#nine people is a lot to juggle xD

[pageofheartdj]

phew got back to Collector i think xD

*aggressive big house thoughts*

i wish i could make something with them xD

[pomegranate-belle]

💔👽🥚💩??

💔 Least favorite ship you have written about?

Hmm. Hmmmmmmm. Probably the Valkyrie/Carol Danvers fic I wrote? Not that I actively dislike the pairing or anything but in general I tend to only write ships I’m into, and this one was a gift request for someone who donated to a charity. I’m pretty proud of the fic itself, but it was a bit of a struggle at first to try and find the characters’ voices.

👽 Strangest fic you’ve ever written?

Oh god. I feel like so many of my fics are deeply weird but I guess you can’t go wrong with fourth-wall-breaking love spells, right? XD

🥚 Any easter eggs you put in a fic that you hoped people would notice?

I do put a lot of Easter eggs in my fics just for the hell of it — I’ve been waiting and no one’s ever figured it out on their own so I guess I might as well spill the beans… The prophecy in Self-Fulfilling Prophecies is actually an acrostic poem that spells “Matt” :3

💩 The scene you hated to write the most in -insert fic-?

With no fic selected, I guess I get to choose? The first thing that comes to mind is the apartment scene in chapter four of Peter B Parker’s Interdimensional Field Trip, which had a whopping nine characters to juggle: B, Gwen, Miles, Cobalt, RJ, Ghost, MJ, Ned, and Ganke. Ask anyone around at the time I was writing this and they’ll confirm I was in agony over it. XD

[chrisemrysfics]

Support appreciated, possibility to get writings for it!

First, the why am I doing this, because I do want to give an idea of said why!

We’ve been walking a thin line since December, for my mom and I, she pays all the bills, and I’m the one who handle the food, as part of the “every month” things. We’ve lived too long without being able to do anything outside of “bills and food”, so as I tend to have spare after food, I make sure we have some things that are to make us happy. Obviously, the tighter it gets, the less I do this, but it almost destroyed mom’s mental state, all these years of sacrificing her happiness just to focus on bills, so there’s always a little something I make sure to slip in the month. Ultimately, my mom mental state is more important to me, than going in the red at times.

That’s why I, too, rarely ask for help, because there’s my own choices playing a part, and I consider I should only ask if its downright too hard, or to offer something back if its to make it easier for us.

Things were relatively going well, but December was, well, December, and I thankfully had people who did choose to help me in January. It allowed me to get my own laptop, as well as smooth out the off-balance we went, however, we also had a bill pop up again in January, its paid by an help for the smaller income homes, but its only starting in March at best, otherwise in April.

So our situation isn’t downright super hard yet, but its been toeing the line before December, and harder to juggle in December and since then. It was strongly helped by the help received, and the rest of this month is going to be a very tight line, as in theory, I’m not able to pay anything and the same for mom. Like I said, I’ll still do something if we need it, be it vital or for mental health.

And so, this is more so about asking for help to make it easier, and in turn, offering something in return for those that want to take up that offer!

Of course, if you actually want to help without asking for something, I’ve got a paypalme and of course Ko-Fi (and if you want to go another route, Patreon for more regular support, in which I would offer to check what I’m writing so you also decide not just for me, but for support of what I do).

Otherwise, I’m offering writings! It goes like this:

1 to 5 Kofi: one drabble per Kofi

6 to 10: one drabble per two Kofi, plus one is its odd number

10: you can choose between the above, or below

10 to 20: choice between ten drabbles or one ~1000 words writing

20: you can choose between the above, or below

20 to 30: choice between one ~1000 words writing plus (one to nine) drabbles depending on the count or one ~2000 words writing

30: choice between the above, or below

30 to 40: choice between one ~2000 words plus one to nine drabbles or one ~3000 words writing

(Note: you can also give and only ask for one thing, you’re free to choose within the range your support cover!)

For drabbles, they’ll be between 100 and 500 words, although I don’t do an exact count (I will offer 100 at minimum, but if it is 520, its 520), that’s also why I marked “around 1000/2000/etc”! I’ll look to have the number as minimum, and then stay in the first 100 or so words after it. I don’t do more, so be fair to the “higher” tier of offers!

Be it drabble or writings, each one is to be written based on the characters, pairings if you want, and prompt.

The prompt can be simple (ex: X au, a few words about an idea, etc), and is preferred simple until 20 kofis, or have a few more details (the above, but you can give some more details), prefered after 20. You can also use this site to be inspired, or just randomly generate some things! I am flexible on the prompt part, this is just to give an idea!

Note: I do accept all types of prompts, I’ll tell you if something really feel I can’t, but I’m flexible in term of the exact nature, too!

Ideally, MDZS or DGM works best for me, as I’m more familiar with it, as well as any other fandom I’ve written for. However, I can  research other fandom to have an idea of characters/pairings, though of course it won’t be as “precise” as someone familiar with them. And if you want OCs (be it in canon, or full blown original writing), of course you can give me a few things to get an idea of them!

Again, this is to be safe, but obviously, if I get many to write (be it from few people or multiple people), I’ll need the time to write them all. To be fair, I do prefer quality over quantity, so I do wish to take my time to write, I cannot give a proper estimate, as how much I can do varies. Obviously, though, I would look for “sooner the better”. Still, if you decide to ask for one of those offer, please know I’ll do them all, but I’ll have to make sure I don’t burn out, so I’ll carefully balance between working on them and not overworking! Which mean, there is a chance I won’t do everything in the next two weeks, but I will write everything I get, I promise!

For the same reason as above, I will put a limit to the offers: March 1st, I’ll stop accepting requests. If before that date, I got more than 40 Ko-fi in total, I’ll start considering if I stop accepting early, as at this point, it would have helped a lot and I wouldn’t have a need (and I might feel its better for my own sake), and the only thing that might make me continue is either if its close to the date limit, or if people seemed to have liked being able to ask for this and I can still see myself write for it.

I’ll do a last call before closing the requests, unless I do have already a lot and just can’t take more, and will of course say when the requests are closed.

To contact me about requests: IM on Tumblr so I can give you my mail, or you can get it from my site, the link is here so you don’t have to scroll back up (I’m not putting it directly, last time I did this, a bot mailed me XD)

When you contact me for the request, I just ask that you give me a screenshot of the little receipt of when you sent support, or forward the mail you receive and then tell mail me (I would see you have the same mail), just so I am sure of whom sent what. Feel free too, to contact me first, let me know you will send X amount/kofis, and confirm to me when you did!

I will tell you how much I have to write before you, so you already get a first idea, and will keep you updated every ten or so drabbles/writings I do (so for example, if I have 30, I’ll tell you “I have 30 drabbles/wrttings to do before yours” and when the count went to 20, I’ll contact you again to tell you it went down to twenty). I’ll do this over Tumblr IM, so make sure to let me know yours if you mailed me only, unless you do prefer I do it by mail!

Again, if you happen to be first, or first since I finished the latest ones, there is of course more chances that I’ll be quick, but I’ll want to give quality, not rushed!

