#or again maybe I’ll just make a new blog for Cookie Run where I ask about lore I dunno

[quibbs126]

I feel like at this point I should just like, make a separate account for all my Cookie Run lore questions, considering how many I have

And also the fact that I’m pretty sure most of the people who follow me are here for Layton content, not cookies

[the-travelling-witch]

Holllyyy!!!😭

God I missed you and Tumblr🥺

I'm finally out of the shackles of 'Summer Classes' at my university, and so I have time to myself again.

Plus! I saw that you have 5.7k words on a fic? I hope it is what I think it is😏

Ahhhhhh I'm so excited!!!

Anyways, lemme get my usual, a lovely Cinnamon Spice Milk Tea, and one lovely conversation to catch up☕

Question of the day: (You can even make it a small drabble/fic if you want )

I've recently really been in a whole Genshin guys as dad's kinda state...like some on, you cant tell me Diluc drinking grape juice with his daughter/son or even Thoma cooking with his kid strapped to his back WOULDN'T BE ADORABLE😭😭❤❤❤

So my question is, who do you think would make the best dads? Or like what would they be like as dads? Imagine Xiao making a small accessory out of leaves for his baby to protect them when he's away...lords...imma just cry😭💕

-Cookie Customer🍪

cookie!!! i’m sorry i’ve taken so long with this, there’s literally no excuse for that ㅠㅠ

i’ve missed you and tumblr too but somewhere between writing my last fic and my vacation i’ve adopted my irl “don’t talk unless spoken to” attitude, so the blog’s gone a little quiet; i’m working on new fics though and i’m hoping for the most productive flight ever >///<

5.7k… i was so naive… war flashbacks to proofreading it but i’m still really proud of myself for writing that, so thank you for requesting, couldn’t have done it without you <3 if you missed the 11.6k monster, here

while you’re tea is brewing, let me tell you something: i think i know why i procrastinated on this ask for so long and it’s because i do not like the thought of having kids; sure they’re cute and all but i like giving them back after a couple of hours, if a fluff fic has pregnancy in the tags or there’s a child involved, i’m out ㅠㅠ ironic isn’t it

but, for you, i’ll try my best (this is not in order or anything) ♡

childe: honestly one of the best, if not the best, dad on this list i’m biased okay, despite his job and being seldom home, he still grew up with three younger siblings and learned early how to take care of them; also, his love for his family knows no bounds, so if there’s something he doesn’t know he will do his research to best provide for all of your needs also spoils all of you ㅠㅠ; the type to have multiple children (maybe two or three?)

diluc: why can i see diluc’s son playing the violin perfectly at age seven and knowing like five languages by the age of ten? sure, diluc will definitely pay for higher education but i think his child would probably be a high-achiever/ gifted kid (we’re not diving into where that’s coming from or if that’s healthy here); he still has the stoic face but he loves you both very dearly and could not be prouder if his kid achieves literally anything; i imagine him having an only child? would absolutely spoil his daughter

thoma: perfect househusband, next—

thoma: somehow the vision of thoma with two equally bright blonde twin sisters just popped into my head and we’re rolling with it; i can absolutely see them cooking/baking together “we’re going to make a delicious meal for mommy/daddy when they come home”; pouts when they’re more excited to see auntie ayaka and auntie yoimiya (ayato just gently pays him on the back to console him while the girls are running around)

venti: oh no, pray that the child doesn’t take after him— i’m partly joking but can you imagine the chaos if his child inherited his anemo powers? with venti as the dad?? he’d be like the mean girls mom “you’re doing great sweetie” while you’re running around trying to get your child off the roof he’d never put them in any danger though and always looks out of them, sometimes when his child is asleep, he gently cradles them against his chest and and reflects on how he’d never thought he’d come to this point, feels incredibly lucky to have you both in his life; prettiest self-written lullabies!!

albedo: i’m not entirely sure if albedo actually could have a child of his own but regardless i think he’d be super up to the idea of adoption either way; does safe science experiments with them and softly smiles at their reactions even if they’re just fascinated by the pretty colours and not by the actual science; the dad with a fuck ton of parenting books; he’s taken care of klee for a long time, so he knows what he’s doing (no klee, a bomb is not an appropriate gift for a five year old)

kaeya: another one who did not see himself with a kid ever but he’s absolutely thriving, he’s the soccer mom “yes honey, go kick his ass!”, will do his daughter’s hair no questions asked, if someone ever rudely comments on his child’s skin tone he will throw more than just hands; his kid can fight and won’t take shit from anyone, don’t even try to convince me otherwise

xiao: when you tell him you’re pregnant/ want to adopt, he panics, how should he take care of a tiny child?? but after a bit of reassurance he calms down and swears to give it his all and give it his all he does, ngl he’s a bit overprotective at first but soon learns that his kid is a bit more capable and doesn’t need to be handled with satin gloves (almost had a heart attack when they fell down the stairs or hit their head under the table and just continued on, yk typical kid stuff), makes little adepti charms for them (also when they were still a baby, handmade a mobile for them, so cute >///<)

zhongli: sophisticated and more elegant than your average adult, flawless manners and eloquent vocabulary, everyone in liyue harbor takes one look at the child and they’re like “yeah, that’s zhongli’s alright”; they have daily tea times together and he tells them stories about liyue; would be proud of them whether they have his powers or not; gardening together!!

kazuha: calm, both he and the kid; let’s his kid express themselves as freely as they want; teaches them how to make music with leaves and stuff; thrilled when they’re showing interest in poems and books but won’t push it on them; his kid is very in tune with nature and super respectful to all living beings except for authorities, already accepted as a member of the crux, auntie beidou!!

ayato: rewrites all his schedules to have enough time for his child, does paperwork with them on his lap and pretends to not notice them chewing on the end of his pen; also manners!! in public they’re all proper posture and formal and stuff but as soon as they’re home, they just plop down on the couch and melt into the cushions and gossip over some of the stupid stuff the politicians or whoever said

aether: very much also a nature kid, climbing trees, picking up every type of bug they find and bleeding knees every day; personality takes after auntie lumine, goody two-shoes outside, sassy as hell on the inside, if it’s not forbidden, it’s allowed; i can’t decide whether i want him to have one child or twins bc i can see him having twins with like opposite dynamics kinda like him and lumine but is that uncreative?

okay, that’s it, i don’t have any more dad!shin thoughts at the moment, let me know what your personal headcanons are!! ♡ i had a concept at first and then threw it out the window after like three headcanons

[vinnieswife]

hi!! i was wondering if i could request something for vinne. i keep thinking of like vinnie and the reader being featured in alex and thomas’ vlogs. but like anytime vinnie won’t play nice or he attacks people with his swords they run to the reader and he just melts in front of them

Vinnie Hacker x reader

Words: 886

Warnings: none,just pure fluff and none cannon Vinnie :)

Author’s note: this is so cute,najzhsnaksh help.

What day is today? Saturday, and what does it mean? Blog day! Well, only Alex's blog but it doesn't matter, every Saturday Alex posted a video about a day with the other members of the hype house.

Normally Vinnie did not participate in these Alex vlogs and if he did he would just mess with people or say bad words, but Vinnie had a point, and that point was you, every time you were around him Vinnie tried to behave and be nice so you don't set a bad example.

Today's video of Alex was 24 hours with the members of the hype house, Vinnie and you included.

"Hi guys! Welcome to a new video on my channel, I would appreciate it if you subscribed and activated the bell!, well let's start, in today's video we will do 24 hours of a day with us, but we will only be at home, we will not go anywhere "Alex began recording a shot of all of you sitting on the couch.

"Where's Vinnie? We can't start without him ”Alex said excitedly.

"I'm not going for him" Michael said, "neither do I" the other members responded

"Because?!" Alex said frustrated "because I don't want him to bite me or bark at me" Michael replied to Alex.

"I don't think he's going to bite you Mich" you replied laughing.

"Y/n should go"

"me?"

"Yes you, Vinnie always behaves differently with Y/n"

"That’s not true, he is simply like that" you refuted

"Let's stop arguing, Y/n please tell Vinnie to come down here"

"Okay, I'll be back" you said getting up from the couch and going up the stairs.

"I have the perfect idea for this blog, we are going to make Vinnie be with Y/n all the time so we will see how his behavior changes when she is around" Alex said excitedly

"Sounds perfect plus he will stop barking at us" Kouvr replied

As you climbed the stairs, you heard the noise of Vinnie's video game louder, perhaps he was playing Valorant, carefully you knocked on the door.

"Get out, I don't want to see anyone" you heard Vinnie through the door

"I am Y/n, can I come in?"

"Go ahead"

"Mhm Alex wants you to come down to record the blog all together, can you come please?" You said with a soft tone of voice

Vinnie huffed and got up from the chair "’kay, let's go downstairs" he grabbed your hands and you both went down the stairs.

"Done, Alex you can start" you said with a smile.

/ Time skip /

The day had gone well, you had all prepared the food and you weren't arguing.

When it was almost dinner time you heard Michael and Vinnie arguing in the kitchen, as always, you walked over to see Alex with the camera and Kouvs eating cookies.

With care you approached her "what's wrong?" "Listen"

"I'm not babysitting your kid" Vinnie complained

"Come on, it's only an afternoon, I need sex and if my little cousin is here I won't be able to have an eye on her" Michael countered

"No, I'm not going to take care of that baby, you idiot."

"I bet Y/n would love to take care of her right?" Michael asked you

"Sure, but I think I'll need help" you laughed

"Vinnie, Y/n says she needs help" Mich said with a mocking tone.

Vinnie snorted, giving you a pleading look, but you really wanted to help Michael. Alex was looking forward to seeing Vinnie's behavior change, he wanted to prove that he was right and that Vinnie had feelings for you.

Vinnie let out a sigh and replied "once, just one damn time and it's over" Michael jumped up and yelled happily "THANK YOU Y/N"

You laughed at his behavior and approached Vinnie, whispering in his ear, "We can talk for a moment" He turned his head towards you fixing his eyes on yours, "sure"

You both left the kitchen and walked to the street, "What did you want to talk about?" He asked "I-um I wanted to ask you why you behave differently when I'm with you?" You whispered, afraid you had said something wrong.

Vinnie grabbed your hands giving you a small smile "because I don't want to be a bad example for you, I mean, apart from that I doesn't want you to misunderstand my words and hurt you, I don't want to hurt you Y/n" he said looking at you.

"Then?" You asked

"Yes Y/n, I like you, maybe I don't show it much but believe me, I like you" Vinnie smiled again as he caressed your cheeks, he pulled you to his chest leaving a slow and affectionate kiss on your lips.

When you both separated for air you whispered "I like you too Vin" "we can tell Michael to take care his cousin, if you know what I mean" he said with a mischievous smile "don't even think about it" you laughed.

Out of nowhere you started to hear Alex screaming as he focused the camera on you. "I knew it! Thomas I knew it! I told you WOHOOO "

DONT REBLOG MY WORK!!

[watchyourbluesturngolden]

hi! i love your blog! i was wondering if maybe you could write something where y/n and harry just had their first baby and they finally get some time to themselves and she's a little insecure about their first time after the post partum and nervous about her body or how it gonna feels like? thank uu💖

omg thank you 🥺🥺 I'm so sorry this took so long! i hope you like it :)

a very romantic bath for two

warnings: body insecurity, body image issues

word count: 2.8k

You sighed as you inspected your body in the mirror, running your fingers over the raised lines on your tummy and hips. Many of them were new; they had popped up sometime during your second trimester. At the time, you had been too busy worrying about the new life growing inside you and preparing to bring her home to focus too much on what was happening to your body. Even during the last few weeks of your pregnancy when you felt huge most of the time, Harry made sure to remind you constantly how much he loved you and your new body. He would rub your belly all the time, leaning down to kiss it and talk to your baby. He insisted it would help them develop faster once they were born, but you weren't quite sure where he got this "fact". You both knew he just liked being close to you and your baby.

He really hadn't left any room for you to be insecure during your pregnancy. He reassured you every day that you were more beautiful than ever, and he was always showing you how much he liked your new body. He could never keep his hands off you, always wanting to touch and hold you. It even got annoying at times, but mostly you appreciated it, and you were glad he never let your hormones get the best of you. Then, after Stevie was born, you were too busy and exhausted to even think about your appearance. You and harry were barely getting any sleep, and all of your time was devoted to caring for the newest member of your family. It wasn't until now, when Stevie was a little over 3 months old, that things started calming down a bit. She slept through the night most of the time, and you were finally coming out of that sleep deprived haze you had been in. Unfortunately, this gave you time to really look at yourself in the mirror. You had just gotten out of the shower, and Harry was with Stevie in the living room. You tilted to the side, looking at how much bigger your stomach was than before you had Stevie. The skin there was dimpled and soft, much more squishy than it used to be. And the stretch marks. They were everywhere, and much more prominent than they had ever been. You weren't sure if you would ever be able to get back to normal. Your negative thoughts were interrupted by a short knock on the door. You quickly wrapped a towel around yourself before you called, "You can come in!" Harry peaked his head into the room, smiling softly. "Sorry to bother you, but I'm out of wipes. I think there's another pack under the sink?" "No, it's okay, i was done," you smiled, reaching under the sink to grab the package. "Is she okay?" "She's fine, lovie," he smiled softly. "You don't have to feel bad being away for her for half an hour." "I know," you sighed. "But i still do. I hate not being next to her all the time." "Me too, i just want to hold her and never put her down." You nodded, sighing internally at how much you already missed your baby. "Why don't you finish up in here and then we'll make some lunch?" "Sounds good," you said, smiling at him in the mirror. Once the door was closed, you dropped the towel again. You really tried not to be too upset about how you looked, but it was hard. You knew if you told Harry he would just say the same thing, that it was normal and he thought you were beautiful. You didn't think that would help much. So you pulled on your old t-shirt and sweatpants, running a brush through your wet hair before making your way out to the kitchen. "Hi, baby," you smiled, picking Stevie up from the play mat on the floor. "I missed you." She snuggled against your chest, her head leaning on your shoulder as she let out a content little sigh. You leaned down, grabbing Stevie's rattle and putting it back in the toy box before you made your way into the kitchen. "How does spaghetti sound?" Harry asked. "Sounds good," you nodded, settling into one of the chairs at the dining table. you were about to pull off your shirt to feed Stevie, but the image of your prominent stretch marks made you reconsider. "Can you grab me one of the blankets?" You asked, but kept your eyes on Stevie. You knew if you looked up, you would see that sad and confused look on his face as he wondered why you suddenly wanted to cover yourself around him, and you really didn't feel like explaining your newfound insecurities right now. Thankfully, he didn't press for answers. "Sure, love. It's in the nursery?" You nodded, fiddling with the collar of Stevie's onesie to look busy. "Okay, I'll be right back," He gave a small smile before he left the kitchen. "What am i gonna do, hm?" You asked Stevie. She just blinked in response. Harry came back with the blanket, draping it over your shoulders from the front. "Thank you," you said quietly, adjusting the cover so you could pull your shirt up. "Of course, love," he replied, going back to the stove. "I wanted to ask you something, actually." You

hummed questioningly, eyes fixed on Stevie under the blanket. "Well, we just haven't had any time alone since Stevie was born, and my mum is dying to spend some more time with her, so do you think... I mean, only if it's okay with you, maybe we could have my mum take her for the weekend?" You hesitated, your heart suddenly beating much faster. Being away from Stevie for more than a day... of course you knew she would be safe and happy with Anne, but still... the thought made anxiety spike in your chest. Then there was the matter of being alone with Harry. You probably should feel guilty for not wanting to spend time with him, but with the way you had been feeling about yourself lately, you couldn't bring yourself to care. But you also knew refusing this would cause all sorts of problems. It would make both Harry and Anne feel bad, and you really didn't want to upset anyone. So, taking a shaky breath in, you nodded. "We can do that. I just... i don't think I can do more than a day or two." "That's totally fine," Harry reassured you. "I don't want to be away from her for that long either. I was thinking we could drop her off Friday after lunch, then pick her up Saturday evening. Or sometime Sunday if they're really having a good time," he laughed. "They'll have all sorts of fun together, mum might not want to let her go so soon." You smiled at the thought of the pictures you knew Anne would send you. Stevie and her in the garden, Stevie in the stroller as they went for a walk, Stevie in the high chair while Anne baked cookies. "Okay. After supper we can get her stuff together." Harry beamed, coming over to kiss your forehead. "Thank you, baby. And if it gets to be too much, we can pick her up early. We can do whatever you need, okay?" Despite Harry's constant reassurance, you felt no less anxious the next day. You checked and re-checked Stevie's bag, making sure she had enough clothes to last her a week. "Lovie, she's only gonna be there for two days," Harry reminded you gently. "No, I know, but what if she spits up a lot? Sometimes she spits up a whole bunch and then she'll need to be changed, and what if-" "Hey, hey," he cut you off, placing his hands on your shoulders and speaking in a soothing tone. "It'll be alright. She's gonna be fine. She has enough clothes, and everything is gonna be okay." You nodded, taking a deep breath as you looked into his eyes. "Right. She's gonna be fine."

-----

"And the milk is here-" you held up several plastic bags- "I'll put this in the fridge. And to heat it up- wait, you already know how to heat up milk," you laughed nervously. "Um, and her onesies are all in the backpack. I have extras in there- a lot of extras, because sometimes she spits up a lot. And then her diffuser is in there too- we usually put a few drops of lavender oil in there, it helps her sleep. And diapers and wipes and diaper cream are all in the bag, and... oh! Her stuffed bunny. It helps her calm down if she's fussy. And I think... that should be everything," You exhaled, trying to smile at Anne. Harry put his arm around your waist. "Y/N, she knows how to take care of a baby. Look how well i turned out!" Despite how nervous you were, you managed to laugh. "Right. I'm just... I'm sorry, I've never been away from her." "It's alright," Anne smiled reassuringly. "I understand how scary it is to be away from her for the first time. But you can call or FaceTime, or if it's too much you can come pick her up." "Thank you," you sighed. "We should probably get going before i change my mind." Harry nodded, unbuckling Stevie from her carrier. He hugged her to his chest, kissing the top of her head. "I'll miss you so much," he said. "But you'll have so much fun with your grandma. And we'll see you soon, okay?" he kissed her one more time before handing her over to you. "Be good for your grandma, okay? I love you," you kissed her just like Harry had. "I love you so much." Before you could start crying, you handed her to Anne. "Thank you so much for this, Anne," you said. "We really appreciate it." "You're a godsend," harry agreed. "Thank you." "Of course, I'm happy to have her," Anne smiled. "Now shoo, so i can spend some time with her!"

-----

"It's so quiet," Harry said as you walked into the house. "I'm not used to it." "I know," You laughed. "There's no cartoons or baby shark, it's crazy." "Can't say I miss baby shark, though," he shook his head. "I think we need to find a new song for her." You nodded. "It got old really fast." "It did," he laughed. "And now... we can enjoy some peace... and quiet." He stepped closer to you, smiling as he heard your breath hitch. "I was thinking maybe we could have a bath together?" Your heart started thudding faster in your chest, and not for a good reason. "No," you said quickly. Too quickly. Hurt and confusion flashed across his face, and you immediately wanted to take back your words. "I just- I can't," you said quietly, stepping back. "Is there... did something happen?" he asked gently, eyes softening when he realized how close to tears you were. "What's the matter, love?" "Harry, I just can't," you shook your head as tears welled up in your eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm trying but I just can't get back to normal. I look terrible and I have all these stretch marks and everything is just wrong," you cried, bringing up your hands to cover your face. "Baby..." he whispered, moving closer and opening his arms. "Come here." You did as he asked, walking into his arms and leaning against him as you cried. "I just don't want you to see me," you sniffled. "Your body isn't wrong," he shook his head. "Not at all. It might look different than it did before, but that's because it went through something amazing. It gave us Stevie! It- you are perfect. Alright?" You nodded against his chest. "I just... i really don't like the way i look anymore and i don't think you will either." Since your face was pressed against his shirt, you didn't see the way his face dropped. You didn't see how much it hurt him to hear you talk about yourself this way. You felt him inhale a shaky breath before he hugged you tighter. "I'm so sorry you feel this way. I had no idea how much it was bothering you. I want- I want to show you how much I love you. Will you let me show you?" "How?" you said quietly. "Do you trust me?" You hesitated for only a moment before nodding. He smiled, pulling back and taking your hand. He lead you into your bedroom, closing the door behind the two of you. He crossed the room to stand in front of you again, his fingers gripping the hem of your shirt. "Can i take this off?" he asked quietly, keeping his eyes on yours. He must have sensed your hesitancy, because he dropped his hands down to his sides. "It's just me," he reminded you. "We don't have to if you don't want to, though." "No, it's... it's okay," You decided, raising your arms. He smiled gently, tugging the soft material up and over your head. You kept your eyes on him as soon as the shirt was off your head, too apprehensive to look down at your body. "You're so beautiful," he whispered. He hooked his fingers in the elastic of your sweatpants, looking at you again for confirmation. You nodded, allowing him to pull the rest of the clothing off your body and taking his hand to step out of them. He lead you over to the bed, keeping his eyes on yours the whole way. "Lay back," he instructed quietly, watching as you did what he said. He climbed into the bed behind you, settling himself between your legs to meet your eyes. "You're amazing," he smiled. "The most beautiful woman I've ever seen." he brought his hand down to your stomach, and you cringed immediately when he brushed over one of the marks. "It's okay," he soothed. "There's nothing wrong with these. You know what they are?" You shook your head. "They're little marks that remind us of Stevie. They show how strong you are for carrying her, and keeping her safe until she was ready to come out and meet us. And they show how someday, you'll be able to have another baby, and keep him or her safe just like Stevie. Right? That's all they are." He moved down, leaning his head closer so he could press a soft kiss to one of the marks near your hip. "I don't want you to change anything

about yourself," he said, moving his lips over the lines on your tummy. "I love you just the way you are." Tears were welling up in your eyes again, but this time they weren't from anxiety or fear. This time, they were because you felt overwhelmed by your love for him. "Harry..." He looked up, his face falling when he noticed the tears in your eyes. "No, please don't cry," he said, moving back up to hover over you again. "I'm sorry, please don't be upset," he frowned, wiping one of the tears away with his thumb. You shook your head. "That's not why- i just love you so much," you said, trying your best to smile. "I love you too," he smiled back, leaning down to kiss your forehead, then your nose, then your cheeks, and finally, your lips. "I love you so, so much, and I will show you every day if you'll let me," he sighed, moving off you to lay on his side. He kept one hand on your hip, helping you turn over to look at him. "I want you to tell me if you're ever feeling like this again, okay? I want to know so I can help you." "Okay," you nodded, still sniffling a bit. "Thank you." You leaned against him, tucking your head in his neck. "Thank you." "Of course, lovie." He wrapped his arms around you, kissing the top of your head. "I want you to always know how loved you are. It doesn't matter how many times I have to remind you; i don't ever want you to feel like this and not tell me. I love you way too much to let you be this sad." "I will," you promised. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." "it's okay," he soothed, running his hand up and down your back. "Do you think... it's okay if you're not ready yet, but do you think we could try taking a bath?" This time, you barely even hesitated before answering. "I think we can try," you nodded. "We can even turn off the lights if you want, just light a few candles," he mused, his face pressed gently against your hair. "It's more romantic that way anyways." "That sounds good," you laughed. "Come on then," he said, sitting up. "One very romantic bath for two, coming right up."

