, class. Who’s ready for Fun Friday?” you ask, smiling as you pray for a nice day.

✯✯✯✯✯

Deacon clenches his jaw as he slams back against a brick wall.

“30-David, shots fired on the 4 side,” he radios.

“Copy. Shooter on the 1 side,” Street replies.

“We’re going to be here for a while, aren’t we?” Deacon asks.

Hondo nods beside him, and Deacon prepares for another day of missing you.

✯✯✯✯✯

“Drew, buddy, I know it’s your birthday, but we need to finish this lesson before recess. Let’s sit down and focus, then we can play,” you say, struggling to stay calm.

Drew huffs and falls back in his seat. When you see tears gathering in his eyes, you feel like you’re right behind him. It’s only 9 a.m., and it is the perfect, overly hectic, and stressful end to the longest week of your career as a teacher.

“I promise we’ll do something fun this afternoon, but it’s still school.”

✯✯✯✯✯

Deacon answers the phone, suppressing a stressed yell when Hicks tells 20-David to meet 50-squad on the other side of the county to aid with a hostage situation. He leans his head against Black Betty, wondering if they’d really notice if he took the rest of the day off.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, he sends you a quick text, surprised when you answer almost immediately. He doesn’t know if he’ll be home tonight, and his heart breaks at your disappointed reply, even though you try to cover it as a caring and understanding message.

Deacon knows that being a cop’s wife is just as hard as being a cop, and he wants to find a way to make it easier on you.

“Guys, I need a favor,” he calls as he puts his phone away. “I need to be home for dinner. I haven’t heard my wife’s voice in almost 5 days, and if I don’t hear it today, you’re all going to know about it.”

Luca chuckles as Street’s eyes widen. “Yes, sir,” they all say together.

“She’s braver than any of us,” Hondo muses teasingly.

“Better looking, too,” Deacon replies.

✯✯✯✯✯

The final bell rings and your shoulders slump as you say goodbye to each passing student.

“Thank you,” Drew says quietly.

“You’re welcome, Drew. I’ll make sure Sergeant Kay visits soon, okay?”

He nods. “I’m sorry for interrupting.”

“It’s okay, Drew, thank you. Have a good rest of your birthday and enjoy your party tomorrow, bud.”

Drew smiles as he nods excitedly before rushing out. The stack of papers on your desk has dwindled slowly, and you carelessly push it into your bag, unwilling to stay in your classroom for a minute longer than you have to.

Sighing in relief as you start your car, you hope to see Deacon tonight, even if only long enough to kiss him and hear him say goodnight.

✯✯✯✯✯

“Told you we’d do it,” Hondo says, clapping Deacon’s back, “now please go home. Your desperation is wearing off on us.”

Deacon would reply if he had more energy or if Hondo was wrong. He has no shame in admitting that he misses you and needs your comfort after such a hectic week with seemingly pointless chases around Los Angeles County.

He’s back to the station and on his way home to you before Luca notices he left.

✯✯✯✯✯

When Deacon steps into the house, he immediately feels lighter and happier. You look up from a paper and smile, setting it aside. Beginning to stand, Deacon moves faster than you and practically falls on top of you, pinning you to the couch with a tight hug.

You move one arm across his shoulders as he buries his face between your neck and shoulder. Running your fingers through Deacon’s hair, you relax in his embrace, and the week away seems worth the wait.

“I missed you,” you tell him, scratching his scalp.

“Missed you more,” he mumbles, tightening his grip on you.

“We should order dinner then, right?”

Deacon nods, and you smile as you pull his phone out, typing in your birthday to unlock it. Once the food is ordered, you move your hands to Deacon’s tense back muscles.

“Seems like your week was as long as mine,” you muse, gently kneading a knot in his lat muscle.

He groans before sitting up, pulling himself close to you. “I’m sorry.”

You shake your head, kissing his cheek quickly before asking, “How are you?”

Deacon catches your chin, pulling you in for a real kiss as he replies, “Better now.”

Once your dinner is delivered, you sit with your thigh pressed against Deacon’s as he tells you about the string of robberies and hostage situations spanning the county this week. He’s more interested in hearing about your week, so he doesn’t go into much detail before asking about you.

“Well, today was Drew’s birthday and he was pretty grumpy,” you tell Deacon, moving your legs across his lap.

“Not Drew, he’s my favorite!” Deacon exclaims.

“I think he was upset that you couldn’t come to class on his big day,” you excuse, running a finger along Deacon’s cheekbone and down his jaw as you add, “and he was tired, like someone else I know.”

Deacon nods, leaning against you.

“We should go to bed,” you whisper.

Deacon shakes his head, making himself comfortable beside you, one arm wrapped firmly around your waist to keep you close.

“If we go get ready and get in the bed, we can cuddle easier,” you bribe.

Deacon’s eyes open as he asks, “Promise?”

Chuckling, you link your pinky with Deacon’s and promise. He holds you to it, pulling you into his arms when you’re changed and ready to relax. He hugs you tightly, refusing to let go even though you don’t try to fight him. 

As you fall asleep in Deacon’s arms, you whisper, “I love you.”

“I love you,” Deacon replies, entering into the best sleep all week.

✯✯✯✯✯

When you wake up, Deacon has moved you closer to him in your sleep. It’s as if he thought he’d wake up and you’d be gone. Brushing your finger over his facial features, you wish you could admire him all day, but you need to get up and get a glass of water.

As you try to move out of his grip, it tightens. You finally give up and decide to wake him up.

“Deac, baby, I need to get up,” you say gently.

“It’s been a week, you can’t leave,” he mumbles.

“I just need to get some water, handsome.”

Deacon seems to debate his options before unhooking his arms and saying, “Two minutes or I’m coming to find you.”

“I have no doubt.”

You return in less than two minutes, but when you offer to make breakfast and bring it back, Deacon rolls out of bed and sleepily follows you to the kitchen. Standing behind you, he keeps his arms around your waist as he helps you prepare breakfast, trailing kisses up your neck each time you turn your head.

“I’m glad we’re both home now,” you tell him, turning in his arms to kiss him.

“Me too,” he replies, pulling you in for another kiss.

✯✯✯✯✯

It takes hours, but you finally convince Deacon to talk about himself and his week at work. As you direct him to the patio, you find yourself in his lap, enjoying the sun after a week inside with your rambunctious class.

“You’re too good for me,” Deacon says, interrupting his story.

“You’re too good for me,” you repeat.

Deacon smiles at the challenging look on your face, aware that you will win any argument he tries to make. This conversation is practiced, and he knows how it ends: an agreement that you are soulmates, completing each other and perfect for one another.

“I think we need a vacation,” you tell him.

“Or a second honeymoon,” he suggests, kissing your jaw.

“But you have to come visit my class first or I’ll have a riot on my hands.”

“Technically, you’d have a better chance of getting me there for riot control.”

You laugh, leaning against Deacon’s chest as you kiss the corner of his mouth.

“I’ll see if I can make some time this week. For you and the kids.”

The sun dips below the hills, and you wonder where the day went, though you know time spent with Deacon always goes too fast.

“Same thing tomorrow?” you ask, pulling your legs up as Deacon nudges you to shift.

Lifting one of your legs so you’re sitting in his lap, your face just above his, Deacon smiles and answers, “Anything with you.”

You tilt your chin down, brushing your lips across Deacon’s. He sighs, raising his hands so one is on your waist and the other behind your neck. Settling on his thighs, you lean against Deacon’s chest as you kiss him, letting his love and comfort calm you from the inside out.

“I love you,” you say against his lips.

“Love you more.”

You push your hands against his chest, taking a deep breath before arguing, “Impossible.”

Deacon tilts his head, a bright smile making his eyes look deeper and darker than usual. He’s irresistible, and as you kiss him again, he promises himself not to let work get in the way like that again.

Pulling back, you suggest, “You should bring your whole squad next time, the kids would love it.”

“If we can spare the time.”

“'If'? You can't do it, not even for me?” you ask with a pout. “Your wife?”

