#shout out to my cousin finding this movie

[birdy-bird27]

Everyone watch this movie NOW

[everythingne]

little miss wingwoman (3) - ln4

You meet the Norris family, Penelope drops by for a surprise visit, and luckily Christmas Eve goes off without a hitch. Thanks to your amazing skills in everything that comes with being a nanny.

warnings/notes: I, once again, am posting christmas after christmas and i don't care <3 happy hanukkah by the way!! also shout out to my brother who inspired the whole 'athena falling asleep' bit here bc he did this w my baby cousin on christmas eve

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Lando is welcoming in his siblings while you're in the process of finishing up a quick little Christmas Eve dinner. They'd requested nothing crazy, so you'd scoured the internet to find a simple chicken dish, and had Lando go out to buy some games to play with the family. His siblings had all been on the same flight, but with a little rain systems coming through Monaco, his parents flight had been delayed a few hours.

Meaning, you got to be eased into meeting your roommate of barely a weeks family, and spending the holidays with them.

As you finally set down some tin foil over the last few sides, sliding them in the oven on a preheat setting to keep everything warm until Lando's parents arrived, Oliver and Flo poke around the corner to look at you.

You don't notice them studying the way you flow through Lando's kitchen, you're too busy counting over the names Lando had told you--Oliver, Flo, and Cisca, his siblings, you think in that order with Lando ahead of Flo. Then, Savannah, Lando's sister-in-law, and his two nieces Mila and Athena. His parents, Cisca and Adam, though you can't imagine calling them anything other than Mr and Mrs. Norris.

"Oh, guys," Lando's tone is full of smiles, proudly waving an arm to you as you turn around and discard your oven mitts onto the counter, "This is my roommate, Yn."

"Ah!" Oliver smiles, Athena in his hands sraring up at you with wonder in her eyes, "This is the roommate I've heard so much about."

"Oh, god, I hope all good things?" You step around Lando to properly greet each sibling, Savannah, and the girls.

"Lando talks about you a lot." Cisca teases softly, looking over at her brother, who flushed and quickly asked what everyone wanted to drink--safely deterring the conversation. Above everyones scurrying heads into the kitchen, you meet Lando's eyes, and find you can't look away as he crinkles up in a smile before turning to find cups for everyone.

A bit later, Lando runs out to go collect his parents from Nice's airport, leaving you with the siblings. Mila and Athena have taken to exploring the living room under their parents watchful eye as you scour for a good Christmas movie for them--settling on the Grinch after a while, just to have it on in the background. You can tell Athena's getting ready for a nap, but with so much excitement and noise, she seems to be struggling to settle down. Savannah seems a bit flustered, so you take a seat with her on the couch while Flo and Cisca sneak some cookies in the kitchen and gossip.

"So," Oliver starts, "We spent so long catching up with Lando, I never had a chance to ask anything about you."

"Oh, Sorry!" Savannah calls, turning to place a hand on your knee, "Don't want you to feel left out!"

"Don't apologize, it's alright! He's your brother and you said, Savannah, the last time you saw him was Goodwood, which was--what, July?" You say, watching as Cisca and Flo come to the living room, sitting down with their nieces and their toys by the big windows. Savannah offering the girls a thankful smile for taking them off her hands for the time being.

"Yeah, it's been a while." Flo hums, "And Cis and I didn't even see him at Goodwood, we saw him at Silverstone."

"He's so busy with racing, I see why but I still worry for him. He's still just the boy he was when we were young and running amuck through the woods in the middle of nowhere. He had no friends back then, and I worry he isolates himself here too, just blames it on being busy." Oliver leans back, running a hand across his head. You can see the worry for a baby brother he's watched grow clear in his eyes, and Savannah soothes a hand across his shoulders in comfort.

You hum softly, "He's got Max. And Oscar, Charles... Carlos, Alex and George, though I guess George is in London now... a lot of the drivers live close--we actually bought them presents for Christmas. He's got all of Quadrant too."

"And you," Flo prompts, looking up from where Athena tries to grab onto her hair.

"Yeah," you breathe out, turning to Oliver, "And me."

"How'd you meet?" Savannah asks and you smile.

"Max Verstappen, his 'bonus daughter' Penelope is the girl I nanny. I've worked for Kelly since Penelope was maybe three or four months, actually. Just an extra set of hands for her, but now I'm sort of like a housekeep? I watch the apartment when they're gone, cook, clean, help them keep track of everything--the two of them are also so busy." You laugh softly, watching as Athena uses the table to toddle her way over to her parents, Savannah picking up the sleepy toddler and laying her on her chest.

"But, with their baby on the way, the room I was living in is turning into a nursery. They didn't want to move, especially with a whole baby coming, so they helped me find a new place to live. Luckily, I knew Lando... kinda... we never really spoke much before but Penelope adores him so I've been out with Penelope at races or even in Monaco, and run into him."

Savannah watches as Athena scoots out of her hold and climbs across the couch, the curious toddler now taking up space in your lap as you wrap up your explanation, and a place a hand on her back, "So, Lando let me move in. I've pretty much transformed his entire apartment in exchange for the rent he's covering for me."

"I was going to say, it looks a lot better than the last time I was here." Oliver chuckles, Savannah countering with, "Yes, it does. A woman's touch was needed for sure."

"Lando kept asking us all about how to live with a girl," Cisca looks over her shoulder, watching as Flo and Mila move to join you on the couch. Little Athena snuggling into the warm of your hold as you move back.

"I told him it was just like living with sisters," Oliver rolls his eyes, "but he was insistent there was a way to do it wrong."

You laugh softly, imaging the way that he had probably begged for some sort of advice over the phone with his siblings, gently rocking a fussy Athena--who has been refusing her nap since she'd gotten into the apartment almost two hours ago now.

You speak softly, to keep the girl from waking up as she nearly is sleeping, "There really isn't, and I've been moving around so much my whole life I don't really have a set way to live. I kinda just adapt."

Before you can say anything else, the front door opens, and Lando announces he's back. Savannah lifts Athena, who whines, clinging to your shirt, and you shake her off, "I can take her, if it's okay."

"Sure, if it's fine. I wouldn't wanna wake her so close to her falling asleep. Athena loves to cuddle, she's a clinger," Savannah laughs softly, brushing her daughters wild curly hair back. You nod, holding her the way Savannah instructs--missing when Penelope used to be this tiny in your arms.

Lando's parents--Adam and Cisca, are happily talking with their children when you round the corner into the kitchen. Everyone turns with your presence, smiling at the sight of Athena curled in your arms, Mrs. Norris audibly aweing at the scene as you smile.

"Hi, it's really lovely to meet you both," You say softly, stepping over so they can give you hugs and greet their granddaughter who refuses to come out of the comfort she'd found nestled in your chest.

"I'll get the food out," Lando says, "I imagine you're all starving,"

"God, please." Flo whines, Oliver going to help his brother. You linger with the Norris parents in the hall, smiling softly as Athena lets out little snores against the warm fabric of your sweater. Savannah long gone after being dragged off by Mila.

Mrs. Norris moves into the kitchen, laughing as she scolds her sons for stealing bits of food while they bring everything out. The stack of bags and gifts flow down the hall now, the jackets and shoes overflowing the racks, and you can't help but smile at the liveliness of the once empty apartment.

"You're a real charmer," Adam says after a second and your attention is drawn to Mr. Norris. He grins, "Haven't seen Lando this organized in years."

You laugh softly, rubbing a soothing hand up and down Athena's back, "It's the least I could do for him, considering he won't let me pay rent. He's been really kind to let me live here."

"That's Lando for ya," Adam looks at his son in the kitchen, helping Mila get seated at the table, "He'd give you the skin off his back if he could."

As if sensing you both looking at him, Lando's head perks up, scowling as he comes over. He takes his father's jacket out of his hands and urges him to go get a plate of the food you'd 'slaved over' making all day in the kitchen. You can't help but giggle as he shoos away his father's knowing smile and wave as he goes to join his wife and kids.

"Thanks for saving this whole holiday," Lando looks over at you, catching the way you're already looking at him. A soft smile gracing your lips as you sway the toddler in your arms.

"Your family is lovely," you reply softly, "I'm glad I could do something for them."

Lando's quiet for a moment, the both of you just watching eachother. Turning back when Flo and Cisca start cracking up over some teasing thing Mrs. Norris is saying as Oliver scowls and rebukes whatever she's saying.

"Do you want a plate?" Lando says, "I can get mine last."

"No no, wouldn't want to wake Athena. I can always heat it up after she wakes." You wave a hand, and Lando nods, stepping closer to wipe a crumb off your cheek and brush a piece of hair back into place before Flo calls him over. You wave him on and he goes, making a spectacle about making his way back to the group.

Slowly, you make your way back into the living room, slowly sinking down on the couch and getting comfortable with Athena still snoring in your arms. And as the Norris' carry on in the kitchen, you can help but lay your head back on the cushions, cuddling in to the comfiest position you can find.

You fall asleep around the point Martha May announces her love for the Grinch, and right before Flo brings out Uno for the group at the table to play.

Lando comes over about twenty minutes later, pausing when he sees you knocked out. The rest of the family peeking around the corner as Lando grabs a blanket from the chair in the corner and walks over to where you are--Athena still snuggling into your hold. He gently drapes the blanket over the two of you, grabbing a pillow to lay under your head so your neck isn't killing you in the morning, and just takes a pause to sit next to you.

His eyes travel down your hair, to your closed eyes, parted lips, the soft breaths that leave you. The way Athena has tucked herself against your chest like she just knows you're safety, that you know how to take care of her. He lifts the blanket a little higher, resists the urge to press a chaste kiss to your forehead, and stands.

No one moves fast enough for him to not catch them staring.

"Looked like you were gonna kiss her for a second," His father chimes. Lando feels heat rise to his cheeks as his siblings laugh and he just waves away their comments as he comes back to play the game with them.

When Athena stumbles in to cuddle her mom about thirty minutes later, he peeks out to see you still asleep on the couch and tilts his head. Oliver leaning on the wall leaning into the living room as Lando steps forward, tucks his arms underneath you and carefully lifts you. It's not graceful by any means, but when your eyes flutter and you settle in as he holds his breath, Oliver bites his lip to keep himself from laughing at Lando.

"I'll get the door." Oliver says, nodding his head to where the spare bedroom is. His whole family pretends not to see him nearly whack your head into the wall when he brings you into your room and lays you on the bed. Mrs. Norris does come to ensure her son has you tucked in properly, with the blinds lowered to block out the setting sun as you curl up in your bed.

"Poor thing, she's absolutely knackered." She hums, waving Oliver out of the room as Lando sheepishly rubs his neck, walking over to her.

"She cooked all day, and we've spent the week decorating everything," his voice is soft as he looks over at your sleeping form in the bed, before his mother pulls him out of the room to shut the door.

"Well, she did a wonderful job." She winks knowingly at him, earning a shy laugh from Lando as she brings him back over to the table to keep playing games.

You do manage to get up and freshen up around nine, after his family has left to sleep off their jetlag. Lando's sitting on the couch with--surprisingly to you, Penelope.

"Max dropped her off, he and Kelly have dinner with their parents and P was supposedly exhausted." Lando pokes the girls cheek, but you can see she's clearly wide awake, sheepishly smiling up at you as you chuckle to yourself.

"I'm sure she was," You chime, sitting down at the counter as Penelope climbs up to sit next to you, leaning on you and looking up at you through her long lashes.

"I just didn't wanna go." Penelope admits softly, "All everyone's been talking about is the baby. I don't care about the stupid baby, I wish it was just me again, and I didn't have to fight this little thing in my Mommy's belly for some attention."

You hum, rubbing a hand up and down Penelope's back. She'd been complaining to you about the baby since you'd gotten back to Monaco, and you'd brought it up to Max and Kelly already. From the time spent in their apartment with them, you knew it wasn't their fault Penelope was feeling this way--after her first complaint. They'd both apologized to her, and explained it to her, and after that Penelope had been fine for a while.

But having every single person in your extended family fawning over the unborn baby in your mothers stomach--buying him tons of gifts and clothes, things Penelope was used to be doted onto her, the shift had to feel weird.

"Max and Kelly still love you," it's Lando who chimes from the couch, groaning as he stands up and stretched out his shoulders, "It's been hard for them with the baby coming, and you know how much the baby needs."

Penelope nods and you pout. Usually, Christmas Eve was reserved for the Verstappen-Piquets to spend the entire night together. But it seemed every one of their traditions had been tossed aside.

"How about this," you say softly, "I have some stuff left over to bake. Why don't you, Lando, and I make some cookies for Santa, hm? We can leave them out at your apartment when I drop you off."

Penelope does light up at that and agrees, so as Lando helps her get supplies, you finish shoveling your dinner into your mouth before standing to help them with baking.

By the end of it, after Penelope's roped you and Lando into a flour fight you know is going to be a disaster to clean up, you and Lando end up carrying up a sleeping Penelope and a plate of cookies. Max laughs softly at the sight of the three of you covered in flour, and Kelly thanks you both for staying up later to watch her.

When you return to Lando's apartment, the two of you elect to finish watching whatever movie is playing on the tv. And the quiet moment, broken by occasionally showing each other something on your phones or asking questions about this absolutely absurd 80s christmas movie, just fills the home with a sense of warmth you aren't expecting to feel.

It almost makes you not want to go to bed, but alas, the Norris' are coming back over in the morning, so you two duck off to bed eventually--hesitating to part due to the invisible magnet that holds you close.

SEE NOTES ABOUT TAG LISTS BELOW:

general tag list (open, tagged in all my fics, will not update for this series. If you'd like to be added to my general list FOR this series, let me know and I'll tag you in the comments!

@d3kstar @justalittlejess @tvdtw4ever @llando4norris @daemyratwst @piastri-fvx @sltwins

series specific tag (closed BUT SEE BELOW!!)

@nikfigueiredo @ilovechickenwings @supertrashbread @sltwins @mwuaferrari @si1ver06 @linnygirl09 @kikiki81 @kittylolly4 @lazybot @tylerstacobell @formula1fordisaster @sheblogs @suns3treading @kqliie @jxnellat @anxiousbananna @hard4ndsoft @majasophieanna @diorbrxtz @freyathehuntress @obxstiles @cstads-blog @wierdflowerpower @delululeclerc @honethatty12 @henna006 @chlmtfilms @littlegrapejuice @piastrams @ravisinghs-wife @sturmatt @sagestack @bravo-delta-eccho @eiffel-hood @widow-cevans @ash88-yep @emryb @changetyre @raynetargaryan2 @callsignsiren @mayusaatma @sid-is-gr8  @awritingtree @urstepdaughter @4-ln4

TO BE TAGGED IN COMMENTS OF EACH NEW CHAPTER:

@celestrablack @hadids-world @keij0h @annimausi

(thank you to all the new people (and my return readers ofc), and everyone who has left such kind words!! happy holidays to you all <3)

[stevie-petey]

dibs

“Jinx!” Again, they say this at the same time. They both groan, and without any other words, they jump into an intense game of rock, paper, scissors.  “One, two, three!” Steve holds out a rock, Robin does as well, and the two teens almost strangle one another.  They try again, this time they both land on paper, and Robin throws her head back in frustration. “I’m not good at math, but this cannot be statistically possible.”

Summary: do the laws of dibs still apply if steve and robin see you at the same time ???

Rating: general, some swearing

Warnings: swearing, fem!reader, use of y/n

Words: 1.4k

Before you swing in: this is for my beloved val (@southelroy), and i was so excited to try my hand at writing robin and steve together <3 this is a very silly fic, not at all meant to be realistic or serious, and it isnt proofread so pls enjoy n beware !

