#packs jack avery

[itmeansiris]

🎨: Another rainy day. I guess spring in Sulani was like Spring anywhere else. We occupied ourselves by giving Jack a new hairstyle. The color wouldn't last more than a day, but it was something fun to do till it stopped raining later in the evening. Once out, we found the Sulani night club! It was packed, and the vibe was amazing 🤩. Unfortunately, Jack was in the mood to argue about only the Watcher knows what. Avery really let him have it this time. We spent the rest of the night getting hammered. I don’t remember much of it.

[cherryhazee]

First Game Jitters | Luke Hughes

Warnings: Mature language and alcohol use.

wc: 3.5k

Part 4 of The Art of Loving series

The day of the game had finally arrived. It was a home game against the Kings. They weren’t one of their biggest rivals, but the arena was still packed to the brim with fans eager to see the action.

Luke felt the contagious energy the moment he stepped into the arena. The lights, the sounds, the excitement, it all felt too familiar, but today was different. Avery was here, and that made his stomach twist with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He’d never been so aware of someone in the stands before, except for his family, of course.

He could already feel the excitement as he finished his pre-game routine in the locker room. As he finished tying his skates he felt someone nudge him. “Feeling good today?” his stall-mate and line partner, Brett Pesce, asked.

“Yeah,” Luke said, nodding quickly, but his mind wasn’t all the way in the game just yet. “Just ready to get out there.” He smiled, trying to convince himself that everything was perfectly fine.

He had been looking forward to this, there was nothing like the feeling of playing in front of a home crowd, but the thought of Avery being there made him feel a little different.

Luke felt his nerves build up even more as they lined up by the tunnel, waiting for the signal to hit the ice. Normally, he was calm before a game. Not today. Today, he was restless. His foot tapped against the rubber flooring, and his hands adjusted his gloves over and over, probably the tenth time in the last five minutes.

Noticing this, Brenden Dillon, one of his teammates, leaned over with a characteristic teasing grin. “You nervous, Rusty? Or just thinking about a certain someone who’s here tonight?”

Luke shot him a look, heat creeping up the back of his neck. “I’m not nervous,” he replied quickly, trying not to drag attention from the rest of the team.

“Uh-huh,” Brenden said, clearly enjoying himself. “Sure, you’re not. Just don’t wipe out in front of her, alright? That’s a tough look to come back from.”

Jack, overhearing, laughed and joined in. “He’s got a point. No pressure, though.”

Luke groaned, shaking his head as the rest of the team chuckled, clearly enjoying this.

When the noise from the crowd started to fill the tunnel, Luke’s focus sharpened. His instincts took over him, stepping onto the ice with the same confidence he always did. The cool air hitting his face, his skates gliding smoothly. This was where he felt at home.

Still, he couldn’t help himself. As he skated past the glass, he took a glance toward the stands, scanning the crowd for her face. It was harder than he expected with so many people in the crowd already.

He was mid-turn when he felt a strong push on his shoulder.

Jack skated past him smirking. “Eyes on the ice,” he teased under his breath. Luke rolled his eyes but didn’t respond, instead forcing himself to tune back into the warmup.

As the puck dropped to kick off the first period, the crowd noise faded into the background. His focus locked on the ice, adrenaline pumping through him as he moved with the pace of the game. The puck felt right on his stick, and the plays just came naturally.

As much as he loved the rush of the game, there was still that thought in the back of his mind. Avery was sitting in the stands, watching him. He couldn’t help but glance up now and then, even though he knew his complete focus should be on the game.

Halfway through the second period, that wavering focus caught up to him. As he moved to make a play, his skate caught on the ice, and he tripped, hitting the ice and sliding a few feet before getting back up.

“Oh my God! Is he okay?” Avery watched as Luke hit the ice, her eyes watching with concern as she tightened her grip on Caroline’s arm.

“Yeah, he just tripped,” Caroline said while laughing. “He’s getting up now. See?”

Avery exhaled, her shoulders relaxing “You’d think they’d have mastered the art of skating by now,” she said, her tone light but with genuine relief.

Caroline grinned. “Maybe he’s distracted,” she teased.

Avery gave her a look but didn’t reply, her eyes drifting back to the ice. She followed the play as the puck moved down the ice, though her attention kept slipping to a particular player in a red jersey.

The energy in the arena was electric by the time the final horn sounded, signaling the end of the game and a solid win for the Devils. Avery found herself cheering along with the rest of the crowd, a genuine smile on her face. She hadn’t expected to enjoy the game this much, but there was something exciting about the chaos of it all.

As the players began coming off the ice, she couldn’t help but let her gaze stay on Luke a little longer, her chest tightening with a mix of excitement and pride as he disappeared down the tunnel.

In the locker room, Luke hurried through his post-game routine, eager to find where Avery and Caroline were waiting. Jack caught him on the way out, throwing an arm around his shoulder.

“Not bad out there,” Jack said with a knowing grin. “Though I think someone in the stands enjoyed the show even more than some of the fans.”

Luke rolled his eyes, shoving Jack off of him.

Jack laughed, giving him a playful shove back. “Hey, I’m just saying. Go talk to her,” he added, nudging Luke in the direction of the family lounge.

His hair was damp from his post-game shower, and his easy smile as he approached made Avery’s stomach do an unexpected flip. He looked good, really good.

“Hey,” he said, his voice warm and happy. “What’d you think?” The thought that she’d been watching him the entire time made his heart skip a beat.

Avery turned to face him, “Not bad,” she replied, drawing out the words. “Though I didn’t expect the fall. Is that part of the show?” her lips curled into a teasing smile.

Luke chuckled, shaking his head while blushing. “Had to keep things interesting,” he said, his tone light but his eyes on hers, his gaze a little more intense now.

“Well, it worked,” Avery replied, her smile softening.

“So-”

“I-”

They both spoke at the same time.

“Sorry, you go first,” Luke said, urging her to speak.

Avery smiled and shook her head. “It’s fine. I was just going to say, I’ve got an early shift at the gallery tomorrow…” She paused, fidgeting with her hands and her expression nervous as she met his eyes. “But I’ll be free tomorrow afternoon. How about we celebrate my first game being a win at my apartment?”

Luke’s face lit up with a smile, the kind that made his boyish charm come to life. "Yeah, I’d like that," he said, his voice soft but sure. He hesitated for half a second, rubbing the back of his neck, then added, “Just the two of us?” The question came out casual, but his tone had a hint of hope.

Avery’s confident expression wavered for just a moment, her fingers brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Just the two of us,” she confirmed, her voice light but with a hint of self-doubt slipping through. Her eyes looked at his for a split second as if measuring his reaction before she looked away. Since when did he make her feel so nervous?

Luke caught the flicker of uncertainty and felt his chest tightening with a rush of emotions. “Perfect to me,” his tone steady, offering her a small smile that felt reassuring.

Her lips curved into a softer smile, and she gave a quick nod. “Tomorrow, then,” she said, her voice growing firmer now but still carrying a note of vulnerability.

Luke nodded agreeing, “Tomorrow.”

Before either of them could say more, the sound of chatter and footsteps approaching broke them apart. Avery glanced over her shoulder just as Caroline and Jack appeared.

“There you two are,” Caroline said with a grin, her eyes flicking between Luke and Avery like she’d just walked into something interesting. “Thought we lost you.”

Jack, still half-laughing at something Caroline had said, clapped Luke on the back as he came to a stop beside him. “You ready to head out? I’m starving, and the faster we get home, the faster I can eat.”

Luke blinked, his gaze briefly shifting from Avery to his brother. “Yeah, I’m ready,” he said, though his reluctance was subtle but clear.

Jack’s eyes narrowed slightly, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “Unless you’ve got other plans?” he teased, clearly enjoying himself.

“Jack,” Luke said, his tone half-warning, half-embarrassed.

“What? Just asking,” Jack replied, holding up his hands innocently.

Avery cleared her throat, her smile returning as she looked at Caroline, then back at Luke. "I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said lightly, though her eyes stayed on Luke for a moment longer than necessary.

“Tomorrow?” Caroline repeated, her tone filled with amusement as she crossed her arms, looking between Luke and Avery. Her eyebrow arched, the question hanging in the air.

Avery shot her a quick look, her cheeks warming. “Yeah, tomorrow,” she said, a little too quickly, trying to sound casual. Before anyone could say more, she added, “Well, see you later, guys,” and grabbed Caroline’s arm, practically dragging her toward the exit.

Jack waited until the girls were out of earshot before turning to Luke with a smirk. “So, you and Avery, huh?”

Luke couldn’t resist the small smile tugging at his lips. “Drop it, Jack.”

Jack laughed, clearly not planning to. “Alright. But seriously, nice game. And, uh, nice moves off the ice too,” he added with a wink as they headed for the car.

Luke shook his head, his smile growing as they walked out into the night. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.

—

It seemed like tomorrow could come fast enough after all.

Since she came home from her shift at the gallery Avery had spent the better part of the morning pacing her apartment. She didn’t know where yesterday’s burst of confidence had come from. Inviting Luke over had seemed so natural in the moment, but now, with the reality of it settling in, she was second-guessing everything.

Her eyes scanned every corner for something out of place. The throw pillows on the couch weren’t sitting right, the coffee table looked cluttered with her art materials, and she swore the windows could be cleaner. She adjusted and readjusted everything, her movements quick, as if setting up the perfect space could somehow settle the nerves in her chest.

She paused in the middle of the room, hands on her hips, and took a deep breath. "What am I doing?" she muttered to herself, brushing a hand through her hair. She glanced around the room again, her gaze falling on a half-finished painting leaning against the wall. The sight of it made her stomach twist with uncertainty. Was it too personal to leave out? Would he notice?

“It’s just Luke,” she reminded herself softly. The words didn’t do much to settle her nerves, her pulse quickened at the thought of him standing here, in her space. She found herself fidgeting with the hem of her sweater, wishing she could shake the mix of excitement and nerves that had taken over.

Avery wandered into the kitchen, hoping to busy herself with preparing for Luke’s arrival. She opened a cabinet, pulling out a box of pasta and some canned tomatoes, then arranged them neatly on the counter alongside garlic and fresh basil. She stared at the ingredients, chewing on her bottom lip as doubts crept in.

She glanced at the clock on the wall. Fifteen minutes. She had fifteen minutes before Luke would be knocking on her door.

Leaning against the counter, she exhaled slowly, trying to calm the flurry of nerves in her chest. Cooking together had felt like such a good idea last night—a casual, fun way to spend time together. Now, though, the thought of him stepping in her kitchen, laughing with her while they cooked, felt oddly nerve wracking.

The doorbell rang unexpectedly, making Avery’s heart skip a beat. She quickly peeked through the peephole, spotting Luke standing outside the door. He looked casual yet handsome, his appearance sending a flutter through her chest.

A knock followed moments later, breaking her brief daydream. Taking a steadying breath, she hesitated for a moment before finally opening the door.

Luke stood there, his trademark warm smile lighting up his face. In one hand, he held a small paper bag. “Hey,” he said, his voice light. “Hope I’m not too early.”

Avery stepped aside to let him in, her own smile forming. “Not at all. Come on in.”

He stepped inside, his gaze briefly scanning her space, the apartment had a cozy, lived-in vibe, with soft lighting that made everything feel warm and inviting. The air smelled faintly of coffee and paint, and the quiet hum of the city outside barely seeped through the windows.

His gaze then landed on the kitchen counter. “What’s all that?” he asked, nodding toward the neatly arranged ingredients.

