#no response. i assume 8 is fine. i text at 8. no response

[mashkaroom]

everyone please clap, i just sent a really civil email instead of what i wanted to say which was YOU STUPID FUCK DO YOU FUCKING READ INSTRUCTIONS?????? DID YOU READ THE FUCKING PAPER WE’RE SUPPOSED TO BE PRESENTING ON??????? WHY DID YOU WANT TO MEET AT 9:30 PM ON THE DAY THE PRESENTATION WAS DUE AND THEN DID ZERO FUCKING WORK UP UNTIL THAT MOMENT?????? WHY THE FUCK DID I DO 90% OF THE WORK WITH THE HOPE THAT YOU WOULD DO THE MUCH LESS MENTALLY TAXING REMAINING 10% OF WHICH HALF IS FULLY OPTIONAL AND THEN I HAD TO FUCKING BABYSIT YOU THE WHOLE TIME YOU DID IT??? LITERALLY MOST OF WHAT YOU HAD TO DO WAS COPY PASTE TEXT FROM A GOOGLE DOC INTO SLIDES HOW DID YOU MISS HALF OF THE FUCKING GOOGLE DOC????? YES WE HAVE TO HAVE THAT, BECAUSE THAT ACCOUNTS FOR HALF OF THE FUCKING ARTICLE!!!!!! DID YOU READ! THE! FUCKING! PAPER! I SPECIFICALLY WANTED TO HAVE THE LAST HOURS OF THE EVENING OFF TO DO OTHER THINGS BUT I STILL HAD TO BABYSIT YOUR STUPID FUCKING ASS!!!!!!!! ALSO DID YOU GENUINELY JUST ADD ‘WE SHOULD GIVE TAX CUTS TO BUSINESSES SO THEY WILL CREATE HOUSING FROM THE GOODNESS OF THEIR HEARTS’ TO THE SLIDES?????? I WILL ENJOY SEEING YOU FILETED TOMORROW!!!!!! BRO YOU HAVE TO EITHER BE SMART OR BE PRODUCTIVE YOU CAN’T DO 5% OF THE WORK AND THEN THAT WORK IS FUCKING SHIT!!!!! IT LITERALLY WOULD HAVE TAKEN ME LESS TIME TO DO IT WITHOUT YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cheolhub]

WORTH THE WAIT — KIM MINGYU ࿐

summary. mingyu forgets about the date you’ve had planned and he wants to show you he’s sorry in a rather unconventional way.

wc. 1.8k

warning. unprotected sex, couch sex, dumbification, lots of apologizing, big d!ck!gyu (ofc), kinda angsty but it’s all resolved, creampie — MINORS DNI 18+

note. this idea was sent by my beloved 🌵 anon… like…. literal months ago lol— it was a drabble at first, then it got a bit too long, so enjoy it xx [not proofread, kinda shitty]

contrary to belief, kim mingyu does have a few faults. he can be a bit clumsy and he’ll accidentally eat your leftovers every time he’s over, but the biggest fault of them all is… he can be a bit forgetful.

so when mingyu accidentally double books hanging out with wonwoo on the same night as your date, you find yourself dolled up and waiting around your apartment for him, unaware of his whereabouts. you hadn’t seen him much due to your conflicting schedules and you’d been looking forward to the date all week long.

you wait and wait— 15 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour. you text him a few times, but you don’t get a response and you figure he’s at work, asleep, or doing something else. whatever the case may be, he definitely forgot.

mingyu doesn’t realize this until he’s checking his phone for the first time of the hectic game night and he sees a string of text messages from you.

from you 6:33 

i can’t wait to see u!! :,)

from you 7:07

hi babyyy, text me when you’re here and i’ll come down

from you 7:39

gyu are you still coming?

if you wanna reschedule, we can… just text me back and let me know?

from you 8:02

i checked ur location to make sure u weren’t dead and i saw you were at woo’s

i’m just gonna assume ur with him, which is fine :) pls just let me know next time.

shit.

shit shit shit.

regardless of what you say, it’s not fine— he can practically hear your dejected voice through the text and the smiley face doesn’t do shit to mask it. 

he’s quick to tell wonwoo and make his way to your place, insides churning at the thought of you feeling stood up. he would never, in a million years, ever want to hurt you in any way.

he doesn’t text he’s here, he doesn’t knock, he just takes the spare key hidden under your placemat and lets himself in. 

you’re curled up on the couch in your date outfit watching some random show before you jolt at the sound of your door being unlocked. when mingyu walks in, panic on his face, you deflate a bit, internally thanking the universe that it was just him and not some intruder.

“baby…” 

you try to put a smile on as if he isn’t the last person you wanted to see at the moment, but mingyu sees through it. 

“hi, gyu.” you say curtly. “hope you had fun at wonwoo’s tonight.”

the subtle shade proves you’re upset, even if you had said it unconsciously. his lips turn down in a frown and he walks around the couch so he’s posted right in front of you.

“Y/N, you have to believe me— i’m so sorry. i got the days—“

you cut him off with a sigh, “gyu, seriously. it’s fine. it’s not that big of a deal. we can just do something the next time you’re free.” 

he doesn’t even know when next time will be given his rather strenuous schedule and you know that, yet those words come out of your mouth anyway. he huffs softly and takes a seat next to you, intertwining your hands into his.

“baby, please,” he whispers. “you know i would never stand you up on purpose. i lost my mind and got the days mixed up– please let me make it up to you.”

you shrug, avoiding eye contact. you want to stay mad, but the way he’s looking at you… the way he’s holding your hands… it’s making it impossible not to melt into a helpless puddle. “how?” you ask meekly.

he doesn’t say anything, letting go of your hands in favor of cupping your cheek and pulling you in. his soft lips meet yours and you practically forget why you’re angry to begin with. his tongue quickly finds its way into your mouth and your soft moan eases his nerves a bit. 

he pulls back, leaving you warm and fuzzy and a bit needy for more of him. he finally takes you in when his eyes open. you’re still in a pretty little outfit– presumably, one you’d picked out for your date– and it makes him groan a little bit. 

“you look so pretty, baby. you wore this all for me?”

you nod your head slowly. “i was really excited to show you…”

he frowns, “i know, i’m sorry… i’m so, so sorry,” he mumbles and you don’t say anymore, simply nodding your head at his apology. his lips are on yours again, rougher this time. it’s like he’s trying to prove just how sorry he is with every passing second. 

and when he breaks the kiss again, you whine. “gyu…”

“wanna take this off. can i?” he asks, referring to your dress and you just nod again. 

his hands find the hem, pulling it up and over your head, leaving you in your even prettier set. the black lace adorns your body and mingyu feels his pants tighten at the mere sight. 

he’s breathless when the pet name falls from his lips, “baby…”

he’s so glad you didn’t change, but he feels like such an idiot for fucking up this bad. he wishes he checked his phone earlier, he wishes he remembered your date was tonight, he wishes he could’ve taken you out in your gorgeous dress and brought you back home to see the even more gorgeous set underneath. 

but he’ll make up for it. he’ll spend all the time in the world doing so if he needs to.

he stands to his feet pulling his shorts off and revealing his aching cock. you bite your lip and slide down so your back and head are comfortably on the cushion of your couch, eyes trained on his huge length.

he hooks his fingers into the waistband of your panties, rolling them down your legs and leaving your now-wet cunt bare. 

“so beautiful… so fuckin’ beautiful angel, can… can i keep going?”

you whimper and wordlessly nod again, brain unable to give him a verbal response. he grunts, joining you back on the couch by getting in between your legs. 

“tell me when…” he whispers, aligning himself with your hole before pressing his fat cock into you. “fuck, so tight…”

the burning stretch of your walls opening to take him makes your head spin a bit. no matter how many times he fucks you, it always hurts.

at first, at least, because now he’s balls deep in your pulsing cunt and all you can feel is blinding pleasure. the burn and stretch have subsided and your brain has turned to complete and utter mush. 

you clench around him tightly and he has to ask, “are you good, baby?”

you dumbly nod– it’s all you can do– but mingyu can’t help but feel more anxiety fill his body. you’ve barely said any words to him and it makes him worry that you won’t forgive him. 

you moan when his cock leaves just for it to suddenly fill you back up with a single, sharp thrust. this is how it starts before he’s moving faster and faster. 

words still fail to leave your mouth, just cute gasps and clipped moans, but mingyu can’t seem to stop breathy apologies from leaving his own. “‘m sorry… you know that right, angel? ‘m so sorry.”

and your eyes just roll back, ignoring his apologies as you’re all consumed by his massive cock fucking in and out of you. mindless babbles escape your lips and it’s not till then does mingyu realize how brainless you’ve become. 

it makes his heart clench. you’ve never gotten like this for him before and he knows it’s a result of being left to your own devices for far too long. he knows he hasn’t been there for you, knows you haven’t been able to cum properly in god knows how long and it hurts him. it hurts him so fucking bad.

and, to be transparent, he’s missed you more than you know.

his hand finds your abdomen, pressing down so he can feel himself thrusting into you. in doing so, his thumb reaches your clit and this seems to bring some life to you. “gyu!” you cry. “feels s’good!”

he lets out an elated chuckle at the sound of your voice, “yeah? it feels good, angel?”

and it’s almost like you read his mind with your next words. “s-so good, m-missed you.” 

a guttural groan erupts in his throat and he starts to fuck you harder– to fuck you deeper– and the thumb on your clit moves quicker, effectively stimulating the swollen bud. “me too– fuck, missed you so much. missed fucking this pretty pussy so much, baby, you don’t even know.”

your face pinches together in pleasure and you clamp his dick harder at the affirmation. “i-i’m–” you let out a gaspy whine and mingyu knows exactly what it means.

“gonna cum?” he finishes your broken sentence. 

you nod eagerly, eyebrows knit together as you feel the formed knot in your tummy get tighter and tighter. “gyu–”

he shushes, thrusts growing erratic. his voice is hot and breathy and you can tell, just by the sound of it, he’s just as close as you are. “just cum for me, baby– need you to let go ‘n cum all over my cock. you can do it.” 

you cry, body going taut as you cream all over him, pussy trapping him between your pulsing, velvet walls. mindlessly, you babble out some words that he can barely make out, but the second he hears those three words– i love you, said in your cute, pitchy voice– his worries wash away. 

he’s overcome by love and the feeling of you gripping him for dear life and the only thing he can do is press his hips flush against yours and fill you up the way he knows you need. his cum paints your walls, fulfilling the craving you didn’t even know you had. 

“god,” he moans, panting out, cock still twitching between your spasming walls. “please forgive me, angel. i promise i’ll be better ‘n make more time for you”

part of your mind finds its way back to you after a few seconds and you can’t help but giggle at his words. “i forgave you after you kissed me, babe.”

he smiles, large hands caressing your body, “really?”

you hum, hazy eyes taking him in, “mmh, you’re really hard to be mad at, you know that, right?”

“good ‘cus i don’t like when you’re mad at me.”

“well, then don’t do stupid things.”

he whines, “baby, you know that’s impossible for me, stupidity is practically in my dna.”

you giggle at the joke. “i know… but… i won’t be so nice to you next time you decided to hang out with wonwoo instead of taking me out.”

“you can be as mean to me as you want, baby, but i swear, i’ll never stand you up ever again.”

“good.” you smile back at him. “now… maybe you can prove how sorry you are again? in my bed this time?”