[marvel-and-mischief]

Apple Blossom

Part of my Floriography Series

Pairing: Maxwell Lord x GN!Reader Words: 1600 Warnings: fluff, slight angst (but only because we know what happens next), pining Synopsis: A few days before the events of the Dreamstone, you have a late night take out with your boss, Maxwell Lord.

Apple Blossom: ‘fame speaks him great and good’

💐

1st July 1984

You padded barefoot through the empty corridors of the Black Gold building, a bag of Chinese takeout in one hand and your work shoes in the other that had been irritating you after a full day of work. The lights were low and the phones were silent, an all too common occurrence in the past few months. The business was once a bustling ray of money and hope and now it was running out of luck. 

You saw the unpaid bills when you picked up Maxwell’s mail, the angry investors that would corner him in his office, demanding their money back. He had to tell you eventually, the company was going under but he had a plan. He couldn’t tell you what, but he had a sure way out of the crippling debt and you found yourself trusting him. There was no reason not to.

You reached Maxwell’s office, tapping on the open door and walking in without waiting for an answer.

Maxwell looked up from behind his desk, a relieved smile growing on his lips as he saw it was you. He placed the magnifying glass that he’d been using in a drawer and gave you his full attention. 

“Looking at anything interesting?” you asked, spying pages of a language you couldn’t read and diagrams of rocks you hadn’t seen before.

“No more interesting than the food in that bag,” Maxwell stood and pointed to the takeout in your hand, leading the way to the corner of his office where a comfortable couch was waiting for you. Maxwell moved a cushion for you to sit and took the bag of food from you. 

“I am making progress,” Maxwell said excitedly, opening the plastic tubs of various dishes and arranging them on the coffee table.

“Will I get any details today?” Your voice held a teasing edge to it but you wanted to know why he was being so secretive if it meant saving Black Gold.

Maxwell hesitated to answer though, distracting himself with the food before taking a seat next to you on the couch, motioning for you to dig into the takeout.

“Just trust me, all will be revealed soon,” Maxwell spoke around a forkful of noodles and you decided to drop it. He seemed excited and confident about his plans so who were you to question him. 

You sat in amiable silence whilst you both ate your food. Times like these were rare a few years back, when you were starting out in the company you would be working well into the late evenings, keeping Maxwell’s mug filled with coffee, answering the phones, signing off on this and that, some days you’d forget to eat. 

Now, you found yourself struggling to find something to do. You’d make up work just to fill the time in your day. You weren’t just Maxwell’s PA anymore, you worked general maintenance, dabbled as a cleaning lady, you even drove Raquel home most evenings just to stop yourself chewing your nails down to the skin. 

Sometimes you asked yourself why you stuck around. And then you’d take one look at Maxwell, how he brightened up when you entered the room, how much he confided in you about his anxieties about the business and immediately remembered why you had to stay. He needed you and you wanted to be there for him if his plans didn’t work out. 

Maxwell would need someone to be his anchor when the ship sunk. And that would be you.

Maxwell gave a sigh of contentment after his last forkful of noodles, placing the empty tub back on the coffee table to rifle through the bag the takeout came in.

“Don’t forget your weekend with Alistair is coming up,” you reminded him, licking sauce from the corner of your lips. 

“Huh?” Maxwell was distracted by his new find; a box of fortune cookies at the bottom of the bag, “want to open one? See what our future holds?” he asked with an exaggerated wiggle of his eyebrows. You laughed and nodded, holding out your hand for a cookie.

Maxwell watched as you snapped your cookie in half, pulling the two pieces apart to reveal a slip of paper inside. You carefully pulled it out, placing the cookie pieces on your lap to read the fortune.

“‘Fame speaks him great and good’,” you read, raising an eyebrow to Maxwell who looked surprised, “d’you think that means you?”

Maxwell laughed loudly and ripped the paper out of your hand to check you weren’t making it up.

“It really says that,” Maxwell confirmed, “I keep telling you good things are coming for us.”

You smiled at the look of delight on his face, and thought maybe there truly was nothing to worry about when it came to Maxwell and Black Gold.

“Come on then, open yours,” you nudged his knee with yours, eager to find out what his fortune said.

Maxwell made a show of rolling up his shirt sleeves, making you giggle around a mouthful of your cookie. He cleared his throat and snapped his cookie.

You watched as his eyes widened ever so slightly, before he righted himself and rid his features of anything that resembled what he felt about what he was reading. You frowned, wondering why he was reacting so weirdly. It took too long for Maxwell to read aloud his message, and eventually you had to prompt him by tapping him on the arm.

“Just as I thought, ‘fortune is on the horizon’,” Maxwell laughed but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He pocketed the piece of paper and cleared his lap of crumbs.

“So there’s really nothing to worry about?” 

Maxwell looked at you like a deer in headlights, then gave you his award winning smile, his hand reaching over to rest atop yours.

“Absolutely nothing,” he promised, and you believed that he believed that but that didn’t stop you from feeling uneasy about Maxwell’s secretive plans, “we will be okay.”

You mustered up a smile and he tapped your hand before standing.

“I’m going to bathroom,” he stated, and as Maxwell walked through his office a small piece of paper fluttered out of his pocket and fell to the ground.

“Oh, Max-“ but he had already left as you jumped up from the couch to pick it up. You realised it was the fortune he had acted strangely around, and instead of leaving it be, placing it on the table for when he got back, you couldn’t help wanting to look. So that’s exactly what you did. 

‘The love of your life is right in front of your eyes’

The breath caught in your throat as you read and re-read the line. It hit you then how badly you wanted it to be true. And suddenly everything made sense. Why you worked so hard for him, why you didn’t entertain the idea of ever leaving Maxwell or Black Gold no matter how much the company was going downhill, you were prepared to ride or die, right to the bitter end. It was because you liked him. And this all but confirmed to you that he didn’t feel the same about you.

You were so busy overthinking your own feelings that you didn’t hear Maxwell returning from the bathroom. He stood over your shoulder, holding his breath as he watched you for your reaction.

“I can’t do anything about it,” Maxwell whispered into the silence of the room, making you spin around in surprise to face him, and you instantly noticed he was a mere couple of feet away from you. 

“I knew it,” you sighed, shaking your head. Of course he didn’t like you, you were just his assistant after all.

Just as you were about to turn around and gather your things he grabbed you softly by the arm, making you face him once again. 

“That isn’t what I mean,” Maxwell looked lost for words, screwing his eyes shut as he tried to gather his thoughts, “I want to be more than your boss, more than your friend, but this thing I’m doing, that I swear to you will change everything for the better, I need to do that first.”

During his speech Maxwell had stepped closer to you, taking your hands in his and pressing them against his chest, eyes boring into yours. You shouldn’t have been thinking it, not when he was trying to be honest and open with you, but you thought he looked beautiful. You’d always known he was handsome but this close, he had pretty brown eyes and a nose that wouldn’t looked out of place on a marble statue for all to admire. 

“I’m doing a big thing for the company, for Alistair, but also for you. So I can be someone you are proud to walk through galas with on your arm, that you are proud to shout about,” Maxwell took a deep breath and slowly rested his forehead against yours, “will you wait for me?”

It was a loaded question, one that stopped you in your tracks but it really shouldn’t have. Waiting is what you’ve been doing, isn’t it? Without even knowing, you’ve been waiting for this moment where you’d wake up to your feelings and be faced with them. You knew you could wait a little longer, especially if Maxwell was promising himself on the other side of whatever he had planned.

“I can wait,” you smiled, leaning forward to place a quick, chaste kiss to his lips, “whatever happens, good or bad, I’ll wait.”

Permanent tag list: @autumnleaves1991-blog @phoenixhalliwell @computeringturtle @anu-simps​ @bts17army​ 

[dizzydancingdreamer]

A Very Merry Mikaelson Christmas | Elijah #4 & #10

Request: @iirocioii “Hii!! If you are still taking Christmas requests could you do number 4 and number 10 with Elijah please :)) btw I love your blog!” THANK YOU SO MUCH 💕💕 Please do enjoy :)

Prompt(s): “Where’s that holiday cheer, hmm?” & “Do you think this is enough?” “You bought everything in the store! Twice!”

Word Count: 1.2k

P.s. I edited this in the car if there are mistakes I am sorry

Christmas Master List

“‘Lijah, how many people are coming for Christmas again?” you murmur, standing dangerously close to the edge of the sidewalk as you shuffle through the contents of your bag, “do you think this is enough? I don’t want to run out of cookies tomorrow.”

He huffs, grabbing your jacket and tugging you, a little harshly, back from the cars whizzing past you. In his defence, you are pretty much in the middle of New Orleans traffic. He would prefer not to lose you to the wills of Bourbon Street the day before Christmas. Regardless, though, you still don’t look at him. Do you have enough sprinkles? Maybe you should go back. You’re so distracted you don’t see the people rushing by, almost getting yourself trampled numerous times. How many sugar cookies are you baking again?

“Baby,” he pulls you through the Christmas Eve crowd and into a nook beside the baking shop, his voice a little more high pitched than usual, “you bought everything in the store!” He rests his hands on your shoulders, bending slightly to catch your eyes, “Twice! Unless you’re baking for all of New Orleans I think we’ll be okay.”

He sounds off and your chest stings a little bit. He’s not usually so rough with you. You stare out at the bustle on the street, your palms aching a touch. You set your bags on the ground, wringing your hands together once they’re free. You know it’s not inherently directed at you but his tone is still a tad upsetting. You don’t want him to be mad at you, especially when you’re just trying to do your best to impress his friends and family.

You glance up at him, pouting slightly, “Eli, I’m sorry, I’m just trying to make sure it’s perfect. It’s our first Christmas together.”

Elijah sighs, running a hand through his hair. When he moves it back to your shoulder his hair is a mess, sticking up at weird angles. That won’t do, you muse to yourself, reaching up to smooth it back into place. That’s better. You slide your hands down his chest, grabbing the lapels of his coat. Even when he’s frustrated at you, you can’t help but want to make sure he’s okay. He’s your Elijah, after all, and that doesn’t change when he’s grumpy. He smiles at you, some of the tension leaving his face.

“No, I’m sorry. I know you do, baby,” he leans down further, pressing his lips against yours quickly, “but let's not get hit by cars on Christmas Eve while we do it, okay?”

You giggle, the knot that you didn’t know was building in your stomach unravelling instantly, “you’re no fun. Where’s that holiday cheer, hmm?”

Elijah rolls his eyes, kissing you once more before straightening and grabbing the bags you had set down. You smile gratefully at him- who knew sprinkles could be so heavy- before grabbing onto his arm. The two of you continue down the street, winding through downtown New Orleans and enjoying the winter day. Snow begins falling as your mind wanders once more to the cookies you have to begin baking soon. Is there going to be enough icing for the snowflakes?

“‘Lijah,” he glances down at you, his brows raised, “I really think we ought to go back and get more stuff.”

He laughs, grabbing your hand so he doesn’t lose you as the two of you enter the crowded Witches Christmas Market. It’s an annual event; all the New Orleans covens come together to fundraise money and sell goods. The market draws people from all over, each desperate for a taste of Bourbon Street magic. You don’t blame them, it’s quite the sight. You, however, are here for only one thing and you have just spotted him. Vincent Griffith.

“Why don’t you ask Vincent, love,” Elijah says loud enough to gather the witch’s attention, “I’m sure if anyone will be able to reassure you that you don’t need to bake for the whole of the continental United States, it will be him.”

You swat the man gently, scrunching your nose at him before running to Vincent and throwing yourself against him. He happily wraps you up in his arms, spinning you around and almost bumping into a few people trying to browse the booths around the two of you. They scowl at him but he just rolls his eyes, clearly not at all conscious of the space you’re taking up. You giggle freely, reveling in the chocolate and peppermint scent rolling off of your best friend. This year, as newly appointed regent, it’s officially Vincent’s job to make the hot chocolate for the market. It’s a tradition and each year the recipe is better than the last.

“Darlin’, where have you been?” Vincent sets you on your feet and you sway for a moment, dizzy from his antics, “you’re a ghost these days, I swear.”

A few more giggles slip out as he leads you towards his stand, “haven’t you heard? We’re hosting Christmas tomorrow. Apparently it’s a whole month’s affair.” You slip your arm through his, swinging your limbs back and forth as you walk, “don’t you worry though, Griffith, I would never forget about you.”

Vincent shakes his head, his own laughs swirling through the air, mixing with yours, “I know you, doll. You’re just saying that because you want free hot chocolate.”

“No!” You bump your hip against his, a sheepish smile on your lips, “okay, maybe a little. I do love you though, you know that.”

He passes you a smile, ushering you ahead of him inside the warm booth. He turns to one of many crockpots, lifting the lid and revealing the heady scent of freshly melted chocolate to the tent. You close your eyes, breathing in as much of it as you can. You already know this year’s hot chocolate will be the best yet. You open your eyes to Vincent pouring the heavenly liquid into a canister.

He sets it down before turning to you, holding up a clear bottle of something that smells suspiciously like peppermint liquor, “alright, darlin’, this here is my secret ingredient so you can’t go sharing this with the out-of-towners you hear me?” He shakes the bottle, his eyes shining, “now then, one or two?”

You’re about to be responsible and answer ‘one’ but then you think back to the bags you left in Elijah’s arms and the long hours that you’ll spend baking when you get back to the compound.

Speak of the devil. As if he can hear your thoughts, Elijah steps into the tent, nodding at Vincent and wrapping an arm around you. He doesn’t have the bags anymore, no doubt having already dropped them off while you were distracted. He kisses the top of your head and pulls you against his chest, whispering a quiet I missed you against your hair. You shake your head but snuggle back, catching your best friend’s eye once more.

“Better make it two, Vincent,” you resign, tossing him a grin, “I’ll be up late tonight.”

“That’s my girl!”

[sorio99]

Deltarune Chapter 2: Live Thoughts

So, since the new chapter of Deltarune came out, I've played it all the way through, so, here are my thoughts as I had them. Basically a live-blog, but, not live anymore, I wrote these in my notes app before.

NOTE: Obviously there are going to be ALL THE SPOILERS for Deltarune Chapter 2 in this, as well as Chapter 1. Reader discretion is advised.

Wow, okay, so I was wrong about it being immediately explained.

Various descriptions have changed, and I’m not sure if it’s because of the change to a new game, or the one to a new chapter.

I feel like Berdly is definitely a m’lady guy.

Okay, so, we’re not skipping class this time.

I really wish we could call Toriel and tell her we’re gonna be late again, but I couldn’t see an option for that. Maybe Kris told her on the ride to school.

Okay, so, Noelle is definitely adorable, and a huge lesbian.

Susie seems lovestruck too, kinda.

SHE HAD CHALK, AND SHE DIDN’T TELL ALPHYS BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT SHE AND SUSIE COULD GO GET IT TOGETHER OH MY GOD

Okay, honestly wasn’t expecting the closet to work again.

Fricking LOVE the new transition.

Okay, so, Ralsei knows about, the real world? How, why, and what?

Oh, that, makes, a little sense? But also, if we hadn’t brought the toys over to the closet then, would they all be, dead?

AND WHAT IS RALSEI IN THIS CONTEXT?!?!

Okay, but I love the new town.

Holy shit, save points have storage, AND a spare list? Hell yeah.

So, we’re all level 2 now. I guess they moved from EXP based (or, execution point based?) to Milestone.

Love the basement for bad guys, with K. Round standing guard.

Bitch said “Child abusers live in Hamster Cage”.

Wait, he uses the hamster wheel?

I don’t know if I believe the king about his “bluff” or not. I think not, but, I don’t know.

I can see the “Susie moves to Ralsei’s castle to escape her abusive home” fic already.

RALSEI GAVE KRIS A TRASHCAN, AND SAID IT WAS FOR THE MANUAL IF HE GIVES US ANOTHER ONE OH MY GOD IM SO SORRY MY SWEET FLUFFY BOY

And of course, the moss call-back.

Oh god, Susie just said “My own room, huh.” and my heart is ready to shatter.

This girl has one actual food item in her fridge, and it’s just salsa

Oh, scratch that, there’s ice, crumbs, and jawbreakers in there too?

Oh, okay, Ralsei did give her actual food.

Entering Lancer’s room gives the cartoon Splat sound effect from Chapter 1, and his bedroom is identical to Chapter 1.

Perfect.

And the sound effect, plays in reverse when leaving? Okay.

So, explore until we’re ready to leave, huh? Seems, suspicious.

Oh my god, I just realized, the LightCandy is literally the chalk Noelle gave Susie. What the fuck.

So, for giving the Top back his cake, we get regenerating SpinCake that heals everyone for 140. Nice.

Battle challenges, huh? This should be interesting.

So, we can get a ClubsSandwich, $100, or…Jigsaw Joe’s entire life savings. Okay.

Aw, Clover has separate heads in their dialogue box!

Just realized this “dojo” also has their bed. Odd.

Alright, let’s take these challenges!

Oh, so if we act with Kris, than spare with Ralsei or Susie…got it!

He has a mercy meter. There’s a mercy meter now. I love this.

Oh, of course his life savings is exactly one dollar.

I can already tell the Graze challenges are gonna be the biggest bitches.

Okay, so, being able to rematch bosses, with different gimmicks and attacks, but based on the same logic? Always amazing.

I love the little cut-ins from the other characters with certain lines, like Susie and Lancer revealing “for a price” means zero dollars.

“Cookie and Wife”?

The Blacksmith runs a bakery where he can fuse items…okay.

Imma get a Silver Card.

What the fuck, Mr. Society?

Okay, so, we’re “leaving” through the way we came in, so “surely” we’re going back “home” to the “real world” and our “family”. Sure.

LANCER was added to your key items.

Oh was he now?

And so was Rouxls, “even though no one wanted that.”

Oh, we, actually went back to the light world. Huh. Actually wasn’t expecting that.

Jack of Spades, and the Rules Card. Makes sense.

Still LV 1 here, thankfully. No murder yet.

Okay, thankfully I can call Toriel now.

…Undyne, what the fuck?

Also? This, car horn music, I guess? Is, um…interesting.

Oh, the, computer lab. Where Toby was in Chapter 1. Okay. Makes sense.

“Guess this means we can’t start our project.” I’d say the biggest obstacle is more that we have no clue what the hell this project is supposed to be.

Hmm, we could use the computer at my house, or we could have a fun Toby Fox adventure…

My house!

I knew Susie wouldn’t allow it, also, you always wanna jump in big pits? That’s, worrying.

Computer lab time!

So, computer themed, maybe?

Rouxls jumped out, apparently. According to Lancer.

Okay, this build up is creepy, where’s the fluffy boy?!

Who is SHE?!

Was

Was that Noelle’s chatter sound?

Asking for help?

OH MY GOD

ITS THE REINDEER LESBIAN

SHES BEEN TAKEN

NOOOO

And, I suppose, this must be, our queen.

Q5U4EX7YY2E9N. Sure. I’ll stick with Queen, yeah.

Oh, she’s a computer! That…that’s probably not, great?

Oh, those plugs are bad, brainwashers. Okay.

Okay, they’re both tired…but Ralsei isn’t here. Fuck.

Aiming at moving targets is hard.

2 Werewires spared, only 4 to go, I guess!

RALSEI IS BACK, YAY!

Fun Gang, back together, working to save Susie’s soon-to-be-girlfriend!

Rhythm game to start a new bumping song. Nice.

Might live blog less from here, since, you know, the game is starting proper.

God, I love Deltarune’s look and sound, it’s so clean? And expressive, and AAAGH, I just love it!

I love angry Ralsei.

First lose control laughing moment: Kris and Susie squishing Ralsei like a toothpaste tube, to play an arcade game.

Did, did I just play Punch-Out inside an Undertale?

Curing computer viruses with Syringes…sure.

Sweet is the rhythm guy! Nice to meet you, Sweet! You and Toby are great at this music thing.

Hey, Susie can act now! Awesome!

Ralsei too, because of bullying! Yay!

Now the whole gang’s dancing!

(This is where I took my first real break, to process stuff and relax, and also to sleep)

In between thought: it’s kinda interesting that, in Chapter 1, Susie basically had to be forced to care about Kris, Ralsei, and Susie, but as soon as Noelle is in the slightest bit of danger, she’s immediately like, “We have to save her or die trying”, huh?

“Reverse diss-tracks, where the vocalist puts themselves down and praises Queen…or noise music.” That’s some, interesting taste in music.

“All our songs are only 4 seconds long!” Damn, so you’re, like, Vine musicians?