Avery tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “I was hoping we could make dinner together,” she said, her voice a little uncertain. “Nothing too fancy, just pasta.”

Luke turned back to her, holding up the paper bag with a grin. “Good, because I brought wine. Thought we could make it a proper celebration.”

She let out a small laugh, her nerves easing at his enthusiasm. “Good, because I was starting to second-guess this whole plan.”

"Second-guess? Are you kidding? This is a great idea,” Luke said, stepping toward the kitchen. “I make a mean garlic bread, by the way. If you’ve got bread, I’ll handle it.”

Avery grinned, reaching into a cabinet to pull out a loaf of bread. “I think we’ll make a good team, then.”

Luke’s eyes met hers for a moment, his smile softening. “Yeah, I think so too.”

Her cheeks warmed, but she turned back to the counter, pulling out a cutting board. “Alright, let’s get to work.”

As they moved around the kitchen, the air between them began to feel lighter, the awkwardness from earlier fading, making the moment feel more natural. Avery busied herself with chopping garlic while Luke took over the bread.

A few moments later, she reached into the cupboard, pulling out two glasses. “Here,” she said, handing him one along with the bottle of wine she’d opened earlier. “For the win and my first-ever hockey game.” She raised her glass in a small, celebratory gesture, her smile warm as she met his gaze.

Luke took the glass with a smile of his own. “For the win and our good luck charm in the crowd,” he replied, hoping it wasn’t too forward but feeling the sincerity of the words.

Her eyes softened, a small laugh escaping her lips. “You sure know how to make a girl feel special.”

Luke’s heart skipped as he clinked his glass lightly against hers. “I’m just speaking the truth,” he said, taking a sip of the wine while making eye contact with her. The smooth taste of it lingered on his tongue, but it was the look in Avery’s eyes that seemed to make time slow down.

“Well, I appreciate it,” she said, turning back to the counter to continue preparing the meal. “I’m not used to being the good luck charm, but I’ll take it.”

Luke chuckled, leaning against the counter, his gaze following her movements as she worked. “Seems to be working pretty well so far,” he replied, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Avery glanced over her shoulder, catching his eye for a moment before looking away, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly.

When they finished cooking they moved from the kitchen, deciding on the couch to stay comfortable and enjoy their meal. As they ate, Luke’s gaze wandered around the room, the easy conversation between them flowing without much thought. He paused mid-bite when something in the corner of the room caught his eye.

Was that…? No, it couldn’t be.

He set his fork down, leaning forward slightly, unable to look away.

Avery caught his gaze and followed it, “You noticed that, huh?” she said quietly, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her wine glass.

Luke’s heart raced a bit, “I- Yeah, I did. It’s beautiful. I just didn’t realize you were… capturing moments like that.” He smiled softly, “Is that from...?”

The sky painted on the canvas was unmistakable. A wash of soft purples and pinks, with the faintest trace of orange.

Avery’s gaze dropped to the floor for a moment before she looked back up at him, her cheeks turning a deep crimson. “The night we went out for dinner? Yeah.” Avery admitted while chuckling nervously, her cheeks becoming a deep crimson color.

There was a brief pause. She hesitated for a second, before speaking again. “Sometimes, I just paint what I’m feeling, what stands out to me. That night, it stuck with me.” She met his gaze, her eyes searching his for a reaction.

Luke was quiet for a moment, his heart thumping in his chest. The thought that she’d turned a moment they shared into something so personal made something inside him stir. “It’s amazing,” he said, his voice soft but sincere.

Luke took a slow breath, his gaze never leaving Avery’s. There was something in the air shift between them, as if the world outside had faded away.

He shifted closer, reducing the distance between them, his heartbeat quickening as he leaned in just a bit more. Avery's gaze softened, her eyes flicking to his lips for a moment, a quiet understanding passing between them.

Just as he was about to close the distance between them his phone buzzed loudly on the coffee table, shattering the moment. Luke flinched, his eyes darting to the screen, instantly feeling the tension slip away.

Avery’s smile faltered slightly, her gaze flicking to his phone. Luke cursed under his breath, reaching for it. “Sorry,” he muttered, picking it up and glancing at the caller ID.

Jack

Fuck, now was not the time.

Before he could silence it, the phone buzzed again. Avery’s shoulders relaxed, and she let out a quiet, almost relieved laugh. “You should probably take that.”

Luke sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, I should. Sorry about that. I… didn’t expect the night to go like this,” he added with a half-smile, his tone apologetic but still slightly playful.

“Hey, no worries,” Avery replied, giving him a small, understanding smile.

Luke nodded, casting her one last look before swiping to answer the call.

Luke returned to the living room after finishing his call, a sheepish look on his face. “Sorry about that,” he said, his voice laced with apology. “Jack got locked out of the apartment and the locksmith isn’t available until tomorrow morning, so I’ve gotta head over there to let him in.”

Avery, who had been quietly cleaning up the remnants of their dinner, didn’t seem fazed by the interruption. She wiped her hands on a dish towel and looked up at him, offering a small, understanding smile. “No problem.”

Luke nodded, a little disappointed that their evening was being cut short. “I’m really sorry to leave so soon. I was enjoying this.” He gestured toward the unfinished bottle of wine and the cozy atmosphere they had going on.

Avery chuckled softly, folding the towel in her hands. “It’s alright. It’s not like I’m going anywhere.” Her voice was light, but there was a quiet sincerity behind it.

He paused for a moment, looking at her as if trying to decide if he should say something more. “I’ll make it up to you,” he said, his expression serious, though the warmth in his eyes made it clear he meant it.

Avery gave him a playful smile, one eyebrow raised. “Oh? How?”

Luke shrugged slightly, trying to seem nonchalant, though there was a hint of nervousness in his tone. “Maybe I’ll cook next time,” he suggested, though the idea of doing something alone with Avery again made him a little nervous in itself.

Avery laughed, the sound light and easy. “I’d like to see that.” She winked at him, her playful side still coming out despite the tension between them from earlier.

He smiled at her easygoing nature. “Alright, I’ll hold you to that,” he said, starting to collect his things. He moved toward the door, his steps slower than they needed to be. He turned back to face Avery one last time, his smile warm but reluctant. “Thanks again for tonight. It was… really nice.”

Avery nodded, giving him a soft and genuine smile. ”It was,” she said softly. Then, with a slight hesitation, she added, “I’ll see you soon, yeah?”

Luke hesitated for a moment before nodding, the thought of leaving already making him miss the evening they’d shared. “Yeah, I’ll see you soon.”

As he left, Avery stood by the door, her fingers still brushing the counter as she cleaned up. She couldn’t help but smile to herself, the memory of the night still replaying in her mind.

Next Chapter

[midnightsnyx]

what if i told you (i love you) part 3 - joel miller

pairing: joel miller!fem reader

chapter summary: with Joel and Ellie still in Jackson, you try to navigate your confusing feelings towards Joel. warnings: small mentions of violence, angst, fluff, swearing I think. let me know if i missed anything please! also this isn't edited at all. if you know tlou and wanna beta this story, that would be lovely <3 word count: 3k masterlist series masterpost ask box tag list form

authors note: thought I abandoned this story? same. so it's been a hot minute, and I'm not sure if anyone is still interested in this story but it's been in the back of my mind and then 3k words poured out of me at work today. I'm not sure how I feel about this chapter, but I hope you like it anyways. I'll tag the people who asked, but I know it's been MONTHS so if you want to be removed from the tag list, send me a message and if you want to be added to the list, fill out this form. if you've got any questions, comments or thoughts, my ask box is here or just leave a comment in the notes:). thanks for reading, like & hit that reblog button if you enjoy it🩵

When Jack was first born, you went through a rough time. You were a new mom in a post-apocalyptic world and still trying to get over the betrayal you felt from Joel. You spent many nights at the kitchen table with Maria or Avery, crying or sitting in silence and feeling numb. The hardest nights were when you missed him, because that meant feeling weak and you hated letting yourself feel like you needed him. 

Your task of avoiding him during his stay in Jackson is becoming particularly difficult because of the duckling you seem to have acquired. Ellie trails after you nearly anywhere you and Jack go and Joel has no intention of letting Ellie out of his sight for longer than a few hours. A small part of you is jealous that he seems to see the girl as a daughter when he wouldn’t even accept Jack but you can’t blame her, so you let her tag along while pretending Joel isn’t always hovering in the background like a mother hen. During movie night, you seat Jack with Ellie and go stand in the back with the adults. Brad, one of the men around your age immediately comes over and tries to strike up a conversation with you. He’s nice enough, and not hard on the eyes but you never really let yourself make time for dating. You have your hands full with your kid so you just smile politely but entertain him, listening to him talk about going on patrol but tune him out when he begins bragging about taking out a pack of clickers. You know his story isn’t true because Avery was on the same patrol as him and told you when the clickers showed up, he hid while everyone else took care of it. 

At some point, you can feel a pair of eyes on you and immediately you know who it is without having to look. You’re trying to ignore it but his eyes feel like they’re burning a hole in your head so you turn to look and as you do, he quickly walks out of the building. You don’t know what comes over you, but you excuse yourself from your conversation with Brad and follow Joel outside. He didn’t go far, you find him leaning against the wall near the door a few feet away, arms crossed and deep in thought. It’s close to impossible to sneak up on him unless he’s feeling safe or is with someone he trusts. You’re apparently neither anymore because his head shoots up as soon as you get close.

He stares at you, mouth opening and closes a few times before he looks back at the ground and scuffing his boot in the dirt. You’ve no idea why you even followed him out here in the first place and after a few more seconds of silence, you start to head back inside but his voice stops you just as it did a few nights ago. He still has this invisible hold on you and you can’t understand why.

“Sarah,” he mumbles so quietly you wouldn’t have heard it if it wasn’t silent outside. “Her name was Sarah and she was my entire world and she’s gone.”

Tommy had admitted to you on one of your bad nights while he and Maria were trying to comfort you that Joel had lost a daughter. You’d put two and two together after Tommy made the memorial with Maria’s late son and the name Sarah who you knew was neither of theirs.

“Yeah,” you whisper, hating the ache in your chest you feel for him. You can’t imagine losing Jack but you don’t know if you can accept what he is insinuating. You can hear him walk towards you and you fight the urge to leave because as much as you don’t want to be around him, this is the first time he’s opened up to you. 

“I thought it’d be replacin’ her,” he mumbles and you realize he means Jack. That accepting another child would mean replacing his late daughter. 

You turn around to find him closer than you were expecting and take a step backwards, almost toppling backwards but his arms reach out and catch you. He doesn’t let go immediately, hands firm and steady gripping your arms exactly how you remember. For a moment, neither of you move. It’s as if you’re in a trance and it only breaks when the door flies open and Jack comes running out the door with Ellie chasing after him.

You pull away from Joel, picking up Jack when he reaches for you. 

“Mama! The movie’s over,” he says and then frowns. “You were gone.”

“I came out for some fresh air.”

He grumbles and tucks his face in the crook of your neck. “‘S cold,” 

You’re about to respond when Joel shrugs his thick brown jacket off and drapes it over Jack but it’s big enough that it covers you as well. 

You mumble a quiet thanks, ignoring the curious look Ellie gives you both and bid goodbye to the both of them, promising the girl that you would see her tomorrow. 

It was inevitable, you realize, sitting at the table listening to Jack tell Joel and Ellie a story you’d told him too often. 

“And-and then the Prince saved the Princess from a huge monster who’s teeth go click click click and then they went to Fred and Bob’s house for dinner!” 