-

According to the ancient rules of “dibs”, the first person who sees the desired one has the rightful claim of dibs. Anyone else present during this time must obey this sacred rule, respecting the fact that the other has laid claim first. It’s an old, ancient tradition, held up for centuries through faithful friendships. 

It’s a solid system, really.

Except Steve and Robin see you walk into Family Video on the same day, at the same time, together. 

You walk in, hair slightly wet from the rain and your eyes bright, and smile at the two of them shyly. Setting down your umbrella, you unbutton your raincoat and look around the store. “Sorry, is it okay if I hide out in here for a bit? My umbrella broke and I really don’t feel like catching a cold.”

Steve and Robin stare at you, wide eyed and in shock. They’ve never seen you before, they surely would’ve remembered your face if they had, and their brains short circuit simultaneously. 

When they don’t say anything, you cautiously walk up to the counter and laugh nervously. “Uh, hello? I can leave, if that’s what you’re trying to say.”

“No!” Steve shouts, panicked that the word “leave” has left your very pretty and pink mouth. When you flinch at his raised voice, he quickly clears his throat and lowers his voice. “I–uh, I mean… No, no. You can stay–please! I mean, if you don’t mind, ‘cause, ya know, it’s raining–”

“What my coworker here is trying to say is that you can definitely stay.” Robin interrupts, admiring the way the raindrops in your hair seem to form a halo. “In fact, why don’t you have a look around? We have plenty of movies.”

You smile at Robin, which she practically melts seeing. “Thanks, you guys are lifesavers. I’m here visiting my cousin, and he said I should stop by anyways.”

“What, do we know him?” Steve asks, finally finding his voice again. 

“His name is Dustin Henderson, if that helps. He’s a freshman at Hawkins, said he stops here sometimes–”

“Dustin Henderson is your cousin?” Steve and Robin say at the same time, completely taken aback. 

You laugh. “Ya know, I’ve gotten that a lot since being in Hawkins. I take it he’s well known?”

“Oh, he’s definitely well known.” Robin snorts, thinking about how many people would scream at the idea of more Hendersons running around the world. 

But if they’re anything like you, then Robin thinks she’d love to be invited to a Henderson family reunion. Immediately. 

“Well,” you smile again at the two teens, amused by their weird dynamic. You can see why Dustin likes them so much. “Since I’m stuck here for a while and I promised Dustin I’d get a movie, I’m gonna take a look around as suggested.”

You pause, now realizing you haven’t asked for their names, and you gasp. “I’m so sorry! What are your names? I feel horrible for not even asking.”

“You could never do any wrong,” Steve sighs dreamily, leaning against the counter in what he hopes is a cool looking pose. “I’m Steve, Steve Harrington.”

He sticks his hand out for you to shake, which you accept with a slight giggle. He’s odd, but incredibly endearing even if he’s currently standing against the counter like a middle-aged man. “I’m Y/N Henderson.” 

Robin, sensing what Steve is trying to do, hip checks the boy so that he falls onto the ground. “And I’m Robin Buckley, the better half of this duo.”

Like hell she’s going to allow him to flirt with you. 

Her declaration makes you laugh, even as poor Steve groans on the floor in pain. You wink at her, amused by her charm, and start to walk towards the movie aisles. “Oh, I believe that.”

Steve scrambles back up, and the second you’re out of earshot, he and Robin immediately shout at the same time, “Dibs!”

“Jinx!” Again, they say this at the same time. They both groan, and without any other words, they jump into an intense game of rock, paper, scissors. 

“One, two, three!” Steve holds out a rock, Robin does as well, and the two teens almost strangle one another. 

They try again, this time they both land on paper, and Robin throws her head back in frustration. “I’m not good at math, but this cannot be statistically possible.”

“Okay, let’s think about this.” Steve holds a finger up to indicate that he’s speaking, which Robin scoffs at. “I saw her first, so–”

“Uh, news flash, dingus: I saw her first.”

“Were you dropped as a child? I clearly saw her first–”

“Actually,” your voice causes both Robin and Steve to turn in horror, realizing too late that you’ve been standing behind them, listening in. “You both saw me at the same time, so I’m not sure how the rule of dibs applies here.”

“We…” Steve gapes at you, speechless. 

Robin is no better, her face burns horribly. “We think… You’re pretty?”

“Well, I gathered that much.” You laugh again, and the sound is enough for both Steve and Robin to forget all their worries and admire how delicate it is. Then, holding up two dvd’s, you place them on the counter. “I’ll take these, please.”

Robin looks down at your movie selection, seeing The Breakfast Club and The Outsiders, and her heart drops. “Just… Just these?”

“Mhm,” you nod, unsure why her demeanor has suddenly changed. “Is there something wrong with my movie selection?”

Steve looks at Robin and he knows immediately what’s wrong. She absolutely hates your taste in movies, which he’s ecstatic over. He lets out a whoop and first bumps the air. “Yes! She’s mine!”

“Shut up, you moron!” Robin screeches, embarrassed and infuriated. She cannot believe that this is happening to her right now, in front of a very pretty girl, no less. Closing her eyes, Robin takes a deep breath and turns to you. “Please excuse my friend, he’s allergic to pretty girls.”

“Hey, that’s not true–”

You cross your arms at Robin, an amused smile on your face. “What’s so wrong with my taste in movies?”

“Nothing!” When you raise your eyebrow at her, Robin accepts her fate and gives in. She knows she’s done for now. “It’s just… It’s incredibly bland.”

“I happen to think your taste is impeccable, Y/N.” Steve butts in, batting his eyelashes at you for added effect.

Robin watches, with pure disgust, as it works. Steve’s charm gets you to laugh once more, and you even lean closer to his side of the counter. You place a hand on his arm. “I’m honored to have you on my side, then.”

Stupid Harrington and his stupid male species. 

While you and Steve exchange gross lovey-dovey glances, Robin rings up your movie rentals with disdain. 

“That will be $5.25, please.” She mumbles, crestfallen. 

You tear your eyes away from Steve’s and notice the jealousy and hurt on Robin’s face. You frown, feeling bad for being the cause of this. She seems like a sweet girl, and Dustin spoke highly of her, so you know she’s someone special. Taking some cash out of your purse, you hand it to Robin and catch her eye. 

“Hey, listen to me real quick.” Robin looks up, despite not wanting to, but your eyes are too pretty not to look into. When you have her attention, you turn to Steve. “Can you give us a second?”

He looks bewildered. “What? Why?”

“If you leave now, I’ll give you my number.”

“Yes ma’am!” Steve hops over the counter and goes to sort some movies, leaving you alone with Robin. 

Once he’s gone, you lean in close to her. “I understand what you’re going through.”

Her eyes widen, terrified she’s been caught. “W–what? No, I think you’ve gotten this all wrong–”

“It’s okay,” you grab her hand, gently take it between yours. “We’re more alike than you may think, and while I’m flattered, you’re too young.”

Robin knows she should be devastated by this, but all she hears is, “So… Let’s say ten years from now, if you happen to visit Dustin again…”

You laugh, she’s got such a spark to her. “You’ll have to figure out the whole ‘dibs’ thing by then with Steve.”

“I saw you first!” Steve shouts from somewhere in the aisles, before a giant crash follows. A few seconds pass, and then, much quieter this time, he shouts, “I’m fine!”

-

⌑ writing masterlist

[scribes-of-valar]

unexpected loyalties

Bilbo Baggins x fem!dwarf!reader (no beard)

a/n: based off the movie, not the books, just to clear that up if there is any book inconsistencies. First time writing for this fandom, and posting on this blog, let me know if I got anything wildly incorrect

Summary: Neither of you ever expected to like each other, let alone anything more. But you find yourself drawn to one another, despite the boundaries between you.

Another knock, he wasn’t sure he could handle many more visitors. Four dwarves were enough for him to want to run out of his home screaming. He tightened the ties of his robe, took a deep breath, and quietly prepared himself to turn down whoever waited outside his door. 

Yet, when it swung open his chest deflated and he found himself completely underwhelmed. He should be thankful that his doorstep was empty and that there were no more unwelcome guests to turn away. But he found himself incredibly confused. “Hm,” he pokes his head out slightly, looking around for stragglers. “Hello?” He calls out hesitantly. 

He jumps back as a woman leaps out of his rose bushes. “Oh!” You smile widely at him, shoving your hand out for a strong handshake. “Sorry about that, I thought I had the wrong hobbit.”

He gives your hand a brief shake, never one to forgo his manners. “I believe you do. In fact, you all do.”

Your face screws up in distaste and you look so forlorn he almost feels bad. Almost. “You are Mr. Bobbins aren’t you?”

He shakes his head with a scoff, “I am most certainly not. My name is Bilbo Baggins-”

You interrupt him with a relieved laugh. “Oh, apologies, then you are the hobbit I’m looking for. I’m afraid my cousin’s handwriting is nearly impossible to read. So the meeting is here, then?” You look at him expectantly, eyes wide and eager. 

Bilbo has to suppress the urge to stomp his foot and slam the door. He’s too old to be behaving like a child, but bebother and confusticate these dwarves he can take no more visitors! “There is no meeting here!” He snaps, nearly shouting in your face. 

Your brows furrow and you shake your head stubbornly. “They cannot have canceled it.” You seemed nearly as stubborn as him. You plant your feet, crossing your arms and glaring at him. “I would have been informed.”

Bilbo opens his mouth to inform you that no, nothing has been canceled because nothing has been scheduled. At least nothing he has been informed of. He knows this is all that blasted wizard’s fault. If only he’d stuck to his fireworks and simply left Bilbo alone, he would be having the peaceful evening he’d wished for. 

You narrow your eyes suspiciously, peering over his shoulder as something that sounds very old and sentimental breaks behind him. “Sorry about that!” A voice calls from his kitchen. Bilbo clenches his eyes shut, sucking in a sharp breath, and leans so you can’t see further into his home. 

“I do believe that was Balin’s voice,” you tell him, your voice low with an unspoken threat. “Mr. Bobbins-”

“Baggins.”

“Mr. Baggins,” you correct, “are my kin in there?” 

He shrugs, playing dumb and giving you a confused look. “And who,” he draws slowly, “would your kin be?”

You let out a heavy sigh. He doesn’t have any time to stop you as you nudge him to the side and shove your way into his home. “Thank you for the hospitality,” you mutter sarcastically. Your face lights up as you catch sight of an unruly blonde head of hair. “Fili! Kili!”

They call your name in return, rushing over to greet you. “Any trouble on the journey?” Kili asks as he takes your sword from you. He absentmindedly tosses it towards Bilbo who has to rush to catch it before it breaks something. 

“None at all, you know I’m a lot better at subtlety than the two of you are,” you tease. 

Bilbo’s eyes narrow as he takes you and the other dwarves in. You said your cousin sent you a letter. There was no possible way you could be their cousin. You didn’t look like any dwarf he had ever seen. Not that he had seen many, of course. There wasn’t enough gold or adventure in Hobbiton to bring many through. 

But he had heard the stories of dwarven women. How they were a dying breed, far more men than there were women. He also knew that it was incredibly hard to tell a wife apart from her husband, mainly because of the great big beards. 

You were taller than the others, far less hair, and simply not what he thinks when he pictures a dwarvish woman. “I see you met our host,” Fili nods towards Bilbo whose arms are now absolutely overloaded with the ridiculous amount of weapons you carry. Fili is clearly suppressing a slight smirk as he looks upon Bilbo. It’s hard not to feel a little offended. 

You turn back to Bilbo and frown, “Not a very welcoming host, these hobbits, are they?” Kili shakes his head, wrapping an arm around your shoulder and dragging you back towards the kitchen. 

Bilbo huffs and tosses the weapons to the floor with a put-off look. There’s loud cheering coming from the kitchen as the others greet you. He takes in a deep breath and sets his shoulders. Enough is enough. Clearly, there has been some mix-up. Whatever bearded reunion is taking place in his dining room is not meant for him. He’s just going to walk over to you all and inform you to take your business elsewhere. 

Bilbo only manages one step forward before a knock echoes through the front hall. It seems deafening, an ominous warning. He knows that if he goes to answer the door there will be no going back. These dwarves will be here to stay. He’s tempted to just ignore it, to usher you all out and slam the fence closed behind you. 

But then there’s a second knock, a third. He cannot simply ignore it, it’s too rude. Despite knowing better, he goes and answers the door. He’s nearly knocked over by a pile of stacked dwarves. He jumps back in shock, glaring down at them all. 

“That would be the rest of them,” you muse, appearing out of nowhere behind him. You grin at his affronted face, “Got any extra chairs?”

The Hobbit is certainly interesting. You struggle to find a kind word for him. He’s not exactly happy to have you all in his home. And you can’t entirely blame him, you and your kin aren’t the best guests. But Gandalf had told you all he was perfectly fine hosting the company in his hobbit hole. 

Though, you have a growing suspicion he wasn’t telling the whole truth if the wicked looks Bilbo is shooting him is anything to go by.  “Need a hand?” You ask, hovering in the entry of his pantry. 

He lets out a low sigh, just barely glancing over his shoulder at you. He stands amidst the wreckage of his once-great food stores. The rest of it is being bickered over in his dining room. If what Gandalf has told you is true and he is going to be your thief, then it shouldn’t matter. 

You’ve done him a sort of favor, clearing out his stores before the journey. No one wants to come back home to rot and mold having crept over all their food. But again, you’re starting to doubt the wizard’s words. He’s known for his tricks, but you didn’t think he would do something as sly as this. 

“I’m perfectly fine, thank you.” His voice is snippy, but he’s trying his best to be polite. You barely hold back a laugh at how hard he’s keeping up the pretense of being gracious. 

“Don’t be stubborn,” you insist, moving past him and grabbing a broom. “I don’t mind. Durin knows we aren’t a clean people.” He gives you an odd look as you start to sweep the mess up. He stays firmly planted in his spot, gaze tracking you. You try not to grow uncomfortable at his intense stare but it is hard. 

“You are a dwarf, then?”

Your face screws up in irritation and you shoot him a severe look. He lets out a slight whimper, whirling around and pretending to be fascinated by his shelves. “Yes,” you grit out, “I am. Despite the oddities in my appearance, I am a dwarf.”

He whips back towards you, face drawn tight in confusion. “Oddities?” He demands.

“Look at me,” you gesture to yourself, feeling a tight ball wind itself up in your throat. “No beard, too tall, I might as well just be a short human. I’m practically repulsive.”

His jaw drops and he stares at you for a long while. You can feel the judgment, and can practically hear his thoughts as he wonders at how ugly you are. Bilbo’s mouth opens and shuts multiple times before he lands on a squeaky, “Repulsive. That’s ridi-”

“There you are!” Gandalf’s head dips into the pantry and he gives you both an impatient smile. “We are waiting for you, Master Baggins,” he says your name and you nod. You throw the broom back in place and shove past them both, swallowing down tears. 

They watch you go with varying degrees of shock. “My word, what did you say to her?”

Bilbo snaps his jaw shut and shakes his head, “I might have brought up how peculiar it is that she doesn’t have a beard.”

Gandalf nods sagely, as though this is something he has experience with. “Sensitive topic for young dwarvish women.”

“Shouldn’t we wait for him?” You hiss to Kili as you all leave the tavern. You’d written Master Baggins a note, promising to wait for him in the Green Dragon Inn. If he didn’t make it by 11 AM, you would all leave. But Thorin was demanding your leave early, it didn’t seem fair to not give Bilbo a chance. 