© cheolhub — all rights reserved, please refrain from copying, reposting, modifying or translating my work on any platform.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

WIBTA for bringing a fake boyfriend to my friend's party?

to condense as best i can, i (30, transwoman, city of pop. >10million) recently become the mother hen to a brood of wonderful baby queers (8 total, 17-23, boys and girls, all moved for school in the last year or so, most had never set foot in ANY city before). we live on the same floor of an apartment complex, and we've all grown very close over the past months; i help them use the metro, they tell me when they're going on dates and text so i know they got home safe, i cook weekend dinners, and they all slept in my living room for a week when another apartment on the floor was broken into. i think of them as somewhere between friends, younger relatives, or even my own children.

recently, one of the older ones (21) has realized he's also trans and come out to me, and i'm so proud and grateful that i can guide him through his early transition. unfortunately, there's his mother.

he'd first told me her response to his coming out was "better than expected", so i assumed she was tolerant, if not supportive yet. i've since learned she continually misgenders him, thinks this is a "tomboy phase" he'll marry out of someday, and has begun listening to more right-wing podcasts and news sites in order to "hear from both sides".

along with the other 7 kids, i've been invited to stay at the family's farm for his birthday in august, & while he's assured me she won't make a scene with company around, he's implied she has many opinions about my prescense, but said that i shouldn't tone myself down, and that if anything "it would be good for her to learn to be kind to you early, since we're family too now". two of the girls are partners, which the mother knows, but she does not seem to care about this and said that bringing a date was fine.

i have another friend (31) who's much more loudly queer than i am. on top of this, he's heavily tattooed (HUGE taboo here), rides a motorcycle, and is very outspoken and unshakable. i told him about all of this, and he offered to come along as my boyfriend, both to bother this woman, and so i won't be in a tiny (population SEVENTY-THREE!) unfamiliar town alone if anything happens. he's met the kids several times now, they get along well, and the birthday boy has said "that all sounds hysterical. do whatever you want."

my worry here is that the mother is already MUCH worse than he'd first lead me to believe, so i don't know that i can trust the kid's judgment that everything will be fine. i don't care about hurting this woman at all, and both i and my friend have dealt with even nastier people before so i'm not afraid of her, but i DO NOT want to do anything that could put this boy in a difficult position, especially since he'll likely be living with his family every summer until he's finished school, if not longer. i know what i can personally tolerate, but i don't know what he can, especially from a mother.

would i be an asshole to bring my "boyfriend" along? is it best to just go solo? or should i stay away entirely until he's back in the city?

What are these acronyms?

[writermai05]

Arsonist's Lullabye

Chapter 8: The Awful Things We Do...

Summary: Y/N and Zuko talk. 

Pairing: Zuko x fem! reader (Live Action or Animated) 

A/N: Dude I’m not gonna lie when I say that I think I ate with this chapter. Hopefully it’s good for y’all as well hehe. 

Word Count: 1,285

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Avatar: The Last Airbender, I am merely a nerd who hyperfixates a lot. Lots of divergence from the canon story lol. 

Warnings !: Mentions of Ozai, Azula’s breakdown is referenced, Zuko’s self loathing, Hurt/Comfort.

It was around midnight when Zuko texted you. 

Although intrigued, you were more so concerned. Zuko wasn’t a big texter, he much preferred talking face to face, and usually settled for talking on the phone or video chat. He also never really contacted you past eight, but you assumed it was because he was usually working the closing shift at the tea shop. 

Trying to stay optimistic, you pushed all worried thoughts to the side, unlocking your phone and checking the message Zuko had sent.

Can’t sleep. Can you talk?

You knitted your brows at the message. Without even replying, you began to change into some warmer clothes, throwing on some flared sweatpants and a chunky, white, knit cardigan over the tanktop you had on for bed. You grabbed the satchel you had worn numerous times before, throwing in your room keys and ID, and making your way out of the room. As you took the elevator down, you clicked the phone icon under Zuko’s contact, and waited patiently as it rang. 

Zuko picked up after the first ring. 

“Hello?” he said in a hushed tone. The elevator doors opened to the dorm hall lobby. It had been a month since you and Zuko stood outside of the very walls that you found yourself leaving once again. 

“I’m coming over.” You said, hand on the doors of the building. 

“You’re what? You know it’s not safe to walk around the city at night!” His hushed scoldings echoed in the  silent lobby.

“It’s fine, I have weapons on me.” That wasn’t true, but Zuko didn’t need to know that. The shop was quite literally a crosswalk away, and you had been out later than this before. 

“I really don’t think it’s necessary-”

“Too late. Are you gonna leave me out here, alone, on the streets, at midnight, waiting for you to open the door? or are you gonna come down and get me?” You could hear Zuko fumbling around on the other end, on edge at the thought of you being by yourself this late at night. As you approached the block, you saw the lights above the shop glowing a warm, yellow light. 

“I’m downstairs now.” Zuko said, as he flicked on the kitchen lights, making his way to the front of the store which you were approaching. You hung up, tucking your phone into your satchel, and Zuko held the door open for you, politely placing a hand upon your shoulder to guide you into the store. Cautious as ever, he made sure that no one else was outside, then closed the door, locking it once again. You stood patiently in the center of the store, waiting for him to finish closing up. He grabbed your wrist, gentle, yet firm as he led you into the lit kitchen. 

“So what did you want to talk about?” You asked him so casually that he almost laughed. You had some tenacity, but then again, he knew this about you. 

He sighed, “Azula gave me a visit earlier today.” 

Your eyes widened at the revelation. “Azula was here?” Zuko gave a solemn nod in response. Regret filled his face at the new memory, and he clenched his jaw as his gaze became far away. 

“What happened? If you’re okay with sharing.” You didn’t want to pry, but it was painfully  obvious that whatever happened was affecting him in a negative way. 

“Yeah.” He grabbed your wrist once again, leading you up the stairs into his and Iroh’s apartment. As soon as he opened the door, you were greeted with the sight of a small table, accompanied with two chairs. To the left, a kitchen, and to your right a sofa section with a television in front. Down the hallway to the left was the bathroom and a bedroom, and to the right was another bedroom. Straight down the hallway, you observed a tall, red, wooden structure. Zuko led you into the bedroom on the right, and you were quickly engulfed in his scent. This was obviously his room. 

Zuko took a seat on his bed, and you stood still taking in his bedroom. The source of the warm golden lights that you had seen in the window earlier came from a small lamp sitting on his desk.

The walls were red, not a bright one, but more like a maroon. They were decorated with various mover posters, and other eclectic images, all put together in a sort of collage. It was orderly, and perfectly curated.

Below the window and against the wall laid a small brown bookshelf, and next to that was a desk, forming a sort of “L” shape. Similar to the walls, the desk and bookshelf were cluttered with a variety of items, from books, to candles, and little plush animals. But it was not what you would consider messy, or unorganized.

His bed laid across from the desk, pushed up against the bookshelf and walls, with black bedding. You noticed that it was a bit wrinkled and askew, as if Zuko were tossing and turning in his bed before you had come. To the left of his bed laid a small nightstand and another lamp, as well as a rug on the floor beside the bed. The closet was built into the wall and had a sliding door. Usually such doors would have a mirror, and you took note of the distinct lack of one. There were no mirrors in his room at all. 

Zuko cleared his throat, and that got your attention back on him. 

“Sorry it’s a mess. I wasn’t expecting company.” You shook your head. 

“It’s not a mess. I was just taking it all in. Your room is very…you.” He gave you a small smile, before scooching over and patting the bed to his left, a quiet offer to sit. You obliged, sitting next to him, and turning your gaze back onto his face. 

“So, what happened earlier?” You asked gently. 

That single question caused Zuko to ramble on about the events that took place earlier. How Azula came before closing. How she had purposely tried to get on his nerves. The way she mentioned their father having eyes on him. How he had lashed out and accidentally shot flames towards her. How she had let out the most heart-wrenching scream before unleashing flames on him and Iroh, before disappearing into the darkness outside. You just sat there, nodding, taking it all in. 

“Before she left, she mentioned something about our dad…”

Coming here was a mistake. I should’ve known that he was right.

“Something about coming to see me and my uncle was a mistake. And that he was right.” Zuko looked down, and fidgeted with his fingers.

“I shouldn’t have lashed out at her. Who knows what kind of twisted bullshit our father told her to stay away from us. She went out on a limb to come see me, to actually see us, and I blew it.” His eyes began to water, and you laid a hand over his fidgeting ones. 

“There’s nothing that’s so broken it can not be fixed. We’ll find Azula, and we can try again.” 

We. You said we. 

“Y/n, I really don’t want to make this your problem-” 

“Azula and I have talked since our class started. I know how she is, and I can look beyond it because I care about her.” You pulled his hands from his lap into both of yours, turning your body to face him better. 

“Zuko, I care about you. Whatever’s happening I want to know about it. I want to help you. The choice is yours to let me.” 

Spirit’s, he wanted to kiss you. Your soft eyes, and the way that your eyebrows scrunched in concern over him, of all people. 

“Okay.” He nodded. 

“We will find your sister. We will make things right. Together. ” 

[queerholmcs]

okay. you know the drill. i do need to elaborate on some of these, moreso than is allowed within the character limit of the polls; see the read more at the bottom of the post. yes it gets a bit long, i'm sorry, i'm not normal about this show, we've established this.

stop making me watch this. this is indecent. this is not suitable for public television. please get a room.

they all know sherlock and they know that he's insane. where they go wrong is in assuming that john must then be the sane one of the pair of them. (save mycroft; see number five.)

'here, use mine' as the obvious opener. but then we also get the bit where john returns to baker street and sherlock's like 'oh haha yeah i called you across town to ask you to send a text' and john gives him the most exasperated, reluctant look before giving sherlock his phone (heart). because at this point, there is no other option. (i won't say more. essays have already been written on the matter.)

the way a point is made to demonstrate sherlock's deliberate ignorance of molly's attempts at flirting. and john's painfully awkward attempts to hit on mycroft's PA. contrasted with their every moment on screen together. 'we can't giggle, it's a crime scene!' SHUT UP.

where do i start with this one. (mycroft is my favourite. i'm not sorry.) he puts so much effort into this stupid little trick and john completely holds his own against him. he's also the only one to see that john is also not sane and that as much as sherlock is going to be some sort of influence on john, john is going to do the same to sherlock. 'might we expect a happy announcement by the end of the week?' → 'i can see from your left hand that's not going to happen' → 'time to choose a side.' hello??????? thank goodness mark gatiss mycroft holmes is here to spell things out for us.

it all starts when john says 'i looked you up on the internet last night' (weird move, it has to be said) and then doesn't immediately praise sherlock's blog. but then he also doesn't tell sherlock to piss off for deducing him and airing his family secrets like that? and from that point on, every remotely clever thing sherlock says, he looks to john for his response. ('do you know you do that out loud?' 'sorry, i'll shut up.' 'no, it's... fine.') i maintain that he only points out anderson and donovan's little affair to show off for john.

look. do i even have to say anything here. we establish that everyone sherlock interacts with thinks he's gay. we establish that john and sherlock are both unattached and that girlfriends definitely aren't sherlock's area and that it's fine to have a boyfriend, by the way, john thinks this is fine, just if you wondered, he's also unattached and it's fine if girls aren't your cup of tea and have we mentioned they're both unattached? and they have what is about the most intimate eye contact ever for far too long while doing so.

chance or chess? play the game. engage with the story. read between the lines. is it a bluff? or a double bluff? or a triple bluff? play the game. (mention the game one more time. i dare you. shut up.)

this is in both the physical and the metaphorical sense. they have no concept of personal space, either of them, and it is a bit awkward for everyone else in the room who's forced to watch them make bedroom eyes at each other. on the metaphorical side—john is the first to say 'actually, it's not obvious, so get on with it and share your thoughts with the class, would you?' and '...bit not good, yeah. maybe be slightly more sensitive to people's emotions, there.' and 'you're so full of it. you absolutely do guess, admit it, i can tell when you're lying.' lestrade watches them interact for all of ten minutes and then declares that, though he's known sherlock for five years, he still doesn't know sherlock nearly as well as john does.

who is he? well, he's with sherlock. it's sherlock holmes and doctor watson. they're a set. (do not separate!) they go together, they are defined by each other, they balance each other far too perfectly to ever be removed again. welcome to The Dynamic. you'll never know peace again. (or is that just me?)