You can feel Joel’s eyes on you the entire time Jack is telling them the story. He’s clearly piecing together that this isn’t just some made up story you told your son but a kid-friendly version of something that happened between you and Joel. It was shortly before you left Boston, Joel and yourself going to Bill and Franks for something. You’d been distracted because it was just after you found out you were pregnant and hadn’t told anyone yet and you turned your back for a split second while you were in the wrong place and nearly torn apart by a clicker. Joel had been furious, saying you needed to be more careful but he couldn’t have been that mad because after lecturing you for ten minutes, he’d pinned you against a tree and kissed you until you couldn’t remember your name.

It was one of the last times he had kissed you before you told him you were pregnant and then left Boston. 

“Quite a story,” Joel says, looking at Jack who proudly smiles at the older man's comment. “Does the Princess have a name?”

Jack gives you a curious look and when you don’t say anything, he shrugs and looks back at Joel.

“Mama never said.” 

Ellie snickers quietly, obviously also realizing that the story is based on actual events. Joel gives her a look but she doesn’t back down despite his glare. She leans towards Jack and grins. 

“Do you have any more stories about the Prince and Princess?” 

Simultaneously, you and Joel both say “no” a little too loudly which earns the two of you some looks. 

“I think it’s time for someone to go to school,” you say, standing up and offering your hand to Jack who grumbles but climbs off his chair and requests to be picked up by you rather than walk. You know you’re probably babying him but he’s growing too quick and soon he won’t want to be carried around by his mom so you’re cherishing every moment. 

You chance a look at Joel before you leave and he’s wearing the softest expression you’ve probably ever seen on him and it makes your stomach do somersaults and cheeks warm. It’s probably a bad idea, no it’s definitely a bad idea but when it comes to Joel Miller, you always made bad choices. 

“You guys can walk with us if you’d like,” you say and Ellie is out of her chair before you even finish the sentence. Joel looks a little more hesitant but he still doesn’t like going far without the girl in his sight so he follows the three of you outside. 

Of course by the time you get to the small school Jackson has, Jack is more than happy to go in and play with his friends. He gives you, Ellie, and a startled Joel hugs before running inside without looking back. You’re grateful that you have a place here where Jack can have as close to a normal childhood one can have in this world. You can’t imagine if you’d stayed in Boston what kind of upbringing he would’ve had. You certainly don’t miss it there, aside from the nights you missed Joel which were far and few in between up until he showed up here. The reason he’s here is still unclear although you have a suspicion Tommy knows more than what he’s told you and even Maria. The length of Joel and Ellie’s stay is also not known. You were expecting them to just need to stop and get supplies before continuing their journey but they’re still here and you have no idea when they’ll be leaving.   

You’re not sure what possessed you to invite Joel and Ellie to your little house for dinner but here you are, chopping vegetables to make soup. Jack is still at school and the soup will take time to cook but Ellie insisted on helping you prepare it and Joel said he needed to go see Tommy. It’s kind of nice to have company even if it’s in the form of a fourteen year old. Said fourteen year old has been awfully quiet the past twenty minutes and you can tell she’s wanting to ask you something but is stopping herself. 

“Go ahead,” you eventually say, tired of her silence. 

“Joel is Jack’s dad, isn’t he?” 

You’re so tempted to say no, only for the fact that she obviously looks up to Joel and you don’t know who she would look at as the bad guy. And honestly is the best policy, right?

“Yeah,” you tell her, noticing when her shoulders deflate. 

She’s quiet for another five minutes before asking, “Did Joel tell you to leave?”

You’re quick to answer this question because as wrong as what Joel did was, it was your decision to leave Boston and you don’t want to put some wedge between them.

“No, I left because I wanted a better life for Jack.” It’s not a complete lie, Joel is part of why you left but you really did want a better life for your son than what he would’ve had in Boston. 

“Alright,” she eventually says and then: “Can you pass me another carrot?” 

And that’s that. You both chat about random things, she tells you some terrible puns and you buckle and reluctantly tell her some more stories of when you, Joel and Tess lived in Boston. She tells you that Joel won’t talk about Tess and she feels guilty about her death. You listen quietly, letting her spill out things she must have been holding in knowing Joel didn’t want to hear it. 

“I knew Tess really well,” you tell her. “She wouldn’t have done what she did if she didn’t think it was worth it.” 

Ellie looks at you hesitantly. “Yeah?”

You nod and she smiles a little before asking if she can come with you to pick up Jack, but you tell her that Avery is going to pick him up and drop him here. Since you’ve got some quiet time, you decide to do some cleaning while Ellie goes to the house she and Joel have been staying at to take a shower. 

It’s a couple hours later when there’s a knock on your door and you’re figuring it’s Avery with Jack so when you open the door, you almost drop the broom you’re holding when you see Joel standing in front of you and Jack in his arms. You start to ask why Joel has Jack and where Avery is when you see the woman in question standing at the bottom of the stairs with a sheepish smile on her face. 

“We, uh, ran into Mr. Miller on our way here and Jack insisted that he come with us,” she explains but you can’t stop looking at the duo in front of you. Jack is smiling, arms wrapped around Joel’s neck and telling him a story but Joel is watching you warily, like he’s expecting you to yell or something.

“Hi mama,” Jack says but makes no move to leave Joel’s arms. In fact, he looks very pleased that the older man is carrying him. 

“Hi baby,” you reply, unsure what to do. You don’t want to upset Jack by taking him from Joel but you can’t tell if the latter is uncomfortable. Avery, sensing the tension, smiles brightly and waves awkwardly.

“I gotta go feed Lucy,” she says, already walking backwards. “See ya, Jack!”

Jack shouts goodbye to Avery and you finally snap out of your stupor, stepping back to let Joel walk inside. He toes off his boots and you’re about to offer to take his jacket when you realize he’s not wearing one because you never gave him it back last night. 

“Dinner smells good,” he says, following you to the living room where Jack finally wriggles out of Joel’s arms but only to get a toy to show him. 

“Look Mr. Miller,” the boy says, offering a wooden train that you gave him for his birthday. An older gentleman in the town made it for you after hearing Jack talking about how much he loved looking at pictures of trains. 

“That’s a really nice train,” Joel compliments, sitting down on the couch. Jack immediately climbs up and settles down next to him, chatting about the toy and you watch as Joel listens intently, nodding at the right times and you remember that he’s done this before, it may have been twenty years ago, but he’s dealt with an excited almost five-year-old.

The front door opening and closing tears your attention away from them and you look to find Ellie walking towards you, shrugging off her jacket. She lays it on the rocking chair and then plops down next to Jack, shooting you a small smile. There’s something in her expression that is sadder than when she left and you wonder if something happened since she left but you don’t bother asking her now. Instead, you go set the table and check the soup to make sure it’s done before calling everyone to the kitchen. Jack makes sure his chair is as close to Joel’s as he can get it so he can keep talking to him.

You have heavily conflicted feelings about the relationship growing between them. On one hand, it’s kind of nice that Jack is getting to know his dad, even if he doesn’t know Joel is his father. On the other hand, if you let Jack get too attached to Joel, it’ll break his heart when he and Ellie leave. So, you decide tonight after Jack is gone to bed and Ellie goes home, you’ll sit Joel down and ask him why he’s here and when he’s leaving.

Of course that doesn’t happen because Ellie and Jack pass out on the sofa after reading every children's book you own and you and Joel end up sitting at the table, drinking some liquor Maria had given you that you never got around to drinking. You’re not drunk, but you’re tipsy enough that you feel relaxed around Joel and laugh at whatever he’s saying. It almost feels like Boston, when the days were so long and dark that all you wanted to do was sit and drink with him and eventually wind up in bed together. 

Except now, you’ve got two kids who are sleeping in the living room and no intention of going to bed with him. Well, maybe if you let yourself have a few more glasses and if there weren’t kids in the other room but that’s just the alcohol in your system making you think things you shouldn’t.

“Do you remember when Frank asked how long we’d been dating?” He asks and you snort at the memory. You didn’t know at the time why Frank would even think that since you and Joel had been bickering the entire time you were at dinner, and Tess had to tell the two of you to knock it off multiple times. She had choked on her water when you asked why Frank thought you were dating and he said that it was because the two of you reminded him of Bill and himself.  

“Yeah, Tess nearly choked because she was laughing when we simultaneously shouted no and then Bill caught us making out behind his house,” you say, smiling behind a sip of your drink. He doesn’t react to you saying Tess’s name and just shakes his head with a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. He tilts his head a little so he’s looking at you and not the ceiling. 

“If I thought it covered the pain I caused you, I’d say sorry,” he says quietly and a little broken. 

You look away, swallowing loudly. “Well, sorry would be a start.” 

You don’t say that you’re not sure if you can forgive him, even if he did say sorry. Even if he knelt in front of you and begged, you’re not sure if you could push past the last five years. Every night you spent sobbing into your pillow in Boston while you waited for him to come back after you told him you were pregnant. Every bad night you had here in Jackson, thinking of why he did it.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers softly, like it’s a secret. 

Blinking back tears, you clear your throat and nod. “Thank you.” 

Thank you but I can’t forgive you, goes unsaid. But a little voice in the back of your mind whispers, I can't forgive you yet and you can’t help but believe it a little bit.

tag list: @sloanexx @wandering-poetess @o-sacra-virgo-laudes-tibi @chiogarza @jellybeanxc @iranispunk @imonmykneessir @wakaladjarin @sleepylunarwolf @pedropascalfan221 @abovenyx @starjoyyy @shuriri4life @cavillary @absolukeyrh @uwiuwi @keileighr @whitemanshoe19 @mishasminion360 @variety-is-the-joy-of-life @praline357 if you wanna be removed, please let me know <3 i know it's been awhile!!