Deacon nods, telling you he’ll find a way.

“It’s that easy,” you whisper, kissing his nose.

“Because you cheat,” Deacon accuses.

“Because you love me.”

Deacon can’t argue, so he pulls you down for a slower kiss, happy to spend another slow, lazy night in your arms before doing it all again tomorrow.

[nytehavyn-circle]

When I was younger, I avoided getting involved in politics. Politics sent my dad into, well, basically a rage. He'd get so pissed and rant about shit for hours.

So, I avoided politics with him because I didn't want to be drawn into a shouting match.

As I've grown older, changed, become a different person, grown mentally and emotionally, and hopefully become a little wiser, I've gotten more into the political side of life.

Especially when Donald Trump came on the scene.

When all of this shit first started with him years ago, I listened, I watched, and I couldn't believe this motherfucker was running for president. What's worse, I was actually shocked and dismayed that people were talking about voting for him.

Now, I wasn't exactly a fan of Hillary, but at least I knew by listening, watching, and reading what was going on, that she'd run this country better than Trump.

What I thought couldn't happen did... Trump won. All because people who didn't like Trump OR Hillary started voting third party, or didn't vote at all.

"I don't like either candidate" is not a valid fucking excuse for not voting, especially NOW. EVERYBODY, but his cult, and Republicans, know Trump is a fucking psychopath. He's a sociopath. He's a racist, a misogynist, a fucking Nazi, a white supremacist "Christian" nationalist.

I don't give a good goddamn whether you like Kamala or not (which is fair). A lot of people don't like Biden (which is also fair). But NOT voting for Kamala because you don't like her means a vote for Trump. If you remain "undecided," you're an ass. If you vote for Trump, get the fuck away from me and forget I exist. If you vote third party, you're an idiot. If you vote for anyone BUT Kamala - I could not care less whether you like her or not - you are voting for a complete downfall of this country.

Kiss your body autonomy completely goodbye if you're a woman. If you vote for Trump, his "people" will probably succeed in getting the 19th Amendment repealed - which gives women the right to vote.

Goodbye, any and all protections (of which there are already too few) protections for transgender people. Goodbye, the Respect For Marriage Act.

Hello, Dictator Trump. The man has already directly stated he would be a dictator from day one and has publicly stated that people would never have to vote again if he is elected...

The man is fucking unhinged. Have you heard his fucking speeches? They devolve into nonsensical rants. He spews even more lies than he did before.

If you do not vote for Kamala, simply because you "don't like her", you're a fucking idiot. No, I'm not sorry.

Not all of her policies are good. But she'll run this country better than Trump - she won't destroy our freedoms or our democracy. She'll keep the country together as best as she can.

Stop with the "undecided voter" bullshit, because it's way too close to the election to still be undecided, and stop with wanting to vote third party or independent or anything of the sort. Stop letting one issue - Palestine (of which pretty much all of us are united about and worried about and concerned about) - dictate your decision about whether or not you vote for Kamala. (And you can argue all you wish, but that's the issue too many fucking voters have with her which is why they're reluctant to vote for her - because if you think Donald Trump cares, you're fucking stupid.)

Vote for Kamala. Whether you like her or not.

At least we'll get to keep our fucking country.

[xetlynn]

Twilight- Youngest Shadow: Chapter Ten, Home

(Alice X Reader X Jasper)

[Nine] [Ten] [One]

It’s been 72 hours since I woke up. It’s been 120 hours since I, [Name] Swan have been announced as a missing person. The only people who know I’m “Alive” are the Cullens and my sister Bella. She’s been updating me on everything, especially Charlie and Rene. Charlie from what I know and have seen is beating himself up with guilt, Rene is too but I can’t see her from afar, it’s too bright in Arizona. I’ve been in Forks ever since I woke up from the change. Being in the Cullen’s house, having to be hidden from humans as much as possible. 

Trying to control my thirst along with my “gift”. Having the ability to drain energy. Like humans and vampires. With vampires, I can drain them of their gift and use it for 5-10 minutes. It depends on how much I focus. It’s really difficult when not everyone in the house has a gift. Just enhanced certain things. Like Rosalie with her beauty and self-control. Emmett has enhanced strength, and Carlisle is more compassionate to not drink human blood. And due to my gift, my self-control is exponential, I don’t have trouble controlling my thirst. Off the bat, I didn’t feel gravitated to drink from humans. I hunted with Jasper and Alice for the first time and they noticed my eyes already turned that golden color. 

Today, right now, I’m going to try and convince Alice, Jasper, Carlisle, and Esme to let me go home. Let me see my dad and let the world know I’m okay so I can go back to high school. Even though I am technically dead I still want to experience my senior year. They let me call Charlie once, with a minute phone from a random store that we had to destroy immediately after. I told him I was okay, sounding like I was out of breath but I told him he would see me soon and not to worry. Of course that doesn’t stop nor stunt his worrying even for a little bit. 

With me being hidden I’ve become closer to everyone, even Edward. And with that, I thought I could get his vote of letting me out of here. But he sat with my partners, not agreeing with me. 

“Hey, guys.” I walk into the living room where the four I needed sat comfortably on the couch. “Hey, lovebug.” Alice smiles and I roll my eyes at the nickname she refuses to drop. I stood in front of them with my arms crossed. “What’s up, darling?” Jasper asks, Carlisle nods wanting to know as well. “I want to see my dad.” I sternly state, getting right to the point. I feel the energy of the room shift. “[Name], we talked about this.” Carlisle starts but I cut him off. “It’s dangerous, I know but I feel like I can do it.” I plead, practically begging with the, “I have to miss out on a huge life experience! I want to go to prom! Please, it’s in four days.” I exclaim, pressuring them as I try to guilt them the best I can. 

“And we’re sorry, [Name], truly we are.” Esme steps into the conversation. “Please, my dad is killing himself because of guilt!” If I could cry there would be tears streaming down my face right now. I watch Alice and Jasper exchange looks at each other then turn to Carlisle. I furrow my brows as they sat there quietly before Carlisle stands up. “There’s nothing you will say that will change our minds and I’m sorry. Our answer still stands as a no.” He tells me sincerely and I squeeze my eyes shut for a second, my hands balling into fists. 

“Figures. You should’ve just killed me. I would’ve come back anyways.” I snap, storming outside, not daring to look any of them in the eyes. 

I end up near the border of the forest that is across from Charlie’s house, close but far enough that he wouldn’t even sense or see me. I watch him talking with Billy Black and Jacob who were holding stacks of papers with my face on them and right above my face is the word “Missing.” In big bold red letters. I painfully watch all of his mannerisms, they’re slow almost robotic. “Let us know if you hear anything, Chief,” Jacob says to my dad who only nods.

 Billy puts his hand on my dad's arm. “She’ll come home, Charlie.” Again he only nods and the two take it as their cue to leave. He’s been like this ever since he was told by Arizona’s cops that they saw my DNA off of the sidewalk outside Rene’s house. I don’t understand how my blood got all the way over there but it freaked him and Rene out. 

I notice him lift his head up and I rush away, knowing he’s going to look in the trees. He does it every day as if I’m going to be walking out of them. He’ll be right one day. Just not today. I’m hoping I can come home soon, I know that if I don’t he’s going to have to resign as Chief, maybe even as a cop just because of how he’s acting. He’s been calling everyone who has claimed they saw me. Some were prank calls which made me want to murder them for being so awful to a man who just wants to see his youngest daughter again. 

I hear footsteps running this way, slow ones so definitely a human. Having nowhere to run I climb up a tree skillfully quiet and sit up on a branch and look down. 

“I can’t believe it’s the chief's daughter though.” It was a random girl and boy who looked around the age to be in college. “She’s most likely dead by now. Statistically wise.” The boy responds he’s technically not wrong. “I wonder if she’s a runaway though who just doesn’t want to go home.” The girl ignored his words about me being dead. People have their theories that’s for sure.

