#no wonder he’s worked with Disney prior too

[autisticlio]

Yeah that explains a lot with how the design is so good.

[shellbells-things]

I’ve seen a lot of discourse over the Jikook Car Convo. I think on the surface, it sent mixed signals. But if you think about what you know about Jikook and how important being together is to them…there might be a different way to look at it. Jungkook started off by saying something about how they were supposed to have a drink together (code for hang out), but didn’t …and it went on from there. And that’s where people got hung up at. I have a perspective on this based on a recent experience of my own.

Recently, my daughter and I decided to take a trip to Disney World because I had a business trip down there anyway. (Adult Disney is a blast btw. Great food, drinks, Epcot, Disney Springs, etc). On the car trip down we talked a mile a minute. During the trip we ate and drank and hung out. So fun! We literally said the words “it’s been so long since we’ve been able to just hang out. We haven’t gone anywhere fun together in a while. We’ve been so busy with work and just life in general. I’m glad we are taking time out to have some fun!” Interestingly….my daughter lives with me. I see her every day. But the trip was fun time spent together, not just the day-to-day stuff. We weren’t two ships passing in the night, two ultra busy people who work, eat, sleep and repeat. We were in the moment, having fun together, no distractions! (Yes, It’s a mom/daughter relationship instead of a couple relationship, but still. Spending quality FUN time together to nurture a relationship is important!)

I wonder if Jikook, who have since confirmed that they saw each other during that time (but clearly not enough)….meant that they hadn’t been taking much needed down time with each other, hadn’t been able to step out for some drinks or other fun for a while because they’ve both had opposing schedules and have just been so busy. I felt like Jungkook was sort of admonishing Jimin for being too busy to have fun…but then admitted that he had also been too busy…that if it wasn’t for deciding to MAKE TIME and take this trip, they might have just continued being too busy to prioritize quality time with each other. Then he said “You’re here. Finally”. Like that boy breathed a sigh of RELIEF!

That’s what I think this convo meant. Its NOT that they didn’t see each other, because I’m betting they saw each other all of the time, but that they didn’t make time to have fun with JUST each other like they usually do.

And here’s the deal. You don’t end up going on MORE trips, saying you want to do a travel show together until your fifty, and enlisting together where you will be together every single day for 18 months….with someone you were not close with and never saw prior to this convo. You don’t go from “no longer close” to this 👇 in a day.

Nope. So I think the car convo was them sort of lamenting that they had been so busy and had made the mistake of not taking the time for each other that they deserved. Listen, Jikook are normal humans who love each other, but let their crazy busy schedule get in the way. Very unusual for them I think. But they finally said ENOUGH, and decided to make time, steal time, whatever, just to prioritize themselves as a unit. I loved the show. I saw lots of domestic moments, lots of fun/giggly moments, some 👀 and 🫣 moments….but most of all, I saw happiness. I saw love. And THAT makes me happy. So anyone that says Jikook aren’t close or that they don’t love each other….pfft. 🙄

[trippinsorrows]

with me + part fourteen

authors note: this one is loaded, and there are some hints/tidbits spread throughout, but also.....please don't hate me. 😭

status: in progress // masterlist

warnings: fluff, language, suggestive themes, angst

song inspo: with me by destiny’s child

faceclaims

words: 12k

taglist: @pixiedust4000 @yolobloggers @southerngirl41 @msbigredmachine @wanderingreigns

Bianca: Hi. I know you asked for space, and I will respect that. I just want you to know I talked to dad. I made him be honest with me, and I know the truth now.  I completely understand if your decision is that you want nothing to do with me. But please know, I had no idea, and I would love the chance to be in your life. I am not our father.

Bianca: It may have started with him, but it can end with us.

Rereading the text for what must be the 18th time, you feel just as conflicted and confused as you were when you first received it a few days prior. It’s been a bit easy to ignore it, to let it sit unanswered as you focused on getting as much work done as you could before leaving for Vegas. 

Thankfully, as the game is on a Sunday, you, Callie, and Alexis got an early morning flight to Vegas where you were met by Joe at the airport. After Callie had her sweet meltdown at seeing Joe again, the three of ya’ll met up with the twins, Trin, Kaylah, Jon’s wife, and the rest of the kids at the hotel.

You were a little nervous about Callie meeting her other cousins, as you know kids don’t always get along right away. But all anxiety is melted away the minute Callie and Jon’s daughter, Ellie, bonded over a common love of Disney. It’s a wrap from there, so much so that Callie feels comfortable enough to be left with them while you and Joe leave to get your tattoos.

Your current location. 

“Let's play a game.”

Joe’s suggestion is greatly appreciated because it pulls you away from hyper-fixating on this text and just what to do with said text. However, it’s also questioned because what the hell kind of games do people play at ya’ll’s big ages?

“Joe, we are too damn old for games—but what is it?”

He laughs at your quick change of tune. He must know that inner competitiveness never really goes away, even if you haven’t been in that competition space in literal years. “I'm gonna show you a house, and all you have to say is either you like it or not. But, you can't ask any questions.”

“A house? Like an actual house?”

“Yes, baby. An actual house.”

His sarcastic tone doesn’t help. Asshole. “And I can’t ask you any questions about a literal house we’re thinking of buying?”

“Yup.” 

Pouting, you murmur, “This game sucks.”

“Okay, Callie.” He messes around on his phone, giving a couple touches before he hands you his phone.

You nearly drop the damn thing, mouth ajar in awe. “Joe, how much—”

“No questions, remember?”

Sucking your teeth, you continue to scroll, each photo evoking another level of wonder. The house is stunning and huge. A literal mansion with landscape and design that looks like it was ripped right out of a luxury HGTV special. Swiping through the photos, each allow you to see that the beauty is not only matched but in many ways exceeded on the inside. A massive kitchen with two ovens, spacious bedrooms, almost equally large bathrooms, movie theater room, a separate building in the humongous backyard that you could easily see Joe turning into a personal gym, and so much more.

You really focus on the outside photos, eyes softening. “She's always wanted a backyard….” It's so easy for you to imagine Callie running around freely, swinging on a swing, maybe even helping you tend to a garden you see more than enough room to plant.

You can see yourself in this house.

“I like it,” you finally answer. There's no need to lie to him, and you're pretty sure he could tell you love it based on your facial expressions alone. “Now can you tell me how much—”

“Nope.”

Sitting up, you shove on his shoulder. “Come on, that's not fair.”

“Mmmhmm.”

“Leati.” You can't remember the last time you called this man by his first name. Years, most likely. You used it sparingly, far and few in between, mostly reserved for moments like this when he was pissing you off. 

“You can complain all you want. I'm not telling you shit.” That only irks you more, and he’s indifferent to your obvious irritation, which pisses you off even more. If anything, he sounds almost amused at your frustration. “I'm gonna ask the realtor to arrange a tour. You can ask her then.”

Suspicious, you accuse, “your ass will probably tell her not to tell me or to lie.”

“Maybe.” 

It’s the fact that you know that’s something he would do too. “So my name wouldn’t be on the house? Is that what you’re saying?”

At that, he looks your way, clearly confused but mostly offended. “Of course, it would. Your name will be on everything. I just can’t give you too much information now because you’ll push back and say it’s too much.”

“So, it is expensive,” you conclude. He sighs, heavily. “Joe, we don’t need anything too extravagant or over the top. You know I’m not materialistic like that. I don’t want you feeling like you have to—”

“How many times do we have to have this conversation?” There’s a hint of irritation in his tone, but it’s not entirely unwarranted. Joe has told and showed you multiple times that there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for you and Callie. It’s just you being…..well, you. “Anything I do for you, anything I do for Callie is because I want to. You should know by now that I’m a man who won’t do anything he doesn’t want to.”

Sitting on his words, you answer, “I know.” And you do, you’re just so damn slow in actually accepting this. “I’m sorry, I just—I’m stubborn. You know this.”

“Yeah, well get un-stubborn.” His hand on your thigh gives a teasing squeeze but before you can inquire about just what kind of alone time you two will have over this weekend, a man walks out, heavily tatted, dressed in semi traditional Samoan attire and wearing a friendly smile.

Joe stands up to greet the man, introducing him as Mike. It’s a name you’re familiar with as you recall eons ago when Joe would rave about his tattoo artist and the man’s insane talent. 

“This is my girlfriend, Y/N.” It’s both strange and welcomed hearing Joe introduce you as such, like it’s almost too good to be true, even if there’s not an ounce of reluctance in his voice.

“Nice to meet you,” you greet, accepting his handshake. “And for getting us in on short notice.”

He waves it off. “Joe’s always welcomed here anytime and as his girlfriend, so are you.”

It stands out to you just how many people speak so highly of Joe. You've always thought he was a genuinely nice guy, but hearing it co-signed by others definitely shows what a gem you’ve got. “Great design choice, by the way,” he compliments, directing his next question toward you. “Joe mentioned you were a bit nervous about the placement….”

“I think I’m good now,” you answer. Tattoo pain is temporary, but placement is forever. You especially don’t want to “settle” for something that has so much meaning. “Same placement as his, but he can go first.”

Mike laughs, clapping his hands together. “Sounds great. Let’s get started.” 

________

You’d completely forgotten how extremely frustrating it is to get ready to go clubbing, and understandably so given at your big age, that’s not really a thing. However, Alexis absolutely refused to accept your decline to go out with her and even convinced Trinity and Kaylah to tag along. 

The bitch even took it upon herself to bring an outfit for you, knowing you definitely didn’t pack for this kind of outing. 

And while the dress is definitely fire, it’s a pain to get on given the cutouts and need to clasp the chest part. Not to mention, your arm is still a bit sore from the tattoo. Granted, Callie’s excitement at seeing how both you and Joe got her name tatted on you was more than worth all the pain. 

This dress though….it’s not worth shit.

“Fuck.” This was so much easier two bra sizes ago, but between trying to hold them together and clasp the hook on the dress, you’re just about ready to call it a night before the night can even truly begin. Settling frustration aside, you grab the robe off the counter and slide it on as you stick your head out the door. “Babe?”

His deep voice replies seconds later. “Yeah?” 

“Can you come help me with something real quick?”

“Mommy,” Callie groans, and you can only imagine the scowl on her face. She loves spending time with her daddy. “We’re playing.”

Your lips curve into a smile, assuring her, “it’ll only take a second, baby.” 

Joe walks into the bathroom and shuts the door behind him. “What’s up?”

“I need you to clasp my dress for me,” you explain, removing the robe and holding your breast with your forearm. “I’m gonna hold them up, and I just need you to—what?”

His eyes slowly travel up and down your body, but his overall gaze reeks of confusion and a level of disapproval. “Where’s the rest of it?”

You’re not stupid, very much aware of what he’s asking. But, you’re also stubborn, a fact he’s well aware of given the fact that you talked about just that this morning. “The rest of what?”

His answer is simple. “Your outfit.”

Muscle twitching in your jaw, you attempt to divert the conversation. “Come on, everyone else is almost ready—“

“I’m serious.” 

Huffing, you slap on that sweet, teacher voice and bring your hands to his chest, allowing your breast to fall open and freely. It doesn’t miss you how his gaze moves downward and lingers. “Joe, I love you, but you met me post-college. Trust me, this is tame compared to what I used to wear clubbing. And we both know I’m gonna wear what I want, regardless, so I just need you to swallow that annoying ass male pride, which I know you will, because you love me enough to do so, and just strap my titties down for me, okay?” Leaning up to kiss his cheek, your finger moves in a figure eight down his body. “Besides, when I get back tonight, you get to rip this same dress off me, bend me over this very same counter right next to us, and make me watch as you fuck me, hard, from behind.”

Your sex drive has always been on the higher end, but it’s been even more intense in the past couple days, and while your last few intimate encounters with Joe have been more loving and sweet…..that’s not what you need right now. 

You need this man to fuck you in the way only he can. Choking, spanking, biting, a tad bit of degrading, hips bruised from how tight he holds you with backshots that have you speaking in a different language. The whole nine yards. 

Your words paint such a vivid picture that’s clearly too far out for his comfort as his hands move to your ass, squeezing roughly. “And what’s stopping me from doing just that right now?”

God has a cruel sense of humor because before you can even fix your mouth to respond, the very reason why makes her presence known. She knocks on the door with all the irritation in her little body. “Daddy, are you almost done?”

Eyes twinkling with mischief as you step back to hold your breast together, you remind him. “that is why not. You’re on daddy duty tonight.” Joe doesn’t say anything and instead finally hooks it for you. “Thank you.”

“At least pull it down in the back or something,” he grumbles and actually tries to pull down the back of the dress.

“Baby, I have an ass. It’s gon’ shift right back up as soon as I move.” Sure enough, one step is all it takes for it to roll up just a few centimeters below your ass. Unlocking and opening the door, you beam at Callie. “He’s all yours, baby girl.”

“You look so pretty, mommy!”

“Thank you, baby.” You lean down for a kiss on her cheek right as Alexis walks in. Callie goes to lead Joe back into the “living room” area as Alexis welcomes herself into the hotel room. You’re not even gonna bother asking how she got a key. Her dress, unlike your all black little piece, is sparkly, short, and strapless. It’s very much Alexis.

She gasps. “Girl, that dress is fitting and your boobs are sitting.” 

Winking and lifting your breasts, you laugh, complementing, “you look amazing.”

“Duh. I’m me.” She brushes her shoulders before peeping past you to say hi to Joe and Callie. “Hi, future brother-in-law and part time child.”

All you can hear is Callie asking Joe what a part time child is as Alexis grabs you by your wrist and starts dragging you toward the door. “Come on, Trin wants us to do a TikTok before we leave.”

Instantly, you’re scowling. “A TikTok? Girl, we are too old for that.”

“I swear, you act like you’re 75 sometimes,” she dismisses, walking you out the room and across the hall to the other room where Jimmy and Trin are staying. You’re still impressed how they all managed to get rooms not only on the same floor but literally all across each other.

Must be a rich people thing.

Walking into the room, you see Trin and Kaylah are dressed a bit more modestly then you and Alexis, not as much skin showing but still very much giving club vibes. 

Compliments are again exchanged among the four of you, but Kaylah is the first to say, “girl, I’m surprised Joe didn’t have nothing to say about your outfit.”

Chuckling, you inform, “he tried, but he knows I don’t play that. I’m a grown woman. Imma wear what I want. Besides, I know how to shut him up.” 

What’s implied doesn’t need to be explained but not according to Alexis who of course blurts out, “that’s right. Sitting on your man’s face will do it every time.”

“Please excuse her. She ran out of her Lithium.”

“Ehh, they tried that. Didn’t work for me.” It’s the fact that she’s probably dead serious too. “Okay, now which trend are we doing, Trin?”

Trinity's smile, like everything else about her, is bright and beautiful. “I was thinking the Wanna Be one by Meg and Glo.”

Instantly, you know Alexis is sold. “That is my damn song.” She then points to you. “This one needs to go last though, because when I tell you that thing moves like water. This bitch can twerk like Megan.”

One thing you’ve never been is a liar, so you can’t find it in you to call bullshit on Alexis exclamation. You’ve always been super flexible, courtesy of cheer, and twerking has always come a bit natural to you. But, it was really when you started hitting up the strip clubs in college and made acquaintances with the strippers that you learned all of the tricks. 

However, it’s also been years since you last stepped out on the town, and your joints start to hurt from just sitting too long, so the hype may be a little bit undeserved after all.

“That was also before I had a baby, Lex.”

Alexis brushes off your downplay. “She can even do the hand thing. You know, where you put your hand in between your ass cheeks while you still shaking? Iconic.”

Studying her closely, you realize why she’s so amped already. “You pre-gramed, didn’t you?”

She presses her lips together and then goes into denial. “I plead the fifth.” Laughing, she tugs on your arm. “Come onnnn.”

“Fine.” Caving to Alexis is typically the best outcome because the bitch is relentless when she wants something, especially when she’s already tipsy. 

However, Trinity seems just as excited as she directs the three of you to the bathroom where she already has the phone propped up and everything. 

It ends up being a fun time that reminds you so much of those days back in college where you and Lex and a few other girlfriends would spend a damn near hour taking the “perfect” photos for the “gram” and even longer to come up with a witty caption. You even show off a little bit of your twerking skills, nothing too crazy, much to Alexis chagrin. 

Arriving at the club and being escorted to the VIP section, courtesy of Alexis, the ladies order a round of drinks while you settle for a simple bottle, never glass, of water. After your whole fiasco during Christmas, you can’t see yourself sipping even a glass of wine for a while.

It’s a nice blast from the past but also suddenly a bit irritating with how noisy and boisterous everything is. The club is packed, and you’re grateful to be seated up and away from everyone else. While Alexis starts to get her buzz going, Trin partially surprises you by asking for your approval to upload one of the videos to TikTok and a photo to post on Instagram. It’s only partially surprising, because Trin has always been a real one. 

You agree and even helping her with a caption. 

Something bout’ that melanin ✨

Pulling out your own phone to check in on Joe and Callie, you’re surprised to see you have a bunch of IG notifications. This leads to you realizing that Alexis, at some point, posted a couple of photos she made you take on your profile. She even took it upon herself to come up with a caption that makes you both chuckle and shake your head. 

ya favorite athlete’s favorite athlete 😌

It’s not a huge deal to you, as you’d went ahead and made your Instagram private again a couple months prior. It’s a feature you toggle on and off, knowing that only the people you want knowing and seeing your page would even know how to find you. However, with Joe being back in your life and having a few posts with Callie’s face in them, you lean on the side of caution and just plan to keep it private from here on out.

It’s the comments though that really make you pause. 

@user1 omg y/n!!! That body been giving, sis! 

@user2 HA! Always was that girl. Still that girl. Miss you, cuz!

@Mariaaahhhh___92: This really how you wanna do this?

@BigLexPurr: Say it louder for the BITCH in the comments before me. I mean, in the back. 😃

@user3: If only I looked like that after having my baby lmao You look amazing, Y/N!

@RomanReigns Damn straight.

With all the swiftness and quickness, you block Mariah, not needing or wanting her and Alexis to get into a whole spat under your post. But Joe’s comment is definitely one that takes you for surprise, and you wrestle with whether or not you should acknowledge it but eventually decide to do so with a simple reply. 

@yourusername @RomanReigns 😘

You make a mental note to roast his ass for being in your IG comments like that but put your phone away when WAP comes on. Of course, it’s only appropriate that the four of you rap along to every iconic, spiritual lyric spit by Meg and Cardi. Alexis even influences you into doing a little twerk on her that she absolutely captures on Snapchat.

You don’t even need to ask her to know she’s gonna waste no time in sending that over to Joe. How she managed to get him to accept her add on Snapchat is something you’ll never understand. 

“I need some more drink, but I don’t want to get up,” Alexis whines, shooting you the puppy dog eyes.

“Gee, why don’t I—”

“Thank you, friend!”