[queersrus]

request for cottagecore + sad-ish? id pack? please + thanks!

here's my attempt!

assuming id pack includes more than just the usual npts i'll throw in a few cottagecore and sad related labels i found

(nick)names:

ambrose, amos, ansel, acacia, ada, adelaide, arwin/arwen, ava, avery/averie, aviva, amaranth, able, arbor, art, arty/artie, asher, ainsley, acheron, adalia brandy/brandi, branwen, billie/billy, bryony, bill, banner, booker, bram

barley, brion, brian, bryce chloris, chandra, cyrene, cayenne, cade, clyde, chester, cliff denna, diana/dianna, diona, donna/dona, derby, dallas, danica, daphne, dixie, dawn, dylan

edmund, elenore, elodie, eudora, elenore/eleanor, ebony, erica, eila, eira, eve, eithne, everlee, elize, eliza, elizabeth, everlyn, elwood, emerson, elowen finnegan, freddy/freddie, frederick, fallin/fallon, florance/florence

fable, frank, frankie/franky, franklin/franklyn, faine, filbert, finneas ginny/ginnie, gale, georgia, george, georgina, granger halcyone, hana/hanna/hannah, harriet, harry, hayley/hailie/hailey, halie/hallie, heather, harlowe/harlow, harrow, hadar, hawl, hayes,

huck, holden, huso ilana, illiana/iliana, ingrid, ivory jane, janet/janette, jesse/jessie, josie, jose, jack, jackie, jackson kingston, kodi/kodie, kodiak, kylan

lupin, lian, liana/lianna, liane/lianne, linc, linden, lyle, lucius maisie, matilda, maude, mabel, merle, marin, mica/mika, mason/macon, martin, miller, miles nellie, nyssa, ned, nick, ness

opholia, oliver, olive, olivia, oleander, odell, oriel, oscar paisley, poppy, posie, phineas, parker rose, rosemary/rosemarie, rosy/rosie, rory, rosette, rosetta, rue, rosabel/rosabell/rosabelle, rosa, rosabela/rosabella, rosella, rosaria,

rosario, rob, robert, ray, reed, ridge, ryland, rowan, roan shiloh, sharon, scarlet/scarlett/skarlett, sam, samantha, samuel, sunny/sunnie, sawyer, shaw, shay, steve, stevie, stevia, sorell/sorrell, seb, sebby/sebbie, sebastian, saddie/sadie, sade

theodore, theo, tori, toria, tamie/tammie, tawny, terra, timber, tim, timothy, tanner, teddy/teddie, trevis/travis, trevor, tyler, tristan/tristin, tristah/trista, trystia verginia, vicky/vickie, victor, victoria, viola, violet/violette,

violeta/violetta, valerian, vernon winnie, willa, winston, winifred, winslow, will, william, willow, wade, wagner, warren, watts, watson, wilhelmina yvonne, yves zephyr/zephyre, zara, zinnia, zion

surnames:

appleyard, ashton, ashwood baker, brookstone, butterfield catkin, cobbler, cooper, copper, copperwood, copperfield, crestfallen dogwood, direwood, direbrook, direfield, desperfield, downyard

doleman fenlon, falkner, forlorn greenwood, greenfield, golding, goldwood, goldfield, griefman, griefwood, gardner

hilbrook, holbrook, heath, horsewood, horsefield, hawksley, harrowing, hawkswood, hawthorne, hawkner, hawkfield, holloway, hallowood

larken, limewood, lockhart, lovejoy mourner, mournwright, mournman nettleship

plowman, penrose, penwright redbrook, rosedale, redwood, rosewood, redfield summerfield, sweetnam, seawright, sorrowfield, sorrowbrook, shamewood, shamewright

thacker, thatcher westfield, wainwright, write/wright, wagonwright, woodsman, wyrmwood/wormwood, winterwood, winterrose, wretchwood, wretchman

system names:

the cottagecore *system, the sorrowful system, the melancholic cottage system, the mourning flowerbed system, the gloomy garden system, the tearful system, the harvest system

1st p prns: i/me/my/mine/myself

ci/cotte/cottagy/cottagine/cottageself hi/he/hy/harvestine/harvestself gi/garde/gardy/gardine/gardenself si/sade/sady/sadine/sadself si/sorre/sorry/sorrowine/sorrowself mi/me/mely/melancholine/melancholyself

2nd p prns: you/your/yours/yourself

co/cottager/cottagers/cottagerself ho/harvester/harvesters/harvesterself go/gardener/gardeners/gardenerself so/sader/sadders/sadderself so/sorrower/sorrowers/sorrowerself mo/melancholer/melancholers/melancholerself

3rd p prns: they/them/theirs/themself

co/cottage, cott/age, cot/cottage, cot/tage, cottage/cottages, cottage/core har/vest, ha/harvest, harv/est, harvest/harvests gar/den, gar/garden, garden/gardens, garden/core farm/core sa/sad, sad/sads, sa/ad, sad/sadden, so/sorrow, sor/row, sorr/ow, sorrow/sorrows, sorrow/sorrowful mel/melancholy, mel/ancholy, melan/choly, melancholy/melancholies, melancholy/melchancholic

titles:

the weeping gardener, the mourning farmer, the sad cottage dweller, the melancholic planter, the sorrowful woodsman

**one who lives a sad cottage life, one who mourns within ones cottage, one who weeps amongst ones gardens, one who copes with sadness through cottage life

book titles:

the sad little cottage, a melancholic villager, the weeping willows, the mourning garden, the sorrows of an old cottage, a pitiful harvest

genders:

buncottagecoric(link),

cottagegoric(link), cafdreamian(link), cottagecrittean(link), cottagecoric(link), Cálidatierramielgender(link)

epuisetristic(link)

gendersob(link)

Sadnostacatgender(link)

orientations: (n/a)

other:

cottagecore bpd(link)

many can be found by searching cottagecore genders/mogai/liom as well, there are many versions of cottagecore flags especially for lgbt related labels so they should not be hard to find if you feel like looking!

*system can be replaced with any alternative (ex. cluster, collective, hoard/horde, etc)

**one can be replaced with any prn

[hugheswritetr]

Unforgettable

MASTERLIST

Heartbeat | Jack Hughes

Author’s note: my fav chapter so far;)

Song: Unforgettable- French Montana

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Thalia’s POV

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and i finally found the comfortable position to tan.

I haven’t got much time to tan during this summer, always running around, spending time with family or Luke.

I try to fill my free time with them as much as possible, knowing that once the summer ends, I am returning to Switzerland for my last year of boarding school.

But back to my tanning, If you didn’t notice, I am really enjoying the time for myself.

I just wish the process was faster, because I want the tan lines right now . Oh how I love being a girl.

My mom is cooking lunch with Ellen, so the Hughes family is over. Luke finally returned from his tournament, and it couldn’t be more perfect. The only two people who can’t share my enthusiasm are Quinn and Mattheo.

They are groaning few feet from me, laying on the outdoor sofa with ice packs on their heads. Thats what underage drinking does to you, my friend.

I can faintly hear Luke and Jack shouting at eachother as they play football, the ball nearly hit me a few times, but because of how good I feel right now, I can’t imagine myself caring.

After my mini breakdown I endured yesterday, today is a perfect calming day. My nerves settled down a bit after the talk with Jack, and I feel lighter.

Sure, I still have some anxiety left but I know I have a lot of time to figure it out. Nobody has it figured out at the age I am at, and I know that by then I will be calm and collected.

I hope.

My train of thoughts is stopped when I suddenly do not feel the sun on my face. I open my eyes and see Jack standing over me. I would start cussing him out, but today is a great day, so I choose not to.

But the words he says take me by surprise.

“Scoot over” he instructs me, and I free some space for him on the towel. “What do you want, Jack?” I suspiciously ask.

“Just want to spend some time with my friend, is that a crime ?” he chuckles. I look at him, and see no sarcasm in his eyes. He settles down beside me, the skin contact making me shiver. Why is he wearing no shirt? Thank god he isn’t tho, at least I have something to look at.

I stare, no shame in that. The hard ridges of his abs on the tanned skin are making it impossible not to. “Take a picture, it will last longer”he says, noticing my stare. Okay, I feel shame now, but I do not regret it, the sight was pleasant, not going to lie. So sue a girl for looking.

I am sure I look like an apple right now, and the embarrassment surges through me. “ I wasn’t looking” I say, trying to save at least a bit of dignity I have left.

“Please, Lils, let’s stop lying to ourselves “ he laughs and I scoff at the cocky asshole. He knows what he is doing.

We once again settle into comfortable silence, just sitting beside eachother.

He is one of the few people I actually enjoy spending time with in silence, just soaking up him and his energy.

“So tell me about the girlfriend” I suddenly ask, circling back to the words he said to me at the draft, even though a long time passed since that, it’s still on my mind.

It pains me, but I know that Jack Hughes will always be here for me to admire, not to have. I just hope he finds someone who understands his soul and his body, the way he deserves to be understood.

“Avery? What about her?” he confusedly replies, waiting for me to clarify. “You told me about her at the draft” I recall.

“Oh, yeah, sorry I forgot” he apologises, but continues “She’s great, we have been together since my birthday, so I think we’re doing good” the smile on his face when he is talking about her making my heart break more and more.

“I’m happy for you Jack, you deserve all the best” when I turn to look at him, he’s already looking at me, smiling. “Thank you Lils” he softly smiles and throws his arm around me.

I’m grateful that there are no powers that allow others to read my mind, because all I can think about is wanting him to speak about me. I know it’s dumb, but the charm of Jack Hughes has still not left me. I don’t even think it will leave , ever.

I think about Avery, already feeling the distaste for her, but deep down I know it’s just jealousy. Jealousy about her having him, and not me. She may be a great girl, but I can’t help myself.

That is something I will have to get used to by having Jack in my life, I mean, how can you NOT fall for him? I don’t think that is possible. And if it is, I need a tutorial right now.

There is no possibility that anyone who hears his voice, sees his smile, and gets to know his character will not feel love for him. And once again, if you don’t, please pull me out of this misery and tell me how.

I still remember the first summer living in Michigan, the first time I met him. The second I saw those ocean eyes, I knew I was goner.

The second I felt my hands on his skin, making them tingle, I knew he would be forever imprinted on my mind.

The second his signature toothy smile made appearance on his face, I knew I would do everything possible to be cause of it.

He stole my heart, and I don’t think I will get it back. I also think i’m fine with that, part of my heart being a small price to pay for his presence in my life.

I notice Luke walking up to us, he left to check on the dinner, the teenage boy appetite making him already hungry. I like to tease him about it, but that’s another thing im jealous of, non stop eating and not gaining a pound. If I even breathed the amount he eats, I would be ten pounds heavier.

Okay, I’m lying, I eat the same amount, especially when I’m having mental breakdown about the latest show I’m obsessing over.

Luke plops down next to us “What are you talking about?” curisously asking. “My girlfriend” Luke scoffs, I look strangely at him, and he rolls his eyes. I’m definitely going to ask him questions.

Jack notices his reaction, and scoffs too “I don’t get why you don’t like her, she’s been nothing but nice to you” he says, defending her, making the ache in my chest present again.

“Yeah, sure” Luke answers him, not wanting to talk about her for minute more. Okay, now I’m definitely curious.

I shift the conversation, not wanting to feel the uncomfortable silence longer “Luke, do you want to play volleyball?” I say, actually hoping to press him for details, but I forget that Jacks needs to be centre for everything.

“ No invite for me?” he frowns. Luke and me answer at the same time “No”, “Sure, but I want Luke on my team” . The answer I give him making him gain attitude “I’m much better player than Luke”

I answer him with laugh as I leave to get the ball “Sure Jack, hope you enjoy living in delusions”. Let me tell you a secret, he is better player than Luke, but I love annoying him.

He shouts after me, but I just laugh.

I stay in the supply room a little longer, needing to cool down my blushing cheeks, but the cause of my blushing problem once again appears.

“Having trouble finding the ball?” he asks, stepping into the room with me. “Not at all” I turn around about to reach for it, but he decides to do the same, and closes the proximity between us by pressing his front into my back.

I instantly pull away, the blush I originally had, and I don’t even know how it’s possible, worsening even more.

Why am I still blushing? Seriously, my face needs to get it together. Man up, we can’t embarrass ourselves more, I internally speak to myself and my face.

Yeah, I know these are the signs of starting insanity, but we are going to ignore it for now.

Jack coughs beside me, making me pull myself from my thoughts. “Went to Wonderland?” he teasingly asks.

I dismiss him with a shake of the head and leave the room.

When I return to Luke, he suspiciously looks at me, and then at Jack trailing behind me.

,,What took you two so long?” he asks, suspicion evident in his voice.

,,Nothing, let’s play” I say, hoping to stop his thoughts from wandering too much.

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I always considered myself great at volleyball, but how embarrasingly we are losing right now to Jack is almost making me rethink that statement.

But I’m not a quitter, and Luke isn’t one either, and we know that we are going to win this.

Because if not, this is going to get embarrassing real fast. But it won’t, because I wouldn’t let Jack’s ego rise more. Someone needs to seriously humble that man, and that someone is going to be me.