Once I know they’re gone and out of sight, I make my way back to the Cullen house. I sat outside on the steps, not even minutes later I hear the door open behind me, two pairs of feet making their way to me. “Hey,” Alice plops down next to me as Jasper goes off the steps and stands in front of us. “What?” I say defensively, not giving them eye contact. “We understand-” “No, don’t even start that bullshit.” I scoff, “I get we’ve all been changed into a vampire.” I laugh at myself at how crazy that sounds. “I don’t get to experience high school anymore. I don’t get to enjoy sports or prom which I didn’t even want to go to but now that I’m dead I want to! Realizing that I have never got my happy ending. I never go to die old, I got it all taken away from me multiple times!” I wanted to scream, to feel my heart race or at least run out of breath as I talked but I got none of that. “[Name], look at me,” Alice says but I didn’t move an inch. “We have a proposal,” She tells me.

I hesitantly move to finally look at her, listening to what they have to say. “We thought about what you said. We all talked it out.” She glances over to Jasper, who ends up carrying on the conversation. “We’re going to allow you to see Charlie. But before you get excited we need to make sure you’re ready.” He tells me, my eyes light up, I sit up straighter and turn to Alice then back at him excitedly. “Really?” I grin.

“Yes, we are going to take you out of town. See how you do in a crowd.” He explains further, stepping closer and I stare up at him happily. Sliding my hands up his legs to his jean pockets. Well, not without having Alice on my lap. “I love you both. I’m sorry for saying I wished you killed me.” I lean my head on Alice’s shoulder.

The next day everyone ended up coming into the city with us. Well except Carlisle and Esme. But I had to cover up pretty well. Wearing a mask and sunglasses along with a baseball cap. I was trying to cover anything that could stand out. I had Jasper and Alice’s hands in mine as we started going into a crowded area. I feel like I should be having a reaction but I am not. I’m perfectly fine. It started to make me go back to the first time I met Alice and Jasper. My smell never bothered them. It only bothered James out of everyone. I let go of them and go further into the crowd. Breathing it all in.

 I can definitely smell a difference but not a difference that made me feral. I definitely am questioning things now. 

I glanced back to my family and I jumped up and down. Rosalie put her thumbs up as Emmett was chuckling. Even Edward smiled at me. Alice and Jasper seemed iffy but they brought me into their arms. “Let’s go make you look a little rough.” Rosalie steals me from my lovers. We race back to the house and she pulls my mask off for me. I gently take off my sunglasses. I get changed into my clothes from the day of the attack in Arizona. I also have to put contacts in of my original eye contact. We go outside and roughen up my hair a bit. We all stand outside. “Alright, we’ll see you later.” Alice skips over to me, pulling me into a kiss. Jasper comes in and forces me into a kiss as well and I laugh at the both of them. “Bella texted, they just got home,” Edward speaks up, and I push away from both of them. “Thank you,” I tell him and I wave everyone goodbye, emerging into the forest. Running through my familiar route to Charlie's house, to my house. 

I stop right before the road and I notice my dad in the window talking to someone on the phone. I slump my posture and head towards the house, I go up the steps and knock on the door. I patiently stand there, the door swings open with Bella smiling there. After a few seconds she calls out for Charlie. “Dad! Someone’s here for you!” She steps backwards and I hear fast footsteps. The fastest movements I’ve seen him make in a while.

“Huh? Who- [Name]!!” He immediately pulls me into his arms it was a tight hug and I feel tears dampen my shoulder. If I was still human I know I wouldn’t have been able to breathe against his hug so I acted like so. “Can’t breathe..” I tap his back as if I was struggling. “Right, sorry.” He wipes his tears, sniffling and he holds onto my shoulders. “Where have you been?” I shake my head, “I lost Bella, I tried to find my way and this guy tried following me and I got even more lost. I took taxis and um snuck onto a train trying to get here but I barely had any money.” I explain to him, pretending to wipe tears since I can’t actually anymore. “I’m so sorry.” I apologize but his eyes soften. “I’m just glad you’re alive and in my arms.” He tells me and if only he knew I was not alive.

“We need to call your mom and everyone else.” He excuses himself and I laugh in agreement. Bella comes up to me and hugs me. I breathe it in and I realize what they meant by her strong scent. It almost burnt my nose. “How did you convince them to do this?” She teases me and I shrug. “Honestly I don’t know.” I sort of lied, knowing it was because I dramatized how miserable I was. 

And the next three days my dad had taken me everywhere with him, not letting me out of his sight. Rene ended up coming to visit with me for two days of the three before having to leave being convinced by me that she should still live her life. 

They took me out to eat a lot which let me tell you, human food. Disgusting. Absolutely horrid. All it tasted like was sand, dry, dry sand. But I have to shovel it down like normal to seem well normal.

Everyone has been coming to visit me as well. Mike dropped by and it was definitely awkward. Right now I am with Jessica and Angela in my living room. Charlie has been outside making phone calls still to take down everything about me missing. “When we heard you were missing I like so thought you just ran away or something,” Jessica tells me and I press my lips together in response. “We’re just glad you’re okay.” Angela chimes in, going to take my hand but instead, I stand up. “Uh,” I clear my throat, “You guys want something to drink?” I smile.

“Water, please.” Jessica nods and so does Angela. “Me too.” I go into my kitchen and groan quietly right before listening in to their conversation. “She looks prettier than normal,” Jessica comments. “She’s always been pretty.” Angela tells her. “Yeah, whatever but she’s prettier. It’s strange.” She was practically thinking out loud and I snicker to myself.

I bring out their water to them and place them on the coffee table. “Are you still going to prom?” Jessica asks and Angela’s eyes widen. “She just went through something traumatic I’m sure-” “I’m going.” I cut her off and smile to let her know it was okay. “I don’t want to miss out on prom,” I say. 

“Good, we’ll have a blast.” Angela takes her water. “Do you have a date?” Jessica interjects and I stiffen a little bit. “Yeah, I’m going with Jasper and Alice.” I simply say. Normally I would have never admitted nor told anyone that we were going together but I genuinely just don’t care anymore and I don’t want to hide myself. Well, I have to in some aspects but in this one, I don’t. 

“So, a third wheel basically?” She questions and I shake my head. “I’m dating them. Both of them.” I breathe out as I watch their faces falter but quickly pick back up. 

“That’s different.” “Cute!” 

They both spoke at the same time and I just agree awkwardly. Jessica changes the subject which cleared the air a little bit better. I was internally grateful that it was all left on a good note even though I know Jessica was going to spread that to everyone. 

A few hours later Billy, Jacob, and Embry ended up coming over. We stood outside and they had practically jumped out of the car, lifting me up. I did my best to warm my body before they came. Wearing a thick sweater and jeans along with keeping my hands on a really hot coffee pot. 

“You have no idea how worried we were!” Jacob exclaims and I sheepishly rub the back of my neck after they put my back down. “Seriously everyone was on the lookout. You were on the flipping news.” Embry tells me and I nod. “You aren’t the only ones to tell me that.” I laugh.

I turn to Billy and my dad was behind him. “Hey, sweetheart.” 

“Hey, Billy.” I smile softly. “Boys, could you come to help me with something in the back?” Charlie conveniently asks and they follow him to the backyard. 

“You’re different,” Billy announces once they were all out of earshot and I glance back down to him. “I mean being a missing person does that to you.” I nervously say as if that could be obvious. “[Name] do not act stupid with me. I have known you for years.” He takes my hand and I watch for him to at least flinch but he doesn’t even react to the coldness of my skin. I think it only confirmed his thinking, disappointing him. “You’re still welcome on the reservation. Just promise not to become a monster.” His eyes sink into mine and I relax. “I promise,” I whisper. He lets go of my hand and the three come back laughing. 

The boys end up coming with me to pick up my prom dress and I’m surprised my dad let us go alone. He only seemed to trust Jacob and Billy the most around me. He had Alice and Jasper come over and he was stiff as a board. Finally knowing I was dating both of them instead of just Jasper. 