Finally, I will give you a file for your drabble(s)/writing(s), and let you choose if I also post them on my AO3 and my blog (or just AO3 if it contains ns//fw), or if its just for you to have.

I think that’s everything, feel free to ask me if I did miss something I should mention, and otherwise, I’ll really appreciate if you can reblog, at least ♥

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Three Hundred Twenty-Nine: Watermelon ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uzumaki Naruto ] [ SasuHina, NaruSaku, pregnancy ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ] [ AO3 Link ]

Watermelon isn’t exactly something Sasuke’s really considered when it isn’t Summer. To him, it’s a mysterious fruit that only exists when the sun is shining and the temperature is enough to melt your shoes to the sidewalk if you don’t walk quickly enough. Otherwise, it’s like a cryptid: you swear you saw it once, but only when it wants you to.

But, he’s got a bit of a dilemma on his hands. You see, Sasuke is married. Newly so...sort of. It’s been about a year and a half. And Hinata - his wife, his darling, his missing piece - is about three months pregnant.

And she is craving watermelon.

...in the dead of Winter.

At first, he gives her a confused blink. “...how am I supposed to find watermelon now? It’s too cold.”

Sipping her tea, it’s Hinata turn to look befuddled. “...I’m...pretty sure there’s imports from further south. Where do you think all the other f-fruits come from, Sasuke?.”

He then proceeds to feel like a massive idiot. A faint hint of red tinges the tips of his ears. “Er...right. I’ll just…” He gestures. “I’ll run to the store, see if I can find some.”

“Thank you.”

“Anything else you’ve been craving lately? I’ll try to get a few things in case you change your mind.”

Her lips pout. “I haven’t been that bad, have I…?”

“Not really, but if I’m gonna go…”

She sighs. “...peanut butter. Cucumber. And...pretzels.”

“...all right then. Do we need anything else?”

“Check the list on the fridge. I’ve been t-trying to keep track.”

“Got it. Text me if you think of anything else, okay?”

“I will!”

Lifting from his seat, Sasuke takes a moment to press lips to the crown of her head, making a pitstop in the kitchen for the list before heading out to the car. Thankfully the list of necessities (even counting Hinata’s goodies) isn’t too long. Shouldn’t take him too much time to zip in, cross them all off, and then head home.

Simple, right?

Pulling into the parking lot, Sasuke double checks the list. Most is written in Hinata’s bubbly, tidy handwriting, with his own scratchy scrawl adding her little addendum for pregnancy snacks. Phone, wallet, and keys in his pockets, he leaves the vehicle behind and heads in.

It’s a bit busy, but thankfully not too crowded. A cart’s grabbed, wheeling it through all the proper aisles. By now, he’s more than familiar with the place’s layout. He’s been coming here since he was a kid with his mom, after all.

Last, he hits up the produce section.

The little sprinklers give the coolers a spritz, but that’s not where Sasuke’s headed. The little pre-packaged bits of melon are stupidly expensive compared to a whole one by the pound. Sure, it’s all a bit high given the season, but he can’t not get what Hinata wants. She’s currently in the middle of letting an entire new person take up residency in her middle. The least he can do is shell out a few extra bucks to help make that a bit more bearable.

Approaching the melons in question, he flicks eyes between them all. Some are long and thin, some are stout and plump. Is there...any difference? Tentatively, he picks up one of the rounder fruits, and...gives it a tap.

...he really doesn’t know what it’s supposed to sound like, though. He just knows everyone does that.

Sasuke gives his surroundings a furtive glance. Thankfully no one is watching him… This is the last thing he needs to get, and he doesn’t want any weird looks for his attempts to find a decent melon.

“Hey! Sasuke!”

...oh, great.

Pulling up alongside his friend’s cart, none other than Naruto gives a grin. “Bit out of season for that, huh?”

“...Hinata wants one,” the Uchiha explains a bit flatly.

“Ohhh...cravings, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“Man, I know how that goes...Sakura’s been ordering me around to get her all sorts of stuff lately! It wouldn’t be so rough if she didn’t get so grumpy about it.”

Sasuke can’t help a small scoff. “Hormones making her temper even worse than usual?”

“Oh man, you have no idea!” After a pause to glance around as though fearing she’ll appear behind him, Naruto leans forward and whispers, “She went on a huge rant this morning cuz I left the toilet seat up! I’ve done that for ages, but all of a sudden it’s like I insulted her mother or something!”

The Uchiha’s nose wrinkles. “...you leave the toilet seat up?”

“I - what? Are you gonna scold me now, too?”

“...you ever try to sit on a toilet when the seat is up? Not fun. But still...yeah, the hormones can be a killer. I take it you’re on a mission to make up for it, now?”

“Ugh, yeah...that and restock on her current craving…” Reaching into his cart, Naruto pulls up a jar, looking disgusted. “Green olives. That’s so gross!”

“They’re not that bad.”

“Says you! Your favorite food is a vegetable, you can’t be trusted.”

“Technically, a tomato is a fruit.”

“Whatever!” The blond replaces the jar with a sigh. “Every time she eats some, her breath smells so rank! And if I tell her, she gets mad again! I even got her some breath mints, and she got all offended!”

“You just don’t know how to read people, Naruto. Especially women.”

“Hey man, I’m trying my best! I just can’t wait until she has this kid and goes back to normal...she might be grumpy most of the time, but nothing like this…!”

Sasuke sighs, giving his friend a sympathetic smile.

“What about you? Any disasters yet?”

“Well, she hasn’t gotten angry at anything.”

“Really?”

“No. But she cries at the drop of a hat. She stepped on a bug on the kitchen floor the other day and sobbed about it for like fifteen minutes.”

“Whoa…”

“I mean, Hina’s always been a softie. But it’s like Sakura’s temper: cranked up to eleven. Which hasn’t been so bad, but man...seems like every time I turn around she’s crying about something. She even sulked all day last Wednesday because I only said I loved her once before I left for work. And she was still mopey when I got home! Took me forever to get her to tell me why.”

At that, Naruto laughs out loud. “Wow, yeah...that’s pretty bad, dude. But I think I’d trade you any day of the week. Tears aren’t as bad as shouting and glaring…”

“Sorry, no exchanges on wives. I’m pretty happy with what I’ve got, tears and all. You got yourself into that temper trap.”

The Uzumaki sighs with a pout. “Yeah, yeah...I mean, don’t get me wrong, she’s great. Smart, and funny, and sassy! And don’t even get me started on the se-”

“Don’t go there, please.”

“I just wish she’d chill out sometimes. But then again...I think my volume gets on her nerves. Guess we’ve all got something that drives people crazy, huh?”

Sasuke blinks. In all honesty...not much comes to mind when he tries to come up with something Hinata does that bugs him. Now he wonders if she’d say the same about him…

“Anyway, uh...guess I’ll leave you to your melon picking, huh?”

“What? Oh...yeah.”

“Here...lemme see…” Taking the fruit, Naruto puts it to his ear and thumps. “...yup! That’s a good one!”

“...how can you tell?”

“I dunno, I just...know! Trust me, she’ll love it. Better get it back to her before she starts sobbin’, huh?” The blond gives a cheeky grin before waving. “Later!”