Fili glances towards Thorin, making sure he’s not listening to the three of you. “Best not to argue with him. He’s been upset since the meeting in the north.”

You sigh, mounting your horse and falling into line with them. “I don’t blame him. They claim to be brothers, yet won’t come to our aid.”

“Watch, once we reclaim our home, they’ll all be demanding payment from the stores of Erebor.” You cannot help but agree with Kili. You are a greedy people, there’s no denying it. The lust for gold, at times, can rival that of a dragon’s. But you were loyal, to a fault. How could they abandon you all so readily?

You look towards Thorin and feel yourself deflate. He has been different since the stirrings of the journey were brewing. More prone to anger, and quicker to draw his blade. Something dark awakes within him when he thinks of Erebor. Reclaiming your home will benefit you all, but you cannot help but fear the dragon that lurks beneath its bones. 

Not the actual dragon, yes that’s terrifying, but the curse that lays over that gold could spell all your doom. You’d watched as it happened to one king, you don’t want to see another fall to the sickness. 

You’re about to ride up to Thorin when you hear a voice shouting wildly behind you all. “Wait! Wait!” You glance over your shoulder, a grin slowly spreading across your lips. Bilbo chases after the company, waving his contract in the air. 

Thorin frowns, bringing you all to a halt. Bilbo slides to a stop beside Balin. “I signed it,” he pants out, holding the contract out. The older dwarf frowns suspiciously, taking it from him and examining it through his lens. 

After a moment he nods at Thorin, “He signed it,” he reaffirms. Thorin glances towards Bilbo and you can’t tell if he’s going to honor his word or not. 

After a tense pause, Thorin finally nods, “Give him a pony.” Bilbo shakes his head and waves him off. 

“No, that won’t be necessary,” he insists. “I’m perfectly fine walking. You know I almost made the trek to-” Kili and Fili lean down and grab him by the jacket, hoisting him atop a pony. 

They both sport sore frowns as you ride up beside them. “I do believe I’m owed something, gentlemen.” You hold your palms out expectantly, Bilbo gives you an odd look as they both slam their gold into your hands. 

“What’s that?” He wonders as they ride off. 

You smile down at him, “You’ve just made me a rich woman, Master Baggins. They had a bet, about whether or not you would show.”

His brows raise and he narrows his eyes at you. “You thought I would come?”

You laugh, “Obviously.” You chuckle a little and toss him one of the pouches, “Here. It’s only fitting you should have some.” You nudge the side of your mare, urging her forward. Bilbo watches as you ride off, face furrowed in confusion as he rolls the gold around in his palm. 

He doesn’t know why you believing in him means so much, but it does. 

“Something caught your eye?” Bilbo startles from his thoughts and turns towards Balin. The old dwarf smiles slightly, glancing over Bilbo’s shoulder towards you. Bilbo flusters, stuttering slightly on his words as he shakes his head. 

“No,” Balin raises a brow and Bilbo shakes his head harder, scoffing. “No, not at all. I was only lost in thought.” Unwittingly, Bilbo’s gaze drifts back towards you. You’ve stripped off the heavy leathers of the day and are leaning over the fire, stirring some stew. 

The light of the fire casts you in a sort of glow. You could be mistaken for an elf by someone passing by. You tuck a braid behind your ear, standing up and glancing around camp. When your gaze drifts past him, he’s quick to turn back around. 

Balin is staring expectantly at him, giving him a cheeky smile. Bilbo’s quick to change the subject, not wanting to fan the flames of Balin’s assumption. “Are there other dwarf women,” he points vaguely towards you, “like her, I mean?”

Balin shakes his head, puffing on his pipe. “No, no one quite like her. She’s a fierce fighter and an even fiercer friend. She’s been working hard to campaign for this journey.”

“No,” Bilbo glances back towards you, ensuring you’re not listening. You’ve walked off, looking towards the ponies with a confused expression. “I mean, physically,” he rubs over his chin, miming where a beard is meant to be.

Balin huffs out a laugh. “No, it’s quite rare for any of us to be without beards. I don’t recommend bringing it up to her, it’s quite a sore subject. We think there might be some human blood, maybe even an elf somewhere down her line. It’s the only explanation for it.” He shakes his head with a sad smile, “A shame, truly.”

Bilbo continues to find himself more and more confused by his company. The way they speak of you, you’d think you were a troll, not a woman. “A shame? She’s,” he hesitates on the word, worrying it might be inappropriate. “She’s quite pretty,” he lands on.

Balin shrugs like there’s nothing to be done about it. “By any standard other than a dwarf’s. You have to understand, laddie, she’s a dwarf, despite appearances. No beard, too tall, she’s not pretty, as you said, to her people.”

Bilbo thinks it’s a horrible shame that you’re going to go through your whole life believing yourself to be some hideous creature. In truth, you’re one of the most beautiful women he’s ever met. He finds himself distracted every time your eyes meet his. 

“Bilbo,” you pop up behind him, scaring him as you seem to be doing. You smile slightly and nod towards the edge of camp. “Come with me?” Bilbo’s eyes widen as he follows after you. For a horrible moment, he thinks you’ve heard his and Balin’s conversation. 

You lead Bilbo into an outcrop of trees, there’s a little bit of firelight shining through ahead. His suspicions shift and he wonders if something else hasn’t gone wrong. Kili and Fili both stand by an overturned tree, peering over it and staring at something. Bilbo can’t see what it is from where he stands. 

You stop beside them both, turning towards him and giving him an apologetic smile. “We need your help-”

“We were meant to be watching the ponies,” Kili interrupts. 

“We’ve encountered a slight problem,” Fili motions toward the tree and Bilbo comes up to join them. “We had sixteen,” Bilbo looks to the pen where the ponies were being held and frowns.

“Now there’s fourteen,” you sigh, rubbing a hand over your face and glaring at Kili and Fili. 

“Oh no,” Bilbo frets. He counts the ponies again, just to ensure that you all didn’t make a mistake. “Should we not tell Thorin?”

Your face blanches and you share a panicked look with the brothers. “No,” Fili quickly butts in. “No reason to worry him. You are, after all, our burglar. We thought you might be able to help us.”

“We think we know where they went,” you tell him. Bilbo glances between the three of you and not for the first time he wonders how he got himself mixed up with this adventure. 

Trolls, trolls you could handle. Being tied up and thrown in a sack, nearly roasted alive and eaten. All of that was palatable. However, being hosted by elves was not. You sit at Elrond’s table and glare down at the vegetables before you. 

Elves, you almost scoff as one of them dances by you with a flute. They think they’re so much better than dwarves, so much more sophisticated. You wouldn’t be surprised if they were born with that haughty look on their face. 

It’s difficult to have an appetite when you have a rabbit’s dinner in front of you. It’s even harder when you’ve got Elrond’s men glaring holes into the back of your head. None of them trust you. And not because they expect you’re going to rob them. They simply don’t trust your table manners. 

A bread roll thunks against your cheek and you grimace. You pick it up, tossing it back at Dwalin and laughing as it knocks his salad into his lap. Well, they might have good reason to doubt your table manners.

You sigh, bored of your meal and tired of all the noise. You stand from the table, slipping away from the others. Thorin catches your eye as you leave, giving you a brief nod farewell. You head down the stairs, toward the pond you saw earlier. Perhaps, while everyone else is eating and arguing with each other, you can cleanse yourself. 

It’s been a long while on the road. Scrubbing yourself with rainwater hasn’t exactly done a wonderful job of keeping you clean. You’re used to always being on the move, but you’ve been able to settle down nicely enough in the mountains. It feels a little odd to be adventuring once more. 

You can practically smell the elves' magic permeating the air around you. It’s light, it feels like a weight being removed from your shoulders. It tastes like something sweet dancing along your tongue.

As much as you despise Thranduil and his kingdom for abandoning your people, a part of you has to admit that Elrond held no part of that. They did not offer you aid or a place to rest, but he had no reason to. It’s wrong to hold your bitterness against him. 

And it does not make a good king to so stubbornly reject Elrond’s help. You worry for Thorin, worry for his sanity when it comes to returning to Erebor. He’s so like his grandfather, it wouldn’t be so difficult for him to succumb to the same sickness Thror had. 

You drag your fingers lightly over the marble of the elves' home. It’s impressive, the way the forest manages to grow through their walls. Their architecture is something to be admired, even if it is not as grand as Erebor once was. 

You stumble upon the pond and strip out of your clothes. You dive into the pristine waters and are surprised when you feel no chill on your skin. The water is warm and it eases your aching bones. The stress melts away from your tightened muscles. If you weren’t so skeptical, you’d think the water held a magic of its own. Then again, Elrond’s Last Homely House is renowned for the healing capabilities it provides, perhaps it does.

You swim for a while, stretching your limbs and floating along the surface of the water. The sky darkens above you and the stars appear.

The view on the road is always gorgeous and usually left unblanketed by clouds. But this is absolutely breathtaking. You feel as though you could reach up and steal a star for yourself. 

You pull yourself onto the shore of the pond and find that your clothes have been taken. A white, gossamer gown hangs on the branch of a tree, and your brows furrow. “Elves,” you hiss with disdain. You wonder which one of the flighty things had left this while you’d been swimming. You’re sure whoever it was got quite the show. You pull the gown on and ponder going back to the others. 

You can hear their laughter from here. You know they’ve probably found food that you can actually stomach but you can’t bring yourself to leave the peaceful serenity of the water just yet. 

Bilbo does not want to admit that he was looking for you. He simply dismisses the idea as wanting to explore more of Elrond’s home. After all, he’s never gone further than the shire. He’d had the desire to, once, when he was a child. He’d all but abandoned that for the comfort of home. 

He can see why he had once wanted to see the elves so badly. The entire place is filled to the brim with magic and people older than the oak trees surrounding the Shire. He seems to be the only one recognizing how truly wonderful this place is. He knows the others all want to leave. He can see how restless they are the longer they stay. 

He wonders if you feel the same way. He cannot tell, he finds it harder to read you than he does the others. He doesn’t know if it’s because he’s afraid of thinking of you for too long or if you are simply an enigma to him. 

He ascends the stairs, gazing out at the forest and smiling as the breeze brushes against him. Something catches his eye by the glittering waters of the pond and he frowns. He peers further over the railing and spots what must be another elf. They’re surrounded by starlight, basking in the glow of the night. Their beauty is nearly breathtaking. 

Imagine his surprise when they turn and it’s you. His eyes widen infinitesimally and he backs away from the rail before you can see him. Why does he keep mistaking you for an elf? 

Bilbo finds himself moving before he really thinks about what he’s doing. Your back is to him as you drape yourself along one of the rocks near the shore. Your toes dip slightly into the water and he can just barely hear you humming to yourself. 

He’s caught completely off guard by the sight of your hair. Damp and curling, it lay along your back without any braids. It’s the first time he’s seen any of the dwarves without a braid in their hair. He doesn’t have a vast amount of knowledge of your culture, but he feels as though it’s taboo to have your hair unbound like this. 

He clears his throat awkwardly and you shoot up in surprise. Your hand drifts to your hip where he’s sure there’s usually a dagger. Tonight, though, you are wholly unarmed. The thought doesn’t seem to bring you much comfort as you narrow your eyes at him. 

“Bilbo,” you call out, slightly breathless. “You scared me.”

He gives a strained smile and laughs, taking a hesitant step towards you. You sit up straighter and beckon him closer. He obliges embarrassingly fast, taking a seat beside you at the edge of the pond. He doesn’t even mind as moisture and mud stain his pants. 

“What are you doing?” You ask, voice light and tired. 

“I was going for a walk,” and wondering where you had gone, he thinks to himself. But that is not something he is ready to admit to you, yet. You’re still practically strangers. 

“It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?” 

He nods and the question that’s been lingering in his mind slips out. “How do you know Thorin?” You give him a confused look and he quickly adds, “You’re the only woman in the company, I’m only curious.”

“Oh,” you smile slightly and look towards the water. “I believe he’s my distant uncle, possibly a few times removed.” He frowns and you laugh, “The family tree grows a tad confusing. We’d gone through a long list of kings named Durin and the familial relations got hard to keep track of. It’s possible we might not share blood at all. But the dragon had left me orphaned and I was raised alongside Fili and Kili, blood or no, we’re family.”

There’s a faint smile on your face as you speak of the others and it makes a small one form for him. “I’m sorry,” he whispers, “losing your family, it must have been incredibly hard.”

You shake your head, shrugging his apology off. “No need, I was too young to truly remember them. Besides,” you gesture towards the balcony above and you both listen as the others laugh, “I’ve got more than enough now.”  

It’s admirable, how loyal you all are to each other. Bilbo’s almost envious of your bond with the others. It’s clear each of you would die for your king, for your home. It’s a dedication and purpose he has never had. 

“Do you miss the shire?” You ask, curious and not accusing as Thorin often is. “I imagine life on the road is nothing compared to the comforts of home.”

“Yes,” he answers so quickly it makes you both laugh. Your face lights up when you smile and you smile so little. But when you do, it makes his breath catch. He grows even happier when he’s the reason for it. 

“I do miss home. But,” he leans in and you follow, smirking like you’re sharing a secret. “I must admit, adventuring is not as bad as I once thought.”

“Ah,” you lean back, “we’re poisoning you Master Burglar. Soon you’re not going to want to go back.” Well, Bilbo would not go so far as to say that, but you do have a point. The recklessness of the dwarves has seemed to be influencing him, just a tad. 

“Well,” he hums and shakes his head slightly. He catches the teasing smile on your lips and doesn’t bother correcting you. “Maybe,” you look a little surprised that he played along and it only makes him more amused. 

His eyes drift towards your hair before looking back at you. You give him a self-conscious smile, idly running a hand over the strands. “I took them out to bathe, I didn’t have the energy to rebraid.”

He speaks before he can even think. Perhaps it is the joy of being alone with you that loosens his tongue so foolishly. “I could braid it for you.”

Your eyes widen with shock and you ever-so-slightly flinch back from him. “Do you,” you clear your throat, practically gaping at him. He doesn’t know what about what he just said is so appalling to you but he wishes he’d just never spoken at all. “Do you mean that?”

“Well,” he mutters lowly, “I suppose. Yes,” it sounds more like a question than anything. He can’t help but wonder what he just offered in your culture. 

You blink rapidly, pushing your shoulders back and straightening. “Alright,” you whisper and there’s a giddy grin on your lips that he can’t help but be suspicious of. “I’d love it if you would.”

He gets to his feet, moving to stand behind you and idly running his hand through the damp strands of your hair. He doesn’t do many, just enough to keep your hair out of your eyes as you’re on the road. But you seem to get more and more restless with each one he adds. 

Finally, when he’s done, he takes a step back and gives you a strained smile. “There you are.”

You get to your feet, running your hand over the braids. “Oh,” your eyes widen as you feel them. “You put quite a few.”

He glances away from you and looks to the tree beside him like might hold the answers to this bizarre encounter. “Was I not meant to?”

You shake your head rapidly and wave him off. “Oh, no, this is wonderful.” You wince and give him a strained smile, “I mean, it’s good. Thank you,” before he can question you on your odd behavior you run off. He watches with a furrowed brow as you rush up the stairs to the dwarves' quarters. 

He’s absolutely bewildered as he makes his way up a moment later. He can’t imagine what he could have done to offend you simply by offering to braid your hair. When he makes it to the quarters, he’s not greeted with the rowdy laughter and loud conversation he was expecting. 