“So, where’s Bella?” Jacob asks me and I raise a brow. We had already gotten my dress and we were making our way back to Jacob’s vehicle. “Damn, I thought with me being missing for so long I’d actually come first.” I tease him and he stammers not meaning it like that. “I’m kidding. She’s somewhere with Edward.” I tell him and I notice him frown to himself. “Oh, cool cool.” He mumbles. Embry playfully shoves him and we end up hanging for the day. 

The day of prom. I’m helping Bella down the stairs as we had gotten ready in her room. She’s wearing a dark blue dress that has a v-line and ruffles down three times. I ended up wearing a deep dark red that hugged my curves tightly, it had long sleeves and it showed most of my back. I almost picked a pink dress but I decided to do me and not match with Angela. Plus I think it goes with the Monte Carlo theme. 

Edward takes Bella from me and I stand next to my lovers. “You look beautiful, darling,” Jasper whispers into my ear. I smile, kissing his cheek. “Alice lent me the dress. It was the only thing that would fit over my cast. Is it too-” “You’re perfect. I’ll take good care of her, chief.” Edward tells Charlie the last part. “Heard that before.” He says in a scoff. “Dad.” I hit him in the stomach. The three end up going outside and Bella and I stay back.

 

“I put two new pepper sprays in Bella’s bag.” 

“Dad,” Bella warns as I laugh shaking my head. “And… you both look beautiful.” 

Getting to the fancy place we walk in, looked arms and we meet up with Rosalie and Emmett. “Your dress is gorgeous.” Rosalie twirls me and i do the same to her. “You’re one to talk.” She grins, pulling me into a hug. 

We pull away and watch Edward and Bella walk into the doors. Rosalie’s demeanor changes but the rest of us wave to them. The night went on to be a blast with us five as we danced together. It felt good.

It felt right. 

It all felt… perfect.

The end of Twilight. New Moon is next!!! I hope you enjoyed this and you got to see part of my original writing works I guess. Thank you for reading:)

[empressgeekt]

Trolls - Burning Branches - Role Reversal Au (part 1)

SO, so earlier I read a fic where Poppy didn't go to branch for help in the first movie and the village was left abandoned with Branch as the only survivor after the revival of Trollstice. Meaning he was alone when Barb invaded...And it has inspired a different route on to how Char and Poppy would meet.

Links to OG AU posts, 1, 2, 3

Char = Branch as it would.

We start with the events of the first movie. Poppy would run off to save her friends and she would succeed, however, when they arrived back to the village there wasn't anyone there. Or at least that's what the snackpack thinks. They find little Keith crawling out of some of the fresh rubble, he has a small frown but it was Shocking to Poppy as the boy was usually expressionless. From Keith they learn that the bergens came back while they were trying to leave, and his dad hid him in a bush. The attack was days ago...

Some members of the SnackPack want to go back to get the rest of the village, but Poppy knows that she barely got her friends out of there, an entire village was a completely different challenge, and Trollistice had already passed...They would need help. There had to be people out there who would help them.

Staying in the village is out of the question, so they gather what they can from the destruction, and move on. They walk for days, and living in the woods is harder then expected. It really opens Poppy's eyes to the true nature of the wilderness, especially since she's taking care of Keith (the Blank child clings to her since she found him). They try singing to keep their spirits up, but singing attracts predators. Large spiders and snakes, come at them from all directions. Creek (no he didn't betray them...yet) can't talk them down. Food is scarce, they don't know which berries are safe. And eventually they all get caught in a storm, getting washed away.

By some miracle they all wake up the next morning by the edge of the forest. Before them stretches vast plains, some patches of the ground darkened in ways they are un-familiar. Here they are faced with a choice go back into the forest with all it's dangers or face the unknown ones just beyond the threshold. Creek tries to argue that they should stay with what they know, convincing Biggie, Guy Diamond (who has been feeling sick), and the twins that they shouldn't take a chance. However, Poppy, Cooper, DJ, smidge and Fuzzbert think that the unknown is worth the risk. Cooper saying he was technically from the unknown, and maybe they could find where he was born. In the end Creek is out-voted.

The plains are different. There aren't as many spiders or birds, but snakes are still an issue as well as a lack of natural shelter for the sun. its hot, and it only grows hotter. the land slowly becomes more and more burnt, more and more black. The ground is turning their feet red as they walked. Then they heard a screech, and were swarmed with Leather Vipers (leather Vipers are the main predators in my version of Rock Troll territory, basically picture a mix of snake/ Dragon made of polished leather and glowing warped metal teeth, claws and horns). It looks like the end, until they hear a second screm from above.

And Anglerbus is over head, and jumping from it, are...other trolls. Coming to the SnackPack's rescue. A few power cords and the vipers are scared off. Poppy feels great relief at seening them. They weren't the last trolls, these guys were here, and even better they had ways to defend themselves. In her eyes they were saved. Creek while thankful to not be dead, isn't as welcoming of these strangers. These dully color strangers covering in scares and scowling at them. At least on the surface, he's still "polite" to get the aid their group desperately needed.

Val Thundershock is part of the group that was on the Anglerbus, she's a little surprised to find a group of Pop trolls (and one funk) out in the Rock Wastes. No one knew where the Pop trolls had gone since the split and frankly no one cared, however she did want to know why they would suddenly invade the territory.

Val: Well, Well, Well, we got us some little pop trolls, now what exactly are you doing in Rock territory?

Poppy: Hi, first off thank you so much, we would've been if it wasn't for you.

Val: yeah I know, now what are you doing here? I hope you realize that Pop trolls aren't exactly welcome here.

Creek (rudely cuts in): Pop trolls?

Val: That's what you are right? Peppy, over excited, happy music lovers?

Poppy: Well kinda...

Val: Then you might as well turn around. Your kind isn't welcome here.

Poppy: Wait please!

Val: Go home, there's nothing for you here

Poppy: We don't have a home! Our home was destroyed by the bergens! We're all that's left!

Val dismissal is finally the thing that gets Poppy to shout. Finally accepting that yes her home is gone and that they were the only survivors. They all had been ignoring the subject while the woods. It's a hard truth to swallow, but one she chokes down to get Val to listen. And listen Val does. When Poppy confirms that they were indeed the last pop trolls. Val immediately shifts gears, as even if the tribes didn't get along, Genres needed each other to remain in balance. Not since the dancing plague of the disco tribe did one go completely extinct. Still it isn't her call, to preserve the genre. Thankfully she was on the same ride, as a very close friend to her. She tells one of the Rockers to contact Prince Char.

Creek, pulls Poppy aside, and expresses his concerns over these new trolls. Saying they shouldn't trust them. Poppy asks why, and Creek starts explaining that he was warned about trolls who were dulled. Saying that when he was a child there had been a grey trolling who lived near by and that grey one had killed his own grandmother. Poppy, says that she understands that Creek is scared, but they don't really have a choice. AT that moment Guy would throw up adding to Poppy's argument, saying that at the least they need food, shelter and a doctor for Guy. Creek can't really argue, especially since one of the Rock trolls came over to help the twins ease Guy too the ground.

The Anglerbus would land, and Char would walk out. The Rockers salute him as their prince, and that kind of intimidates Poppy, as while she is a Princess, she never actually interacted with another member of Royalty beyond her Dad. And Char is by far the dullest of all the strange trolls. Creeks words getting to her. Speaking of the idiot, he steps in to be the first to speak to the Prince.

Creek: Prince Char, it is lovely to meet you, I hope to extend an arm in friendship yes?

Char (not shaking Creek's hand): You speak for this group?

Creek: Well in a way. I-I wouldn't go that far. Second in command or spiritual leader might be a better fit. I do hope we can-

Char: cut to the chase, what is your business here?

Creek (taken aback): We come for aid, please it was horrible our village is destroyed. As fellow trolls we need to stick together.

Char (laughing dryly): You come here preaching unity after your kind split us apart. it's so ironic its funny.