At a bit of a loss, Sasuke glances down to the watermelon before just...putting it in the cart. Naruto better be right about this…

One stint in the check out line later, and he’s loading up the bags to head for home. Everything’s been crossed off his list, and it’s only been about half an hour. Hopefully Hinata’s all right...and her craving hasn’t changed.

“Hinata?” he calls, juggling the bags and the door handle.

“Coming!” She quickly joins him, taking a bag or two and shutting the door. “That was quick!”

“Was it?”

“Mhm!”

“Oh...ran into Naruto at the store. Stopped and had a chat.”

“Oh, that was nice! Did he know anything interesting?”

“Eh, not really...he was on craving-food duty, too.”

She makes a sound of understanding. “Poor Sakura...she’s been having really bad leg c-cramps the last few days. It’s made her a bit, um...short-tempered, seems like. I was talking to her this morning.”

“...oh yeah?”

“Mhm.”

“...you doing okay?”

“Oh, yes! I’m fine.”

“...all right. Let me know if that changes, all right?”

“...Sasuke…?”

“Just want to be sure you’re comfortable.”

There’s a pause, and then tears well up in Hinata’s eyes, lip trembling. “Y...you’re so sweet…!”

Aw, jeez… “Look, uh...let’s get stuff put away, and I’ll cut open your watermelon.”

“Okay!” Immediately chipper again, Hinata beams, carrying said melon into the kitchen. “I’ve been looking forward to this a-all day!”

After a pause, Sasuke just snorts. So much fuss over one little melon...

                                                          .oOo.

     This is...super random xD I honestly was at a loss as to what to write for this one, so uh...this is very much out of thin air. idk how pregnancy cravings really work, so hopefully this isn't too unbelievable lol      Poor boys, running around keeping their ladies happy x3 But it'll all be worth it in the end, tears and tempers and all, haha!      Anyway, it's sups late and I've got stuff to do yet, so that's all from me! Thanks for reading~

[hermeticimp]

Tarot Session with Hermes

Hey guys! So, I recently had a session with Hermes that I wanted to share with you all! This reading should give some perspective on how I read, my relationship with Hermes, and what to expect when I open free readings (which will be soon! ^_^ The last part in particular is what I’ll be starting with).  For this session, I used the “Deity And I” spread by @underworldariel. Link is here! I used both my Linestrider Journey and The Arcana decks (The letters by each card refer to the deck it came from). I don’t have a picture of the cards, but you can look them if you’re so inclined. ^_^   Card 1: What do I bring into the relationship? - King of Swords Reversed (L)

This card represents me. A king stares beyond the card, a blue figure covered in feathers. A sword of red cuts through him. To this union, I bring intelligence, cleverness, and action. I’m a very mind-oriented person (though I’m trying to work on tempering that). I’m in control of faculties. I know how to be responsible and how to turn things to my advantage. I tend to get lost in my thoughts, being rather preoccupied with the realm of thought. It easy for me to forget my earthly or spiritual obligations when I’m zoned out. Nevertheless, my nature brings something interesting to the relationship. When I’m decided on something, I make the moves to do so. Sometimes, I have regrets, but overall, it tends to work out for me. At the same time, I can be distant and too focused on being fair or right that I can neglect emotions, including my own. I came into this relationship being too logical and factual. Hermes has and fully intends to continue working on  me with that. 

Card 2: What does Hermes bring to the relationship? - Queen of Wands (A)

This card represents Hermes (obviously). Faust sits on the ground with potions, flowers, and smoke surrounding her. Her tail is curled around a wand. I immediately notice that the card is covered in pink, with hints of purple, red, and blue. It provides a nice contrast to the blue and red of my own card. Not only that, but it features a Queen while mine was a King. Wands and Swords are also rather compatible to me, one feeding the other. I think this speaks to the ease of our relationship. Anyhow, moving on to what this actually means. With the Queen of Wands, it shows that Hermes brings a certain dynamic nature to the relationship. He’s an energetic one and rather warm, egging me on even when I can’t do it myself. He’s passionate, thoughtful, and in touch with both sides of himself: feminine and masculine. He’s a wise mentor who wants to cultivate giving emotions their fair due. He’s playful, charismatic, and an overall joy of a person. Well, god. He’s very driven. I think that’s visible in how fast his lessons come and go. There’s rarely breathing room between each of them. This hearkens back to Ariel’s reading this morning, with the music revealing who intense and fast paced our relationship can be. Nonetheless, he cares and wishes to draw me out of my shell with his more social nature. On the flip side, it can be hard to keep up with him sometimes. He’s just so quick, as a messenger and traveler is wont to be. Still, it can be a task and half sometimes. I think he can jump the gun a bit. He thinks I’m right behind him when I’m actually ten steps behind. I think it shows a level of impulsivity, even with all the plans he has. It’s like biting off more than you can chew, at least on my side. He’s working on that though, I believe. He reminds me of how important it is for me to rest. I think it’s safe to say we’ve both learned to adapt to each other over time.  Card 3 : What will we both come to learn from this relationship? - The Star (A)

From this relationship, we’ll come to learn how to motivate one another. A feline-like being with a flower crown pours water into a pool from a vase. She smiles as stars glitter in the background. The card really brings to mind Aquarius. While Libra is the sign of balance, Aquarius speaks to being understanding of the world around us while still maintaining who we are. Hermes and I are very different, no matter how well we get along. Despite that, we are happy to work together in order to improve things, both personally and for the world at large. The Star reminds us that, at the end of the day, the power is in our hands. The world is what we make it. It’s a magic that we should take full advantage of. We encourage each other, fill each other’s pool when we’re low. While I can mainly see that on my side, our conversation the other day suggests he feels the same. (Plus, with Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic playing, I think that’s a confirmation. XD). We remind each other that there is still hope for the world and hope in it.

Card 4: What are the mutual traits we share and/or what brought us together? - Nine of Wands Reversed (L)

A fox-like figure stands among the wands, holding a dagger in hand despite being injured. I think we tend to push ourselves harder than we need to. We’ll keep going way past when anyone would have stopped. We’re driven, passionate, and animated. It’s easy for us to bounce off one another. Often, we push each other to our limits. We want the other to become their best self. As for what brought us together… it was our ability to get back up no matter how many times we get knocked down. The world can be a hard place, both on this plane and the others. I’ve been through some shit, but I’m still here, standing. Hermes is standing with me, as he’s always done. We have an affection and love for each other because of how we handle ourselves (If Only You Knew and Saturn). Together, we can accomplish anything. We do what we need to do, anything else be damned.(We Don’t Give A). Our inner strength is something we admire about one another.