Instead, the majority of the dwarves are huddled around the fire, whispering lowly amongst themselves. When he walks in each of them turns towards him so quickly he nearly runs back out of the room. He can’t imagine what he could have done to have warranted such odd reactions from both you and the company. 

“Er,” he skirts around them, or attempts to at least, “good night.”

“Bilbo,” he clenches his eyes shut, sighing as Thorin calls his name. Whatever he had done, any attempts at escaping the consequences are thrown out the window. He turns towards Thorin who's standing in the corner, away from the others. He waves him forward. 

Bilbo feels very much like a child about to be scolded as the others watch him move towards Thorin. Thorin glances towards the others and lets out a heavy sigh. He walks outside and Bilbo follows him down the stairs and back to the path he was on before. 

“I doubt you know what you’ve done,” Thorin grumbles bitterly. He looks to Bilbo who only shakes his head. “Braids mean a great deal to us, I don’t imagine they hold much meaning for hobbits.”

“No, they don’t.” Bilbo glances back towards the balcony, and he sees you standing there. The moonlight still shines down upon you and he still can’t fathom that you would ever believe yourself to be anything but beautiful. 

“She is young, but she’s not a fool. I’m sure she knows that you didn’t mean anything by giving her courting braids,” Thorin emphasizes the words with a severe look. Bilbo curses his foolishness under his breath. He can’t believe he’s done something so stupid. “Did you?” Thorin asks. 

Bilbo shakes his head quickly, “No, of course not. I didn’t-”

“Know,” Thorin finishes for him. “I know. Could you?”

Bilbo looks up at him with a confused scrunch to his face. “Could I… what?” he asks hesitantly. 

“Could you ever care for her like that?” Bilbo goes to answer but Thorin interrupts him before he can. “She’ll never have any luck with her own people, not with the way she looks. If anyone did marry her, it would only be so they could be closer to the king and I don’t want that for her. I’m not asking you to marry her Master burglar, I’m only asking if you’d ever consider it.”

Thorin leaves Bilbo standing right back at the pond. He goes back to join the others and when Bilbo turns to watch him go, you wave at him from the balcony. He considers what Thorin said, and considers how he feels every time you two get a chance to be alone. 

He entertains the idea for a moment, but it's foolish. Even if he was truly in love with you, you were two completely different people. You were used to the road, always looking for a new adventure. Bilbo knew he would only ever have one great adventure in his life. His heart would always call him back to the Shire, back to home. 

He smiles and waves back at you. He watches you go back inside and he stays by the pond, thinking of what it could be like. 

The last time you see Bilbo is at Thorin’s funeral. You’re consumed by your grief and can’t spare him any attention. Three men to be mourned. The last of your true family is dead while another sits the throne that Thorin had earned. 

You can’t help but weep over their bodies, can’t help but leave the room so you won’t have to look at them any longer. You run from the procession, and that’s when you see him. Slipping away from everything like a proper thief. 

“Bilbo?” You call out, your voice is watery and thick. He lingers by the entrance of the mountain. His shoulders jump to his ears as he tenses at the sound of your voice. He turns back to you, offering you a weak smile. “Leaving?” You question, a weak tease lying somewhere in your tone. 

He nods, “I thought it would be better like this.”

“You didn’t think we’d want to say goodbye?” Bofur’s voice echoes behind you. You turn to find the others all standing there, watching as Bilbo tries to leave. You must not have been the only one unable to stomach seeing another wearing the crown. 

Dain had fought for you all, he’d come to your aid when you needed him most. He’d earned the title of king. But that didn’t make it an easier pill to swallow. 

Bilbo laughs sadly when he sees the rest of the company. You’re sure he thought it would be less painful to simply leave you all. But you needed some sort of closure with him. Even though you’d always known that nothing could ever truly happen between the two of you, you still weren’t ready to let go. 

“If any of you are ever passing Bag End,” he pauses, swallowing thickly, “tea is at four. There’s plenty of it.” His gaze drifts towards you and you can’t bring yourself to meet his eye, “You are always welcome.”

You only know he’s gone when you hear his footsteps retreating. Pain and heartache make a coward out of you. You don’t chase him or call out to him as you should. You watch him leave and you let him go. 

One Year Later

The clock chimes just half past four and a knock rings out through Bag End. Bilbo frowns, head lifting from the map he’s working on. He pauses and his home remains silent. He shakes his head, dismissing it as a hopeful illusion. Just as he places the quill back on the parchment another rapid set of knocks ring out. 

This time it’s persistent. It grates on him as his door rattles from the force. Bilbo huffs, “A moment, please!” He snaps, glaring at whoever lurks behind his door. Another impatient knock and he wonders if it would be wrong to get Sting out of the chest by the door. 

He stomps towards the door, grabs the knob, and throws it open, “What-”

He cuts himself off, eyes widening and face going slack with shock as you smile at him. You’re here. You’re here and standing before him and he almost wonders if he’s dreaming of you again. 

“Master Bobbins?” You tease, a watery laugh leaving your parted lips. 

“What-” he stutters and stumbles over his words, not even sure what to say. He’s barely processed the fact that you’re even here. 

You shrug, “I’m sorry I’m so late. I was hoping to get here at four but Bofur had some problems on the road,” you cut yourself off and give him a breathless laugh. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind if I stayed a while.”

Bilbo can only smile, something thick and choking hanging at the back of his throat. He feels his chest tighten and he shakes his head. “Please,” he breathes out, “stay.”

You grin at him, tears brimming at the corners of your eyes as you take a step inside. “You planted the tree,” you point out, looking toward the sapling growing by his home. 

“It reminds me of,” he trails off. It reminds him of everything. Thorin, the adventure, all the friends he’d left behind. You. You nod, not needing words to understand him. “What are you doing here?” He asks, not yet having processed what you’d said.

“I thought it was time for a different adventure,” you tell him, your hand grazing against his as you smile at him. You walk into his home and Bilbo closes the door behind you, already thinking of a million ways your adventure could begin. 

end. — I do not own the characters or the book/movie The Hobbit, but this writing is my own all rights reserved © scribes-of-valar 2024. do not copy, repost, translate & recommend elsewhere.

[jeonjaemark]

christmas sweater || boo seungkwan

content warning: mentions of death // masterlist

“guys! c’mon! let’s start secret santa!” soonyoung shouts, pulling me to the couch.

i stumble between my feet after trying to bite into my cookie. it crumbles as soonyoung sits me down near him on the floor. i huff a breath of disappointment at my broken cookie and pushed it on the coffee table. everyone gathers around the living room bringing their food or drinks. soft christmas music was playing in the background as quiet conversations break out.

“you just want secret santa to happen already so you get your gift and prove to everyone you gave away the best one.” i teased, nudging him with my elbow.

“my reasons are not selfish for wanting to start secret santa already.”

“no, they’re definitely selfish.” seungkwan chimes in backing me up as he sits next to me.

“if you two are just gonna team up against me the entire time then maybe we just skip the two of you this year.” soonyoung hissed waving us off.

“soonyoung, just start reading the names out for everyone.” seungcheol hissed from the other side of the couch.

he grabs the gifts from under the tree distributing them one by one to each person. i stare up the tree admiring the blue and pink decor covering the white tree. a few pictures of the members were hung around as ornaments making me giggle. of course the tree had the members all over it.

soonyoung reaches for a rectangular blue snowflake box wrapped with a silver sparkly ribbon. he calls out my name and i happily take the gift from him. i try to shake the gift around gently hoping to give away any hints, but i couldn’t really hear anything. the box was light and full which meant there wasn’t going to be a block of gold inside.

once soonyoung passed out the gifts to everyone, each person took a turn opening their gifts. a collective oooh’s and ahhhh’s broke out every ten minutes making it seem like i was watching the minion’s movie.

seungkwan holds up his new hair dryer that he got along with a bag of vitamin powder. all the members took turns each teasing him about how he is going to be a menace having the dryer everyone wanted. he tried to make a few guess on who gave him the gift but one glance around the room gave it away for me. in the corner i noticed jihoon quietly hiding behind jun. his ears were red when seungkwan guessed joshua as his secret santa and went on a whole spiel about why he believed it was joshua.

“why wouldn’t it be him? he likes me.”

“everyone likes you but that doesn’t mean they’ll get you a nice gift.” soonyoung snickers.

“this has joshua written all over it.” seungkwan stood firm on his choice. “i have talked about the hair dryer multiple times in front of him.”

“it’s not me, i swear.” joshua holds his hands up in surrender. “but you’ve talked about the hair dryer in front of everyone a million times.”

“enough guessing. we have five other people to go through with gifts. seungkwan stop taking away the spotlight.” mingyu says. “y/n, it’s your turn.”

i untied the ribbon and slide open the box finding a maroon cardigan with snowflake and reindeer pattern decorating the mid section. i hold up the sweater in front of me and turn it finding the year 1998 stitched in the back.

my heart stops while staring at the cardigan in disbelief. many memories flooded my brain at the person wearing this cardigan.

“y/n, help me with setting the table before grandma arrives.” mom says, placing the food in the center of the table.

the doorbell goes off making olaf bark at the sound to alert us. dad walks past us to the door telling olaf to go to her bed and to quiet down. loud laughter fills the house making my heart jump with a joy. one by one my cousins, aunts and uncles pile into the house. each time the doorbell goes off the clutter of voices gets louder and louder as everyone slowly arrives. i always love the holiday season because it meant being together my family.

i set the plates down when a small wrinkled woman with short curly hair dressed in a maroon with snowflakes and reindeer walks in. the scent of cinnamon fills the dining area making my inside go warm. i abandon what i was doing and rush over to her.

“grandma.” i gushed as she pulls me into a tight embrace. “i missed you.”

“y/n, are you okay?” seokmin asked, breaking me out of my thoughts. “you look like you’re about to cry.”

the pads of my finger reach my eyes and a tear escapes. i quickly wipe away the tears clearing my throat while i tried to compose myself again.

“y-yeah. i just really love the sweater.”

everyone moved on to the next person to open their gifts as they reacted over a pair of jeans and sweater. the chatter of the members faded as my thoughts grew too loud to focus on the rest of the gift opening.

———

for the past twenty minutes joshua, seokmin and soonyoung were hogging the mic for karaoke while the others were drinking while playing a board game or were playing with their new gifts they got. i stayed out in the balcony wanting to get away from the chaos. no matter how long i stared and held the sweater in my hands, i was still in disbelief. i never thought there would be a day that i would have this sweater in my hands again after losing it.

“hey, do you mind having some company?” a soft voice asked.

i look up finding seungkwan holding two mugs filled with steaming hot chocolate. i nod and he carefully walks out handing me a mug. he takes a seat next to me on the bench. i adjust the heater moving it closer to his side so we both can stay warm.

luckily the air was only chilly instead of freezing cold like usual and the night was a little brighter compared to it being pitch black. it was hard to see the stars from here but it was nice and quiet out compared to the chaos inside. seungkwan doesn’t say anything after adjusting himself on the bench and just stares up at the sky.

“so did you ever figure out who got you the hair dryer?”

“yeah, everyone confessed who got who while you were out here. by the way j——“

“can i ask you something?” i bit my inner lip looking at him.

many thoughts race through my mind whether to ask or not. it would bother me if i didn’t ask but at the same time i didn’t want to ask. there’s too much emotions to unpack. seungkwan clears his throat breaking me out of my thoughts. he straightens his posture seeing a glimpse of something in my eyes. he must have realized how heavy the conversation was going to be. he sets down his mug in the space between us.

“how did you find this?” i held up the sweater to him.

“how are you so sure the gift is from me?”

“seungkwan, i wasn’t born yesterday. no one knows about this sweater except you.”

“i could’ve hint it to someone else to get it for you.”

“seungkwan! you’re my best friend. as much i believe that any of guys would get me a thoughtful gift, it wouldn’t be this special.”

seungkwan and i both stare at each other. as much as he denies it, i know he was the one who got me this sweater. there is no one else in the room that would’ve thought about getting me this. none of them were to know the significance of the sweater. i stood firm on my guess waiting for him to weigh down and confess.

“okay, fine. you guessed correctly. it’s me.” he smiles. “i know how much that sweater means to you. that is the only thing you have that makes you still feel connected to her.”

the holiday season was the one time a year where i felt like my family was normal and got along. the laughter and loud voices of my cousins all talking together as we open our gifts and play games. my aunts doing their zumba to work off the meal they just ate. my uncles all sat at the table together playing poker while drinking and shouting over the call of the game. grandma drifting between hanging out with all the moms or checking up on us kids to make sure we’ve eaten enough food for the next three years.

she recently passed some time ago. i could still remember coming home from class with seungkwan. my mom’s eyes were red and puffy. her face pale like she had seen a monster. seungkwan wouldn’t leave my side the entire week.

the holidays feel a little empty without her. every year since she passed i would wear the sweater believing that she was still here with us around this time. a year ago mom had accidentally sold it during a garage sale back around summer. my heart broke when she confessed to me about it even after trying to track the buyer. at the end of the day she couldn’t find it and i was heartbroken. i kept reassuring mom that it’s okay and it’s not her fault. it was an honest mistake, but it felt like i was losing her all over again.

“it took me a while to find it. i may have been charged a little bit more than the original price but it’s worth it.” he smirks, squeezing my hand.

“thank you. seriously thank you.” i sniffle wrapping my arms around him. “you don’t know how much this means to me.”

“of course. i am happy that i can bring back a little bit of your christmas magic.”

he helps me put on the sweater. he adjusts a few strands in my hair. a rush of warmth floods my veins as i run my fingers off the soft design stitch into the sweater. i lean my nose closer to my shoulder. cinnamon and apples flood my nose and i get taken back to many memories of grandma in this sweater during this season. the way her eyes crinkle in the corner as she claps her hands singing along to the christmas songs. i spin around showing off the sweater to him and he giggles as i tried my best to model.

“beautiful. i am sure you’re grandma would be happy to see you in the sweater again.”

i look back to seungkwan squeezing him tightly. he wraps his arms around me patting my back. i had the most amazing best friend in the world. i couldn’t have picture a more perfect gift.

“uhmmm guys? can you get back in here? seokmin and soonyoung are drunk. they took over the karaoke and now i am scared to take the mic away.” jun says.

“i think we should go save our friends from the drunk karaoke singers.” i laughed tugging seungkwan behind me. “or maybe we can join them.”

[iheartyouyou]

SWEETHEART | Jeremiah Fisher

Summary: After your parents file for a divorce, you’re forced to move in with your mom’s friend until the divorce is finalized. You wished you could stay with your dad and your friends, but when you meet Jeremiah Fisher, that changes. And now you’re wanting to stay in the Cousins. Too bad things don’t last forever.

Word Count: 2.0k

Part: 7

previous part series masterlist next part

Authors Note: Fun fact I made this part so long that I had to split it in half. Anyways, no spoilers but the finale of tsitp???? 😍 (Wouldn’t let me tag some people :( )

Why’d you have to be such a complete idiot?

Now everything was going to be awkward. Why didn’t you just kiss him? You barely knew the dude though, and didn’t he have a girlfriend.

You groan as another message from your friends’ group chat comes in, talking about plans for the yearly fair that happened every summer.

How do you tell them to stop talking about plans in the same group chat as you as it’s making you jealous and your life over here is going to shit.

Putting your phone on silent, you shove your phone somewhere underneath your pillows as you exit your room, walking to the bathroom.

“…to the dinner— Y/N!” Belly shouts, stopping you in your tracks as you peeked your head into her room.

