#spent more time on this background than i intended oops

[zarla-s]

go for it, larry

[patreon]

[annakie]

Games I Played in 2021

Because Why Not? 

Only listing games I spent a “Significant” time playing (Let’s say 10+ hours) or played to finish.  Not including like, dumb webgames or mobile games (which I didn’t play much of anyway.)  There’s lots of other games I tried and decided against playing, or dipped a toe into and thought “Yeah I’ll get into this” and then have not yet.

Wildermyth

I’m going to start with the game that inspired me to make this post, just because I really think more people should know about Wildermyth.  It’s an RPG where you create characters who yes, fight monsters and save the world, but also live their lives in the background and in the in-between years between chapters.  They fall in love, get married, and have children who also join your party.  You play out the story, often with your earliest heroes retiring before the story is done, leaving the youngsters to finish the work.  They can die heroically.  They can be blessed (or maybe cursed) with transformations turning them into werewolves, ravens, elementals also completely changing how your character works in some cases.  And then you can make some into legacy heroes which can be pulled into other adventures.

There are several campaigns to play out, each starting a fresh story.  There’s a crafting element.  There are pets, artifact weapons... the game is deep.

There are mods in the Steam Workshop which will make the game easier than intended, if you choose to use them.

The artwork is papercraft, but it’s gorgeous.  The story plays out in comic-like panels, which somehow works so well. The dialog and narration is poetic.  The overland map is generated at random.  You will get surprisingly attached to some of your characters.

Honestly I can’t recommend this game enough.  It was the best new thing I played all year, and has gotten some accolades to back it up.

The rest... under the cut because otherwise this is a very long post..

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Cyberpunk 2077

Technically started in 2020, but finished in 2021.  I didn’t pay any attention at all to this game before it was released, but it looked interesting so I bought it just before release, ignored 98% of the controversy surrounding it, and enjoyed the hell out of it for what it was.  Am disappointed all the big plans for updates and DLC seem to have gone out the window.  But I did nearly everything this game had to offer, and as a bonus when I was about 2/3rds done I upgraded to a 3090FE so at some point, maybe this year, I’m excited to revisit the game with the graphics cranked up the entire time.  Romanced River, loved all the main characters.  It was worth it.  I understand that this game didn’t live up to expectations, but I went in expecting nothing and loved it

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Fallout 4 (Incomplete)

I tried replaying FO4 and I probably put about 30 hours into it and haven’t gotten back to it.  I keep meaning to.  But I probably did the typical Fallout/Elder Scrolls thing where I spent as much time fiddling with mods as I did playing, and I did make the game kind of unstable.  Oops.  Didn’t make it far enough to do a romance, but I did have a mod installed where Nate (your husband) survives so that was interesting, having him along.  It was REALLY nice to play with all the graphics cranked up, though.  I’mma finish!  I played like 200 hours the first time and never finished the game because I was mad that my preferred ending wasn’t possible.  (I wanted to take over the institute but make it a force for good. 

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Mass Effect 3

Did a ME3-only playthrough (before the LE came out) to knock out some goals I’ve always had of the game, seeing a few things different than my typical all-Paragon-win-everything-Femshep/Kaidan canon.  Played as MShep, did several renegade choices - including betraying Wrex - that I normally wouldn’t, and finally saw the MShep/Kaidan romance.  Game started crashing during Citaldel Epiloge Mod and I never got around to troubleshooting that so I guess technically I didn’t finish completely, but good enough.

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Mass Effect (1) Legendary Edition - 1.5 Times

I played ME1 on release up through finishing Noveria and nearly every sidequest possible to this point, then decided to put it on hold til the modders could do some modding.  Like I’ve posted extensively about lately, I did finish it and am now waiting on the LE2 Community Patch to get started on a LE2 playthrough.  Did my canon Femshep/Kaidan/Vanguard/Paragon run and will continue to do so for amazing screenshots.  But I’m already planning my next trilogy playthrough.  Really, really love LE1 and all its changes, especially with the mods helping perfect it.

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Boyfriend Dungeon

I actually Kickstarted this game way back when because it looked hilarious.  I do not play “Visual Novel” type games typically, just not may jam.  But this one had the isometric fighting element and seemed off the wall, so I was like “Sure!  Why not!”

So I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it!  I did most of the romances (not the kid in college, felt they were too young, and I dipped out of Sunder’s) but my main romance was Issac.  The story was interesting, the fighting was fun, good experience overall.  Will probably play again when the last two characters are released.

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The Outer Worlds

I’d played this game on release via Xbox Game Pass, then waited for it to come to Steam and go on sale, including the DLC, to buy it for real and do a second run.  As I hadn’t done the DLC before, that was the main draw to replay.  I really loved the game the first time around, and felt the same this time, but will forever be mad I cannot romance Vicar Max, (or Nyoka).  Especially after softening him up after his personal quest.  But it was still really fun and I enjoyed both of the DLCs, Murder on Erandios a little more.