Card 5: What affinity and affection do I hold for him? - The Hierophant (A)

I’ve already touched on this quite a bit (We Don’t Give A is still playing. XD) However, I’ll continue here. The card depicts a ram-like figure dressed in robes. He holds up 3 fingers and holds a papal scepter. Two keys are crossed in front of him, as if denoting fate. Our affinity lies in our hard work and dedication. I am dedicated to our relationship with him, my loved ones, and the world at large. I’ve mentioned how we push ourselves and one another. A lot of that is predicated itself on this  spiritual journey (Take Me To Church with The Hierophant. Come on, Hermes! XD). I am fully committed to the path we’re on and we have respect for each other because of that. I’m also not scared to blend tradition with the new. The old institutions have a level of placement here, but times are changing. We adapt accordingly. I have faith in Hermes beyond anything. No matter what changes, I know I can trust him. He’s been with me through my hardest times. A part of me worships him for that, but that’s not what our relationship is meant to be. This isn’t the ancient times after all. He gives me hope and belief like nothing else. I don’t know what I’d do without him. When I thought our relationship was ending, that hurt. I was happy to know he was still there. He means so much to me. I love him with the fierceness of any devotee (Cosmic Love). 

Card 6: What affinity and admiration does he have for me? - The Sun Reversed (A)

An eagle-like being cups water in his hands as the Sun shines brightly behind him. Hermes has affinity for my bright and happy nature. He finds me interesting and overall kind-hearted. He appreciates that in the modern day, when so many horrors go on. I remind me of himself and of the beauty in the world. He admires my loving and nurturing nature, including towards him (Naked). No matter what I’ve heard through myths and other stories, I’ve always held that affection for him. Despite what I’ve been through, I still love people and the world. He realizes how hard that is. He doesn’t want me to shut off my light, despite how much I’ve been hurt. The world needs that kind of thing. He also appreciates my child-like and happy demeanor. I get so excited about things and it’s adorable (How about NOOOOOOOOOOO). It makes him think of his own playful nature. (Into You? You’re messing with me, aren’t you? You’re awful. XD). Thus he enjoys doing things like I just described. He wants me to remember not to lose my light to the darkness. It’s hard, but my path will lead to success. I just have to keep being me.

Extra Cards: Ten of Swords Reversed & Four and Seven of Cups (All A) 

These are messages from Hermes to me. The Ten of Swords reminds me not to give up. The path can be hard to walk, but I’m not alone. I don’t realize just how close victory is. The dragon is juggling swords, but he’s successful despite the danger. The Four of Cups means I should share the depth of my emotions without being ashamed of that. He knows that that’s something I struggle with, but he wants me to understand that it’s okay. No one’s going to hate or look down on me for having feelings. I’m human after all. The fish swimming happily through the cups appears here and in the Seven of Cups. I’m meant to indulge freely and frequently them. But, I shouldn’t retreat into myself and get lost in memories or ideals. He wants me to communicate with him, my other deities and guides, and my loved ones to avoid this. (All I Wanna Do). My journal is perfect for that. I think that’s the gist of it. (Summer Love). Thank you Hermes. Songs mentioned: 

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police If Only You Knew Cover by Soul For Real Saturn by NAO feat. Kwabs We Don’t Give A by NAO Take Me to Church by Hozier Cosmic Love by Florence + The Machine Naked by Ella Mai Into You by Ariana Grande All I Wanna Do by Jordan Fisher Summer Love by One Direction

So that’s about it. Reminder that this is just my relationship with Hermes, no one else’s. I just wanted to share my story. Thank you for reading! 

[asktailikku]

For anyone over the age of 20, put your mind back to spring 1997 in the build-up to Disney’s One Saturday Morning on ABC.  On April 19th of that year, Disney premeired a new series on the channel called Nightmare Ned.  The series focussed on a 10 year old boy named Ned Needlemeyer (voiced by Courtland Mead) who has recurring nightmares every night, through which he has a better understanding of whatever is bothering him while he is awake.  Also appearing on the show are some of Ned’s schoolmates, including two bullies named Vernon and Conrad (voiced by Jim Cummings and Dan Castelanetta respectively), and his parents (the father, Ed, is voiced by Brad Garret).  The show lasted for twelve episodes due to creative differences between the show-runners and the show going over budget.  Any and all references to the show have simply been ignored by Disney as no rereleases of the episodes have been made on Disney XD or on DVD (here’s hoping for an appearance on that new streaming service)

In October of that same year, Disney Interactive released a CD-Rom based on the show, developed by Window Painters and Creative Capers.

This time, the plot centers around one big nightmare that Ned has from being home alone after school one day.  A storm takes out all the power in the house, warping it into something sinister.  As Ned tries to go to sleep through all the thunder and lightning, he is grabbed by a monster whose arms burst through the walls from behind his bed, dropping him into the nightmare world, and plaguing him with five Shadow Creatures.

The game is a sidescrolling adventure game set in five different levels.

The Graveyard Nightmare.  This nightmare is usually associated as the first level, due to it being directly in front of Ned on the “overworld” of sorts.  This area has the standard horror tropes of a gravedigger, zombies, evil trick or treaters, crypts, pumpkins, ghosts, and the Grim Reaper.  According to some fans, this represents necrophobia, as well as other standard horror-based fears.

The Bathroom Nightmare.  According to the manual, everything bathroom related has come to life and is after Ned.  Such things include a living barrier of razors, a labyrinth of pipes, massive toilets, as well as various unplayable transitions that show many more horrors that Ned has to get by (such as the one above).  Also included is a song about one thing that most children at that age fear: puberty.

The Medical Nightmare.  This is actually a dual-themed nightmare, originally set in a waiting room.  Jumping on the gurney brings Ned to the Doctor’s office, which begins with a runaway gurney barrelling down the hallway with operation happy surgeons trying to grab organs from Ned.  The end of the hallway is the operating room with an Electric Beaver running the operation, done in a manner similar to Wheel of Fortune.

Jumping on the giant mouth-shaped chair brings Ned to the Dentist’s office, which here is a giant mouth with various creatures hiding in the gums and teeth, “tooth worms”, braces and rubber bands, and the dentist himself.  There is also a little ditty sung by a uvula.

The School Nightmare.  And I mean that literally.  This stageis based around Ned’s school in the waking world, mixed with Alcatraz.  There are three layers to this nightmare.  The first being the school halls themselves, filled with rampaging students, bullies, evil librarians, janitors, and the school nurse.  The second is Craft Class, found within a locker.  This is where many of the game’s “boss battles” are located.  The bosses are done by digitizing stop-motion animations of various arts and crafts.  These include a chicken made of papier-mâché and macaroni, a skeleton made of cotton, paper plates, and pipecleaners (one that looks a lot like Jack Skellington), a Clayfighter 63-2/3 reject, and a vampire made out of a milk carton.  Beating the bosses will change the drab environment into a diorama of George Washington chopping down his father’s cherry tree.  Losing to them will make it into a diorama of Washington Crossing the Delaware.

The third layer, and possibly the most well known on line, is the chalkboard.  This is because of the song playing sung by a math teacher who is clearly taking drugs (as confirmed by the songwriter, Jim Owens) with many nonsense questions.

Train A is carrying 200 people going 80 mph on a 92-mile track, and is at the 46 mile mark.  Train B is carrying 200 ducks, going 40 mph, adding 1 mph each time one of the ducks quacks.

Madeline has 87 pomegranates and her cousin Riley has a $20 bill and 18 dimes; How many pomegranates can he purchase even though they are not for sale, which she has told him over 18 times? (The logical answer is that he will get every single one due to him having $21.80, but the teacher states that answer will still come to zero since THE STUPID POMEGRANATES aren’t even for sale.)