[acearohippo]

I'm pretty sure Li Ling knows that Tang Yun has a very... Toxic... Thing on his brother. To me it reads heavily as inc*stuous but that's due to all the media I've consumed ruining so many sibling relationships that now I'm uber sensitive to that sort of thing.

Regardless, I think we all can agree that Tang Yun is not in a healthy mindset, especially with how he obsesses over Tang Xuan.

And I put forth this theory that Li Ling is aware of how Tang Yun feels and, as such, is protective of Tang Xuan, who does not- can not- see it.

First of all, it is clear that Tang Xuan and Li Ling talk to each other a lot. Not just in person but on the phone ("communicator") all the time. We have a few stories where, when one is mentioned the other is also brought up or where one is, the other is somewhere near.

For the purpose of this theory, we will focus on the communicator, as we see that Tang Xuan doesn't necessarily text often (probably too busy for it, lmfao) but does use the social app. Li Ling seems to be the first to notice that Tang Xuan is MIA, just by the fact that he doesn't answer his calls.

Look at the time stamps of Li Ling's messages.

There are huge gaps of time between his first three messages, before Tang Xuan replies to him when he gets his phone back. And, after Tang Xuan responds, Li Ling's message comes in 2 hours later, talking about some "weak ass miramon".

Fine. Sure.

But if you go over to the social media app, you see this post from Tang Yun:

Lemme preface by reminding y'all this is my personal theory on the order of events, as this app doesn't have any convenient time stamps (:/), but I think we can assume this message comes hours before Tang Xuan gets his phone back.

Two questions pop up:

1. How does he know Tang Xuan is "missing"?

2. Who is accusing him of abducting Tang Xuan?

Tang Xuan then responds to him- maybe after he makes his "I'm not dead!! :P" post, maybe before- and after that is when he gets this message from Tang Yun:

Again, take note of the time. This is well after Tang Xuan has replied to Li Ling, about 8 hours later. I believe that in between his reply to Li Ling and Tang Yun's text, he posts his "I'm still alive!! Cx" social media post,

which then alerts Tang Yun that his brother isn't missing which then prompts his text.

Ok, we all on the same timeline now? Good. THEORY TIME.

I propose that Li Ling (Who is accusing him of abducting Tang Xuan?), not receiving any response from Tang Xuan for near 24 hrs, sent him on a warpath to who he assumes is the most likely culprit of the impromptu dissapearance- Tang Yun.

Li Ling and Tang Xuan talk all. The. Time. Li Ling absolutely knows that, in his previous mission, Tang Xuan came face to face with his brother. And Li Ling probably knows about how Tang Yun admitted to how he would monopolise the one he loves' time and attention, keep them to himself. Tang Xuan probably spared no details going through the entire mission.

Li Ling probably picked up instantly that Tang Yun was referring to Tang Xuan as that "someone he loves" and, remember, this mission takes place not even a week after the Crow one, so it's still fresh in Li Ling's mind, the words Tang Yun said about keeping his loved one to himself. And now Tang Xuan is missing...?

Yeah, I think he went straight for Tang Yun, got pissed (and probably a bit relieved) when he realised Tang Yun did not kidnap Tang Xuan, and then went off to try find him himself, taking on hoards of miramon (enough that he would miss a respond from Tang Xuan by two hours) much to the worry of Lewis and their friends. Then Li Ling tried to play it off for a bit, acting like he was just doing normal union things except Lewis explicitly says that he was actively trying to calm "everyone" down.

Lewis?

Calming people down?

Dude gets fired up at the drop of a pin... Except when someone is in crisis mode, and from his like FIVE CAMEOS (freaking dislyte, give us more Lewis pleaaase) we only really see him act level headed when he's with Tang Xuan and Li Ling.

So, methinks Li Ling might've tried to rally the troops to find Tang Xuan, Leora- an obvious choice as she's a living bishoujo heroine- probably got caught up in the dramatics of it, David and Q too (simple minded David just always ready to be there or be square, Q sniffing a potential story) etc etc. So they're all just psyching each other up and/or out so now Lewis has his crisis that he can take charge in and de-escalate.

Meanwhile, Tang Yun now knows that his brother is missing (How does he know Tang Xuan is "missing"?) and I can only guess how pissed off he got, his mental stability taking a swan dive into the Marianas Trench of all the possibilities of where his brother could be and scenarios where he would keep him by his side, so that this could never occur again. Hence the very aggressive threat (promise?) that he would hogtie Tang Xuan for his own good if this were to occur again.

The fact that he uses the word hogtie is very disturbing and, for those that aren't sure what that looks like, here's an as SFW-as-tying-people-up-can-be demonstration I could find of it

We are going to ignore the NSFW implications, and just focus on the vulnerability this position puts a person into.

This is the kind of messages Tang Yun sends his brother.

This is the kind of imagery he wants to put his brother in.

And Li Ling knows. He freaking knows and is probably one of the few espers who caught on that something was off with Tang Yun.

And Tang Xuan is

So

Damn

Oblivious ヽ(`д´；)/

Like damn, boy, I understand, he's your brother- that's just NOT something a healthy sibling would ever imagine their sibling would do or think or act. But by golly, could you maybe just focus on what he's saying rather than picking out the most inconsequential, insignificant parts? 😭 Bro is ignoring every red flag and siren.

[sovonight]

what's exhausting about bg3? I know me and a few others haven't been able to get it bc we're poor and I wanted your take on how it's exhausting if you don't mind

i called it exhausting for ace reasons so if you're not super ace you'll be fine. i do have other disappointments though:

visual character customization is lacking

like okay i'd bought the game blind so my disappointment is 100% on me, but can you blame me for assuming based on posts of people raving about the customization options and saying they 'made their oc' that there would be a fully-fledged cc with sliders for facial features and everything??

what you get is just a set of like 8 preset faces (for human/elf/half-elf/tiefling/etc at least) and 2-4 body options. there's an impressive amount of hairstyles at least, but what the fuck does that matter if i can't even really customize my character's face. there's not even much you can do with the textures--you only get a palette of pre-approved colors instead of a color picker, there's no option to flip or translate tattoos/facepaint, and you can't even layer makeup textures. the ui design here is very clunky too which just underlines how low of a priority it must've been

on one hand i get it, this all costs time and money and they clearly had a lot on their plate with the actual meat of the game, but on the other hand my character gets the most closeups on the camera in dialogue/cutscenes, so why can't i do more with their appearance?? the character customization possibilities everyone raved about really just boil down to class, stats, & numbers, so basically more like arpg character building, where it's more about gameplay than the character

don't get me wrong, the race/background/class you pick do influence dialogue options, but i can't do something as standard as sculpt my character's face?? are you kidding me?? like, if they're not gonna let me do that, then what the fuck are all these high res glossy graphics for?? everyone else in this game gets a unique look except for me, huh? if they care that little they might as well turn this back into a text-centric game and let me import a custom png for my character like in the old days

there are a few points in the game where i was like, they really took the trouble to write and pay a voice actor to voice responses based on player actions to that level of specificity… when that time and money could've been put towards the cc. like yeah it's impressive, but it's empty. i don't need this character to voice my exact actions--i KNOW i took those actions--i want something of worth to me.

navigating the map is kind of a pain

you use the keyboard to control the camera, and you use the mouse to click where you want the character to go. the issue i have with this is that the camera is SO frustrating to orient and zoom in and out sometimes--they go through great pains to try and not show the insides of any 3d models while you're moving the camera, and they'll cut away the rooftops and other levels for you, but sometimes the game just Doesn't Understand What I'm Trying To See. like they've made it so ~elegant~ and ~presentable~ that it gets in my way. i constantly feel like i'm fighting the controls--not just of the camera, but the movement too. tbf, i don't know how this could be made better so i think what they did was the best solution, but i do get very frustrated

there's no undo button if i click "hide" by accident

unlike literally every other button on the hotbar, there's no "click again to confirm" or "right click to cancel". they just instantly hide and that bonus action is WASTED

you can enable tutorial-like informative popups, but they forget to teach you some of the most basic ways to interact with the world

there's a heavy rock at some point that's "too heavy to throw" but is clearly meant to be interacted with. …you're supposed to click and drag to "drag" it away. i had to look up what to do with it and i'm not crazy because MANY people had the same question!! not to mention those small tunnels around the environment where your character's like "well I'M too large to fit in there" and i'm like "oh i'll summon my tiny familiar and have them scurry in there!" only for the tunnel to be like "uh your familiar can't interact with me actually". so i give up because i'm over it at that point and i go online hours later to look it up and SOMEONE SAYS YOU CAN SEND YOUR FAMILIAR THROUGH THE TUNN-- (at this point i have keeled over in rage)

you can press left alt to highlight interactable items, but they only highlight what they think is important based on their own mysterious criteria. you have to sweep around like it's an i-spy game to figure out ALL the interactables in the area

i would like this if the CAMERA WERE EASIER TO OPERATE and if--actually no! no! i would NEVER like this! either highlight everything or highlight nothing at all, don't waste my time! i understand that some stuff is left unhighlighted so that the characters can roll perception checks and go "OH! a hidden lever!" but JUST TELL ME OUTRIGHT WHERE THE CRATES ARE. i play with an unavoidable glare on my screen and also, frankly, i have better things to do than squint and pick out every item in the room. let me get my meagre satisfaction from looting and be done with it!

there is absolutely no firm indication of when you might be stepping into an exclusively romantic or sexual line of dialogue

i would like this if i could turn the sex off. like set sex to no. i'm a fan of not having too many dialogue indicators or visible approval bars, BUT ONLY when i know i can relax and feel comfortable in the game. this game loves suggestive wording so i can never tell whether a scene could just be played platonically or not. like (early spoiler) gale invites you to a private magic lesson that he says can only take place in an intimate setting, so you meet him after the party, alone. given the other conversations i'd just experienced (from the fighter & the vampire) i was like great this is going to be sexual isn't it, but i was weak and wanted character interaction so i gave in and i went--and then IT WASN'T??? in fact you could play it totally platonically?? so i almost MISSED a perfectly good companion interaction because of the overly suggestive way it was worded!

"sovo are you sure that isn't just gale's personality to say it like that" YES BECAUSE EVERY COMPANION EXHIBITS THIS. it's woven into the companions, into the narration, into all the word choices. it's just a suggestive game all around, the atmosphere NEVER goes away, even when it's just a false alarm. it's part of why it's so ABSOLUTELY exhausting--because i know every other person playing this and seeing this is having a blast, and i'm the only one out here with my guard up and 10 layers of emotional shielding because i CAN'T like any companions because they're GOING to proposition my character at some point and i WILL take emotional damage when my only options are "yes let's enter a fully animated sex scene!" or "no i fucking hate your guts". do you see?? do you see my pain?? where is the middle option--the compromise?? and oh yeah, the rest of the real life world thinks my complaints are baseless, ridiculous, and avoidable. "just don't fucking play, idiot!" but do i not deserve to have fun as well? can i not get a CRUMB of something in a world where i have to make everything myself?? just once, can i play a game and have it fit--not perfectly, but at least fit??

just give me the heart icons of da:2/da:i. tell me when i'm walking into a flag i don't want to raise. better yet, when the game asks whether or not you want nudity enabled, add an option there to opt out of romance too. i say romance even though all i want is to opt out of the sex dialogue options bc as we all know romance and sex can NEVER be separated--

anyway those are my gripes. the things i like about it are… well, there are a few fights where i was like, oh that's cool that it actually uses the environment and/or teaches you a mechanic about the game that you can put into use later. the environmental puzzles are interesting, but all satisfaction is lost when i have to look up the basic mechanics they rely on that i was never taught or made aware of in-game. but i don't play games like these for gameplay, i play them for the story and the companions and the romance, so given this specific game i guess i should just keel over and die

[daydream-cement]

Violet and Rose Ch. 20

Larissa Weems x OC (Fern Rogers)

Authors Note: It's hard being Fern Rogers.