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New World

Yeah, I played New World.  The launch was terribly typical botched MMO launch, and things didn’t get much better from there.  I did join a company of nice people and reconnected with an old friend while playing for a bit, and I did enjoy a lot of what I did when I did play it, but after things got so bad that they started shutting off the economy for a week or two at a time, I dipped until this game can get its shit together.  Not to mention the way that the guild leaders are able to fuck over the playerbase even more than they can in a typical MMO and that it’s nearly impossible to get into the endgame/PVP stuff (which, admittedly, I wasn’t close to and didn’t do ANY PvP in this game while I played) without being in one of the elite guilds.

Amazing visuals, until you realize they all repeat themselves a lot.  There was a lot of copy/pasting to get this game out.  I usually try to be more positive about games I played, but tbh this is one I probably would have told myself not to really bother with, at least not yet, if I could turn back time.

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Solasta: Crown of the Magister

Another game I’d Kickstarted.  A pretty faithful D&D5e adaption mechanics-wise.  Really enjoyed the gameplay, and yay modders bringing in more options.  Also there are now player-made campaigns being made and released for more content (like Neverwinter Nights.) 

The main campaign is... good.  Not great.  Enjoyable.  Still a recommendation.  I did enjoy how you get to create your own party and can assign them personalities so that they have unique voiced lines.  If you want to pay a 5e-based video game, it’s a good one to try.

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Pathfinder: Kingmaker

I made it uh... maybe halfway(?) through this game on release a year or two ago.  Giving it another shot.  Slowly making my way through it again.  I don’t know if I will finish, I load it up and play a few hours every couple of weeks still.  Something about it just doesn’t grab me, even though I feel like it should.  I’m cheating heavily this time to get through the more tedious aspects.  TBH I more feel like I’d like to play Kingmaker in a TTRPG using PF2e rules.  Does that exist? Someone run that for me and other nice people who like PF2e, thx.

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The Sims 4

I mean... who didn’t play The Sims in one way or another this year?  I really like playing The Sims while like, watching Critical Role, or MST3k, or any movie/show I want to watch but not pay 100% attention to.

What I maybe spent the most time on with The Sims 4 this year is making an entire house as a map for my Sunday night D&D game that I run.  Which is what that screenshot was from, the boss-fight room that was a magic/alchemy lab that had been trashed by The Monster.

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House Flipper 

Like The Sims 4, it’s a great game to play while paying a lot more attention to something else.  Also like The Sims 4, it’s about decorating houses.  But also about cleaning up houses and doing tasks for people and earning money.  Yes I think House Flipping IRL is Not Great.  But it’s a pleasant distraction game and I’ve been enjoying playing it.  This is a screenshot of the starter shack you get as a home/office, I’m mostly done redecorating it.

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Torchlight III

I’d played 1 & 2 and enjoyed them.  Three was fine.  I enjoyed it.  Nothing groundbreaking.  Again, I mostly played it while watching CR/movies/TV as it didn’t take a lot of concentration.   Eh, I don’t have a screenshot and I’m not gonna go get one.

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The Stanley Parable

lol just kidding, all I did was boot up the game and get the achievement for not playing the game for 5 years.  I should replay it, though.  It’s a cool game.

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Star Wars: The Old Republic

I mean, I’ve been playing this game since Beta, but some years I don’t touch it.  And I didn’t for most of this year.

But since I’ve been playing that long, one of my big regrets is that all my screenshots from my first few characters are all small, and ugly in many ways.  The graphics in game have been somewhat improved since 2011 but also I couldn’t run the game at even close to the max settings back around launch.  Not only that, but there wasn’t armor customization and both you and your companions were often stuck looking like a clown (sometimes literally) because you needed to gear yourself and them in whatever you could find, and that usually didn’t match.

But a lot changed since then. 

So, I went and made an exact visual clone of my main character (A trooper), and named her the same thing with one extra letter, and ran through the main storyline plus a couple of favorite planetary quests again, screenshotting and videoing along the way.  Technically I haven’t finished, still need to do Corellia and the endgame, but I will.  Also I just played around on my other characters a bit (I have so many) and uh... spent a lot of cartel coins (I had tons saved up from being a subscriber) on this winter sale + unlocks.  But yay, lots of pretty (for an 11 year old game) with maxed settings and matching outfits and outfit changes with some of the best looking outfits in the game.  I’ve made some gifs, need to make some more to keep posting that Beth/Aric romance storyline.

Might do the same for a couple of other favorite early characters.

Next I gotta get my main through the Onslaught storyline, because the last time I played seriously was right around when that came out, but then I burned out.