A pop-quiz that takes up the half of the song, followed by a nonsense bit that includes knowing how much kerosene costs, making the result of a few more mathematics into a dish by putting it in a 9 x 13 pan and cooking it until it browns, turning all the sixes you have so far into nines, subtracting a forty-third, dialing “9”, taking a right on 82nd, adding a half, picking any card, dividing it by 99 and then by 40.25, drawing smilies in the zeroes, crossing out everything you wrote, and if they don’t have the answer just going ahead to bunt and get the runner to score. (Jonathan Vecci on a YouTube upload worked out the answer to be 14,501.54440727273 based on the market price of kerosene on November 11th, 2017, wich was $3.238/gallon)

STRIKE THREE! YER OUT!

Suffice to say, this is also my favorite area of the game because of the boss fights and due to the trippy animations on the chalkboard whenever you hit one of the word animals and they change into something else that rhymes with that word, save for the Bees and the “Snake/Drake/Cake”.

The Nightmare in the Attic, Basement, and Beyond. The most linear nightmare in the game as the manual points out that the ultimate goal is to make it to the hidden shortcut to the Graveyard Nightmare.  The nightmare is set within a haunted house with various oddities in the attic, a living boiler that belches flames, and a violent flock of birds, two black cats playing with mirrors on ladders, a fortune telling machine that gives up on cryptic hints. The Basement is where things get really strange with wallpapers that comes to life to give Ned an atomic wedgie, a dragon that tells stories from “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” in prose form (and voiced by Edie McClurg), a violent freakshow of various taxidermied together chimeras, and a trip into a “jungle” within the basement.  This jungle includes a circus act of juggling jug-headed Siamese twins from Skipback County called Petey and Repetey, always bickering with eachother.

The game ends when Ned encounters each of the Shadow Creatures three times in each nightmare, with each encounter slowly turning them into someone that Ned knows while he is awake.  Once all five are turned back to “normal,” the ending plays, although depending on how many “hours” were spent; in the game you have no healthbar and life counter, so you are practically immortal, save for the bosses in Craft Class.  If you press Q on the keyboard, get stabbed by the dentist three times, or getting sent to the principal’s office and getting the wrong number on the phone, you lose one “hour”. If you waste less than 8 hours, you get the good ending where Ned has conquered his nightmares.  If you waste 8+ lives, you get the bad ending where Ned has become paranoid.

If you want to try playing this game, good luck trying to find a good copy of the game online, and even then you need to play it on Windows operating systems between 3.1 and Vista; it will not run on Windows 7-10, unless you run it in a Virtual Machine or DOSBox emulating Windows 3.1.  Disney has yet to acknowledge this game outside of the brief rerelease that came packaged with Villains’ Revenge.

“Oh, gosh!”

Hope to see you all tomorrow.

Sweet Dreams are Made of Screams For anyone over the age of 20, put your mind back to spring 1997 in the build-up to Disney's One Saturday Morning on ABC. 

[zepysgirl]

Chapters: 5/5 Fandom: Captain America (Movies), Marvel Cinematic Universe Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Bucky Barnes/Steve Rogers, Temporary Sharon Carter/Steve Rogers Characters: Natasha Romanov, Tony Stark, Sam Wilson, Bruce Banner, Thor, Clint Barton, Howling Commandos, Peggy Carter, Sharon Carter Additional Tags: Beauty and the Beast!AU, modern fairytale, Humor, Asshole cat, Mostly Canon!Steve Rogers, Canon-divergent!Bucky Barnes, ngl this is weird, XD, and that's right: another cheesy story!, certified nonsense, btw take that BatB tag with a grain of salt, Pets, Cats, Enemies to Friends, buckitty Summary: When Steve met Bucky, it was love at first sight. Bucky, on the other hand, wasn't impressed; but he also happened to be - a cat. First-time cat owner Steve has a lot to learn about taking care of Bucky, as he tries to juggle his missions and hectic love life. And despite his initial rejection of Steve, asshole-cat Bucky soon learns to appreciate his patient human. However, Bucky also has his own secret agenda to achieve, before his nine lives run out. He never expected Steve of all people to help him - not at first, anyway.

[rchanscandy]

rchanscandy’s webcomic recomendations!

I don’t normally do this but I’ve been reading a lot of really awesome webcomics and I wanted to tell y’all about them and stuff because damn I found some real gems this past month. I also need people to scream about them with so heres my list in no particular order under the cut! (the comics are hosted on either smackjeeves or tapastic or both)

Lazy Snow Leopard

An utterly lazy god, an anthropomorphic personification of the Snow Leopard, rests upon his favourite tree, when suddenly woken up by a thrown stone. The thrower turns out to be a young admirer of his former self. The youngster persuades the lazy god to begin a quest for fame, glory and world salvation. While the one concerned would have preferred to just lie down and go back to sleep.

Notes: This one has me dying of laughter, I love everything about it; the art, characters, just all of the yes

Helix

A street rat is given a second chance when he is dragged from the gutter and into a new life. Will he accept his position at the side of royalty, or fight every step of the way? -Rated M for sex (M/M, consensual), violence, nudity, language and dark themes.- Warnings: -References to child abuse and sexual abuse.-

Notes: The art and story is absolutely mesmerizing, I couldn’t stop thinking about this one after reading it for a long while. Can’t wait for more updates!

Novae

Novae is a historical romance with a touch of the paranormal and a dash of astronomy. It chronicles the adventures of Sulvain, a sweet tempered necromancer and Raziol, a passionate 17th century astronomer. A connection forms between them and their relationship blooms, but when the body of a fellow astronomer is found on the steps of the Academy of Sciences, their lives are entangled in ways they could never foresee.

Notes: There are not a lot of pages so far but I’m already in this for the long run. I’m a sucker for historical romances, especially gay ones and this is just beautifully executed. 

Boned

A story about being nice to birds and having safe gay sex.

Notes: The description pretty much sums it up xD. Such a good read and really intriguing characters, I enjoyed this a lot. (NSFW)

Mismatch

Mismatch tells of the bond between two rivals who slowly discover they have more in common than they think.

Notes: Only 5 pages in and I was immediately hooked. The art style is so cute and I absolutely love the premise! I can’t wait for more!

Grey Eyes

Mike Lawson finds himself on the strange world of Dwal. But now the ancient Gate won't let him back through. Mike must try to find his place in this strange new world, and perhaps find it to be better than the world he came from. A fantasy/romance with a touch of mystery. 18+ for adult language and situations.

Notes: The character designs and the art are so cool, hell everything about this is freaking cool and I need more!

Almost Touching

Wyatt's got a huge secret and Aiden is a nosy bitch who becomes intertwined in it. Though he doesn't seem to mind much... boyxboy

Notes: I got sucked in by the pretty art style and stuck around for the interesting story and lovely characters. (NSFW)

Avialae

Avialae is a webcomic about a gross bird boy and his nerdy wannabe ornithologist boyfriend--I mean neighbor who helps him out during the painful and bloody process of growing wings. 