She sends you a smile, mascara wand in hand. She motions to her flower crown “Susannah got us these, you don’t have to wear it but yours is on the nightstand.”

You don’t miss the way Taylor rolls her eyes, turning away so she can’t see you.

“Thanks.” You smile, grabbing the crown.

“You should get ready with us for dinner! You know who’s coming? Cam.” Belly says, turning back to the mirror so she can finish her mascara.

“Cam…?”

“Sextus.”

“Oh yeah, that guy. You guys are official?”

Belly shrugs, a blush forming on her cheeks. “We’re also going to a party later, it was Taylor’s idea. Maybe you can borrow some of her clothes so you can hookup with someone there.”

“My clothes probably wouldn’t fit her…” Taylor mumbles, putting on the flower crown as she stares at herself in the mirror.

“I have my own clothes anyway, plus I don’t really want to ‘hookup with someone’.”

Belly turns to face you, one of her eyebrows raising in confusion before it falls back down. “Oh right, you’re hooking up with Jere.”

“What?” You quickly ask, checking behind you to make sure Jeremiah (or anybody for that matter) didn’t hear that.

Belly rolls her eyes, “I totally walked in on some date thing last night.”

“We were watching movies because of a bet—“

“Yeah sure.” Belly sarcastically remarks.

The whole conversation seemed to take Taylor’s interest as she finally turned to face you. “We all know his rep, wouldn’t be surprised.” She said to Belly, even though she was staring at you.

You furrow your eyebrows, “What rep?”

“His “hooking up with everybody” rep. Don’t know a single person here he hasn’t hooked up with.” Belly jokes, finishing her mascara as she shoves it into her makeup bag.

Hooking up with everybody? So, what, you were just another name he was trying to check off the list? Is that why he tried to make a move after barely just knowing you?

“Surprised he hasn’t made a move on me.” Taylor says, putting her hands on her hips.

“Taylor.” Belly warns, rolling her eyes. “Look, Jere Bear hasn’t hooked up with anybody since you’ve got here… well I think, anyway you should be fine.”

“Oh…” You mumble, scratching your arm as your grip on the flower crown tightened.

Taylor whips out her phone, sitting on the edge of Belly’s bed as she scrolled through whatever.

“How do you like… I don’t know, know that he hasn’t hooked up with anyone.. since… y’know.” You find yourself hesitantly asking, shifting your weight onto your left foot.

Belly groans dramatically, “He always comes to me and talks about them, with WAY too many details, it’s so gross but he’s always like “what should I do? should I call them back?” She mimics him in the last part.

Jeremiah Fisher was attractive. Okay, well, he’s probably the hottest guy you’ve ever seen and probably the first and last hottie to ever show you attention. And you hated hearing about this newfound information Belly was giving you, and even if you did let Jeremiah Fisher kiss you in that pool, there will be someone better looking and you’ll just be another name crossed off the list.

Belly basically shrieks when her phone goes off, jumping up and down as she looks in between you and Taylor. “Cam’s here!”

-

Can someone please bury me six feet underground?

Dinner was so awkward.

Well, maybe just for you.

But you could feel the awkwardness between you and Jeremiah, he avoided looking and talking to you. It was like you weren’t even there.

And you tried to not look at him, but sometimes you kind of just had to. Like, your eyes drifted there and you wouldn’t even realize it until someone would smack the table from a joke or a loud laugh coming from somewhere around the table.

“So why don’t you eat meat, Cam?” Jeremiah asked, stuffing his food into his mouth.

“Uh, the meat industry is like the number one contribution to global warming.“ He shrugs before continuing, “And I just like animals.”

“Just don’t come for my leather jacket.” Taylor quips, a smile on her face.

So what? She was nice to everybody but you? What the hell did you do to her?

“Pretty sure you mean pleather” Steven jokes, acting offended when Taylor flips him off.

Your eyes feel heavy, you just want to eat, clean up, and go to sleep.

“Y’know, uh, Belly eats meat. So, you let her kiss you with those lips?” Jeremiah says, taking a sip of his water.

“Guys.” Belly starts, already annoyed as her face gets hotter and hotter by the second. “Stop”

Cam chuckles, “I don’t judge people for eating meat, it’s just a personal choice, I don’t care”

Jeremiah continued his questions, “So you don’t mind if her lips touch a dead animal and those dead animal lips touch your lips, right?”

Belly sends a hard kick to Jeremiah, earning a small “ow” as Belly looks over to you for help. You shrugged.

“Pretty sure that’s not how that works, Jeremiah.”

For the first time that night Jeremiah looked at you, eyes wide with amusement. “And how would you know? Have you ever kissed someone, Y/N?”

You feel your cheeks getting hot with embarrassment as you shake your head. “I have.”

He mocks a surprised face, “You just kiss certain people or…?”

“I don’t kiss wannabe playboys—“ You start, ready to get up and slap him across the face if you had to before Cam interjected.

“No, it’s fine. I don’t mind at all—in fact…” Cam turns, pressing his lips to Belly in a quick peck. Enough for you and Jeremiah to stop talking, as well as the rest of the table.

It was quiet for a few moments as you stared at Belly in shock before Jeremiah and Steven started making gagging noises.

“Alright, alright, Belly’s allowed to kiss.” Laurel defends her, before she points at fork at Cam. “But that’s it.” She then bursts out into laughter as if it was the funniest thing ever.

“Mom, please!” Belly groans, “You’re so not funny, no more wine for you okay?”

“I’m sorry but I just don’t understand why anybody would want to kiss somebody who once fully shat in the bathtub.” Steven grimaces, using his hands to emphasis the point.

“I was like two years old!”

“Two? You were like six!” Steven says, both him and Jeremiah laughing their asses off.

“Shut up, Steven!” Belly shouts.

And after a few more quips back and forth, you zoned out as you played with the remainder of your food. You could hear your moms laughter in the background, nice to know she’s all happy.

The last thing said was Belly announcing they were going to Nicoles party before everybody one by one left the table, cleaning up and putting their dishes away.

You were one of the first.

You managed to escape upstairs after you cleaned up, ready to take a hot shower and sleep until 1 pm before Belly the announcer, once again announced that Cam would be giving you guys a ride as Jeremiah already left.

-

“You mind taking a picture of us?” Taylor asks, already handing you her phone before you could respond. You clench your jaw before nodding, waiting for the two of them to pose before snapping a picture.

Tossing the phone back to Taylor, unbothered to see if she caught it or not your eyes scan the outside of the house. Cup pong was going on near the front door, music blaring from inside of the house and you could see multiple people in there from the windows.

You follow the two girls into the house, Cam following shortly behind you.

As soon as you walked in, someone was sliding down the rail of the stairs. Surprisingly no liquid falling out of the cup they were holding.

“Belly! You came!” You see Nicole come out, her arms held out wide as she engulfs Belly into a hug.

The two shared compliments before Nicole dragged Belly into another room to show everybody else her flower crown.

“I’m gonna go find a drink, what about you Y/N?” Taylor mumbles, already taking off to the living room.

Your eyebrows furrowed, following her nonetheless as a drink did sound good. Taylor was already pouring herself a drink, handing you a empty cup once you were next to her.

She lightly elbows you, motioning you to Jeremiah who was sitting close by. “There’s your boyfriend.”

You look over, seeing how close Jeremiah was to the guy across from him. He was already staring at you, making awkward eye contact before you broke it.

Grabbing the first bottle you saw, you poured it into your cup before taking a large sip of it. And damn was it strong.

By the time you looked back at Jeremiah, he was already making out with the guy.

Taylor scoffs, “Guess Belly was wrong, you could totally find a way hotter guy here. C’mon.” She takes you by the arm, dragging you into another room as she looked for a “hotter guy”

“What about that guy?” She asks, motioning to a guy who was chugging a drink.

“Uh.. no.” You shake your head, confused as to why all of the sudden Taylor was being nice to you. It was if the second Belly ditched her, you were the second best option.

“Yeah, probably not. But I mean any guy here is better than Jeremy—“ She starts, pulling your arm to pull you into another room before you stop her. “Why are you being so nice?”

“What?” She makes a sour face at you, letting you go.

“You were acting like a total bitch earlier and now you’re acting like we’re besties.” You say straight up.

She rolls her eyes, “Are you that sensitive? I’m just trying to help you find someone! Unless you wanna go hookup with Jeremiah over there.”

“Why is it always about Jeremiah?”

“Because he obviously has the hots for you, well had them because now he clearly wants nothing to do with you.” She hissed.

Oh how bad you wanted to smack this bitch so hard right across the face her flower crown would fly off.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Really? Because he wouldn’t stop mentioning you earlier, saying he would be the one to give you a ride here yet you third wheeled with me.”

You gritted your teeth, “Why do you even care? Why are you all up in my business? This has nothing to do with you.”

“Because Belly also talks about you ALL the time! Maybe if you didn’t do whatever you did and messed things up, you would be hanging out with Jeremy and leaving me and Belly alone. I’m her best friend, not you. You hardly know her, actually, you hardly know anybody in this goddamn place so why don’t you go back to wherever you came from and make everybody’s lives easier?” She stormed off before you could even answer, stomping upstairs and leaving you with your thoughts.

You looked around, seeing as a few people were staring your way. You moved around bodies as you made your way outside, itting on one of the chairs nearby.

You hate this place. Just a few more days, then you can tell Susannah you want to go home, she’ll fly you home, you can stay with your dad and never see any of these people ever again.

Taylor was just a bitch who was jealous that her friend had other friends who weren’t her.

Fuck your life.

Taglist: @mindflay3r @lexi-2004 @buckys2thicc @agoodmansaid @jeremiahfisherslover @yourfavoritefangirl @leslienjazzy @natsgaygf @justkayleighhere @puptails @simp4jackharlow @yobabygirlally @whenmypartysover @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @medusaslilsister @maexxc @siriuslysmoking @nowimyurdaisy @totallynotkaibiased @eevee0722 @theyallhaveluv4lyricb @wh0reforstefansalvatore @pariahsparadise @alice3612 @pancakelover837373 @angelbabyyy99 @lillygwenstacy @khloe-193 @buckysh0e @nctma15 @lovelygloomm @ashlenxx @yeosxxx

[tumblydovereviews]

Primos Was Okay (And That's Okay!)

On Thursday, after over a year of controversy, delays, and pushback from the general public, Primos finally premiered on Disney Channel, to a surprisingly stable reception.

First of all, congratulations to the cast and crew for the premiere! For a show that was on such unstable waters just a year back, it's great to see that Primos has seen the light of day and not simply became a tax write-off.

As anyone involved in the animation community in June 2023 may recall, Primos' initial response was not great in the slightest, and for good reason. Based on solely the theme song alone, the show featured grammatical errors, unintentionally insensitive names, and was dismissed by others as Disney's cheap copy of The Casagrandes. Comments from cast members such as Tater's voice actor herself only added fuel to the fire. The show, initially set to drop in the fall of that same year, was delayed to January, then June as a precursor to the Big City Greens movie, and finally, July of 2024.

I personally didn't care for the Primos drama too much. Sure, I liked the theme song's beat and for a while it became an earworm, but I wasn't looking too closely at being a consistent viewer on the show. I was mixed on the artstyle, the characters, and the plot, which, while not awful by any means, weren't anything amazing as well.

But, with nothing else to do, I ultimately decided to view the first episode of Primos on YouTube the day after the big debut.

And, the show was serviceable.

The characters weren't annoying, and there were some moments that made me chuckle a bit. The songs were serviceable, and the themes on self-discovery are unique. But, ultimately, I don't see myself with any reason to really engage with this show outside of just watching a few episodes. The story of Primos is all there, but on its own, it's just there.

If there's any character I truly hated, it was Tater and Nellie's mother, Bibi. Knowing fully well she didn't have the time or effort to efficiently take care of twelve kids on top of her two daughters and baby son, yet inviting then over anyways for the sake of 'memories' instead of listening to her kids. No wonder they address her by her first name.

As for characters I liked, I honestly enjoyed the three most 'normal' Primos in my opinion: Lita, Scooter, and Lucita. They get along well and have acceptable personalities. I can especially relate to Scooter and his anxiety, as a person who gets quite nervous themselves sometimes. Also, shout-out to Lucita, who's deaf and actually communicates through ASL on the occasion. Deaf representation is lacking in media, and I love how this show is helping us move one step further in that regard.

I also enjoyed Nellie as a character as well; it is admittedly a but weird how she's an eight-year-old with a Luisa-deep voice but her chemistry with Tater is great.

As for Tater herself, she's okay. She server her purpose as the disgruntled almost ten-year-old trying to find herself. Nothing too much or too little. I can relate to her in the sense of needing peace and quiet away from cousins; my cousins actually moved into my own house temporarily last year for a few months,

i talk about characters a lot in this show, because I believe that it's Primos' best achievement. In a way, each of the characters work off of Tater in their own way, keeping the show fresh and upbeat, but not being afraid to scale things back when needed. I thought that the Primos would act as nothing but plot devices whose only merit is to ruin Tater's life, but, thankfully, that's not the case.

Now, what about this show being mediocre? It can't be all that good, right?

Well, like I said before, the animation and art designs are not my favorites. I can't push back too much since the rough, earthy tone translate into the series as a whole, but personal preference is also a factor. The music and songs, while good for what they are, don't add anything too much to the series and I personally would have preferred if this show wasn't a musical al all; Disney Channel admittedly has plenty of those nowadays.

And, that essentially encapsulates my feelings on Primos as a while. On its own, it works for what it has, but compared to shows with similar plots such as The Loud House, it only holds a candle compared to the latter's sun.

And, you know what? That's okay. If anything, it's a miracle that a show detested so much by the general public during its initial preview became nothing but a mediocre addon at worst.

Maybe I'll tune into a few more episodes to fully solidify my thoughts on this show. But, for now, I'll only be an occasional onlooker exploring the world of Tater Ramirez Humphrey and company. I'm okay with that, and I'm sure you'll be okay too.

[captainzigo]

since I have been making my little pony comics for the past few months, I have basically forgotten what every single one of my duckverse comic prompts means. I had a big list full of one sentence prompts for duckverse comics that I was going to make, and I was reading through it yesterday, because I thought about making one. I was surprised to find out that I have no idea what any of them mean. instead of just deleting the list, I have decided to share with you. For what good it will do you. Think of this as a little shout out to the people who followed me for duckverse content. i havent forgotten about you. it’s also a little peek in my twisted mind. my horrible creation process. a behind the scenes look from hell. the list of prompts is below the break

max college fund

launchpad rescue hero

costco 22¢ per bite

house of mouse

door to darkness

because i’m hispanic?

donald cousins catch and release

fish wife

the greatest skateboard trick in the seven seas

backyardagins movie

evil versions boy band

gladstone gay moms

the poor part of town

private army of freaks vs my boys

you own the town. you are politics - what do you think taxes are for - not gladstone bail - id be doing everyone a favor

kids table is great actually

donald cry gold swim

beautiful gold moon

villains table

these lovebirds

gladstone can’t read

gladstone hyper specific thrift store shirt

louie seeing anyone right now?

managed my uncle’s finances

june dolls episode

may louie webs spy episode

house of mouse christmas hdl want to come

propeller cap start to turn. big wind. its a helicopter landing. thanks babe

double gay batteries

daisy likes donald snoring

if you can understand anything he says then yeah!

sora. quack pack. bald monkey

i respect your pronouns. i dont not respect YOU scrooge

why are you friends with my rival’s girlfriend

we’re sisters now too???