So, the Knight is opening alternate fountains, that create dark worlds out of, more mundane places? Interesting…

So, someone new is leading the rebels. This, can’t go well.

Smorgasbord 2.

Oooh, a TP raising Item! Nice!

Oh, the guy who was already working for Queen is a Werewire now. Okay.

66 up arrows. Hmmm, I wonder if I can retry at some point…

Oh boy. Here’s the queens…wait what?

Oh my god.

Go kart time.

Noelle, you traitor! How could you!

Oh, okay. Berdly I believe more.

Also, “beloved”.

I love how Queen apparently didn’t even ask him.

“Light Nerds” Good one, Queen.

That’s one weird Check for Berdly.

Berdly, for God’s sakes, Noelle is a lesbian, you idiot.

You know, given this villain rant, I think I hate Berdly more than I do King. And I’ve dealt with both bullies AND abusive dads.

Oh god, Roller Coaster Tycoon murder (also Berdly is dead)

Garbage! Saved by it again.

Oh, this place looks glitchy.

Also, Susie, you’re not the king of the trash pile. You’re QUEEN of the trash pile.

Oh god, please don’t tell me she’s dying.

Okay, good, she just needed fluffy boy hug.

Fork in the path, advantageous to split up, huh? But there’s three of us, and, two paths probably.

Okay, I can either go with the Fluffy boy who might secretly be evil, or the mean girl who might get lesbian scenes…hmmm…

I’m flipping a coin.

Okay, Ralsei it is!

Oh, Susie is upset at me getting to pick.

Oh, they’re going together.

Oh, this can’t be good.

If I had a nickel for every indie game with a cat themed metropolis on my pc, I’d have two nickels. You can finish the meme.

I swear I just saw Noelle on the right. Something big in the streets, hmmmm…

Okay, definitely saw Noelle that time. Shame the Poppups, popped up.

…I get it, Toby, but I’m still mad.

Blocked 10 ads…okay, I still love this game.

God, I’m already missing my party members.

Okay, so I still have Lancer, but, I’m really hoping Noelle listens to reason, because Lancer is, not.

Oh god no, don’t fight me now Queen. And please don’t join me.

Alright, nobody likes Berdly. Figured.

God they’re so dumb.

“G-got any room for another truce?” Noelle, I would do a No Mercy run for you, of course I’m going to help you.

I can’t believe “No Triple Trucies” is even an option.

Yay! Noelle in party!

“LV1 Snowcaster. Might be able to use some cool moves.” She’s got Heal Prayer, a more powerful (but more expensive) Pacify, and a damaging Ice move for only 16% TP.

I love her.

I don’t know what a sugarplum is myself, actually.

Noelle, you have a one track mind, and I like it.

Lancer, she’s not a cream, and we’re not making her a bad guy.

Oh, and she’s scared of mice, I love it!

Ah, she’s never been in battle before, let’s see how this goes.

See? That wasn’t so bad, Noelle.

Oh, she’s a natural!

“Needles aren’t scary…” Tell that to anyone under 20, Noelle.

Also, “subtle” pro-Vax message?

Oh my god, I just love her animations.

So, the virus and the syringe are fighting…hm…

Okay, so, first, Noelle’s defend animation, also perfect.

Second, so Ambyu-lance’s bullets block and destroy Virovirokun’s…hmm…

Have I mentioned how much I love Noelle? This funky little Christmas Lesbian can do no wrong.

Oh my god, she can’t even confidently say we’re friends, and hearing Kris say it makes her happy, I love her so much.

Okay, so, Queen drinks Battery Acid. Makes sense for a computer.

Kris is so done with this shit, I can tell.

I am both scared of and loving Queen.

Oh Jesus Christ Berdly what the fuck is that.

That is not greatness that is…I don’t know. I’m pretty sure even tumblr isn’t horny for you, Berdly.

Christ, he’s gonna break Queen by being an idiot and then he’ll be the Chapter boss.

Her eyes say lying. Of course.

“I Did Not Know You Had… Nipples” that’s, a good point.

…Berdly, you disturb me.

Second lost control laughing moment: Noelle’s cardboard robot face, and Queen just saying “Wow Cool Face”

Lancer, what is the “illusory nipple technique”?

Oh, of course the music bots built the statue. Berdly would never do manual labor.

Oh, and, they built the next “big” thing…hmmmm…

Why are we, flavors of tea???

Okay, that should be all the werewires for now.

The, clothing store, sold me, a useless mannequin, for $300. Of course.

I am going to touch the cheese.

Maus!

Cheese maze, purposely ruined to spare more Mices.

Hmm, Berdly talks about Noelle’s crush. $20 says he actually thinks it’s him, or maybe Kris at a stretch.

Noelle is now immune to mice! Yay!

Oh, CD Bagel, Seedy Bagel, just got that.

Okay, sacrifice pacifist run to kill Berdly…I’m tempted.

Uh, Berdly, Noelle just one shot both your allies. I’m not alone, you are.

Jokes on you, buddy, I’ve been dodging A+ for years!

“(He hit me in the face with a tornado…)” Yes, Noelle, and I have papercuts on my eyelids. He do be an asshole.

Oh good, they both made Battery Acid Pies. Now we’re in a car together. Perfect. This is exactly how I wanted things to go.

Potassium

Who is this trash man?

Spamton, huh. Oh boy.

Oh god, this song has lyrics.

Oh joy, a mini boss on my own. Just what I wanted.

Oh, new game over screen! Nice.

Anyways, I hate this guy.

Okay, just one more deal, I think. I wonder what’s next.

I’m not giving you my credit card info, dude.

Oh damnit, 1% more.

Okay, I’m very scared now.

Oh, I lost $51. That’s, fair.

Okay, back in the car.

Oh my god, Queen loves Noelle too. Perfect.

Lancer took the mixtape! Nice!

Oh, he ate it…nice!

DECEMB…

Oh god she’s a little kid.

December.

I’m so sorry, Noelle. I really hope you’re going to be okay. We’ll figure out what to do.

Queen, why does everything you have explode?

Now the prize is on my head.

Susie and Ralsei! You’re back!

She can slightly heal me now…cool!

And she taught him Sarcasm. I love them all so much.

Uh, Susie! You can have it!

Okay, so, now Susie is both gay for Noelle, and suspicious of her. Amazing.

And Noelle is turned on by the threat of being killed. Have I mentioned I love these dorks?

The gang’s all here!

Uh, just got past fireworks, and, where’s Noelle?

Oh, okay. She was just watching Fireworks.

Oooo, catching mice minigame!

Oooo, more elaborate but simpler to control mice minigame!

Oooo, bucket hole!

Also, nice gay Noelle moment noted.

Oh no, please don’t take the perfect girl away from us!

Okay, so, I don’t like Berdly, but, Acid river? Bit much…

Oh, okay. He was never in danger. I hate both of you. GIVE US BACK NOELLE

GOD DAMNIT NOT THE CAGE AGAIN.

Oh, great, now we’re captured too. Except possibly Ralsei.

She only plays mobile games. Burn her.

For once Berdly is correct.

Queen, you are dumb.

Is that the super Mario world fade?

I don’t, next question.

No looking at my Search history!

Oh, hey, we can chat in here.

LANCER TIME!

YES I MISSED YOU YOU DOPE

Lancer, never say Pants hole again, and never say you were inside it either.

Lancer, do you still not know our name?!

So this is how they lampshade the tutorial-Toriel thing, huh?

Oh no, Lancer, please don’t die in here.

Um, are there rooms for all the kids at school?

Asriel…

Puzzle time!

Plot twist: Susie is not Susan.

Berdly is dumb.

Admittedly, I did brute force that second one a bit…

Okay, now Susie has outsmarted both me AND Berdly. This is sad.

Oh god, he’s gonna cry now.

Oh, my god, that’s what December meant. That’s why Berdly cares about Noelle. That’s why…oh god.

Oh wow, Susie’s a gamer. This is incredible Lore.

Oh wow, first Lancer’s face returns, now Berdly is Anime. I love this game.

Oh my god, Ralsei in a tux. I love him.

Alright, so, Lancer needs to go back to Castle Town, and we need to get the heck to Noelle. I hope Berdly’s plan actually works…

Aw, I wanted him to stay tuxedo…

Color Cafe, huh?

Oh god, Rouxls came here. I am terrified.

I love this hype manor song!

Toby Fox, why is there so much 3D Shenanigans in this 2D Top Down RPG???

Note: from here, I end up going to the secret of this chapter. Do not read if you don’t want to be spoiled on that plotline. Skip to where I say Pancake Batter.

Okay, I’m going back, and I’m gonna find this third blue check mark.

Okay, found it, now to get back to the guy…

Yay, fireworks, again!

East treasure’s hallway leading to Basement on 1F…

Oh dear.

So there’s a secret here after all…where is…

Found it!

Okay, how to open this lock, now…hm.

Well, one thing was in the field, so, maybe in the city?

Oh Jesus it’s Spamton.

$28, not a penny more.

KeyGen, huh…

If this is as hard as Jevil, I’m gonna be pissed.

Oh, great, just Kris going in. Again. Fantastic.

Oh what the fuck.

Oh Jesus Christ I hate this build up.

Oh, and I died on the elevator. That’s fun.

Okay, so I hate this elevator. A lot.

Okay! Took like six tries, but I made it past the elevator! Now, let’s see what’s waiting for me…

EmptyDisk…hmmmmmmmm…

Maybe take that back to Scamton or whoever?

…Ralsei, Susie, what are you two doing?

Okay, trash man, you better like this.

Oh Jesus Christ.

Okay, this is not what I expected to follow Jevil’s lead. But, let’s see what happens when I turn this disk in.

Oh, nothing happened. Sure it did. Just gonna walk away then…

Oh, wouldn’t you know it, something happened!

Okay, so big puppet robot man. This is terrifying.

THANK YOU SUSIE!

Roller coaster boss! Again! Oh good!

YELLOW SOUL!

Can’t write notes, gotta kill.

Spamton, oh my god. And it’s Neo’s outfit. How the fuck did I not realize before?

Im terrified, let’s GOOOOOO!

Holy shit is that the Undertale Game Over message??????

Many tries later

Okay, I think it’s actually Ralsei and Susie talking…

Quitting the game so they can get their healing items out of storage and buy some good ones extra later

Okay, third turn, and I’ve only been hit once! Granted, it did almost 50 damage to Susie, but, still, doing better this time!

Even more death later

Did he just, attack himself?

Is he surrendering?

I…I did it! I did it in one sitting! Minus quitting so I could grab healing items that did more than 40 HP!

Oh, he killed him by freeing him…….okay.

Dealmaker, huh? Let’s see what this bad boy is…

+4 defense, +5 magic (even on Kris?), and $+30%…”and…?”

Okay, Ralsei, you get that, Susie get’s Jevilstail, and I get many questions.

Alright, now back to the actual plot!

Oh…Kris has goosebumps, and Susie’s asking if they’re okay…no. I’m saying no.

I love these two so much. Now let’s save the adorable lesbian.

Pancake Batter. Alright, we’re good.

Sorry, Noelle, got distracted.

Mouse wheel!

Tasque manager helped!

Man, this room is big and empty, with an odd exit door and screens on the north wall. Hmmmm…

Toby!

Thank you annoying dog!

Okay, I still love this music. Just wanted to say that. Anyways, PROGRESS!

We’re tea covered now. Except Susie. She’s tea filled.

Oh god, I don’t trust Berdly with Susie.

God, Knight teased.

Duck ride with Fluffy Boy.

Okay, so, puzzle time, methonk.

High Five!

More duck ride!

Ralsei, do you wanna do the kissy?

Oh boy.

Oh jeez.

Oh damn.

Rouxls.

Ralsei, you read my mind.

Oh Jesus it’s the tank from the first game.

Okay, so, we, take houses? Okay.

I can’t believe some people thought this dork was Gaster.

Wow, I beat him in like 3 and a half turns because I blocked him in.

Another God Dammit because SOMEONE didn’t pay attention to what happened to Lancer.

His head is still blue…

Hey, Camera! Peace signs and hugs!

Mostly hugs.

Yay, more Susie and Noelle time!

Oh my god, my heart is breaking.

Okay, I love these adorable girls.

Oh boy, this is, weird.

“Point and hearts come out” or “Eat moss”. The choice of a generation.

Fair point, Susie.

She likes scary things, huh.

Kinky

Have I mentioned how much I love these two? Because I do.

Susie and Noelle are best girls ever, no objections.

Oh good, Berdly, don’t ruin this completely, okay?

I fucking knew it.

Noelle, you’re going to kill him, and that’s okay with me.

Susie, stop squishing him like toothpaste!

Oh boy, I get big “final boss” energy right now…

Werewerewire?!

Okay, so I just stole from Noelle’s room.

Okay, boss time.

Shit, I should’ve healed up.

Okay, so, I died, but, I can fix that!

So, this boss is calling back to how the town’s internet has gone out, a fact I didn’t even learn until watching other content last night when I should have been sleeping, because I forgot to talk to Alphys during the brief chance I had.

Also, now both she and Ralsei have made reference to the real world outside…hmmmm…

So I guess the plot is about Google search being evil…yeah that checks out.

Bitch, did you just funny runny way?

Hmm, I’d say 50/50 odds of him being a drama Queen vs. him trying to trick Susie into caring about him.

Yep, he’s trying to score a kiss. Berdly…get a job.

Alright, let’s save Noelle, and possibly the whole town.

The “Roaring” Knight?

Oh god, the determination…who is this Knight, what is going on, and how involved are we?

Wait wait wait wait wait wait WAIT

When she described the Knight making more darkness, she said they took their blade, and showed an image of a knife. Was…was this…

HOLY SHIT IS KRIS’S NIGHT SELF THE KNIGHT?!?!

Oh. It was a giant robot. Not a statue.

Susie’s dancing!

Oh yeah, he can fly.

Resistance! Yay!

Okay, so, we sentai up in this bitch.

I wonder how the hell this story would go if we didn’t go pacifist then? Because in Chapter 1, all that really changed was how the boss was defeated in the cutscene, and like a couple details later. This is, a lot more than that.

Okay, so, three rounds of HP, punch out for her turns, just keep attacking. Got it.

Two rounds down, one to go!

Yes, eat your own Baseball, bitch!

Oh, suicide attack. Well it was just a robot.

Oh. She still has us.

Oh fuck the robot is Noelle’s mom. Fuck.

Okay, so, Queen is dead.

Oh fuck, don’t take over the world with darkness all of you, please.

The Roaring?

Oh fuck, new legend lore.

Titans, Fountains, enveloping the land in devastation. Oh jeez.

Lost eternally in an endless night…that’s not paradise. That’s hell.

QUEEN IS ALIVE?!?! AND DIDN’T KNOW ANY OF THAT?!?!

Thank you, Susie!

Okay, that’s a good ending for a second chapter, it’s dark fountain time!

Susie, please don’t turn evil.

…

And, we’re in the computer lab!

Wait, Ms. Boom? Does, does Gerson have a daughter, or wife?

Lost control laughing #3: this

I love this game so much. Time to explore town again.

Okay, Alphys does crush on Undyne still, at least.

Oops, I just let all the prisoner dogs out.

Awww, Undyne likes Alphys too!

Napstablook, I love you.

Oh shit, Asgore used to be a pig?

Oh god, this Rudy storyline is gonna be depressing all the way through, huh?

Susie, can we steal the tower of the gods?

Hey, we can actually go back to Ralsei’s dark world?!

Okay, this is gonna be interesting.

Oh thank god, we can save in the epilogue now, cool.

Oh cool, King and Queen together.

Oh my god he calls her Queenie Beanie. I love this.

So, a card and a computer fucked to make Lancer, who is a card. Okay.

Okay, so Lancer DOES know Kris’s name! Just not Ralsei’s!

New battle challenges! Yes!

Might save “Ch. 2 All-stars” for another time, though…

Perfection is the mannequin reaction.

Oh my god there’s a dedicated room for listening to music I love this

Alright, time to skedaddle back to the real world.

Okay, so Alvin is Gerson’s son, and he’s depressed. Fun.

Oh, MK and Snowy are by the creepy bunker. That’s…fun.

Okay, so, Susie scared them off after they insulted Kris, because Kris said something about the bunker…hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…

Hey, Nice Cream Guy is one of the Ice-E’s employees! Nice!

Ah, PizzaPants. Never change.

Oh hey, it’s the little guy, who’s clone is a Gaster follower. And the bird guy’s still in the library, and the donut guy is still in his car…

Hey, Catty and Bratty are becoming friends again! Cool!

Omg, Sans’s store is open. Do I…go in?

Hell yes I do!

Okay, so, Grillby’s music still, but, different interior. Interesting…

Sans, a day and 2 years in this game are not equivalent. It’s a day and 3 years.

The trousle grows further away.

Oh jeez Susie’s been drinking the milk. Oh god.

Cool, Susie’s seeing Onion too!

Oh, never mind.

A song is coming from deep under the water…either Shyren is involved, or this is gonna take a turn.

See you, Su-

Oh! Hey mom! Meet Susie!

Pie for all!

Oh my god, Susie, my heart is breaking.

Okay, so Alphys and Toriel know about the chalk. That, kinda makes Susie thinking she’d get expelled for it, really depressing.

Okay, so, Toriel and Susie are gonna make Pie together, that’s cool. Still, pretty worried about, Kris.

Uh, I just ran the sink, and, uh…

WHAT THE FUCK

OKAY SO MY SOUL IS UNDER THE SINK, KRIS WHAT ARE YOU DOING WHY IS IT BLACK OUT THE WINDOW WHERE ARE YOU GOING

WHAT THE FUCK

…so we get a cute scene with Susie and Toriel, then Susie asks where Kris is and…they do this sometimes?

I’m very concerned.

Okay, Toriel is concerned too, enough to say “hell”. Even Susie is shocked.

Okay, so, they’re coming back, uh, okay, this isn’t good, right?

Stopped the faucet, opened the drawer, and…we’re back?!

Kris what the fuck are you doing

And why couldn’t we find Asgore in the town?

Okay, so, we’re all sleeping in the living room. I, guess tomorrow’s the weekend, probably? I don’t know?

Susie, doesn’t have caring parents, I guess?

Oh god, Susie wants them to come to our world, but, Lancer is a playing card, he can’t…I don’t know. I’ll say it’s “far-fetched”.

There’s a festival, apparently. This seems…suspicious.

I’d take Ralsei, so you could take Noelle.

She’s asleep.

That, might not be good, in this context.

Okay, so, we’re asleep too, I think?

Oh god, Toriel’s tires are slashed, that can not be good, in any way.

Okay, night time, Toriel and Susie are asleep…now what are you doing, Kris?

That, knife…

Okay, so, yep, they’re the Knight, and they just opened Darkness in their living room. This is, not, good. And, the tv’s on, and the door’s unlocked…

What the fuck is happening?

Ending credits song sounds, techno? Is this more of Don’t Forget? Or a remix? I hear the lyrics at least.

“To be continued in Chapter 3” OH IT BETTER BE, TOBY

So, yeah, that's Deltarune Chapter 2. In conclusion: this explains nothing, raises 120% more questions, and overall is still an incredible, wonderful game. I also like how each Chapter so far has been almost as long as a full play through of Undertale, and yet we're still somehow only 2 sevenths of the way through. Oh yeah, did I not mention? After completing it, it brought me to a chapter select with SEVEN DIFFERENT CHAPTERS, only two of which were available. So, you know. THAT'S FUN!

In actual conclusion, please play this game, it's free, it's amazing, and also buy the soundtrack on Bandcamp so Toby can make some kinda living.

[popculturebuffet]

Final Space: And Into The Fire Review or Now with 110% More Homoerotic Telepathy

Welcome  new and old to my first Final Space review! If you’ve never seen the blog before, and given this is the first “new” series i’ve covered as it come out in some time that’s probably quite a few of you, welcome. I’m Jake, I do recaps and reviews of various animated shows and comics, mostly just stuff I want to do, often on comission (5 dollars an episode if theres any episode of the first two seasons of this show or any episode of any other show you’d like tos ee me cover), or for my patreon patreon.com/popculturebuffet. And it is my utmost honor to add this show to my rotating roster of shows I cover as they come out. 

I friggin love Final Space. I was intrigued by it back when TBS released the animatics alongside Close Enough (Wth the two shows ironically finally together on HBO max as of earlier this month), for their doomed block. I heard a lot of good things about season 1.. and let it get away from me, not watching it till Season 2. But both seasons had more than enough to pull me in with intriguging characters, even greater jokes and a truly unique idea for a premise involving giant monsters, an edltrich god and lots of cookies. 

So while it took an extra year given Covid, I’m super friggin pumped to get into season 3 at long last after the hell of a cliffhanger, especially since ironically last night I saw Steven Yeun’s oscar nominated performance in “Minari”. Now i get to watch him play a cat teenager again too.. and in a few days Mark friggin Grayson. It’s a good week to be a fan of his is what i’m saying and a good week in general. 

Previously on Final Space Yo!: Since it’s been a year and while the series provides  a recap , I’m going to be doing these anyway so:

Our heroes finally got all 5 dimensional keys and freed Bolo, and in the process also freed Avacato from Invictus, the horrifying entity controlling final space. Meanwhile Tribore got Sheryl to stop being a selfish prick and she joined the team trying to be a better mother from now on. But freeing Bolo came at a high cost as Nightfall sacrified herself as the sixth key (KVN was natrually both Gary and Bolo’s first choice, but was inllegible. ) So we ended the season with our heroes entering Final Space and Gary reuniting with Quinn.... while Invictus loomed. So over a year later we finally get some answers so join me under the cut for spoilers, recaps, and homoerotic text ahoy. 