Notes: I just absolutely adore this one, it has really interesting characters, a unique premise, and just...birds man. (NSFW)

Rainbow Mansion

Watch the drama unfold as 14 contestants come together at the Rainbow Mansion in hopes of becoming the Rainbow Champion! Hearts will break, the tension will sizzle, and only one will have a chance at eternal glory. Or, like, at least a quip in the tabloids and a book deal? (M/M)

Notes: This is one of the best and most hilarious fucking comics I’ve read in a long time. I love the way it’s set up (a cheesy bad reality tv show) and the characters (all of them) are fucking fantastic not to mention the art is on point. (NSFW)

Handcuffs

Yrkki sold drugs to a stranger guy. That wouldn't be nothing new for him, but this guy was a cop.

Notes: Beautiful art, beautiful men, and a story that keeps you on your toes, whats not to love? (NSFW)

Demon House

Tula is a student just trying to get through her senior year of college. Little does she know that her new rental is inhabited by demons. Juggling her social life and these new roommates should be no problem.

Notes: This comic is a blessing. I absolutely love all the characters and the art is so well done, not to mention the hilarity that ensues. Definitely one of those must-reads!

Demon of the Underground

Pogo is a big-mouthed but small-framed young thief who falls through a hole in the ground and finds himself in a brutal underground world where survival is based on strength and intimidation. His only hope for escape is his telekinetic ability - and the help of a stray ferret named Annie. Urban fantasy/paranormal/LGBTQ

Notes: I’ve been following this one for awhile. First off, the art is fantastic, and I’m in love with that in itself. Second the characters and story are so interesting and unique...I’m dying to know what happens next and discover more!

Aimatos

Boy meet boy and together search their origins

Notes: This story is so cute and the art is beautiful and I’m gonna cry I need more. (NSFW)

Thistlewine

Markus is a reclusive witch living in the woods. He stumbles across a surprise one morning that changes his entire life. It's gay.

Notes: I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this comic. It’s so fucking cute, the characters are adorable, the art is adorable and well drawn, and every time it updates I get so freakin excited you have no idea ahhh just go read it!

No Way

NO WAY is a web comic, a story about fantasy world and Academy, where many creatures study together. But first and foremost this is a story about a vampire and an elf who were betrothed to each other and who now have to live and learn together. Yes, this is a story about the relationship between two guys, basically, although the other characters are there too. Also in the future in the comic are planned explicit scenes of a sexual nature, so there is a limit 18 + But, basically, it's still a romantic Comedy and fairy tale.

Notes: Everything about this, the characters and the art and the story are fucking phenomenal. It’s got some of my favorite character designs ever by far. Highly recommend this one, such a good read and a feast for the eyes! 

The God in the Field

The age-old story of Hades, Persephone, and a love that causes the seasons (with a yaoi twist.) Disclaimer/Content Warning: Anyone familiar with greek mythology will know that they are in for a ride. This comic will contain kidnapping, a coercive relationship with unequal power dynamics, and various other scenes from the underworld that Hades presides over. It will contain NSFW scenes and scenes rated 18+. Please be forewarned!

Notes: One of the most friggin beautiful art styles I’ve come across in a long time. I actually caved in and bought hard copies of this one it was so beautiful. I love everything about this gosh I can’t even put it into words.

Les Normaux

Les Normaux follows the lives of a bunch of supernatural beings living in Paris after a human wizard named Sebastien moved to the city. 

Notes: The premise and characters in this one are so unique and the art style is so cute. Actually everything in this is cute, and funny, and just a good time in general. Highly recommend this one.

Indigents

Dakota and Kennedy are thrown together in a world ravaged by a single disease. Fast spreading and corrupting sanity, civilization was razed to the ground. For those fortunate to have immunity, life isn't easy. Avoiding the diseased is one thing, but without law and order those left take complete advantage of a world they can now build for themselves. Stranded together in the ghost of the country they once knew, Dakota and Kennedy fight through whatever obstacles lay in their path, seeking peace and quiet and maybe something to eat.

Notes: I really like the way the story is going, not to mention the art is hella nice. Highly recommend this one, especially if you like apocalyptic themes and such.

Wham, Bam!

Harvey is nothing. He's a nobody. Trapped in a small Texas town where nothing ever changes, doomed to waste away in the scrub brush and withering sun, he figures the best he can do is keep his head down and stay out of everyone else's way. After all, who would be crazy enough care about a deadbeat redneck like him? Then one day an old Dodge rumbles into the parking lot of the gas station where he works, and Harvey learns that some folks wear their crazy like it'll never go out of style. It's amazing how much your life can change in just four days. [WARNINGS: explicit content, strong language, depictions of violence, TW for homophobic attitudes/language (later on). 18+ only please.]

Notes: I am in love with this art and storyline. It’s so unique, I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it. Not to mention that the title itself grabbed me in for the hook before anything else.  I can’t wait to see more!

Moonflower

Sometimes, home can be a person. A sheltered young mutant meets a soldier who's seen far too much for his short life. A process of learning and healing begins.

Notes: The art is so pretty, reminds me a lot of avatar the last airbender in terms of style. I’m super excited to see where this story goes as well, the characters are super interesting and really cute!

Hendrix and Julian

Hendrix and Julian are natural enemies- a cocky jock and the school's gay punching bag, but will all that change after one cold night alone in the gym cupboard? (NSFW)

Notes: I’m usually not a fan of the whole bullied falling for bully plot but I really really love how this story goes. Not to mention the nsfw scenes are really good and the art is just yesssss.  I highly recommend this one!

Aspera

Nine young adults with different backgrounds all end up in the same area in Paris. What started off as another semester at art school takes a turn when the differences of the group's lives finally meet. A story of lgbt love, friendship and finding yourself. Warning for blood, violence, sexual content and drug use in the upcoming chapters.

Notes: The art style is cute, the characters are cute, the comic feels super relatable and down to earth and I just really love the whole thing overall. I always get so excited when it updates!

Countdown to Countdown

Iris is a young man with the gift to bring pieces of artwork into reality. 5 years into an apocalyptic outbreak, he's holed up in a lab that shelters "problem" children. Between his failed experiments, deteriorating mental stability, and being ridiculed by other members of the lab, he doesn't think life could get any worse. Life agrees to disagree.

Notes: This comic is so friggin beautiful. The story is hella interesting and the setup is like that of a video game which I think is really super creative and interesting to experience. The characters and the world they are in are really fun and interesting and just overall this is a really well done comic, I’m always excited for when it updates!

Heartstopper

Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more...?

Notes: The title of this comic is the most accurate thing.  This comic has my heart stopping because of how dang cute this is. Seriously, there are parts of this that have me screaming on the floor.  The art style is so cute and airy and totally fits the mood of this comic and the characters are so adorkable and just...aughhh go read it seriously!

With Great Abandon

With Great Abandon is a queer romance set over the course of a year in London. It's the story of Harry and Russell's differences, similarities, and relationship. A hopeful and kind story. Also food and comics.

Notes: This comic made me cry (good tears).  The story is so down to earth and realistic, not to mention so cute.  Also the art and colors are just on point and I really appreciate this comic aesthetically. It just completed and I was very satisfied, you should definitely give it a read!