Shaking your head, you make your way out of the VIP and through the crowd to the bar. Placing the order, you wait patiently, praying that what you know is bound to happen doesn’t happen. A waste of a prayer, because that unwanted happening appears in the form of a crooked smile, bad haircut, and height that can’t exceed 5’9.

He just leans back against the bar, as if waiting for you to, of all things, acknowledge him. That makes you laugh aloud. The fucking irony. 

You decide to take the lead and dead this thing before he can run whatever play he thinks will work on you. “No, I don't want or need you to pay for my drink, and I don't need anything put on your tab. I'm good.”

His smile doesn't deter. If anything, he looks even more intrigued. This was always the part you hated about clubbing. Men who can’t seem to conceive that you “playing hard to get” is actually and really just complete and utter disinterest.

“Oh, you more than good, ma.” His gaze resting on your chest much longer than what's appropriate is both irritating but expected. Men see titties and lose all sense of self-control, the little that some actually do possess, that is. “I'm just trying to see how good.”

You were over this conversation before it even started, hence your readiness to put an end to his fruitless hopes and your irritation.

“My man is 6’3, 287lbs and fights niggas for a living.” Tone both bored and casual as you list off basic facts, you ask, “He's home right now watching our 6 kids. Still wanna do this?”

It's the way his eyes go wide that makes it hard for you not to laugh. That should definitely do the trick. “Naw, I'm good. You fine, but you ain't that damn fine.”

“That's what I thought.” Taking the Martini from the bartender, you saunter your way back over to your section and hand it to Alexis.

“I take it homeboy was trying to take you home.”

Chuckling, you nod. “But, I handled it.”

“Oh, I'm sure you did.” She then turns to the group. “This one was always vicious when turning down bums at the club.”

“Cause sir, why are you talking to me with your uneven fade and height that starts with a 5?”

Trinity and Kay fall out laughing, but you’re dead serious. You’d been called arrogant a couple of times, but it never really affected you because you know you just have standards and refuse to settle.

And clearly…..it worked out.

“I really wish we could do this more often,” Kay suddenly shares, and it takes you a bit by surprise. There was a level of trepidation regarding meeting Josh’s wife. You know they’ve been together since they were in high school, which means there’s a good chance she knows Joe’s ex-wife. A chance they could be friends.

And if she’s anything unlike Mariah, she wouldn’t want to chop it up with the woman who slept with and had a whole baby for her friend’s husband. But so far, Kay has been nothing but kind, a bit on the quiet and reserved side. It’s an interesting dynamic considering Josh is anything but. 

“Do you live in Florida too?” Alexis suddenly asks, sipping her Martini. When Kay nods, Lex slaps you on the arm. “Well, this one will be moving there probably before the end of summer, so maybe ya’ll can link up more often.”

Intrigue paints both Trin and Kay’s faces, as the former asks, “seriously?”

“Yeah, umm, Joe and I were actually looking at a house earlier.” A thin layer of excitement re-emerges as you reflect on the photos you saw. You really do like that house, but it feels so much like a dream, like the expensive houses you look at and critique on Zillow knowing damn well you can’t afford them. 

And you can’t, but he probably can. 

You know he can, or he wouldn’t be showing you in the first place. 

“How do you really feel about moving?” Trin questions. “You still live in your hometown, right?”

“I do.” It’s a valid question, one you, if you’re being honest, sometimes go back and forth on. You know you want to move and ultimately will, but there are still some moments where you feel a bit unsure. It’s to be given, you’re sure, as change can be difficult. “There’s a lot of things I’ll miss, like being away from my mom, but….I want to be with Joe, and it’s what’s best for Callie.”

“She really is a sweet child. You did an amazing job with her.” 

Kay’s compliment warms your heart. “Thank you….that means a lot to me.” Callie is your pride and joy, so to hear others speak highly of her, of how you raised her thus far will always be the best kind of compliment. 

“You’re a teacher, so you’re off for the summer, right?” Trinity suddenly asks. Nodding, she continues, “you and Callie should go on the road with Joe this summer then. Maybe not the whole summer, but a portion. It’ll be fun. I’d love to have ya’ll, and you know he would too.” 

It’s a suggestion that you find yourself actually considering. Outside of PD, which can be done virtually with some prior arrangements, there really would be nothing stopping you from tagging along. Callie would be ecstatic, and something tells you Joe would too. 

Kay then shoots Trinity a look that you can’t quite decipher. “isn’t he….” 

As if awareness dawns, Trinity mutters, “oh, shit, I forgot.” 

Understandably curious, and always uncomfortable with being kept out of the communication loop, you inquire, “what?”

Trinity looks a bit nervous but then answers casually, “Oh nothing, I just forgot they’ve, uhh, gotten a little strict now about family coming on the road. Something about it being too distracting for the wrestlers.”

Alexis seems as skeptical as you are. There’s something they’re not saying. “Isn’t he literally like the face of the whole company? I feel like if he wants them there, then they’ll be there.” She has a fair point. “Look how he takes time off to come fly and see them.”

That actually brings on a question you’ve been wondering about for a while. Directed to Trinity, you ask, “do you know if he gets in trouble for that?” Trinity looks a bit unsure of how to respond, and you know immediately it’s because she’s trying to figure out how much to say. “The truth, please. I can handle it.” 

With a heavy sigh, she relents, “Jon mentioned Joe said something about them talking with him, but I get the sense Joe told them to fuck off. Professionally, of course.”

You’re not sure how to feel about this. The last thing you want is for Joe to risk all of his hard work for you. And you know it’s more for Callie than anything, which you get, but he still has contractual obligations he needs to fulfill.

“I can tell you this…..they can say what they want, but Joe doesn’t play about you and Callie, so he gon keep hopping on flights as much as he needs to.”

“He was really happy when he found out about Callie,” Kay adds in a soft tone with a kind voice. “I remember overhearing him talking with Josh, and he told him, “she’s the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Crying in the club definitely wasn’t on your agenda for this trip, but here you are, trying to blot your eyes with the back of your hand. “Ya’ll, I didn’t wear waterproof mascara. Don’t have me out here looking like a racoon scaring folks off.”

Alexis chimes, “Joe won’t mind. It’ll keep him from coming up in here beating some poor soul’s ass for trying to holler at you.”

Kaylah snorts. “She’s not too far off. All them fools are super protective and territorial.”

“I’m just trying to figure out when ya’ll are gonna stop being selfish and slide one of them my way. It’s obvious they fertile as hell, so there’s gotta be an eligible cousin or uncle or something.”

It’s the fact you know that Lex is dead serious. Thankfully, Travis Porter comes on and that’s enough to bring all of ya’ll back to your feet like you’re 21 all over again. And that’s the dominant and recurring theme of the entire night: dancing, laughing, talking, Alexis being unhinged. 

Wash, rinse, repeat.

The four of you end up returning to the hotel shortly before midnight, the perfect time as somehow, the guys got all of the kids down for bed and were just waiting to make sure you all returned safely. 

Sitting around one of the hotel rooms, you all just chop it up, sharing various stories, no one really tired enough to call it a night.

“See, that’s the thing that people don’t realize. Ain’t a whole lot of difference between Joe and Roman. Uce been had that dog in him.” Jon starts off, sitting up as he explains. Somehow the topic landed on when they were growing up and how Joe’s always had “parts” of Roman in him. “Like one time when we was kids, we was playing a basketball game and he showed up late talking about “aye, let me join.” We tell him, ‘sorry man, we already started.’ He takes the ball, chucks it over in the neighbor's yard, talking about “ain’t nobody playing now.”

There’s a chorus of laughter, but your jaw drops open as you look at Joe, an easy task as you’re perched on his lap. “Did you really do that?” It’s almost inconceivable to see this man do something like that, especially as a child. “Joe, that was mean as hell.”

It’s the fact that he doesn’t deny it and simply shrugs. “Should have let me join in.”

Covering your mouth and shaking your head, you go to scold him for being such an ass, regardless of how long ago it was. But, Alexis soon adds in her two cents, looking your way. “I don’t know why you looking shocked and disappointed, you weren’t much better when we were in college.” She then directs her attention to the group. “So, we were cheerleaders, and Abby Lee Miller over here was a total nightmare during competition season.”

Gasping, you sit up, Joe’s big arm locked around your waist to keep you on him. “I was not.”

She rolls her eyes and takes a drink before admitting, “girl, I love you, but you were a bitch when you were in competition mode.” This is the first time you’re hearing this, so of course, it takes you by surprise. You won’t deny that you could be a bit…..intense during the season, but as captain, there was a shit ton of responsibility on your shoulders. Someone had to take the lead. “There’s a reason we had a whole group chat without you called, ‘Deliver us from Y/N��.”

“You had what?” This is news to you. As far as you were concerned, you had a great relationship with your teammates. It’s why your head coach let you take charge so much, especially in your junior and senior years. “Because I was doing my job?”

Alexis continues, ignoring your questions which is both annoying and predictable. She loves to tell a good story. “She’s the reason I’m hoping and praying Usher doesn’t perform More. It was the song for our Nationals routine, and when I tell you she was on us like goddamn slaves. That routine was hard as fuck, and she ain’t care one bit. It was hella good, like she choreographed the shit out of it, but it was so technical and draining. Bitches in the corner vomiting during practice, and she like ‘get a bucket and keep it pushing.’”

All eyes land on you, waiting for a response, but it’s hard to retort the truth, so you settle on justification. “Okay, that was their fault. I told ya’ll not to eat an hour before.”

Alexis claps her hands as everyone else around laughs. “I rest my case.”

“No wonder ya’ll go together so well,” Josh mutters, taking a drink of his beer. Kaylah slaps his arm but doesn’t say anything in disagreement. 

“What I’m hearing is it’s gon be a two night A&E special. First night? Surviving Joe. Second night? Surviving Y/N.”

Jon’s delivery is really what sells it. You can’t even hold back your laughter. Leaning back into Joe’s chest, you lift up both hands to flip them off. “Ya’ll not gon’ keep talking about my man.” Partially joking, partially serious, it’s not missed upon you how Joe’s deep chuckle in your ear is followed by his fingers innocently moving against the outside of your thigh. 

“You and your man was clearly out here terrorizing people,” Trinity laughs with a shake of her head. “That’s so crazy too, because you don’t give off that energy, Y/N.”

“I’ve calmed down a lot since I had my daughter.” And it’s the truth. Along with age and an extreme respect for your field along with your professional reputation. “But yeah, college Y/N…..she was something else. A little bit of high school as well, but mostly college.”

Alexis makes a sound and then blurts out, “tell em’ about the time you bust that stripper in the head with a bottle, and she had to get 75 stitches.”

Understandably so, there’s a round of shocked expressions and questions following Alexis so casually dropping one of the wildest experiences you had in college. 

You hear Jon ask something about if you have a criminal record, but it’s really Joe giving you that ‘you gon explain?’ look that makes you cave. 

“Oh lord, I can’t believe I’m about to tell this story.” You turn to Joe, warning. “You’re not allowed to hold it against me either.”

“Let me hear it first, and I’ll let you know after.” You know he’s joking, but still, you hit him on his arm. He’s supposed to hold you down, no matter what. Aggravated assault and all.

“Okay, so were at the strip club—”

Jon can’t help himself, asking, “damn, you got down like that?” 

He has no idea.

“You gotta remember, we were cheerleaders, so we spent a lot of time with the football and basketball teams. And they asses was always there, so we would tag along cause why not? I always had a good time. The food was good as hell too. Anyway, I was dating a football player at the time—”

Alexis slaps Joe on the arm. “She’s always had a type.”

“Yeah, ‘ain’t shit’, clearly.” You grab Joe’s jaw, clarifying. “Except for you, baby.” He mutters his approval, and you continue, “so, I was dating this dude, and he was cheating on me, which was fine. I wasn’t really into him anyway. But, turns out the girl he was cheating with was one of the strippers there and a classmate. I don’t know how the stupid bitch didn’t realize who I was before that night, but whatever. I guess she caught feelings for him or something and saw me as the problem? Mind you, I was dating him before he even started fucking her, but she called herself trying to step to me. And she was talking shit, which I didn’t necessarily care about because one thing I’ve never and will never do is fight over a man. Any fight I ever got into was because they said something about my mama or someone else I love.”

“How many fights you done—” Trinity elbows Jon who grunts and then mutters for you to keep going.

Chuckling, you do so, “so she calls me a bitch….okay, but then calls my mom a bitch, and at that point, I’m seeing red. Cause now my food is cold, I was about to get a lap dance that’s not gon’ happen cause now I gotta beat her ass, and all over some wack ass dick. But now she done bought my mama into it….absolutely not.” A beat. “I didn’t hit her first, because I never hit first, but I did say some slick shit that I knew would provoke her.” You decide to leave out exactly what you said given how graphic it was. “And she hit me, but then this other bitch joins in—”

“And that’s when I get involved,” Alexis chimes, raising her drink high and proud. “Because what you not gon do is jump my motherfucking best friend in front of me.”

Laughing, you continue, “so Alexis crazy ass is beating her friend, I’m on this girl, but then she calls herself trying to stab me with the heel of her shoe or something cause obviously I’m winning—”

“This some WorldStarHipHip shit if I ain’t ever heard—” Trinity hits Jon for his interruption and motions for you to continue going, clearly and deeply invested in the retelling of this wild ass night.

“I’m mixing on this bitch, cause one thing about me, I know how to fight. I just choose not to do it.” And it’s true. Fighting is a last resort, always has been for you, but make no mistake, you know how to throw down. “Anyway, I snatch the shoe out of her hand, grab this bottle of Hennesy I see near me and smash it over her head.”

“And it was lights out.” Alexis says dramatically. “That bitch was laid out like a crime scene. Patrick Star headass.”

Wiping the tears from your eyes from your laughter, you continue, “so someone calls the cops. They show up, and I’m starting to get nervous thinking she’s gonna press charges, because I bust her head open. She had to get stitches and everything. But I had made friends with the owner of the club—-that’s a whole other story—and basically, he refused to provide her with any video footage, made sure no one said anything about what happened, was friends with the cops, and they just chalked it up to a bunch of drunk girls being stupid. And I got off.” Clapping your hand to signify the end, you rest back against Joe. “The end.”

There’s a slightly understandable moment of silence before Kaylah calmly asks, “How drunk were you?”

That’s an easy answer. “Oh, I wasn’t drunk.”

“So….you did all that sober?” Trinity asks, like she needs to just make sure she’s following correctly. 

“Yup.” You pop the ‘p’ and look over at Joe who’s all of the emotions, primarily, amused, surprised, and strangely turned on. “Wild times.”

Jon is the first to speak after that. “Man, I always knew I liked you, Y/N. Your ass a little crazy, but I fucks with it.” 

Laughing, you explain. “You gotta keep in mind, I was like 19 at the time. I was young and definitely dumb in a lot of ways. I’ll be 32 this year and have grown a lot. I have zero desire to put my hands on anyone. I have a child and a career. I may be tempted, but I’m not going to actually do it.  I have too much to lose”

“And that’s why she has me.” Alexis lifts her drink. “I don’t have much to lose cause I’m rich enough to get off. Plus, she’s all boring now. You see how early we’re back. Back in the day, we’d club hop until like 4 in the morning. At least up until Junior year,” she gestures to you with her outstretched thumb. “That’s when this heifer had to get all studious on me.” 

“4.0, Summa Cum Laude.” You make a little pose and laugh. “I just got my shit together, and clearly….” you lean back to look at Joe. “ —it paid off.”

—----------

Obviously, you’ve never attended a professional football game, let alone the fucking Super Bowl, but even knowing that, you’re partially surprised by just how many damn people are there. It’s absolutely jam packed, and you’re suddenly grateful for the security detail that escorts the group of you to your seating area.

Joe holds Callie and keeps your hand in his which impacts you in a strange way that you can’t explain. This whole trip has been him being unabashedly open about you and Callie, and you’re starting to think that’s the part that’s still a bit difficult.

For three years, you felt like some secret he kept hidden and stored away, so to be so “displayed” so publicly is such a stark contrast you’re still trying to sit with. It’s not a bad adjustment, just an adjustment nonetheless. 

The section rented for the group is surprisingly spacious enough for everyone, and you and Kaylah immediately go delegating, having the kids all in the back rows with the men front and center to see the game they’ve been praying for all year. You knew Joe was a huge 49ers fan, hence your not being entirely surprised when you found a box at your apartment door with a bunch of 49ers apparel for you and Callie to pick from for the game. He also, in true Joe fashion, sent you both sneakers with the 49ers team colors of black, red, and gold. 

And one look at Callie as she interacts with her cousins, you can’t deny how adorable she looks, especially as they’re also sporting the apparel because of course his whole family are also fans. Granted, you can’t deny how adorable she looks all decked out like her daddy. You took a more subtle approach, agreeing to the letterman jacket and sneakers, combining them with the 49ers long sleeved crop top and stretch black pants.

There’s a lot of getting everyone settled and you warning Alexis not to make a damn fool of herself, which apparently she’s also dead set on. Something about needing to be ready to be either a consolation or celebration prize for whatever player she was going home with tonight. 

When the game starts though, it’s absolutely fascinating watching how intently focused the men are, not wanting to miss a single second. You’re suddenly really grateful you’d briefly spoke with Callie about how this game was very important to Joe, so his attention may not be on her as much as she wants but that’s okay because he’s just a little busy. She responded well, and you can see how helpful it is for her to be around not only other kids but her cousins.

The ease of their connection and ability to play together is something you’re so grateful for, so happy to see. It definitely makes you even more excited about moving, about her being closer to family. 

That thought reminds you to ask Joe when he wants to talk to Callie about that, about moving. It feels like something the two of you should do together. 

Ironically, you’ve never really been a huge football person, so your interest in the game and who wins is pretty slim to none. You’re there for a good time and, most importantly, Usher’s performance. Kaylah seems to be on a similar wavelength, so while the rest are deeply invested in arguably the most important game of the year, you two engage in casual dialogue. 

She gives you some much appreciated tips on the area, specifically regarding school systems and other resources for Callie. She mentions a dance school her daughter also attends classes at, and that immediately catches your attention cause Callie has given some indications she wants to do ballet. And while you have your reservations, it’s mostly been because of financial reasons.

Not that daddy warbucks over there won’t handle that for you. 

There’s also a lot of photos and videos that get taken to commemorate this moment. Most of which are headed by life of the party, Alexis. You’re grateful though, happy to have her here. She even catches your attention when Callie maneuvers her way over to Joe, tugging on his pants leg for him to pick her up. You start to bring her back by you, but you end up watching Joe pull her up, kissing her cheek as he patiently tries to explain the game to her.

It brings a warm smile on your face, and you use your phone to snap a photo of them. It’s from behind, but the lighting, the way Joe is pointing and Callie following his line of vision, there’s something about it so wholesome and moving.

You set it as your lock screen. 

By the time halftime rolls around, the men are all in great moods given their team is so far dominating. However, you and the rest of the ladies present are in a great mood for entirely different reasons. 