Something i’m doing since both the roster keeps changing.. and as I correctly guessed from the trailer, and the general tone of the promos for this season, that everyone won’t be all together all season.. or even in one piece.. i’ll be doing a silver age style roll call to let us know who all we have on the Team Squad for the episode Roll Call: Gary, Quinn, Avacato, Little Cato, Ash, Fox, KVN, HUE, AVA, Sheryl, Bolo, and Tribore

So we pick up right where we left off, Gary tearfully reuniting with Quinn, with Quinn wishing he hadn’t come for her, and Gary being Gary naturally having ignored that, and actually been more determined since that made it forbidden which made it extra tempting and him want to extra do it. God I missed this glorious idiot let me tell you. 

So things are quickly interrupted by invictus, who turns out to be a giant flaming head.. thing... and chases them and the crimson light, which has to start speeding with our heroes tethered to the outside, Quinn holding onto Gary. 

So we get one hell of a thrilling chase as the Crimson Light outspeeds the demon head and runs into two titans, but Bolo shows up to take out one, with Mooncake trying his dimension shattering blast thingy on Invictus.. and naturlaly g ven this is the big bad we need to show off how horrying they are, and it does NOTHING. But Gary catches his little buddy so we’re alright. 

Sheryl also shows off her badass bonafieds by LIGHTFOLDING THROUGH A TITAN... granted she still has some parenting skills to learn as “lightfolding while your son is hanging out the back through an edltrich god” really isn’t a motherly thing to do.. but neither is trying to murder your child several times or blaming him for how shitty your life turned out so ANYTHING is a step up for her. 

But.. it’s not enough. While she does manage to kill ONE the Crimson Light is too badly damaged to go on and we get two tragic deaths in one go... The Team Squad is forced to abandon the Crimson Light.. and AVA is too damaged to Upload into HUE. “I’m Sad” “For who?” “For you.. and for us. “ God damn Tom Kenny is amazing. You don’t need me telling you that, but sometimes you need a reminder. 

So our heroes end up on a desolate mystery world, stranded in final space with no ship, no suplies and no hope. The only thing to do now is survivie and hope they can continue the mission at some point. 

ONE MONTH LATER

Things have not gotten any better, as naturally , our heroes have only found weird cartoon eyed worms that regrow their heads when you bite them off. So while this means unlimited food, it’s also disgusting and Garry hates it. “This may be a head but it tastes like a butt”. Quinn and Tribore are with him and Quinn hasn’t been ready to talk about her experiences trapped in this hellscape and still isn’t but being a good dude, Gary dosen’t push her on it. Though the weird red veiny thing on her arm tells me maybe one of you should speed that up before she explodes or gets cronnenburgy. Just saying. I’ll also say i’m not huge on the one month time skip, as while I feel they probably have a reason for being that specific i’ts a bit TOO long and I question why have that long a period of a jump, not the longest but still long enough for things to happen with nothing changingin that time? Still it’s a minor nitpick in an otherwise fantastic episode so I can let it go, I just don’t get it. 

What we do get is some Gary Corpses dropping and Invictius puppeting them... i’m with gary that is bowel openingly scary. I also do like how despite the FAR more dire circumstances, they still get in the requisite shenanigans this series requires. I’ts not to the network mandated subplot levels where it distracts, but it’s enough to help ease the terror of the situation and isn’t around for situations like the opening where it really SHOULDN’T be. As the series always has when something big happens, the bollocks goes away. Once we’re in between we can get back to literal pissing contests, KVN leading a crowd to their deaths and HUE in a pimp hat like god intended. 

So yeah our heroes have to outrun the horrible horde of Gary’s, though Little Cato catches on something’s wrong as Tribore makes gary cary him as foreshadowing for later and Sends mooncake down to asssit. Our heroes escape.. but a cave in happens.

After the break, Gary wakes up confused with the party now split in two: Gary, Quinn, KVN, Tribore and HUE on one side and Avacato, Ash, Fox, Little Cato and Sheryl on the other. So Gary does the logical thing... and take his shirt off telling Avacato to feel him. 

I mean I didn’t even ship them before this scene but... Gary claims because of their bond he can telepahtically connect with Avacato. That’s normal Gary shenanigans.. except not only does he shrug off his girlfriend asking why they can’t do that.. but it WORKS. We have a scene of the two telepahtically talking in a wheatfield that is so homerotic I guarantee there only wasn’t the Careless Whisper sax because they couldn’t afford it.. or their saving it for later this season. Look sometimes you don’t ship a ship because you just.. dont’ care that strongly one way or another and sometimes you just need an incredibly gay scene to see the light. Same thing happened with Weblena same thing here. 

Fox also says “that was glorious to watch” same man. That was freaking art. So our heroes split up into three plots. As usual for me

Team Gary: So yeah... Triobore’s pregnant. No way to really softball into that. He’s been pregnant this whole time. So we get a stupid and mildly horrifying gross out sequence with Gary having to look Triobore in teh eyes and Quinn having to “uncork him”. Which is code for ... you know what i’m not going to say it. If you’ve seen the episode you know and if not your better off not visualizing it trust me. Point is this whole sequence is dumb and the worst part of the episode by far. And the series CAN do good gross out. While Olan Rodgers regrets it, the pissing contest was one of the funniest scenes of season 2, and managed to make a gross idea on paper actually pretty damn funny. This.. this is just “Haha males giving birth and tribore’s an asshole”. There’s no joke here just a .. plug. .. gah.. the vomit is rising let me tell you. 

We do get something good out of this nightmare, Tribore’s son who hatches as the army of gary’s dig their way in, Quanstranstro, who rapidly ages into a stylsih spanish speaking adult badass. He is fucking awesome and a great addition to the team and the sheer.. oddity of his birth is wonderful even if the actual birthing was not. Then the climax happens so before that. 

Team Avacato:

Avacato and Co come across a sleeping giant robot cyborg .. thingy. Naturally Fox wakes him up. Little Cato remains not suprised. It occelates between panicking over it’s legs being gone and amenisa and is pretty damn funny. It’s voiced by John Dimagio. But it gets serious as we find out nothing has ever made it out of final space, and things.. change the longer there there. And Quinn’s been there several months if not a year. Whuh oh. This part is much better both due to better jokes and plot advancment.. though again Quanstrano is still fucking amazing. 

Team Bolo: Bolo meanwhile returns and fights a titan, and has mooncake help him rather htan join the others, but looses, hitting the planet with his body.. I mean he might not get back up.. but the impact shatters the caverns and causes an explosion. Everyone but Gary, Quinn, KVN and HUE are MIA, as our remaining party find earth floating overhead. 

TO BE CONTINUED> 

Final Thoughts: A decent start to the season. Like I said the whole birthing sequence can die in a fire and reminds me of the terrible comedy subplots adult swim wanted grafted onto two episodes.. but otherwise it’s a tense stark opener that sets up the bleak tone while still keeping the series rediciulous shenanigans in tact. It’s the perfect welcome back after so long. I mean the gay telepathy alone would make it a winner. 

Next Time on This Blog: We dive into a little history with HIsteria. See you at the next rainbow. 

[collectionofcherries]

Hi! I saw that you had Daryl on that list of yours! Have you by any chance heard of BakedCrispss??? Maybe you could do an imagine or headcanons based on her like little quotes?? I think it could be so funny!!! Maybe you could slot this in that window in alexandria of golden time??? Like when everything is calm before shit hits the fan and carl runs away and they meet Negan if you know what I mean??? I havent gone to the season Negan is in because I dont wanna *see you know what*

I do know @bakedcrispss, I follow them on my own blog, they are absolutely hilarious and I sincerely recommend anyone who hasn't checked them out but is into The Walking Dead check em out. Absolutely hysterical. There's so many funny quotes to choose from but I decided to choose this one. I'm not entirely sure how to source things but here is a link to their blog and of course this quote comes from them.

daryl: [ hands y/n a water bottle ]

y/n, drinking: thanks, but what's it for?

daryl: i heard from tara that you get thirsty around me.

y/n: [ chokes on the water ] 

And yeah I know what time you’re talking about and I get not wanting to see *you know what* It’s very sad but I do suggest you try and go past it, the series continues to be good. But if that’s where you decide to end it, hopefully I can help pad out that little golden time with an imagine. ---

Pronouns: Female!Reader, no mention of gender specific anatomical body parts. Warnings: Fluff, incredibly light angst? More like longing maybe? Nothing sad though. My attempt to write the way Daryl speaks is a warning in and of itself. Word Count: 2,473 ---

   Man, these beet root cookies were good, damn Carol knew how to bake and they were even pink and cute. Baking had never been your strong suit even before the world started eating itself. “You got more than one?” Was whined.    You looked over and smiled at Tara. “Perks of being one of the originals, extra cookies.” You teasingly sang, sticking the tip of your tongue out in glee of your cookie horde.    “I'll trade you some oatmeal mix that Denise made?” She pitches and you wrinkle up your nose as your answer and she sighs as she plops down beside you. “I know.” She agrees with your wrinkled face.    “Tobin is drowning in these, he's the guy you should try and corner. Dude's getting nothing besides cookies and kisses.” You remark.    “The dream.” She sighs.    “You've got oatmeal and...” You struggle to think of a word, you can practically feel your brain strain. “Optimism.” You settle offering a smile, she barks out a small laugh and looks at you with a raised brow. “You come up with something that starts with O.” You insist. “Also you are optimistic, you came over here hoping to trade oatmeal for a full fledged cookie.” You pointed out.    “I was hoping the love you have for me would get me a cookie.” She said looking at you with big eyes and you squint at her with yours. “You know silence hurts.” She teases making you giggle a little and shake your head. “Guess I'm not your type though.” She dramatically sighs.    “I don't even know my type, Tara.” You scoff.    It was her turn to squint at you. “I think everyone knows your type.”    “Enlighten me, maybe you'll get a cookie for it.”    “Brown hair, blue eyes, kinda brooding, incredibly greasy, handles a crossbow--don't--do not give me that confused look.” She insisted at the end. “Daryl.” She said exasperated.    “Yeah, you don't get a cookie.” You brushed off trying to hide your face.    “I most certainly do get a cookie, anyone here could get a cookie by answering that question.”    “We're friends and Daryl doesn't like me like that.”    “One, the question wasn't who likes you back it was who you like and commonly drool over and two, yes he does.” She scoffed at the end.    “I don't drool!” You gasped hitting her shoulder.    “Right, no drool cause you're too thirsty.” She teases back shoving her shoulder to yours.    You roll your eyes. “Yeah, I am thirsty, why don't you go get me a bottle of water to trade for a cookie?” You pitch trying to get off this subject and actually get some water, these cookies were great but a little dry.    “Fine.” She says getting up.    “No Dasani, get me the good stuff if you want an entire cookie.” You remind as she walks away.    She waves you off as she keeps walking and you continue to munch on your tiny dragons hoard of cookies, an entire three of them, Carol was quiet these days but this amount of cookies? Definitely a sign of love. Daryl brought you stuff too, since the beginning he's always brought you stuff...you sigh as you think about him, about all the time you've spent together over what are years now, how much you've been through together, how much you've both changed for the better...could your relationship ever change? So much in your lives had changed and just the thought made your nerves seize with a horrific mixture of excitement and fear. Excitement because who doesn't wanna be with the person they love? At the idea of going to bed together and waking up to them and than the horrifying fear that the wrong words could cause him to pull away from you, that would be the worst, you didn't even wanna think about that, no, no, no-- “You gonna take it or not?”    You almost jumped out of your skin as you came back from your thoughts to face the man they'd been about. “What?” Was all you managed.    “The water.” He said squinting at you in confusion as he once again shook it this time closer to your face.    “Oh, thanks, but what's it for?” You asked as you took it and took a sip.    “I heard from Tara you get thirsty 'round me.” You immediately choked out the water you were drinking. Fuck. Fuck. HE HEARD WHAT FROM

TARA?! “Whoa, whoa you alrigh'?!” He asked patting your back until your coughing stopped and you nodded in his direction. “You forget how'ta drink?” He teasingly scoffed.    “You leave me breathless.” You tease back as you try to get rid of the stinging in your throat with another sip of water.    “Stop.” He says as he sits down beside you and elbows you.    It's the exact same action Tara had done not five minutes ago but it makes you warm when he does it, it fills your heart and rouses a giggle from you. “Cookie?” You offer breaking it in half and offering it out to him.    “Thanks.” He says taking it from your hand and taking a bite.    “How many did you get? I got three, so far it seems to be a record and I appear to be the favourite.” You tease.    “I had four.”    “Fuck.”    He chuckles a little. “This's the first one I've had.” He lets you know.    “What're you throwing them away?”    “Carl asked for 'em, somethin' 'bout a date or somethin' with Enid.” He shrugged.    “Awe, Daryl that's cute.” You coo.    “Stop” He scoffs but you see the smile playing at the corner of his lips.    “Playing match-maker is giving a new meaning to those wings on your back, Cupid.” You can't help yourself. He rolls his eyes and looks at you annoyed but his corners give him away, you know you've got the wiggle room to keep bugging him. “Don't worry, I won't tell anyone your secret day job.” Once again the tip of your tongue finds it's way out between your teeth in glee of your own teasing.    If only you knew how far that smile got you, how that stupid cheeky smile of yours allowed you to tease him like no other. “So...why're you thirsty 'round me?”    You have to try with everything in your power not to cough up your cookie. “Oh-I-uh-I-I was trading a cookie for water with Tara, these are great but a little dry, I didn't know she was gonna get you to bring it over.” You stumble out. Sure, that's convincing enough, as long as you don't look at Daryl you can't know that he doesn't buy a single word out of your mouth. Solid plan. “I actually think this means she forfeits her cookie since you brought it and not her.” You point out trying to get off the subject. “You know she tried to trade that oatmeal mix Denise makes for one of these?” Even your laugh is a little tight.    He knows something's up, you're a decent liar so what was that? That was horrible, he'd never seen you lie so bad. “You think I bought one ounce of that bullshit?” He asked his face partially scrunching up in skepticism.    “Yeah I couldn't believe Tara thought I'd trade one of these for that oatmeal either. Real bullshit.” You avoid.    It clearly doesn't work as the skepticism on his face doesn't change until he grumbles out something with a shrug and takes another bite of the half of cookie you've given him. “Denise's oatmeal mix ain't that bad, looks like dog shit but it ain't half bad.” He points out.    “It's not bad but is it worth a cookie?” You point right back.    “Nah.” He agrees. “Why'd she wanna trade anyway? She not get one?”    “Tara got one, she's just jealous Carol loves me more and gave me three.” You say a little pridefully.    He chuckles a little and shakes his head at your delight, if that's one thing he's always liked it's how happy the little things have always made you. Whether it's him bringing you back a pen that happened to be your favourite colour or Carol giving you a cookie more than everyone else it always made you smile and over the years some days it felt like the only good in the world came from that smile. Not that he'd ever breathe a word about that. No, he'd make an ass outta himself trying to phrase that. “You gonna give it to her?”    The only thing you were planning on giving Tara was a deck over the head for telling Daryl 'you get thirsty around him.' “Maybe.” You settle on.    Things are quiet for a moment as you sit on the steps of your home, taking in the community that's around you, Daryl still feels out of place but having friends around helps him settle in enough to enjoy something as simple as this. “You gonna tell me

what she meant or am I gonna hav'ta out trade you with cookies?” He prods looking over at you.    Fuck. “That's cheating. That's abuse of power--no, no worse that is abuse of cookies.” You rush out shaking your head.    An amused breath makes it way out of him. “So you gonna or what?”    “How would Carol react if she knew you were using her cookies for evil?” You gasp.    “Probably laugh.”    Damn him, you know he's right, she'd probably arm him with more cookies. “It's just a dumb pun. You and me work up a sweat when we go out hunting together that's all she meant. Just a stupid pun, you know her jokes aren't that great.” You bluff.    That sounds like it makes sense but Daryl just doesn't buy the way you're selling this. “Why didn'tcha just say that?” He asks confused. What the Hell was going on with this 'thirsty' shit?    “I just realized it, it's such a bad joke it took me a minute.” Could you worm your way out of this? Maybe, there was a small light at the end of this tunnel that let you get through this without telling Daryl you were thirsting for him like a dehydrated fish. “I'm gonna go give her the cookie before she tries another terrible joke to get it.” The lights getting closer as you get up and he nods a little. “See you tomorrow? See if you can teach me to ride your bike?”    You don't want to give Daryl the idea you're running from him you just need to run away from this situation and it seems to work as he looks up at you and smiles a little. “I just got done tunin' it up and you wanna go and wreck it?” He teases.    “Words hurt Daryl, I only fell off once.” You gasp putting your hand over your heart.    “Yeah, sure, tell that to the dents I hammered out.” He scoffs.    “See you tomorrow.” You brush off as you turn around.    He grumbles under his breath but it's all lighthearted and you know it as you give a wave in his direction. He watches you leave and gives a small shake of his head, at least his bike is tuned up to run as good as it can so you're less likely to wipe out again. He finishes off the last bit of cookie before brushing off the crumbs on his pants. “Hey, Daryl.”    He looks over and gives a nod at Glenn who's also got a bottle of water and it gets him thinking again. “Hey, Glenn lemme ask you somethin'.”    “Yeah, sure man, what's up?” He asks as he takes a sip of water.    “Do I make you thirsty?”    Glenn coughs up his water the same way you had. “What?!” It's partial shock but mostly laughter.    “Ne'er mind.” Daryl grumbles as he gets up. He doesn't need to feel stupid for not getting this 'thirsty' bullshit.    “Wait, wait, wait.” Glenn says getting ahold of himself and reaching out to him. “Where'd you hear that phrase? I-I just need to be clued in.” He asks trying to keep his giggles in at Daryl using the word 'thirsty'. But God, that was funny.    “Tara said to get Y/N some water cause she gets thirsty 'round me, Y/N said it was just a bad joke, sure as Hell sounds like one.” Daryl explains bringing his thumb nail up to his mouth to chew on, something about this subject was starting to make him nervous.    “Ooooh.” Glenn nods as it all slides into place and again he has to desperately try not to laugh but a small chuckle makes it way out of him. “Man, Tara is dead.” He scoffs under his breath.    “Just tell me what the Hell is means.” Daryl says letting his hand drop from his mouth.    “It's uh-it's slang.” Glenn tries to explain keeping his giggle fit at bay the best he can with a deep breath. “It's when you find someone so hot they make you 'thirsty' like uh I'm thirsty for Maggie.” He explains as plainly as he can.    The annoyance is clear on Daryl's face, that slang is fuckin' stupid as far as he's concerned. “Wait.” He says as it dawns on him.    “Yeah.” Glenn confirms what Daryl's catching on too.    “Nah, that don't make sense.” Daryl denies.    “It makes sense dude.” Glenn scoffs. “You two could die of thirst beside the ocean.” He teases.    “Shut up.” Daryl barks.    Glenn knows Daryl's bark is worse than his bite when it comes to friends, the most danger he's in is

being shoved. “You asked to know.” He points out.    “That ain't how it is.” Daryl brushes off shaking his head.    “Yeah, sure. I'm gonna go quench my thirst and go see my wife.” Glenn nods with a wave as he starts to walk away. “I suggest you also quench your thirst.” He adds with a little too much glee for Daryl right now.    If he had a water bottle right now he'd quench Glenn's thirst by pegging him with it. Quench his thirst--quench his thirst?! Dumb ass, no good, fucking bullshit. That's all that was. Didn't make any Goddamn sense, he refused to have it make sense. No, no, no, no, no way in Hell. He went for a walk to clear his head of this junk but no matter how much he walked his head just kept going back to it...there was just no way you had feelings like that for him...right? His pacing was stopped by a loud. “Ow!”    He looked over to see you and Tara who was rubbing her head. “Your girlfriend is a doctor, you'll be fine.” You scoffed before walking off.    “Y/N wait up! Don't be mad please, come on.” Tara said chasing after you    'Man, Tara is dead.' Rang through his head...could it be true? ---

~Admin Coral. 🍒 Buy Me A Coffee?

[thepropertylovers]

The Most Magical Day

PJ made my 30th birthday the most special one I’ve ever had. I filmed the whole thing so I could always remember it (though what I filmed doesn’t quite capture the magic and love I felt that day), so if you want to see how we spent the day in video form, you can click here and watch yesterday’s vlog. In the meantime, if you’re in a blog reading mood, here are some photos from my birthday:

We stayed at Holiday House the night before, so PJ sent me home that morning to get ready for some sort of surprise he had planned that afternoon. I will admit, it felt strange being home by myself on my birthday while my family was at Holiday House; the silence was a little too loud, but I knew PJ must have had something pretty special up his sleeve.

I walked in the front door to find this waiting for me on the dining room table:

There were flowers, money, and a note with instructions on it to watch a portion of a new show he found on The Magnolia Network called Growing Floret. I was texting him during all of this, per his instructions, letting him know when I had completed each task. It was all so exciting and thoughtful. My heart was racing. I couldn’t believe he had planned all of this.

“Standby”.

How cute is he? He then texted me a link to a video he made where he explains the big gift on the table and why it means so much to him, and why he is giving it to me for my birthday. Naturally, I cried like a baby. To find out why it’s so special, you can watch the vlog because he explains it better than I ever could.

How did I get so lucky?

After that, I hopped in the shower and got ready. I then waited in the living room until 12:30p, and right on the dot, the doorbell rang. I expected it to be PJ all dressed up to take me somewhere, but I was even more surprised when my mom opened the door!

For some reason it didn’t click what was going on, and I ridiculously told her it was such a coincidence that she happened to stop by while I was there! How did she know I was home?! (facepalm). I then put two and two together and realized SHE was the surprise! She grabbed the money on the table and said “Let’s go to lunch!”. So off we went to my favorite Italian restaurant in town, where we had appetizers and drank wine in the middle of the afternoon (something I’ve never done before!) and ate pasta and chocolate molten cake.

I haven’t eaten with my mom, alone, in an actual restaurant, in years. This was also only the second time I’ve eaten inside a restaurant in over a year (we took the kids to see their aunt a few weeks back at a place she works at and ate inside when it was slow, just to feel a resemblance of normalcy again, and it completely made our entire week).

It was funny: five minutes after sitting down, she said to me, “I want you to take a deep breath, and clear your mind. I can tell you have a million things going through your head right now but I want you to try and be present in this moment.”