Age of the Grey

When the unseen war between heaven and hell finds itself bound to the plane of humans, several kids discover themselves caught in the middle. The almighty angels of heaven and the wicked demons of hell battle for their kingdoms, a revolution that could mean the end of humanity, and when god and the devil decide to take it into their own hands, only chaos can follow.

Notes: This is such a cool concept executed with such bold and expressive art. I love love love the characters and its so cool to see how the art continues to improve over the course of the story! Definitely recommend this!

Behind these Birchwood Walls

Adrian Pembroke's parents put their foot down after his teenaged mischief turns into a run in with the cops. He finds himself shipped off to Mercier Preparatory Academy, an elite boarding school. Miserable and feeling utterly out of place, Adrian soon lands himself into trouble as usual. He is rescued from his own antics by Acario Ambrose, the resident golden boy of Mercier. Appearances are deceiving, and Adrian learns a great deal more about both himself and his new friend than he ever bargained for.

Notes: I love this so much, it started out a bit slow but as soon as the story got going i was on the edge begging for updates. The art is amazing, I have no idea how this artist is able to be so consistent with their painting style throughout, its amazing! 

Ingress Adventuring Company

Saving the world is a pretty big deal, but what do you do once you’re done saving the world and no one needs you anymore? Do you become a magic professor? Do you study a convoluted thesis that no one understands? Maybe you relive the glory days by starting up a one-man adventuring party to gather mystical artifacts for people who may or may not pay you. Or, if you’re Toivo Kissa, you do all of those things.

Notes: I fell in love with the premise and art at first sight. It’s absolutely adorable and the main character is so precious I love him so much. I cannot wait to see where the shenanigans go. 

Ambrosia

Alphor, a countryside apothecary, comes to the capital city for work, where he has a chance encounter with his estranged childhood friend, the wizard Selfrid. The same childhood friend who confessed his love for him ten years ago, before they separated. They resume their friendship, as though there was no confession, but such feelings can't be forgotten that easily; they are torn between the bitterness of a crushed first love and the comfort of a friendship they don't want to ruin again.

Notes: This comic is so damn pretty i can’t handle it. I love the setting and all the little world elements added into this comic. Definitely a bit of a slow burn if you’re into that but oh man will it be satisfying if the main ship finally sails. 

Sunkissed

When Stephen, a quiet bookworm from Oregon, gets his admission letter from the University of Hawaii at Manoa he was anticipating some life changes. What he didn’t anticipate was meeting Alex, an upbeat and easygoing local who offers to be his guide around the island. After that, it’s love at first sight. Through ups and downs, they’ll bring out the best in each other in this story of love, growth, and self-acceptance.

Notes: If you want a sweet heartwarming story about 2 cinnamon buns falling in love with each other then this is the comic for you! Seriously, every little tiny moment in this comic just makes me scream because its too cute.

Dissent

A cursed prince must rely on a witch to free him from an enchantment. But witchcraft is banned, and the two young men have little in common. As love blossoms between them, can they overcome their own prejudices, save their nation, and find a cure... before it's too late?

Notes: Everything about this comic i just love love love love. The story, the art, the characters, everything! It tugs at your heartstrings in ways you don’t even expect whilst dealing with a suspenseful situation. I’d gush forever about this one but I don’t have enough room.

Guard Dog

BL about people living in the post apocalyptic world where being infected by a zombie won't immediately turn you into one, but it can give you some troubles... and some extras

Notes: By the same creator as Handcuffs, which is also on this list, I knew when this came out I’d love it too. I was not wrong. Cute gay bois in the apocalypse, what more can you ask for? Definitely a must read!

The Sun Prince, the Saint, and the Changeling

When Tomas stumbles into unexpected feelings for his friend Matthias, he dreams about a fun, uncomplicated summer romance. Instead, he discovers that he doesn’t know his friend nearly as well as he thought he did, he knows himself even less, and when your family has connections to the Holy Roman Empire, nothing is ever simple. When summer comes, Tomas finds himself drawn into a mystery spanning two years and three hearts — one of which is his own. 

Notes: This is one of my all time favorite comics. I am a sucker for lgbt historical romances and everything about this comic from the story, to the art, to the world building is just so beautifully done. Cannot gush enough about this one to do it justice, just read it. 

Abel & a Dead Man

Jim lives an ordinary life until the day he's supposed to die. Abel is a Soul Collector who decides to let Jim live and asks him out instead.

Notes: Such a unique graphic art style combined with one of my favorite grim reaper x supposed to be dead person premises, I highly highly recommend checking this out.

Life Outside the Circle

The heartwarming tale of two men who find love in the Finnish countryside.

Notes: This comic is way too cute I cannot handle how cute it is everything about it just makes me scream because ahhhh it so CUTE!!! Just read it and you’ll understand what I mean.

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day One Hundred Forty-Nine: Baseball ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uzumaki Naruto ] [ SasuHina, NaruSaku ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ] [ AO3 Link ]

Another day, another block of practice.

Baseball is the only sport Sasuke’s ever played. His brother before him had excelled in soccer, and - not wanting to be directly compared to his brother, who can do no wrong - Sasuke chose another sport. And, like Itachi, he’s excelled in his chosen game.

And now, it’s his senior year...and all he can think about this Spring is getting to the State finals and finally taking the championship cup. Because as hard as his team works, and as good as he is (alongside many of the other players), they just haven’t quite made it that far.

After all, he’s seen the recruiters for college teams hanging around the practice field, and at their games, talking with the coach. If he could get a scholarship for baseball...he’d be over the moon.

Hence why he never misses a single practice. It’s made juggling homework a bit of a hassle, but he hopes - in the end - work on both aspects will serve him well.

“Oi, Sasuke!”

Looking up from his mitt he’s been contemplating as he thinks, the Uchiha jostles as Naruto swings an arm over his shoulders. “What?”

“Ready for the game on Saturday?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be. You?”

“Duh! Hey, guess what!” Naruto takes a step back, hands curled under his chin as his eyes go starry. “Sakura agreed to come watch!”

“Did she now?” Sasuke asks boredly, flexing his glove experimentally.

“Yeah! If we win, I’m gonna ask her on a date!”

“...and?”

“Whaddaya mean, ‘and’?”

“You ask her on dates all the time,” Sasuke retorts, seeing his friend stiffen. “What makes this any different?”

“Cuz...cuz she’ll see how awesome I am! If we win, she’ll be so impressed, there’s no way she’d say no!”

“Whatever you say.” In all honesty, Sasuke would be glad for it. The day Sakura gives up trying to get him to date her, he’ll be a very happy man.

Their practice isn’t very heavy given the game the following day, so the pair shower and make to head home a bit early. On the way through, they pass the tennis courts, still occupied by students.

Glancing nonchalantly through the chain link fence, Sasuke searches for a moment before spotting her.

Sporting a matching lilac and white tank and shorts, Hinata Hyūga faces him, focused on her practice match against an upperclassmen he vaguely recognizes as some chick named Tenten. A visor sits over her brow to shade her eyes, long hair up in a high tail, bouncing slightly in anticipation for her opponent’s serve.