The minute you hear the opening chords of Caught Up, you’re in a completely different world, similar to the happy space of attending concerts in your teens and college days. Alexis is definitely your number one hype woman, but really, Trin and Kaylah are just as lit. The guys are definitely enjoying the show as well, but Usher has been that man for you, so he’s your only focus. 

It only gets exponentially better, and the minute he starts to perform Yeah joined by both Lil John and Ludacris, you and Alexis are shouting out every single damn word of Luda’s iconic verse. 

It’s definitely a moment you’ll absolutely never forget.

Unfortunately, the halftime show seems to be a bit of a climax as the third quarter progresses, and the tide seems to start turning in favor of the Chiefs. Similarly, it’s not missed upon you how the younger kids seem to be slowing down. Callie is definitely ready for bed and understandably so. It’s been a long day and is way past her bedtime. After a brief discussion with Joe and Josh, it’s decided that you and Kaylah will take the younger kids back to the hotel, especially since you both have very little interest in how the game plays out but respect the guys needing to stay. 

And Alexis wild ass most definitely stays behind for….obvious reasons.

Joe, of course, doesn’t let you and Callie leave without a hug, kiss, and telling you both he loves you. A tradition of sorts now, definitely one you’ll never get tired of.

Security escorts the smaller group of you to your vehicles, and by the time you’ve reached the hotel, the younger kids are tapped out. You manage to get Callie out of her clothes, into her jammies, and bonnet on her head before she passes out in her bed. 

Kaylah has a similar experience with her kids, the two of you plopping down on the sofa together. 

“I hope they pull the win. I don’t know if you’ve ever been around Joe when the 49ers lose, but he’s not pleasant. None of them are.”

“I get it,” you chuckle. “I’d be pissed if I paid all that money to see my team lose too.”

“At least we had our good time seeing Usher’s fine ass.”

Laughing, you slap hands with her. “I know that’s right!”

As the laughter dies down, Kaylah gives you an earnest smile. “I hope I’m not being too forward, but I really am glad you came on this trip. I’ve heard both the twins and especially Joe speak so highly of you, and they definitely weren’t wrong. More importantly, I think you’re really good for Joe. I haven’t seen him as happy as he is with you and Callie since we were in high school, really.”

“Can I be honest with you about something?” Her kind words make you feel comfortable enough to be forthcoming with her. “I was a bit nervous you wouldn’t like me.”

Her eyes widen. “Me? Why?”

“I guess…..I worried you would feel a sense of loyalty to Joe’s ex-wife, and given how we got together…..

She nods. “I can understand that, but…if I’m being honest with you, I’ve probably had more meaningful interactions with you in these two days than I did in all of the time they were together. Don’t get me wrong, Jadah was super nice and chill, but she never really interacted with us like that. She mostly kept to herself.”

“What was the deal with their marriage?” It feels a bit off asking her, but given she’s known them for so long, she of all people would be the person to ask. “I know….I know he told me they only got married because she was pregnant and that….that she miscarried.”

It’s when you say that she gives you a strange look. “Y/N…..they didn’t have a miscarriage.” Before the shock fully wears off and you can ask her what happened then, she explains in an understandably sad tone. “It was….it was a stillbirth. She was 8 months pregnant.”

Your stomach…drops. That….that’s not what you expected to leave her mouth. Not at all.

Thinking back to that brief conversation with Joe, he never really specified what happened. Just made sure you knew Callie didn’t have a sibling. You’d just assumed a miscarriage is what happened. 

But a stillbirth….your brain can’t even begin to comprehend the heartbreak they must have experienced. To be in a headspace that you’re welcoming your first child for the better part of a year only to have it so cruelly ripped away in such a horrific manner….it’s devastating.

“I didn’t….”

“He didn’t tell you?” You shake your head, and she offers a sad smile. “I’m not surprised. Joe seems very open with you and obviously trusts you a lot, but that….I know that messed him up real bad.” 

Just like finding out he’d missed out on almost five years of Callie’s life. You’re starting to understand more and more why he came at you so hard initially, it was more than warranted but most likely pulling from his prior trauma as well. 

Kaylah continues, explaining gently, “I don’t know…I don’t know if it’s a good idea to push him too much on discussing it, YN. He’s never even really talked about it to the twins, and they tell each other everything. I’m sure he’s never fully processed it. Then again, I don’t know how you can ever process something like that.”

Hearing this has suddenly entirely soured your mood, and you have no ill feelings toward Kaylah. Just the opposite. You’re grateful she felt comfortable enough to be honest with you. You just wish the truth didn’t have you with this dull ache in your chest.

—----------

The 49ers loss hits you harder for reasons completely different than actual fans. It makes you sad for Joe, a sentiment you were already struggling with, to be honest.

Anticipating he’ll be looking for some sort of distraction, especially with Callie knocked out for the night, you try to get your shower finished before he makes it back to the hotel. It’s a wasted effort, because not only does he make it back before then, but he scares the hell out of you when his hulking frame joins you from behind under the steaming hot water. 

But before a single word can leave your mouth, his lips are on you, and you know instantly that he plans to take his emotions out on you in the only way that’s most appropriate. 

Fucking.

Joe fucks you against the shower wall, on the bathroom counter, in the exact way you promised him the night before but couldn’t follow through on because you were tired. He’s rough, rougher than you’ve had him in a while, and while it’s exactly what you wanted, it also saddens you that you know he’s disappointed. 

It’s just a game, yes, but there’s something about a loss at this level that makes it hit deeper. It also doesn’t help that you were already feeling a tremendous amount of empathy toward him after finding out about his loss. 

Body completely used and thoroughly fucked, the end of your sexscapade finds you both, naked and worn out. Your body is draped upon his as his finger moves around lazily across your back.

It’s a comfortable silence when he asks, “was I too rough with you?”

Lifting your head, you give him the strangest look. How long has it been since ya’ll really fucked? He’s clearly forgotten how you get down. “Did you seriously just ask me that? This is me, Joe..” Laying your head back on his chest, you remind him of your only rules in the bedroom. “Unless I’m bleeding or passed out, never too rough.”

Laughing, he flicks your arm as you kiss his shoulder. Changing gears a bit, his expression softens. “Thank you for coming, for bringing her.” 

“You never have to thank me for that.” You remind, because it’s the truth. You’d escort Callie to Siberia if that’s where he was. “But we do need to figure out when we’re gonna talk to her about moving.”

He seems to also remember this is a thing, asking, “how do you think she’ll feel?”

You have to take a second to think about his question. It’s something you’ve definitely considered. Callie has only known your town. That’s her home. What would it be like to uproot her? You finally settle on the best, honest answer you can muster. “I think she’ll be a little sad to leave her preschool friends, definitely my mom but what she wants more than anything is to be a family, so she’ll be happy.”

“Does she know we’re together?”

“I—I don’t know actually.” It’s not really something you’ve thought about until this very moment, just kinda assumed that it was a given. “Well, shit, maybe we should tell her that too.” 

He chuckles. “I’m sure she’s probably put two and two together.”

“Probably so.” Callie is definitely one smart cookie, and it wouldn’t be too far fetched to assume she’s realized you and Joe are dating. “Oh, and going back to moving, it’s Florida. Disney is in Florida. That’ll definitely be a selling point for her.”

Joe’s hand moves up and down your side, soothingly. “We’re going the week of her birthday, by the way.” 

Peeking up at him, you double check what’s really obvious but also still so surreal. “To Disney?”

“Yeah.” 

“They let you off for a whole week?” That’s a stunner, for certain. “Coming off a Wrestlemania win? Damn, just how heavy is your pull now?” 

“What?” He seems confused by your question, like he doesn’t understand what you’re saying. And that’s puzzling to you because there’s nothing confusing about what you’re asking. You know enough about WWE to know how this works. He’s gonna retain at WrestleMania and be subsequently thrust deep in promos and segments. “Oh yeah….I’ve got it handled.”

Waiting for more is a waste of time with this man. He can be so coy sometimes. “You’re not gonna tell me anything more, are you?”

“Nope.” 

“Ass.” His elusive behavior is becoming both familiar and given but still annoying nonetheless. Regardless, you take your turn, switching topics a bit. “Have I told you how proud of you I am? Cause I am. So so proud of you, Joe. I always knew you could do it.” You lift up, biting down on your bottom lip as you push some of his hair back. “You’re gonna hold the record for most main events at Wrestlemania. Beating Hulk’s record. Thee fucking Hulk Hogan. And once you whoop Ken doll’s ass, you’re gonna have the third longest title reign in WWE history. Do you know how amazing that is?”

His hand is on your hip, making soft circles. “It’s not everything….”

Scoffing, you dismiss his dismissal. That is quite literally everything he ever told you he wanted. “The hell it isn’t. I remember every conversation we ever had about this, Leati. Your worries. Your hopes. Your dreams. This is what you’ve always wanted and worked your whole life for.” He’d always been so open and vulnerable about where he ultimately wanted his career to go, the burning desire he had to make it happen, and to see him do just that means the world to you. It should mean the world to him.

But there’s something off about his tone, and you can’t quite make out if it’s because he’s still reeling from the loss or something else. It almost feels like everything you’re saying is going in one ear and out the other because it no longer means that much to him. You know that can’t be the case. Not with how long he’s been grinding and working his ass off. 

His tone and expression are both appreciative as he shares, “I don’t think you’ll ever understand how much your support meant to me. You always knew the right thing to say.”

You lean down to kiss him, nice and slow. “I’m just really good at that shit.” Biting down on your bottom lip, you slowly start to snake your hand down his chest. “I’m really good at a lot of shit actually.” Whatever is bothering him, you know one way to help.

A really really good way.

Chuckling, his jaw clenches when you try to wrap your hand around him, fingers unable to connect from his width. He’s already hard for you. “You lock the door?”

You’ve never been so grateful for hotel rooms with bedroom doors that lock.

“Of course.” There’s no time wasted in moving so that you’re on top of him, reaching to align him just right so you can sink down on your favorite pastime. 

“My turn….”

—----------

Someone knocking on your door, loudly, at 11am, just hours after you land back in town wasn’t on your agenda for the day.

You, Callie, and Alexis caught an early morning flight that was difficult for everyone giving how crazy busy the weekend was, but especially for Callie who was already sad at having to say bye to her dad again and was still tired from lack of adequate sleep. 

You’re especially happy you chose to take today off and keep Callie home from preschool. You definitely need time to recover.

But life has a way of lifing. You’re immediately annoyed, looking beside you to see that Alexis is also stirring in her sleep, mumbling something about ‘fuck off.’ Sighing loudly, you stare at the ceiling, almost ready to leave whoever it is outside. But then they knock again, and you know this isn’t someone you can avoid. 

Even if you’re very tempted. Reaching for a robe, you pull it on and tie it around your wait, sliding your slippers on to make your way to the front door. Not even bothering to look through the peephole, you rip it open, ready to curse someone out when you see who it is.

Alyssa’s striking blue eyes are the first thing you noticed followed by the shine of the police badge attached to Officer Austin’s uniform. 

Why the hell is a police officer and one of the town’s social worker at your door?

“Hi….” You have to clear your voice, sleep weighing it down with coarse grit. “Is…is everything alright?” Panic briefly sets in. “Is it one of my students?”

This is the part of being a teacher that guts you, when a child is being harmed or at risk of being harmed and you have to make a call that does both a lot of good and a lot of bad. Alyssa has been the social worker you’ve worked with the most, but this is definitely the first time she’s come to your house about a case.

“Y/N…..” Her expression is grim, and you realize quickly that whatever it is is not good. Not good at all. “We received a report against you.”

“A report?” Your hand is gripping the door so tightly, you’re certain splinters are going to embed themselves into the pads of your fingers. But it’s a much better feeling than what’s starting to grow in the pit of your stomach. “What—what kind of report?”

There’s hesitation, and you understand why when she clarifies. “An immediate danger report.” 

“No.” Your stomach drops. “Alyssa, you can’t—-you can’t be serious.”

Your head is absolutely spinning. This…this can’t be right. A social worker and police officer cannot be standing at your door saying that someone called DCFS on you and made a report that not only is Callie in danger, but she’s in immediate danger. 

You’ve had the unfortunate experience of being the one to make reports, working plenty with Alyssa and the local police to navigate these cases. And it’s in that experience you’ve learned the definition of an immediate danger report and what it requires.

The immediate removal of a child from the accused home and custody.

They want to take Callie from you. 

Officer Austin speaks in an equally sympathetic tone. “Trust me, Y/N. I’ve known you since you were a little girl, and this makes me sick to my stomach. I hate it. I know it’s all lies and a waste of time and resources, but you know the law. We have to—“

However, you’re focused on Alyssa as you know the police are only brought along in case the situation becomes hostile. You have no desire to get physical with law enforcement, but you will get down on your hands and knees if that’s what it takes to keep your baby with you. “Please don’t do this. Alyssa, you know me—“

“I do, and that’s why I arranged where she’ll be released to your mom for custody and I got a hearing scheduled with the judge for you on Wednesday. It’ll only be three days—” If it wasn’t for the pending mental breakdown, you’d be more appreciative. You’d much rather Callie be sent to stay with your mom instead of put in emergency foster care.

You’re not sure if you’d be able to live with that. 

“Oh my god…..” You feel like you’re going to pass out, suddenly aware of Alexis' presence as she too asks more questions about what’s going on and who made this report. She’s, understandably, pissed. But, her last question is a no brainer. 

There’s only one person you know who would have a motive to do something like this.

“Three days without speaking or seeing my child! You know how attached she is to me, Alyssa!” It’s also in your experience with these types of situations that you know zero communication is allowed between the child and parent being accused until the emergency court hearing takes place. 

Three days without being able to speak to Callie….pain like this should never be allowed to be experienced. It’s a nightmare turned into reality. 

She truly looks remorseful, and you know she finds this just as ridiculous as you. “My hands are tied Y/N.”

Voice low, you finally ask, “what are the accusations?” If an answer was given to Alexis, you didn’t hear it, and regardless. You need to ask for yourself.

“Y/N.”

You repeat, no room for argument or refusal in your tone. “What…are the accusations, Alyssa?”

She swallows, answering in a low tone. “Child endangerment. Specifically….you’ve been accused of leaving Callie unintended to meet men for sex, and the accusation that made it immediate danger….is that you plan to prostitute Callie.”

It takes everything in you not to projectile vomit right on the spot, as you move your hand to your stomach, bent over. There aren’t enough words to describe your disgust and revulsion. 

Alyssa starts to provide more basic information regarding getting Callie back, but it's a waste of time.

You know this. You’re more than well aware of how this process works. Just never in a million years did you think you’d be involved in one of your own.

Absolutely defeated and crushed, you ask, “let me talk to her first, please.”

“Of course.” 

Alexis stays behind to follow up with additional questions that you’re partially paying attention to, but the majority of your focus is on staying upright. You could throw up and pass out on cue at this very moment. That’s how overwhelmed you feel, but the second your shaking hand opens Callie’s door, it’s an even bigger battle.

She’s still sleeping. 

Your sweet, innocent child is still sleeping, probably trying to recover from all the festivities from this weekend. And you have to wake her up. You have to wake her up to undoubtedly break her heart.

“Oh God…..” Hand on your stomach, you take three, big, deep breaths to settle your nervous system. Callie can’t see how much of a wreck you are. That’s only going to make it worse.

Sitting on the side of her bed, you clench and unclench your hands to minimize the shaking before gently pushing on her shoulder. “Calista, baby, I need you to get up.” It takes a couple of times, as you knew it would because you know your child like the back of your hand. The child who you would never do anything to endanger or any of the other egregious accusations made against you resulting in this nightmare.

Eyes blinking open, you chuckle at the pout on her face.

“I’m sleepy, mommy….”

“I know, baby.” You clear your throat, playing off the way emotion catches you, almost exposing the seriousness of this moment. “But…mommy needs you to get up. You….you’ve gotta go by grandma, okay?”

She looks at you, still with that pout and very much still partially sleep. “Can we go later?”

“No, baby. I—” This is inarguably one of the hardest things you’ve ever had to do. “I can’t go with you.”

And this is when you see her pout deepen. “Why?”

“Callie….” Hand on her face, you try to ignore the sound of your heart shattering. “You’re not gonna see mommy or be able to talk to me for a couple days, baby.”

And you knew, you knew before even opening your mouth that her eyes would begin to water that telling her this harsh but necessary truth would cause the reaction you’re starting to see. Her face is reddening, mouth dropped into a permanent frown.

It tears you apart to do this to her. “Baby, please don’t cry. It’s only for three days and—and you’ll have grandma, and—and auntie Alexis will visit you, and I’ll make sure daddy talks to you as often as he can—”

“But what about you? You’re my mommy.” She rubs at her eyes, crying harder. “Why are you leaving me?”

Pulling her into your chest, you swear to her, “listen to me, Callie, I will never ever leave you. Okay? The…the people who make sure little kids like you are safe and taken care of just want to make sure I’m a good mommy to you, o-okay?”

“But you’re the best mommy,” she cries into you, and a sob leaves your throat at that. Callie’s heartfelt tears, the fear and confusion in her little voice. It rips your heart to shreds. You hold her as long as you can before helping her get dressed and

gather a little backpack with a few items. 

You know she already has mostly everything she’ll need at your mom���s already.

Everything except you. 

Alyssa allows you to hold her as you walk down to the police car, but it’s when Officer Austin opens the door and Callie begins to cry, asking him, “please don’t take me from my mommy!” that you break again.

It’s impossible to keep your composure with your four-year-old child begging not to be taken from you. Pulling it together, you kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear, reminding her that you love her, and that you’ll see her again before she knows it. It’s the best you can do, it’s the only thing you can do. 

Setting her down on the ground, you crouch in front of her, placing both hands on her cheeks. “Ms. Alyssa and this nice officer are gonna bring you to grandma right now, okay? I promise I’m gonna get you as soon as I can, baby, and no one will ever take you away from me again, okay?” 

She doesn’t say anything, face still full of heartbreak. She hugs you again, holding on tight. “I love you, mommy.”

Voice cracking, you whisper, “I love you too, baby.”

Eventually finding the strength, you break away and stand up to see Alyssa wiping a tear from her eyes. She then forces a sad smile and takes Callie’s hand, leading her into the back of the police car. Even being buckled in, you see Callie continuing to look back at you, sadness morphing with helplessness. 

And that’s the last view you’ll have of your daughter, looking hopeless and confused as to why this is happening. 

But you know exactly why this is happening. 

And you know exactly what you need to do.

“Y/N…..” 

Alexis watery eyes are a brief view you have before dashing up the stairs and throwing open your apartment door. Shaking hands manage to grab you car keys off the kitchen island as you head back for the front door only to find that you can’t march out because Alexis is standing in front of the door. 

“Move out my way, Alexis.” 

“Y/N. You’re upset. Okay—”

Snapping, you shout at her. “Move! Now!”

She doesn’t hesitate to match your energy. “Not until you fucking calm down!”

Snapping, you scream. “She just got my child taken away from me, Alexis! Don’t tell me to calm down! I’m gonna smash her fucking face in!”