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Fable 2

I don’t have a screenshot because I’ve been playing it on my Xbox360.  Literally the first time I booted my 360 up in 5+ years.  I have not bought any other consoles except a Switch since then because I just don’t play consoles much.

Stalled on the playthrough a bit, but I’m about to recruit Stephen Fry’s character.  Probably need to give up on doing a completionist game and just put my head down and finish it.

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Minor Mentions:

I literally stopped playing Animal Crossing New Years 2020. I played every day from May til then.  I picked it back up for a week or two, but not sure I’ll actually be a daily player and I hate getting guilt tripped by the game and having cockroaches in my virtual house every time I don’t log in for a few days.

I played a Hidden Objects / Adventure game all the way through on my Switch.  It was cheap, and entertaining enough.  I don’t remember the name of it and don’t care enough to go look.

I play Mah Jong and Solitare games on my Switch to wind down at night while listening to podcasts and hanging out with Patchy before going to sleep.  It’s probably sad that besides maybe Animal Crossing, this is what I’ve used my Switch for the most.

Also have a Mahjong game on Steam that is my other “distraction while watching Critical Role / MST3k” game.

Played a little bit of the Star Trek games that released on GOG this year.  It IS fun running around Voyager.  Also tried again to play Star Trek Online and I just CAN NOT get into the spaceship fighting part of the game, which is like, half of the game.  I am bad at it.  I don’t want to do it.  I like the storyline/ground team/building the spaceship parts of it.  But you can’t really play STO without the spaceship fighting part, and there’s no Story Mode in an MMO.

Does playing Dungeons and Dragons on Roll20 count as video gaming?  It doesn’t.  But I did that **A LOT** in 2021.  And will continue to do so in 2022.

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Games I would like to play in 2022:

ME:LE2 & 3, close to starting my MELE2 playthrough as soon as that Community Patch drops.

Finish Pathfinder: Kingmaker maybe? And maybe buy that 2nd Pathfinder game, is it better?

Also play, possibly finish, Fallout 4?

If Baldur’s Gate 3 releases, I’ll play it.  I bought it already, played for a few hours, and am waiting on release before I play again.

Finish Fable 2 and play Fable 3 which I bought on Steam last year.  I did play F3 to completion when it came out, but two attempts after that and I got caught in the game-breaking bug that gets you trapped in the “home base” area.  Heard that’s fixed on the PC version.  I hope so.

I bought No Man’s Sky because my brother loves it.  I dipped my toe in and haven’t been back.  Would like to.

Bought Outward and haven’t tried it.  Would like to.

The Waylanders - I Kickstarted this and the official release date is in February.  Played the first hour or two and think I’ll like the full game.  There’s 2 or 3 other games I KS’d that may release this year that look good.

New SWTOR expansion drops in February, will probably try it.

I stalled out on my playthrough of Divinity: Original Sin 2 in 2020.  I should finish that.

Possible Replays,: Enderal (seriously, please play Enderal.), a renegade “fuck up” Mass Effect (LE) run where I deliberately ignore/lose most of my beloved companions, Cyberpunk 2077, Pillars of Eternity 1&2, maybe Baldur’s Gate 2 before BG3?  All of these should take a backseat to newer games I haven’t played at all or lately.

I’m sure there are things coming out I haven’t thought of, and surprise drops may happen. 

[thewritingduck]

Happy Birthday Kyojuro and Saki

Ok so oops I Intended to post this earlier but I took a nap and forgot. Anyways! I present a headcanon on how these two would celebrate their birthdays and a little interaction. (Also I apologize, I wrote this in the middle of the night while an anime was playing in the background so its not great but I wanted to get something for today.)

As always thank you for reading! <3

Art is Mine, please do not re-post. (Reblogs are always appreciated)

Characters: Kyojuro Rengoku, Saki (Orginal Character), Tanjiro Kamado, Mentioned Inosuke Hashibara, Mentioned Zenitsu Agatsuma, Mentioned Sakonji Urokodaki

General Tags: General fluff, hurt comfort, healing (physically and emotionally), crying, Time is an illusion and so is death

Warnings: Mentions of past character death, Mentions of Near death experience

Kyojuro rarely celebrated his birthday with anyone other than his little brother and occasionally the Hashira

Not because he didn't find it important, because every day he spent alive was something to be cherished, but because he preferred the smaller quiet moments with those he cares about

Those were finite, precious...

He could never get enough of them

Saki celebrated her birthday with her parents for the first eight years of her life, but after her dad died celebrating anything became a burden

Then, when her mother died, She barely celebrated at all.

It was just another day for her

She had been training with Tanjiro for over two years now. Today she was sparring with Tanjiro, working on basics to get back into shape after the incident on the train.