“Day two of indulgence?” Larissa whispered when you finally roused from your sleep. She pressed a kiss to your clothed shoulder, but you weren’t particularly looking for any messing about this morning. Not yet at least, you still felt too tired, instead all you offered her was a low hum in response that was akin to the phrase ‘no thank you’.

You were exhausted and being pulled from your sleep immediately made you nauseous. The inconsistencies of pregnancy were becoming a nuisance. Typically, you had preferred sleeping on your stomach, but the forming bump made that impossible to get comfortable. Everything about being pregnant was stressing you out and the past week you had been dealing with a ravenous appetite while feeling so depressed you hadn’t wanted to consume anything. You were someone who appreciated a routine and consistency and pregnancy was depriving you of that.

“Feeling okay?” Larissa curled into your back, a hand finding its way to your hardening stomach. You were becoming a bit nervous at your size so early on. In your head, you had assumed you were about 8 weeks into the pregnancy and everything you had read suggested that the pregnancy wouldn’t really show until the second trimester. And just as easily as your anxiety had been building, the tears began to fall. You wiped your eyes with the bed sheet and pretended you were fine, but Larissa knew better.

“Talk to me.” She moved away from you, propping herself on her elbow, and tugging on your arm so you would lay on your back. You squeeze your eyes shut and try to blink away any tears before flipping onto your back, but Larissa can see the tears staining your face. The fragile state of your relationship was rearing its ugly head when Larissa felt her heart drop and began wondering what she had said to make you feel this way, “What’s wrong, darling?”

“I just- I think I need to see a doctor. I feel so far along and I don’t think that’s normal. I’m only eight weeks-“ You began gesturing with your hands, your tone growing more frustrated.

Your brow furrowed when you looked up to see Larissa smiling down at you. The smile was almost pained, like she knew something you didn’t, “Honey, you could be up to 11 weeks pregnant. I counted. The house warming party was at the end of May and it’s early-August now.”

You lurch up from the bed, knowing you are about to be sick. If you were that far along, then your first trimester would be coming to a close, leaving you with less than 30 weeks until you would be projected to have the baby. Your mind was reeling as you vomited into the toilet. Larissa was right behind you, holding your hair and pulling it into a rough ponytail. While you continued to relieve yourself of the contents of your stomach, Larissa began formulating a plan to settle your anxieties.

Larissa left you alone in the bathroom momentarily for her to grab her cell phone. When she returned, you were sitting on the bathroom floor with your eyes closed, hoping you were done for the day. She takes a seat on the bathroom floor behind you, allowing you to lean back into her embrace.

She proceeds to make a phone call while she holds you, “Hi, mother.”

“I’m good… I was wondering if you still knew that woman who is an OBGYN?”

“Fern and I still have a few days left in England and she is particularly nervous about the baby right now. Do you think you could-”

“Really?”

You become distracted by the sound of the hotel room door opening and Rowan walks in. A smile graces the vampire’s face when she sees the both of you together on the bathroom floor. Rowan pulls a finger to her lips, letting you know she plans to be quiet, before moving deeper into the hotel room. She had been coming and going infrequently since you and Larissa’s reunion. In all honesty, you hadn’t spoken to her so you had no idea where she was getting off to during those long stretches of time.

“Yes, just call me or text me what she says.”

“The baby is fine, mother. I think we are just looking for answers on how far along she is and-”

“Tell dad we will just ask when we meet with the OBGYN-”

“If, yes, if, mother. If we can meet with the OBGYN.”

“Yes, okay… I love you too.”

To your recollection, that was one of the longest and most pleasant calls you had ever heard between Larissa and her mother. When she placed her phone up on the bathroom counter, she placed her hands on your sides, “Are you ready to go back to bed for a bit?

—---

“Now don’t embarrass me.” Christine was gripping the steering wheel and her knuckles seemed to be turning white. She had been nervously chattering the entire drive to her old friend’s private practice outside of the city. Larissa’s mother had insisted on driving the both of you, mainly for the opportunity to prove her support for your relationship and spend time with Larissa. Her plans seemed to be failing when Larissa chose to sit in the back and had been silently staring out the window for a majority of the drive.

“You shouldn’t talk to yourself like that, Christine.” You crane your neck to look at her from the passenger seat, your tone was flat, reminding her of the critical nature of her own words. You face forward once more, unable to see the humored smile that crept onto Larissa’s lips.

“I just mean to say that I haven’t seen Dr. Feng since we went to Nevermore together and I…” Christine trailed off as she began remembering her own time at Nevermore and the complicated relationship she held with the siren. Larissa and you were none the wiser about the true depths of the relationship they had while attending Nevermore

You assume Christine’s vanity was getting the better of her as she wanted to portray that her family hadn’t recently imploded. You try to offer her words of reassurance, but the events of the past week almost made you sound sarcastic, “We will be one big, happy family… Don’t you worry.”

Driving outside of the city made you feel quite at home in a way. You enjoyed staring off into the fields of crops, silently identifying the grains and trees that lingered at the outskirts of the fields. You couldn’t help a happy little smile when Larissa reached through the small space on your right to tap at your side- all she wanted was for you to hold her hand. Though it was slightly uncomfortable, there you both sat, quietly holding each other as you prepared yourselves for news that would assuredly change your futures.

The placard in front of the building read:

C. Feng, MD. Obstetrician-gynecologist

The office was technically closed, but Dr. Feng was more than happy to stay late in order to see Christine once again. You found the tension between the two to be palpable, but Larissa only seemed to be focused on you as she whispered quiet reassurances and kept a hand on your arm or back at all times. As to be expected of a siren, Dr. Cirilacia Feng was extremely beautiful, but her devil-may-care bedside manner put you at ease when she guided Larissa and you into a small room for an ultrasound. Christine opted to stay outside to avoid seeing any part of your potentially naked body. You took a seat on the examination table with Larissa nervously shifting back and forth at your side.

“Please sit.” Dr. Feng gestured to the open chair, but Larissa shook her head insisting that she would be more comfortable standing near you. You reach up and take Larissa’s hand, hoping to calm her nerves. From the drive over here, your nerves seemed to be settling while Larissa’s nerves climbed. You always did find a way to balance one another out.

“Alright… Now, we are going to speed up the process a little bit today. I’m going to forego some of the normal questions and procedures just to let you guys get a look at the baby.” Dr. Feng went to work setting up her equipment whilst she instructed you where to sit and what to do, “Fern, I would like you to sit back more on the table, get nice and comfortable, then, please lift your shirt nice and high for me…”

You silently went to work, pushing yourself back so you laid against the backrest and lifted your shirt so the fabric was bunched up right below your breasts. Larissa unintentionally was squeezing your hand a little too tightly, anxious to receive more answers about your child.

Dr. Feng kept speaking, even while you and Larissa were quiet from the nerves, “Now the gel is a little cold and we will try to keep it off your shirt, but accidents happen sometimes… What I’m going to do is move this little wand around and through the magic of science, we should get a funky little image of your uterus and developing babies on the screen.”

You were at a loss for what was happening on the staticy screen. You tried convincing your brain into seeing something, but you had no experience or skill in detecting the outline of your baby. This was until Dr. Feng’s guiding hand pointed to the screen, “You can see all of your reproductive organs. Here is your uterus and ovaries… and there… right there is baby #1… and there is baby #2. Twins. Congratulations!”

“Twins?” Larissa and you enquired at the same time. Both of your eyes were glued to the monitor, trying to rationalize the words the doctor had spoken. Your mind was reeling. One baby, sure, but two? You were beginning to question your personal capabilities in handling the parenting of two children.

“Yes. If you would like, I could do a transvaginal ultrasound and we could figure out a rough due date for them?”

—---

While you remained silent on the drive back, Christine and Larissa seemed to be buzzing with excitement, bonding over the shopping that needed to be done. Christine dropped you both off at the hotel and Larissa had an air of protective nervousness around her. She kept insisting you should go upstairs and rest, while you were interested in getting out of the hotel for once.

In the end, you didn’t find it something to be worth arguing over so you let her lead you back up to the hotel room. Rowan was upstairs waiting for you. Larissa texted her the news during the drive back. Ro was jittering with excitement, “Not one little hybrid outcast, but two? This is going to be amazing! When are they due?”

“February. Valentine’s day-ish.” You responded quickly, but couldn’t help but pout when Larissa tucked you into bed, her lips pressed to your forehead, almost sealing the deal that you were going to stay there and rest until you went out for a late dinner.

Rowan was gently spinning herself back and forth in a swivel chair, her tone turning nervous, the pacing of her words cautious, “So when are you planning on getting back home?”

Both you and Larissa exchanged looks before turning back to Rowan, providing her with a ‘what have you done look’. She immediately became defensive, trying to explain away her question, but she only seemed to be digging a deeper hole, “Nothing is wrong. I just got a call from the person who is watching the forest and it seems like there are some strange occurrences where the Council of 12 Cedars is. There was some dieback in the forest, but now things are grown again. M-My friend was just concerned about the fluctuations in the health of the forest, so I was just-”

“What kind of dieback? Do you have pictures?” You attempted to get up from bed, but Larissa’s hand against your chest kept you resting against the headboard.

“I’m sure everything is fine. Right, Rowan?” Larissa’s tone was threatening, causing Rowan’s eyes to widen.

“Yes. She told me that things are beginning to grow back. I’m sure we can go take a look when you get home.” Rowan tried recovering, but what was said was said. You were regretful of so many things at this moment and they all seemed to just be piling up.

Link to Chapter 21

[rainbowxocs]

FIREBIRD CHARACTER REF

Name: Firebird

Alt Names: Sasha Mayfleet

 Age: 26

Pronouns: She/Her

Sexuality: Bi?Demi?

Gender: Female

Species: Human(mutant?)

Disorders: ADHD, ODD

Job: Babysitter

Lives in: Smithsberg Oregon

 Languages: English, French

Height: 5’8

Color of Eyes: Amber

The color of Hair: Light brown, blond highlights

Hobbies: Music, Fire spinning, Arson, Parkour, Fencing

Fears: Does not trust anyone outside her core group, losing control, totally insecure and mistrusting of the world.

Assumed external perception: Most people consider her very capable and responsible, as well as kind and understanding.