Never…..never in a million years did you think Mariah could be capable of something like this. That she could be evil as to call DCFS on you, make up lies so horrific that it sickens you to even think about them, and have your child ripped away from you. Damn what this has done to you. What about Callie? Was she even thinking about how traumatic this would be for Callie?

She’ll be thinking about it when you stomp her head into the fucking pavement.

“Hey! You have every right to be upset, okay? But, this is probably what she wants! She knows they’re not gonna find anything on you, but you go over there and beat her ass, it puts the spotlight on you and then gives them a basis to question your fitness.” Alexis is such a sound voice of reason right now, but it’s hard to heed when your literal heart has just been ripped from your fucking body. “You need to focus on doing what you need to do to get Callie back, okay? Call Joe—”

Joe.

You hadn’t….you hadn’t even thought about him. How can you explain this to him? Explain to him that your child, the child he just found out about not even six months ago is now technically in custody of DCFS because of your friend. Is that even forgivable? Beyond that, how crushing is that going to be for him?

Eyes watering, you shake your head, volume a few octaves lowered. You feel like you’re about to have a panic attack. “No, I can’t—-I can’t tell him.”

Alexis steps to you, placing her hands on your face, centering you. “Yes, you can, and you will. He needs to know, and you need support right now. I’m here for you, of course, but that’s the man you love. You need him.” Her expression then darkens. “And don’t you worry about Mariah. I got that hoe. Believe that. You don’t have to put a hand on her. Imma do it for you.” 

Alexis words do both everything and nothing for you. Granted, you’re not sure if anything will be substantial enough short of having your child returned to your custody or all of this being some sick joke. 

You’re not even sure when Alexis walks away to grab your phone until she’s reaching it to you. “Call him, sweetie. I promise you he’s not going to blame you. He’s going to be upset for the same reasons you are: because this is all bullshit. But please, Y/N, just….call this man.”

Finally taking the phone, she nods with a small smile. She then goes to remove her earrings and pull back her hair. “I’m gonna go curb stump this hoe.”

Alexis goes to the back, and you just stare at your phone. You once thought calling Joe to tell him about Callie’s existence would be one of the hardest phone calls you would ever have to make. 

God, you were so wrong. 

Trembling fingers tap on the phone to bring up his contact, and with tears streaming down your face, you hit call.

Whether for better or worse, he doesn’t answer, forcing you to leave a voicemail message. 

“Hey.” It’s a fruitless and meritless effort to keep your voice strong when you feel anything but. “I–I need you to call me as soon as you get a chance….please.” Hitting end, both you and the phone drop on the floor. On your knees, you finally release the sob you’d been holding in for the past twenty minutes. Moments later, Alexis is besides you, comforting you.

Not that it does any good. 

There is no good left.

Only pain.

[knitwit1912]

Team Tadpole: Modern AU Disney World Edition

A friend and I started riffing on what would happen if Team Tadpole went to Disney World.

Halsin 100% has a different ear headband for every day of the trip

Astarion tries to pretend he's too cool for everything, but is in fact loving it and gets a little emotional when they go for lunch at Be Our Guest

Minthara is just wondering how in the hell she was talked into this for the first half of the trip but betrays her growing enthusiasm by screaming gleefully on Tron.

Wyll gets blushy and nervous at all the princess meet-and-greets (Astarion does not let him live this down)

They go to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Lae'zel spends the entire time repeatedly riding Space Mountain because it's the one time it's 100% dark and as intense as Disney gets (she whines about going to Universal where they have "real rollercoasters")

Eating around the world: Gale, Halsin Drinking around the world: Astarion, Shadowheart, Karlach

Halsin laughs at all the dad jokes on the Jungle Cruise, Minthara seethes quietly, Astarion mumbles about whether he'd get banned from the park for jumping overboard

Karlach nearly gets the Mad Tea Party ride shut down for decontamination by spinning her teacup so hard the other occupants nearly lose their lunch

Minsc ties helium balloons to Boo until he floats. Otherwise he's carrying stuffies and huge amounts of food ("Gale, my foodie friend! Cheeseburger spring rolls; we must try these!")

Gale organizes the itinerary around dinner reservations (he's still a little sad everyone was like "HELL NO, GALE" when he floated the idea of doing the $425-per-person Chef's Table dinner at Victoria and Albert's)

"Which one would just run off and start causing chaos?" "Oh, Karlach. 100%. Well-meaning chaos, but chaos nonetheless."

Smuggler's Run positions: Pilot: Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Minthara (fistfight narrowly avoided by Jaheira splitting them into two groups) Gunner: Karlach, Wyll, Astarion Engineer: Gale, Halsin, Minsc

After the first 30 seconds of hearing the song on "Journey into Imagination" Astarion, Minthara and Lae'zel start discussing how they would like to kill Figment and settle on disembowelment (we will not discuss how "It's a Small World" goes)

Astarion and Shadowheart are Big Mad that the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is for children only, because they are pretty pretty princesses. Karlach is sad for the same reason but manages to badger everyone (except Minthara) into getting pixie dusted, meaning they're all finding glitter on their clothing (and elsewhere) for weeks.

Halsin makes everyone take the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch just so he can pet the goats

Crying at "Happily Ever After" fireworks: Astarion, Karlach, Minsc Cuddling their crying partner: Halsin, Wyll, Gale Using the fireworks to ride the rides with no lineup: Lae'zel, Jaheira, Shadowheart, Minthara

Most likely to have watched every All Ears/Mammoth Club/Disney Food Blog guide: Gale, Lae'zel

Mostly likely do have done a reasonable amount of research and preparation: Wyll, Minthara, Jaheira, Shadowheart, Halsin

Least likely to have looked at anything that has the faintest whiff of planning prior to the trip, including the weather forecast: Astarion (therefore also most likely to have to spend $$$ for a spirit jersey because he didn't pack warm enough clothing.)

Most likely to figure out on the first day how to game Genie+ and makes it their life's work to get the most lightning lanes possible and the earliest Guardians of the Galaxy/Tron virtual queue boarding group: Lae'zel and Minthara

Halsin seriously suggests staying on a tent/RV campsite at Fort Wilderness; Astarion votes for concierge-level Grand Floridian

Person who always asks to squeeze in one more ride on Pirates of the Caribbean: Wyll Person who somehow always gets wettest on Pirates of the Caribbean: Gale or Astarion

[writebackatya]

Do you think there should be justice for Alistair Boorswan?

#ReleaseTheBoorswanCut #ReleaseTheDeweyDuckCut

Oh Boorswan, I do legitimately feel bad for him but at the same time I find his situation hilarious. I loved him as a one-time character but he was someone who I would have loved to see return. Mainly because Edgar Wright (director of some of my favorite action comedies) was casted as him which for another layer of funny, was almost the director of Ant-Man but left the project since Disney didn’t want to make the movie he wanted to make. I always looked at this role and the whole episode as a giant middle finger to Disney for the way they treat their creative people

But back to Boorswan because I find him to be a fascinating character in his own right. Something that didn’t really occur to me till like my second or third time watching the episode is that Boorswan himself, is a Darkwing Duck fan and does have an understanding of the character

Mind you, my first watchthrough of the episode I had not watch a single episode of Darkwing Duck prior, it wasn’t till after I finished DuckTales 2017 I started to watch DT87 and DWD. (So if anyone tells you that people only like the Darkwing Duck episodes cause of nostalgia, tell those dummies they are wrong! Both episodes are phenomenal and don’t rely on nostalgia to carry their episodes)

Anyway, Boorswan’s take on Darkwing Duck as a sorta anti-hero while a bit edgy (he’s definitely a riff on Christopher Nolan but I also love to think there’s a bit of Zack Snyder in him too, he’s so pretentious!) isn’t too far off. In the original show, Darkwing Duck isn’t a beloved superhero at all. He has his fans for sure, but he’s mostly seen as a nuisance by the average St. Canard citizen.

But of course Darkwing Duck means well for the most part. He can be very egotistical in pretty much every episode. He has a lot of flaws. And honestly I have an understanding where Boorswan was coming from with his take

Something I would love to see explore if he were to return would be his relationship with Drake Mallard. Clearly Drake was not a fan of Boorswan’s vision and Alistair obviously saw something in Drake to cast him as the titular character in his overbudget movie.

It just makes me wonder how often Drake spoke up about some of Boorswan’s creative decisions as well as how Alistair responded to his star’s criticisms. Creating any form of art with multiple people can be difficult, heads are gonna butt since everyone has their own creative vision

I think it would be funny if Alistair Boorswan does not recognize Drake Mallard when he’s Darkwing Duck in St. Canard because that Darkwing Duck is nothing like the one he imagined for his movie

Also I love to think Alistair Boorswan blames Dewey and solely Dewey for his project getting cancelled. Just because I think it’d be funny if there was yet another adult that has beef with a preteen duck. Honestly, I think Alistair should be a sorta anti-hero to reflect his art. He lives in his own world and has a creative vision he wants to share and will do whatever it takes to make it happen. He’s kinda like Dewey when you think about it.

But the short answer, yes I do think he deserves some sort of justice. In fact, I’m working on a fic that I really need to continue working on right now where basically no one except him (and a few others) wants the Darkwing Duck movie to be made so instead he reworks his script into a Gizmoduck Movie

Someday I will finish it. Someday.

[winniethewife]

Hopes, wants and wishes, (Moon Knight System x GN!reader)

Prompt: “Make a Wish”

Words: 667

They were walking through the city, hands filled with shopping as they made their way back home. For just a second they glanced at the ground when they nearly run in to someone, or more something. In front of them is a strange creature, like something out of a horror movie. They stumble backwards, nearly tripping over their own feet. The creature turns to them snarling, a hungry expression on its face. They felt their whole body go rigid with fear, what an inconvenient time to find out that their instinctual trauma response is to freeze. A flash of white, and the creature is on its back, toppled by a man in a cape and hood, covered in some kind of wrappings, and beating the shit out of the creature. He turns to them for a split second, his eyes glowing white and his face covered.

“Run!” He shouted to them before continuing to fight with the creature. He doesn’t have to ask twice they run off. The hero turns to look one more time at the running figure. Hoping he hasn’t given himself away.

~

It would only be a couple days until another odd experience happened. This time they were hanging out with some friends and their boyfriend Steven at a local pub. The sun was just setting. Steven’s arm wrapped around their waist as he sat with his drink in front of him listening to one of their friends telling a story about some crazy thing that she saw as a kid in New Mexico. This conversation started of course because of the retelling of the meeting with the “caped hero” from a couple days prior. Steven had wanted to tell them right away, but Marc was insistent they’d be safer not knowing, and Jake had agreed. So Steven sat and bared it.

As they left the pub several hours later they were walking home chatting happily, making jokes and having a good time, when there was a loud sound from the alley near their flat. Steven got in front of them, making sure he was in the way if it turned out to be another one of those creatures that had been a problem as of late. They clutched onto Stevens shirt, afraid of what might be coming, and wondering if they were going to meet their masked hero again on such short notice.  As the creature appeared from the ally Steven didn’t hesitate. Summoning the suit he prepared to fight. He looked over his shoulder to look at them. Understanding crossing her face as she was met with those same white glowing eyes.

“Got what you wanted love?”

~

Jake had taken them out to their favorite spot to have a late night date, watching the stars. As they lay on the hood of the car cuddled up they talked quietly. Talking about everything, and anything, but mostly, about Moon Knight, Khonshu, everything. They had tried their best not to push too many questions on the three of them as the weeks had passed because it turned out that “creature problem” was a larger issue at hand, but now that a couple weeks had passed and the “problem” was taken care of, they wanted to know everything, and Jake was more than willing to answer any questions they had, and they had a lot. As the night went on they covered every detail Jake could manage. How they had met Konshu, how they became Moon Knight, How he had continued to work for Konshu when the other two got out of the agreement, and everything that had happened after. Eventually when they had a satisfactory answer to every question they looked up to the sky. A shooting star passed over them and they smiled whispering.

“Make a wish Jake.” He laughed slightly and took their chin in his hand and turned them to look at him.

“My wish, I wish to always be there to protect you mi amor. No matter what.”

Bingo Masterlist

Tag: @moonknight-events @juneknight @spacecowboyhotch @silvernight-m

This was so much fun! I'm so happy to have been able to participate!

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Prince William and the meaning of service - a lesson for Harry and Meghan by u/Larushka

Prince William and the meaning of service - a lesson for Harry and Meghan I’ve just finished watching Prince William’s documentary on eradicating homelessness in the UK, but before I give my opinion (and especially making it relevant to this sub) I just have to vent.I am just so angry with the Times and their negative attitude towards Prince William’s efforts at helping the homeless. As has already been posted, they chose to publish a supposed exposé on how much William and his father are worth, and how much money they make - most of which is public knowledge anyway, although admittedly has not been presented in one publication like this. Remember the Times used to support the Royals and be their mouthpiece. Quite honestly, I think the reason the establishment is against him, is because if, and lets hope, when, he achieves what he’s started, it will be a huge embarrassment for government who have thrown way too much money at failed schemes.Now PW is in charge of the Duchy, he is DOING THE RIGHT THING! He’s donating Duchy land to build support housing for the homeless as a model for other areas around the UK including Northern Ireland. In the past year, he’s been absolutely hands on in getting over 300 organizations involved, working together instead of against each other. He’s literally continuing and expanding Princess Diana’s legacy of caring for the homeless and actually doing something tf about it. He’s not just shilling for money like Harry at NATO - he’s actually trying to get to the root of homelessness and stop it before it starts. And coupled with Catherine’s Early Years program, where she has been attempting a similar project, but intervening when the children are very young, between the two of them, they are set to make wonderful changes. Harry could learn so much from the way William works. William acknowledges he’s in a very privileged position and literally states that “what is his life for, if not to give back and help people”. And because he doesn’t have to answer to government, he can take the advice of people who are boots on the ground, actively working in the homeless community, without getting involved in politics. He gets his hands dirty. He visits people in their environment, however squalid. The places don’t get cleaned up prior to his visit - unlike Harry visiting supposed veteran patients in a fake hospital room, or pretending to walk through a mine field. I was literally crying watching this documentary and pray William’s endeavor is a success. He and Harry are just so different. William honors Diana’s memory by continuing her work. Harry destroys it by dragging her memory through the mud.Harry and Meghan cavort around like they are the most important people in the room. But William IS the most important person in the room, but is also incredibly humble - he listens, instead of giving arm waving word salad speeches. To be a true Royal in a constitutional monarchy, you need to actually want to serve your people, not expect them to be subservient to you. I have no idea what the future is for Harry and Meghan, but as long as they are together, they do not belong in the UK. They do not know the meaning of the word ‘service’. (I’m in the USA and saw it on Disney. I hope they make it more widely available, so everyone can see it.) post link: https://ift.tt/TFumbVk author: Larushka submitted: November 03, 2024 at 07:05AM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[stellamancer]

niku i don’t thiiiiink we’ve ever talked about this before (<- goldfish brain)……. but . that drabble made me wonder. how would bten!reader react if gojo found out abt their bday and did something sweet for them….? since their relationship with time is all fucked up i’m assuming they maybe wouldn’t remember it themselves 😭 or care? question mark? anyway this is just me begging for more crumbs im sorry …. scurries away . into the night (i love u)

omg ari so i intended to write this a a drabble when I was very sleepy, but as I got into attempting to it got so depressing LMAO.

so I'm going to. not. FORGIVE MEEEEEEE. but uh, I will answer this in reverse order.

first, I'm assuming when you say that they wouldn't remember it in the sense of they wouldn't think about it coming up, which is... pretty accurate. honestly if it weren't for their own phone they would not be able to keep track of like what day it is. I mean, I guess saying it like that it doesn't seem like anything too special but like... the days kind of blur together for them (especially since their sleeping habits are abyssmal). So like, if their birthday is coming up they just know it's 'soon' and not like 'it's in three days.'

As for caring, as I told you LMAO, prior to the events of bten, bten!reader wasn't the type to make a big fuss about their birthday. I think their personal form of celebrating may be like a splurge purchase. However, their besties would DEFINITELY make a big deal of it, and drag them out to celebrate it together (going out to dinner together, going for karaoke, there's one year Mio demands bten!reader takes the day off from work and they go to Tokyo Disney Sea). And while bten!reader would always tell them that they don't have to do anything, they still do and deep down it makes them happy. I think the only reason bten!reader cared about their birthday in the past was because it was a reason for their friends to get together and, since they're adults with jobs and such, they have less opportunities to do so.

So, the first birthday after the events of bten.... Would be hard. Very hard. I think that bten!reader would actually actively try to not even think about it if they can avoid it. But I think Mio still reaches out and they do end up spending bten!reader's birthday together but like... visiting shinn and kei's graves and it's probably pretty depressing LMAO........

as for how they would react if gojo did something sweet for them...

Just inside the barrier leading to Jujutsu High you find none other than Satoru Gojo waiting, leaning casually against the pillar of the torii gate that leads onto the campus grounds. He grins widely when you catch sight of him making it clear that he was waiting for you. The realization makes your stomach twist. What could he possibly want?

"Not like you to go anywhere when you don't have a mission," he remarks. "Where'd you wander off to?"

"...went to visit my friends' graves."

"Pretty morbid way to spend your birthday, if you ask me."

You frown slightly, not even bothering to wonder how he knew. "I didn't ask."

Gojo merely shrugs, annoyingly nonchalant. You stare at him, wondering if he's going to tell you why he's been waiting for you on his own or if he's going to make you ask.

Knowing him, it's the latter.

"...what is it?" you finally ask with a sigh. You feel oddly tired and the sooner you can settle whatever it is Gojo wants, the sooner you can lay down and rest. Though, whether or not you sleep is another matter entirely.

"Nothing much," he answers casually. "Just wanted to give you this."

Out of seemingly nowhere he pulls out a large rectangular package and bops you lightly on the head with it. Slowly, you reach up and take it from him. Upon further inspection, you find it's some item wrapped in decorative paper. You stare at it for a good, long second, then up at Gojo.

He chuckles. "It's a present. You know, a birthday present."

"...you didn't have to," you say almost automatically, hand running over the paper. It's a shimmery sort of light blue that's reminiscent of Gojo's eyes. You're surprised, not only did he take the time to find out your birthday, he got you a present— even had it wrapped

"And?"

"...thank you," you say quietly. "...is it okay to open it?"

"Go ahead."

You carefully pull at the folds in the paper, careful to not rip the paper as you unwrap the present. Beneath the paper is a book of sorts, with a soft leathery cover. You blink. "A journal?"

"Thought it might be useful," he explains. "You're having trouble keeping track of the days, right?"

You are, and you think you remember reading somewhere that keeping something like a daily journal might help but... "Isn't it more common to use a blog or app for this kind of thing."

Gojo shrugs. "Probably, but I thought you might like something more ... tangible."

You're not so sure. The last time you wrote in a notebook was in high school. It's easier to use a phone or a computer, but there's something about the physical journal that's...