Kyojuro sat on the engawa giving instructions on their forms. He wanted to join, but knew Shinobu would scold him for pushing himself so soon. Saki swung but over extended and she felt the newly healed muscles in her arm spasm causing her grip to go slack. Tanjiro barely pulled his own swing back as he saw Saki's sword fall, her free hand reaching for the shoulder that refused to cooperate.

"I think that's enough for now, we don't want to push your healing bodies too far too fast." Kyojuro called out beckoning them to come sit. Their conversation started with corrections to their forms. Though a stray comment was all it took to change the subject entirely. "You two are doing quite well, young Agatsuma, and young Hashibira as well. Especially given how young you all are." Kyojuro said with a smile and a light laugh.

"Thank you Rengoku-sensei! Although Saki is three years older than me, we have been training together from the start and it has definitely helped." Tanjiro said practically glowing under the praise.

"Oh, I apologize, I was under the impression you two were the same age, or that you were the older of you two young Kamado."

Saki chuckles, "Yeah I'm eighteen. I know I'm short. Though…" Saki looks out at the trees just beyond the training grounds, "I'm probably almost 19 by now. It is late April right? I kinda lost track of time with everything happening."

"Oh that's right! Isn't your birthday in May?" Tanjiro asked, remembering her last two birthdays they had spent together. They were quiet and uneventful. Saki had only corrected Urokodaki and Tanjiro about her age after the day had passed.

"Oh, is that right? My own birthday is in May as well, the tenth to be specific. Maybe we could celebrate together. I know Senjuro wanted to meet all of you after I wrote to him about the train."

Saki chuckled again, eyes looking down at the water in her hands. "Mine is the eleventh, though I haven't really celebrated in a while. Probably ten years or so. Just feels like another day to me."

"All the more reason to celebrate now! Every day we have is precious, and we only get one birthday a year. Making it through another year is cause to celebrate, even if it's small." Kyojuro said beaming at his students.

Saki couldn't help the tears pushing at her eyes. Kyojuro made a startled noise but before he could say anything else Saki looked up at him and smiled. "Thanks Rengoku-sensei, I think it sounds like a wonderful idea."

She had gone ten years without paying much attention to her own birthday. She missed the little moments where she felt genuinely cared for, where her birthday was more than a day the kids at the orphanage got cake. She had grown to care about the Kamado's like her own family Kyojuro was her sensei now and has supported her relentlessly throughout the few months since they returned from the train.

It may be different, but she could tell that somehow this year would be one of her favorites.

[storyofmychoices]

Bounce

[Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley Masterlist]

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley (OC) Other Characters: Keiki Lahela, Aurora (former pediatric patient), Mrs. Watkins (Aurora's mom) Book: Open Heart  Rating: General *Fluff* Word Count: ~1,200

Synopsis: Olivia helps plan a carnival, fun day for past patients to celebrate their recovery and remission milestones. Bryce is more than happy to get in on the fun.

Background: This takes place somewhat in the future. Bryce and Olivia (and Keiki) have been sharing an apartment for some time. Keiki also volunteers at the hospital after school in the Pediatric ward with Olivia. She reads to the kids in the day room.

"We can't thank you enough, Dr. Hadley."

"Great job!"

"Thanks for today. It really meant a lot to us."

Olivia beamed as the adulation continued. The smiling faces of the grateful people thinned out as the celebration came to its conclusion.

A hand on her shoulder pulled her from her thoughts. "Oh!"

"Sorry! We didn't mean to startle you." Mrs. Watkins offered. Her hand settled on her six-year-old daughter standing beside her. She stroked the tired girl's back gently.

"It's okay." Olivia's eyes brightened at the sight of the happy child. She had met Aurora her first year as a pediatric intern. Her neuroblastoma was considered low risk, and the survival rate was significant over 90%, but that small percent of uncertainty had understandably worried her parents throughout her treatment. "Did my favorite Disney princess have fun today?"

The little blonde girl nodded enthusiastically. "It was the best day ever!"

"We just wanted to say thank you again. This carnival was such a beautiful idea. It was good for the kids and for the parents too," Mrs. Watkins admitted. She kissed the top of her daughter's head. "To remind us that we're not alone and every day is a gift."

"It was my pleasure. I'm happy you both enjoyed yourselves."

Aurora threw her arms around Olivia, hugging her tightly. "I'm going to be a doctor just like you when I grow up and save other kids like you saved me."

Olivia's smile stretched to her eyes as she stooped down to hold her closer. "Whatever you decide to do, you will be amazing. Always remember how brave and strong you are!"

"I will!" The little girl moved beside her mother once more. A quiet yawn slipped from her lips.

"I guess that's our cue!" Mrs. Watkins ran her fingers through her daughter's hair. "Thank you again, Dr. Hadley—for everything!"