Self-Confidence: Sky-high

Race: Caucasian

Accent: California Accent

RELATIONSHIPS:

Fox -Dating

Serenity – Friends

Mouse -Friends

Axum – were friends

Todd -Acquaintances

Vagabond- Dating

Mamma Dragon- Adoptive mother

Vehicle: Dirtbike/a repainted Schoolbus

Powers: Pyrokinesis

Weapons: Dagger, Meteor hammer (Flaming), Matches, Fire

Alignment: Neutral Good

Text Color: RED

 Main Animal: Phoenix

 Favorite Food: S’mores

Favorite Flower:  Red Celosia

Scent: Flame and Ash

Awareness: none

Birthday: March 18

Theme: Firebird’s Child by SJ Tucker

 Special Interests: Fire, Music

Fashion Board:

 Comfort Objects: Her Father’s deerskin drum, her mother’s old long Red Trenchcoat which she wears everywhere. Both have been fireproofed

Brief Personality: Firebird is a feisty confident young woman who has a moral compass that can be boiled down to “Don’t hurt kids and don’t let anyone else hurt kids” and “Murder is fine if they were hurting the people I care about.” Most people see her as a one-dimensional cheerleader/babysitter type. If you piss her off you get the “Demon sent from hell to get you specifically perspective. Due to childhood trauma she hates adults but she's recently agreed to get a therapist and might start trusting that specific adult in the next year or so. (This woman is 26)

Brief Backstory: After a burglary gone wrong, a 5 year old Sasha’s parents are killed. In a panic the young girl burns down the house, hiding in the bathtub with her mother’s coat and father’s Drum as the house burns around her. The Burglars died in the fire, but she ‘miraculously’ survived. Naturally she is immediately dumped into the American foster system and is soon labeled a problem child but also a jinx: when she’s placed in abusive homes they tend to burn down but it’s really hard to pin the six year old with no access to flammable materials as the one who keeps committing arson so it’s usually pointed at unsafe wiring.

 When she’s about 8 she imprints on an older kid who is involved in some serious gang activity. Said older kid figures out her fire abilities and she is for a short time trained as a weapon by the gang. Something goes sideways, four city blocks burn down, and Sasha is picked up by a government agency tasked with suppressing these newfound mutants so things don’t go out of hand.

While in the facility she starts taking a disliking to the name Sasha and preferring the Name Firebird. Nobody really knows where that name came from, maybe it was her parents, or a foster home that gave it to her. Maybe she made it up one day. She gives a different answer anytime you ask and no one will ever know but her. (When I went to neverland peter pan called me Firebird. Once I jumped over a bonfire and the name stuck. My red jacket flares out like wings when I ride my bike fast. Etc,) She also begins to hate adults in general as they have never done anything good for her or anyone else (so she believes.)

Firebird Befriends another child named Axum and they make their escape around the time she turns 10 years old. Firebird causes so many problems for so many people and discovers that bullets have a melting point. She can no longer be contained or controlled. She makes a bunch of friends in her year (10-11) on the street, including finding a young girl who has no real name, except the moniker Mouse, and a dozen kids and teens in various states of homelessness. She also pisses off a lot of adults who keep trying to human traffic the defenseless street kids only to find their best guys burnt up.

  Exactly a year later, on the other side of the country, Firebird appears in a locked sheriff’s office in Maine. She is shuffled through the foster system, makes a few more friends, then is shipped back to Oregon, and fostered by a few families before being adopted by Miss Trudy, or as Firebird immediately renames her; “Mamma Dragon”.  She also establishes her friendship with Fox and Vagabond, the three of them becoming very close and very capable young women.

   Nowadays Firebird runs a babysitting and daycare company, the HQ of which is an old hotel retrofitted to be one of the coolest community centers of all time, with space for kids and teens and designated art, music, and study rooms as well as a floor that’s been remade into a lasertag arena. This is what happens when you let 18 year olds design a kid and teen friendly space.  Once a year Firebird and her crew will head out on a roadtrip around the states to give the various bounty hunters and pissed off government agents with chips on their shoulders a shot to come for their heads- and then promptly get reminded why they stopped bugging her when she turned 15 and learned what “Proper fighting form” and “Control” were.

[dracarialove]

📄 F it, I'm posting my finished fics here, too 📄

*Check the 'rouge's heart' tag if you haven't read previous chapters

[Chapter 8: Relaxation]

Rouge and Shadow kept in touch for a few weeks after their night at the club. Their feelings for each other grew over texts and phone calls; the bat accepted that she would just be waiting until he was ready to ask her for a commitment, and the hedgehog wrestled with his own pessimism regarding their potential relationship. Shadow laid awake some nights, his conscience jumping back and forth between giving it a shot and worrying that she may still not be over Knuckles.

Not knowing where Rouge's thoughts and feelings truly lay made him anxious, the reserved man hesitant to ask her outright. He continued looking for new work, though nothing was panning out, as he didn't do very well during interviews. The repeated failures began to wear down the hedgehog.

Meanwhile, the treasure hunter used her time being single to work through the broken engagement the way Shadow had suggested. She first ran through the good memories in her mind, mourning each one and crying when she needed to – though, she found it was much easier to keep her eyes dry this time around. Then, she went through the bad memories, mentally pinpointing what made them bad and which ones stemmed from something she could've controlled.

In the process of uncovering her own flaws, Rouge also began to associate Knuckles' face with how the bad memories made her feel. The method caused her feeling of sorrow towards him to steadily evaporate, being replaced with a sense of confidence that she deserved better.

At the tail end of those three weeks, after Shadow had been denied another job opportunity, he called Rouge in a stressed state. Sitting at the dining room table of his apartment, he ran his fingers through his dark quills while letting out an exhausted sigh. The charming woman's voice on the other end of the line was like an angel whispering to him that everything would be alright.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Rouge," he started, trying not to sound defeated. "How are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm fine," she responded casually. Shadow could hear the smile in her tone. "And yourself?"

He almost instinctively replied that he was also fine, something he'd been doing with many strangers multiple times a week. But he caught himself, instead telling her the truth. "Not that well. I still haven't found a new job."

Then he heard the smile drop from her voice, relieved that she wouldn't instantly try to hype him up. "I'm sorry to hear that... are you holding up okay?"

The hedgehog paused, staring at the ring-like patterns on his wooden table. "Not as well as I normally do. Truthfully, it's probably the first time in my life that the stress of searching is starting to get to me."

There was a pause from her side, Shadow assuming she was thinking. So far, the only time she seemed to not have an immediate reply was when she was contemplating something, and he was content to wait for an inevitable bright idea from the clever lady.

"I know," she finally uttered, her tone lifting again. He smirked as she did exactly what he'd anticipated. "Let's go to the beach – just you and me. Some surf and sun might put you in a better mood."

"Sure," was his unhesitant response. "As soon as possible?"

Rouge's perky tone heightened. "Absolutely. It's supposed to be clear and sunny tomorrow. Is that soon enough?"

The hedgehog chuckled, his smile becoming more genuine. "Yeah, that works."

"Great! Come by around noon and we'll go together."

"Alright – see you then."

The bat said goodbye just before they hung up, Shadow then standing from the table and pacing a bit around his living room. Staring down at the plain black cell phone in his hand, he couldn't stop himself from feeling a tinge of excitement tugging at his heart. It was unusual after the aloofness he'd become accustomed to over years of living alone.

Befriending Rouge was the first step to finally opening up to someone; she made it feel surprisingly effortless, like she was genuinely on his side and cared about his well-being. The new, positive emotion remained while he rested on the couch and filled his evening with television.

***

The next day, Shadow drove his motorcycle to Rouge's house, for once appreciating the sunlight as he never had before. The bag of beach supplies he'd packed thumped against his back with every bump in the road. When he arrived, the hedgehog rang the doorbell and stood with one fist against his hip, gazing around her front lawn at the tiny violets sprinkling lush green grass.

The bat answered a moment later, wearing a flowy white sundress with a sunflower pattern lining the skirt. He was less shy about admiring her outfit, realizing that she would want to be complimented on her fashion choices.

"You look great," he said, walking in as she stepped aside.

Rouge smiled while closing the door behind him. "Thanks. I've got to pack a couple more things and I'll be ready to go."

He watched silently as the treasure hunter trotted a few feet towards her staircase, the dress bouncing around her thighs. She pushed off the ground and flew the rest of the way up the stairs, disappearing from Shadow's line of sight, and he slowly meandered around her living room to soak in Rouge's preferred aesthetic. Sleek white and silver were the main color scheme of her walls, furniture, and floors; splashes of color accenting designer pieces to complement the framed art on her walls.

The eager woman floated back down the stairs, a sky blue bag hanging off her shoulder and brown sandals on her feet. "I'm ready! Hope you don't mind me driving."

"Not at all," replied Shadow, turning to meet her at the door.

Walking towards the driveway, she reached out to him and said, "I can store your bag."

He handed it over and she strolled towards the back of her vehicle, using the button on her key to unlock it. The sun reflected off the pure white exterior of Rouge's car, gleaming bright enough to make the hedgehog raise his hand over his eyes.

The young woman seemed not to notice him walking over to the driver's side as she stuffed their bags into the trunk. When she looked back up, pushing the trunk closed, she saw the gentleman opening the door for her – a coy blush crossed the bat's cheeks and she thanked him before climbing in.

The ride to the beach was serene, an expansive blue sky stretching out above the city while upbeat music played from the radio. It wasn't the kind of tunes Shadow would've been playing had he taken control of the stereo, but he was feeling more open-minded towards interests other than his own.

It wasn't so bad, all things considered – not as heavy or serious as the genres he typically enjoyed, but rather carrying an optimistic tone that admittedly fit better with their plans. Rouge tapped her fingers on the steering wheel as they listened. The quiet hedgehog tired of gazing out the window, looking over at his friend and cracking another smile at how happy she seemed.

The sunshine ahead of them enhanced the glow on her glossy lips, tanned skin contrasting beautifully with her snowy white hair. She caught him staring, and flashed a tantalizing grin before returning her turquoise eyes to the road.

It wasn't long before they made it to the beach, Rouge parking in a convenient spot with a view of the shore. She opened her door before Shadow had a chance to do so for her, but he concerned himself more with getting their bags out of the trunk.

The hedgehog immediately put on his sunglasses, then threw both packs over his shoulders and walked with Rouge towards the sand; he noted that she was eyeing his figure, the woman either unsure or uncaring of his awareness behind the dark shades.

After walking along the border of grass and sand for a moment, the jewel hunter pointed at a smooth patch of turf jutting farther out than the rest. "That looks like a good place to rest our things."

Shadow agreed, letting her grab a blanket from her bag and setting the supplies down on the grassy patch. A light gust rushed by just as Rouge whipped up the blanket to spread it out, the pastel sundress pressing against the back of her thighs and flowing in front of her – it was a short moment of beauty that Shadow was glad to have seen, admiring the thin line of illumination around her silhouette.

He looked away quickly, not wanting to be caught staring again, and checked the grass around them for garbage or ant hills. Once the blanket was flat on the ground, he joined the bat and sat with her a while; she kicked off her sandals and leaned back to support her weight on outstretched arms. The pair looked out at the sea, relatively alone save for a family playing along another side of the beach.

"I love it out here," Rouge said, breaking the silence. "Especially during the week, there's hardly anyone around."

"It's quiet," remarked Shadow, throwing one arm over his bent knee. "I've never known such a bright place to be so still."

It was the treasure hunter's turn to look over at him, noting the way he stared out at the horizon through dim lenses and under lowered lids. His dark aesthetic looked a bit out of place among the light blues, yellows, and greens of the beachy area; but he gave off a slightly different vibe than at the night club.

It was more relaxed, more comfortable, and Rouge enjoyed seeing a new demeanor from the gloomy hedgehog she'd met at the coffee shop. Starting to feel the heat of the blazing sun, she repositioned to grab the bottom of her dress, pulling it up over her head and revealing her swimsuit.

The bat was wearing a one-piece colored the same faded purple as her everyday bodysuit, the chest forming a heart over her bust as one side of the thick fabric crossed over the other. She didn't notice him covertly eyeing her as she shifted to sit closer while making her next move.

"You know, I could take you out to do things more often. I don't know how familiar you are with the city, but I know pretty much every place that's worth visiting."

He turned, his head cocking forward slightly in a natural gesture that radiated coolness. The bat continued, "I could show you around, introduce you to new experiences..."