Creek: I believe I don't understand.

Char: Centuries ago, the six tribes lived in harmony, until the Pop trolls, you kind tried to wipe out the rest of us. Destorying out music and culture triggering the great split and forcing us from our homes. Seem's the universe has come back to bit you.

Creek: I'm not sure where you've heard that but I assure you these rumors are not true in the slightest.

Char: they're aren't rumors their history. My people wouldn't be living out in these wastelands if it weren't for the split.

Creek: Then your history is incorrect. We'd never do such a thing, all trolls are supposed to be friends.

Char: *hum*, Treat there wounds, but start the bus, you'll receive no aid from us.

Creek: What?

Char: Don't act shocked, you gave everything I need to know. That "greater then thou" act won't fly here. You're intentions are not ones I can put trust or faith in, because they are not genuine. Go back to your king or and queen and tell them if they were trying an invasion, we the people of Rock will not hesitate to rain down hell fire on your home land.

Poppy: Wait! Please! *runs towards Char, with Keith in her arms only to be blocked by the Rockers* We're telling the truth! We don't have a home to go back too! We're all that's left Please help us!

Char: And who are you?

Poppy: I'm Princess Poppy, and I'm begging you. Help us.

Char: Take them up, get them settle, doctors food water. Then bring the princess to my quarters. We need to talk privately.

______

And I'll cut this off here. There's going to be a part 2.

[euphreana]

The Shape of Truth - Chapter 7: Unit 531

Masterpost

-

Knightly Storage required a passcode to get in. The key tag hadn’t included that - it just had the name and unit number; 531. And 531 wasn’t the code.

The storage building was a tall, stone structure with a side entrance hidden from the street by some towering bushes. An awning over the door blocked the rain as Ambrosius stared at the keypad next to the doorway. Nimona, next to him, shifted into a hulking humanoid with large hands.

“We could break in.” She said with a grin, flexing an arm.

Ambrosius rolled his eyes.

“That would be illegal.”

Nimona smirked and shifted back to a teen.

“As if today wasn’t already toeing the line.”

“We didn’t… break any laws.”

“Sure. We just bent them a little.”

“Exactly. A knight must uphold the rules that keep us in order.”

Nimona groaned.

“Come on… don’t tell me you haven't broken at least ONE rule at least ONCE in your life.”

Ambrosius still looked unamused.

“Even if I did, I wouldn't be telling YOU about it.”

“Aw, why not?”

“Because I still don't know anything about you! I don't even know how old you are, or if ‘Nimona’ is even your real name!”

Nimona was silent while Ambrosius tried to figure out the door code, punching in several numerical combinations off the top of his head. The keypad flashed red each time.

Nimona’s voice broke his concentration.

“They never told you how your dad really died, did they?” she said, seemingly out of nowhere.

Ambrosius gave her a side glance.

“What in Gloreth's name are you talking about?”

“I mean you were just a kid - they didn't want you to think he was a bad man or anything - nothing you could possibly blabber to the wrong person about. They told you he went out for a few drinks with his knight buddies, got plastered, and then walked in front of a speeding truck, right?”

Ambrosius looked wary.

“That's... what happened.”

“That's what they WANTED you to think happened. That's what they wanted EVERYONE to think happened. They couldn't let Gloreth's name get dragged in the mud, could they?”

Ambrosius didn’t look convinced.

“So you're saying there was a coverup.”

"I'm saying you never saw him drunk before, did you?”

“I don’t remember. Maybe?”

“Believe me, you didn’t.”

“How would you know?”

“I’m telling you - I’m full of information about your family.”

Ambrosius turned back to the keypad.

“Aaaand now you're just sounding creepy. One less reason for me to trust you.”

“Think about it though! The man never got drunk. So how did he get so tipsy that night he didn't see the truck coming?”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

“Hey, you don't have to take my word for it - with your rank, you can go to the medical records building and see the original coroner's report for yourself.”

Ambrosius typed in another combination.

“Maybe I will. Or maybe I won't. What difference would it make? He’s still dead.”

The keypad flashed red again. Ambrosius sighed. He was quickly realizing he could stand here all day trying different combinations and none of them work. He waved a hand towards the other side of the building.

“Come on, let’s go to the office.”

“I still vote ‘break in’.”

Ambrosius gave her a weary look. Nimona held her hands up.

“I mean bend, not break.”

~ ~ ~

There was already a woman arguing with the clerk when Nimona, now matching Ambrosius’s height and age, entered the office, followed by Ambrosius himself. Fortunately, there was another worker passing by whom Nimona was able to flag down.

“Heeeeeey… I totally forgot the passcode for the door. Could you let me in?”

The worker pointed to the desk.

“Sure, just show them your ID.”

“ID… yeah… you know, I think I left it at home. I just ran over here to get something” she dangled the storage key in her hand.

The worker gave a forced smile.

“Talk to the desk.”

They both looked at the discussion at the desk. It didn’t look like it was going to end soon.

Nimona held a hand up, “Come on, me and my brother just need to grab something real quick.”

“Talk to the desk.”

“What if I slid you a 20 goldpiece?”

“Talk to the desk.” The worker pushed past her, off on their own errand.

Nimona glanced at Ambrosius with a look that said ‘ok we tried it your way and it didn’t work.’ Ambrosius shrugged and jerked his head towards the desk. This could still work - his own ID would draw attention, but maybe Nimona could work something out.

“For the last time, we can’t let you use acid on the lock!” The clerk behind the desk was saying, “You either find your key or find a licensed locksmith to remove the lock for you.”

The woman in front of the desk waved a hand desperately.

“But what if—”

“We can recommend a locksmith for you if you don’t want to do the footwork yourself.”

“— I fill the lock with water, and then freeze it! Water expands when frozen, so the lock should break right off!”

“Miss Bitsmore, there are other people waiting in line behind you.”

“It’s Blitzmeyer! Meredith Blitzmeyer!”

“Miss Blitzmeyer, would you like the number for the locksmith or not?”

“I’m telling you, I can’t afford a locksmith! My lab burned down and I’m living off savings!”

Ambrosius’s ears perked up. The initials from the sword invoice flashed in his mind. MB!

The clerk didn’t miss a beat, sliding a business card across the desk.

“You can find the number here. Let us know when you plan to come. Next!”

The woman waved her hands in exasperation and stomped out the door, not bothering to take the card. The clerk tapped an intercom button on the desk.

“Hey, keep an eye on unit 531 - we might get someone trying to break into it.” Then the clerk looked up at Nimona. “Can I help you?”

Nimona gave a toothy grin.

“Heyyyy, I need to get in but I forgot the passcode. My ID is—”

Ambrosius hurried forward and grabbed Nimona by the arm.

“Hey you know what? I think I remember where you left your ID!” He pulled her toward the door. “Come on!”

~ ~ ~

It had started to rain in earnest now. Meredith Blitzmeyer walked hands-free, umbrella balanced on her shoulder thanks to the weights built into the bent shaft and handle. She'd designed that part herself, and more.

“Excuse me missus umbrella lady...”

Meredith looked down to see a small boy suddenly standing in front of her. He was dressed in tatters and looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

“I can't find my mommy... She went through that scary alley over there.” the child pointed, shivering in the rain. “Could you help me find her? Pwease....?” He looked up at her with sad puppy eyes.

Meredith glanced around. There were other people walking down the street, but nobody was stopping to see if the child was alright. Nobody except her. She sighed.

“Come on, let’s find your mom.” She took the child by the hand and started down the alleyway.

She hadn’t gotten far before she sensed someone else behind her. She glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, there was a tall, hooded figure barely a meter behind her. Of course. Meredith could have slapped herself for being so gullible.

The hooded figure reached out, but Meredith was faster. Before either the child or the stranger could react, she’d swung her umbrella off her shoulder, collapsing it and shoving the end into the stranger’s chest. A crackle of electricity rippled through the air and the hooded figured dropped like a stone.