That is one of the main reasons I’m sweating like a pig right now, because there is no chance he is going to win, and if he is, it’s going to be over my dead body.

I don’t know what was I thinking wanting to play volleyball with two hockey players, because their stamina is much better than mine, hell, they didn’t even break a sweat yet.

I’m aware of how unattractive I look right now, but I don’t even care, the sole goal is to win the game and then shower.

“Wishing you chose me, huh Lils?” Jack chirps from the other side in a true hockey boy nature.

“Not at all” I answer him, one thing I’m not going to admit is me being wrong. My competitivness matches Jack’s own one and I think if volleyball scouts were here, they would choose us on the spot.

My poor Luke is in the middle of our ego match, I feel bad about screaming at him about every mistake he makes, but I will not lose to Jack. Luke will get his apology later.

The only boy matching my screams is the one infront of me, screaming obscenities at the poor ball whenever something doesn’t go his way.

I think today the universe is on my side, because when I do the winning move, my ego rises a few feet.

“Ha!” I laugh at Jack sitting defeatedly on his knees, between catching my breaths.

Luke does not even stay to clap me on my back, I’m sure he is going to Ellen for her to comfort him about how we were yelling at him. He’s SUCH a mamas boy (don’t tell him I said that).

Suddenly there’s a hand stretched infront of me, Jack’s hand to be particular. I don’t take it, smirking as I stand up even though I have about two cramps in each leg, but he doesn’t know that.

I’m certainly not going to shorten my ego even by millimetre, duh.

He laughs at me, then he hughs me.

“Congrats on winning, not sure you would win without Luke, but I’m going to let it slide” he says, that asshole. He knows damn well that I carried the team.

I don’t even answer him, my heart set on the shower I’m going to take.

What I don’t know is that by the time I was collecting things in my room for the shower. He beat me to it. In my own house.

But I’m not going to be mad, he deserves at least one win today. I laugh at my thoughts. I always knew I was funny.

If someone finds out what’s up with men and their long showers, let me know. I’m pounding on the door of the bathroom, because I honestly can’t wait no more.

I don’t even get my second pound in at the door, and hes opening them.

Once again, he knows what he is doing. Because he is standing there in all of his bare-chested glory.

Suddenly, my mind is a bottomless pit and my mouth stopped functioning, because I can’t even form and speak one word.

”Cat got your tongue?” he knowingly asks, getting second ego victory that day, dork.

I spare one last look at his chest, of course I’m not going to leave without looking. When he already catched me, I don’t have to hide it.

I push past him for the second time that day. Why does this keep happening to me? Entering the bathroom, I release a sigh.

But when I notice the familiar scent of the bathroom, I know that he used my bodywash, making a smile appear on my face.

He is going to be falling asleep with my scent today. I hope he enjoys thinking about me.

I know I called him delusional today, but I’m starting to think I should have been reflecting that one on myself.

Shutting down my thoughts, I step into the shower, the warm water calming my aching muscles.

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When I step out of shower and I notice the tan I gained, I smile from joy because that was the original plan for today.

The cooling lotion on my skin feels great, and I almost fall asleep from the relaxing effect it has.

Until I smell the scent of the food from downstairs, my stomach now agressively grumbling.

I put on some sundress I fish out from my closet, not even caring what I put on, I just want to fill the void in my stomach.

I braid my drying hair, not wanting to have a side of them with my meal. Men have it so easy with their short hair.

As I sit beside my now hungover-free brother, who is finally not complaining anymore, I notice the happiness radiating from the people around the table, making me smile.

The food is great ( shotout to my mom and Ellen ). Everyone is laughing and I’m winning again, beating Jack once again in our private kicking tournament under the table.

I laugh at him and stick my tongue out, making him smile. At least he is not a sore loser, because that would be sad for him.

He takes all these losses like champ and I think I found my new hobby, winning.

Everything is perfect right now.

[fj0rge]

Lineup of Gangrel characters of our VtM game set in New Orleans. More info about characters undercut.

- Zuzella Folsom – Dakota’s childe. She lives in the Louisiana Reservation since the departure of the Gangrel clan from New Orleans in the 1995. She is an anthropologist who studies Native American culture of the Southeastern United States and can spend hours talking about subjects of her interest.

- Mohammed bin Rahman is a neonate who brought the living head of an ancient gangrel to the city and unwittingly got stuck in New Orleans because of the Sabbat siege. He was straight off taken under Dakota’s wing. Managed to survive two fierce battles and committed a diablerie by order of the ancient’s head. So, in the event of a successful lifting of the siege he will face the Camarilla letter of the law.

- Dakota Salmon is my pc. She is a former Gangrel Primogen of New Orleans who returned to the city in mid-2022, seeking to regain her former influence and secure a place for the clan in the city. Currently she took a position of the second hound in exchange for the right to stay in the city and lives with Avery, nosferatu and first hound of NO.

- Ell Miller is one of the gangrel of New Orleans. N/b. He have joined the Anarchs after the eviction of the clan in the 1995. He is a former ward of Dakota. Currently he is back in the city due to the Sabbat siege seeking to participate in the defense and then to stay in New Orleans afterwards. - Yun-hie is a former Sabbat scapegoat of sorts. Pack she belonged to was demolished and she was spared due to local Prince generosity and other gangrels protectorship.

- Yaropolk “the Colonel” is a big and dreadful 400-year-old Russian. Silent, harsh and radical. Joined the defense of New Orleans after the start of the Sabbat siege in order to avenge the death of his childe.

- Jack is a wonderful rake Anarch with a heart of gold who joined the defense of New Orleans after the start of the Sabbat siege. He took a great part in saving Yun-hie's life.

[thewolvenpacks]

gods longest headmates list known to mankind, because our pack is so unbelievably large, just for the heck of it. inspired by @the-crystal-cluster-pride, though not listed by activity, but rather alphabetical. ready, set, go! ( funny thing is that is not even all of us, just of this pack: the wolven packs. )

( everything is under a cut. trust me when i say that it is long. )

9455 (it/he/they)

Ajax (he/him)

Akita (she/her)

Alastair (ae/amour/ink)

Alberto (he/him)

Alex (he/she/xe/it)

Allium (she/gloom/night)

Altair (he/stellar/constellation)

Altalune (she/claw/🌕)

Amarantha (shx/luminary/angelic)

Amity (she/they/hex)

Amy (she/pink)

Anne (she/her)

Anxiety (he/they)

Apatite (he/it)

Apostle (he/thou/blood)

Apollo (he/it/star)

Applejack (she/he)

Arthur (he/him)

Ash (he/kit/purr)

Asher (he/they/ninja)

Asriel (they/he)

Astaria (she/null/star)

Auburn (she/they/leaf)

Aurora (they/she/he/bun)

Avery (fae/faer)

Avi (she/they/trill)

Baby (she/he/it)

Bad (he/yip)

Bailey (it/pup/he)

Basil (they/nap/blanket)

Batman (he/him)

Batzie (they/vamp)

Bee (shy/bee/kit)

Bennie (he/him)

Benny (he/they/space)

Bingo (she/her)

Bite (they/bark/joy)

Blaze (she/it/burn)

Blevine (they/wolf/lupine)

Blur (he/they)

Bone (it/he/fluff)

Bones (he/void/pup)

Breaker (he/they)

Breeze (he/it)

Briar (they/cloud/rain)

Bubble (they/it)

Buck (he/him)

Butters (they/he/she)

Caion (he/him)

Calvin (he/it/boo/haunt)

Camilo (he/they)

Carrot (he/it/flop)

Casper (he/fae)

Catra (she/cat/it)

Celestia (she/it)

Cham (she/pup)

Chara (they/she)

Charlie (he/wag)

Chase (he/pup)

Cherrie (she/bow)

Chirp (he/she/star/wild)

Clara (she/they/xe)

Classic (they/he/it)

Clawse (he/wolf/moon)

Clem (he/she/champ)

Cole (he/they/earth)

Collector (he/they/star)

Comet (she/they/he)

Corva (she/it/wing)

Cosmo (he/they/space)

Cow (he/they)

Damian (he/it)

Dan (he/they)

Darcy (they/dark/xe)

Dave (he/they/it)

Davey (he/it/love)

Delilah (holy/fay)

Demure (she/they/bun)

Dendy (she/they/tech)

Disco (she/he/disco)

Dixie (he/they/wood)

Dog (it/he/fur)

Dove (she/feather/wing)

Dream (he/they)

Dreamy (he/sun)

Dust (he/it/dust)

Eclipse (it/moth)

Eda (she/it/holy)

Edge (she/he)

Eggman (he/him)

Ego (he/him)

Elijah (he/they)

Elizabeth (he/they)

Ella (she/fluff)

Emery (she/it/xe)

Emmet (he/him)

Enid (she/they)

Ethan (he/him)

Eugene (he/they)

Euryale (she/her)

Evan (he/they/time)

Ezekiel (hx/ete/it)

Fang (it/they/he)

Faolan (he/they/it/🌑)

Fauna (she/they/deer)

Fink (she/he)

Finn (it/bark/ruff)

Finnigan (it/shell/shine)

Fizzy (he/joy)

Fleety (he/him)

Flowey (it/he)

Fluffy (she/chew)

Fluttershy (she/they/pup)

Foxy (he/they/it)

Freia (she/it/cup/cake)

Frisk (they/them)

Froggy (they/it)

Frown (he/him)

Ghost (he/mew)

Golden (he/none)

Goth (he/it/pink)

Greyson (he/hy/☁️)

Guinevere (shie/haze/star)

Gumball (he/it)

Gus (they/them)

Guts (he/it)

Haize (he/they)

Hazel (they/fae)

Henry (he/him)

Hobo (it/he/god)

Honey (he/candy/marsh)

Horror (he/it)

Howard (he/it/gay)

Hunter (he/guard)

Idalia (she/solar/nebular)

Infinite (it/void)

Ink (no pronouns)

Izzy (she/glitter)

Jack (he/it/rot)

Jaiden (she/they)

Jasper (he/it)

Jay (he/they)

Jeremy (he/they/it)

Jet (he/him)

Jimmy (he/ze/le)

Joker (he/joke)

June (she/ae)

Jupiter (it/xe/solar)

Kai (he/they)

Kaia (she/her)

Kamek (he/they/it)

Karen (she/her)

Killer (he/it)

Kimon (he/dream/zzz)

King (he/cake/demon)

Kitty (she/her)

Knuckles (they/he)

K.O. (he/they)

König (he/they)

Kris (they/them)

Kwite (he/they)

Leo (he/they)

Lessie (she/he/it)

Levi (it/he)

Lex (they/he/she)

Lina (she/star)

Lloyd (he/they)

Lollie (it/cotton/candy)

Lorien (he/she)

Louie (he/they)

Lovey (he/she)

Luca (he/they)

Luci (she/they)

Lucian (he/him)

Lucid (he/it)

Lucie (she/fae)

Lucy (she/they)

Luigi (he/they)

Lukas (he/it)

Lulla (she/they/it)

Lumi (they/he)

Luna (it/luna/moon)

Lunar (she/it/moon)

Lupus (it/its)

Luxx (he/him)

Luz (she/her)

Luzura (she/nova)

Mailman (he/they)

Maple (he/she/they/herb)

Marcy (she/they)

Marianne (she/it/wave)

Mario (he/she/mush)

Marky (she/they/bow)

Marshall (he/pup/water)

Mary (she/they)

Max (it/they)

Maya (she/her)

Mel (he/they)