The dancing hacker - do you know how hard it is to lucid dream

are you guys playing dancing hacker?

how did you do that? Those dice were rigged i mean.

you guys were supposed to prepare a musical number every session

Lady in pink but with a knife

girl boss? No girl lady. But not a girl.

sephirof at the door. never seen Donald that serious in my life.

I have a superhero alter ego - like super Grover?

louie x robin the frog

daffy: i’m getting you a job in Hollywood, kid! You gonna make big times. Why? uh… i’m friends with your mom.

Duckburg community college is the only community college that does dance scholarship

duckberg community ducks, and the Duckburg University geese

in helicopter: you ever going to get tired of having our dates like this? no never.

donald take responsibility for our son! panchito what

babe your costume is terrible. why are you still in a sailor hat

tasha austin gay lesbian solidarity

hey webby! *glittery hands*

webby diary

shake for trust? glitter on hand. body slam

why did t you tell me your girlfriend is a pilot? tasha said i shouldn’t tell you because of what happened to you pilot ex. he’s still alive!

pablo: sleeper agents be like time for my next mission

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

WHATS UP T-BOYS?

donald’s boyfriends what does gladstone have against gay people

donald you should wingman for me. i thought you were gay

dugan duck is your secret kid isn’t he

huey ponytail

donald has three boyfriends why can’t i have two

woops i mexed up their super powers - let’s go, t boys! i didn’t make them trans! they were like that before, right?

your brother donald has like five partners. yeah and i’m not my brother donald. you’re right. i should date your brother donald

dewey damn girl your ass phat what are your pronouns. katy nun/ya

tying normie trans girl to a chair turbo pablo

don’t worry. the promise ring is just a tracking device

punch buggy gets steadily more and more violent

dewey’s many licenses

duck twins cobwebs

beaks: help! #911

katy can not entertain in her tiny trailer

uno gaydar donald i finally give you a job and you’re being gay on the clock??

when mom comes in and you have to hide your DS under your pillow

HDL Tulin

HDL chart

[scahrred]

SIRIUS BLACK. the silence before a dog snaps and bites ; half-buttoned shirts and rolled up sleeves and messy hair— somehow he still manages to look put together ; eyes bright like a battlefield, gaze strong enough to bring a rush of adrenaline to anyone who looks ; the soft strum of a guitar played quietly in the middle of the night ; a haunted house with him as the ghost.

NAME | sirius orion black. NICKNAMES | siri, padfoot. AGE | twenty-three. GENDER | cis man. DATE OF BIRTH | november 3rd. ZODIAC | scorpio sun, sagittarius moon, virgo rising. SEXUAL ORIENTATION | bisexual. OCCUPATION | auror on probation. ALIGNED WITH | the order of the phoenix. WAND | acacia wood, phoenix feather core, 13 inches. also, from the wiki : "according to booth workers at the wizarding world of harry potter, the wand has a defence mechanism: one of the edges is marked differently than the others, and unless the user's thumb is placed on the edge then the wand will backfire." the wiki says this likely isn't canon but my cousin works at universal so clearly i'm at the authority to say it's actually 100% canon. CURRENT RESIDENCE | drifts between his own flat & the potters' home. FAMILY | orion black ( father ), walburga black ( mother ), regulus black ( brother ), kreacher ( greatest annoyance and biggest opp ) PATRONUS | non-corporeal but i took a quiz for him and it said wildcat so like. i guess !

there was always something wrong with sirius. of course, his family won't say as much : likely, they'll say he was corrupted at hogwarts. but it was more than that. nights spent trying to make sense of his family's teachings, of why it was so wrong to be a halfblood or a squib so long as you had an ancient house's name. that was how it began, at least. going to hogwarts was the catalyst ; whatever belief he might have had in his family's values was shattered when he met muggleborns, halfbloods, saw purebloods teetering and failing. immersed himself in muggle culture and found he liked it. the motorcycles and the music and how could anything that brought so much joy be wrong ?

but we're getting ahead of ourselves. first, hogwarts : a sorting gone wrong. if he'd ever had any question of his belonging, it was settled when the hat barely lasted a second on his head before shouting out GRYFFINDOR. his first thought, a dawning horror in the midst of celebration : what is regulus going to think ?

that's how it begins, the black sheep of the black family. he comes home for winter break and drapes his room in gryffindor colors. he buys muggle magazines ( usually tabloids ) off his muggleborn friends and leaves them in every corner of grimmauld place just to see his family scowl. most important of all, he meets the marauders. james, remus, peter. the four of them attached at the hip, a family outside of his own.

maybe he shouldn't have antagonized his family. maybe he shouldn't have pushed his parents further and further away. maybe he should have tried to ease them into breaking free of their beliefs. his life is an endless stream of maybe, maybe, maybe.

the tension bubbles until it bursts. he leaves the only home he's ever known for the potters' house, where he hides out for a bit. they're wonderful, almost like parents to him, but living with the potters just reminds him of what he doesn't have.

so, he leaves. gets himself a horrible flat with some of what uncle alphard left him. now, he's on his own for the first time in his life, stuck trying to find himself and build his identity outside of the black family heir, outside of the marauders, outside of the poor boy euphegenia and fleamont took in.

he works as an auror to keep himself busy, mostly. he could live off of alphard's fortune, but then he'd be bored all day. or worse, his mind would wander, and then he'd have to be reminded that he left regulus.

but it's fine ! everything's fine ! he's read books and watched muggle movies and knows his history. so what if a war is brewing ? so what if his brother insists on following in their family's mistakes ? everything will be fine. good always wins. right ?

[rimunagenius]

fic idea Hannah Stuelke gets a girlfriend

Flowers

ʚ pairing: Hannah Stuelke x reader

ʚ word count: 2.3k words

ʚ warnings: RPF!! , language, nothing else other than ‘y/n’ being used once.

ʚ rimunagenius speaks: thank you anon for requesting!! sorry it took so long to get this out, i started from the bottom of my inbox and i’m going to work my way up, and yours was my first one!! I hope you like this, enjoy!!

| Masterlist | Women’s Basketball Masterlist |

You had been sick the last couple of days, being waited on hand and foot by your best friend Hannah. When she wasn’t at basketball practice or playing games, she was at your apartment, helping you recover to get you right again for your track season.

You had missed the last two meets and several practices, feeling so drained and weak, you couldn’t even get out of bed to support from the sidelines. So, you layed in bed, rotting away and watching movies and shows with Hannah.

“Are you seriously going to stay here with me all night long?” You looked at your friend, scoffing at her while she took amusement in your nasally voice, and the tissue hanging out of your nose.

“Yes. You need to rest, so whatever you want, i’ll help.” You could literally kiss her. You’ve never had a friend who did stuff like this for you before. Who was willing to risk getting sick to help you and make sure you got better.

“Oh my god. Hannah Stuelke, I could marry you.”

“Oh, yeah? When’s the wedding?” She smiled, as she got up to get another bottle of water for the both of you.

“Right now. Come kiss your bride.” You thought she was the cutest little giant to ever grace this planet. It didn’t help that Kate accidentally outed Hannah’s secret crush to you a week ago while you guys had been at the baseball game for Iowa—when you had inherently taken being not sick, for granted—It slipped. She didn’t mean to. You had confided in her, her being your cousin and all, and you mentioned that you thought Hannah was cute but didn’t know if she liked girls.

You were overjoyed to find out that she indeed, did like girls. Ever since then, you have been more flirty and so has she.

“Alright, bet.” She pretended to turn heel and make her way back to you, but then turned around, cheeks red, and wandered into the kitchen. You could barely see her through the open bedroom door.

“Booo! Hannah!! I hope you miss your layups tomorrow, and I hope the other team wins!” they don’t. You shouted, hearing her chuckle at your exclamations.

“How about you shut up, and get some sleep, grinch!” She shouted back, you gasped dramatically.

“I told you that in confidence, asshole!” You laughed before turning off the bedside lamp next to you. You shut the tv off, your LED lights being the only way you could see the look on Hannah’s face.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. I won’t bring up the grinch thing again.” She handed you the bottle of water, before she grabbed her blanket and turned towards the door.

“You’re not staying?” You asked meekly. You both agreed to have a sleepover tonight. Even though you were sick, she couldn’t say no. This was the fourth one this week.

“I am. I just don’t want to lay next to you, you’re dying. I don’t choose death, I choose basketball.” She wrapped the blanket around her, the ac making your apartment feel like the midst of antarctica.

“Oh, so you love basketball more than me? Okay.” You plopped down, throwing the comforter over your head.

“Yes. I actually want to play in the Big 10 tournament, not be sick as a dog in bed. Sorry, babe.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Go sleep on the couch then. Goodnight, love you.” You said, already drowsy.

“Goodnight drama queen, love you.” She closed the door, laughing as she heard you gasp at the playful insult.

The next morning, you felt better. Great even. The last four days of lying in bed, consistently taking medicine, and letting your body recover from the sickness worked. Hannah worked.

You got up, walking into the bathroom, finding a small note taped to the mirror. ‘Hope you feel better! I’ll see you later tonight after the game. Love you!’. You truly didn’t deserve this girl.

You sent her a quick text, thanking her for the note, and hopped in the shower. You decided you were going to crash the track practice today. You still weren’t up for running the whole practice, but a light warmup and maybe some of the conditioning would be okay. Plus, you’d attend the game at Carver, but you didn’t buy tickets on time and now they were sold out.

Before leaving, you had about two hours, so you threw all your blankets and sheets into the washer and dryer, ridding your room of any sickness. You opened the blinds, letting light in, cracking the window even.

You made yourself breakfast, and started to get ready. You didn’t know if it was the four days that she spent at your house, or just the recent closeness between you and Hannah, lack of separation thereof, but you couldn’t stop thinking about her. You already missed her and she’s only been away for three hours.

You wanted to tell her that you loved having her over all the time, all the hugs she gives you, the comfort and security she provides by just being near you. You wanted to make flirty jokes without having to pretend your joking. You wished you could just tell her how you feel since you know she feels the same way. You just wanted her.

You even told your teammate about it. You figured you should definitely ask her about trying to make the first move on Hannah since she made the first move on her girlfriend, Maya. Plus, she was the only one on the team that new about your infatuation with the 6’2” forward.

As you and Camila walked to your designated stretching and conditioning spot, you told her your situation.

“I don’t know what to do. I like her so much, but I have no idea how to tell her or show her without totally freaking her the fuck out.”

Kate and Camila listened to you and Hannah express the confusion and frustration of not knowing how to make the first move.

Kate and Hannah had mentioned it briefly in the locker room. Hannah shutting it down when the other girls walked in.

During stretching and pregame, Hannah and Kate were secluded and that’s when she voiced her frustration. Kate knew what it was like. She went through the same thing with her ex girlfriend, Sydney.

“Just be cool, and calm. Give her flowers, and be straight. Trust me, I know my cousin and she loves flowers. She loves the small but thoughtful gesture. Then, just ask her to be your girlfriend, I guarantee you, she won’t say no.” Kate reassured Hannah. Kate knew you best, and she knew that you didn’t need a grand gesture to express the love you had to share. Hannah nodded, taking the idea and saving it for after practice.

“Go straight for it. Definitely be straight up. Be like ‘Hey, I like you. Then bam, kiss her.” Camila was way too enthusiastic and unserious. You gave her an incredulous look, as you both stretched, instantly regretting asking her.

“Uh…how about I don’t..do that.” You continued to stretch your legs, balancing trying to do the flamingo.

“It worked for me.” Camila shrugged her shoulders. “Assert your dominance, it’ll work.” She nodded her head, a big grin on her face. She totally wasn’t joking.

“I’m not a damn dog, Camila. I don’t need to assert anything. What about if I give her flowers and just ask her to be my girlfriend? That would work, right?” You scrunched your eyebrows, hoping to hear a yes so you didn’t actually have to go with Camila’s plan.

“Oh, yeah. That could work too. Didn’t think about that one.” Camila looked at the ground, before giggling to herself.

“Of course you didn’t.” You shook your head and continued on with your practice. You were going to stop at trader joe’s later, buy Hannah flowers, and make her your girlfriend.

You didn’t know if it was the nerves or just the total blindsidedness of watching Hannah’s car pull into the parking lot, but you suddenly started to panic. You had been sitting by the window, on the phone with Kate. You were showing her the arrangement of flowers you were putting together for Hannah. Red and Blue tulips, signifying love and her being one of a kind, with some baby’s breath accents, for happiness. Tulips were her favorite so it was a no brainer.

“Oh my god, Kate! She just pulled into the parking lot.” You gasped as you looked out the window, dropping the freshly put together bouquet on the small coffee table.

“Are you spying on her?” Kate asked, laughing at your nervousness.

“No! You idiot! I’m just sitting by the window and she just so happened to park in the spot right in my view! I’m not crazy.” You pulled the curtain back a little, watching the car still run.

“Are you sure? You look a little crazy.” Kate asked, laughing silently while taking a facetime photo, the flashing catching your attention.

“Kate, i’m serious! Why hasn’t she turned the car off?” You looked through one more time, catching her car lights shut off, and the drivers side door open. “Oh shit! She’s getting out.” You grabbed your phone, walking over to the mirror hanging above the couch.

“How do I look?” You asked your cousin, after adjusting the crop top and shorts you were wearing, along with your hair.

“Like your about to not be single.” Kate winked, telling you to grab the flowers and call her back when you two were official.

“Okay, I love you, bye!” You shouted before hanging up the phone just in time to hear the lock turning. Hannah had been given a key to your place when you moved in a couple months ago.

You set your phone down, running to your room, and sitting on the bed. You didn’t want her to see you with the flowers right when she walked in, not wanting to be forced to ambush her with the question right away.

“Hey? I’m here!” Hannah shouted, putting her keys on the counter and sliding her shoes off at the door.

“I’m in the room! How was the game? Sorry I didn’t make it, I didn’t buy the tickets on time.” You were anxiously staring at the doorway, seeing her shadow move about the living room.

“No it’s okay, I know you’ll be at the next one,” You could hear her setting down her bag, as she was staying over again. Then you hear paper crinkling and was suddenly confused. What did she have that was making all that noise? “I need to talk to you, are you decent?” She asked, her shadow getting closer.

“Yeah, come in!” That’s when you saw her Hawkeye team jacket fill the doorway, noticing brown paper in her hand. That’s when you saw a bouquet of flowers.

Your hands tightened on her flowers, the anxiousness rising in the both of you. She stopped in her tracks, the sight of you and the flowers you were holding taking her by surprise.

“What are those for?” You both asked, questioning looks being exchanged between the two of you. “You first.” You said in unison again.

“Hannah.” You motioned for her to go first. You noticed the blush rising in her cheeks. She moved from side to side, not being able to stand still now that she was on the spot.

“Uh, I got these for you, obviously. Your favorite.” Pink roses and baby’s breath. You loved pink roses, as they resembled gentleness and love. Two things you prided yourself on in your social and romantic life. Plus you just loved the romantic aspect of roses. She handed you the bouquet, her nerves relaxing when she saw the awestruck look on your face. The small smile she loved now taking home on your lips.

“What for Hannah? They’re beautiful, thank you.” You smiled at her widely, your admiration for her only growing by the second. Hoping that she’d ask you what you wanted her to.

“Because a pretty girl like you deserves pretty flowers and someone who will always buy them for her, no matter the reason. I wanted to know if you’d be my girlfriend, y/n.” Her voice steady, her stance stilling, and her sincerity concrete.