"Take a look inside," Gojo urges, barely managing to contain a grin.

Your eyes narrow and you flip the pages of the notebook. Sure enough in the corners and the top parts of a few of the pages you spot little doodles and drawings; all cartoon renditions of the man before you.

"...most people wouldn't appreciate someone defiling their journal like this," you deadpan.

Gojo waves his hand dismissively. "It gives it character! Are you telling me you don't like my drawings?"

"I didn't say that."

"So then you do like them!"

"I didn't say that either."

Gojo pouts, ignoring you. "Well, then, which is it?"

"....they look kind of dumb."

"They do not!" Gojo exclaims, scandalized. "You take that back!"

"No," you respond flatly. The pout returns to his face and you sigh. "But I will admit you are right, that it does give the journal character."

The pout is instantly gone, replaced with the proud puff of his chest. How ridiculous. Sometimes you have a hard time believing this ridiculous man brutally exorcised hundred of curses right before your eyes. "...will you use it?"

"...yes." After all, it's not like you to waste a thoughtful present like this.

"Promise?"

"Yes, Gojo."

"Will you let me read it?"

"...... maybe." If it's just recording your daily life you can't imagine there being any reason to keep the contents a secret. But at the same time...

Gojo grins, and you can tell he's taken your "maybe" as a "yes."

You could correct him, but you decide not to.

[littlemissmitsukihorenake]

Star Wars has gotten soft.

Well, it started off hard and then got soft. And that's why people keep complaining about little details and lightsabers changing colors.

I think a lot of people have heard something about a magic system when it comes to fiction. Namely, the difference between a hard magic system and a soft magic system. A "hard" system tends to focus on the details of the world the fiction takes place. Think of it like the science of the world. Avatar the Last Airbender would be a hard system, with rules and systems in place about as many aspects of bending as possible. A "soft" system tends to leave the details at the door, aiming toward a more ambiguous just-go-with-the-flow kind of powerset. The Lord of the Rings is a soft system series, where all the magical abilities in the series can be boiled down to "whatever makes the plot work".

Usually, a fictional world gives the viewer a general idea of what kind of system that they're going to be running on. Likewise, the viewer knows how to temper their expectations in terms of all the powers that can be used. That tends to boil down to "don't ask hard system questions in a soft system fiction" and vice versa. For example, were you ever wondering why the eagles in LotR didn't just come in and fly Frodo to the mountain and save everyone the trouble? That is a hard system question for a soft system fiction. Likewise, a soft system question for a hard system is essentially asking for a scientific answer in a fictional world. For example, "can nonbenders learn how to bend?" The answer for that ends up being an entire plot point of the Legend of Korra, with a bunch of details explaining how in the world nonbenders suddenly learned how to bend and all the life changes that come as a result of that.

Now, with that out of the way, let's take a look at Star Wars. Star Wars had started as a hard system, leaning into the "science" aspect of science fiction. There's an entire timeline of the universe before the movies ever started. Each part of a lightsaber has been broken down and named, even going so far as to explain where you'd get those parts if you wanted to build your own. Remember midi-chlorians? That was straight up a "rule" in the hard magic system, specifically to explain how people found Force users to be trained at their academy. The original expanded universe only built up on these hard details, which honestly are too numerous to explain here. The fact that all of that got retconned is a moot point. The thing is that the original fans of Star Wars were raised to believe that Star Wars runs on a hard magic system, with laid out rules and hard coded scientific facts that can be replicated, studied, and mimicked.

So what happens when Disney bought Star Wars from Lucasfilms? Well, they immediately turned it into a soft magic system. Things will just happen for the sake of the story and the plot. Holdo can now ram through a whole starfleet because damn that CGI is nice. A lightsaber can now be corrupted and turn red because damn isn't that a nice visual. The Force can now be used to heal wounds because I guess we wanted this Reylo ship to happen for a few minutes. Why couldn't the First Order have found a way to weaponize ramming starfleets and take over the galaxy? Eh, don't worry about it, it's rare so it's not worth looking into. Why didn't Anakin's lightsaber turn red when he slaughtered all those children at the academy? Well, fuck them kids, that's why. Why didn't Luke heal his father when he was fatally wounded all those years ago? Eh, he's a robot, probably wouldn't have worked.

For the people who probably weren't all that deep into Star Wars prior to this? They walked into this franchise thinking it was a soft magic system, or even more cynically, happy that this nerd thing has essentially softened the tracks so that they could get on and enjoy the ride. But for the hardcore fans that have been here since the beginning? Reading all their extended universe and played all the games and got immersed in the lore and science and mechanics of a galaxy far far away? I have to believe that they feel massively ignored, or even thrown to the side. The new people at the reigns don't care to keep this hard system going, and are essentially throwing it all away and catering to the new fans that are coming in. The first sequel movie came out in 2015. If you were a teenager when this came out, that means that your entire Star Wars history would involve seeing Star Wars as a soft magic system franchise. You probably don't really care that "the lore was wrong", because you were never taught to care about that in the first place. Disney sure as hell didn't want you to. That way, they can make up whatever they want with the Force and have it sell.

If you don't really get the annoyance of it, consider this one example. Imagine if, during one episode, Mako suddenly started earthbending during a fight. The only explanation you end up getting is "eh, he has earth bending blood from his dad, he got it there". Given how hard coded the rules of bending is for the Avatar series, this is a HUGE violation of what the franchise has built up and established. And yet, you could get away with it by, well, softening the system up. It would be a hell of a nice visual of a dude duel bending, wouldn't it? Yeah, by defying all known laws of bending science. But anything for that rule of cool, I guess.

[ikemenomegas]

Hey!! (animeomegas here <3) I don't know anything about jjk, but I love actor AUs and I was wondering if you have any fun ideas for Naruto, the arcana or Mystic messenger? For some reason I've been imagining how a Mystic Messenger TV show would work and sketching out poster ideas for it 😫 This isn't really intended as a request, I just want to hear your stream of thought haha. Hope you've been having a wonderful day! <33

Hi @animeomegas I actually had a really long day but it was nice! I got a lot of things done. I hope you also had a good day ^^. So, okay okay okay you know I love casual stream of thought... and talking ahaha, and I also love behind the camera drama (I am also avoiding any wip work because 9+ hours at work fried the thesaurus bit of my brain)

Naruto

Naruto is such a specifically anime show. The budget for a complete 1:1 live action remake would probably make people so mad, there would have to be so much CGI for the final battle.

I feel like it could work for actors au as either:

1. Make Naruto a movie series. It's probably got a cult following like Star Wars and started off as some kind of original idea in the 70s and then got acquisitioned by a huge conglomerate in the 90s-2000s era, and had enough films (like the fast and furious franchises XD, so... eight at least) that it was able to cover all the material up until our time lol.

I actually went and reviewed the arcs because I love procrastination through research oop, but if you cut out/combine the filler arcs/turn them into serialized shows for streaming, you're left with enough material for about 3 movies from genin-days (when the actors Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura age from 11-14) and 5 movies from the shippuden era (there the main trio actors age from 16-24)

Playing off that nostalgia factor, Jiraiya's actor either played Minato or Naruto in the 70s film. He's since become a very famous actor/producer/director. Kakashi's father also played Kakashi's character in the original 70s film, so having him return as Sakumo for the Pein arc was a little Easter egg. There's a couple of instances of this throughout the series. For example, Madara is actually played by the same actor who played Sasuke in the og series, and the makeup used to age him in the flashback arcs gets high praise. Hashirama is played by the same kid who played Rock Lee in the first films too. Tsunade was played by the same girl who was either Ino in the original, etc.

Kind of like marvel, there's a ton of actors who are only sort of or not very famous when the films start, and the kids are certainly no-name actors (kind of [Sakura reads to me like a former disney-channel kid lol]), and then as the films get wildly popular, the franchise gains the Midas touch and even all of the recurrent minor characters get arcs/spinoffs/or see further success in their careers.

And as with marvel, it truly becomes like... everyone famous in a certain generation was in the Naruto franchise.

Sasuke had some actual industry connections prior to casting, but that was only because his brother was a young up-and-coming model. They sort of spring-boarded one anothers' careers. Playing the franchise characters traumatized them oop, and irl they're very close. There's a noticeable uptick in viewership for compilation videos of the Uchiha brothers being best siblings after about movie 6 when Sasuke finally kills Itachi and movie 7's fight with Kabuto is one of the most watched clips ever.

Also marvel-esque, I think people have mixed opinions about the ending lol (just like they do the anime) because on one hand, explosions! amazing visual effects! the whole ensemble ready to assemble! stacked nostalgia value! answers to some of the most asked fandom questions! amazing physical feats (Naruto and by extension Sasuke mostly insist on doing their own stunts)! and on the other... you have some of the thousand story threads being lost in the sauce, lackluster characterization for a some of the ladies, leaning perhaps too much on nostalgia value, complete obliteration of power scaling, suddenly there's almost too much content, and you have to have watched all three spinoff series to understand some of the in-world references, also fighting between the original concept creator and head writer and the production teams :p (yes this is Io being too literal haha)

2nd option: The Naruto characters all belong to the same representative entertainment company (think SM or YG /pulls face because cabal culture disturbs me/). I think this is more like an idols AU, and the relationships are significantly more catty and have more drama, but they're all actors/other entertainment related career lol so it's also kind of actors au?

The company probably tried for a ninjas/powers theme during recruitment and promotion so that's where you get Kakashi associated with dogs and lightning, Sasuke associated with snakes and later hawks and fire, Naruto associated with frogs and wind, Sakura associated with slugs and healing, Itachi associated with crows and dreams, Haku associated with ice and mirrors, Sai associated with tigers and ink, Tenzo/Yamato associated with trees, Gaara associated with tanuki and sand etc.

Itachi and Sasuke have an infamous rivalry that never really "resolves" so much as disappears because Itachi retires for a few years to deal with physical and mental health issues. It would be during this time he goes public with a relationship and he gets married before making a comeback. Even after the brothers reconcile and do projects together, people still bring up their Fighting Era and it pisses Sasuke off because the public doesn't really know what happened and he hates the speculation. Part of the controversy is that Sasuke left the company only a few years after signing on, joined a small rival company that was later embroiled in scandal, and then returned to the same company as his brother right around the time Itachi took a break.

Kakashi is the oldest of the "new generation" that's promoted during that time, but he's a very successful child actor turned model and adult actor. He did a bunch of shows that have great repeat value though so he basically lives off residuals and picks his projects and is very obvious but rather quiet about the ways he critiques the current entertainment industry. He's very good friends with Tenzo, stagename Yamato

Haku is a musician first and an actor second. He made his debut as part of a short lived idol group before going solo and starting musical stages. He's an up and coming favorite for historical dramas.

Gaara and Naruto are child actors who have been best friends for ages and help one another work through the inevitable industry challenges. They separately become really popular role models for kids from their hometowns. Kankuro is Gaara's personal rock in the working world, even though Kankuro's bad-boy image and slightly freaky aesthetic don't surface level seem to match with Gaara's more reserved and authentic method of dealing with the constant press.

Shikamaru and Nagato both separately give me musician/model vibes, but in different genres. Shikamaru quits the music thing very quickly to become a producer lol because more math and less fighting with fickle public opinion.

Mystic Messenger

If you sketch the the poster idea you haaaave to post it, please pretty please Amy?? Because you're so right, the whole plot is absolutely like a thriller/romcom kdrama. (Because the characters are well fleshed out it could also work with preserving the character backstories but have them all have entered acting later on.)

I looked up some Kdrama posters and the one where the leads for "because this is my first life" are standing in a stylized apartment balcony reminded me somewhat of thee game, mostly because the MC is stuck in the apartment for a good portion of the seven days lol.

If the whole Mystic Messenger plot were a drama...

MC is probably a rookie actor with one or two well done but not widely distributed productions under their belt.

Yoosung was maybe a child-actor which makes the whole ingenue thing kind of funny for his fans. Like yes, this is his first "adult role" (his baby face means he otherwise plays a lot of high schoolers) but it's this odd mixture of experience meaning he plays the role perfectly, but lack of experience with normal people resulting in a lot of blushing and stammering and totally tunnel vision flirting during the press tour haha.

I'd love for Jumin to come from a similar but less severe situation as game-Jumin. Like maybe his father has remarried a bunch of times, but he actually gets along with the stepmother who's been his mother for most of his life and he takes her to premiers with him. He grew up poor so he finds playing a lot of wealthy heirs type characters because of his looks to be a very strange turn of events, but he overall doesn't talk about his past much in public.

Hmmm, Jaehee seems the type to play a lot of severe characters in her usual roles because of her appearance, but like game-Jaehee she's got a very cute and adorable side that's coupled with a very genuine personalty. The interviewers probably make her do a lot of aegyo T.T poor Jaehee. She probably also worked her way through a prestigious drama school, either in-country or abroad, so she loves to read.

Zen always offers to do the aegyo with Jaehee so she doesn't have to suffer alone haha. He on the other hand never went to drama school, he's been acting since he was about 17 so all his training was in-company, although his company helped to put him through college where he did an advertising and media degree. He didn't have the exposure Jaehee did to classical media and arts, so they are irl very good friends who bond over their interest in business and Zen's interest in gaining a deeper understanding of acting and theater.

I see 707 as the person who was probably an idol musician before he started acting and mostly left group music behind. I've never played his route through, but he seems like the kind of person who is sometimes frustratingly talented lol. He is a natural at almost everything he tries which sometimes stresses him out because he wonders if there's something else he should be doing besides acting.

V seems like the kind of person however who was maybe a model first, and then turned to acting? I hate to say this, but it's the kind of situation where his incredible looks and sweet irl personality have garnered him a very devoted following but his parts in dramas tend to be second-string or somewhat minor or... kind of weird lol, and when he is the lead the show is usually only "okay" because the writing will be strange 😅 which is technically not his fault, but to be honest most of his income comes from promotional deals.

You like Saeran, right? so I won't leave him out! He's got this doe-eyed look that makes me think of a new debut actor! This is also one of his first major roles so he and MC lean on each other a lot and have to work hard to make sure their relationship off-screen is comfortable because they have so many scary intense scenes later on. He and 707 are either irl siblings, or just because so close during filming that they're truly like brothers now and 707 is always seen supporting Saeran, especially when Saeran decides to venture into the music scene and his vocal style and color means he explodes into popularity almost right away.

The Arcana

Somehow I can see this becoming an HBO drama? or maybe an Akuzon special because it's very good about placing lgbtq themes in-world (which was sort of groundbreaking when the game debuted). This one is so hard because each route gradually ended up diverging so much and in such different ways and expanding on the world in such a rewarding diversity of directions that you could truly have a beautiful, successful show no matter what route was filmed.

You could potentially have a Witcher-type situation where you really do have multiple routes and timeline splitting. If someone who's got a really good editing team working with a really tight writing team I think they could do it.

But otherwise, this is another situation where the main cast has had friend configurations for a While and doing this project brought them all closer together!

Ilya and Asra have known one another probably the longest industry-wise. They did a smaller well received indie film once about five years before Arcana with the vaguest of nods to brokeback mountain (I've never seen it, sorry) but a much happier road trip lovers plot, so having to play disillusioned, one-sided pining ex-lovers who had a very toxic last year to their relationship is... something XD.

Asra and Muriel have been personal friends since their days as students - they went to the same camps and programs to study acting and in their interviews, they have a fun time talking about some personal anecdotes (like the fact they did indeed frequently camp at a lakeside together as children) which made it into their own characters' backstories.

Nadia and Lucio are very Nikolaj/Gwendoline during their press and off-screen interactions. They find their characters' personas to be sort of hilariously poorly matched.

Portia is a famously hard working actress who clawed her way through the world of cinema and still managed to stay a decent, well grounded person. She's not actually related to Ilya irl but they got along really well from the beginning so there's lots of videos of them acting like siblings off screen.

Because the on-site shoots for Arcana required so much travel, the cast got to spend a lot of bonding time together, and saw a ton of unique places. The cast always has stories of swimming and hiking or trying new food or pictures of each other at famous sites during their days off. Muriel is actually the one who plans the outdoor adventures the best, he was an athlete and had military training before becoming an actor and he loves being outside so he'll lead these kinds of outings. People adore his social media because he's got that outdoors guy vibe but he's very sweet and he smiles a lot more irl than his roles usually do.

Portia and Julian are the most likely to get lost in any place, but they're also super fun to travel with because they always find interesting people and places that are off the beaten path.

Nadia and Asra have the most normal but also most aesthetic social media feeds. They always seem able to catch the golden hour light somehow...

After Arcana, they each often end up cast in or around the same movies/franchises/series as well, because they do work very well together. The show also helped them break out of some type casting, to their delight.

Lucio trends towards action and romcom films, he does often get typecast as some kind of villain, but his redemption arc in Arcana actually helped him break into more of the antihero type roles. He can be adorably goofy at times.

Nadia used to play the femme fatale quite frequently but since Arcana she's been able to take on softer roles, still often playing a woman in power, but she's been able to mix and cross genres. She also has been working on a screenplay and wants to try directing.

Portia was famous before Arcana but the show helped enter her into some of the more mainstream conversation and she has her first action-type role soon after Arcana ends.

Asra has a delicate physique and had some trouble in the past with being passed over roles that required more "force of presence" in the past. However, since showing his side as the secretive, enigmatic, manipulative magician, he's been able to try on the hats of villains, return to some roles on the true stage (his first love), and play the lead in a more serious political thriller.

Muriel had the opposite problem with his large build often precluding him from anything but action films. Since Arcana he's been able to try a few romantic lead parts, and has embraced his popularity by searching out meaningful mid-budget films where he can broaden his talents.

Julian is very tall, so he used to play quite a few more domineering, dastardly types in the films he did before Arcana. The show also brought him into the spotlight. He still does well as the sneering, dangerous, tall and dark type, but he's found that he can and is willing to push for playing something softer, someone who follows instead of leads in the on-screen dynamics. You and Ilya end up in a bodyguard type of drama at some point where he spends a lot of time on his knees swearing his devotion and playing a lot of subtext lol.

MC in this seems like they would have been a more experienced actor before taking on the linchpin role for Arcana, but the show granted you the experience to step into other roles both in front of and behind the camera and we'll probably see an MC directed and produced short film or indie film within the next few years!

[sachiko6243]

The good old Doc - Part 5

Missed the start? No problem, here is the first part, the following ones are always linked at the end, so you dont have to search endlessly. 😉

Summary: Lieutenant Lilith Adams enlisted back in the military, only to be met with a certain cocky pilot. Overcoming certain past traumas, she tries to fit in with the team of pilots as their personal medic. Soon finding her stuck between a certain good looking aviator and her work morals.

This is a series which is currently in the making, so I don’t exactly know how long it is going to be. 😊

Word count: 2896

Warnings: none, just pure fluff

When we reached my house, he walked around the car, opening my door. I was too caught up in my thoughts to register his movements. Only snapping back to reality, when he put me down in front of my door. “Key?”