Mer (she/they)

Mew (they/mew)

Michael (he/it/love/nor/mal)

Midnite (she/they)

Milkyway (she/star/herd)

Mingus (they/she/mew)

Monika (she/love/they)

Moon (he/they)

Moon (she/snap/growl/luna)

Moondrop (it/he)

Morro (he/it)

Moth (he/him)

Mouse (they/them)

Mr. L (it/fear/xe)

Natsuki (she/they/mew)

Night (she/he/it)

Nightmare (he/dark)

Nine (he/it)

Nikko (he/prime/hy)

Nioma (shx/lunar/nova)

Noelle (they/she/snow)

Noire (he/h✦)

Norm (he/him)

Nova (she/strato/bleu)

Nutmeg (cozy/soft/he/she)

Nya (she/they/she)

Oisín (he/him)

Oliver (he/they)

Onyx (they/he)

Orion (he/it)

Orion (he/they/choco)

Papy (he/him)

Papyrus (he/him)

Paws (he/it/cool)

Pawsie (she/ae)

Pawz (he/they)

Peach (she/they)

Peter (they/he)

PG (he/it)

Phonegingi (he/it)

Pinkie Pie (chew/soft/dream)

Pipp (she/fly/wing)

Pixie (she/taffy)

PKO (he/it)

Pomni (she/her)

Price (he/him)

Prime (he/they)

Purps (he/purp/knife)

Rae (they/she)

Rainbow Dash (she/he/they)

Ralsei (he/they)

Ran (he/boo/void)

Randy (he/it/cell)

Rarity (she/they)

Ravenpoot (he/him)

Rebel (he/him)

Reese (he/they)

Remmy (he/it/xe)

Rex (he/him)

Rexx (he/him)

Rieka (he/arctic/fang)

Roach (it/bug/he)

Robin (he/she)

Robin (he/it)

Rocky (he/pup)

Rouge (she/her)

Rubble (he/they/pup)

Ruby (it/its)

Ruce (he/she)

Sabrina (she/rain/warm)

Sans (he/him)

Sarmi (shy/heal/mew)

Sasha (he/she)

Sayori (she/they/love)

Scar (he/it)

Sci (she/science)

Scraps (he/him)

Selene (she/xe)

Seraph (h3/endless/nyx)

Shadow (he/it)

Shark (she/they/shark)

Silias (it/he/doll)

Silk (she/moon)

Silver (he/they/kyu

Sink (he/it)

Skipper (he/it/dragon/seal)

Skye (she/pup)

Skylor (she/her)

Soap (he/claw)

Sock (it/they/he)

Solara (she/her)

Solstice (he/kie/noble)

Sonic (he/pup)

Soul (she/they)

Sprig (he/they)

Stardust (they/star/shine)

Starlight (she/magic)

Starscout (they/she)

Steven (he/him)

Stitch (he/it)

Sundrop (any)

Sun (he/they)

Sunset (she/her)

Susie (she/they)

Sweetie (he/it)

Tails (he/they)

Tala (she/they/it/🌙)

Tangle (she/he/tail)

Tart (they/he)

TJ (he/him)

TKO (it/he/turbo)

Toothless (he/it)

Toriel (she/it)

Toy (they/them)

Tulip (they/he)

Twig (they/he)

Twilight (she/it)

Underling (he/they)

Unikitty (she/they/glitter)

Vee (they/she)

Vesper (he/disc/stab)

Violet (he/they)

Vivo (it/its)

Void (he/it)

Vuurpoot (he/claw/hunt)

Waffles (she/he)

Whisker (they/neos)

Willow (they/she)

Winter (they/she)

Wisp (he/fae)

Wisteria (it/reef/shine)

Wolf (it/its)

Wooly (it/he)

Wren (she/jay/soar)

Xanthe (she/they/it)

Yarn (he/cat)

Yip (yip/it/she)

Yuri (she/lily/pen)

Zak (he/spark/shine)

Zane (he/they)

Zephyr (he/him)

Zephyrine (fae/ey/🔮)

Zhen (she/her)

Zipp (she/wing)

Zombie (he/they)

Zuma (he/pup/sea)

[mylittledivinities]

things i ♡

(as of 10/06/24)

spring

candy

Quinn

friends

music

rain

asphalt smell

milan’s silly laugh

cake

drag race

pretty underwear

getting into lore of something

talking about things i like

saying things at same time

bagels

milan fave in window work

kara’s funny wide eye

compliments always

allyson calling me good lady

coconut almond chip

blt or mozz sticks from luigi’s

packages always

letters

calling me randomly

being told i miss u or i love u

cam being on my duck

memories of any time really

little silver

outdoors

bedroom

clovers

purses

clothes

charms

quinn all fuzzed up

lola sleepy silly tongue our face

not being nauseas

surprises

presents

prophecies told

full circle moments

dejavu

nice smell distantly

april

lunch time

curled up beside someone

naps

asmr

watermelon raspberry refresher

sound my cross necklace makes

lots of color everywhere

pink and green

assigning characters or random things i see to myself

freaks in real life

successful interaction

being baby mode

cute outfit

collecting pictures

collecting anhtbing

obscure specific inside jokes

attention

coke

frosting

being in my pool

when people appreciate me

touching my face or cheek

hugs and kisses

liking how my makeup looks

feeling pretty generally

trhing somethint new ans liking it

being able to see the good everywhere

forest greenery and nature

browsing anything

peoples bedrooms

Melanie martinez

people being nice to me

loving people always

sprinkles

vs sale

having a candle lit

lace & ribbon

fresh fruit

any holiday

not having to see my boss

chocolate covered gummy bears

Pinterest

a nice pack of rainbow markers

generally the perception addie has of me

spotify playlists

someone making me a playlist

symbols - heart star clover etc

pretty writing

bedroom girl mess

a nice cig

knowing all the words to a song

having genshin stuff done

dollar store

being kind

mlp songs always

epic rap battles

all the things i’ve ever loved ever

Hopkins

peoples different words they use, phrases. things that are personally theirs but also taken from their friends too

emojis

reconnecting

cotton candy, banana, double dunker ice cream

early morning george Lopez

fruit salad

spongebob

empathy

jack being there always

shy all of shy always

TROLLING

being scared or some hint and doing it

deftones car ride

car rides always

windows down, time travel nap

someone carrying me in

old bedroom

picture of me in that yellow pink flower dress

ds camera roll

Wills silly laugh perception of me

having my way..

easter basket

a nice dress!

mini m&ms

Stalking

Instagram idols

GIA GUNN

just dance

memories of me my brother sister pkayeoom, cartoon network dance parties dress up or mario kart

picsart

earrings

people saying nice things about me to my parents

being smarter than john and cooler than avery

pancakes and my dads taylor ham

angelica’s kindness and consideration and everhthint

going over old memories w kara

willow deli

strawberry wafer

peach tea

when mom says ok we can get bagels

Boobs

being like happt about being gay

being funny to people

on stage rbr hearing laughter

ldr car ride

mcdonald’s fries

being healthy

having plans with milan

fresh air

myself all the little things i do

losing hope in somethint but then it happens still

kissing milan’s cheek

how my room smells/feels during summer night

making lisrs

being passender princwss

whipped cream

my humor

being grimes slaying dragon magical girl

shoplifting

laying on the floor

dreams

people wanting to. know things

chocolate covered oreos

being better than i was before

reading

having activities on my phone

cute word combinations

username ideas

lady gaga

key chains

fluttershy x rainbow dash

domo

matching anhtbing

monkeys

“thankfully”

bakery

eclairs

nice smelling soap

themed things

good signs

the naturally spawned in pink sheep

pink dog filter

quinn’s feet

my natural smile

gvf

when ryan laughs so hard at somethint i’ve said he grabs my arm to steady himself

stuck in the middle with you

Julia Marc Aurele

doilies

lady godiva

grimes

shade

Minecraft / cure minecraft house i soo

yellow green pink cake

everhthint bagel w cream cheese

outfit planning

many options

baby love ciccolina

cute collections of items

revitalized excitement

rei and milan different characters/ideas/concepts/universes

fresh phone case

hang out -> league/mc -> hang out

Lolas name beinf Lola

room at night

peace and quiet

Fairfield at night

Bed

Grant saying Oi Oi Oi

walking back from class

monday greek food

russell selfies

time to spare

pink highlighter

madeleines

my sweet melody

making playlists and pinterest

STALKING!!!!

being wanted anywhere in any way

plans

hot chocolate

similarities between people

lyra heartstrings

shy waking up making me feel better

cherry pie

quinn’s soft feet

arca

flushed winter cheeks

walking in trios

nicole dollanganger

perfume

hot cocoa

lgbt club thing at school

stalking on last fm

short stories

alice : madness returns

figuring out math

organization

Not being nauseas

calling boys princess or baby

celestica crystal castles

CHRISTMAS COMING!!

hope for the future

silly dreams

mischief

people i don’t like being cringe

Winning like i always do i am the ultimate hope makoto naegi…

Cheeseburgers

Studying and then doing well

Funny characters

Peach tea

Giggles

Peace

Organizing

nights lately in my room

Listening to music and doing nothing

rereading

tv

Kara time

dessert

my spam instagram

Skins Rewatch Mr Cooper

thinking about everything

mini shorts

liking pictures of myself

new hair

shopping

Snow

Chinua handshake

Nails

Ray cosplay scheme

Hair bows

morrissey

tarot

retracing my footsteps

cousins and aunts and uncles

angie & kevin

thinking and wandering

doing my religion reading

Motivation and hard work

Valentines day

Dancing

My birthday

Me and ray and kara forever

Freshman year friends

Spring smells

Excersizing

Dreams

Pecan pie

Warm weather

Purse skirt combo

Writing spells

Lace fan

Cherry blossoms

Nutella banana coconut sytawbrry acai

old lady hands

raspberry macaron crumbs in my hair

Lilac eyeshadow

sugar lychee

the word clairvoyance

lestat

being home from college

savannah

candle smell

eclairs

jelly

tea with honey

snow strippers

kevin

soupy oatmeal

happy really fun baseline shifts

reconnecting at parties

Unnameable Tangible thing with Boy

ALEXA!!

walking to kara’s at night

candy lip balm

being called babydoll and cute and pretty at work

333 tips

All my nice coworkers being nice to meeeeeee

aweet potato fries

shimmery nails

pining after dylan

chatting with rick

braids in my hair

days in the sunnnnn

igirl ring

kiwi

endless dreams perfume

the scent combo of both my hair detanglers

the sound of a light switch turning off

seasons changing

rosettes

indifference

fall drinks

Forsyth

Chai latte

Smell of Tybee breeze

High

Stevie stupid baby laugh smile

Cheek \y little Phil

Chatham fries

Swirl

Diary

Drawing Ideas creativity spark reemerge

The thought that me now would be impressive to me then

[booksandchainmail]

Pale 10.2

“Go, go, go,” Lucy urged, whisper quiet.  Snowdrop and Avery came down from upstairs, their eyes the inverted white pupils, pink irises and black surface of Snowdrop’s Sight.  Lucy gave them a nod, then guided Melissa toward the door that went from inside Edith’s cabin to the porch.

interesting. Why are they back here? And why bring Melissa?