And she was right. I was thinking about PJ and the kids; I was wondering what they would eat for lunch or if little sis would have an accident in her big girl panties; I was thinking of all of the emails I had to reply to that had come in in the last few hours. We have been going, going, going, for so long now that I don’t think I remembered how to just be, which I felt sad about right after she said it because when would I get the chance to be alone with my mom at a nice restaurant again? If this last year has taught us all anything, it’s that life is extremely short and nothing is permanent and every moment with a loved one should be cherished.

So I turned my phone over and let it all go for an hour or two. And it felt nice. Everything else outside of that restaurant would work itself out and be okay whenever we were finished eating. Sometimes it just takes some of your mom’s advice to remember that.

After lunch, we walked around downtown for a bit, sat on a park bench and took a selfie (at my mom’s request, which she is still trying to perfect).

We went back home and she gave me a few birthday presents, which I was not expecting! Remember when I wrote about this book? She knew how much I loved it and gave me a copy! She also ordered me a caftan because she knows how much I’ve been loving them lately, especially out at Holiday House, and she found the most perfect white linen one with short sleeves that I’ve already been living in the last few days.

Isn’t it so nice when you receive gifts you genuinely love, from people you love?

After that, she left and I stayed home for about an hour or so to get some work done in the peace and quiet, which, again, I didn’t love as much as I thought I would. We’re so used to noise and little feet and even littler feet (with our dogs and cat) running around, that I’ve gotten used to that just being a part of life’s sounds and it felt strange not hearing my family around me. Maybe one day I’ll be able to enjoy the silence more, but I’m in no rush. I quite like the beautiful chaos of being a family of five right now.

I came back to Holiday House and gave my family the biggest hugs. PJ was doing some yard work, so I put dinner in the oven and relaxed on the couch for a bit with little sis (also something I don’t get to do enough). I was somewhat out of sorts from all the food and the cake and the glass of wine (all too much too soon!), so it felt good to lay down with her for a while as she tried to guess my age. Every time I asked her how old she thought I was, she would just answer “happy birthday!” 😂.

We ate dinner and then PJ had me take a walk for a bit for one last surprise. I was honestly so flabbergasted that all of this was happening that I didn’t know what to expect. As I’ve gotten older, birthdays and celebrating them have meant less and less to me. Not because I don’t like getting older, I actually love it and was so excited to turn 30, but because there’s been a big mental shift for me last few years, really since having the kids.

I don’t so much love the attention on myself anymore, and would rather focus that energy on them (especially because they require so much of our energy right now). Does that make sense? I know I won’t always feel like this, but since we’re technically still new to parenthood (just under 2 years!), I think I’m feeling what every new parent does, and it feels right to me at this time.

I came back in from occupying myself to find streamers and balloons and Bossa Nova music playing and a big cake and cookies all over the house! It was magical. And the kids were yelling HAPPY BIRTHDAY as loud as they could and it was the cutest thing ever. How did PJ do all of this in such a short amount of time? The world will never know, but I know how much it meant to me and how I will never forget that day. And it was all because of him.

Though I didn’t know what to expect, somehow my 30th birthday was exactly how I would have always wanted it. And even though we spent it in a in-the-middle-of-a-renovation trailer, in the middle of a pandemic (for the second year), it was still everything I could have imagined and so much more, and it was all thanks to PJ. I can confidently say, 11 years in, I’ve never been more in love with my husband, for reasons far greater than a birthday celebration, but that day was a solid reminder of how blessed I am with PJ.

To quote Virginia Woolfe, he is, “in every way, all that anyone could be”. He is the love of my life, and I feel very, very happy right now.

By the end of the night, we were all Alyster: tired and full. Full of gratitude and full of love and full of cake and full of life.

Thanks for coming along with us, friends. And thank you, PJ, for the most magical day. xoxo

[sambergscott]

a peralta guarantee

“I promise I’ll come home safe, Ames. That’s a Peralta Guarantee.”

(missing scenes from 7x08 - amy worrying about jake)

hUge thanks to johanna for inspiring this fic and helping when i had a lil breakdown halfway through

When he approaches her desk mid-afternoon with a decaf coffee and the white chocolate chip cookies she’s been craving from the bakery across town, she knows he’s either a) broken something, b) wants something or c) has bad news. She narrows her eyes suspiciously, detecting an excited bounce in his step which can only mean it’s b and c; he wants something she’s not going to like.

“Hey, babe,” he tries to play it cool, clearing a butt-sized space on her desk on which to sit. “I come bearing gifts.”

“What do you want, Peralta?” She cuts to the chase.

“Damn it, you know me too well,” he mutters. “OK, so, here’s the thing: Doug Judy’s gettin’ married. He invited me to his Bachelor Party this weekend and I know he’s a criminal, Ames, but I really wanna go. Like, so bad. Would you be cool with that?”

She conjures up a mental pro and con list. On one hand, Doug Judy is The Pontiac Bandit, known felon, committer of God knows how many crimes, an overall bad dude. On the other, he’s Jake’s friend, singer of the smush songs CD in the glove box of their car that they always forget to take out, giver of the Le Creuset pot she adores. He’s always been nice to her and—.

“Sarge?” Gary interrupts her decision-making process with a quick question about a perp he just brought in, snapping her back to reality. She’s a Police Sergeant, her job is to serve and protect the city they call home and as much as she loves cooking her mom’s beef casserole recipe in Judy’s awesome wedding gift, she has a responsibility to bring him in.

“I’m sorry, babe. I just think it’s a bad idea.”

His face falls, his disappointment coming through loud and clear.

“What were you expecting me to say? Ignore the million arrest warrants out on this guy, many of them submitted by you, so you can drink beer and go to strip clubs?”

“You’re right,” he sighs. “You’re obviously right. Man, being good at your job sucks.”

She nods in agreement. “Remember last month when I had to shut that binder store down for running a secret drug dealing operation out back?”

“How could I forget? You cried for three days straight.”

“They had the best binder collection I’ve ever seen!”

(It was actually what was so fishy about it. In four trips to buy pregnancy binders, she hadn’t seen any of the founding members of the Brooklyn Binder Babes blog — Mary Sue, Catherine, Margaret or Jane — once. And there’s no way a stationery start-up would attract such long queues without their recommendation. It was a pretty easy solve from there).

“The point is, you can’t go to a criminal’s Bachelor Party.” She pats his hand. “You’ll just have to come maternity clothes shopping with me instead. None of my jeans fit me anymore.”

“As much as I would love to, you can take Kylie. I’m going to the party.”

“What?” She double-takes. “Jake, did you not listen to what I literally just said? We’re cops. We cannot be friends with criminals.”

“But we can be friends with informants who have helped us catch numerous, even bigger, more dangerous criminals,” he says with that look on his face, the one he gets when he finds a loophole that he can use to his advantage. She recognises it from home videos Karen has shown her where, instead of tidying his room like she asked him to, seven year old Jake shoves everything under his bed and carries on enacting a police chase with his race cars. “Captain Holt has given him immunity before, so technically I should be able to go party it up with him in Miami!”

“Wait... It’s in Miami? Miami... Florida?”

It’s a stupid question, she knows. Of course he means Miami, Florida. It’s just... they both promised on the flight home that they would never, ever go back there. After everything that happened with Figgis and not knowing if they’d ever see each other again, a statewide travel ban seemed a good way to put it all behind them, focus on all their future moments together, not on all the moments they missed.

“This isn’t like last time,” he reassures her. “It’s only for a weekend and then I’ll be coming straight home for snuggles with you and —,” he lowers his voice to a whisper because they haven’t told anyone she’s pregnant yet, “the baby.”

Her eyes fill with tears and she bites her lip so hard to stop them overflowing in front of all her uniformed officers. It’s pretty clear that he wants to go and she never wants to be one of them wives who control their husbands’ every move. All she wants is for him to be happy. And if going to Doug Judy’s Bachelor Party makes him happy, he should go, no matter how much she hates the entire state of Florida. She agrees, on one condition: “You have to text me hourly updates to let me know that you’re still alive.”

“Don’t I text you constantly anyway?”

“I guess so,” she sniffs.

He lifts her chin so she’s looking him in the eyes. “I promise I’ll come home safe, Ames. That’s a Peralta guarantee.”

“You better,” she warns, tears suddenly flowing down her face at the thought of him not coming home, not being there to watch Property Brothers with her, not raising their baby and proving to everyone what a great dad he will be.

Used to her extra strength pregnancy hormones shifting her emotions from 0 to 100 faster than John McClane can say “Yippie-Ki-Yay, motherfucker”, he pulls her into a tight hug, careful not to crush the precious cargo that is behind said mood swings.

He strokes her hair and whispers that he’ll be home before she knows it and that nothing, not even the worst state in the country, will tear him away from her.

When it’s time for him to leave, she follows him out to the street and, after a brief argument over the fact he packed his bag before he OK’ed the trip with her and another hormone-induced cry when his cab shows up, reluctantly waves goodbye.

True to his word, he texts her before the car is even out of sight. Miss you already 😘.

--

Her phone buzzes periodically throughout the rest of the day.

In a meeting with Holt and Terry: flying on mark cuban’s dope ass private plane!!!!! ✈️

Cooking dinner: florida is HOT (not as hot as u babe, dont worry)

Doing her crossword in bed: g’night ames, g’night baby, love u both SO MUCH

She smiles, tells him she loves him too and braces herself for the barrage of drunk texts and selfies coming her way.

--

Sleeping without him sucks. The bed is cold, her pregnancy pillow is not as good of a cuddle buddy and she tosses and turns all night worrying about him, where he is, what he’s doing, whether he’s safe.

Her eyes finally slip shut around 1 am when her phone buzzes. Again. And again. And again.

She tries to ignore him, bury her head under her pillow and go back to sleep, but the messages keep coming thick and fast. She groans, giving up and unlocking her phone.

There are 47 new messages from him.

Forty-seven.

Her initial annoyance at being woken up quickly disappears as she scrolls through the thread. He’s mostly sent her random, meaningless emojis and keysmashes, interspersed with the odd “I love you”, “you’re my best friend” and “I’m thinking about you” that warm her heart. He mentions something about their proposal, about crying with Doug Judy, which obviously makes her cry too.

(Dumb pregnancy hormones).

By the time she reaches the bottom, he’s sent her 10 more.

She decides for her sake — and the sake of all of her officers who would have to deal with a tired, emotional pregnant lady — to turn off her phone and reply to him in the morning.

She returns her phone to her nightstand, settles back into a comfortable position and closes her eyes.

She lies motionless for what feels like hours, unable to fall asleep. She tries the breathing technique her brother David brags about constantly, counting sheep like little Matthew, even reciting police codes like Teddy used to go to sleep after sex. Nothing works. She’s still awake.

She turns her phone back on to see what Jake’s up to now, only to see his messages ended abruptly with a caterpillar emoji over an hour ago.  

She immediately panics, dialling 911 into her phone.

Her thumb hovers over the green call button.

She’s heard thousands of crazy operator call stories, frequently reminded the general population to only call in a genuine emergency and watched the YouTube compilations for fun. She deletes the number, positive that if she told an operator her husband was missing because she hadn’t heard from him while he’s at a Bachelor Party, she’s positive she would be added to those videos.

In an attempt to stop her spiral, she contemplates the possible scenarios in which his constant texts would cease.

Scenario 1: He’s living in the moment and has put his phone away (something she has been encouraging him to do lately to reduce his screen time)

Scenario 2: He’s very drunk and has completely forgotten about his promise

Scenario 3: He used up all his battery texting her and his phone has died

Scenario 4: He’s fallen asleep (although a quick check of Trudy Judy’s insta reveals the party is very much still in full flow)

Scenario 5: Judy’s criminal buddies have killed him and thrown his body into the ocean

Once the thought pops into her head, no amount of squeezing her eyes shut will make the image go away.

Holt giving an emotional eulogy about wearing ties and being an amazing detective/genius.  

Some rookie taking over his desk.  

The sympathetic looks when she tells all the other moms in baby group that her husband died.  

Usually Jake is there to hold her when her nightmares get bad. She rolls over, expecting to see his kind eyes and soft smile, the untouched side of his bed only serving to make her cry harder.

She can’t lose him. Not yet. Not until they’re old and grey, and maybe not even then. She spent so long denying her feelings for her dorky partner, rueing every missed opportunity to be together, and when they finally, finally took the plunge, she had never been happier. She can’t lose him yet. They have so much more life left to live.

She can’t lose him because he promised her he would come home safe. He guaranteed it.

She clings onto the tiny grain of hope like one might cling onto a raft in the middle of the ocean.

He would never break a Peralta guarantee.

--

Her phone finally buzzes again an hour later.

From: Unknown

Ames, it’s me, Jake. Judy’s buddies found out I’m a cop + destroyed my phone. So sorry I couldn’t text before. Hope you didn’t worry too much, although I know you probably haven’t slept. You can stop worrying now. I’m safe. Love you + see you tomorrow.  

Love you too, she responds, yawning as she places the phone back on the side table.

Relieved that he’s OK, and exhausted from all the worrying, she falls into the easiest sleep she’s ever had.

--

Before she knows it, it’s the next afternoon, Jake’s keys are turning in the lock, he’s dropping his holdall on the floor and rushing to her side to kiss her all over her face.

“I missed you too,” she laughs, kissing him properly.

“Sorry it took so long — Doug and Trudy made me fly commercial —.”

“Don’t worry about it. You’re home now. That’s all that matters.”

“I’m never leaving you two again,” he swears.

“You’ll have to leave us eventually to go to the bathroom and stuff,” she points out, raking her fingers through the unruly curls that she so hopes their baby will inherit. “Just don’t go back there.”

A solemn understanding passes over his face and he nods. “Never again. Not even if our kid wants to go to Disney World. We’ll take them to the California one instead.”

“Smort,” she says, stealing his line and in an instant, that familiar grin is back.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

A dozen memories flood back, of oldies in short shorts and shuffleboard and Doug Judy getting away again. Of noice and smort and saying “I love you” for the very first time. Her eyes fill with tears — dumb pregnancy hormones strike again — as she buries her face in his shoulder.

“Let’s go to bed,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to the top of her head and lifting her bridal style to carry her to their room. He places her carefully onto the mattress and flops down next to her.

She snuggles into him, eyes closing once more. “Did we even get an invite to the wedding?”

“Not even close,” he sighs.

“Damn it. I would’ve loved to see that trainwreck.”

“You and me both, babe. You and me both.”

[imnotwolverine]

The marriage pact - Baby talk

Henry Cavill x OC Alice - multi-chapter

< Part 13 | Part 14 Baby talk | Part 15 >

Disclaimer: reference to doing the naughty 🤭

Author’s note: Since I’m both on a wild writing spree and quite terrible at fixing my own grammatical errors / checking on word flow..do I maybe, just maybe, have some fic-readers on here who’d like to proof read my material before I post it? Anyone? There’s some 10-ish chapters left on this story, in case you wish to know how much work that’d be. Greetings from my writing nook! 🤓❤️

Word count: 1.349

(Link to my Masterlist)

Dear readers,

It is a time of many new beginnings, including the start of a search for a place of my own.

“Why move?” You may due-fully ask, to which I’ll answer; “Well, I need some darn privacy, okay?!”

Now, please do know that I definitely do not wish to nag. In fact my current living arrangement isn’t half as bad as I first presumed it would be. My parents are adorable people and my room hadn’t changed a bit since I left; and it sure is comfortable. Besides, it’s rather nice to have family around and be in a house full with life and laughter, the kitchen always smelling of freshly baked cakes and cookies, the living room buzzing with my dad’s classic rock.

But, being 37 and having a decent paying job and cares and wishes of my own, it simply is time for me to spread my wings and rebuild a life elsewhere. Which, once again, appears to be more difficult than I wished it to be, because apparently nice apartments are sparse on the Channel Islands.

Do you want more than a tiny shack which barely fits your bed and a dining table for four? Then you better have a fat check book or a whole lotta luck.

So yes, in my case; luck it is. Would you cross some fingers for me again?

Much appreciated,

Ali

‘Ooodoo-doo-doo.’ I cooed, squishing Kal’s furry cheeks between my grabby hands, the dog happily wagging his tail as Henry took the moment to clip a leash onto the Akita’s sturdy collar.

‘Going for a walk!’ Henry yelled into the back of the house, his parents probably enjoying some elevenses on the back porch, the grand seaside house quiet. Henry shrugged as no response came, his smiling face beaming at me. ‘Alright then, let’s go.’

Kal barked in excitement, jumping on all fours as I pulled open the front door, the morning breeze welcoming us with hot restless licks. Like it had become near custom, I would hook my hand around Henry’s arm, our footfalls perfectly in tune as we walked down the road, our eyes aimlessly wandering over the silver blue waves. It was nice like this. Simple, but nice.

‘Did you tell your parents about your plans to move yet?’ Henry asked, his voice near lost in the seaside wind that slapped us in the face - the beach was getting nearer.

‘Not really. You know how my mom is; she can get a bit overdramatic.’ I smiled, seeing the beach was quite busy this morning. Many children running cheerfully through the surf of the sea, their feet followed by equally cheerful women waddling with large, rounded bellies, promising even more to come. More children. More happy feet trailing through the wet sand.

Thankfully I wasn’t alone in my quiet stares, Henry squeezing my hand even closer to his chest, offering me a silent but affirmative; “I know, Ali, I can see it too.”

I sighed quietly and tugged on Henry’s arm, leading us down the sandy dunes until we reached a wood logged path, offering us some steady footing instead of having to work our way through the muggy sand. 

Kal happily sniffed around, making our pace far slower as we waited up for the dog every other step or so. ‘So how are you today?’ I asked, looking at Henry as he focused on Kal sniffing through some long dune grass. He clicked his tongue when the dog got a little over-excited, his nose digging into the plant. ‘Okay for now. Though not really looking forward to picking up travelling again. I mean. There’s some fun bits, but it’s also nice to be out here with…’ His voice trailed off as he looked at me with large loving eyes, the rest of his words unspoken. He smiled simply, satisfaction clear on his shaved cheeks.

‘I’ll miss having you around.’ I smiled, far less satisfied and more worried. Would this be the end of our little fling-thing again?

‘I don’t want this to end Ali.’ He said, halting us both and looking into my eyes, trusting Kal wouldn’t be digging up dirty diapers for this one important moment. ‘As much as I appreciate you telling me you’ll miss me..I don’t want that to be necessary. I hate it. And I’ll do anything in my power to prevent this from going south again. We’ve had enough practise now. Let’s..’ He licked his lips, locking hopeful eyes with mine. ‘..let’s make it work this time.’

—

Warm, strong fingers wrapped around mine, the doctor peering at us from over the tip of her glasses, her curious eyes studying Henry perhaps just a bit too much. Sure, it was not everyday that this superstar sinks down in your chair, because he and his ..eh..partner..want to learn about planned parenthood at a later age.

I had been rather quiet through-out the visit, having heard most of the info before, but Henry seemed to be more than a little prepared, asking a gazillion questions. He had been most excited when I had hesitantly proposed he could join me and now here we were. Once again in this tiny doctor’s office, the desk before us filled with leaflets and my notebook which Henry now eagerly used to jot down points we still needed to research.

We. Us. Me and him.

The very idea seemed so very surreal, that I was growing increasingly worried that we were in fact just continuing to build this crazy fantasy. Sure, we might be a good sexual fit. Sure, we were good at talking. Sure, we had quite a few shared hobbies and enjoyed the same things, wanted the same things. But what we didn’t have just yet was time together. And that is where I got a little anxious. I was not made for long distance relationships. I needed physicality, I needed HIM. And no matter what he’d do, it was more than likely that distance would come in between us.

But that was a concern for another moment.

Now we were here to talk babies. BABIES! Kids. Pups. Off-spring. Mini-me’s. And maybe, very maybe, mini-Henry’s. But we were yet to come to a decision on that. First we wanted to know all available options and discuss it thoroughly. We were together for one and a half month now. That was..nothing. That was…

His fingers squeezed more tightly around mine and I looked up, meeting those deep, warm ceruleans of his. ‘Looks like we have plenty to work through.’ He said, his voice surprisingly dark..almost..husky. Was he ..eh..aroused? I blinked for a moment, then quickly steered my attention back towards the doctor, who didn’t seem to miss the subtle hints that he sent my way. She raised a careful, slightly amused eyebrow, trying her best to keep a professional look on her face.

‘Yea..thanks again Doctor.’ I nodded, making sure we’d get out of there before he’d decide to ravish me right there on that tiny desk.

—

By the time we got to his parents place there was no time left for formalities - and how glad I was that his parents were out to visit some of their friends on that particular moment. We barely made it to the couch, our desperate hands tugging on clothes, lips firing heated kisses, no words or actual talk managing to get past our lips. 

It was more than a little apparent, that of all things that we were good at doing together, THIS was definitely one of them. As practised as our morning walks on the beach, so practised were our fingers as they dragged over hot, shivering skin, aching to be touched. 

‘We really need to..talk.’ I panted, feeling his hot breath in my neck, his five-a-clock shadow rubbing deliciously on my skin. ‘L-l.’ Henry groaned. ‘..Later.’ He rumbled, already digging down his pocket for a condom. 

Now there was one and simple conclusion to be made here: of all things that could get Henry hot and bothered, family planning MOST DEFINITELY was one of them.

--

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[whatisthiscontentyouspeakof]

The One Where They Know (Rough)

Next

Chapter One: Can’t The First Day of School Every End Well?

Marinette left her house that morning with a full box of Macaroons and the hope that this year wouldn’t be as bad nor as Chloé filled as the year before. Then she just missed the light to cross the school, dashing her hopes of making it to school early. Then she helped an older man across the street, which she was happy to do since she didn’t want him being hit by a car, but she ended up dumping her box of Macaroons all over the ground. On the plus side some of them made it through the fall. She offered the older man one before running towards the school, determined not to be late on the first day of school.