I shuffled through my pockets, sticking the key inside the hole with shaky fingers. Letting us in, I set directly to the stairs. Feeling the need to shower the sticky grasp of my memories off. “Where are you going?” Jake asked, behind me, closing the door.

“Shower.” I mumbled, starting to climb the stairs.

“Okay. Can I leave you for a little?” He seemed unsure. I stopped walking and turned around. “Why?”

He shrugged. “I need to get some things to stay the night. I bet you don’t have clothes that fit me.” Letting out a small laugh he rubbed his neck. Raising my eyebrows, I asked: “What you mean, stay?”

“I am not leaving you alone tonight, sweet cheeks.” His tone was strong. Determent. I knew it wasn’t worth fighting and to be honest I wanted him around. His presence making me feel safe and protected. “Okay. Make it quick.” I whispered, averting my eyes. Not trusting me to cover up the pain of letting him go. “I will, darlin. I will. Can I shower here? It would be faster that way.” He added, once I snapped my head at him. Letting his question sink in, I tilted my head. What could happen if he did. Nothing, right? “Okey.” Striking me with a million dollar smile, he made his way out of the door.

Carrying myself up the stairs, I walked into my bedroom. Taking comfortable clothes from my worn-but-not-dirty-enough-for-laundry-chair, I headed for the bathroom.

After I showered, I walked down, finding Jake sitting on my couch, studying my books. “I am finished. Do you need something?” I asked, walking towards the fridge. Jake got up. “No. I got everything, darlin. Why don’t you get yourself some food and something to drink, while I shower and then we can watch a movie, talk, sit in silence. Whatever you want.”

“And what about you?” I wondered, receiving a smile from him: “Surprise me, darlin.”

I searched through my fridge, putting together a mixture of left over pizza from the day prior, a salad consisting of tomatoes, cucumber, and cheese as well as some beer. Nothing special, but it will have to do for today. I wasn’t feeling like cooking or calling a restaurant for some take out. Bringing the food towards the living room, I zapped through the TV. Changing to Disney once I didn’t find anything. Going through my watchlist I, once again, put on Mulan. A film I have watched countless times. I could hear the shower running and paused the film, waiting for Jake to be back.

It didn’t take him long. He probably did the quick army shower, all enlisted people were able to take. He came down the stairs. A simple white shirt and grey shorts hanging from his body. Wet hair sticking to his forehead. “A Disney film? Really?” He snickered plopping down next to me. I knew he was making fun of me, but instantly I felt bad. “I… You… We don’t have to watch it.” I mumbled looking down on my hands, fiddling in my lap. He sighted softly, pulling me into his arms. “No, sweet cheeks. Its alright. I would even watch titanic with you, if it makes you happy.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Maybe you are not so bad, Bagman.” I chuckled, still cuddled in his embrace. I felt him shake underneath me, when he laughed. “I sure hope you stop seeing me through that tinted glass of yours. Makes me look like a bad guy.”

“Well, what can I say. You are the bad guy.” I smiled up at him. “But I don’t mind. As long as you are Niceman around me.”

“Sure thing, sugar. And lets start that film, before I give in to my desire to bolt.” He leaned himself in the corner of the couch, placing me between his legs. I didn’t dare to move, hoping he wouldn’t notice in what kind of position we were. It felt nice, being so close to him. Feeling his heart drum underneath my ear, the warmth of his body fighting the air conditioner.

“Would you pass me some food? Training today kinda left me hungry.” He asked, placing a hand on my arm, to get my attention. I leaned forward, pulling the whole table right next to us. Handing him an empty plate and some cutlery I sat up. But he held me back. “Stay. If you like. It doesn’t bother me.”

“And how are you planning on eating?” I asked, tilting my head upwards to look at him upside down. He smiled, placing the plate on top of my head. “You are a literal dwarf, sweet cheeks. Your head has just the perfect height to be my table.”

“Back to Bagman, I guess…” I grumbled, serving me some salad and a slice of pizza. “I am not that tiny, otherwise I wouldn’t be allowed in the Navy.”

“Oh, come on, really? You look like you are barely reaching the required 57 inch.” Jake was smiling cockily, taking a bite from his pizza. Now I sat up, turning around to face him. “First of all, I am topping the minimal height by three inches, second of all just because you have another 12 inches wasting resources doesn’t mean anything. If not, it makes you actually worse than me. I mean, you require more upkeep, are a bigger target and people tend to get intimidated by you. Then there is me. A smaller woman, nobody really sees as a threat. I am the perfect killer, with an enormous knowledge of the human body, combat experience and training sessions from real marines. You are on sale, while I am the future.” Trying to mimic his smug half smile, I tilted my head in the best mocking way. And indeed, he laughed. So hard he had to put down his plate. “Darlin, you are going places with that sass.”

A bubbly pleasant feeling spread in my stomach at his words. His smile turned soft, when he reached out for me, tapping the place between his legs. “Come back, you little devil. Being alone without your protection makes me feel cold.”

“Are you flirting with me?” I asked, taking my old seat anyway. Picking up his plate again, he coed: “I don’t know. Am I?” “Yes, you totally are.” I retorted, starting to eat again.

“And is it working?”

“To make you look like an idiot? Absolutely.”

After we finished the food and got through some beers, I noticed the sleepiness creeping into my bones. I tried to fight the welcoming warmth of his body, luring me in. Desperately trying to stay awake. But him putting his arms around me, cradling me didn’t help. Slowly but surely I was drifting to sleep. I only woke again, when I was gently shaken. “Hey sleepyhead. You need to wake up. The film is over and I cant carry you up this spiral deathtrap you call your stairs.”

“M not sleeping.” I mumbled, stumbling over several letters. Jake chuckled slightly. “Yeah sure. Come on, we need to get you into your bed. I will clean up. You can rest.” Helping me to my feet he guided me to the stairs. Stopping in my tracks when my brain, processed the current situation. “Wait. And where are you going to sleep?”

“I will take the sofa. Its long enough and I have slept in worse conditions in base camp.” He shrugged, pushing me further to the stairs. But I didn’t budge. “You need pillows and a blanket.” “Darlin, don’t worry I am fine. Your couch has enough pillows and the decorative blanket on the chair seems to be big enough for me.” I gave in to his determent pressure on my back. “Look at that. Big boy Bagman, knowing the term of decorative blankets.” I snickered, earning a huff. “I have stayed with enough woman to kind of get the hang of it.”

Ouch. That sentence hurt. And what made it worse, I wasn’t allowed to react out loud, since technically I told him off, denying my crush on him. “Looks like sleeping around taught you at least something.” My voice was harsher than intended, but if he picked up on my sudden mood change, he certainly did not react to it.

After I brushed my teeth, went to the toilet, and put my hair into a loose braid, I crawled into the bed. Jake was still leaning on the railing of the stairs. They ended directly into my bedroom, so tonight no door would separate me from him. “If you need something, just call out for me, okay?” He asked, staring at me, with softness in his eyes. I nodded. “You can take anything from the kitchen if you like. There is cold water and other things in the fridge. Disney and Prime are logged into my TV, just don’t buy a movie, okay?” I said, not looking at him.

“Noted, sugar. No go to sleep.” He answered, descending down the stairs, before he was fully gone, I said: “Thank you, Jake. Really.” Tilting his head, he smiled. “Anytime, darlin.” And with that he was gone.

Listening to his movements I felt safe. A soft yellow light was shining up the staircase, only to be turned off moments later. The quiet noises of the TV and the flickering lights of whatever Jake was watching lulled me to sleep. The first night I slept through without any bad dreams.

When I woke up the next morning, I felt great. Stretching and opening up the windows I walked into the bathroom. Changing my comfortable clothes to more suitable for the day. After brushing my teeth and washing my face I walked down the stairs to find an empty sofa. A note was sitting on my kitchen counters: If you are awake, before I am back, don’t worry. I am just out picking up breakfast and some coffee, since you seem to have none. Jake.

I smiled at the note, starting some water in a kettle. Yes, I was using a kettle. An older comrade, who was stationed in Germany for some time, introduced my old team to this device and when I came back home, I bought myself one. It had a thermometer that could be set up to a specific heat and I loved that feature. Now being able to make the perfect green tea with 176° F. A knock on my door interrupted my morning routine. Walking over to it, a slight jump to my steps, I expected Jake to be back. Weird. I though if he would run out not expecting me to be awake, why would he leave without a key.

After opening the door, I had my answer. Cyclone was standing on my porch. “What are you doing here?” I asked, stepping aside to let him in.

“Good morning to you too.” He greeted, walking over to the bar chairs in my kitchen. “I decided to check in on you. So, how are you holding up?”

“I am referring to my current mood as eggshell fine.” I answered going back to brewing my tea. “You want a cup, or something else? Its not much, but if you wait a while, Jake might be back. He said he is out getting breakfast.”

“Excuse me?” Cyclone looked at me with horror in his eyes. “Lieutenant Seresin stayed the night? That’s… that’s unacceptable!” Ignoring the underlaying indication, I poured the hot water into my cup, stirring it before answering: “Yes, he did. We watched a movie, he slept on the couch. Nothing happened, DAD.”

“I am not your dad.” He grumbled.

“You sure as hell are behaving like one.” I answered, looking him straight in the eye. We had a stare of for a few seconds before he gave in: “You know what the rules are.”

“The rules don’t apply to us. We are equal ranks, not directly working together, at least on paper.” I shot back, voice cold as ice. He wiped his face with his hand, sighting: “I know. Just be careful.”

“I am careful. There is nothing going on between us and wont ever. You know how they talked, after finding out you were practically my dad. It did take me hard work, gaining my stance back. I will not risk it over a stupid hook up.” I sat down next to him, leaning my head on his shoulder. Cyclone put an arm around me. We sat there in silence staring out the kitchen window.

“He has the look, you know?”

“The what?”

“The look.” Cyclone repeated. “The same look I have seen on Maverick with Penny. And knowing you, I guess he has already made his way into your heart.”

“He has not. Jake is a friend. Nothing more. Stop seeing things.” I huffed, sitting up straight. Cyclone chuckled. “I am not seeing things. I am observing. You have taken a liking to him and the only thing stopping you from giving in is his reputation and your fear of loosing yours.”

He was right. And I knew it. “I just don’t want to get hurt. He is nice and makes me laugh. Its… I don’t want to be known as an easy girl. And when I would give in, chances are things go public. You know how things like this go down. He will be congratulated, while I will be shunned.” Cyclone didn’t answer, but I knew he was thinking the same. But what he said next surprised me: “Well, whats life without a little risk and challenge?” Wearing a smirk, he turned to me. “And you have six aviators and an admiral backing you up. What happened to the little girl going through walls to get to where she wanted?”

His statement made me laugh. “I have never thought you would be the one cheering me on to shoot my shot.”

“Its what dads do.” He simply answered. “Just don’t get distracted to much with him. And I swear if you ever do it on base, I am going to kick you out.”

“Oh god…” I went bright red at his words. Luckily the rustling key in my door saved me from any further embarrassment. I turned around, smiling at Jake entering my house. “Ah, you’re awake, sweet cheeks.” His smile faded, when he saw Cyclone sitting next to me. “Admiral. I am sorry. I didn’t know you were here.”

“Its alright, Lieutenant. I am off work, no need to be formal.” Cyclone answered, getting up from his chair. “I think I will get going and leave you to whatever you were up to.” He winked at me.

“For gods sake, stop it!” I squealed, but my protest got ignored. Cyclone just turned around to face Jake, straightening up as much as possible. “Treat her like a princess, because if she will ever call me crying over your ass, I will make you run miles to the point you throw up. And you will run everyday till she moved on from whatever mistake you made, am I clear?”

“Clear as day, Admiral.” Jake answered, swallowing hard. I got up and stepped between the two men. “Okey now. I believe this is your turn to get to work and I really need my breakfast. See you on Monday, DAD.” I eyed Cyclone with a deadly stare until he moved towards the door. Not without pushing Jake with his shoulder.

When I closed the door, I leaned against it, covering my face. “Oh my god… This man is dramatic over nothing. I am sorry for his behavior.”

“Its alright, sweet cheeks. He is just a worrying dad. That’s normal.” Jake answered, putting down the bags from the bakery on the kitchen counter.

“No its not. He is making a big deal out of nothing. You should not take this as normal.” I retorted, walking up to him. Jake shrugged it off. “I am, because I know he has every right to.”

His words made me stop in my tracks. “What?” Looking up at me, Jake asked: “He is worried we might get entangled with each other, right?”

“Yes, but…” He interrupted me: “Then he is correct. I like you. Like a lot. More than our work relationship might state as appropriate.” His eyes were honest. No usual flirtatious Hangman. This was the soft, honest Jake. I didn’t know what to say, so I just stared at him. Eyes wide, mouth slightly hanging open. “I mean it.” He went on. “I like you. And I want to take you on a date. Give it a shot.”

“A date…” I whispered.

“A date.” Rounding the counter, he came up to me, slowly putting his hands on my hip. “I wanna do the whole old school get to know each other thingy. Take you out for coffee, then dinner, maybe a movie, a walk on the beach. Meet your mother, your friends, all of it.” I kept on staring, still not able to react to his words. He pulled me closer, leaning down. “Will you let me do that? Take you on a date?”

[hnbka]

does anyone care I CARE

my cousin made me watch descendants w her again and those movies could have been sooo good if they cared at all

like the isle of the lost could have been a politically greedy landscape where malificent and jafar and other power hungry leaders led groups of villains with other deisres (mother gothel, evil queen, gaston etc). as their oldest children are nearing twenties, theres new players on the field.

how would evil queen who has sworn allegiance to maleficent have reacted to mother gothel providing her with the ability to stay young and beautiful forever? how would the two feel when their children became best friends?

and then the children, sent on missions for their parents. the seeds of allies, friends, rivals-- uma and mal, the enemies of the isle of the lost, and uma's best friend, harry dating mal??? oh give me a prequel of them before descendants PLEASE

not to mention how good that would make the payoff of descendants two??

(if you dont care about shipping scroll till you see HADES?? in really big bold text ok thanks)

and then when they get there, they don't throw the boys away as dumb plot devices but give them relationships and arcs and goals? i know, shocker, but tbf they represent women in every disney movie prior to 2009

kill off the fairy godmother's daughter dating carlos and mulan's daughter dating jay plotline i don't want it. let's bring in jay literally falling in love with gil BECAUSE IT IS REAL AND IT HAPPENS IN THE THIRD MOVIE I DONT KID

PLEASE WATCH THIS CLIP ITS PERFECT IN EVERY WAY

and carlos rip cameron boyce ❤️ i dont think he really had a personality but his fits were super solid

i dont want to talk about evie and the dwarf's son other than to say EVIE AND MAL WERE PERFECT

you can find me in the space between YEAH NOW DELETE THAT SPACE BETWEEN YOUR LIPS

and dont talk to me ab ben being left behind because he had uma and/or harry LIKE THATS THE LOVE TRIANGLE I WANT TO WATXH and i no longer feel weird ab wondering if that could have worked as a throuple vibe because riverdale did it w four people so i dont think anyone cares anymore. about anything

if youve never seen descendants and/or your very confused as to where these conclusions are coming from:

dove cameron says she ships evie and mal btw so haters can sit down

and honestly mal and uma work too like truly every ship that wasnt what they did worked so perfectly. and im not even putting a photo for them you and i both know they work

okay i swear this whole thing isnt just ship bait THERE IS MORE

one!

HADES???

why are YOU here? you are the god of the underworld, you have duties! the physics of this doesn't make sense because if hades is real, all gods are real, which means, well i don't know, can't the gods help remove him from this random island? can you imagine the beast trying to bring hades down to the isle of the lost, power struggle, and then finding out mal is his daughter BOOM PLOTLINE

and the beast is not that powerful! which brings me to my next point

why would ben have the beast's superpowers? the superpowers of the beast were a curse and removed. and why would the beast be the king of auradon? he's kind of useless. i think it would be cool and show that the heroes aren't perfect if other people wanted to rule

like not mulan or tiana thats out of character but maybe jasmine and aladdin or elsa and anna??

and where are all of these people from?? how can there be so many students if its js heroes? are there just a bunch of nobodies? why do we never see them this is honestly classist

and your telling me theres a dog but hes not related to the tens of disney dog movies that exist??? hes just some dog?? how can there js be some dog but no some humans?

and last. this is js. jay's adopted. look at him. search him up. he's not south asian, that boy is not related to jafar thanks

GOD, if a single producer there wanted to not just feed children mind numbing gunk in the shape of mid to did i mention songs and toys with dyed hair and a blindindly signature color, descendants could have gone down in history or at least to me as not just the show that killed off my beloved ever after high but a worthy opponent of it

also harry and gil kiss was cut

[sketchfanda]

A Little Moxxie Love:A Shark Tale

Moxxie wouldn’t lie and say that there wasn’t much he hadn’t seen or didn’t surprise him, on Hell or Earth. Especially when working alongside his wife as part of an amateur killers for hire office so imagine his surprise and confusion when Millie tells him Stolas had commissioned the duo to bodyguard the daughter of an associate of his on the human realm, in Atlantis of all places! It was quite the place to behold for what was a glorified underwater kingdom as it swarmed and thrived with merfolk and other similar yet different life forms many of which were demonic or angelic in their nature or origin. But that was neither here nor there as the imp couple could only do so much sightseeing while they had a job in hand. The princess’ usual chaperones had prior matters to attend to and it just so happened I.M.P came highly recommended to her parents by Stolas. Of course Moxxie knew it had to be him and Millie to take care of things because like hell Loona would have any class doing this job,being the walking surly moody stereotype she was and their boss?!

Ha!! The man was borderline deviant in an illicit scandalous relationship with a Goetia demon lord,as if he’d have the class to behav himself around a princess! Though the classy Imp had to say,Mipha was far more than just a sight easy on the eyes. Frankly she was quite stunning, beautiful even. Yet so very modest and humble for a princess. It was a wonder she reminded him of Princess Charlemagne back in hell. He and Millie had to yet wonder if snd burst into a song like those girls in those Disney movies. But suffice to say, this job was one of the few that was going well for them, smooth and cool as ice even. Mipha was a very accommodating ,affable client and hostess, making pleasant conversation with them as she showed him and Millie the sight and shared details of the history snd culture of Atlantis before and after its sinking and the many races it was home such as her  kin,the Zora. It was all very fascinating of course, not to mentioned helped distract him from his wandering eyes’ constant need to ogle her. Honestly the fine folks of Atlantis, men and women alike especially and particularly the Zora were more than easy on the eyes and for someon like Moxxie, to say the temptation was strong was an understatement. Millie’s own casual easy going friendship she was striking up with the princess certainly wasn’t helping matters and of course the princess herself was, to be polite as can be, stunning as all hell!!