Trailing off, she shrugged in a questioning fashion. For a moment, his expression didn't change, leading her to believe he would decline the offer. But instead, he replied, "It would probably serve me well to get out more often. I'd have no reason to go on my own, but... you make things more enjoyable."

Her cheeks flushed, Rouge overcome with esteem and feeling valued from being spoken of so respectfully. Unfortunately, the moment didn't last long, the jewel thief suddenly hearing her name being called from the parking lot. Her heart leapt in her chest, gleaming eyes darting past Shadow to pinpoint the voice.

In the distance, she spotted a blue figure quickly swaggering towards them, one white glove raised high and waving. The woman nearly jumped up, subtle panic on her face as she sped towards him; Shadow turned to watch with a bewildered expression.

Rouge met the approaching hedgehog halfway, both of them standing in the grass. "Sonic, how nice to see you! What brings you here?"

He shrugged, both hands on his hips. "Was just running by and saw your car. Figured I'd say hi! It's been a while, huh?"

"Yeah, it has been," replied the bat, clenching one palm around her arm nervously. "Did Knuckles tell you...?"

"That you guys broke up?" His lip pulled into a slight sympathetic frown. "Yeah... sorry to hear. Not much to say, I guess – he's always been a knucklehead."

She let out a chuckling exhale as the corner of her own lip curled. "You're right about that."

"Who's your friend?" Sonic asked, motioning with an upward nod towards Shadow.

Rouge sighed, crossing her arms as her eyebrows stressed together. "Someone I met the night I dumped Knuckles. I've been trying to make new friends since the breakup."

"Well, Rouge, you still have me!" the spunky young man blurted, his arms spreading to his sides. "Just because you're not with him doesn't mean we can't be friends!"

At that point, Shadow decided to stand up, approaching the pair to decipher the reason for Sonic's energetic gestures. Meanwhile, Rouge explained, "It wouldn't have felt right, you're too close with him. Besides, it's not like we know each other that well."

"How could you say that?" the blue hedgehog asked, raising one hand to his heart and feigning hurt. "We've known each other for a long time! I helped you find the perfect place for your wedding, didn't I?"

Rouge rolled her eyes while Shadow finally reached them and gained Sonic's attention.

The blue blur grinned and shoved his open hand toward Shadow, who leaned back. "Hey there, friend-of-Rouge! Nice to meet you, I'm Sonic."

"An acquaintance of yours?" the dark hedgehog asked Rouge, rejecting Sonic's handshake.

She nodded, but the beginning of her attempted sentence was interrupted by the speedster. "Hey, you look familiar, actually. I think I know you from somewhere."

Shadow looked back to Sonic, his expression unflinchingly dull. "Most likely from the coffee shop where I used to work."

"Oh, that's right!" One palm clonked against the side of his head, his eyes rolling upward in an exaggerated motion. The grin remained as he pointed at Shadow. "You were the sour barista!"

"And you were the obnoxious one who asked if we had chilidogs and then didn't buy anything," the monotone man replied, his eyes narrowing a bit behind his sunglasses.

"Such is life, my friend. Say-"

Rouge then cut him off, stepping forward to obtain his gaze. "Sonic, listen – we were really just trying to have a relaxing afternoon on the beach. It was nice to see you again, but I think we'd like to get back to that."

She looked to Shadow for confirmation, who gave her a nod. She continued, "I'll stay in touch. But, if you could, don't talk to Knuckles about any of this. He caused trouble before and I just don't want any more of that."

Sonic nodded. "Yeah, no problem. Won't run my mouth on this one."

He started to back away from them, casually swinging his arms as he moved. "And hey, don't forget about the rest of us when you move on from Knuckles."

Before she could respond, the blue hedgehog sped away, dust kicking up into the air as a strong breeze blew past. Rouge looked at Shadow, crossing her arms behind her back and anxiously fidgeting with her pinky finger.

"Sorry about that... I had no idea he would show up here, of all places," she said. "We were friends when I was with my ex."

Shadow turned towards the shore, taking the bat's hand in his and leading her. "Let's not talk about that now. It's not what we came for, right?"

She eased up, a heartfelt smile creeping across her muzzle. "Right."

They walked into the water together, clear blue waves sinking away to then rush forth over Rouge's feet. The hedgehog was more concerned with his company's enjoyment, not finding much comfort in the cool sea but liking the soft smile on her face.

They stood for a while in thigh-deep saltwater, the treasure hunter running her hands along the surface while Shadow ignored the tiny fish brushing against his legs. He got a bit bored, just gazing around, leaving himself vulnerable to a sudden splash from the mischievous woman.

"Gotcha," Rouge chuckled when he turned to her with a surprised expression.

The innocence of her teasing brought an involuntary smile to his face as Shadow flashed her a playfully vengeful look. He splashed her back, more forcefully and causing her to let out a giggly exclamation. When she moved to retaliate, the bat took a step toward him and her leg waded into a bushel of seaweed; the spindly plant instantly tangled around her calf, the momentum sending her toppling further than she intended. The hedgehog was quick to catch her, but his loose footing slipped forward and made him fall on his behind.

The relatively shallow pool of water splashed around them as they both crashed to the wet sandy ground. Rouge was mortified, her cheeks red with embarrassment from tripping so awkwardly; Shadow was simply stunned by the fall, his hands pressed against her shoulders in an attempt to prevent her from hitting the water.

When she managed to prop herself up on outstretched arms, the bat's gaze ran up to his. His glasses were askew, one side laying higher than the other and leaving a single eye unshielded. He took them off once she was stable, the lenses dripping with water droplets, and they shared a long moment of starry-eyed staring.

A faint voice nagged in Rouge's ear, 'Kiss him.'

[5ammi90]

Episode 8

Oh crap. Victor is freaking and Isa is freaking and Benji is worried that Victor is gonna lose it. Of course her biggest concern is Adrian finding out Victor is gay. Oh shit Benji. I mean he kinda has a point but not the right moment Benji. Oh great Adrian is awake. Oh shit Benji just yelled boyfriend. Crap. Victor do not let Isa kick him out. Please. Fight for him. That signed the end of the relationship so quickly I got whiplash.

Yeah no Victor. Benji is not gonna want to talk to you for a while.

Oh my god. They were freaking out over nothing Adrian is completely fine. You are all idiots. Victor go apologise to Benji now. Thanks Adrian but he has fucked it up. Yeah if he forgives you.

Morning Felix and Pilar. Did you enjoy family feud. Go see your mum Felix. It will help.

Oh great Harold wants to take a job in Stanford which means moving to Stanford. Wait Mia. You’re okay with the idea of moving. Leaving Lake and Andrew and everything.

Oh no. The first time after the incident and it’s at work. Victor proceed with caution. Oh no. It’s not disgusting (okay maybe a little) but mostly it’s weird, it’s embarrassing for all parties and it’s gonna be awkward as hell and no eye contact for a while but the response isn’t usually pure disgust.

If Victor brings up the fact that Benji’s parents are supportive one more time I’m gonna kill him. They are supportive now. You have no idea what they were like when he first came out. You have no idea how they treated him. Also don’t bring race into this.

Nice work Victor.

Pilar, you have hearts in your eyes. Go away Rahim, I don’t like you. He likes you as a friend. I’m sorry Pilar. Rahim, please stop setting her up for heartbreak. They seem to have that romantic connection, just friendship.

Victor, Benji has disappeared and you should maybe text Simon. Nice work Felix. Damn Mia. This is not a good day. For any couple or ex couple at the moment. Oh straight to voicemail. Are you kidding me, you phone him and tell him about Mia moving. Victor come on. Great Rahim is here. Yay. Leave Victor, or tell Rahim everything. No freak, be worried. You need to talk to him.

HE’S TELLING RAHIM ABOUT BENJI’S DRINKING. ARE YOU SERIOUS?!???? WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS A GOOD IDEA?!?!?

Victor what the fuck. You don’t know this guy, Benji doesn’t know him at all. Benji never wanted you to know, I don’t think he would like anyone at school to know especially the guy your mum tolerates more than him and you. Are you stupid?!?! That is a very nice picture of them.

Adrian is going to fix his mum. Thank you Isa. Although I hate the fact that it was because Adrian is upset and not the fact that she supports Victor.

Lake and Andrew are freaking about Mia and I don’t care. Moving on.

Oh fuck. Benji called his sponsor and Victor just saw them hugging so he’s gonna assume the worst. Great. Trainwreck please. Trainwreck avoided. Thank fuck. Please no more trainwreck.

Lake. Woah no. Don’t do this. You can’t do this. I get that you don’t want her to move but you can’t ruin a man’s life like this. Of course he loves you stupid. Mia what game are you playing.

Glad your mum is doing better Felix. Oh god, that almost ended badly. Don’t do that.

Mum did what. Mia what the hell. What did she want. That explains why you’ve been the way you have. Wait what’s just happened. That was a shift. Yay Harold. That was easy. You could have had this conversation the first time be mentioned Stanford.

Isa is gonna kill Father Lawrence. It is that simple. Start by apologising to Victor, please. Then apologise to Benji and then we can start to move on.

Harold, what the fuck. You said you were gonna put Mia first. Should have known better but I trusted you.

Victor no. First sensible thing he said. No Benji he wasn’t worried about you drinking he was worried you were gonna be hurt or not come back. Oh shit nevermind he was worried about that. Dang it Victor. Oh no. Oh no. Rahim, no. Please no. Fuck.

Trainwreck incoming.

Fuck.

Nice work Victor.

Although Benji is kinda right. You broke his trust but you guys haven’t been communicating properly and this was inevitable. Benji, stop holding back in this relationship. You say you trust Victor (before this happened) but you never say if you’re struggling. You always say you’re fine and then it builds and builds until eventually you break. Some space is probably good for you guys and then you can come back and talk to each other.

[solarsonicsoda]

Rebbie's Wrestling Reviews - Shows Reviews

WWE Elimination Chamber 2024: Perth

WWE’s first ever Australian PPV is Elimination Chamber: Perth, the home country of stars such as Grayson Waller, Indi Hartwell, and of course, Rhea Ripley. WWE are on the road to Wrestlemania 40, and the product is getting good reviews. However, the company is rightfully suffering as a result of the recent allegations against Vince McMahon, others within the company, and the set-up itself. There are much better places to educate you than here, I will try and link a thread here if you are unaware. The responses have been varied in terms of appropriateness, and how deeply intrenched these issues are in the company are being more and more revealed by the day. It’s a horrible situation. I’m reviewing these shows purely from a wrestling point of view, and only doing so out of respect for the wrestlers. This isn't a company I can truly endorse right now, not that many companies in life are. But I’m going to analyse the show for the wrestlers sake, so let's go to the pre-show.

Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) def. The Way (Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell) for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships in 8:55

This match was pretty short, and not particularly exciting. I wouldn’t say it was bad, because all of these women are beyond-competent wrestlers, but it just wasn't the most wildly unique match. Candice is isolated nicely by the Kabuki Warriors until hometown hero Indi Hartwell can get the hot tag. It was a bit flat for me at home but the crowd enjoyed it. Things are going well for The Way until Kairi stops a rope-walk move, and Candice takes an awesome bump that was a real highlight of this one! Here comes the finish though as the Kabuki Warriors hit the reverse DDT In-Sane Elbow combo that I missed the name of, and that's all she wrote. Just fine this one, and would have liked a bit more speed, grit, and length: all of which I know these women could give if given the time. 