Meredith broke into a run. The street was close. Just a few meters… A beastly snarl echoed down the alley as a set of jaws clamped around her leg, yanking her to the ground. Meredith tried to get back up, but the grip on her leg wouldn’t let go. It started to drag her backwards, away from the street, back into the dark alley.

The electrified umbrella was still in her hands. Meredith turned and swung it at the beast, electricity arcing at its tip. She almost hit it. It let go of her instead, ducking out of the way. That was all the time she needed to get back to her feet. But before she could run, the hooded figure slammed into her, knocking her back to the ground. Then the beast - a large, pink wolf - grabbed the umbrella in its jaws and yanked it away.

Meredith blinked in surprise. Pink? The next thing she knew, the hooded figure had rolled off her and the wolf was towering above her, teeth bared.

A man’s voice rang out, angry.

“Who are you working for?!”

The question caught Meredith by surprise.

“What?!”

“We know you ordered the sword!”

“I didn’t—”

“We have paperwork - with your initials on it! You had the sword - the sword that killed the queen - the sword that framed Ballister, that got him killed…” The man’s voice broke.

Meredith tried to look at the source of the voice, but the wolf growled at the slightest movement. The man found his voice again, wavering as it was.

“I should turn you in now. There’s enough evidence here. That’ll be enough to prove his innocence, and then… then…”

The wolf spoke in a female voice.

“Hey, keep it together man. We’ve got an interrogation here.”

Meredith, fully bewildered by now, broke in.

“I didn’t do it! They ordered the sword in my name and then burned down my lab when I said I wouldn’t put the blaster in it! …. I can show you the emails!”

The man sank to his knees next to her. Meredith got a look at his face.

“Wait, you’re the Goldenlocks guy!”

Ambrosius didn’t bat an eye.

“Yeah. Something like that.”

“Ohhh no… I- I didn’t do anything wrong! I swear I thought I was designing mining equipment! Good Gloreth I talk too much…”

“Why didn’t you say something after they arrested Ballister?”

“I thought he was the one who’d ordered the sword! I- I didn’t want to get in any more trouble!” Meredith blinked several times under her glasses. “They already killed my friends in the fire…”

There was a long silence. Then the wolf spoke again.

“You think she’s telling the truth?”

“Not all of it.” Ambrosius turned back to Meredith. “You said there were emails. Show me.”

Meredith hesitated.

“Ah, you see, I don’t have my work email on my phone - I use my laptop for that. And I left that at home.”

Silence. Meredith spoke again.

“So if you could let me go….”

“We found this at your old lab.” Ambrosius said, holding up the misplaced storage key.

Meredith’s eyes grew wide. Ambrosius pocketed the key and continued.

“Meet us at the library. We’ll be in a study room under the name ‘Goldenlocks’. Bring the laptop. Otherwise I toss the key and give the sword invoice to Security.”

“But… I have somewhere to be…”

“You have two hours.”

Meredith looked like she wanted to say something else, but thought better of it. She didn’t want to get on the bad side of a noble, much less a knight. She nodded instead.

The wolf backed up. Meredith scuttled backwards, grabbing her umbrella and getting to her feet. She paused to brush the water from her clothes.

"If I can ask... You said you thought Ballister was framed. Why? Didn't he confess to the murder?"

Ambrosius hesitated.

"I don't think that confession was from him. It didn't... sound like him."

Meredith gave an unimpressed “Oh,” then flicked her umbrella open and hurried back to the street. Still in the alley, Nimona shifted back to dog form, suddenly dry as she ducked under an overhang. Ambrosius turned away, rubbing his eyes. Nimona looked up at him.

“You okay, boss?”

Ambrosius didn’t look at her.

“… It was just yesterday. They published the confession at noon, and he was dead before sunset.” He leaned back against the wall. “I didn’t even get to see him...”

Nimona sat next to him, pressing her furry head under his hand. Ambrosius reflexively ran his fingers through her fur, appreciating the softness. He cracked the faintest smile. So that was what having a dog was like.

Next Chapter

[royboyfanpage]

Hello I really like your page. It's nice to see so much great Roy content and thoughts!

I was wondering your thoughts and opinions on Roy's relationship with Mia.

!! You're too sweet, tysm!

As for the ask:

Short answer? That's his little sister.

Long answer?

I'll be honest, I haven't seen all that many interactions between them in canon. I do have my own thoughts and feelings about them but, upon looking through some comics I've read, I haven't found many where they're actually talking. I have managed to find panels which show they *have* talked and have a good relationship in canon, but I've only seen them actually interact a few times and have definitely read more content with her and Connor, so if you have any reading recs I'd appreciate that :)

Because of this, my point is gonna be a lot more based on symbols and my own interpretation than actual sources, so some of my opinions may be disputed by canon content.

To start with, Roy's fiercely protective of Mia. Even from the beginning, he expressed his dislike of the thought of Mia becoming Speedy-

-because he knows first-hand just how detrimental that role can be to a child's mental health. Speedy, to him, meant a lot of bad things. I have a whole lotta thoughts on how the original sidekicks, particularly Roy and Dick, view becoming sidekicks, but I'll try and summarise. To Roy, Speedy meant losing any chance of a normal life. Keep in mind Roy was 13 when he became Speedy- he absolutely was not old enough to decide what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, and yet once you're *in* the hero business it's extremely difficult to leave.

And when Ollie first tells Roy that he's gonna make Mia Speedy, Roy's reaction is essentially that.

He's angry at Ollie for making Mia become Speedy, not because of "It's my name", it's not, Roy hasn't been Speedy in years at this point. He's angry because that is a seventeen year old who Ollie wants to throw in there, a seventeen year old who'll be making the choice to, in his eyes, throw away the rest of her life before she can even vote. And Roy's absolutely right about the world being different- Roy's teen years were spent in the gold and silver ages which were definitely a lot less dangerous than the 00s. And I think there's definitely an element in that fear of "look what being Speedy did to me" in Roy's fears. While it's likely Roy was an adult by the time Snowbirds happened, considering the amount of drugs he had experience with and the different connections he'd built it's safe to say that Roy was already an addict by the time he was Mia's age. But what I don't think Roy understands is that Speedy isn't that for her. She's already gone through the shit Roy's scared of her going through and more, having been a child prostitute and meth user by the time she was fifteen. To Mia, Roy isn't a cautionary tale but rather an inspiration- someone who'd gone through a similar situation to her and come out the other end.

After this, their relationship definitely progressed. Roy comes to trust Mia and her identity as Speedy, as well as letting her have things (that he kinda shouldn't have had in the first place, but all vigilantes are criminals it came free with the independent delivery of justice) that could help her as Speedy-

-and trusting her with Lian who he's always been fiercly protective over

And their relationship in the few times I have seen them together is incredibly sweet, with Mia reassuring Roy that he's a good dad and that it's not his fault that life gets in the way of his time with Lian.

So yeah. I really hope that they get to interact in the ongoing series because the Speedys should absolutely talk more. I think that Roy naturally has a great instinct with younger heroes, and he's absolutely someone Mia respects and looks up to.

Anyway I think Roy should take Mia and Connor to a theme park for sibling bonding time <3

[dandylovesturtles]

The separated AU poll (@tmntseparatedaucompetition) featuring my AU "100 Feet and a World Away" along with "New Phone Who Dis" by @callmehere-iwillappear is TOMORROW. We're up against Life Mission: Empyrean Bloodbath so I fully expect us to lose lol BUT I did say last time if we tied with NPWD I'd give us the next part of the "April takes the boys' pictures" saga AND SO! here! is April taking Leo and Mikey's pictures!

Vote for us tomorrow (if you want to)! All of these AUs are absolutely incredible so whoever wins is fully deserving~ Regardless, I will try to finish the saga with Raph's picture + Splinter getting to see them as soon as I have time (though it may take a bit because I have... bitten off a bit more than I can chew lol, and I need to get some other things accomplished).