She bolted up the stairs of the building to get to her classroom just in time to see Mrs. Bustier asking Nino Lahiffe, a boy who’d she had shared classed with since before she even knew the name Chloé Bourgeois.

A well manicured hand smacked down on her desk. Speak of the devil, good bye to a relaxing quatrième. “Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” Chloé said, emphasizing each part of her name.

“Ugh, here we go again.” Marinette couldn’t help but say as she slumped her shoulders. God, it was bad enough that she had to deal with Chloé all the time as Ladybug but she couldn’t have just one year without the entitled bratty blond.

“That’s my seat.” Chloé said, sounding just as bratty as she did every other year. 

Marinette was too tired to deal with this bull. Even so she tried to reason with the blond. “But Chloé, this has always been my seat.”

“Not anymore,” Chloé’s minions, she meant Sabrina, said sledding onto the bench beside her. “New school, new year, new seats.”

“So why don’t you just go and sit beside that new girl over there,” Chloé said, pointing to were a dark-skinned girl was sitting, the same spot Chloé and Sabrina usually sat. 

“But-“ Marinette started to say, trying to pull together enough energy to protest. 

“Listen,” Chloé said, speaking over her. “Adrien is arriving today, and since that’s” she pointed to the spot in front of Marinette, “going to be his seat, this is going to be my my seat. Got it.”

“Who’s Adrien?” she couldn’t help but ask. The only Adrien she knew was her Adrien, and no way he’d be friends with someone like Chloé.

The didn’t seem like the right thing to say as Chloe burst out laughing, Sabrina just half a second behind her. 

“Can you believe she doesn’t know who Adrien is,” Chloe said to Sabrina. She turned back to Marinette. “What rock have you been living under?

“He’s only a famous model,” Sabina said, adding her two cents to the conversations.

“And I am his best friend.” Chloe said, putting a hand to her chest. “He adores me.”

Was anyone even sure this Adrien guy even existed, Marinette couldn’t help but wonder to herself. She didn’t know anyone who’d be friends with Chloe, not even Sabrina, since she was more of a lackey then anything.

“Go on, more!” Chloe ordered.

“Hey!” The new girl was not standing behind Chloe. “Who elected you queen of seats?”

“Oh, look Sabrina,” Chloe said in a mocking tone as she leaned against Marinette’s desk. She then got up in the girls face. “We got a little do-gooder in the class this year. What are you going to super newbie, shoot beams at me with your glasses.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” the girl said before reaching down and grabbing Marinette’s arm. “Come on.”

Marinette tried to keep up with the confident girl, grabbing her macaroons and bag. Unfortunately in the scramble to get her stuff she forgot about the step between the two seat levels and, in classic Marinette fashion, face planted. Marinette started apologizing under her breath out of habit, picking up the macaroons that had fallen as Chloe and Sabrina laughed in the background.  

“Alright, has every found a seat?” Mrs. Bustier asked. Sometimes Marinette wished her teacher would help out instead of just sitting back and watching, but then again, most the staff here wouldn’t dare say a thing against Chloe since her dad is the mayor. 

Marinette just looked how at her macaroon box which was now essentially empty of any eatable cookies from the two falls. So much for having a treat to share with her classmates. 

“Chillax girl, no biggie,” the new girl said to her. 

“I so wish I could handle Chloe the way you do,” Marinette said. A part of her felt like she recognized the girl sitting beside her. Maybe she’d seen her at the bakery.

“You mean the way Majestia does it. She says ‘all that is necessarily for the triumph of evil is that good people to do nothing’.” The girl said. She spun Marinette around to point to Chloe. “Well that girl over there is evil and we are the good people, we can’t let her get away with it. Do you think Ladybug or Chat Noir let anyone get away with acting like that?”

Yes. Not that Marinette could say that. Akuma’s seemed so much easier to face then Chloe, even when she wasn’t sleep deprived. At least Akuma victims weren’t in control of their actions. 

“Well that’s easier said then done.” Marinette said instead. “She likes to make my life miserable.”

“That’s cuz you let her girl, you just need more confidence.” The new girl said.

Marinette couldn’t help but smile. Chat Noir had said the same thing, and if this girl was giving her the same kind of advice that her partner did, then she was someone that Marinette wanted to get to know. She reached down and pulled out the only macaroon left that wasn’t destroyed. She broke it in half and reached one out to the girl. “Marinette.”

“Alya,” the new girl said, taking the macaroon half.

Marinette’s eyes widened. “As in the Ladyblogger!” she said finally realizing why the girl had seemed familiar. “I knew I recognized your face but my parents own a bakery and I just thought I must of seen you during one of my shifts.”

Alya covered her mouth her hand so she didn’t spew out any cookie remnants as she spoke. “I think you may be one of the first people who’ve recognized me outside of  an Akuma attack.” she said. 

“I think you may have to get used to it,” Marinette said, remembering how many views she’d seen on the page visit counter the last time she’d looked. “You’re blog has really hit a spike in views this past week. saw one comment say you’re the only news source out there that doesn't overshadow Ladybug and Chat Noirs achieves with political BS. I doubt I’m going to be the last person to recognize you.”

“Oh girl, your too nice. I’m still a far way off from being internet famous.” Alya said, a slight blush covering her cheeks. She was obvious proud of her blog, even if she didn’t seem to realize how close she was going to her blog being a household name, at least in Paris. 

“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ms. Bustier,” The red headed teacher continued from at the front of the classroom. “I’ll be your teacher this year.”

Marinette stop listening as Ms. Bustier went through the stuff she said every year, instead focusing on getting her stuff sorted out on her desk, even though she knew they probably wouldn’t be doing much actually work today. Ms. Bustier wasn’t the type of teacher to just jump into things, like Ms. Mendeleiev.

“Now some things are going to be a bit different this year compared to last year.” Ms. Bustier said and Marinette decided to pay attention again, just in case it was important. “Now as I’m sure you’re all aware, just before the end of last year a super villain, Hawkmoth appeared. Now, we as a school, didn’t have much planned for how to deal with the situation or how we could help, but over the summer a few of us got together and brained stormed. Starting at the beginning of every class of the day, I’m going to run you through a short meditation before each one of us is going to say something nice about another classmate. Now I know that some of you are new to the class and don’t know anyone yet do today I just want everyone to say something they want to accomplish this year. That way each and every one of you have something to look forward to.”

Not the worse idea all things considered, Marinette thought. Though a part of her thought they’d run less of chance of being Akumatized if the teachers did something about Chloe and her behaviour. But who knows, maybe the meditation was just a start, maybe the staff would try a new approach with Chloe this year. 

After they went through their meditations, which had involved a lot of giggling at first before the class settled down for the last minute. Marinette hoped that, after awhile, they’d be able to settle down quickly and have everyone take mediation serious. There hadn’t been a lot of youth Akumas but school had also been out for a majority of the time Hawkmoth had been around, but school was open again and that meant bullies had all their targets in one place. If her fellow kids learned how to calm down and keep a cool head, maybe she wouldn’t have to worry about fighting any of her classmates.

Ms.Bustier clapped her hands together. “Now that we’ve all found our centres and are calm, why don’t we go through and each say what we want to accomplish this year. Chloe, why don’t you start?”

Chloe, who had just started to file her nails, sighed. “I guess. Obvious my goal for the year is to have a sit down with Ladybug since she’s the best and I’m obviously the best.”

“What about you Ivan?” Ms. Bustier asked.

Ivan kind of glowered, muttering something under his breath about being more social outside of school.

“That’s great Ivan. What about you Alya? Is there anything as a new student that you want to accomplish?” Ms. Bustier asked.

“Not really. School’s school, you know.” Alya said with a shrug. “I’d love to have an interview with Ladybug for my blog however. That would be so awesome.”

“Look at that, you and Chloe both have a goal involving Ladybug. Maybe the two of you could sit down and see if you have anything else in common. Maybe you’ll end up becoming friends.” Ms. Bustier suggested.

“Doubt it,” both Alya and Chloe scoffed. 

Ms. Bustier frowned but moved on. “Juleka, what do you want to accomplish this year?”

Much like Ivan, most of what Jukela said wasn’t heard by the rest of the class because of her mumbling but Marinette heard something about curses, photos and modelling. 

“That’s great Juleka, maybe you can also see about speaking up more in class,” Ms. Bustier offered, most likely haven’t had heard anything the goth had said. “What about you Marinette?”

Marinette smiled at her teacher. “I think I just want to get as good of a grade in science as I did last year.” she said. “And focus more on my designing in my spare time, maybe even sell some things.”

“I’m sure you’ll be able accomplish that,” Ms. Bustier said. “Mylène, what about you?”

“I’d love to do more environmental volunteer work,” Mylène said.

“That’s amazing Mylène, I’m sure you’ll make a great impact on Paris,” Ms. Bustier said smiling. “Max, what do you want to accomplish?”

“I plan on taking back my title of top of the year,” Max said, pushing his glasses up. Marinette just shrugged, he was welcomed to the title, no way was she going to have enough time to try and get that title again this year, nor did she need that kind of stress in her life on top of saving Paris on a weekly basis. 

“Well if previous years are anything to go by, I’m sure you’ll be able to reclaim your title.” Ms. Bustier said. “Alix, what about you?”

“I so plan on winning this years Rollerblade Marathon,” Alix said. “No one’s going to get in my way this year. Not with all the practice I’ve been putting in.”

“I’m sure you’ll succeed.” Ms. Bustier said. “Nathaniel what about you?”

Nathaniel shrunk under the attention, but his voice was clear when he spoke. “I’ve, ah, been working on doing some sketches for a comic. I’d love to find a writer to work with.”

“Maybe if you get a writer to work with, you’d be able to publish your work in the school news paper,” Ms. Bustier suggested. “Nino, what about you?”

Nino shrugged. “i don’t know. Work on my music, maybe make some short films. Enter a competition or two.”

“That sounds like great fun,” Ms. Bustier said. “Rose, what about you?”

“Oh there’s so much I want to do but if I have to pick just one….” Rose said. “I think I’d agree with Mylène, I want to do more volunteer work and help out the people of Paris and others less fortunate.”

“Maybe you and Mylène can do some environmental work together, maybe even put together a club for all the other kids at school who want to help out Paris.” Ms. Bustier said. “Kim, what do you want to do?”

“There’s some vacancies on the swim team this year, and since I am going to make the team, I’d like to get gold at Nationals,” Kim said confidently. 

“Well you’ve always been good at sports so I’m sure you’ll make the team.” Ms. Bustier agreed. “And finally, Sabrina, what do you want to accomplish this year.”

Sabrina smiled up at the teacher. “I’m obviously going to help Chloe reach her goal of having a sit down with Ladybug. Maybe once she sees how awesome Chloe is she’ll make Chloe a hero as well.”

“Not likely,” Alya muttered.

“Tell me about it,” Marinette agreed.

“Well…that’s great Sabrina. Though maybe you should think of a goal that’s more personal, that doesn’t involve anyone else,” Ms. Bustier suggested. “Now onto the lesson. This year the school has provided iPads for each of you to use. Starting tomorrow you’ll each be given an iPad to use for class before giving it back to me at the end of the day so I can charge it for the next day. Until then we’re going to continue doing this old school. If everyone could come up and get a textbook from the front we can start.”

The bell rang, signalling the end to their class. 

“Those of you who have PE, Mr. D’Argencourt is expecting you at the stadium.” Ms. Bustier said. “The rest of you can head over to the library.”

“KIIIMMMM!” A yell interrupted Ms. Bustier. Marinette glanced back to see Ivan preparing to deck Kim who looked was looking back at him with a smug grin, as if his reaction was what Kim had been going for.

“Ivan!” Ms. Bustier called out to him sharply. “What is going on?”

“It’s Kim,” Ivan said, as it explained anything, before forcing on Kim again as he brought his fist back to punch the athlete. “You’re do gonna get it.”

“Ivan!” Ms. Bustier said, once again stopping him from punching Kim. “Go to the principles office!”

Ivan grumbled in anger but didn’t protest. He crunched up the piece of paper he’d been holding in his hand and stocked out of the room.

Marinette watched him go, hoping he’d cool off by the time he got to the principles office. She really didn’t need an Akuma on her first day of school, especially not one of her classmates. Normally she would try and go after him but she had promised her parents she’d try not to be so late all the time, and she at least wanted to keep true to that for a bit before being a superhero destroyed her time management skills. Anyways, Ivan was really a big softy under all the exterior. She was sure he’d stop be angry before Hawkmoth could try and Akumatize him. 

Since there really wasn’t anything for them to work on in the library quite yet, Marinette allowed Alya to gush about her favourite superheroes, both from comics (Majestia) and from real life (toss up between Ladybug and Wonder Woman). She had even shown Marinette some footage she had edited out from Akuma battles, of Ladybug and Chat Noir throwing jokes at each other. She was waiting to collect more so she could make a video just of them and all the silly names they call each other. 

BOOM!

The group shook violently enough to throw Marinette and Alya from the seats they were sitting and onto the floor.

What were the chances that came from something other then an Akuma? And if it were an Akuma, that it wasn’t Ivan.

Alya got up to her feet before Marinette, grabbing her arm with a ‘Come on’ and dragging her towards the screen that displayed the schools security cameras. A bunch of concern students were already crowding around them, trying to get visual on the Akuma so they could know if they were safe or not.

The one camera showed a stone Akuma standing in a crater just outside the school steps. 

“KIIIMMM!” The Akuma, who sounded just like Ivan, yelled. 

“Isn’t that the kid from class?” Alya asked her, sounding excited. 

“Ivan, yeah.” Marinette said, trying to think of a way to get somewhere safe to transform. 

“This is the first time I’ve actually been in the same building as someone who’d been Akumatized. I got to go follow him! My first chance of filming an Akuma, essentially from the beginning.” Alya, in her excitement, didn’t wait for Marinette to say anything, instead rushing out of the library.

Marinette just sighed, surely coming to the realization that her new friend may give her a heart attack, or at least a few grey hairs. She didn’t go after her though, instead heading out to find somewhere to transform, making a note to herself to keep an eye out for the blogger so she didn’t get in trouble. 

Marinette slipped into her homeroom, which was empty and had window access, always a bonus, and opened up her purse. Tikki flew up to face level.

“Ready to go Tikki?” Marinette asked. Her Kwami let out a cute ‘uh-huh’, and Marinette smiled. “Alright then, Tikki, spots on!”

Marinette leaned her head back feeling her transformation taking over. She had found it weird in the beginning that the magic that overtook her as she transformed, also made her do a stereotypical Magical Girl transformation, but now she had come to accept it, just relaxing and allowing the magic to flow through her. At least her little transformation dance didn’t seem to be visible to anyone, nor did it seem to take anytime since the same thing that was happening when she called for the transformation, was still happening when she transformed as if no one had moved. 

The pink light faded leaving Marinette in her same old Ladybug outfit. Not that it really mattered right now but, during an Akuma dry spell, Marinette had decided that she didn’t overly care for her hero outfit. After she let something slip to Chat, who’d mention that Plagg had told him that he could change his outfit, he just needed to visualize it, she had been wanting to design something a little less basic and childish. Of course, she just needed to find the time and inspiration to do just that. Oh well, until then, her original Ladybug outfit would work just fine, after all, you can’t go wrong with classics. 

Ladybug swung away from the school, keeping an ear out for both her partner and for this Akuma. At least she knew Ivan was after Kim, who’d be at the stadium today, so she at least knew what way to head. 

“Milady!” Chat Noirs voice called out to her. Ladybug landed on a rooftop before turning and looking for her partner. She found him a few roof tops away; one baton ride later and he joined her on the roof. “So much for a first day of school. How many do you think are going to close down?”

“Defiantly Collège Françoise Dupont,” Ladybug said. “The Akuma originale there. It’s a student who’s going after another student who is currently at Parc des Princes. The this news blogger who apparently just started there so she’s been sharing footage of the entire thing.”

“The Ladyblogger?” Chat Noir asked. Ladybug nodded, looking a little surprised. “I may of obsessively research anything to do with us. Her content is good, though it’d be better if she wasn’t trying to figure out our identities. Should we look at the footage to see where they are?”

Ladybug just looked as him. “I’m pretty sure a giant stone being is going to be hard to miss.” she said dryly. 

Chat Noir just smiled at her. “Bet I could find him before you.”

Ladybug just smirked at him before tossing her yo-yo and flying through the air.

“Hey! That’s cheating!” She could hear Chat Noir yelling behind her. She just laughed. 

It took another three swings through the air, and Chat Noir catching up with her, before either of them could hear the stone Akuma walking. Surprisingly he was almost to the stadium. Apparently being made of stone hadn’t slowed Ivan down at all. Ladybug was about ready to swing down and distract the akuma when a few police cars pulled up.

“Great,” Chat Noir said sarcastically. Akuma battles always went better when law enforcement didn’t get involved. Sure, some police officers, like Sabrina’s dad, were helpful and tried to stay out of the way as soon as the two got on the scene but others had quickly decided that they knew better then the young heroes and the two of them often had to waste time trying to get a majority of them to safety. 

Chat Noir made a more to head down to ground level but Ladybug held an arm out. “Let’s just wait a moment. See if we can figure anything out while the police distract him.”

Chat Noir nodded, resting against his baton as Ladybug crouched down to get a better view. 

“Akuma, I order you to stand down! If you do not then my officers will be forced to shoot!” Lieutenant Léon Roux yelled through a megaphone as if that would actually do anything. Ladybug and Chat Noir met each others gazes and rolled their eyes. 

The stone Akuma just continued to head towards the stadium, not even pausing to give the police the time of day. 

“Ready!” Lieutenant Roux yelled. “FIRE!”

The police officers around him started to open fire on the Akuma much to the annoyance of Ladybug and Chat Noir. The two of them weren’t worried about the Akuma. They had quickly figured out that when an Akuma ignored the police, it generally meant that they didn’t view them as a threat, that nothing they could do could harm them.

Sure enough the stone Akuma just seemed more annoyed then anything as a yellow light encased him causing him to double, if not triple, in size. Well that was interesting. Ladybug really hoped that the rumours the other police officers, the ones who let the two heroes actually do their job, had told her, were true. That Lieutenant Roux was moving out of Paris to another department within France and that an officer was being promoted. Especially if it was office Raincomprix like a majority of rumours said. 

“We’ll have to try and avoid hitting the akuma directly,” Ladybug said aloud even though her partner had probably realized this himself. They had learned early on that communication was key in this line of work. “Any idea where the Akuma is?”

“Not yet milady.” Chat Noir said. He looked at the surrounding area. “News on scene.” 

Ladybug looked around and sure enough, she could see not just Alya, who was crouched behind one of the police cars filming, but Nadja with her camera crew just across the street. The two of them would have to make sure when the engaged the Akuma that they didn’t end up putting any civilians in danger. 

“Come on,” Ladybug said to Chat Noir as the Akuma was nearing the entrance. The two of them stealthily made their way to the top of the stadium and then down to the field below. 

“Do you see the students?” Ladybug asked. Even if her partner couldn’t, he had way better hearing and lets face it, kids sucked at keeping quiet. At least they had realized the Akuma was heading their way and had hid. 

“Ladybug!” A voice called out to her. She turned and saw Rose who had popped up from behind one of the chairs. Slowly she saw Max, Alix, Nino, Kim, Jean, Aurore, Mirellie, Allegra, Claude poke their heads up from behind seats. Well that was easy.

“An Akuma is about two seconds away from busting in here,” Chat Noir said. 

“Everyone head towards the change rooms and take the emergency exit out. Chat Noir and I will take care of the Akuma,” Ladybug ordered. Her fellow students were quick to escape, having seen enough Akuma battles on the news to known things ended up going the best when people listened to the local heroes. The last kid ran down the tunnel where the change rooms were right as the Akuma burst through the stadium doors.

“KIIIMMM!” He yelled. “So who’s the wuss now?!” 

The Akuma looked around to see only her and Chat Noir standing there. “Where’s KIIMMM!” he demanded.

“Not here. Sorry. Maybe try again tomorrow.” Chat Noir said, his tone light. 

That seemed to anger the stone being, who swatted at Chat Noir. The two heroes jumped apart to avoid the giant stone fist. 

“Ivan, do you really think squishing Kim is going to make anything better?” Ladybug asked, trying to see if she could spot the Akuma. She had an idea but wanted to see if she was right before calling for her Lucky Charm.

“I’m not Ivan anymore. I’m Stoneheart.” The Akuma yelled, smacking his hand down to try and flatten her. She dived to the side and rolled back to her feet. 

Stoneheart headed towards the tunnel he’d seen a student run through when he had first came in.

“Chat Noir! I know where the akuma is!” Ladybug yelled pointing to the tunnel. Chat Noir got what she meant.

“Cataclysm!” He yelled rushing the tunnel. He ran his hadn't along the tunnel entrance, causing it to collapse. If Stoneheart wanted to get through, he’d have to bulldoze his way through and that would take time. Chat Noir propelled himself into the air, landing beside her. “What’s the plan?”

“Every time Stoneheart has gone to smack us or the police he’s being using his left hand.” Ladybug explained.

“You think he’s holding the Akumatized object in his right hand.” Chat Noir finished.

“Yep. So all we need to do is get him to open it. Lucky Charm!”

She flung her yoyo up into the air. As if flew back down to her so did a red and black wetsuit.

“It is a lovely day to go swimming but I don’t believe that now is the time,” Chat Noir said. 

Why couldn’t she ever get a Lucky Charm that made sense. She knew it was part of being a ladybug holder to figure things out and be creative but her life would be so much easier if her Lucky Charms were straight to the point. 

Ladybug glanced around trying to see how she could make this work. She needed Stoneheart to open his fist. The wetsuit had closed off hands and feet. A hose was by her feet and Alya had snuck in behind Stoneheart and had crouched down right by where the hose tap was. Ladybug smiled as she looked at her partner. 

She wrapped the neck of the wetsuit around the hose so that it was secure and leak proof.  She spun her yoyo around Chat Noirs legs, just above his ankles where his ‘boots’ ended. “Don’t resist, just trust me, okay?”