"Have a great night!" She waved goodbye, watching as they left hand in hand.

"Olivia!" Keiki called. "There you are."

"Hey, Keiki. You did amazing today! I'm so glad you came out to help. The kids loved seeing you again. I know they enjoyed your storytime when they were here."

"Thanks." She tried to hide her growing smile at the compliment. "That's not why I needed to find you. We have a situation at the bounce house."

"Oh no! What's wrong? Did someone get hurt?" Olivia began moving quickly toward the amusement attraction. "I thought they had shut it down."

Keiki followed closely. "They did."

"So, what's the situation then?"

"You better see for yourself."

The pair stopped in front of the bounce house.

"I—" Olivia wasn't sure if she should laugh or scold him.

"Hey, Liv!" Bryce bounced high, his extended arms touching the ceiling.

"This. This is the situation." Keiki rested her face in her palm as she shook her head.

"Come join me." He proposed joyfully.

"I will not!" Olivia replied sternly. "This is for the kids!"

"And they all left! Come on! You've spent all day working. You're missing out on the fun!" He landed with more force this time, bouncing him higher into a flip.

"I can't. I need to help finish cleaning up."

"It can wait," he insisted. "Let's make a deal; I'll come out when you come in."

"I'm not—That's not how this works!"

"You know you want to." His hair fluttered out weightlessly with each jump.

She chewed her cheek. She couldn't even remember the last time she had been in a bounce house. It did look like a lot of fun. "Fine. One minute and then we both leave. Deal?"

He held his hand out, helping her into the castle. "My lady."

Olivia wobbled as their weight caused the floor to shift beneath them.

"I've got you." He held her hands to steady her. "Together? On 3."

As he counted down, she jumped hesitantly, feeling a bit silly now that she was inside the colorful attraction. Her worries were quickly laid to rest as her delight grew into happy giggles. Feeling more confident, she let go of his hand to bounce on her own.

They built a steady rhythm together. A childish bliss overtook them; their laughter and merriment filled the night air. There was something pure about it. The weight of the world seemed lighter as they bounced in tandem.

"We should get a bounce house," Bryce declared while doing a backflip.

"And put it where?" Olivia chided with slight amusement. She curled her feet beneath her as she bounced. "The apartment roof? That sounds very sensible...and safe."

He shrugged in contemplation, "Fine, so maybe we just get a house instead."

The suggestion took her by surprise. She stopped in her tracks, her bouncing coming to a halt. "What?"

He ceased his movements, balancing on the air-filled base as he moved beside her. He took her hands in his own. "Why not?"

"Bryce, come on. Be serious."

"I—I think I am."

"30 seconds ago you wanted a bounce house. Now, you're ready to get a real one?"

"So what if I am?" He squeezed her hands, his thumb brushing tenderly over her knuckles. "It doesn't have to be tomorrow or even this month, but someday, soon. You know how I feel about you, Liv—how I feel about us. I want a future together. We've been sharing an apartment for a while. We work. Let's get a house!"

"A real house? With a yard? And a cute little garden?" She looked hopeful. "Just clarifying, not a bounce house?"

He contemplated it for a moment longer. He wrapped his arms around her. "The first one. I mean, unless you're open to both. Because I am if you are!" He wagged his brow at her, a simmering smirk settling on his features.

Olivia pulled her hands from his, pushing them against his chest. The movement was more forceful than she intended, causing him to fall back onto the soft floor. Her hands clasped over her mouth as she hid her laughter.

"You think that's funny?" Bryce quickly rebounded, bouncing up and pulling her into a chaste kiss.

"We're really going to do this?" She closed her eyes, shaking her head in disbelief.

His fingers danced gingerly through her hair. "Yes, I think we are."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"For our future!" Her hand cradled his face, drawing his lips to hers. She kissed him softly, trying to keep her balance as they shifted slightly.

"Ugh! Get a room!" Keiki groaned playfully from just outside, reminding them they were not alone. "Also, Liv, you are failing at your job of getting Bryce out of the bounce house so they can shut it down."

"Oops?" Olivia bit her lip, having momentarily forgotten her task.

"How is it that of the three of us, the one of us passable for a child is the only one not in the bounce house?" Keiki crossed her arms, her head tilting to the side.

Bryce laughed, giving her a challenging grin. "You can always come in."

His sister sighed heavily.

"Come on, Bryce." Olivia laced her fingers with his, guiding him out of the bounce house. "It's time to go."

He gave her hand another gentle squeeze. His voice was low, a whisper just for her. "With you, I would go anywhere."