Avery had made it a fair bit ahead of their group, but that was what Avery always did, Snowdrop was close to Avery, and Lucy had been ahead of Melissa, waiting for Melissa to catch up.  Putting Melissa at the rear of the pack, closest to Nibble and least able to run away.

this is why we need Verona here, she can be trusted to lag behind the group

Nibble went on, “She’s close to being Aware, if she isn’t there already, but she has the inherent innocence you can’t give up unless you…”

I'd hope that having an innocent there would fend off the witch hunter, but I think he probably doesn't care. And not being a practitioner or Other means he doesn't have to worry about the karmic backlash as much

“Melissa, please,” Lucy urged.  She paused, trying to think of what to say or what to ask for, then said, “please.”

I like how bad Lucy is at reasoning with Melissa

“How do we set the table without ringing the bell?” Avery asked.  “Melissa?” Melissa was standing by, watching, a frown on her face. “Table?”

I'm lost too.

oh, no I figured it out! They want to use the diagnoses tools Nicolette showed in the extra materials to figure out what the bell does. Talk about a field test.

Lucy reached for the bell.  It swayed away from her hand as she got about a foot away. Avery tried. At about two feet, it started moving gently away from her hand, dangling, as if she was holding a strong magnet.

Guessing that having a familiar makes Avery more Other in a way that trips the alarm sooner?

Jack of diamonds, ace of diamonds, two of clubs, jack of diamonds. “That’s two of the same card. Did you mix two decks together?” Melissa asked. “Nope,” Avery said. “Defective production, maybe?” “What does it mean?” Lucy asked. “No idea.”

I know this is in reference to not knowing what the duplicated card means, but I love the idea of doing a fortune-telling spread of cards and just going "fuck if I know what that means"

Huh. I wonder if the duplicate card is because they're using a french deck of playing cards instead of tarot minor arcana, which is more what I'd think of for divination. It could be trying to map both the page and the knight of coins onto the jack of diamonds.

In which case, the elements are: fresh eyes, small steps, patient observation, enhanced endeavors due to resources (possibly swap the first and last entries). Which makes sense for these alarm detection bells!

“Do I get a love triangle?  There was that show where the girl found out she was a half centaur and that’s why she was so good at riding horses-” “I liked that one,” Avery said.

yeah that tracks

“I’ve been meaning to ask, why is this kid so obsessed with opossums?” Melissa asked.  “She’s worse than Caroline from school, with her horse obsession.  Hey, do you think Caroline watches the centaur show?”

I was thinking that this rambling seemed out of character for Melissa, who has consistently been more gloomy than annoyingly unfocused. And then I looked up codeine side effects, and restlessness and talking with uncontrollable excitement are both listed.

She laid the page on the ground, then reached over, finishing the core rune.  The triangle of air.  “For the protection of Kennet and its population, human and otherwise.” “We draw on what we’re owed,” Avery added.

Verona’s absence was very much felt.

But they picked up, and soon, all across the clearing, bells were chiming, each with a high, sweet sound that carried in a way that would let it be heard from a mile away.  Grass blew and trees swayed.

I'm returning here after a week hiatus while I was on vacation, and this visual stuck with me whenever I was thinking about Lucy

The Witch Hunter found his feet again.  One member of their group stayed down.

can't believe I paused for a week on this cliffhanger

“I mean, you’re into music and you have this… image?  A crafted self-image, you know what I mean?”  Alyssa floundered.  “Confident, specific style.  Reminded me of friends who were in a band.”

I bet you could use band as a collective noun for a group of practitioners

"You’re always going off to meet with your friends. They have similar images. Well, Avery more. Verona wasn’t so hot when she came by, but even with her, a bit.”

interesting that the kind of self-definition you do as a practitioners is noticeable to people in the mundane world. I wonder if it's just that you get used to putting forward a specific version of yourself even in normal circumstances, or if there's some reinforcement from spirits who you've shown what face you want to present

“Just… easier to think I was a screwed up, paranoid kid, than to think the world was that gross."

Thinking about something I read about how CBT? or maybe some other form of therapy often fails people of color, because it focuses on "stop being paranoid, the world isn't out to get you, that's just your anxiety etc. talking." But sometimes the world is out to get you!

“I’ve run into that.  People in dark places don’t always want to accept the help.  The darkness can be more comfortable.” An image of Verona darted through Lucy’s mind’s eye.

and in Verona's case, she doesn't have a better future (outside of becoming an Other) that she feels she can realistically aim at

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m not exactly a bundle of warmth and cuddles.” “You sure?” Alyssa asked, matching Lucy’s posture, elbow on table, hand on cheek. “You’ve got a lot of warmth reserved for your mom, Booker, and Verona.”

awww

Verona’s dad stood on the edge of the lawn, dropping off garbage at the curb.  He stopped as he saw her.  She stopped as she looked at him, wearing her fox form, breathing hard. Emotions roiled inside her, flaring, boiling up.

I think Booker going back to college is making this worse: Lucy was already feeling like the people in her inner circle are leaving, and now Verona is gone too.

Then he walked down the stairs, crossed the lawn while sliding the phone back to his pocket, and set the recycling bin down.  Almost as an afterthought, he said, “Hi, Lucy.” “Hi.” Then he turned to go back inside.

this is rude, but also very funny. Just not engaging with the angry 13 year old who just appeared where a weird fox was.

Start from compassion, Lucy thought, thinking of Alyssa’s words. “Fuck offffff!” Lucy raised her voice. “And fuck you!"

lol

She found Avery, who wore a jersey top with a sports bra, shorts, and her running shoes, hair down.  She had her bag slung over one shoulder.  It looked like Avery had grown up by a year or two in just the short time they’d been active.

Welcome to puberty! And also being under life-threatening stress basically nonstop for a few months. Both will age you!

“You wish this was all easier?  Mannn, you have no idea.  I have whole days, days I feel more shitty and miserable than I ever have, and my parents are bored, bored of me being sad.  And you know who’s more bored?”

... No, I think Avery and Lucy are still winning the "how bad are things going" competition

“That Melissa might be a trainwreck no matter what we do.  She’s getting into trouble no matter what, but at least she’ll be one we can sorta steer or manage if we step in.  And maybe she’ll even find some joy in it?”

I mean, trying to steer her away hasn't worked for the past six arcs, so.

“…I care about belonging to something.  I don’t belong to family, I don’t belong to the Dancers, I don’t fit in with all those older teens who’re drinking and shit.  I don’t belong to- there’s no- there’s no me to belong to, I don’t fit to anything.  I’m so lonely it feels like my heart doesn’t beat anymore.”

this sucks! The thing with Melissa is that she is incredibly annoying for our protagonists, and also is probably not in as much trouble as they are, which makes her complaining seem petty. But also she's right that her life got fucked up, and she's miserable, and it's a shitty situation to be in for anyone, especially at fourteen.

“Help us solve a mystery, Melissa,” Lucy said.  “Help us connect some dots, how’s that?” “You’re just using me, aren’t you?” Melissa asked. “A bit. But I also want to help and if this is your road to happiness… fuck it.”

huh. That could be one way to put thing together with the Carmine Beast murder. And I guess this explains why they take Melissa to Edith's cabin

“I’m not complaining,” Melissa said, mumbling a bit.  “I want to be used.  I want to be useful.  I want to be wanted.  Awesome.” I think it’s good we got you away from that party and those older boys, then, protective cousin or no, Lucy thought, looking back.

yeah

“I am in a very going-along state right now,” Melissa said, raising the bottle she still held.  “You have no idea.”

YEAH

She dug fingers into wet, sucking blood, and found it a tangle inside, stuff getting caught between her fingers, parts that felt like they were the way further in or between bits of internals until they really didn’t. Lucy snarled, pushing until her finger hurt, but a strand of something broke and she could work her hand in, nearly wrist deep. Fishing, groping, searching for something. A bit of solid, no, that was deceptively tense tissue. She growled, face contorting, as she pushed her hand in deeper, another inch of give.  It was so hot inside.

this is also a place where Verona is missed

You’re doing more than being slow, Lucy thought. Melissa had found something.

OwO?

“I have.  Most of us have.  People, broken by them, until we’re a little more and a little less person.  I’m honorable.  If you step out of my way, I’ll give you five percent.”

I was hoping Melissa's presence would dissuade the Witch Hunter. Seems to be working a bit? And his training must have had a hell of a lot of work dehumanizing practitioners, because there's zero hesitation in viewing Lucy as an enemy combatant/monster despite her being very human.

“My own fault.” “Is that what they told you?” he asked. “No. Not at all. This is all what they’ve set up and made over centuries. It’s only your fault according to them, because that’s how they arranged it.”

I mean yes, in the sense that this is the way the world works (and damage Nicolette did) and isn't anything wrong that Melissa did. No, in the sense that this isn't something that the Kennet Trio in particular set up. Or that anyone arranged on purpose!

"And to you… Lucy or Melissa, it’s not your fault.  There’s better ways and better things.  I can tell you things they never will, and show you ways to deal with the threats that are going to be lurking in the shadows all your life.  I can show you how to feel empowered again.  I’ll be around.  I’ll come to you if you come looking for me.  Whether you want answers or a ticket out of… this.”

well that's a hell of a temptation for Melissa. I hope that bonding experience investigating the murder cabin was good for her?

The syringe was sturdy, with fine, dark filigree all down the glass, denser toward the end with the needle.  Artistry that could only come from the one place.  Inside was a oily slick of darkness, glistening, strands and clumps gathering into shapes suggestive of body parts.  And one blob of white that moved through it, to the surface of the glass. The blob of white had a face. Edith’s.

what the fuck

ok, so Fae artistry on the syringe? and I'm guessing Maricica, since it's dark filigree. And that clump of darkness... it makes me think Alpeana, but I'm hoping it's from someone else.

And why is there a blob of Edith in this? was the syringe extracted from her? Why? Who is it meant to inject? are they going to put Edith into a host who will become the Carmine Judge?

[magicalincorrectrobodokiquotes]

"Happy Jack Year!!!" Clip

Bob just laughed a little before sighing and looking around.

“..You ready?” Doki whispered softly.

“Ready. I’ll go first.” Pika nodded.

“Hey Ai-Chan.” Bob muttered. 

“Hey….sorry I kinda came across as uncaring.” Pika sighed. “I…wanted to be empathetic with the advice and stuff, but I sure as hell should’ve gone with…”

She hugged him.

“...actions. Cause I don’t know what you’re going through, and I didn’t need to pretend that I did.”

Bob accepted the hug.

“Hey…” Doki sighed. “This is tough. I know. I…I might not be able to know what to do, but…we can still salvage this.”

Bob rolled his eyes. “How, Ai-chan?”

“We had a good year. Remember when we got married?” Doki took his hands.

*nod nod*

“And when our honeymoon to Japan became a hot mess? Oh, we SO got lost in those trains.”

Bob laughed a little. 

“And you were SO funny when I got cursed into a Gumball ass zombie- you had so much energy, it beat every single other person dancing to that My Little Pony parody.” Pika laughed.

“I guess.” Bob sighed. “I’ve always had fun, though…”

“Egg on my face.” Pika admitted. “On the zombie thing. That wasn’t good fun, it was forced fun.”

Bob sighed and returned the hug. “I just…we promised.”

“I know you did.” Doki sighed. “It sucks ass. I know I don't normally curse like that…but it does.”

“Why did I even THINK this year would be different?” Bob asked.

“Cause you’re an optimist.” Pika explained. 

“But…”

“It really affects you.” Doki reassured. “It’s okay to be upset about it.”

Pika didn’t know what to say. So she kept hugging.

“Raven said that with the powers, I could find the perfect amount of energy and…I really wanted to celebrate with the two of you, Doki.” Bob explained.