Anyway enough rambling HERE'S THE FIC:

~~~

"April!" calls Mikey the moment she walks in. He scurries across the plywood bridge from his rock to the edge of the pool and hops off the concrete separating wall, and hurries over, buzzing around her excitedly. "I'm so glad you're back!"

"Well I said I would be, didn't I?" April grins, fishing in her bag for the strawberries she's brought them. She gives two of them to Mikey, and watches as he shoves one in his mouth, smiling as he chews.

There's a splash and when she looks back, Leo is sitting on the containing wall, watching her like a hawk. She wishes she could hug Mikey, but she knows if she tried to so much as touch him, Leo would be on her in a second.

Something to work on, but not today.

"Let's get this over with," he says. "I got the info Donnie wanted."

"That's great! Good job, Leo!" she says. All she gets is a scowl in return, but she tries not to let it get to her. "But before we talk about that, there's something else I want to do." She pulls out her phone and waves it. "I'm gonna take your picture!"

"Whoa, really!?" asks Mikey, clearly excited, but before she can reply, Leo is inserting himself between them.

"No."

April has to take a breath to steady herself; she knows he doesn't want to hurt her, and she knows he's just a kid. But when he moves like that, stands over her and tenses his muscles and looks down over the top of his snout at her, she can sense how easy it would be for him to kill her, and her instincts tell her to run.

But April O'Neil doesn't run.

She exhales and speaks, voice steady. "Leo. I understand why you're concerned-"

"Do you?"

"-but I promise you, I'm not going to do anything bad with them. I just want to show them to your dad."

"Still saying you know our dad, huh?" he says, the suspicion clear.

"I do know your dad, Leo." She takes another deep breath and lets it out slowly. He has every right to be cautious, she reminds herself, even if this is eating into their time tonight. "Look, Donnie already let me take his picture. He trusts me not to do anything with it."

"Yeah, well Donnie-" Leo starts, but then he seems to remember Mikey is there, and drops it mid-sentence. Which is good, because April can handle Leo being a jerk to her, but if he started badmouthing his brother they would be having words. "I just... worry he hasn't thought it through," he fixes it to.

"But Dee's a genius, right?" says Mikey. "I bet he has. He probably has some way to make sure she can't do anything bad with the pictures!"

That's not true, or at least, April is pretty sure that's not true (she did give him the phone, though, so maybe...) but if believing that will help them be comfortable with this she won't correct them.

Leo hesitates again, and she can tell he's struggling with his doubt over Donnie's intentions and his self-held rule of trying to keep Mikey's opinion of his brothers positive. Apparently, the latter wins, because he sighs and folds his arms and says, "Fine. But you're only taking a picture of me."

"Awww, Leo, come on," whines Mikey, but Leo ignores him, staring April down.

April wants to argue, too, but she knows if she pushes, Leo will just refuse to have his own picture taken too, and they won't get anywhere. Furthermore, he has info Donnie needs - if he becomes completely uncooperative then she won't get that either.

Deciding to cut her losses, April sighs and nods. "Deal."

Mikey looks thoroughly unhappy, but Leo seems to untense just slightly at the agreement. "Okay. Let's get it over with, then."

He walks over to the wall where their scale and measuring devices are stationed and raises both of his arms the same way Donnie had. April bites back her second round of nausea tonight and shakes her head.

"Nope, not like that. We're gonna do something more natural."

It's easier in here without the fence to deal with. She considers for a moment, then nods at the pool and says, "Sit on the steps. I'll take your picture there."

"Ugh, fine." He moves to do what she says, flopping on the steps with an annoyed grunt. It's such a teenager thing of him to do that she almost laughs, but she quickly swallows it before he gets more annoyed with her.

"Great! Now... sit however you want to... yeah, that's fine," she says after he pulls up one knee and leans back on his arms. She pulls her phone up with the camera on, adjusts the framing, then says, "Fair warning, it's going to flash." He shrugs. "Now... do you want to smile?"

He thinks a second, and then he smiles - closed lips, no teeth, more of a wry smirk than a full smile. But the way he tilts his head as he does it is so natural.

She takes the photo. Then she gets in closer and takes another. Then she pulls them up to look them over.

Like with Donnie the lighting is dim, but Leo is still plenty visible, and April can't help but smile.

"Dang, Leo... I have to say, the camera loves you."

"Ooo, lemme see!" says Mikey, and April turns the phone so he can look. Immediately his eyes are sparkling as he leans in to see more clearly. "She's right. You look great, Leo!"

Leo is trying to look uninterested, but she sees through him in the way he approaches. She doesn't make him ask, just flips the phone screen his way so he can look, too.

He leans in, and she something appears in Leo's face that she hasn't seen since she's come to visit him. Something soft and vulnerable and wondering - something she's sure he'd never intentionally show her, but something in the photo has brought it out of him anyway.

"That's... me?" he says finally, like he doesn't believe it.

"That's you!" she says cheerfully, even as she's trying not to think about how sad that question is. Come to think of it, there are no mirrors in here, and any reflective surfaces would likely show them a distorted image - this might be the clearest way Leo's had to see himself in years. "Pretty handsome, right?"

Leo's eyes flicker up at her just a moment, then they go back to the picture. "Handsome..." he repeats, reaching up and running his finger over the markings on his face. Mikey is watching him, with an understanding in his eyes that seems way, way too old for a thirteen-year-old, and, not for the first time, April realizes he isn't as naïve as he acts.

Even though her time for the night is dwindling, April doesn't pull the phone back until Leo finally looks away. Almost immediately his expression is back to being as annoyed as ever, but she knows that's just a mask. One day she hopes he can take it off, but for now she lets him keep it.

"You said you took Donnie's picture, too," said Mikey. "Can we see?"

"Of course!" she says, and pulls up Donnie's selfies, picking her favorite to show them. "Here we go; I had to let him take these himself 'cause of the fence."

Mikey looks, his eyes going wide, and Leo comes to join him, something less open and more complicated in his expression.

"Look, Leo, he has the same color eyes as you!" says Mikey, pointing. "And a matching scar!"

Leo's fingertips brush over the scar on his face, but he doesn't comment on it. "We all have the same color eyes, Mikey."

"We do? Oh, oh, and look," he continues, barreling on without waiting for an answer, "he has purple markings on his arms! I think his snout's longer than ours, too."

"Yeah, guess so."

"And what's up with his shell? Why's it look like that?"

"He's a soft shell." Leo frowns. "You didn't remember that?"

Mikey blinks once, twice. "Uh, I think I did, actually. Uh, maybe." He's still staring at the photo, but April can see his eyes starting to get glassy. "I... maybe I knew that, but I never really thought about what it meant? I... I forgot what he looks like."

He sniffs, harsh, and then the tears start rolling. "Oh, baby," says April softly, while Leo just tucks Mikey under his arm.

"I forgot what my own brothers look like," Mikey says, his voice thick and wet. "I forgot... and if I forgot... I'm sorry."

"Nothin' to be sorry for," says April. She reaches out and puts a hand on his arm, glancing at Leo, but he doesn't do anything to stop her this time. Mikey hiccups at the touch but doesn't pull away. "What is it?"

"I just... did they forget what we look like, too?" He glances up at Leo, then sniffs again. "Will they even recognize us?"

April decides this isn't the time to bring up how it'd be hard to confuse them for anyone else, because, while true, it's not really the point. What she goes for instead is a different but still practical answer: she waves the phone at him.

"I'll show them the pictures, okay? So now they'll remember, too." She looks up at Leo again. "That okay with you, Leo?"

He jerks his head as he looks away from Mikey, and she can practically see the gears working while he comes to a decision. Much as April hates making Mikey cry, it seems it's worked in her favor.

Because Leo sighs, and says, "I guess if you're doing that you need to take a picture of Mikey, too."