Choices Perma: @the-soot-sprite ; @princess-geek ; @gardeningourmet ; @katrinegrey ; @trappedinfanfiction ; @aleynareads ; @lucy-268 ; @xjustin-ethansgirliex​ ; @maurine07 ; @nikki-2406 ; @schnitzelbutterfingers​ ; @zeniamiii​ ; ​​​@lauridiculous ; @lilyoffandoms ; @ruinedbypixels

Bryce: @burnsoslow ; @callmeellabella ; @ariondevereux ; @ofpixelsandscribbles ; @nyastarlight ; @superharriet ; @jamespotterthefirst ; @brycesgirl ; @kat-tia801 ; @anotherbeingsworld ;

[misscorn]

Day 3

Winter/Rings

This one is extra late oops lol @sihjrweek THIS ALSO TOOK ENTIRELY TOO LONG TO WRITE SO ITS NOT PROOFREAD SO IF U SEE A MISTAKE NO U DIDNT

***

"Anchan's birthday is in a week." Onodera Youko said, currently sitting at the dinner table across from her son, her husband absent.

Ritsu nodded as he pushed his food around on his plate. He was fully aware that March 14th, An's birthday, was fast approaching, but not for the reasons his mother was hoping. No, it was because March 14th was also White Day. Ritsu was both severely stressed and excited about it.

Ritsu planned on going on an aquarium date with his Senpai after school, thinking it'd be a little more special than their typical bookstore-pandaway combo. Not that Ritsu disliked this pattern at all! He just wanted to do something different for the holiday.

Then, they'd go back to Ritsu's house where the brunette would prepare dinner. His parents weren't going to be home since his dad always took his mother on a trip for White Day from the 14th to the 17th, so he figured it was the perfect time to finally invite Saga Senpai to his house! He had already started practicing cooking and baking the day after Valentine's Day. He figured he'd need as much practice as he could get, seeing as he had never done either of them before, but he was definitely improving!

Ritsu intended on making white chocolate chip cookies as a gift. Although his Senpai didn't particularly like sweets, it was tradition to give something white. So, he'd give the cookies in addition to some bitter dark chocolates that Saga was more likely to enjoy. Additionally, he'd give a white rose, since his Senpai had given him a red one and he thought it would be a sweet gesture to mirror. And...perhaps the most embarrassing and overkill gift idea of all: a jar full of paper origami stars that, when unfolded, have reasons he loves Saga written on them. His Senpai had asked him once before why he loved him and Ritsu simply didn't have the time or the courage to say all the reasons to his face, but he could definitely write them down!

"What do you plan on doing for her birthday?" Youko asked, interrupting Ritsu's thoughts about his string of plans.

"Oh, well, since it lands on a school day we were going to hangout over the weekend instead." Ritsu said. "But, I'm not really sure what to get her..." He admitted.

"Why don't you just spend time with her after school? It's not as special if you celebrate after her birthday's already passed. Plus, it's White Day. She did give you something on Valentine's day, didn't she?" Youko said. She recalled Ritsu coming home on Valentine's day, giddy and flushed as he held tupperware full of homemade chocolates. An was really such a sweet girl, going through the trouble of making the chocolates herself.

Ritsu felt a swirl of dread start to form in his stomach, recognizing his mother's tone. "Yes, but mother-"

"Its the polite and gentlemanly thing to do. Imagine; not spending White Day with your fiancée and to make matters worse, blowing off her birthday as well!" Youko said.

"Mother-"

"And as for what you can get her, I have a great idea." Youko smiled brightly. "Promise rings! Such a cute and meaningful gift, she'd love it." Youko continued.

"Anchan and I aren't a couple!" Ritsu did not mean to raise his voice, but his frustrations of being talked over got the best of him.

Youko's cheerful demeanor left her. "Don't be ridiculous, Ritsu. You and Anchan are a perfect match. She is a lovely, intelligent, kind girl from a fine background and she undoubtedly adores you. What more could you ask for?"

"Mother, I..." Ritsu trailed off and frowned. "I just-I don't like her that way!"

"You won't even give it a chance! Who could possibly be a better fit for you than Anchan?"

"I'm only fifteen, why do we have to start talking about marriage now?" Ritsu desperately wished his mother would let this go, but his mother was just as stubborn as he was.

"Because your future is important and should matter to you, Ritsu." Youko said. "You are spending White Day with Anchan and that's final. If you'd like, I can help you pick out a pair of promise rings." She offered, the happy tilt in her voice returning as she tried to force the conversation back on track.

Ritsu just mumbled something in assent in order to stop this awful conversation, fully intending on avoiding that little ring shopping trip. Let his mother believe that he would spend White Day with Anchan. What she didn't know wouldn't hurt her.

Ritsu tried to act normal around his Senpai for the rest of the week, (well, his version of normal, which was already a certain level of nervousness) but he could hardly contain himself.