“We got all day, tomorrow.” Doki reassured.

Pixel nodded as he and the others walked over. “Yeah. We all had fun decorating the entire studio!”

“We did.” Bob sighed.

Hino barked a laugh. “It was BADASS, Bob! Especially when Avery finished blowing up those balloons.”

Mecha nodded and pulled one out from their lab coat. “And we tried to do a full on team effort of keeping a balloon up in the air!”

“...That stupid balloon wouldn’t come up.” Bob laughed.

“Yeah.” Doki chuckled.

“And when we began setting up the party games!” Pixel added. “DDR, Twister, Monopoly, hooking up the Naughty Pack.”

Beat.

“Snakes and Snakes.” Pixel laughed.

Bob laughed, clearly overcome with emotion.

Pika laughed too. She undid the hug.

“And remember when you and Aianna were cast as the heroines in Pika’s cursed fanfic?” Hoshi beamed. “That was fun.” “It was.” Pika laughed. “I did it cause you two were perfect for the role.”

Mecha stimmed eagerly. “THAT WAS AWESOME! MY FIRST TIME AS MECHA! PIXEL AND PIKA BEGAN TO FORM A CONNECTION! PIKA’S FIRST CALMING THERAPY!”

They paused, they and Bob looked over. 

“I really thought this would be the year.” Bob explained. “I really thought…”

“We still have time!” Mecha beamed. “There is still time for this year to be the year, Bob!”

Pixel looked at Pika.

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Pixel asked.

“...Lucky Rush to make this a party, or-” Pika was confused.

Hino looked over. “What ARE you thinking, cuz?”

“Let’s make this a party!” Pixel cheered. 

Bob’s eyes flickered. “...I…I don’t know what to say-”

“You don’t have to say anything.” Doki reassured.

[mashitandsmashit]

AGT Season 17: Final Ranking

First of all, it has just come to my attention that Kristy and the Mayyas were both ALREADY Got Talent champions in their home countries...Not that I'm surprised that they weren't amateurs that travelled all the way to America just to showcase their talents THERE, but this DOES explain a major factor that surely helped them both into the Top 2, even over the country singers and dashing magicians they were competing with...Of course, this still doesn't effect my opinion on either of them!

So on that note, let's rank our Top 55 contestants of the year! The ranking will be decided by their overall performance throughout the season...

55: Harper

54: Veranica and Her Talented Dogs

53: Ava Swiss

52: Lee Collinson

51: Travis Japan

50: XOMG POP

49: Mr. Pants

48: Aiko Tanaka

47: Ben Lapidus

46: Lace Larrabee

45: Freckled Zelda

44: Mia Morris

43: Players Choir

42: Max Ostler

41: Bayley Graham

40: Jannick Holste

39: Stefanny and Yeeremy

38: Jojo and Bri

37: Wyn Starks

36: Maddie

35: Kristen Cruz

34: Jordan Conley

33: The Lazy Generation

32: Cline Twins

31: Funkanometry

30: Blade 2 Blade

29: Oleksandr Yenivatov

28: Acapop!

27: Amanda Mammana

26: Lily Meola

25: Aubrey Burchell

24: MPLUSPLUS

23: Hayden Kristal

22: Merissa Beddows

21: The Brown Brothers

20: Jack Williams

19: Don McMillan

18: Mervant Vera

17: Shu Takada

16: Urbancrew

15: Amoukanama

14: Fusion Japan

13: The Pack Drumline

12: Duo Rings

11: Drake Milligan

10: Chapel Hart

9: Nicolas Ribs

8: Yu Hojin

7: Kristy Sellars

6: Metaphysic

5: Mike E. Winfield

4: Sara James

3: Avery Dixon

2: Celia Munoz

1: Mayyas

Well, it's been a very interesting season...Hopefully I'll actually be able to post these blogs soon, and MAYBE I could post in general again by NEXT season...But we'll see...

Until then, best wishes to anyone who may actually get to read this at some point, and I'll see you next year! Ciao!

[ledenews]

BRIDGEPORT – The Bulldogs celebrated their high-achieving athletes who are going the extra mile in their commitment to excellence. On Jan. 8 the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District media center was packed with students and proud parents and families welcomed by the Board of Education. Top football players were recognized following the season. Logan Baker earned All Mid-Ohio Valley League, All Ohio Eastern District, All Ohio Valley Athletic Conference, All Ohio Valley Football Coaches Association, and All Ohio; A.J. Bishop earned All MOVL, All Ohio Eastern District, All OVAC, All OVFCA, and All Ohio; Brode Brown earned All MOVL, All Ohio Eastern District and All Ohio; Lyrik Brown, All MOVL; Chad Coulsen, All MOVL; Avery Jackson, All MOVL and All Ohio Eastern District; Jaki Threet, All MOVL, All Ohio Eastern District, All OVAC and All Ohio. Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher was proud of his students and happy to recognize their accomplishments. He said their hard work is benefiting them on and off the field. “It’s about the character development, the life lessons they learn, everything they get out of that,” Fisher said, adding the players were highly motivated to improve. “The work that they choose to put in is really important,” he said. “They choose these opportunities to better themselves.” Bridgeport Middle School Principal Anne Haverty Lawson presented middle schoolers who participated in a basketball skills clinic held by coach Marcus Vincent during the summer and at the start of the school year to enhance their performance on the court. She welcomed the parents who attended the meeting with their children. “It’s very heartwarming for me to see parents walk in with a smile on their face, to know that we are recognizing and here to support and help our kids grow and develop physically, emotionally and educationally.” Havery Lawson said the students were showing their quality early and it is rewarding to see them grow in ability and confidence throughout middle school. “What stands out to me as an educator is work ethic is very, very important,” she said. “I see the work ethic that is portrayed by these gentlemen.” Bridgeport Elementary Principal Kamaron Sabinski also spotlit fourth grader Julee. The 10-year-old was the youngest participant in the mainly middle school skills clinic and demonstrated ability, hard work and leadership. “You stood out. You made an impression,” Sabinski said. “Keep it up.” Superintendent Brent Ripley encouraged the middle schoolers to stay committed to strengthening the skills they have learned and to promote services like the skills clinic. “Your energy and your positivity will help attract other kids into these programs.” Sabinski said the school was also grateful for the work of board-certified behavioral analyst Haley Rauschenberg and registered behavioral technician Kate Grimes, both with the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center. Sabinski commended their work behind the scenes observing and collecting classroom data and helping teachers and paraprofessionals address the individual needs of students who are having challenges adjusting to school. “It’s a big team, working together.” Rauschenberg and Grimes work hand-in-hand with the students to ensure that children who need additional support get it. “These women are incredible,” Sabinski said. “They get to know these children, the teachers, the parents, the backgrounds, work with everyone involved.” Sabinski said their dedication to the students shines through. Grimes thanked Sabinski, adding since starting work in August at Bridgeport, she was embraced wholeheartedly by the district team. “It’s easy to support other people when you feel supported,” she said. “That’s also very much appreciated. It’s a ripple effect.” Read the full article

[sporadiceagleheart]

Today's joy with Rachel Joy Scott Friday edits is Rest In Peace to those famous stars & angels Verne Troyer, Richard Griffiths, Alan Rickman, Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, John Hurt, Robbie Coltrane, Helen McCrory, Roberts Blossom, Billie Burke, Frank Sutton, Jim Nabors, Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, Clara Blandick, Shirley Temple and baby Leroy, Paul Grant, Leslie Phillips, Robert Hardy, Timothy Bateson, Terence Bayler, Robert Knox, Sam Beazley, Paul Ritter, Dave Legeno, Peter Cartwright, Derek Deadman, Hazel Douglas, Alfred Burke, Jimmy Gardner, Elizabeth Spriggs, Bob Newhart, Tom Poston, Dean Martin, Mary Frann, Betty White, Rik Mayall, Brian Nickels, Jerry Reed, Matthew Perry, Raymond Burr, Mary Ann Jackson, Dorothy DeBorba, Mary Kornman, Mildred Kornman, Peaches Jackson, Peggy Cartwright, Darla Jean Hood, Jean Darling, Peggy Montgomery, Bob Barker, Lucille Ricksen, Michael Kenneth Williams, Pat E. Johnson, Richard Burton, Cyril Cusack, Roger Lloyd Pack, Peter Frye, John Boswell, James Walker, Shirley Rosemary Stelfox, Shirley Jean Rickert, Janet Key, June Marlowe, Virginia Weidler, Jane Withers, Peter Michael Falk, Bruce Kirby, Mike Lally, John Finnegan, Robert Culp, Vito Scotti, Val Avery, Fred Draper, Alan Fudge, Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Richard Belzer, Richard Bull, Jerome Guardino, Bill Zuckert, Steven Gilborn, Ed McCready, Paul Carr, James Avery, Parley Edward Baer, Sherman Hemsley, Ellen Albertini Dow, Carl Reiner, Alan Wolf Arkin, Michael Jeter, Debbie Lee Carrington, James Caan, Ed Asner, Ana Ofelia Murguía, Paul Newman, Madge Sinclair, Robert Guillaume, Mary Ethel Gregory, Michael Landon, Katherine MacGregor, Kevin Hagen, Dabbs Greer, John Heard, Leonard Stone, John Candy, Victor Edwin French, Robin Williams, Peter Fonda, Geoffrey Palmer, Olivia Newton-John, Eve Arden, Rose Joan Blondell, Alice Ghostley, Darrell Zwerling, Dody Goodman, Lance Reddick, Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, Anissa Jones, Bridgette Andersen, Dominique Dunne, Samantha Reed Smith, Heather and Judith Barsi, Fred Rogers, Olivia Twenty Dahl, Roald Dahl, Sofie Magdalene Dahl, Walter Elias Disney, Ruth Flora Disney, Denise Marie Nickerson, Louis XVII, Lois Janes, Marie Thérèse de France, Christopher Plummer, Eazy-E, Peter Cartwright, John William "Johnny" Carson,

[secondgenerationnerd]

can you talk about mar'i and Avery's friendship, aka the girl mar'i is ready to run away for

Here’s the thing—Mar’i knows the exact kind of toxic/abusive Jack’s family was so she’s very protective of his heart. But seeing him talk about Xander and Avery? Oh she knew that was it

So she asked Avery to coffee, promised she wasn’t going all toxic “girl best friend” and genuinely got to know each other. Avery was skeptical at first, but Mar’i’s genuine interest in her was very clear.

They talk all about tech, because on top of Avery’s Only Fans, she loves new tech designs. They go shopping and go out to lunch.

Avery jokingly told Jon she would fight him for Mar’i’s hand if given the word. Jon laughed and said they could trade dancers.

They are very very open about sex, not just positions and things the various couples do, but like the idea of sex and purity culture. Avery opened up to Mar’i about her assault and Mar’i just listened. Didn’t apologize for it happening to her or say any of the rhetoric that media says she should say. She just listened to Avery and gave her space to express her feelings on it. They talk about hyper sexuality being another way people cope with stuff.

When Avery’s pregnant with Niko, Mar’i’s the first person they tell. She’s so excited for them and offers whatever support they need. When Laney’s born super premature, Avery is at the Kent house day and night, working with omega to support Jon and Mar’i during the time. When Thalia’s born and they realize they don’t have a sitter, Mar’i shows up in less than 20 minutes, has his over night bag packed and tella them she’s got him for as long as they need. That’s why they gave Thalia Marie for a middle name.

[whydontwexicons]

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[lyouts]

why don't we - halloween layouts

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