His libido certainly was only feeling like a campfire getting gasoline poured on it given the Zora, Mipha especially and particularly had a fashion sense that only barely met any requirements or needs for modesty, which meant it was only all too easy to visualise her nude. Which didn’t stay just a mental concept of course when the Zora princess invited him and Milie to her personal bathhouse, her adorable sweet face just impossible to say no to when she insisted they share the luxury together. It was only fair and polite as their hostess and charge to oblige her generous,humble request. So here the Imp found himself with his wife, naked as they day they were born, together in a warm,steamy pool of water ina very lush,quie stunning lagoon cove. Mipha of course naked herself,having shed her robe and jewellery,seemingly unbothered of exposing herself to him. Oh sure he could get being comfy with showing off her nudity to Millie, Imp or Zora, they were both women and hardly had anything to hide from one another. But he was a man damnit!! He felt so indecent exposing any and all his parts even in water before her! She was royalty and God and Satan/Lucifer or what have you only knows she was proobably a sweet little virgin saving herself for marriage or the first man she would truly fall in love with. Probably some prince charming type or some cozy little star crossed love affair type thing, she just seemed like somone meant for that sort of fairy tale kind of life, before the imp found his train of thought derailed as he heard his name being called.

“Hmm,huh?! Sorry what? You say Something Millie?” He enquired, seeing his wife look at him with those beautiful golden eyes of hers. That eager tooth gapped cute grin of hers present as her tailed swayed and wagged idly behind her. Her shortstack frame,natural of many female imps like herself, glistening thanks in part of the etherealmlike wuality of these waters. They seemed to enhance her natural sensuality and beauty which helped of course to keep his eyes from wandering over to Mipha. The Zora princess quite the looker in her own right as she seemed unbothered in exposing herself before him or even being in the presence of a naked man like himself. As she looked their way with those eyes of her twinkling like rays of light in the water, a modest blush on her face before Millie spoke up to get his attention once again.

“Im saying honey our lovely princess there has a favour to ask and let me tell ya,it’s got me all kinds of excited!” Millie spoke in thst southern like drawl of hers common of folks from the wrath circle. But his admiration of that particular among the many she had hat he loved about her hit a pause button as he recognised something in the tone of her voice. A certain tone she only ever saved and used for the bedroom as any attempts to mentally resist a sudden arousal came to halt when he felt his wife’s on his crotch. Moxxie aghast yet feeling so turned on,eyes widening as he saw Millie sensually bit her lip, her eyes radiating with erotic mischief. Moxxie shuddered and groaned,unable to help himself against his horny wife’s lewd charms as she stroked him to erectness. His length stirring and rising to prominent stiffness as Millie pressed her lips to his, causing his primal urges and instinctive reflexes to kick in as he returned the kiss. Air and spit being swapped between them as their tongues danced together, mipha reminding him of her presence as she drifted toeards the horny couple, her jewel like golden eyes locked in them as she beheld them with awe and curiosity. Taking in such a display of intimacy and passion between the imps before ogling Moxxie’s cock. Not seeming disgusted or put off in the slightest,if anything she looked at it as if beholding a treasure, shocking the imp as she added her own hand along with Millie’s, the feel of two different but equally alike silky palms and fingers stroking and jerking his erect shaft as he and Millie broke their sloppy kiss, as Mipha touched his face with her free hand,caressing it as she made him look her way.

“Pardon my boldness,Mr.Moxxie but your wife and I had been talking together whenever possible and…she’s been quite vivid and descriptive about your married life. It’s all so….fascinating and…it excites me..I know there will come a day when I hope to meet a man I can love and who loves me as much as you and Millie do..” the Zora princess spoke with that melodious,soothing voice of hers. As soft as raindrops falling gently on the surface of a lake. Her tone hushednyet radiating curiosity and excitement. Millie kissing along his neck and shoulder as she caressed his back as she and Mipha continued to stroke off is cock,pulsing and twitching in their hands as the surprisingly erotic princess continued to speak,her face leaning and moving closer towards his own. “Before and until that day comes, I feel it’s important I know how to please him….sexual. Pardon my boldness Mr.Moxxie but if I may….please,take me…make me experience womanhood…make love to me…fuck me…let me know the touch of a real man…” to say Moxxie was shocked was an understatement!, what exactly had Millie been telling the Zora princess? His thoughts paused one more as Mipha pressed her lips to his, her inexperience showing but made uo for with sheer eagerness and enthusiasm as heir dances danced together,exploring one another’s mouths as the Imp’s hips bucked against the tandem handjob.

Millie purred as she grinned lewdly at seeing any doubt or hesitation on her man’s part give into the sway of his libido before she leaned in to add herself to the kiss,turning it into a three way make out session, mipha gasping and moaning in awe particularly and Especislly when  Millie would make her take turns one on one with himself and the horny wrath imp,giving moxxie a little lesbian show as his hands reached out to start groping and stressing Mipha’s body. The Zora royalty gasping as she truly began to experience her nerves tingle with the foreign yet welcome sensations of arousal that begin to assault and invade her mind. Moxxie’s skilled hands making her become truly sexually acquainted with her own form and the intimate joys of her erogenous zones as he worked her like a skilled maestro conducting an orchestra concert. It was so breathtaking,how he grasped and squeezing her tits and ass like bread dough and oh the wonderful pleasure induced her he probed and caressed her slit. Reading about the facts of life was one thing,so boring and stiff in is education but experiencing them first hand was a whole different story. As she and Millie gently nudged Moxxie along the water to move and have him sit up on the edge of the pool,the imp shortstack babe crawling out to lay sensually beside her man as she made him on his back on the cool floor. Pressing her lips to his as they once more made out, free hand caressing his chest as the other still joined with mipha’s as they continued stroking his shaft.

The Zora princess gave silent erotic pants as her eyes beheld thst being piece of infernal heaven with awe and rapture alike. Her first real exposure and intimate acquaintance with a man’s thing. This was truly a Cock,all with its big heavy balls,ideal for pleasure. A set of equipment made for being an cheek clapping,pussy pleasing, ass gaping piece of infernal heaven with this big baby makers filled with their rich,potent baby making cream. The scent and view of it stirred something within the sweet virgin princess,a deep swelling surge of desire. The primal need to mate and breed,to have this imp take this devilish dick and not just simply make her an experienced woman. But to be what Millie is to him,for him to make her a woman, one of his women. Like all those prior conquests Millie had so intimately shared with such explicit,exquisite detail. It made her pussy gush and quiver as she found herself drawn to this imp, letting her instincts guide her as she’d face drifted towards his crotch. Her lips pressing and planting kisses from tip to base,tasting his oozing pre, her free hand giving his balls a firm,yet gentle massaging squeeze. ‘‘This is…the scent of a man…his taste…’ It was so intoxicating,a splendid high as she kissed and licked his balls as if worshipping them before her eager,curious mouth latched onto his shaft. Proceeding to commit fellatio as her instincts guided her,her inexperience adding a little varuety, her head bobbing away as she cared little if she’d nearly suffocate herself on Moxxie’s dick. If anything it was a challenge of her dedication and eagerness to truly show how she wished to experience the wonders and joys of sex and to better please this alpha male. Millie giggling and purring as she kissed and licked her way down along her man’s torso,teasing his nips before she was wading waist deep in the pool together with Mipha as she joined her in providing oral relief to Moxxie. The imp male now being assaulted with a tandem assault of lips and tongues as they kissed,licked,sucked and blew on his bitchbreaking dick,making him twitch and shudder as he saw them take turns,even making out with his cock between their lips and add their tits into the mix. Taking turns or going together at once as they jerked off and sandwiched his shaft between their handful sized funbags. Moxxie feeling his resistance and willpower shatter as they coaxed an orgasm out of him,the Zora princess gasping, looking on in awe as his manhood erupted,spraying her and Millie with his essence. Feeling white hot cream on her skin and tasting it’s potent flavour on her tongue was exhilarating as the Zora princess and his wife looked at him with lust in their eyes signified by glowing pink hearts.

A lust that only skyrocketed at seeing Moxxie’s cock not start to go limp or soften in the slightest, which only served to further motivate and spur Mipha to want to become sexually bonded with the imp. As she climbed out of the pool and mounted his waist,straddling him as she gasped at feeling Millie squeeze and massage her ass. The imp babe grinning like a sexy predator as she slapped and smacked her husband’s cock against her Zora booty before she pressed snd aimed the tip against her slit,prodding and rubbing it as the princess shuddered. Her pussy lips quivering with anticipation of what was about to follow. As she cupped and caressed Moxxie’s face, looking him eye to eye as she kissed him with the raw want and desire she was feeling for him. Their tongues dancing together as if trying to devour one another before she felt  the imp stud’s hands grasp her waist and then she felt it. The sweet absolute thrill and bliss of his dick penetrating her, inch after inch sinking in the pleasures outweighed any pain from losing her virginity. All that truly mattered was the sweet ecstasy as she felt him sink balls deep inside her,the tip pressing against the entrance to her womb. Her brain’s primal desires flooding her thiughts with the idea of this man filling her with his seed,knocking her up, gifting her with a child. It was too good to pass uo or ignore as she began to move her hips, moxxie in turn bucking his as the imp and Zora commenced the ancient dance of man and woman. The lagoon bathing pool hall’s walls soon filled with echoes of red skin smacking scaly skin and Mipha’s growing gasps and cries of passion as her body was guided by some pornographic autopilot. Riding the imp cowgirl style as she felt the delicious thrill of mating,giving Moxxie a view of her glistening body in the throes of passion,her tits bouncing as she caressed his stomach, her ass jiggling as she felt his balls smack the outer rim of her pussy lips. Her stomach bulging from his length and girth as her womb felt on fire, as if it cried for his seed,calling to receive it with open embrace.

Her pleasure of course omly skyrocketed as Millie pressed herself from behind against Mipha’s back,hands grabbing groping her tits as she planted kisses and licks along her neck and shoulder. Before locking lips with her as she  caressed the Zora royalty who continued to ride her husband with wanton desire. Pink hearts glowing in her eyes as she mentally devoted herself to this imp man and cast aside any sense of shame or inhibition. Allowing herself to be guided through a wealth and variety of positions and shifting through either just being one in one with Moxxie, or together with Millie or resting and pleasuring herself as Millie had her own turn. Moxxie was a stamina machine and she was falling in love with every sensation of him cumming inside her, unable to keep count of her own orgasms but relishing the delicious thrilling sensation of his baby batter flooding her womb,ensuring she’d have more than a few buns in her oven. One moment feeling Moxxie make sweet,sensual love to her before suddenly going down on her like some sort of primitive wild beast, more so when she’d either take a facefucking intense oral session of experience the raw thrill of being fucked in her ass. But any and every time he was in her pussy was the best by far. Her inner wall muscles hugging that jackhammering length to squeeze and massage it for all his lovely cream. What m would be said if she could be seen now at this moment,the princess of the Zora,the heiress of Atlantis, acting like a debauched porn star. The shame, the indignity, the absolute delicious taboo!!

But such thoughts mattered little to the feelings of passion as Moxxie continued to mate with her. Sitting on his face as she ate him out, showing his tongue was good as his hands and his infernal imp cock as Millie rode it while she made out with her. To eating the wrath imp out as Moxxie fucked her doggy style, Millie’s moans music to the Zora princess as the thrill of being taken in such a primal position truly made feel like a veritable bitch in heat. But ooh the absolute ecstasy of a mating press, being pressed and folded like some erotic accordion, legs pushed so far back her ankles were in either side of her pretty little head as the imp she desired as her baby daddy pistoned away into her with thst womb hammering weapon of his. Her bidy eventually unable to keep uo as Moxxie laid atop her,mounting snd fucking her prone nine,as Millie laid idly by the side recovering and basking in her own afterglow as her pussy gushed,overflowing with excess flow of her man’s cream. The Zora girl feeling her brain melt from the overdose of mind numbing bliss as Moxxie shifted and adjusted their. Ladies to a spinning position, laying on their sides as he thrust and and pumped into her aquatic pussy with slower, but steady,deep thrusts. Holding her firmly and gently around her waist as they kissed once more, tongues dancing together before they came tougether one more time.Mipha unable to hold consciousness as she felt exhaustion finally catch up to her. But it was a welcome rest as she felt Moxxie withdraw from her slit, feeling her womb stuffed with his seed as he gently carried her,fittingly enough like a princess,laying her beside Millie as he lied down between them, letting sleep take himself as well. The Zora princess and Millie sliding up closer to hug him from either side,as they basked in the afterglow, the former idly reaching her hand to grasp and massage his sticky,juice soaked cock as it rested ina state between relaxed softness yet firm enough to be ready to when needed. The pair of babes nuzzling the imp stud as mipha planted a chaste kiss in his lips. Sensually smiling as she thought of what the children she would have as a result of her union with this man. She hadn’t exactly lied saying she wanted to know the touch of a man and how to please him sexually. It just so happened she wanted Moxxie as thst man. She’d tell him soon enough..maybe after another couple of rounds…or after the babies were born.

[beardedmrbean]

Hey it was me huey zoomer who pointed out the child predator shit in different cultures and economies systems

Oh and well…might save my rant for later

Sorry socialists, I prefer being bezos bitch for 10 hours for 4 days then being force to reproduce with up to 5 female slaves starting at 15!

Ugh sorry I don’t want to use my enslaved ancestors as a crunch. I just want to point out the hell my ancestors went through prior to industrialization

Also this thread have a clip from a video I watch that pointed issues I have

https://x.com/lavenderghast/status/1771018961968157013?s=46

And incase you wonder what type of “consultants” devs are going to

One is the bitch that shit over Akira early black designs

At least he approved on his black characters

Also there a FUNDAMENTAL difference between Pixar getting Mexican and African American consultants so they can be authentic to the cultures their using

Then using the black American activists that thinks skintone=entire personality

Because I just realize something with Killmonger

Black activists can’t separate the difference between a common thug vs a Navy seals cia agent that purposefully trained in destabilizing countries and treated wakandans like shit

“He was a victim of systemic oppression!” And who joined the cia that been used as the basic for

Wait wait

Holy

Fucking

Shit

Are you telling me

These late 20’s-30’s

College educated

Narracists

Didn’t pick up on the huge middle fingers Vietnam vets or friends did to the cia in the late 70’s-00’s media did they?

Or how cops in shows LOATHE working with the cia

They’re crooked too

But it ain’t rocket science who gave the narcos and cartels military grade weapons that no regular American can buy much less third world citizens

Oh and the CIA/FBI FUNDED CRACK AND COCAINE EPIDEMIC

I mean if I was a rookie cop that say low thugs have military weapons my station don’t have. I would be wondering how the fuck they got it here in the USA?

Sorry it always been a issue, but Killmonger shows how twisted they see black and white

The fucker made a deal with the devil in his current suit. Yet he the victim in everything?

don't think that even really registered with that one, was wearing out about then, changed the tag on it

Sorry socialists, I prefer being bezos bitch for 10 hours for 4 days then being force to reproduce with up to 5 female slaves starting at 15!

Oh I don't know, that could be fun......... (kidding, I'm all for monogamy)

Also this thread have a clip from a video I watch that pointed issues I have https://x.com/lavenderghast/status/1771018961968157013?s=46 And incase you wonder what type of “consultants” devs are going to One is the bitch that shit over Akira early black designs At least he approved on his black characters

A lot of Hollywood stars, the big ones, have people that go over their scripts for them and get changes made so that they fit in with the persona of the actor, it's why you pretty much always know what you're going to get with a Will Smith movie, people went through and did rewrites to make sure his lines sound like Will Smith lines.

Video games using established characters should look into that apparently, so the stars of the game don't just become (more?) generic, which would suck.

Also there a FUNDAMENTAL difference between Pixar getting Mexican and African American consultants so they can be authentic to the cultures their using Then using the black American activists that thinks skintone=entire personality

Disney in general is pretty good about that and getting better, Pixar has always been over the top about it which shows.

But it ain’t rocket science who gave the narcos and cartels military grade weapons that no regular American can buy much less third world citizens

Thanks Obama. Next we'll discuss the policy he put in place that lowered civilian deaths by listing anyone in the blast area of a drone strike as a terrorist.

Oh and the CIA/FBI FUNDED CRACK AND COCAINE EPIDEMIC

Mostly FBI, it's insane how after all that and things like the Tuskeege syphilis experiment how many people in the black community trust the government, oh it's just the cops that are bad, na fool the Fed is directing it all.

Though it did result in black Americans having a lower covid vaccination % than any other demographic IIRC.

I mean if I was a rookie cop that say low thugs have military weapons my station don’t have. I would be wondering how the fuck they got it here in the USA?

That's why we need more gun laws, if it's illegal to have those I'm sure the various gangs and such will turn theirs in.

Sorry it always been a issue, but Killmonger shows how twisted they see black and white The fucker made a deal with the devil in his current suit. Yet he the victim in everything?

Still haven't seen the movie, but ya by my understanding there was no nuance there at all.

Hopefully they learn better when it come to making a villain.

[oddree13]

Restless Year - Chapter 10

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4)

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(Read on AO3)

Chapter 10 - Story of My Life

As much as Eddie loves having D&D on Wednesdays, he’s happy to have an evening to just write a campaign instead of running one. Dustin had roped him into the idea of a New Year's Day one-shot because it originally sounded like a good way to kick off 1990. But with the chaos of the week, he's been too busy to think of his home brew let alone write it out. He has half a mind to call Dustin and order him to DM if he wants them to play so badly. God his past self would punch current Eddie right now for that thought. But that’s what growing up is, isn’t it? 

Steve had teased him weeks ago for admitting to growing up. And sure, it’s not a thought he likes to dwell on. Honestly, it still makes his skin tight to think of himself as an actual adult, but it’s reality. He’s 24 and, for once, has priorities beyond getting high and rolling dice - like getting home around sundown to light the menorah with Steve. It’s funny how lackadaisical he was in the past about holidays beyond Halloween. But when that first Christmas with Steve came around he knew he’d do anything to rewrite all the shitty Harrington holiday memories, including watching Steve try maror like a champ. And now with the prospect of them adding to their family, it wouldn’t be the worst to have more than a few traditions to call their own.

The apartment is oddly quiet when he gets home. Eddie knows Steve and Max had plans to go to the movies this afternoon. He thinks some Disney film about a mermaid, but it's odd they aren’t back yet. He walks to the fridge to check for a note, but there isn’t one. Just as the worry in him starts to build, he hears muffled voices coming from the hall. It only takes a few steps to realize the voices are coming from the bathroom and wonders what on earth the pair could be doing in there together. 

“Hey I'm home,” he announces, knocking lightly. “What are you two up to?”

It takes a few seconds but the door opens in answer. He sees Max and Steve on the floor, both their eyes red-rimmed as if they'd been crying awhile. Eddie's mind runs through a million scenarios. Did someone get hurt? Did the upside-down reopen? Is someone dead? Is this the reason for Max's visit? 

Eddie scans the pair hoping for a clue when his eyes fall on the plastic stick in Steve's hand. "Sweetheart, is that yours or Max's?" 