"You're being weird." Saga commented on March 12th. Exactly 1 day, 8 hours, 14 minutes and 25 seconds before 12 A.M. on White Day. Yes, Ritsu was counting.

"S-S-Sorry, I just-um-I-I had something I wanted to ask you." Okay, this was it, deep breaths Onodera, deep breaths. "I was wondering if you w-wanted to...spendWhiteDaywithme?" Ritsu squeezed his eyes shut tight as he waited for an answer.

"...What the hell?"

Well, that wasn't a good sign.

"I thought we were already spending White Day together." Saga said. "Or did you forget what you said?"

"N-n-no, of course not, the opposite actually, I've been thinking about White Day nonstop and what I should do, what would be a fun date, what sort of presents I should get you-"

Saga glanced around the library to make sure they were alone as Ritsu rambled before he cut him off with a gentle kiss.

Ritsu blinked a few times, dazed and completely embarrassed, but undeniably happy.

"So, tell me these ideas you've been thinking about 'nonstop'." Saga echoed.

"Well, I want some of it to be a surprise." Ritsu said after he managed to get his thoughts back in order. "But I thought it'd be fun if after school we went to an aquarium together and then...my house for dinner."

"Your house?" Saga was surprised to say the least, his normally stoic face for once betraying him.

"U-Unless that's not okay?" Ritsu said, automatically assuming the worst, as he typically did. "We don't have to go to my house, we can do something else-"

"No, you can't take back the offer now. I'm coming to your house." Saga said quickly. He was endlessly curious about Ritsu's home and more specifically Ritsu's room, so he'd be damned if he let this opportunity slip by him.

Ritsu smiled a little and nodded before he became shy. "And um...my parents won't be home...s-so..."

"Ahhhhh, I see. Who knew you were such a pervert?" Saga teased, but his straight face and serious tone gave no hint to his playfulness.

If it were possible for humans to combust into flames on the spot, Ritsu would have done so. The younger teen shook his head vehemently as he made frantic and wild hand gestures. "No! I-I didn't mean it like-I'm not-!"

"I was just messing with you." Saga smirked a little bit. Normally he didn't really joke around like this, but Ritsu's reactions were priceless. Even in the beginning of their relationship Saga would never say something like that, but Ritsu managed to get deeper and deeper into his heart every day and break down more and more walls.

Ritsu's whole face was red, including the very tips of his ears. He looked away out of embarrassment, not knowing what to say.

Chu

Ritsu swore his body somehow heated up even more after Saga leaned forward to press a kiss on the back of his head.

"I'm looking forward to White Day. It'll be fun." Saga said. "I'm expecting to be impressed."

"Y-You're teasing me again." Ritsu complained.

'It's not my fault you make it so easy.' Saga thought.

White Day was sure to be fun this year and hopefully for many years to come.

...Or maybe not.

The day had started off fine, completely normal in fact. When Ritsu woke up his parents were already gone. They always left early in the morning.

Ritsu was completely exhausted. He had stayed up all night, excited and anxious about White Day, but Ritsu's exhaustion caused him to miss the small box and a note left for him in the kitchen.

It was such an innocent item with good intentions behind it.

It was a thoughtful gift that would surely be cherished.

It was going to ruin everything.

Ritsu had already made the cookies last night and had the dark chocolate, keeping both of them stored in his kitchen. He'd also purchased a white rose the previous day, telling his mother it was for Anchan when she asked about it. It probably didn't help to feed into the insane fantasy his mother had, but he didn't have any other excuses. The jar of stars was also hidden in his room underneath his bed. He'd spent at least 4 or 5 days making them all. He planned on giving Saga these gifts in privacy later today.

As the day went on, Ritsu started to think that maybe it would have been better for him just to cut class since he wasn't able to focus at ALL! An agonizing 7 hours later and he was released from his class, hurrying out front where he and Saga had agreed to meet after school.

Ritsu beat the older teen to the entrance, waiting for him as patiently as he could, unable to contain his bright smile once he saw him

'Damn it, why does he have to smile at me like that? I don't know if I'm going to survive today.' Saga thought as he walked over. "Hey."

"Hi, Senpai! H-Happy White Day..." Ritsu said, the latter half coming out a little quieter so no passing students would hear.

"No gift?" Saga didn't actually care about a present, excited to just spend the afternoon with Ritsu, but he couldn't pass the opportunity to mess with him.

"S-Senpai, don't tease me!" Ritsu complained with a pout. Shit, that expression wasn't good for Saga's heart. "They're at my house. But come on, let's go!" Ritsu's excitement returned to him quickly as he set off. Saga followed.

The aquarium was a little busy, so it didn't give Saga many opportunities to sneak attack Ritsu with PDA, but he still enjoyed himself. Of course, he watched Ritsu more than he watched the actual animals, but it was still a good choice for a date spot.