You looked at her in awe. You had no words for how she made you feel in this moment. You couldn’t believe that this was your life. “Are you serious?” Your face was hot, and you were for sure that your face was turning pink by the second.

“Yes. Will you be my girlfriend?” Hannah’s nerves now coming back as you took a while to answer her question while you held the flowers she bought you.

“That’s so not fair!” You said as you set your flowers on the bed, still holding Hannah’s. Her face dropped, suddenly worried that she misread this whole thing and you did infact not want to date her. “I wanted to ask you first, dammit.” You laughed softly, still smiling wideyed at the tall girl in front of you.

She visibly relaxed, before relieved chuckling. You handed her the flowers, making sure she took them before you grabbed her face gently, rose slowly on your tippy toes, amd kissed her softly. “Of course I’ll be your girlfriend, Hannah Stuelke. I was beginning to think you’d never ask.” You smiled before you picked your flowers back up, and led you both into your kitchen.

She followed behind you, not saying anything. Starstruck at how you said yes to her, kissed her, and walked away like it was so normal. “Wait, youre my girlfriend?” Hannah asked, disbelief written all over her face.

“Yes, Stuelke. I am indeed, your very happy girlfriend.” You walked over, putting your flowers down on the counter, grabbing hers from her hands and putting them down right next to yours, and you grabbed her face again.

You stood in between her legs while she was seated at the island barstool in your kitchen, smiling stupidly wide at you. “Kiss me.” You whispered, smiling softly when her hands grabbed your hips, pulling you closer towards her.

She kissed you gently, the kiss itself being foreign to the both of you, but feeling so natural like you’ve been doing it forever.

[jopetkasi]

Hello, friends!

My sincere apologies for the lack of posts lately – work has been non-stop. For those of us in logistics, the period from October to December is all hands on deck. We’re not just making the usual single parcel deliveries; we're moving crates of merchandise around the clock.

This time, I found myself behind the wheel of one of our delivery vans, making my rounds around Manila to deliver goods to various stores. It’s been an exhausting routine, working from sunrise to sundown with barely four hours of sleep in between.

But hey, I’m not complaining—just sharing the reality. I’m still incredibly grateful that we have a business that keeps running, putting food on the table, and employing people.

A special shout-out to my cousin Anton, who saw how tired I was and treated me to a nice lunch at a restaurant in a mall in Manila. He owns a shop there, and when he found out I was out delivering goods, he insisted on inviting me for a meal.

On a lighter note, not all of my time has been spent on labor. I finally got a break when Chris invited me sa Alabang Town Center for dinner and a movie – Wicked to be exact. But I’ll admit, I was so exhausted that I ended up dozing off halfway through the movie, only to be woken up as it ended

Speaking of Chris, he already introduced me to his family, and I felt pretty welcomed—well, mostly. His mom, though, was a bit… interesting. After gently caressing my cheeks, she looked me up and down and called me "ya puy," which is Chinese for "fat." Now, I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the usual greeting.

I tried to stay cool and told her it was actually a compliment, because you know, chubby cheeks = prosperity. But deep down, I was mentally adding “discreet insult” to my list of things to Google later.

But hey, we’re even now. She does Botox, so her face is about as expressive as a brick wall. We both have our “issues” to work on. 😅

and since we are already discussing physical traits, I asked Chris if he finds me attractive - I mean, compared with his ex-partners, I am mediocre, basic. but hey, it felt worth asking….

Me: "Do you find me attractive?"

Chris: "Babe, did you skip your medications again?"

Me: "Nope, just fishing for compliments. sige na!"

Chris: "Would I be here if I didn’t think you were special?"

Me: "Cool, so I'm panget."

Chris: "I didn’t say that! I love your eyes, your cheeks, and the way you smile."

Me: "Mmm, consolation prize. Thank you"

Chris: "Alright, your turn. What do you like about me, physically?"

Me: "you are dumb with a big dick"

[grimweaver]

Good to be home! Actors talking about wanting to be with their family made me run back to mine! I missed them!

Had a blast at Twin Cities Con !! It felt like three days worth of Christmas morning, yet at the same time like boot camp because that's the only other time I have done so much "bumper-to-bumper" walking around, and hurrying up to stand while waiting an excruciatingly long time. Oh and there was a lot of shouting but it was staff scolding people blocking walkways.

I am extremely agoraphobic, I hate bright lights, I have foot problems, I have never driven myself to Minneapolis before and was nervous about it, and I was doing this kind of thing alone for the first time in over fifteen years. But

But I was determined to be there for these people....

Hayden Christensen and IanMcDiarmid

Yes! I was so sure that I would have to go to San Diego or New York for this privilege, and traveling to those places alone would have broken the bank. Thank you so much for coming out here! I've been a Star Wars fan since 1995, when I happened to catch a scene from "Return of the Jedi" at Roundtable Pizza and asked my mother about it. So I got the original trilogy that was rereleased the Christmas of that year and became an instant fan. (There is nothing wrong with a Herbert cousin being a Star Wars fan too. Dune and Star Wars are not rivals!) so it's great to meet someone that had been a part of the franchise from the very beginning, and played two of the greatest villains of all cinematic history!

I totally get how crowds can be overwhelming, but I hope you will always take away from these experiences the understanding that the love and appreciation that you have deserved from the very beginning of your career is out there and it is massive. There are always going to people that chose to thrive by spreading their misery instead of finding more positive ways to deal with their problems, but don't listen to them. You saw how many people piled in like cattle for hours for a little bit of time to tell you how much they love you. The autograph thing was only icing on the big cake- a souvenir for a moment that mattered most to them. They were there for you! I only regret that referred to one film when I talked to you, Hayden. You are great in ALL movies! I was trying to get out what I could in the very little time I had, so I referred to a film I didn't think was mentioned often, and made sure to express appreciation.

Wes Johnson

After 16 years of being an Elder Scrolls fan and Lucien nut it's a real treat to finally meet the the one who voiced him and other beloved characters of the franchise, especially when I was the one that got stopped while browsing Artists Alley. I'm just flattered beyond words that you would spare free time just to talk like we were friends bumping into each other in the grocery store lol. For the longest time I thought I would have to fly out to a DC con for this ! Thank you much for coming out here again! And Thank you for saying I'm a good mom-- I should say you are an awesome dad and I wish I could have been as lucky as your kids are!Hope to see you again soon!

Big thanks to everyone that made this experience possible!!!

[amb3rlance]

The Art of The Murdered: Almond Blossom (C: 3)

"She's fast, I'll give her that," Giorgio muttered, standing and dusting his knees after realizing the little girl had swiped his wallet. "Pink hair, white bear hat... and a knack for theft. How does a kid like her get away so easily?"

Sousuke crossed his arms, irritation creeping onto his face "あなたが映画の警官みたいにレジ係に尋問するのを止めなければ、彼女を捕まえ���れたかもしれないのに。(Maybe if you didn't stop to interrogate the cashier like a cop from a movie, we might’ve caught her.)"

Before Giorgio could retort, they heard a woman's voice calling out, "Winn? Winn! Where are you?" The two turned toward the voice.

A striking woman with wavy brown hair tied into a loose bun and a sharp business suit was moving through the crowd.

Her eyes darted around in concern. Giorgio nudged Sousuke and pointed at her. "あの少女のいとこだと思う？(You think that's the little girl's cousin?)" he said "Wow, she really does look like Princess Almond Blossom!"

Sousuke raised a brow "そして、アルビーは自分の人生をしっかり持っているように見える。アルビーはウィンのような子供をどう扱っているのだろう？(And looks like she's got her life together. How does she even handle a kid like Winn?)" but Giorgio wasn’t listening.

His focus had shifted to a man a few paces behind Albie, blending too well into the crowd. He wore a gray hoodie pulled low over his face, but his sharp, watchful movements screamed suspicion.

"She's being followed," Giorgio muttered, his demeanor turning serious.

"Stay here," before Sousuke could argue, Giorgio was already weaving through the crowd toward Albie.

However, Sousuke didn’t stay put for long; he jogged after him.

"Excuse me!" Giorgio approached Albie, pulling her attention away from her frantic search.

She turned, startled but composed. "Can I help you?"

"Are you looking for a little girl named Winn? Pink hair, white bear hat?"

Her face lit up with relief, "Yes! Have you seen her?"

"We have, but there’s a problem," Giorgio said, keeping his voice low.

"That man over there—" he motioned subtly with his head, "he's been following you. Any idea who he might be?" Albie stiffened, her face losing some of its color.

"Nevermind, let’s focus on finding your cousin and getting somewhere safe," Giorgio cut in. "アルビーを連れ出す方法を考えないと (We need to get her out of here!)" Sousuke said, glancing back toward the man, who now seemed aware that they’d noticed him.

"Good idea," Giorgio replied "Lead her out of the mall. I’ll distract him."

"But—" Albie began to protest, but Giorgio raised a hand.

"Don’t worry. He won’t touch you or the kid while we’re here. Go." Sousuke nodded and gently guided Albie toward the nearest exit, making sure to stay out of the stalker’s line of sight.

"This way," he whispered, his voice calm but firm. Albie hesitated for a moment but followed, her heels clicking lightly against the floor. As they reached a quieter part of the mall, her phone buzzed.

"Who the heck is this" Albie said, pulling it out quickly.

"It's me from earlier, I'm surprised this kid memorized your number but I found her. She was hiding near the carousel at the ground level"

Another message was sent afterwards

"Also teach this kid that stealing is bad."

"We can’t go there directly. That guy’s probably figured out what we’re doing by now."

"He's not going to stop us," Albie said firmly, her voice steely.

Before Sousuke could respond, there was a heavy thud behind them, followed by a sharp grunt.

The stalker had caught up.

"Run!" Sousuke shouted, shoving Albie forward as the man lunged toward them.

Albie stumbled but quickly regained her balance, her heels scraping against the tiled floor as she dodged to the side.

"Out of my way," the stalker growled, swinging at Sousuke.

Sousuke blocked the attack, his heart pounding. He wishes he had his pocket knife with him right now "Go find your cousin! I’ll handle this!"

"Like hell you will!" Albie snapped.

She spun back, grabbing the nearest thing she could—a heavy metal stanchion used to guide crowds. She swung it with surprising strength, catching the stalker off guard and forcing him to stumble back.

"You’re not laying a hand on me or Winn," she said, her voice filled with defiance. The man recovered quickly, his eyes narrowing, but before he could retaliate, Giorgio came barreling in from the side, tackling him to the ground.

"遅刻だ！(You're late!)" Sousuke shouted, still trying to catch his breath.

"I had to make sure he didn’t have backup," Giorgio replied, pinning the stalker’s arms behind his back.

"Albie, get to Winn. Now!" Albie hesitated, her eyes flicking between Giorgio, Sousuke, and the restrained man.

"I’ve got this!" Giorgio insisted.

Albie finally nodded and took off, her determination clear.

Sousuke watched her go before glancing back at Giorgio "あなたはいつも物事をドラマチックに演出するよね。(You always have to make things so dramatic, don’t you?)" Giorgio smirked.

"Where’s the fun in doing things the easy way?" a few minutes later, Albie returned with Winn in tow.

The little girl clung to her cousin’s hand, her bear hat slightly askew and her expression wide-eyed but curious.

"Thanks," Albie said, her voice softer now but no less composed "but don’t mistake me for a damsel in distress. I can handle myself."

Giorgio chuckled "Noted. But it doesn’t hurt to have backup sometimes."

Sousuke sighed. "Can we go now? This mall is cursed."

Albie gave him a small smile. "Agreed." As they all headed toward the exit, Giorgio glanced back at the stalker, who was now groaning on the floor.

"Almost forgot something," he muttered.

The stalker tries to get up but the detective steps on his back to keep him on the floor, he bends down and handcuffs him "You're under arrest for stalking and physical assault."

The man let out a defeated groan as Giorgio secured the cuffs with a swift motion.

He struggled weakly, but it was clear he was done. Giorgio straightened up, wiping his hands off as if he had just finished a routine chore.

“Guess you weren’t as slick as you thought, huh?” Giorgio gave the man a cocky smile, his eyes cold.

Sousuke shook his head, looking slightly amused despite the tension "あなたはヒーローを演じるのが好きなんだろう？(You know, you really like playing the hero, don't you?)"

"Someone’s gotta do it," Giorgio replied, flashing a grin.

"Besides, the kid's safe now, and that's what matters."

Albie stood a little ways off, holding Winn close, her gaze scanning the area as though she still didn’t fully trust the situation.

“Let’s get out of here before the mall security shows up,” Albie suggested, her voice cutting through the quiet.

Giorgio, still watching the man on the floor, was about to agree when he noticed something in the crowd—a figure slipping quickly into the mall’s emergency exit. A shadow. It was the unmistakable movement of someone trying to escape unnoticed "What the?"

The stalker’s eyes darted up at Giorgio for a split second before he twisted violently, managing to break free from the detective’s grip.

In that instant, Giorgio froze, distracted for just a moment by the figure slipping into the distance. It was all the man needed.

Before Giorgio could react, the stalker was on his feet, darting into the crowd with surprising speed.

“No—!” Giorgio lunged forward, but the man had already vanished. "Did he just—?" Sousuke began, but his voice trailed off as Giorgio cursed under his breath.

“I lost him,” Giorgio muttered “Damn it.”

Albie’s eyes went wide, her hand clutching Winn’s a little tighter. "What happened?"

Giorgio snapped his head back toward her. “He got away. I got distracted for a second—he took his chance.”

“Are you kidding me?” she yelled out "How could you—"

"I know!" Giorgio snapped, his frustration mounting “But we can’t waste time here. We need to go after him.”

Sousuke's eyes flicked toward the exit where the stalker had disappeared. "ここに立っているわけにはいかない。彼は必ず戻ってくる (We can’t just stand here. He’ll be back for us.)"

"Right," Giorgio said, suddenly focused. “We’ll keep moving, stay low.”

Albie, clearly irritated, grumbled under her breath but fell into step behind them. They moved quickly, weaving through the mall’s labyrinthine corridors, trying to catch any sign of the man’s retreat.

Albie shot a glance at Giorgio as they passed storefronts. "How could you let him slip away?"

"I didn’t—" Giorgio stopped himself, clearly frustrated "I lost focus for a moment. I'm sorry."

They reached the escalators, and Giorgio’s eyes scanned the crowd. Then, a flicker of movement caught his eye again. The stalker was in the distance, just a few steps ahead, pushing through a crowd near the exit doors.

“There!” Giorgio shouted, already darting toward him.

"Stay behind me!" Sousuke called as he quickly caught up with Giorgio.

The man turned his head again, sensing the danger. His pace quickened, but this time, Giorgio and Sousuke were both closing in fast.

"Keep moving," Albie urged, holding Winn close as she followed behind them. "We can’t lose him again!"

But the stalker had a lead. He was pushing through the crowd, heading toward the loading dock at the back of the mall, where there were fewer people and fewer eyes to witness him slip away.

"Damn it!" Giorgio snapped, the man had already reached the exit, and before they could get close enough to stop him, he slipped out into the alley behind the mall.

"No!" Giorgio’s voice was filled with frustration as he slammed his fist against the nearest wall "We were so close!"

Sousuke sighed heavily, his face set in a grim line. "We can’t keep chasing him like this. He’s a ghost. And now he’s gone for good."

Giorgio was panting, a mix of anger and defeat crossing his face. He turned toward Albie, his voice low but urgent.

"I’m sorry. I should’ve kept a better eye on him" Albie’s gaze was sharp, but there was something softer in her eyes now “Let’s just go. We’ll figure out the rest later. That guy won’t get far.”