Max looks more amused than offended at Eddie’s question. Steve glances down at the stick, as if he’s worried the results would change, before passing it to Eddie. “Mine,” he offers, as Eddie’s eyes fixate on the little plus sign. He’s never had to take a pregnancy test before but he’s seen enough movies to know what that sign means. Steve is pregnant. Steve is pregnant, which means they’re having a pup. Eddie is having a kid. 

A million things run through his mind. When did this happen? They’re going to need a bigger place. How long until a kid can learn guitar? Steve has definitely drunk alcohol recently. Do dads have long hair? I need to stop smoking. Do dads have tattoos? I should stop cursing so much. Can I take tattoos off? I need to build a crib. Can I take the baby to work with me? Can babies listen to metal? I hope the baby looks like Steve. Can the kid look like both of them? I’m going to have to hide my dice sets. How young is too young for a character sheet? Do they even live near good schools? Holy shit Steve is still in school. Holy shit I’m not in school anymore. Should I go to school? How am I going to help with math homework? Wheeler can tutor. Robin is going to kill me for knocking up her best friend. Wait, no, Steve is my mate. I can knock up my mate. His mate is pregnant. Steve is pregnant. 

His brain keeps populating questions and worries until Max clears her throat, snapping Eddie out of his trance. He looks from her stern face to Steve who isn’t looking at Eddie but rather at the floor again. He realizes he’s been quiet for too long. He tries to form a sentence, but can’t get his brain and mouth to connect. All he can manage is a manic sort of laugh because just moments ago he was walking home thinking of the day they’d grow their family only for it to be happening right now. 

Eddie leans against the door jamb, trying to compose himself as he just stares at the stick in disbelief and excitement. He can’t stop giggling, and fuck if this isn’t a way to end the decade. 

“Please tell me that laughing means good news?” Steve asks him, his voice a little strained and watery. 

“Great news, baby,” Eddie assures and sinks down to join his mate on the floor. He leans over to kiss Steve, pulling back eventually just to look at the stick again. “I thought we agreed on no gifts this year.”

That finally pulls a laugh from Steve. “In my defense, it was delivered around Halloween.”

“Nope, I’m out. Let me out,” Max declares, and starts climbing over the two of them to make her way out of the bathroom. Eddie scoots over just enough to let her leave and then closes the door. 

He leans into Steve’s space, tangling their legs together. He pulls Steve into another kiss, needing to get his hands on his mate. They probably shouldn’t be sitting on the bathroom floor, but all Eddie wants to do is touch Steve and the location isn’t going to stop him. He let his hands slide down to Steve’s waist, his fingers gliding over the exposed skin, grinning once it hits him that his pup is in there somewhere. He breathes Steve in, his change in scent making more sense now. The last few weeks make way more sense in context.

“How are you feeling?” Eddie whispers as he shifts around Steve so he’s shoulder to shoulder with his mate, giving into his desire to scent him. Something about the gravity of this moment makes him keep his voice low, as if talking at a normal volume would wake him from this dream. 

“So many things Ed. So many things. I was making breakfast when Max started asking all these questions… And a part of me knew, but a part of me thought there was no way. We hadn’t planned on it. I was on birth control. But Max kept insisting there was no harm in a test. So after the movie, I went to the store.” 

Eddie can imagine Steve just sitting through the movie, vibrating in his seat while he tried to pretend everything was alright. A part of him wonders if he would have told Eddie if the test had been negative and he hadn’t come home at the right time. Sure it’s unplanned, but Eddie knows how much Steve wants kids. He knows that planned or not he’d be crushed by a negative test, and Eddie hopes that they’ve grown enough that Steve would share his disappointment regardless. 

“How much of the movie did you actually manage to take in?”

“None of it,” Steve laughs, resting his head on Eddie’s shoulder. “Which is fine. Suzie will definitely want to see it and I doubt her family will let her watch it over the holidays.”

Eddie hums in agreement as his hand trials back to Steve’s waist, plucking at the edge of his shirt for permission. Steve lifts the fabric, and smiles as Eddie’s hand splays over his abdomen. “Nothing to see there yet babe,” Steve mumbles, eyes closing as he relaxes. 

“Doesn’t mean there isn’t someone there.” In a matter of moments, Eddie’s whole world has changed. The last time his life changed so quickly, he’d been thrown into a world of chaos that left him on the run and with missing chunks of skin. And while this is definitely preferable to the upside-down, it’s no less terrifying. “So what do we do now?”

“I guess go to the local clinic just to get started and then find an actual doctor. Fuck do we even have health insurance?”

Eddie perks up at that. “Yes! Yes, we do. I actually get it through work and put you on it. Holy shit was that a responsible decision? Don’t expect that again anytime soon.” 

They sit on the floor a bit longer until Steve starts to shift against Eddie. “Eds, love, we’re going to regret being on the floor very soon. And honestly, I need water.”

Their location suddenly hits Eddie and he feels very dumb for keeping Steve on the tile. “Right, bathroom floors are for revelations, not celebrations.” Eddie stands up first and helps Steve up, nuzzling him as soon as he’s upright. “I’ll get you water. Just go to the sofa and relax.”

“I can get myself water Eddie,” Steve tries, but without thinking Eddie rumbles. Any normal omega would maybe demure or obey. But not Steve. Steve just laughs and kisses Eddie’s cheek. “Sure thing Alpha, you can get me water. Bring Max some too if you want.” Eddie scents Steve again before letting him walk to the sofa and is about to follow when he spies their open bedroom door. He rummages around a bit to find what he needs and tosses it to Steve as he walks to the kitchen. 

“Will you ever hand me clothes like a normal person?” Steve calls out as the sweatshirt leaves his face. Max finds it amusing, and Eddie only half listens as Steve tells her all the time Eddie has just thrown clothes at him. “It always happens when his alpha is in control,” Steve mumbles, pulling off his shirt, and swapping it for Eddie’s worn-in sweatshirt. 

From the kitchen, Eddie takes in the view of Steve in his clothes curled close to one of their adopted pups. Out of all the kids, Max isn’t one of the most tactile, but it seems that the emotions of the day have gotten to both of them. If the polaroid didn’t make so much noise he’d chance a snap.

“Water for both of you and take out menus. We’re ordering in tonight,” Eddie announces as he walks back to the living room. He can see that Steve wants to argue, but when Max starts shuffling through the options he deflates. 

“Can we have pizza?” Max asks. “Dustin keeps saying the pizza here is like pie and I sort of want to try it. Sounds better than the pineapple pizza El and Will keep trying to force on me.”

“Pizza sounds good. Definitely, no pineapple,” Steve seconds, leaning into Eddie who settles in behind his omega. As he listens as the two debate through topping choices, Eddie finds his hand drifting back to Steve’s waist, his fingers splaying protectively over his stomach. It’s barely been a half hour but he’s suddenly aware that there is something there to protect. Eddie’s never been one to give into instinct and he prides himself on it. But he can definitely say that if Max wasn’t in their pack, he would have shoved her out of the apartment and barricaded Steve in their bedroom. 

“Munson. Eddie. Dad,” Max calls, waving the menu hand in front of his face. He snatches the paper from her and rolls his eyes at her smirk. “Order a cheese and a pepperoni, and some garlic rolls. Steve also wants cannolis.”

“Does he want cannolis or do you want them and are using him as an excuse? Also would please actually kill you?”

“No, I actually want cannolis. Max doesn’t know what they are and apparently ‘cheese is not dessert’,” Steve parrots back. 

“Almost a year at college and you’re still eating like you’re in Indiana? Disappointment, Red. What do they teach you at school?” Eddie taunts and reluctantly gets up to order. “You two pick something to watch that isn’t sports. Pregnant or not, I’m not watching basketball.” 

*

“Do you think they can hear me?” Eddie is settled between Steve’s legs, resting his head on Steve’s thigh so he can look up his omega’s body. 

“I genuinely don’t know. I wasn’t in the omega development class when we had it in high school and my parents for sure didn’t give me more than the basics. I’ll go get a book or something tomorrow. Why do you want to know?”

Eddie stares at the strip of exposed skin between Steve’s pajamas and worries his lip. “Dunno. Kind of want to chat with them. Tell them how excited I am to meet them. See if they might enjoy the Hobbit while they chill in there.”

“Are you using this pregnancy as an excuse to finally get me to read Lord of the Rings?”

“Nah, you don’t even have to be awake while I read. I’m perfectly fine giving a performance to an audience of one.” Eddie presses a kiss to Steve’s stomach before moving back up the bed to lie next to Steve. 

“You think we’re ready?” The question hangs heavy between them because there isn’t a good answer. 

Eddie plays with the ring on Steve’s finger as he thinks. “I don’t think anyone is ever really ready, but I’m down for another adventure with Steve Harrington. I know I never thought I’d make it this far so it’s not like I ever pictured this beyond the abstract.”

“You have baby names picked out Eds,” Steve counters.

“One name, Steve, and I guess teenage me was hopeful. I mean past me certainly didn’t actually think I’d find someone to like me let alone have a kid with me.” 

“What would teenage you say if you time travelled to tell him?”

Eddie has to laugh at that image. “He wouldn’t believe me. Hell, I think he’d hate me in some ways. Fourteen year old me was a prick. But then again what fourteen year old isn’t? He’d punch me for cancelling D&D, call me a sellout for getting a job, but he’d be floored to know I bagged Steve Harrington.”

“Was I even on your radar at fourteen?” 

“You were on everyone’s radar back then Stevie. Not even I was above notice. You were a pretty boy then and you're still a pretty boy now. Prettier really.”

“You’re just saying that because I have your pup in me.”

“That you do Stevie, that you do. But that only adds to how gorgeous you already are.” Eddie pulls Steve into his arms, curling protectively around his mate. “Thank you,” he whispers, half wishing the lights were already off so Steve wouldn’t see his face. 

“For what Eddie?” 

“Giving me a family to call my own.”

***

They manage to keep the news quiet for three days. 

If Steve thought a baby would be the impetus for a bigger apartment, the four college freshmen invading his living room floor just confirmed it. With classes starting on January 2, Suzie and Dustin had to be back in the city. On his own, Lucas opted to fly out of O’Hare back to DC, hitching a bus ride with Dustin at the last minute. 

Dustin has his notes for tomorrow laid out in front of him as he helps  Lucas and Suzie make character sheets. He’d been so ecstatic at the chance to run a campaign that he didn’t question why Eddie was handing over the reins. 

“Why aren’t you in there with them? You should go hang out.” Steve is whipping cream as Eddie cleans the dishes from dinner, the radio filling the kitchen with a companionable din. 

“Because I feel like you’ve been cooking non-stop since Thanksgiving, and I need to do something. Besides I could say the same for you - they’re your kids too and you should be resting.”

“Eddie nothing has changed in the four days since we’ve found out. I will be fine making mousse. So go help Dustin and send Max in here. I’m sure she’d appreciate the break. We’re all going to sleep tonight with the sound of dice rolling in our dreams.” Eddie pokes Steve’s side before acquiescing and walks to the living room, a few cans of beer in hand. 

“Are you actually letting us drink tonight or are you relegating us to sparkling apple cider,” Dustin asks, eyeing the beers in Eddie’s hand.

“That all depends, are you going to have a hangover for Dungeons and Dragons tomorrow if I let you drink?” Eddie’s threat is empty as he tosses Max a can. “Besides, the cider isn’t for you.”

“I know it’s for Suzie,” Dustin supplies, and Steve snorts at the assumption from the kitchen. For all of Dustin’s deductive abilities, he has a blind spot for the glaringly obvious. Like when he kept trying to get Robin and Steve together.

Lucas walks into the kitchen in lieu of Max, and awkwardly waves at Steve to check if his presence in the kitchen is welcome. 

“Hey Lucas, come to help me wash up?” When he gets a nod Steve has to ask. “Is Max playing tomorrow?” 

“No, no,” Lucas laughs, “she just told me to earn my keep. Which thanks again for letting me crash here for a few days. I’m sure you’re regretting your decision already.”

“Not at all. It’s nice to have visitors. You’ll get to see the shop tomorrow, and the staff will be thrilled to meet another one of Eddie’s kids - especially because you’ll be nicer than Max.” Steve had heard about her spat with Jamie - not from Eddie but from Max herself who was very proud.

Lucas smiles fondly at that, looking out of the kitchen towards the redhead. “She’s just protective of you. I mean we all are but Max cares about you. A lot man. Don’t tell her I said that though because she’d kill me for telling you.”

“My lips are sealed, but I’d like to remind you all that I am older than all of you and can handle myself.” Steve looks over and sees Lucas drying the same plate over and over again as if he’s thinking something through. Steve is about to ask Lucas to spit it out when the younger man beats him to it. 

“Thank you for letting her stay here.” The statement is barely above a whisper but Steve knows it’s because he doesn’t want the living room to hear. “I don’t know if she’s told you why, and I barely know all the details, you know how Max is. I should probably be jealous or upset that she doesn’t come to me with this stuff but we’re complicated - what’s new,” he sighs. 

Steve just listens as Lucas continues, moving around the kitchen to give them some plausible cover. “I’m glad she has you. I know we all do,” he assures when he sees Steve try to interject. “I think most of us were worried that once you and Eddie left you’d sort of move on from your babysitting role. But when you first called me at school to ask me for my game schedule I knew I was dumb for worrying.”

“I haven’t missed a game,” Steve preens and gestures to the fridge where Lucas’ game schedule is pinned. 

“I know. Dustin tells me you make him listen sometimes.”

“I do. If I can learn the difference between a d20 and a d12, he can learn what a free throw is. But I’m not going anywhere, and neither is Eddie. The pack might be spread out now but we’re still a pack.”

“We’re your pups?” Lucas teases, to which Steve just nods. 

“Yeah my first ones,” Steve agrees, earning a raised brow from Lucas. The music on the radio is interrupted by a reminder that they were fifteen minutes to midnight and Steve glances at the clock to confirm.

“Right, break out the champagne and cider and take that to the living room. Tell Eddie to put on the ball drop. I’m just going to pipe this really quick.” Steve finishes decorating the mousse in a few minutes, just in time to watch Eddie argue with Dustin over the drinks. 

“I know how to count Eddie. It’s five glasses of champagne, one of cider,” he bickers, trying to slap Eddie’s hand away from tossing back the extra champagne glass.

“Henderson I know you’re used to being one the smartest people in the room, but I think for once I know more than you,” Eddie chides and pours out a glass of cider for Steve, passing it to his mate. 

“We aren’t driving anywhere tonight, why aren’t you drinking?” Dustin questions, eyeing Steve suspiciously. Lucas looks between Dustin, the cup, Steve, and then Eddie who is looking smug. Steve watches as the gears turn in his head and when he looks at Max she just nods. 

“But you were drinking at the wedding!” Lucas worries. 

“They just found out,” Max supplies, trying to assuage his concern.

“Found out what?!” Dustin whines, not enjoying being left out of the loop. His exclamation makes Suzie gasp, bringing everyone but Dustin into the know. 

“Oh my goodness that is so exciting! Congratulations!”

“Congratulations to what? Can someone tell me what is going on!” 

As much as Steve likes watching Dustin flounder on his curiosity voyage, he figures someone should take pity on him lest they miss the start of 1990.

“It’s your turn to be the babysitter Henderson.” Steve watches as everything clicks into place for Dustin. He’s pretty sure that if he wasn’t sitting on the sofa, Steve would have been on the floor from the force of Dustin tackling him. 

“Whoa, whoa, easy Dustin, that’s my kid in there!” Eddie scolds, causing the younger man to panic at his action, which only makes Steve laugh. 

“You’re fine, Eddie is just in full protective mode. But yeah we just found out a few days ago.”

“I found out first,” Max crows, clearly trying to needle Dustin who is reeling from the news.

“What?! Why did she find out first?” Steve isn’t sure why his pregnancy would be the exception to Dustin and Max’s constant one-upmanship but he’s putting a stop to it before it starts.

“Alright enough everyone, we’ve got a minute to midnight and I want a moment of calm before our phone starts ringing,” Steve calls out, settling the room down, even when Dustin shoves Max playfully. “Get your drinks and watch the damn ball.”

“Yes Mom,” everyone mutters and when he hears Suzie’s voice in the chorus he quirks a brow at her.

“What? It’s not a bad title,” she shrugs, walking over to soothe Dustin’s ego.

Eddie takes the vacant spot next to Steve and winds an arm around his shoulder. “If you thought this was bad, wait until Robin finds out she’s not the first to know.” 

“Just shut up and kiss me, Eddie.” “With pleasure. Happy New Year, baby.”

[soapdispensersalesman]

As I'm watching movies again to train my attention span as well as reading my old collection of Donald Duck comics, I decided to watch Monsters University after seeing Monsters Inc the other day.

It's fascinating as I remember watching this film in the cinema when it came out, even remembering the fraternity name, but somehow I barely remember anything about this film beyond its premise and the easter egg at the end.

Attention wise, this was a good film! I watched this film almost entirely in one sitting, only pausing it once to grab some snacks and tea. (I've seen it in one sitting in the cinema)

Generally enjoyed this film, and Pixar has generally proven they're able to make great sequels (or prequel in this case), yet something felt "off" for me. It's probably the "modern film" curse or something, but the film being so colourful in comparison to Monsters Inc makes it almost not feel "canon" or something. On one hand it unintentionally felt like Monsters University's bright and colourful setting feels like it represents the party days or college and your youth whereas the slightly muted colours of the 90s CGI from Monsters Inc feel like the stale life of an adult working a corporate job.

The character designs are another factor. It's incredible how much Pixar had progressed in 25 years, I even went to see their creative process in Amsterdam Expo that had a special expo dedicated to their 25 year anniversary, but all the new characters did not feel "canon" to me somehow.

Generally, the film feels like fanon when you consider Mike Wazowski's "You've been jealous of me since 5th grade" line in Monsters Inc, and even though I do believe that Mike and Sulley went through a Revenge of the Nerds phase prior to the events of Monsters Inc, yet this entire film felt like fanfiction. Forgive me for it took me to get to the point so long, but all these modern day characters don't peg me as characters I'd expect to see in Monsters Inc, or Pixar in general. It felt like some DreamWorks kids movie which feels very strange to say. But yeah now that I've said it out loud, this whole film felt more like a DreamWorks film than a Pixar film!

Unlike Monsters Inc, a lot of those characters are so forgettable, too.

Criticising the feel of the film aside, what definitely makes it a great Pixar film is it's wonderful and inspiring storytelling! Both Monsters Inc and Monsters University portray the dynamic between Mike and Sulley well whereas the first film focused more on Sulley, Monsters University had their eye on Mike Wazowski and the struggles he faced. My neurdivergent ass did not like the unsatisfactory turn it took as I'm usually not a fan of the "self acceptance" trope which is based on one accepting oneself as the way they're being perceived by the world (Sometimes it works, some Persona 4 characters had me kinda convinced) It's completely human (and monster) to restart from scratch or rethink your strategies, I did like how Mike was being described by the end which felt really inspiring.

Monsters University, Disney Pixar's Revenge of the Nerds, is a pretty nice movie. I probably wouldn't have liked it as a standalone movie, but I did enjoy it