“Always miiiiiilaaaady!” Chat Noir yelled, his normal nickname for her get starched out as she pulled on her yoyo, yanking his feel from under him and swinging him through the air and right in Stonehearts fist. 

For the first time Ladybug realized that, with how big Stonehearts hands were, he wouldn’t be able to take their miraculous’ even if he had gotten them in a position to do so. With a wide smile she jumped through the air. “Catch me if you can!” she taunted.

The orders of getting them beat out over Stonehearts need to protect his akumatized object, just like she had planned. With a grunt Stoneheart trapped her in his other fist, a black crumpled piece of paper, that was vaguely rock shaped, falling to the ground. 

“And now, Alya the tap!” Thank her lucky stars that Alya instantly knew what she meant, rushing to the hose tap. The hose started filling up the wetsuit, expanding it. Within seconds the suit was so big it forced Stonehearts hand open, releasing her. 

Ladybug quickly dashed towards the akumatized object on the ground and stomped on it releasing the Akuma butterfly. She went to take her yoyo out and catch it to purify it only to hear a shout behind her.

“Aim!” She heard Lieutenant Roux say. She turned and saw a handful of police officers in the doorway aiming their guns at Stoneheart, who she knew was seconds away from transforming back into Ivan.

“Wait!” She yelled jumping in the way. 

“Little missy, we’ve had enough of your little games. It’s time we dealt with these Akumas ourselves.” Lieutenant Roux said. He turned back to the officers that had followed him in. “Get ready boys.”

“We already got the Akuma!” Ladybug said firmly. As if to confirm it she saw a yellow light behind her and could hear Chat Noir yelp as he dropped to the ground now that Stoneheart was a normal human size. “If you had fired, you would have hit an innocent child.”

“Innocent my ass. Paris is sick of being terrorized! Sick of these monsters. They should be charged as terrorists!” Lieutenant Roux said. A few of his officers looked like they agreed but a couple looked uncomfortable. 

“Be careful,” Chat Noir said, coming to stand by her side, “or you might be Hawkmoths next victim if you get any more worked up.”

Lieutenant Roux just growled at him.

“Meouch,” Chat Noir said, unfazed. 

“Do you really think Paris will stand by your view point?” Alya called out to the officer, her phone still up.

Lieutenant Roux glared at her. “Hand over your phone right this instant young lady!” he ordered. “It’s evidence of terrorism.”

“Go ahead,” Alya said, unfazed much like Chat Noir had been. “It’s been live streaming to my blog this entire time so if  you really want the video you can just go there.”

Lieutenant Roux was close to turning completely red with anger but before he could do anything his phone rang. He looked at his phone before paling and heading towards the exit, signalling for his officers to follow him.

Ladybug turned to Alya. “Be careful and keep an eye out. If he does get akumatized he may go after you.” she warned Alya before beeping filled the air.

“We need to go,” Chat Noir said. The two waved goodbye before heading up over the stadium wall, with Ladybug grabbing the wetsuit on the way, and to a nearby roof. 

Chat Noir smiled at her. The two of them reached hands out with a ‘Pound it’ that was quickly becoming common for them. Ladybug reached down to grab the wetsuit and throw it into the air when a thought hit her, causing her to gasp in horror.

“Milady are you okay?” Chat Noir asked.

“The Akuma.” She whispered. “I didn’t catch the Akuma.”

Next

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Stark Spangled Banner One Shot: You Can’t Kid a Kiddo

Intro: It’s April Fools’ Day…and Tony is out to play. Avengers, beware!

Warnings: Bad language, very mild smut...no one gets naked.

Pairings: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark 

A/N:This is written for @wkemeup​ ‘s  4K Writing Challenge. My prompt was dialogue- “I take zero responsibility for this…”

This takes place in the Stark Spangled Banner timeline in April 2015 just before the events of AOU. Steve and my OFC (Katie Stark- Tony’s sister) have been together for 2 years ish and are engaged at this point as well. There’s also another Easter Egg in here for me to set up another One Shot I’m working on...

You don’t have to have read SSB to understand or enjoy this but feel free to check them out if you so wish. Stark Spangled Banner, and the prequel Stark Spangled Man can both be found here on my Masterlist.

Please re-blog and send me comments/thoughts. That’s my jam!

Steve’s hands were hot on Katie’s hips, gently gripping her bare skin just above her underwear, the top she was wearing riding up slightly. Her bare thighs were straddling his as he gripped her neck, pulling her down for a searing kiss, grinding up against her, the TV programme was long forgotten.

“You know…” he said, pulling back slightly to look at her, one of his hands tangling in the hem of the plaid button down she’d stolen from him to sleep in, as usual “Captain America doesn’t approve of theft.” “Captain America is an ass hole.” she grinned back “Stevie is my favourite.”

He gave a chuckle and leaned back against the sofa cushions, looking at her for a second “How did I get so lucky?” he asked, reaching up to tuck her long hair behind her ears. She smiled at him, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“What’s brought this on?” she asked, her hands sliding up his chest, resting on his shoulders, fingers gently playing with the collar of his polo shirt.

“Nothing.” he said, “Just seeing you before, today, with that reporter, just reminded me about how fierce...” he pressed a kiss to her lips “and loyal…” another kiss “and downright sexy you are when you’re angry…”

“He was a dick.” she mumbled, against his lips, her eyes narrowing slightly as she pulled back to look at him, his fingers gently tracing the outside of her thighs “I mean, it’s not like we haven’t already launched the publicity campaign already…”

“Well it’s big news.” he smiled up at her.

“Of course it will, it’s Harlan Thrombey…” she shrugged “His books are huge!”

“Did you ever get to the bottom of why he’s reached out to SIP to run the next one when he has his own publishing company?” “Oh something to do with his Son annoying him and needing to be taught not to take things for granted.” Katie shrugged “I can ask him that in October when we meet him to go over the final edit and discuss the covers and stuff… but that’s by the by. That ass-hat reporter should have been at the press launch like everyone else, not trying to accost us when we went out for lunch. And what the fuck has whether we’ve set a wedding date got to do with it anyway? Nosey bastard.”

Steve chuckled at her rant and looked at her, his eyes shining. “We haven’t set one though.”

“Yeah well, we’ve kinda had a bit going on.” she said, “Maybe once all this business with the sceptre is sorted we can think about it.” Steve sighed “I know, it’s taking a little longer than we hoped.”

“Well it’s only the end of March.” she shrugged “I’ve always wanted a summer wedding so it’s not…”

She trailed off and Steve saw her eyes widen and her mouth dropped open as she looked at him. “Oh shit…”

“Kitten, what is it?” he frowned.

“It’s the 31st March…” she looked at him, swallowing. Steve felt the colour draining from his face "Crap." The reason for their horror was simple. Because, forget Christmas or Thanksgiving, April Fools’ Day was Tony Stark's favourite time of year, as his long suffering sister could testify. When she was a kid, Tony had done the usual stuff. Flour in her talc, washing up liquid in her shampoo, paper shapes of bugs (never spiders though, he wasn't that cruel) in lampshades so when she turned the lights on she'd think she had a huge cockroach in there, that type of stuff. But, as she matured so did the pranks. At one time whilst she had been at the tower for a meeting JARVIS sent her an alert that someone had slashed her tyres in the carpark. She had sprinted outside to see photos of Slash from Guns and Roses struck to the side of her tyres. Another year Tony had hacked her StarkPhone and Laptop and changed the language to Chinese. Of course she couldn't read fucking Chinese to change it back. When she found an agent in SHIELD who did and he reversed it for her, within 30 seconds it had flicked over to Russian. And when she fixed that it became Swedish and so on and so on... Steve had also been the butt of a few pranks since he had known Tony. In 2013 he had fallen for the old toothpaste Oreo trick when a box had arrived for him allegedly from the cookie company themselves after Steve had been papped eating a packet. That had nearly made him sick. And then last year there had been the none stop phone calls asking for Franklin. Every time it was someone different and Steve was getting more and more frustrated as to who exactly Franklin was and why people thought he was on his number. Then, as he and Katie had been on the sofa making out, he'd gotten one last call…

"Leave it..." she said, her hands in his face turning her back to look at him. He kissed her again, hands sliding up the side of her torso, grinding his crotch down onto hers making her purr with delight as her hands strayed to the buckle of his belt, soft fingers gently skimming his abs as she made to undo it, his tongue tangling ferociously with hers as he gave a soft moan of pleasure... But his phone was going again. Katie sighed as he dropped his head to her chest, mumbling a curse. "Unless that’s a Code Red, you can tell whoever it is to fuck off." she said with a frustrated growl, her head flopping back against the cushion as he reached over and answered it, still led over her. "Rogers..." he said sharply. It was another unknown number, but not an unknown voice. "Hi this is Frankin!" Tony greeted him Steve let out a growl of frustration as he realised he had been had. "Have there been..." pause as the inventor laughed "I'm sorry, have there been any calls for me?" "Tony I swear to god!" he spat through gritted teeth as the inventor cackled and hung up. "Your brother is a dick." he looked down at Katie, shaking his head. "Well yeah, I know that…" Katie looked up at her boyfriend "What did he just do?" "Those calls I’ve been getting all day. Asking for Franklin?" He looked at her and she nodded "it was him."

She paused and then let out a laugh “Ok, to be fair, that’s a pretty good one…” “I hate him.” he mumbled, dropping his head back to her chest.

She chuckled again, and ran her fingers through his hair. “Hey, Stevie…wanna get him back?" “How?” Steve queried, propping himself up on his elbows, looking at her.. “Call him...” she grinned, leaning up and nipping at his jaw line softly as he closed his eyes “Leave the phone on the table...” she bucked up under him, wriggling her hips, his trousers feeling uncomfortably tight  again “and let him listen to us make out”

Steve hadn’t done that, because, well frankly the thought of anyone listening to them wasn’t a great turn on in his books so Tony had gone another year of getting away with it.

Simply put, Tony was king of the pranks, and this year he had the entire team at the tower to torment. 

“We should warn the others…” Steve looked at her, and with a sigh she nodded. She untangled herself from him and straightened the legs on her denim shorts.

“JARVIS?” she asked.

“Yes Miss Stark…” “Where are the rest of the team?”

“Agent Romanoff and Agent Barton are in the Common Room.” he spoke “Thor is in his quarters as is Mr Stark and Dr Banner is in the Lab…”

“I’ll text Nat, Clint and Banner.” she said, nodding “Can you go see Thor…he doesn’t have a phone and I’m not asking JARVIS to do it in case Tony catches on…” Steve nodded “Yeah, I’ll pop down and see him now.” Giving her a quick kiss he straightened his pants slightly and headed towards the hidden elevator, selecting the right floor. Thor and Clint shared one of the highest floors in the tower, both preferring to be higher up, closer to the roof but it was still below their’s. Exiting the elevator, he turned left and knocked on the door.

“Captain?” Thor answered and stepped back. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” “It’s not strictly pleasure I’m afraid Thor…” Steve sighed “I’m hear with a warning.” “A warning?” he frowned.

“Yeah, you got five minutes? It’s gonna take some explanation.”

***** Tony was giggling to himself as he put the final touches to the last of his pranks, before closing the door to the Lab and heading back to his floor. None of the team were up yet, it was ridiculously early, but the early bird catches the worm and all that. Fuck Killian and his second mouse bullshit. He had been toying with setting it all up the previous evening but he didn’t trust Kiddo and Spangles not to do some kind of recon mission before they went to bed. 

“What have you been doing?” Pepper mumbled to him as he walked back into their dark bedroom.

“Nothing…” he said, with a grin, leaning down to give her a peck.

“Bullshit.” Pepper mumbled against his lips. “It’s April Fools Day…” “Is it?” he said, innocently and she rolled her eyes “JARVIS?”

“Yes Sir?”

“Hey buddy, I need you to set up an alert for me for today. If anyone goes into my office, or the garage, or anywhere in the tower messing with my equipment I wanna know about it.”

“Of course Sir.”

Tony grinned as he headed into the bathroom for a shower. “Game on, Avengers...” 

Prank 1.

Steve was the first victim. He and Katie were making their way, cautiously, down to the large meeting room where they were all due to congregate to look over the plans of an abandoned British prison they suspected of being a Hydra base. They made sure to check round each corner before they walked round it, checking up high, low, everywhere.

But there was no avoiding this prank.

Steve pressed his palm to the Biometric Pad on the meeting room door and the pair of them gave a loud yell and a jump as their ears were assaulted by a sudden chorus.

“Who's strong and brave here to save the American Way? Who vows to fight like a man for what's right, night and day?”

“Oh for fucks sake…” Steve groaned as he pulled open the door, the song echoing through the PA system.

“Who will campaign door to door for America? Carry the flag shore to shore for America? From Hoboken to Spokane? The Star Spangled Man with a plan!”

Clint and Natasha were stood, poised at the table, both wearing identical looks of astonishment on their faces. They turned to Katie and Steve as they walked into the room, the song still playing.

“We can't ignore there's a threat and a war we must win! Who'll hang a noose on the goose-stepping goons from Berlin?”

“I’m assuming this means Cap is the first of us to fall victim to Stark?” Clint asked, his lips quirking into a smile.

“Who will indeed lead the call for America? Who'll rise or fall, give his all, for America?”

“Please tell me it isn’t going to go through a full rendition…” Steve sighed, dropping into a chair.

“Who's here to prove that we can? The Star Spangled Man with a plan!”

Silence. The 4 of them waited with bated breath, but thankfully it had stopped.

“Just the first two verses…” Katie said, sitting next to him. “Suppose we should be grateful.” “Kiddo, you’re as much of a sneak as Tony…” Clint looked at her, as Thor walked into the room. “How come you’ve never managed to get him back?”

“He’s too smart.” she sighed, “I’ve tried and tried before. It doesn’t help that he has JARVIS either, watch this…JARVIS?”

“Yes Miss Stark?”

“Has my brother got an alert going for you to warn him if we try and prank him?” “I couldn’t possibly comment Miss Stark, on whether or not your brother has an alert set up to warn him if you attempt to tamper with any of his equipment…”

Normally she would chuckle at the AIs tone but she was too frustrated with her brother and the seeming lack of loopholes in any of his instructions she could exploit. She leaned back in her chair and gave a huff “See?”

“I could just shock him with some lightning?” Thor suggested

“Think that’s a little harsh.” Steve sighed. 

“See if you still think that by the end of the day when every time you open a door that song starts.” Natasha looked at him.

“What, you think…” Steve looked at her and then gave a groan. “It’s not just gonna be the one door is it?”

_____

Tony, watching the events unfold on the display in the safety of his office cackled. “Of course it isn’t just one door…” _______

Prank 2.

Bruce was sincerely hoping that whatever inevitable prank Tony was going to pull on him that the Billionaire had been sensible enough not to shock him so far that the Hulk erupted. Bruce had a pretty good hold on him, so he wasn’t too worried but still, you never know.

He made it to his lab in one piece, opened the door and stopped dead.

In front of him on the floor, for about 2 metres square were cups of water. And they were positioned hat close together that there was no space for him to step over in any direction without them spilling all over the floor. Which meant he couldn’t get into the room. Had it been anyone else, they would probably have simply kicked them over, but not Bruce. He was always paranoid about the liquid seeping through the floors and down onto the machinery which looked after the Iron Legion. 

So if he was going to get into the lab, he was going to have to move them one cup at a time. 

“Damned you Tony!” he said with a loud, exasperated sigh “JARVIS? I need a bucket…”

_______

Tony, watching the events unfold on the display in the safety of his office cackled. “Good luck finding one Brucey…”

_______

Prank 3.

“I don’t think there’s much else to go on…” Steve sighed as the rest of the team finished looking over the plans “We need to get out there and do a recon really.“

“We prepping for another mission then, Cap?” Clint looked at him. Steve took a deep breath and nodded.

“I don’t think we have an alternative.” 

“Ok, well, if we get everything ready we can go at first light tomorrow.” Natasha suggested “I’ll get onto the British Authorities, let them know we’re planning on coming.” “Get Hill onto it” Katie suggested “She’ll go through the UN.”

With that an alert sounded on her phone and she looked down at it. “I gotta go take a conference call but I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Steve nodded to her as she stood up and left the room. She made it to her office, safely and swung the door open, pausing just to make sure nothing fell from the door frame. She darted through, took a look round and everything seemed to be in order.

Suspecting Tony of most likely sabotaging her computer or screen, she sat down on her chair and a loud horn sounded causing her to scream and involuntarily he entire body jumped, and her chair toppled backwards. She went with it, arms and legs flailing and she hit the floor with a crash.

After taking a moment to sort herself out she stood up, and looked at the bottom of her chair. There was an Airhorn strapped to the main leg which mean as soon as she had sat down, it would push the handle causing it to sound.

“I know you’re watching this you fucker!” she yelled, spinning round to the CCTV camera and flicking it off “I hate you!”

_____ Tony, watching the events unfold on the display in the safety of his office cackled. “Nice fall Kiddo…”

_______

Prank 4.

Given that there was nothing else to do, Natasha decided to head to the gym, as she did every Tuesday morning, to practice Pilates. It was a routine she tried not to break as it helped her keep supple and relax. Katie sometimes joined her, and surprisingly so did Steve. He said it helped keep his mind clear. 

She knew that the routine made her an easy target for one of Stark’s pranks, but she was damned if he was going to catch her out. She was one of the world’s best spies, no way was he going to get her with some stupid, childish trick.

She entered the room and glanced up and around, checking the corners, you name it. Satisfied that no one was going to jump out at her, and even if they did, she’d floor them- more fool you, Stark, she leaned up against the bench and stretched her legs out.

“Who's strong and brave here to save the American Way? Who vows to fight like a man for what's right, night and day?”

She spun to see Steve shaking his head as he made his way into the room in his gym gear

“You joining me or hitting the bag?” she asked as they both tried to ignore the song as it continued ringing from the speakers.

“Joining you if that’s ok?” he said, “I went for a run this morning so…” “Sure.” she nodded, and as the song finally stopped they made their way to the store cupboards, picking out their mats. Natasha picked her favoured one, and lay it down on the floor.

As soon as she stepped on it there was a loud popping noise, like a gun going off, and she jumped backwards, dropping to the floor by instinct. 

“Nat…” Steve said, a smile tugging at his lips “It’s ok, it’s not a gun.” Angrily she stood up, stalked over to the mat and pulled it up off the floor. She examined it a little before she gave a snort.

“Bastard!” she exclaimed, slipping her hand into a small, almost invisible hole on the underside. She pulled out a tiny little firecracker, the type that kids used to throw on the floor in front of someone to make a loud bag. “He’s filled my mat with these!” 

______

Tony, watching the events unfold on the display in the safety of his office cackled. “Even Super Spies get fooled, Romanoff…”

_______

Prank 5 and 6.

Later that day the team met in the common room for lunch. Steve already had a headache from that damned song following him every time he opened a door, Katie was sporting quite a sore elbow after falling harshly on the floor, Bruce was pissed as it had taken him a good hour to get rid of the cups of water, and Natasha was seething at the fact she’d been caught out too.

“I don’t know how you’ve put up with it for your entire life.” Clint said to Katie as he opened the fridge, pulling out a can of his favoured Dr Pepper. He grabbed a glass and a few ice cubes, the way he always like his soda and walked over to where they were all sat on the sofas with various lunch items on the coffee table. He poured the soda into the glass and set it on the table.

“Yeah well, you better be careful.” Katie said “You too Thor, there’s no way he hasn’t set one up for you both.” “I am mighty Little Stark.” Thor grinned, nursing a plate of his favoured chocolate and sugar covered strawberries he had snaffled from a tray in the fridge “it will take more than…” “SHIT!” Clint exclaimed, and with a loud yell they all jumped back as the soda in his glass was exploding over the top with such veracity it was showering them all in the sticky drink. As Steve and Natasha headed to grab some paper towels, Katie marched over to the freezer and yanked out the ice dispenser tray.

“He’s put fucking Mentos in the ice cubes!” she said with a shake of her head. “Jesus Christ…” “You gotta hand it to him.” Bruce sighed, wiping his glasses off on his shirt 

“I’d like to hand it to him.” she mumbled, “with my fist closed.” Thor gave a chuckle and popped a strawberry in his mouth, before he gave a grimace, gagged and spat it back out onto the plate.

“That’s…” he stood up, nearly pushing Steve over in his attempt to get to the sink. 

Katie watched him as he grabbed a glass of water and filled it from the tap. 

“What...” Natasha looked at Bruce who was examining a piece of the fruit, holding it in front of his nose.

“Salt…” Thor mumbled as he rinsed his mouth out “It isn’t sugar, its salt. He put salt on my Chocolate Sugar Fruit!”

_____

Tony, watching the events unfold on the display in the safety of his office cackled. “Ice Ice baby... not so mighty after all Thunder God.”

_______

*******

“We have to get him back…” Natasha grumbled as they all sat in Katie and Steve’s apartment, having retreated to the relative safety as their living quarters were the one place there was no CCTV, and Katie had the authority to banish JARVIS from earwigging. (Tony had learnt that lesson one day after hearing something he really didn’t want to hear…)

“Believe me I’ve tried.” Katie sighed “And you heard J before, anyone tampers with his equipment and…” She stopped dead. That was it. That was the loophole. With a smirk she looked round the assembled faces. Steve arched an eyebrow at her, he knew that look very well.

“What you thinking?” he asked and she grinned at them all.

“Ok, listen up.” she said, leaning forward. “I have an idea...”

They listened attentively, Clint and Natasha sharing a grin as she outlined her plan whilst Thor slapped his thigh with glee. Steve leaned back in his chair and looked at Banner who was also smiling ear to ear.

“That might just work.” The Doctor said “It’s a pretty good loophole, and we have the stuff in the lab so…” “I’ll need a distraction.” Katie said, “something that’s gonna draw Tony out of his office for long enough for me to do it but…” “That’s easy.” Thor said, “I’m sure I can cause a good deal of noise in the Training Facility, break a few things with my hammer…”

“Fry something.” Steve said, looking round “If you do that then JARVIS won’t be able to fix it remotely, Tony’s gonna have to get his hands dirty.”