They quickly made their way out of the parking lot, but the weight of their failure loomed over them.

Albie's mind raced, knowing the stalker was still out there.

They’d lost a step, but it wasn’t the end. Not yet.

[ilvvd0b]

old friends

(there will be a part 2)

summary:

y/n conklin and jeremiah have gotten extremely close over the past few summers, but when it's that time of year again, things get a little complicated for the two boys

warnings: just a brief mention of underage drinking

word count: 1511

the drive to cousins was pretty much the same every year, your mom drives, steven's in the front and you're in the back on your phone the whole way

but this year is different, steven's driving and you're in the front, humming along to the music on the radio and distantly listening to steven talk about god knows what, all you did was wonder what jeremiah looked like, did he look the same? did he get taller? did he cut his hair? did his eyes get impossibly more blue?

you were about to find out as steven pulled into the driveway to the cousins house

you let steven and your mom get out first, looking at your phone to avoid getting out of the car, you didn't know why you were so nervous this year and why you were stressing so much

"y/n! get out of the car please and come say hi!" your mom shouts

without a second thought you got up and out the car and chose to go for a casual stance, leaning against the hood of your moms car

this was casual right?

before you had time to overthink, you saw jeremiah making his way over to u and his mouth parted slightly as he looked at you

"is that you y/n?" he jokes and you smile chuckling softly

over the school year you decided to start hitting the gym more frequently, you began to fill into your body and even gained a decent amount of muscle, nothing too crazy for a 15 year old, but also nothing short of average, you also decided to cut your hair making it better frame your face

you all around did have a nice glow up and it showed

"of course its me jer" you say as he envelopes you into a hug

"its great to see you man" he puts a hand on my shoulder and we lock eyes

maybe his eyes did get bluer..

"oh. my. god." you hear from infont of you and jer. you both turn your heads to the person who spoke, susannah, "look at my handsome boy!" she says happily, "oh you got so big, you're like a foot taller" she laughs hugging me

"he ended up growing a ton over the school year" my mom says coming up next to susannah

"you're almost jeremiahs height" she says, hands claped together like shes reminiscing on an old memory

"conrad, what's up man!" you hear steven speak and i see conrad let out a small smile

"hey," conrad speaks lightly and you walk towards the two sharing a short hug and stuff your hands in your pockets

"hey con," you speak softly

"what's up y/n, looking good" she says looking at me and leans in for a side hug

jeremiah comes over and puts an elbow on both you and steven

"we on for bonfire tonight?" he asks

"hell yeah man," steven smiles

"i'm in" conrad replies

they all turn to me

"what about you y/n?" jeremiah asks

to be honest, you weren't really feeling a party tonight, maybe just stay home with the moms and watch old cheesy movies like you used to

"i dont..." you trail off as you look at jeremiah, his eyes piercing right through you

how could you say no to those eyes?

"i guess i could-"

"guys he's still 15, can't expose him to all that" steven cuts you off

''oh come on steven!" jeremiah whines

"maybe next year" steven says smirking, cleary trying to piss you off

jeremiah was about to protest until you speak up, "it's cool jer, i'm good staying home with the moms"

" i mean if you say so.." he says looking... disapointed?

"wait," he says looking concerned and checking his pockets for something

"what?" you ask confused

"steven, do you know what time it is?" he asked still acting concerned

"oh shit man," he say looking at a non-existant watch on his wrist

"oh no, not this year," you say backing up

"you know i think its time for a-"

"belly flop!" steven is cut off by the fishers as they scream and you try to run but they end up catching you as always

as you're being held up you take out your phone and throw it on the grass excepting your fate as they loudly count to 3 and you get thrown into the surprisingly warm water, as you resurfface, you pretend like you've hurt you ankle and reach your hand out to jeremiah

"i got you" he says right before you yank him in, conrad and steven laugh talking about 'how stupid he was for falling for that'

-

the boys already left for the bonfire and at this point you weren't up for a movie night so you face timed your best friend taylor

"hey y/n, what's up? how's the summer going so far?" she asks getting ready for something

"uh pretty good i guess" you scratch the back of your neck

"what's happening? you never call this early. things not going well with jeremiah" she laughs

"what?" you ask "why wouldn't things be going right with him?" you ask acting oblivious

"oh you just because of your massive crush on him" she jokes

"i don't know what our talking about" you look away from the screen

"mhm sure, where are the guys anyway?"

"out of some bonfire party thing"

"and why aren't you there?" she accuses

you honestly didn't know why you didn't fight steven on that, it would've been a great opportunity to talk with jeremiah more- you shook the thought out of your head

"just didn't feel like it" you decide on saying

"look, nothings gonna happen if your stuck up in your room crying waiting for the guys to get home" she was right

"but nothing would happen because there is nothing to happen"

"ok, whatever you say" she puts her hands up "but get dressed and walk down there, i gotta go but, have fun!" she hangs up and you get dressed and head out sneaking passed your mom and susannah

once you arrived you were standing alone, awkward and once again, hands in your pockets

"heyyy cutie" you turned ur head to see an obviously drunk girl walking up next to you

"hey" cringing at how awkward you sounded

"you just get here?" she asks puttin her hand on your exposed arm

"um-"

"y/n?" you look up to see your brother and some girl, he looked mad

"hey steven" you've never been happier to see him

"back off he's 15" he says to the girl and she backs away, hands up, "what're you doing here?"

"y/n!" jeremiah comes towards the both of you and puts an arm around your shoulder, "what's happening man, i thought you weren't coming, now we can all hangout!" he says with a big smile on his face

you just look at him, his face impossibly close to yours, and you swear you felt your heart skip a beat when his face turned to yours, you maintaned eye contact for a good 5 seconds before steven interupted, but to you it felt like an eternity

"i'm taking him home" he says annoyed

"no i'll have him hang with me" jeremiah says almost pleading

"yeah why don't you just go makeout some more" you say putting your hand on jeremiah's arm, no idea where that came from

"yeah steven come on, let's just go"

"fine" he walks away

"just me and you y/n/n" jeremiah smiles at you

"guess so"

you guys find a spot away from the noise and just sit and watch the water, talking about things you did over the school year and sipping beers

"i really missed you over the school year" he says putting his hand on your back

"you could've texted me, i missed you too" you say softly looking into his eyes

jeremiah always had a way to make you feel important. maybe it was the beer getting to your head or maybe taylor really was right, you want to be important to him in a different way, a new way

he scootches closer to you and maybe, just maybe something might happen until there's shouting in the distance and a crowd forming

you both stand up to go check it out

it was conrad and some dude from the gas station on the way up to the house

your too busy looking at flashing lights in the distance to listen to the arguement, "cops," you whisper finally seeing the car

"what?" jeremiah says trying to interfere with the fight

"cops!" you shout and everyone scatters and all of a sudden you're being pulled along with jeremiah to his car. you help him get a very drunk conrad in the car before yourself

"i'm gonnna go find steven" and only a minute after jeremiah left, cops are shinning flashlights into the car

your mom was not happy when you were escorted home by the police

[fangirlofallthefanthings]

Hello!

My name is Char. (any similar nickname is acceptable) I am an artist, writer, and, as the name implies, a fan of many things. I mostly reblog or shout rare, post-worthy thoughts into the ether. At the moment, my interests lie with:

The Trojan War and Greek Mythology in general

Ancient History

EPIC: The Musical

Crochet

However, if anything shiny catches my eye, I'll also reblog that.

If you choose to follow, great! But there are a few ground rules you need to be aware of:

This is a safe space. If you're going to be a bigot, terf, ableist, racist, any sort of phobic, or disrespectful in any way, shape, or form, get the fuck out.

With that out of the way I have posted a few things that might tickle your fancy on A03! I am the account "A_Humble_Fan17" over there. Here is the link

There is much more on the way, but in the meantime, feel free to check out the tags "fanfic" and "char writes" for any updates or snippets! Here are a few things I'm working on:

A series of four works that go through Odysseus's life (details below)

An AU where Paris of Troy mistakenly kidnaps Penelope instead of Helen titled Ithaca's Nine

A medieval AU with a twist involving characters from the Iliad and Odyssey titled Adventure Awaits! that I will be updating here on Tumblr (link to Pt.1)

A post-canon fic for the movie trilogy Night At The Museum titled When The World's (Treasures Are) At Stake (link to snippet)

THE BIG SERIES:

A Boy and A Goddess: Odysseus fights the giant boar as a boy and wins, gaining Athena's favor and a large scar on his leg. Tiny Bean(tm) hijinx continue through the years as he becomes a man. And maybe a little self-discovery?

A Change of Plans: Word travels to Ithaca that Helen of Sparta is up for marriage. Prince Odysseus decides to go, mainly to make allies for Ithaca but partly to watch the chaos unfold. But when he meets Helen's cousin, Penelope, plans change. This work involves the evolution of OdyPen's relationship, the oath of Tyndareus, Odysseus winning Penelope's hand, their marriage, and Odysseus becoming king. Also baby Telemachus! :D

Troy Story: War. Lots of angst. A lot of blaming himself. But he finds unlikely friends and allies through it all.

The King and The Infant: (explanation here)

I can't wait to share more with you all! More is on the way! I promise! <3

Asks: Open! :D

Plus: linktree

Worm by my lovely moot, @iroissleepdeprived

[imlivinginyourtrashcan]

back at it again with the swap au

In this version, Giovanni is a mundie! Part of the crime family, The Potages! Only containing Gio, his two moms, and his very concerned Epithet having cousins, The Roughhouses

Now for what you've all been waiting for:

The mugger shrunk back. W-what the hell was she supposed to do in a situation like this?! Her eyes darted over towards the two teens cowering next to the backpack. Desperately, she grabbed the sea urchin looking one and held him at knifepoint, he pantomimed in mute protest.

"St-stop right there!" She shouted. "Don't you care what happens to these two?!"

Giovanni's grin did not falter for a second, in fact, it had gotten wider. More gremlin esc, you could say. He flicked his arms, hiding them inside his sleeves. "You think a hostage can save your ass? HAH!" He barked. "Go 'head, don't need 'em alive to sell their stuff, best thing they can do is postpone the inevitable by a few seconds, then I'll have three more body's under my belt." He flicked his sleeves, several switchblades coming out from inside, dragging them across the alley walls, his foot steps driving into the mugger's head like a mysterious ticking noise

Tik

Tik

Tik

"Is five thousand dollars worth their lives? Is it worth yours? You gonna wake up with five thousand in your pocket after you watch two teenagers die in front of ya? Or ya gonna let yourself die? These are aaaaalll hypothetical, it don't matter to me! It's your choice 'Sides," Giovanni stopped, eyes gazing the mugger with a serious, shaded away expression, like in an anime. "I've killed for less."

Suddenly, Giovanni charged the mugger head on until she ran out of the alleyway, screaming her head off like she had just saw five horror movies all at once.

Giovanni stopped, waiting until dead silence was all that remained.

Once there was reassurance that she was fully gone, the two ex-hostages looked at their saviour.

Giovanni Potage did not have an Epithet

Giovanni Potage had never been in a real fight in all seventeen years of his life.

Giovanni Potage started to laugh out of panic

"HOOOLY SMOKES!!! HAHAHAHA!!!" He spat quickly, hiding the knives in his sleeves while he gripped the wall. "That was SO SCARY! Hah! I may be laughing but on the inside I'm dying!"

Giovanni hadn't lied to the mugger fully about his background, his side of the family were a bunch of criminals, growing up learning how to scare, cheat, and lie his way through life. He tries his best to put all that behind him, though. If he had an Epithet, like his parents, he would use all these tricks all he wanted, but, he was a Mundie. So that means he has to lay low.

He desperately wheezed, hacking up whatever was in his throat. "Oh my god what a rush! I straight up thought we were all gonna croak! I know I kept my cool, but I swear If anyone touched me I would turn to dust."

Rick wrapped his arms around Giovanni, crying big stupid tears. "GIOVANNII!!!! MY SECOND BESTEST FRIEND!!! THANK YOU!!! YOU'VE SAVED US FROM THE MONEY HUNGRY WENCH!!!!!"

Giovanni awkwardly patted his back, then Lorelai was dragged into the hug, Rick nestling his head in the middle, tears falling onto the concreate.

"You too, Lorelai! I am so sorry the woman had drenched your work! But the best thing is that.... we are ALL HERE!!"

Ah, the beloved Neo Trio. Standing near each other, all three looked like Neapolitan ice cream, Lorelai and Rick's hair even made it so some of the ice-cream got into their section, authentic!

Giovanni Potage and Rick Shades, Lorelai's best friends, she cared about them more than anything else.

Now for RICK! Our beloved Rich little Sea Urchin! In the au, he's a Mundie, much like Giovanni. Being homeschooled most of his life, Rick never really got people, and people never really got him. He later finds two new BEST FRIENDS! Giovanni and Lorelai.

The good stuff:

"Hey.."

"Oh- eh- hello!" Rick waved awkwardly like a robot, as he started to sweat from the very thought of human interaction.

"Nice lookin' bag ya got there..."

The 'bag' she was referring to was Rick's murse, it was a cute little purple purse in the shape of a sea urchin. Rick had a... strange obsession with sea creatures, sea slugs, cephalopods, isopods, shrimps, crabs, you name it? He loved it. Sometimes he would tell random strangers facts only he thinks are cool.

"Thank you!" Rick held it up "It's a sea urchin! By the way, did you know that the sea urchin uses the hydraulic pressure of water moving in and out of their tube feet to move about slowly. They can also propel themselves along with their spines. That's pretty impressive, considering sea urchins don't actually have brains!" Rick info dumped, not picking up on the fact the woman clearly did not care.

"Look's expensive..."

"Oh indeed it was! I had to personally commission it!" Rick grinned, like a glitched character in a video game. The air got too thick with awkward silence to where he had to leave. "Well! Bye!" He quickly made a break for the exit, but the woman blocked her path.

"Who'd you get to commission it for ya? Might be lookin t'get one.."

"Oh! I paid that nice man at the Baxter's crafting store! No clue what his name was, but I'm sure he'd be happy to make it for you!" The bells in his head were not going off when they really should be

"Ooooooh Baxter's? Gee, I don't think I can afford it"

"Hm! Troubling!" Rick blinked, pulling out a book about Marine Biology from his murse. "Anyways, do you want to hear about 101 Ocean Wildlife Facts?"

Rick did not wait for an answer before flipping through it, clearing his throat, he read the first fact. "Number one! Many bony fish have more than just one set of nostrils. The nostrils of fish also do not open into the back of the mouth like those of mammals, and are not, therefore, for breathing. They lead into organs of smell, which are very sensitive in order for fish to detect the presence of food in the water at considerable distances. More nostrils = more smelling! Huh! Well isn't that neat?"

Rick, once again, did not wait for a reply from the woman. "Ahem, number two-"

The woman didn't think twice before trying to snatch the murse from Rick, making him grab for it with a whine. "Heyyy! That's mine!"

"Not for long!" The woman replied, tugging it. Rick shimmied his way out of her grasp, clutching the murse closely as he shoved the book back inside it.

"You bully! You could've broken it! I know just how to deal with you!" Rick declared, inching closer to the woman before embracing her. "You are only mean because of what society has done! I will be the first to break your mind away from these patterns of violence and thievery! I... forgive you!"

The woman swiftly snatched up the boy by his aquarium back pack, causing him to flail and wail.

"NOOOOOOOO!!! VHS TAPES!!!!! YOU LIEEEEEEEEE!!!!!"