2.5 STARS OUT OF 5

A few points as we head to the main show. First, I hate the change to these logo-based titantrons over the classic showcase-style ones from back in the day. It’s everywhere that does videos, but I must say, WWE’s are easily the worst. They look so lifeless, so much empty space, and sometimes the text just bounces for no reason? Brock’s one was the worst back in the day. Fuck that guy, btw. Secondly, Cole introduces Perth telling us about how it once had a different name and was inhabited by the indigenous people, before being renamed Perth… I don't think that's the fun harmless tidbit you think it is!

Becky Lynch def. Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, & Bianca Belair in an Elimination Chamber Match for the No. 1 Contendership for the WWE Women’s World Championship in 32:15

In the build-up to this one, Michael Cole twice says “Liv Morgan has renamed this the Elimination Chamber”. This was very funny. I can only assume he tried to say “E-Liv-imation Chamber”. This one started slow but got better with every entrant. Tiffany Stratton came in to a great ovation and brought so much energy, joining Becky and Naomi. Liv brought even more energy. Naomi and Stratton did a fun rolling spot where Naomi used the structure to her advantage. Naomi hits a blockbuster on Liv off of a chamber pod, but Stratton stacks her up after for a three-count. Why she doesn't pin Liv too I don't know. Raquel adds power, swinging Stratton and Liv into the wall. Bianca comes in and brings her brilliance too. We get a Belair/Raquel stand-off, we get an awesome suplex counter from Belair using the wall to turn it into a slingshot tornado DDT. Liv comes off a pod to a senton to Raquel on the top turnbuckle, that’s mental. Flip senton from Stratton off the pod does some damage, but she is hit with a top rope Ob-Liv-ion to be eliminated. MVP. We get a wicked powerbomb into the ring from Raquel to Bianca. Rodriguez is in top, hitting a double powerbomb on Becky and Liv, but Bianca comes in with a big KOD to eliminate Raquel. The only three reasonable winners remain. Bit of a contrived pod spot to Bianca from Liv as the action spills outside. Liv counters a KOD and then a Manhandle Slam, the latter with a Codebreaker, which was sick. She attempts the Ob-Liv-ion but Becky avoids it, then flips out of a KOD. Liv rolls up Bianca for an elimination, but walks into a Manhandle Slam for Becky to win.

This one started quite slow but really ramped up and won me over. It was a spotfest for the majority, but who doesn't like a bit of a spotfest in these special stipulations. Bianca, Liv and Tiffany brought so much to this match and I loved that. Tiffany especially was an MVP, and I’d maybe book her to win the Money in the Bank briefcase this year. Good stuff.

3.5 STARS OUT OF 5

Judgment Day (Damien Priest & Finn Balor w/ Dominik Mysterio) def. New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne) for the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championships in 17:45

Why do they say New Catch Republic like that in their music? That makes this name so much worse. Anyway, this was a pretty cool match. Love seeing Bate & Dunne back together, and against good opponents. Lots of cool double team action from them, and Dominik got some mad heat here. The Birminghammer is one of the best move names I’ve ever heard. This was definitely a showcase for NCR but the finish, as a result, comes out of nowhere, with a double chokeslam/Coup de Grace giving Judgment Day the win. Fun match though!

3.5 STARS OUT OF 5

We have The Grayson Waller Effect with guests Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Austin Theory goes for some random heat on Australia then just stands there. Waller does a shoey, then sucks up to The Bloodline. Rollins says he’ll be cleared soon. Cody says he wants Rock one-on-one and Rollins backs him up. Theory gets on the mic and does bad Rock impressions to get mad at Cody. Seth eggs him on so he can throw him around, then Cody Cutter, then a Rollins Stomp. Waller lets this happen because even he doesn't really like Theory. Well that was extremely exciting, but admittedly you had to have 3 of these four on the show somewhere. 

Drew McIntyre def. LA Knight, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton, & Logan Paul in an Elimination Chamber for the No. 1 Contendership to the World Heavyweight Championship in 36:53

Knight and McIntyre start before Owens joins. Cool codebreaker/senton from Owens to both men. Also McIntyre did this ridiculous crossbody to Owens and Knight from the middle rope. Lashley joins and does his thing. Orton is number five and does his thing too. Logan enters and Owens is waiting for him. Lashley eventually sends Owens and Paul through the pods. That was pretty gnarly! A pair of Claymores with a random LA Knight attack in the middle eliminates Lashley. Knight hits a jump-up superplex on Drew, then BFTs to Drew and Orton. But Styles then attacks Knight with a chair and a Styles Clash on the chair! Sadly looks like Knight isn't taking the US Title at Mania… Drew pins Knight. Owens takes on the lot of them until a nasty knees-up counter from Drew to a Swanton. KO pop-ups Drew and stunners Paul, but ends up taking an RKO to be eliminated. Paul hits a big crossbody onto Drew from the top of the pod! We get a close-up of Paul preparing his brass knuckles, but RKO OUT OF NOWHERE! Randy pins Paul. I’ve enjoyed the seriousness to win this one, but I’d also love more spots. Orton is super injured, and Drew stands over him, but RKO! BUT THEN PAUL HITS ORTON WITH THE BRASS KNUCKLES! Drew drapes and arm over and wins.

It was pretty good, good intensity, but I don't know, it didn't fully click with me. Drew is the right winner and it's pretty obvious. 

3 STARS OUT OF 5

Rhea Ripley def. Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s World Championship in 14:25

Who could ever win this one? Really not too much interesting to this one. Ripley is over, Rhea is cool, Jax is not really very good. Ripley had to main event but I wish she had a more technically sound opponent. There's an awkward elbow drop through the announce table after a Samoan Drop leaves Rhea on it. Jax stands precariously on a chair and gets no air. There was also a “My hole” chant, and I thought that was funny even if that joke was unfunny within a day of happening the first time. Cool superplex tees Ripley up for the win with a Riptide. It was nice seeing Rhea celebrate with her family, she is very cool. Match wasn't though, but is salvaged by the framing and moment of it all.

2 STARS OUT OF 5

Overall, I thought this show was decent. The way WWE lay out their PPVs is completely ridiculous, as it took 4 hours to watch this show live, with so much nothing. However, the matches were mainly good, but nothing truly great. The Women's Elimination Chamber was certainly the highlight, with the slog of a main event only being helped by the moment of Rhea Ripley in front of her home country crowd. Still, four matches on the main card is ridiculous even with the longer chamber matches, so this show also has that working against it. I'm settling on 3 stars out of 5 for this one.

[aubins]

BETTER WATCH YOURSELF — YOU MIGHT LOSE A LIMB ... OR YOUR LIFE.　closed & affiliated roleplay for yuri leclerc from fire emblem: three houses. ashen wolves affiliated student. beloved by qiu / darcy, eighteen, they/he, gmt+8.

mobile nav　: 　 dossier,　stats,　supports,　writer,　plotting.

NOTES,

01.　as per toa rules, yuri is taken pre-timeskip and is a member of the ashen wolves house. i consider cindered shadows non-canon in the sense that its events have not happened, but everything leading up to it has. yuri was expelled from the officers academy for murder and works under lady rhea to spy on aelfric. this is subject to change should we get either character in the group.

02.　i write yuri with they / he pronouns with a preference for the former and kindly ask that you do the same. masculine / feminine / gender-neutral terms in reference to them are all fine. they also adopt their three hopes appearance in lieu of their pre-timeskip one to reflect the passing of time in toaverse.

04.　with the exception of the canon ashen wolves, who i assume to have gone up to b support with yuri by default, i consider all of their in-game supports to have not happened unless previously discussed.

05.　i format all my posts with small text. i do my best to check, but if it slips my mind, please let me know if you need me to refrain or otherwise require me to adapt for any other accessibility purposes.

06.　unprompted asks are totally fine! i will always consider romantic ask memes as aus by default unless previously discussed. otherwise, i'm happy to leave the canonicity of ask memes responses up to the sender's discretion.

07.　on shipping, i i tend to prioritize ooc trust & chemistry a lot more when it comes to shipping just for my own personal comfort. generally, it's not my biggest priority and shipping with yuri is bound to be a slow burn anyhow. that's not to say i'm not open to it, though!

ANYWAY, HELLO! i'm darcy or qiu & i use they/he pronouns. i'm a full-time university student so i ask for a bit of grace from my thread partners as my response time tends to be very variable as a result. i am also unfortunately plagued with anxiety so i'm not super chatty ooc in the server, but do feel free to reach out for whatever reason! i look forward to writing with you!

[starriwonderland]

How the Twst Characters Would Drive a Car Pt. 1

Part 2 | Part 3

Characters: Heartslaybul and Savanaclaw

Genre: Crack headcanons

Warnings: None

This was a random idea that just popped into my head.

• Can he even reach the pedals?

• Riddle is definitely the type of person that strictly adheres to the laws of the road no question about it.

• If you're riding with him you'll follow them too "Wear your seatbelt y/n, don't distract the driver, no eating in the car..." Yeah stuff like that.

• Doesn't road rage but he will turn as red as his hair if someone cut him off.

• 8/10 recommend, he's a good driver but boring

• Ace is a decent driver...I just can't help but feel he'd make everyone late though

• Maybe some sort of unlucky streak or the fact he's always trying to show off so he gets distracted.

• Sometimes he wants to go above the speed limit but he isn't stupid.

• I believe his older brother taught him how to drive.

• 5/10 recommend, it's fine if you wanna be late to class.

• Look he's trying okay?

• Tries to obey all the laws but one time he forgot to turn on his indicator and Riddle got mad.

• Has to fight the urge to road rage.

• 7/10 recommend, A for effort guys.

• No doubt Cater is the type to text and drive.

• You guys almost crashed, Riddle come take his phone-

• Probably video recording for a magicam vlog

• 4/10 recommend, stay of your phone Cater 😭

• Trey is a responsible driver, I bet he even drove his siblings to school if he had to.

• Will follow the law, even if he doesn't always like it.

• His car probably always smells like whatever treats he delivered in them, but it's clean

• 12/10 recommend gets you where you're going and a pleasant driver!

• Bold of you to assume he drives

• This lazy lion isn't taking you anywhere any time soon

• He'd rather sleep and he's not driving drowsy

• Just throws money at you to get a cab

• 4/10 recommend, he just wants to sleep 😔

• Good driver, but is not taxi-ing the first years around unless it's necessary or driving late at night

• Keeps his car clean

• Obeys the rules of the road

• Always gets you to places on time

• will have a conversation with you as long as it's not too distracting

• Actually enjoys driving you places but he would never admit to that.

•10/10 recommend, Jack is following rules and it's an enjoyable ride

• Assuming he didn't scam anyone out of their car, he's a pretty decent driver.

• Always has snacks in his car, but you can't touch them.

• Lemme have your snacks >:(

• It'd probably be an investment towards him getting a better job

• If you want a ride from him, you HAVE to give him something in return.

• 6/10 recommend, my pockets were strangely empty after I got of the car.

[iwadori]

Haikyu Boys neglecting you for another girl PT 1 (Kenma)

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Word count: 1.3K

Genre: angst,fluff

masterlist

Kenma:

You go over to your boyfriend ,Kenma’s, house every weekened to play on your shade survival minecraft world 

But one week you were too cramped to come over one week so you missed out on a gaming session 

At school the following week you heard Kuroo and the guys teasing Kenma over a new found gaming friend 

But you payed no attention

Now you’re done with your exams and ready to continue on w/ Kenma on fighting the enderdragon and building up your world

You get to Kenmas house an hour after finishing your school club, upon entering you hear him button smashing upstairs (per usual) but something not so usual was him giggling with laughter...

Kenma.Your stoic boyfriend Kenma. giggling..

Because of your confusion you slowly go up the stairs as his laughter ensues making you more perplexed ‘kenma barely talks to people that aren’t Kuroo and me, especially someone who makes him laugh this much’ you think to yourself.