“Man, tennis seems like it’d be a pain, right?”

“Huh?” Glancing back to his friend, Sasuke breaks his stare.

“I mean, it’s got so much...leg work!”

“So does baseball when you’re on the field.”

“But not as consistently! Depends on where the ball goes. Here? You can’t escape the damn ball! Imagine having to bat, like...the whole game! Over and over again!”

“Guess that’s why tennis is tennis, and baseball is baseball, idiot.”

“M’just sayin’, you gotta be tough to do tennis! I mean, imagine how much more ripped Sakura would be if she played this instead of softball!”

There’s a silent hint of pride in Sasuke’s mind at the comparison. After all, he’s pretty much saying someone like Hinata is tougher than someone like Sakura.

And given that Sasuke’s been crushing on Hinata for all of high school, and detesting Sakura...that makes him very happy indeed.

But it does puzzle him a bit. Sure, Sakura’s lithe and sinewy - she’s hardly got an ounce of fat on her (which, yes, means hardly any hips or chest). Hinata, on the other hand...is so soft. She’s heavier set than Sakura despite - as Naruto says - playing what seems like a more intense sport.

Of course, that’s not all that plays into a person’s build, he supposes. And while Hinata also plays volleyball in the Fall, Sakura does that, and does swimming in the Winter.

But - personally speaking - he’d rather have a girlfriend who’s soft than one all...boney and tough.

Which only makes it all the more disappointing that Hinata happens to be rather fond of a certain blond idiot he knows.

Why the girls can’t just...swap their affections, he’ll never know. Surely everyone would be a lot happier.

The coach then calls for a break, and the players all relax. Heaving a weary sigh, Hinata takes a swig from a purple water bottle before noticing that they have an audience. Her face brightens.

And it kills him that it’s not because she sees him. It’s because of Naruto.

Crossing the court, she flashes a smile, cheeks a bit pink. “H-hey guys!”

“Hey Hinata,” Naruto greets, tone a bit awkward as always. He’s aware of the Hyūga girl’s crush, and...to put it bluntly, it makes him squirm whenever he has to talk to her.

“Hey,” Sasuke offers, trying his best to keep his own voice cool. So far - at least, from what he can tell - no one’s noticed his own bias when it comes to the awkward love square that the four teens have found themselves in.

Hinata’s fingers cling to the fence. “I h-heard you guys have a game tomorrow!”

“Yeah! Tomorrow at two!”

“Maybe...I could come watch?”

Naruto winces ever so slightly. “Uh...yeah, sure! Sakura’s gonna go, so...you guys could, like...sit together! Or something!”

At the mention of the rosette, Hinata deflates ever so slightly.

He hates it.

“Oh...o-okay!”

“What about you?”

“Eh?”

Shifting a bit, Sasuke asks again. “When’s your next tennis match?”

“Oh...um, we have away games on Tuesday. B-but then we have a home game next Saturday! You...you could come watch, if - if you want?”

“Aw man, Sakura’s got a game that day,” Naruto laments, but Sasuke knows he’s anything but disappointed. “Hey, maybe next time!”

“O-oh! Y-yeah, sure!” Hinata gives a smile, clearly forced.

“I’d go.”

Both Hinata and Naruto turn to him curiously. “You...you would?”

“Sure.”

“But Sasuke, what about Sakura’s game?” Naruto counters with a frown.

“I’ve seen her play before. Never seen a tennis match.”

Something shifts in Hinata’s expression - a mix of genuine surprise, and...something else he can’t place. “I...I would like that. No one, um...no one really comes to...to watch me play.”

“What?” Naruto frowns. “What about your dad?”

“He...he’s busy,” Hinata deflects, waving a hand.

“And your sister?”

“She, um...she’s got a lot of homework. Middle school’s a lot h-harder nowadays.”

Sasuke’s brows furrow just a hair.

“B-but, um...it would be neat to have a...a friend come watch!” Hinata smiles again, and he can tell it’s more genuine this time around. “You - you have fun at Sakura’s game, Naruto. Maybe you can catch the n-next one.”

Behind her, the coach warns their break is nearly over, and she looks over her shoulder. “Well...I better get back to it.”

“Yeah - see ya around, Hinata!” Waving, Naruto takes off at a jog.

Sasuke watches him go, not quite in such a hurry.

“Um…”

Turning back, he sees Hinata hesitate.

“You...you don’t have to go if you d-don’t want to. To my match, I-I mean. I wasn’t...trying to guilt anyone into it...”

“I do want to go.”

“You...you do?”

“Yeah, I do.”

The same shade of surprise pulls at her face.

Feeling she’s wanting an explanation, Sasuke glances aside, trying to play it off. “Like I said, never watched tennis before. But I already play baseball - kinda boring to watch softball. Besides...Naruto’s the one who likes Sakura. I don’t want to steal his thunder. He already managed to drag her to the game tomorrow.”

“Oh...y-yeah.” Her eyes turn downcast for a moment.

“...you ever consider that you deserve to use your time on someone who wants to use their time on you?”

The question makes her jump. “I...w-what?”

“Naruto. I think you and I both know he’s not interested. So why do you keep doing this to yourself?”

For a moment she looks scandalized, not expecting to be asked such a thing. “...I…” Clearly thinking over his words, she slowly goes slack with a kind of understanding.

Someone...who wants to use their time on her? Does he mean like -?

“...nevermind,” Sasuke mutters, shouldering his duffle bag. “See you at the game tomorrow.”

“B-but -?”

Looking frustrated with himself, Sasuke doesn’t answer, leaving the courts to head for home.

...he just royally screwed that up, didn’t he? He’s such an idiot -

“Sasuke!”

Startling, he turns to see Hinata jogging up behind him. “What -?”

“I...I w-wanted to say thank you.”

“...for?”

“For, um…” Hesitating, she worries her fingertips for a moment. “For...saying you’ll go to my game.” Another pause. “...for...using your time on me.”

Connecting her words to his, he stiffens, going a light shade of pink.

She watches his expression, clearly making connections of her own. “...see you tomorrow.”

“...y-yeah.” Watching her retreat to the courts, Sasuke just...blinks. Did...did she just…?

...well...one more reason to win tomorrow.

                                                            .oOo.

     ...I actually like this one a lot xD I was never the sporty kid in school - I was the artsy, musicky, theatery kid, haha! So a lot of this is pretty foreign to me, but...I tried, lol      Gotta love the good ol' fashioned love square of team seven + Hinata. While I'm not the biggest shipper of NaruSaku, it just sort of...makes sense when put alongside SasuHina. At least, imo - hence why I tend to use it as a foil for them! But it's not high school without some kind of relationship drama, right? Even in my teeny tiny high schools of like 100 people, seems there was always some kind of dating fiasco going on xD Ah, the good ol' days lol      Anyway, it's VERY late, and I need to get more sleep than I did last night, eh heh...but, thanks for reading!

     (Also I’m sorry Tumblr readers, I can’t put in a page break between the drabble and my ANs? I dunno if it’s just glitching or if Tumblr removed it...guess we’ll see as time goes on ^^; Hence the...alternate break lol)