Mikey's eyes go wide in surprise, before he sniffles loudly and then turns and jumps onto his brother, who holds onto him with a good-natured chuckle. "Thanks, Leo!" he says, his tears still trickling down his face, and Leo just sighs and pats his shell until he eventually stops.

April takes Mikey's picture, and he and Leo ooh and aah over it just as much as they had Leo's. She gets the information she needs, and gives a promise that she'll show the pictures to Donnie and Raph as soon as she can.

Raph... well, she's pretty sure he won't actually know what he's looking at. Honestly, April still isn't even sure if he can see.

But she knows Donnie is going to be ecstatic. She can't wait to show him.

[httpsserene]

saudi arabian grand prix 2024 recap

* poor pierre. if i was him i would just stop showing up to races lol as i said before he’d have the same result: 0 points :)

* lando jump start? i need to know if he’s going to be penalized NEOW!!!

* also poor lance! the aston’s had great pace this weekend and i thought we could have both of them get some good points today!

* on the brighter side, safety car may have made this race interesting again!

* dumb on mercedes’ part to not pit ham in my opinion. they know that car can’t handle dirty air, regardless of how much of a tire whisperer lewis is.

* beautiful move by ollie even with the lock up!

* I CALLED THAT UNSAFE RELEASE BY PEREZ!!! I KNEW IT

* hulkenberg albon incident, what can i say…it was a tight spot to be in lol

* good job lando u tried :)))) the mclaren car is just not strong in that 2&3 sectors! perez around ham we knew that was gonna happen anyways

* OLLIE POINTS!!!! ferrari is going to tell carlos to not come back at this point

* LANDO CLEARED OF HIS JUMPSTART CHARGES!!! TAKE THAT SNITCH GEORGE RUSSELL (i’m jk i would’ve ran my mouth too but whtv)

* PEREZ PENALTY WHY DID MY DAD AND I START CLAPPING ON THIS MANS DOWNFALL LMAOOO

* “car slow” - lewis “yes the gps told me that” - bono LMAOOOO

* CMON OSCAR GET AROUND EM U GOT THIS MAKE UP FOR LAST WEEK!!!

* confirmed: my dog is a mercedes fan. she loves lewis hamilton and his voice on the radio! she perks up whenever he talks lol

* ollie is driving like an absolute g! BEAUTIFUL OVERTAKE WHAT THE HELL

* twenty seconds for magnussen. ay dios mio 💀

* hamilton 🤨 what’s this breaking thing bro

* lando sounded calm as hell on that radio wtf that was like multiple sentences

* sorry got locked into that battle in the back and completely forgot about writing my thoughts down

* i’m nervous to see how lando’s gonna end this race,,, it makes me ill

* lowkey alex’s move on yuki was overtake of the day imo!!!

* FUCK I THOUGHT THAT WAS IT FOR OSCAR! and lewis didn’t even let my boy get the overtake before he pit :(

* fast lap perez…..oh no this can’t be

* 4 second stop for lando :/ cmon man

* watching lando zip away around those corners…omfg i wanna do terrible things to him that would set back feminism 😚

* EVEN LEWIS SAID IT SO IMNNOT CRAZY LANDO IS WILD IF ONLY THEY COULD GET THE CAR TO BE FAST IN THE STRAIGHTS

* wym lando was given a warning for that…he’s just a boy :(

* i also,,,voted ollie driver of the day

* a ver, per, lec podium! i want lando up there soon!!!! i feel like we went a lil backwards mclaren…fool me once, fool me twice, I WILL NOT BE FOOLED DURING THE NEXT RACE…I THOUGHT IT WAS WHATEVER IT TAKE MCLAREN!!!!

* BRILLIANT BEAUTIFUL BEARMAN!!! he’s so cute doing a lil debrief an all sounds like a true f1 driver already!

* leclerc fastest lap 😛

* don’t think it was the right strategy to not pit during the safety car for lando and lewis, but still a fun show to watch them fight :)

[sapphire-weapon]

Hey so, full disclosure but I was that anon who talked about the poll and Barry and Hunk's positions in them. Normally I don't ask stuff in anon but I was feeling spicy today (I did it automatically because I'm a fucking idiot and didn't feel like re writing everything lol).

Anyway, polls. I know polls. I did really stupid daily ones for several months starring various Resident Evil characters. I've also been in the fandom for 26 years and have seen the popularity of characters sway and fade.

Now, something I really need people to understand about popularity polls is... ranking means way less than you think. It's the actual AMOUNT of votes that is most telling. Here, I'll post the image.

Out of approximately 51,000 votes, Ashley got 473. That's a little less than 1% of total votes. Keep in mind she was also a big player in the fantastic remake of the most loved Resident Evil game that is currently the most recent mainline title in the remake timeline.

Rebecca was in an ok movie recently and Hunk... people like to snap necks I guess. Or they like his mask (me). Barry's dad bod got him his spot.

Basically, these kinds of polls are more along the lines of "The top 5 or 6... and then everyone else".

And as for my "Combat Ashley" comments, I was responding to the ask right before mine that wanted her to come back like that. That is the only way I ever see people suggest that she come back and it is so out of character for her.

Claire is my favorite character and I hated it when people would say she was more "mature" at 19 because she could fire a gun. Weapons won't make Ashley a fully realized version of herself. Me saying Ashley should stay true to her character doesn't mean I dislike her. Maybe the people that want to change her character so drastically do though...

Ffs I'm an OG Ashley defender! I LOVE HER!

And speaking of Claire, Capcom already has a hard enough time finding a spot for her now that she took a more pacifist route.

And she has 3,926 votes.

And is in 4th place.

So...

Yeah.

man i've seen this poll before, and it still fucking blows my mind that luis and steve are tied

and lbr it's not even "the top 5 and then everyone else"

it's leon and then everyone else. jill isn't even in swinging distance of him.

let's make this easier to see.

this is just the top 10.

[foster-the-world]

Exploring

I want to start exploring ADHD medications for baby boy. We were planning to wait until he was 6yo but I'm not sure that's realistic anymore. We made the cardiologist appointment for an EKG because we don't know his family history of heart issues. I want to research the options. Has anyone done the gene testing to try and understand what meds may work best? I'd prefer to skip the "test out a drug to find out it makes him behave worse" phase. Not sure how reliable the test is but have seen it recommend. Thanks to the shitty American healthcare system I can't call his development pediatrician to ask her to send over options before the appointment. If I knew what she was thinking I could make sure we are on the same page.

Was walking into the weed store when my daughters classmate and her mother came by. I was planning to get the 1906 chill pills. First time ever visiting such an establishment and of course I run into someone I know. Not a big deal. Its legal. Not sure they even noticed. I was happy to see her as I'm hoping her daughter will do the ice skating program with Rebel/Bee. Sent the info to a bunch of their friends today. The program said they would provide transport if we can get 8 kids at the school signed up.

I love how my kids live in the neighborhood with all of their friends. I love that they walk down the street and people regularly yell their name AND three times in the last week I've seen people on the street and walked out of my way so I didn't have to say hello. I'm not up for small talk all of the time. I'm sure they don't want to talk to me either. Sometimes you just want to go home.

Went to a school families apartment yesterday. The Dad is a Columbia Professor whose previous full time job was polling. He said in the last Presidential election in our precinct more people voted for Jill Stein then Donald Trump. Not surprised and happy to be in good company.

T-4 days to vacation. Found out the kids camp field trip to Coney Island is on Friday. We have to pick them up early to go the airport. Luckily we are flying out of the airport near Coney Island so I think we can just pick them up there.

Rebel has a very bizarre looking rash on her leg. One small spot, maybe one inch around. No itching/pain. Did a telemed appointment. The NP was like "Yeah, that doesn't look like anything I've ever seen." Told us to take her in sometime this week. Luckily, she already has an appt to get her finger prick tmrw morning. Not too worried about it but did wish it was more typically looking. Its always something.

Started baby boy on Steroids' Friday night. The cough is so much better. Thank God. Also good to know that may work in the future. Our doctor never mentioned it in the past. I need to get him into a Pulmonogist but as he has eight doctors appointments (6 Neuropsych + cardiologist + Dev Ped) in the next month I simply cannot add another one right now.