“You all know what you’re doing?” Katie grinned as everyone nodded. “Ok, Avengers, let’s do this…“

Operation Payback.

Tony heard the bang seconds before JARVIS spoke

“Mr Stark…”

“What the hell was that?”

“There’s been an incident in the Training Suite.”

“Course there has…” Tony rolled his eyes in exasperation at how stupid they thought he was. He wasn’t falling for a distraction like that. “Where is everyone?” “Miss Stark, Agent Romanoff and Agent Barton are in the shooting range.” Jarvis informed them. Doctor Banner was in his lab, although it appears he is now making his way down to the Training Facility to find out what’s going on. Captain Rogers is already there as is Thor.”

“What’s the incident?”

“It appears Thor has struck the speakers and the access pad with a bolt of lightning.” JARVIS replied “I’m currently assessing the damage but as a result he is locked in. And he isn’t happy.” Tony gave an exasperated groan and pushed his chair from his desk. “Suppose I best go see if I can help…remember what I said, anyone comes in here and tampers with my equipment…” “Of course, Sir…”

When Tony arrived Thor was kicking the door to the training facility, waving his hammer irately.

“Thor!” Steve was stood by the glass, attempting to calm him down. “Don’t buddy, we’ll get you out of there…” “I can get myself out…” Thor blazed, raising his hand and Tony blanched at the fact Thor was threatening to send his hammer straight through the wall. It wasn’t an uncommon occurrence for the walls and glass to get damaged but they’d only just had it replaced after Steve and Thor had been practicing using Steve’s shield and Mjolnir to cause an outwards blasting shockwave. 

“What’s going on?” Tony asked, and Steve spun to him shooting him a glare.

“I’ll tell you what’s going on…” Thor roared “That infernal song…”

His hammer crackled ominously again and Tony looked back to Steve.

“He was fed up of hearing Star Spangled Man With A Plan ringing out every goddamned time I opened a door.” Steve folded his arms “So he lost his temper. And I can’t say I blame him.” “We’ve talked about this.” Tony looked at Thor “You need to use your words buddy…” “Words, I’ll give you more than words, Stark!” Thor roared “Now get me out of here!”

“JARVIS?” Tony asked, looking at the pad on the door. “Damage report?”

“The Circuit is completely fried Sir.” JARVIS said “I cannot access or override, you will need to do it manually.”

“Great…” Tony mumbled “Let me just go get my tools from the lab.” Mumbling to himself he set off down the corridor and once he was gone, Thor grinned and tossed his hammer in the air as he gave Steve and Banner the thumbs up before he caught it expertly again in his right hand.

“Good job!” Steve nodded with a smile as he pulled his phone out and dialled Katie quickly. “You’re up.” 

****

It took Tony roughly 30 minutes to replace the wires and unlock the door. Thor stormed out, pushed him harshly in the chest before he left down the corridor.

“Guess they don’t have April Fools’ day on Asgard.” Tony mumbled, rubbing at the front of his shirt.

“To be honest Tony, it’s pretty annoying.” Bruce sighed “Can you at least turn it off now, I mean its almost 2 in the afternoon.” “Yeah I suppose…” Tony sighed, before he grinned “it was a pretty good one though, right.” “Hilarious.” Steve deadpanned, his hands falling to his belt buckle. Tony flashed him a grin and a shrug before he gathered up his tools and made his way back down the corridor.

“JAR?”

“Yes Sir.”

“Turn off Prank Spangles will you, before anyone else breaks more of my tower.”

“Right away Sir.” “And I’m assuming from the lack of contact no one’s been in my office tampering with my equipment?” “That’s correct sir.” “Today has been a good day.” Tony grinned to himself.

Once he was back in his office he sat down at his chair, and went through his emails quickly. He absentmindedly scratched at his beard, which felt a little dry to be honest. But he hadn’t oiled it since that morning. Reaching into his drawer he grabbed the small bottle, tipped a good amount onto his hand and spread it across the expertly groomed whiskers before he continued with his work. It took him a few hours but he cleared his inbox and then decided it was time to face the music. Heading down to the common room he found the rest of the team lounging in front of the TV. They were watching Kitchen Nightmares. 

“S’up Kids?” he asked and none of them looked at him. “Ok, alright, I know…sorry if I pranked you but if I buy takeout will that make you forgive me?”

No answer.

“Oh come on!” Tony said, crossing the room, sinking into a spare arm chair. “I’ll get Thai…"

The team exchanged glances before Bruce gave a sigh. He was always the one to cave first, the mild mannered Scientist found it hard to stay outwardly angry, which was ironic when anyone thought about it.

“To be fair, that trick with the water was pretty clever.” he shrugged.

“Yeah, and I suppose the salt strawberries were a little amusing.” Thor said, looking at Katie.

She shrugged, her feet resting in Steve’s lap as he was gently running his fingers up and down her calf.

“Oh come on Kiddo…”  Tony sighed, flopping onto an arm chair.  

“Payback’s a bitch…and so are you.”  she said simply, still not looking at him.

“You’ve never managed to get me back yet.” Tony snorted.

At that point he noticed that Natasha and Clint exchanging smirks. 

“What?”

“Nothing.” Clint said, shaking his head.

“I like your beard” Thor said, grinning “I have always admired how you keep it so neat and groomed. Maybe I should trim mine the same way.” Tony frowned. “Oh is this the part where you pin me down and shave it?” he rolled his eyes “You know I can call my suit to me in like 5 seconds flat.” “We know.” Steve said simply, looking at him. Tony’s frown deepened. The way the Captain’s blue eyes were shining with mirth made him uncomfortable.

He looked round as 6 pairs of eyes were all completely focussed on him now before Katie cracked up laughing.

“I’m sorry, I can’t…I can’t hold…” her laughter grew more and more as she threw her head back against the arm of the sofa “You look ridiculous…” Tony frowned and without a word stood up from the chair and made his way to the bar to glance in the mirrored surface between the shelves.

Oh. Holy. Jesus.

His goatee. His beautiful goatee...was blonde.

He spun round and the rest of the guys in the room cracked up laughing. Steve had his head thrown back, right hand clutching at his chest as Katie wiped tears from her face whilst Natasha doubled over on her seat. Besides her Clint slapped his thigh, his chuckles loud.

“What…how…” Tony spluttered, looking again at his reflection, before he glared back at the group.

“Slipped a little peroxide in your beard oil…” Katie managed to stutter between laughs, Thor’s loud rumbles continued, punctuated every now and then by a snort from Banner.

“JARVIS!” Tony roared “I told you to tell me if anyone went into my office, or the garage, or anywhere in the tower messing with my stuff…” "I take zero responsibility for this...sir” The AI responded “And I believe your instruction was to alert you if anyone entered your office or the garage or anywhere in the tower and messed with your equipment. Technically Miss Stark didn't touch your equipment, only your Male grooming product. I believe they exploited a loophole.” That made the group laugh even harder as Tony went bright red, spluttering obscenities at JARVIS. Eventually he calmed down and sighed, before he glanced at his sister.

“You know I’m almost proud…” he said, shaking his head. “Almost…”

Katie gave him a wink in response. “You know what they say…you can’t kid a kidder, or in this case Kiddo…”

Tony gave a groan which turned into a resigned chuckle. He could always dye it back...

Yes, April Fools’ day was still Tony Stark’s favourite time of year.

@the-omni-princess​  @momobaby227​ @geekofmanythings16​ @angelofhell-666​ @thewackywriter​ @marvelfansworld​​  @cobalt-gear​  @asgardlover75​ @jennmurawski13​​​  @jtargaryen18​​ @saiyanprincessswanie​​  @navispalace​​ @patzammit​​  @joannaliceevans-fanficblog​​  @icanfeelastormbrewing​​ @djeniiscorner​​  @ayamenimthiriel​​  @coldmuffinbanditshoe​​  @disneylovingal​​ @madzmilllz​  @sgtjaamesbaarnes​

[nancypullen]

Where Is Home?

We talk about retirement a lot.  A LOT.  The mister wants out of the south because he hates the hot, sticky weather.  I want out of the south for a variety of different reasons.  He tears up when he thinks about leaving this house.  I get excited thinking of a house with better storage, maybe even a walk-in closet and a big pantry.  He loves the idea of townhouse living and all of the freedom it provides.  I love the idea of half a football field between me and a neighbor.  I wouldn’t mind being snug against a neighbor if we were in a walkable little town and I could have a white picket fence.  As we age into our golden years I want to be on city water and city sewer.  I do not want to be ninety when the well runs dry or the septic system has a fit.  Nope. No, thank you.  We have discussed towns from Maine to Arizona and are constantly trading articles about property taxes and real estate markets.  Night after night I search Zillow, Realtor, Trulia (oh, those handy dandy crime maps!) and so on.  I’ll send Mickey a house in Maryland to admire and mention that it’s just two hours from the world’s cutest grandgirl.  He responds that he loves it.  Then I send him a townhouse near Tucson and he says the same thing.  I’m getting nowhere with this guy. Side note: Yes, I know Arizona gets very hot, but it is not humid. HUGE difference. Also, Arizona has two enormous positives - we could escape allergies and my hair would behave.   If you had my hair you’d know that’s more important than the property taxes.  Two major negatives would be that it’s too far from family and I can’t imagine never experiencing another autumn. I’m happily willing to give the townhouse idea serious consideration.   I know that Mickey would love to never weed eat and edge another yard.  Remember the good old days when no one did that?  My main issue with townhouses is that they all tend to be multiple stories - sometimes three floors.  Wherever we retire, that’s where we’re going to die.  I don’t want to be unable to navigate my own home when I’m old.  Same reason I refuse to have a basement laundry, I don’t want to drag baskets of clothes up and down basement stairs when I’m a little old lady.  You know damn well a cat would trip me and Mickey wouldn’t miss me until he got hungry.  Of all the chores I’d be willing to expire while doing, laundry is not in the top three. We’re not lottery winners so our options are limited.  When we sell this house we’ll make a tasty profit that will allow us to find a comfortable home - nothing fancy, but we won’t be in a box under bridge.  I can make any home pretty, but the bones have to be good.  I’m more concerned with structure and mechanics.  Who needs a beautiful house with a bad roof or an hvac system on its last leg?   The region definitely determines what you get for your money.  For the same price you can have this sort of square footage in the south (complete with inground pool)...

or you can opt for proximity to Portland, Maine and get this.

The second house is new construction, but it’s itty bitty, has well water and septic, and is missing the all-important garage that we’d need up north.  This is a struggle, people.  We just want a nice little house in a nice little town, hopefully one that will meet our needs as we get older. Other items on our wish list?  Small town living with easy access to a larger city and a decent international airport.  Part of my hunt includes exploring each town’s library website (a vibrant, busy library says a lot about a place) as well as their Facebook page.  Looking past the mouthy keyboard warriors that lurk on every page, you can still get a good idea of the town’s vibe.  Let’s see - fair property taxes, decent cost of living, small town feel, good airport, seasons...sounds like we should stay put and just endure long, sticky summers, right?  Ugh, no.  Our reasons for wanting to relocate are so much more than just the summers.  Soooo, months and months of searching keep leading me to one state that ticks all of our boxes and then some.  Minnesota.  A myriad of cute towns surround Minneapolis and St. Paul, all with easy access to the fabulous airport.  I’m crazy about New Ulm (I love a town with lots of festivals) and I wouldn’t be heartbroken to live in Mankato, Owatonna, or a number of others.  Real estate is affordable, taxes are fair (and are used wisely!), all four seasons are present and accounted for, and quality of life seems really good - from healthcare to education to crime, they seem to have a handle on it.

and you knew there was a but, right?  We could happily move there knowing that we’d be close to at least one of our kids.  Matt lives in Minneapolis and the thought of having him nearby warms my heart.  But he’s weighing the pros and cons of an opportunity that would take him to the east coast and more likely to far flung parts of the world. It’s quite possible that he’d be gone in a flash and we’d be in Minnesota, once again far from family. Right now we’re a day’s drive from everyone except Matt. Truly, we could do it in a day but it would be a miserable thirteen to fourteen hours. I have scoured Maryland and settled on a little place called Ocean Pines.  It’s okay, a bit further than I’d like to be from airports, etc -  it’s between two to two and a half hours to Baltimore, D.C. or Philadelphia’s.  That also means it’s just two hours from my favorite little girl. That would be HEAVEN.  But who retires to one of the most expensive states to live in?  Would it make our golden years miserable?  Who wants to pinch pennies when you should be enjoying life?  HELP!!  Where is home?  I left Alaska more than twenty years ago, the mister was a Florida boy -  we don’t want to live in either place.  I love the prairie,  he loves the mountains.  At one point we were looking at real estate on Prince Edward Island  (affordable and gorgeous!) but Canada doesn’t want us. Seriously, we filled out the online immigration form.  We wouldn’t be able to live there year round  and I can’t imagine having to go squat across the border for a couple of months every year once we’re old and rickety.   There are pros and cons to every place we’ve looked.  No spot is perfect and we have to decide what we can and can’t live without.  If someone could just plop this house down next to my grandbaby I’ll shut up about this forever.

Imagine that house surrounded by hydrangeas in the summer.  I don’t think that’s too much to ask - just a little pink house near some people I love.  Some snow would be nice now and then. What a lovely dream. This boring blog post has been brought to you courtesy of my latest level of boredom.  It was either this or go dust the bedrooms, so you had to pay the price for my laziness.   My plan for this evening is to watch the Golden Globes and through that maybe find something interesting to watch.  We’re approaching the first anniversary of when we locked down here on the Pullen spread and we’ve run out of shows to binge.  Remember how naïve we all were when we thought we’d watch Tiger King and then lockdown would be over?  At least we’re headed in the right direction now.  That’s something.  I’m thrilled that my mother is fully vaccinated and so is Dr. Matt.  A handful of my dear friends are also protected now.  I’ve lost some friends to this horrible virus, including the husband of a dear Rat Patrol member.  Our little group now includes a widow for the first time. There’s been so much heartbreak over the last year.  I’m ready for it to stop. Okay - what a crazy, rambling post.  I think I’ll go dust.  It’s probably more productive.  If you’re still here, you deserve a cookie.  Treat yourself!  If you happen to know of the perfect town (I really just want to live in Stars Hollow) send me a message!  I’ll put my dust rag down and check it out! Sending out lots of love on this drippy Saturday. Stay safe, stay well, stay sane. XOXO - Nancy

[fromzerotoeuphoria]

me watching Free! Eternal Summer

(reposted from original blog, July 22, 2020)

An incoherent and unorganized scribbling of my thoughts while watching Free! Eternal Summer before I really came to grips with how in love I am with RIN MATSUOKA this anime. (so plz excuse how haphazard and unorganized this is, I wasn't really planning on journaling this but found myself doing it anyway)

✧ ✧ ✧

Free! Eternal Summer ☼

7/16/20, 2:39AM

Okay okay okay I know I should be sleeping because we're driving to the beach in the morning but I really wanted to check out the first episode of Free! Season 2 and OMG sooooo the intro theme song showed this new guy who seems to be on Rin's team and, ahem... He's rather very good looking 👀 Best looking boy so far, and that's saying something because you got Haru and Rin and even lowkey Rin's ex-team captain so...yeah. Welp I'm looking forward to this season 😁

☀

7/22/20, 2:11AM

So I believe I've watched up to Episode 4 now, and I know I haven't been commenting recently but sometimes I just wanna watch without any journaling interruption :P But okay so far OMG, so Rin's friend Sousuke (the big tall buff good-looking guy) is kind of a jerk, I mean I get that he was friends with Rin first back in elementary and ngl, I'd feel slighted too of my old best friend abandoned me for some new kids. But he doesn't have to be such a...jerk about it.

AND HE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ALL POSSESSIVE EITHER 👀 👀 👀 👀

Hahahahaha yeaaahhh, so there's legit like this friend-triangle going on where Sousuke is acting all possessive over Rin and then there's Haru who's just happy to have his Rin back in his life and there's Rin who's just the It boy it seems who cares for both friends and is totally oblivious to the battle going on over him 😏😆 And am I loving it?? Absolutely yes.

I just...ugh I just love the dynamic between Rin and Haru, and though high-school Rin isn't my favorite anime character, elementary-school Rin IS and idk why but I love the idea of everyone loving and wanting him and just ugh I love that aloof, expressionless Haru gets all emo over Rin like Rin is his bestest friend without him actually ever being his bestest friend, like Haru secretly admired Rin so much and was inspired by him and came to love him though Haru, being the non-emotional-don't-show-feelings guy and kid he is, never indicated how he felt about Rin and UGHHH the feels in this show are too much.

Elementary school-Rin literally is one of my most favorite characters ever in anime, I love him so much; he's like a shining light to the world.

Anyways, gonna check out the next ep! (aaaaand I'm actually really exhausted and have to run errands tomorrow, so maybe I'll just be going to sleep, idk :P)

☀

Episode 6

OMG...is Makoto starting to question whether he's Haru's best friend anymore in comparison to Rin???!?! I'm like sad but also like eeeeeeek because I literally love RinHaru so much but I also love Makoto and don't want him to be sad :(((( He hinted at it when Nagisa asked him why he competed against Haru, and Mako said that he just wanted to try a serious race against Haru...but then, while watching Rin and Haru standing next to each other chatting after their race, with wistful eyes added, "I’m not sure. Was I jealous of Rin?" ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️

And then Sousuke had a similar look in his eyes when Rin was talking about Haru beating him in their race. Methinks these friends are feeling like Haru and Rin have this special bond/connection with each other, and like they're being left out in a way.

Idk, this is just my initial impression without thinking too deeply into it.

Welp onto ep7!

☀

7/22/20, 6:03 AM

I FINISHED SEASON 2 😭💙🌊

I have some things to say but I'm too tired and wanna figure out what the heck season 3 is all about (and my eyes are about to fall out of my head because yet again, I pretty much binged the entire season yet again 😵💀💤)

☀

7/22/2020, 1:40PM

IN SUMMARY...

Okay, so let me talk a little bit about Season 2.

So yeah, I enjoyed it, and I absolutely LOVE my bois so much <333, but I'll admit, it wasn't as emotionally intense as Season 1. Yeah, Haru had a couple of meltdowns with his whole "I don't know what I want to do in the future so stop trying to force me to choose a dream" personal drama, but outside of that there wasn't too much interpersonal drama, not like in Season 1 :( And honestly, that’s what sucked me into this anime, as I was livinggg for all the emo drama between Haru and Rin lol.

But it felt like this season lacked in that department. Of course, it makes sense since Rin has already reconciled with the others, but I guess I expected to see more of elementary-school Rin in high-school Rin, but there were only hints of little Rin in older Rin :/ Still love Rin ofc (my boyyyy) but he wasn't as charismatic, as outgoing and idealistic and happy and shining as his elementary-school self :( And I guess I was expecting that, so maybe in a way I set my own self up.

But back to the RinHaru lack, like don't get me wrong there was a ton of RinHaru-ness (I mean, Australia) but it wasn't as emo and intense as last season's. I wanted Rin and Haru to spend more time together, to see more of that need they had for each other that they had in Season 1. But it just…lacked. And not gonna lie, I'm sad about it :( I want Haru to need Rin and Rin to need Haru, and yeah we already know they do, but I want them to show it. I want HARU to show it.

(I want to indulge in my feels some more lol.)

And now that they're in totally different countries in Season 3, my RinHaru heart is so frustrated, like there better be some texting/skype calls/letter writing/something between these two because y’all can’t just give us all that emo angsty “YOU WILL SWIM FOR ME” “I WANT TO SWIM WITH YOU” “I KNOW WHO I SWIM FOR” “LET ME SHOW YOU A SIGHT YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE” drama and then separate the two after you spent an entire season telling us how much they need each other like, come on KyoAni! You’re killing me here!

I wonder if this means we won’t be getting much RinHaru in season 3?? Rin is in Australia while Haru is going to college in Tokyo (as well as Makoto, so happy for you babe!). If Rin is the one who lights a fire in Haru when swimming and vice versa...how're they supposed to do that 4k+ miles away from each other? I’m hoping KyoAni’s got something up their sleeve because RinHaru was the very reason I fell for this anime, please don’t deprive me now!

Season 3 also has some old-but-new characters come in: Haru and Makoto’s old middle school swim teammates. And apparently there will be drama there, while some new character comes into Rin's life and there's a story there, too. Not to be such a fangirl, but…I don't want them only interacting with new characters and then having separate stories from each other; call me greedy (because when it comes to RinHaru, I totally am, no shame) but I want RinHaru, not Rin in his own world and Haru in his.

Anyways, I'm going to watch the OVAs and then the middle school movie before starting Season 3. Maybe those "new" characters in Season 3 will be in the middle school movie, and then we'll get some story set up for Season 3. Also, I think it's absolutely hilarifreakinous that at the beginning of all this I literally was like, “Meh, gonna check this anime out, don't expect to fall for these characters like I did with Haikyuu*" and yet here I am with elementary-school Rin as my best boi after Levi and my first ever anime ship ahahahaha funny how the cookie crumbles 🙂

*note: I still love Haikyuu more overall, for I fell hard for the entire friggin volleyball team, not just two three characters (Gou is best girl, Gou >>>> Haikyuu girls), but I definitely feel more emo towards Rin and RinHaru and I really like Gou. I don't think I'd even really consider Free! one my top animes in regards to overall story 'cause it's honestly not all that remarkable, but the characters; I just love and little Rin is definitely one of my favorite anime characters ever, GAH I LOVE HIM SO MUCH 😭   edit 8/20/20 - pfftskdjkkklds wow how naive I was lollllll (I still love Karasuno OFC, but as of now I've been more emotionally involved by and absolutely obsessed with RinHaru than I have with Karasuno, but it doesn't necessarily mean I love one over the other. They're both the loml <3)