“Ella, i’ve found the stronghold! Just follow me” Kenma exclaimed as you entered his bedroom “Yes Ella you have to press X to jump” he laughed again

‘Ella, who’s ella’ you think. You hear a response on the other end but you can make it out properly. Kenma and ‘Ella’ continue on speaking making plans on what they’re about to do next.. with Kenma not noticing you came into his room yet. You look at the TV and notice that Kenma is playing with someone else on YOUR world that you started which made you slightly agitated. 

You purposefully drop your bag a tad too aggressively, but that seems to work as you catch Kenmas attention as he turns to you for a split second as he mumbles quitely “Oh hey babe” before swiftly getting engrossed again into the game.

Annoyed, you sit on next to him on the bed waiting.. JUST WAITING for some proper acknowledgement to which you received none. You just sat there mindlessly scrolling through your phone as he continuously talked with Ella AND coached her through killing the ender dragon (a plan that you and Kenma said to do together since the beginning of your minecraft survival world idea)

After almost an hour of just sitting there idly, you decide to get up pick up your bag and leave. Hoping just hoping that your ‘oh-so great and caring’ boyfriend would take off his headset and stop you from leaving. But this isn’t a movie of course... so no Kenma did not run straight after you pull you into his arms and comfort you. He stayed in his room laughing away with Ella putting you at the back of his mind.

You go straight home and cry still wishing for a follow-up text on the incident that happened at Kenmas but no response there.

Luckily for you, it was half term break meaning there was no school for a couple weeks so you didn’t have to face the awkward confrontation or lack thereof with Kenma at school. But it was unlucky for you since usually every half term and weekend you’d spend at Kenmas but obviously now you can’t.

You do wonder if he’s thought about texting or calling you to reconcile or even just thought about you at all. You desperately wanted to reach out to him, but with your relationship you do feel that you’re the one that always has to start the conversation after you’ve had a ‘falling out.’ So all you do is wait ( assuming that you’ve broke up or something for now.)

The two weeks of break has ended and now you’re back at school waiting to face the music. The whole day, you felt anxious waiting to bump into him in the corridor or see him at lunch but you never did.

Later that day you get a message..

Kuroo: Hey y/n! How have you been ??

Y/N: Fine.. i guess

Kuroo: How are things with Kenma

Y/N: Tbh I don’t really know, we haven’t spoken since the weekend...two weeks ago I don’t think we’re together anymore..

Kuroo: Y/N don’t say that you and Kenma are definitley how do you spell deathfinetly? still together just meet him today at the arcade at 8pm and ALL WILL BE REVEALED 

Y/N: okay....

Kuroo: DW Y/N! It’ll all be fine

Nervous, you get changed (making sure to look extra cute because this may be the last time you’ll have the title of ‘Kenma’s Girlfriend’ :(( ) You arrive at the arcade and look around for a second before spotting Kenma at the race car game (where you had your first date) and it looks to you he is hiding something behind his back..

When you reached him he looked very shy (even more so then usual) and you were about to speak before he shouted

“Y/N!” he said cringing at the volume of his own voice “ I need to tell you something, more like show you..”

You stood before him with your arms crossed silently tapping your foot waiting on him to continue. Surprisingly, he brings in front of you a little girl who looked about 8 or 9 with a very very cute face.

“n-n-nice to meet you” she bowed in front of you a blush covering her face

“Y/N this is Ella” Kenma said “My new step-sister”

You were shocked to say the least Kenma having a new sister that was great but didn’t answer ALL your questions. Judging your facial expressions Kenma led you and him to sit down letting Ella go on play (as you obviously watch her close-by) 

“Okay, I know you’re probably confused but Ella is ma’s new boyfriends daughter and that time you came over my house was my first time ‘meeting’ her so instead of doing it physically I thought the best thing to do was to play minecraft with her and as I was so focused on that I kinda sorta forgot about our usual dates and over half term I went over to hyogo were Ella and her dad live for the break to meet them officially I’m sorry very very very sorry Y/N for not contacting you i just assumed you were mad at me ... which you still probably are now so i understand if you want to break up and i-” Kenma stops hearing you slightly chuckle looking exasperated after all that rambling. 

Thats the most you’ve ever heard Kenma speak in one go ever and you thought it was endearing that he has a new sister. Of course you were mad that your boyfriend that he neglected you for weeks but you were definitley over that and wanted to just continue on with your life with him.

Kenma stared at you expecting some form of response and all you did was stand up, go to him and pat his head. 

“You’re so cute kenma” you said “Of course I was mad, but i get it now”

“So are we still boyfr-”

“Miss Y/N” asked Ella looking up at you awww how cute “Are you and nii-chan boyfrined and girlfriend”

Kenma and Ella both stared at you expectedly waiting on your response (Kenma more than Ella)

“Of course he’s my boyfriend sweetie!” You said ruffling her head and you hear Kenma sigh in relief “Let’s go play some games now come one Kenma”

You hold Kenma’s hand as Ella runs ahead of you

“Also Kenma..” you let go of his hand “You let her play on our world..seriously”

Kenma awkwardly rubs the back of his neck and chuckles

“I’ll make it up to Y/N dont worry “ he said

And he did do that indeed, as it seems over the break he built a mansion for you and him and reset the end so you complete the ender dragon with him. But you did also include Ella in on your world now and you and her got closer to the point where she will call you nee-chan.

Authors Note: how do you feel about the ending ?

I hope this is well, I’m not that used with Kenmas character so i hope i wrote it good and you like it! Please give me comments and feedback and my request are open so send in your request please!! Also this was meant to be a part two to my ‘taking a prank too far’ but i kinda wrote this in a different direction 

[nat-20s]

8 for jmart?

#8- constantly cheacking their messages for words from the other

what else was I gonna do? here's some classic ol' season 3 pining babey

Hello Martin. This is Jon. I have gotten a new phone after losing my last one, please put in the new number.

It's a simple message. Straightforward, factual, and utilitarian. There is no reason that pressing send should make his heart race. There's especially no reason that the second he sends it off, he's tempted to lie on the deeply uncomfortable, likely bedbug infested motel mattress staring at his screen until he gets a response. Sure, he's sick of being overseas, and he's sick of being so isolated, and he's sick of running, but he's not...desperate for what little companionship can even be provided by words on a screen.

He does miss Martin, though. He misses Tim as well, but in a manner that's significantly more complex and knotted than the simple desire to be around him.

God, when did he start wanting to just be around Martin? He started being aware of that want when he was at Georgie's, but he has no idea when the want itself actually started. That was probably something he should examine. Technically speaking, that is something that he has time to examine, but he doesn't want to examine right now. Right now, he wants the comfort of perhaps one of the only people out there that doesn't want to kill him, or use him, or both.

Martin, whether through somehow sensing Jon's discontent from nearly 4000 miles away or, more likely, through a general dutifulness inherent to his character, only takes a few minutes to reply. Oh good! it'd been a little bit since hearing from you, we were somewhat worried. putting you in my contacts as we speak :)!

Saying that "we" were worried is almost certainly generous on Martin's part, but Jon feels no need to point that out. Instead he turns on his side and stares at the phone. He particularly focuses on the smiley face, ridiculously charmed by the fact that, despite everything, Martin hasn't lost his predilection for emojis. Two years ago, he would've rolled his eyes, maybe thought something snide about professionalism. It wouldn't have been fair, as Tim used to do the same thing and he thought nothing of it, but he wasn't fair back then. Now, he simply wonders if he can get away with sending one back.

Before he can respond, Martin sends another message. Are you actually alright? I realized I was kind of assuming that losing your phone was the only reason you were MIA, but is anything else going on?

Damn. He tends to forget how perceptive Martin can be. What, exactly, Martin had perceived in that first message, Jon couldn't be sure, but apparently there was something that tipped him off to the..eventful last week he'd had. He really, really doesn't feel like getting into all of that right now, especially not over text, so instead he replies a mostly truthful I'm fine.

Then, squinting at the screen and realizing that might come across as a dismissal, he adds, Well, other than trying not to contemplate the general sanitation practices of a motel that clearly hasn't updated it's decor since the 70s. I'm suspecting the sheets are much the same.

He doesn't know how Martin will react to the message. He can't see the face he'll make, won't know the tone of his voice. However, he likes to imagine that Martin will at least smile. Maybe he'll even give that breath of a laugh, the one that sometimes happens when Jon's being lightly acerbic and it's not directed at him. He doesn't know, but he does hope for it. Martin texts back Oof. Maybe sleep on top of the covers tonight, yeah?, and Jon thinks that he might have guessed Martin's reaction correctly.

Christ, who knew all it took was a combination of jetlag and threats to turn him into a sap. He needs to sleep. He really needs a deep, proper, uninterrupted sleep, one lasting a minimum of eight hours and ideally closer to fifteen. Checking the time, it would be a fairly reasonable time to sleep, especially with the early start he has tomorrow. He considers sending off a quick good night message, but then has the realization that as reasonable as it is for him to be asleep right now, it's just as unreasonable for Martin to be awake. Are you alright? Good lord, Martin, it's almost 4am over there. Did I wake you?

Barely 30 seconds pass before he gets back no, you're good!

A beat, then a follow up message. I've had a irregular sleep schedule since I was like 16. A lot of evening and night shifts had a lasting impact u know? Working at the institute made it a bit more consistent but it's still p rare that i sleep the same eight hours night to night.

Jon's starts to text back something sympathetic; he's had his own struggles with both in- and hyper- somnia, but his phone buzzes in his hand before he can finish it.

Sorry! That was uh probably more information than you wanted.

Well, that just won't do. Even if there wasn't a part of his brain that had recently started collecting facts about Martin like they were precious jewels instead of mostly mundane stories, he doesn't want Martin to think he can't talk to him about things outside of the standard bounds of coworkers. Not at all. We're friends, Martin, I enjoy learning about you.

His brain wants to catastrophize the second he presses send. For the first minute that Martin doesn't reply, he doesn't let it. After the second minute, he allows the minor worry to become more severe. Had it been too much? Were they friends? Jon certainly thought so, but what if Martin wasn't in the same boat? Their interactions had been entirely friendly for months now, but what if that was just Martin being polite? God, what if Martin still thought of Jon as his boss, nothing more?

Ten minutes. It takes ten minutes for Martin to finally respond, and Jon has almost called him four times to explain himself. Ten minutes, and the first response is only Oh!

Then: Cool

Well, that's not a "piss off and die", but it's not exactly comforting. Jon doesn't know how to reply, staring at the words on his screen and not entirely sure if he's fucked up or not. Fortunately, Martin's not done responding, and the next message is much, much better.

Hey uh. Feel free to say no I know it's getting late over there but. Im not getting back to sleep for the rest of the day and itd be nice to actually hear you. Would you be okay with a call?

Without a moment's hesitation, he texts back Yes!, exclamation and all, because he's become someone he barely recognizes. The phone rings just as immediately, and he feels his entire body relax at Martin's first "Hello?"

Things are difficult right now. Things have been difficult ever since the promotion that was a curse in disguise. The world is filled with monsters he barely understands. He wishes he was home despite the fact that he barely recognizes it, as filled with tension and strife as it is. There's so much to discuss, so many things they should be hammering out. But right now, the threats are not pressing. Right now, he can hear about the bad true crime documentary Martin half-watched before he got Jon's texts, and Jon can bitch about the three different "pip pip cheerio" comments he's gotten since coming over seas. Right now, and for the hour before Jon drifts off, breathing slow and deep, he can pretend that this is an ordinary phone call, in an ordinary world, between two people who simply miss each other an extraordinary amount.