When they finally did have a moment alone, Saga reached out, gently taking Ritsu's hand into his. "Thanks for bringing me here."

Ritsu blushed, but felt electrified by the touch. "Of course, Senpai. I'm glad you're having fun." He smiled.

Saga couldn't deny he was enjoying himself, but what he was REALLY looking forward to was finally being in Ritsu's house! He had his own preconceived notions about Ritsu and how he lived, so he was curious about how right or wrong he was. And the hormonal teenager in him wanted to do it in Ritsu's bed.

But, when they finally left the aquarium and arrived at Ritsu's home, Saga wished that he had jumped into a damn fish tank instead.

Sitting on his Kouhai's porch was the girl who had given Ritsu chocolate on Valentine's day.

"Richan!" She stood when spotting them, looking angry. "Where have you been?" She asked, putting her hands on her hips.

"A-Anchan? What are you doing here?" Ritsu asked, genuinely confused.

"Didn't your mother talk to you? She called my mother and set up for us to spend the day together! For my birthday! We were supposed to meet after school, but you never showed so I came here, but you obviously weren't home." She frowned and crossed her arms.

"No! My mother didn't tell me anything about this." Ritsu said, going up to the front door and taking out his house key to unlock it.

Saga cleared his throat.

"Oh-uh-Anchan, this is Saga Masamune, Saga Senpai, this is Kohinata An." Ritsu hastily introduced them. Crap, this was bad, this was so bad!

"I think I recognize you...you and Richan hang out together at the library, right?" An said.

"Hai." Saga responded blandly.

"Well, it's nice to meet you." An said politely.

"Same." Saga looked away from her and An decided to ignore his rudely aloof nature. A friend of Richan's was a friend of hers, after all.

"Um, well, come in I guess..." Ritsu said before going inside, Anchan following.

What. The. Fuck. This girl already had her chance on Valentine's Day and, according to Ritsu, was rejected. Now she was going to interrupt White Day too? Saga was absolutely pissed, though he tried not to let it show as he walked inside.

"Um, I was going to make dinner, if you want to sit in the living room and relax..." Ritsu said awkwardly. He was with his two favorite people, so this shouldn't have been as bad as it was, but oh boy was it terrible.

"I'll help!" An offered with a smile.

Ritsu tried to insist that it was okay and that she was a guest and that she didn't have to, but An ignored him and marched into the kitchen. Ritsu couldn't do much other than shoot Saga an apologetic look before following her. Saga decided to trail behind him, not wanting the girl to have even a moment of alone time with HIS boyfriend.

"Hey, Richan, what's this?" An said, regarding the box on the table.

"Oh, I don't know. I guess my parents left it this morning before they left." Ritsu picked up the note and started to read it. His mother detailed the plans she had set up for An and Ritsu today in the note and also explained that inside the box was...

"Rings? Are these what I think they are Richan?" An asked after opening the box, her curiosity having gotten the better of her. She plucked the note out of Ritsu's hands, the boy frozen in terror as he realized what was happening. "They are! Promise rings! I'll have to thank your mother for getting them for us, they're so cute! Let's put them on!" An beamed.

SNAP

Saga turned and stormed out of the kitchen, Ritsu breaking out of his shock when he heard the front door open and slam shut.

Ritsu quickly ran after Saga, ignoring An's concern as she followed him out. "Senpai, wait!" He called after him, somehow managing to catch up.

"What the fuck, Ritsu?!" Saga whipped around to face him. Oh God, Ritsu had never seen him so angry. "You told me she was just a friend, that you rejected her!"

"She is! I did!" Ritsu insisted. "She's just a friend!"

"Then why the hell is your mom buying the two of you fucking promise rings?! On fucking White Day too!"

Ritsu started to tear up, but he couldn't cry. He needed to explain everything before he lost the person he loved. If he started crying then he wouldn't be able to get a word out.

"W-We're in an arranged marriage." He admitted, feeling so ashamed for not telling his Senpai the truth earlier. "But I don't like An like that! Its a fantasy created by our parents and I've told my mother over and over again that I won't go through with it! A-An and I are not a couple and we're not getting married!" Ritsu insisted.

'Please, please, please believe me, he has to believe me, please.' Ritsu silently begged.

Saga looked between Ritsu and An, who was standing on the porch. He clenched his jaw, shaking his head and refusing to meet Ritsu's eyes. "Looks like you're the only one who thinks that way." He turned and walked off again, Ritsu staring helplessly as he did. The image of his Senpai blurred with tears before they finally started to fall.

[mithrilwren]

Dating sim story! I’m intrigued 👀

Oh boy, that requires a longer explanation than most... This is an idea I toyed with writing for a long, long time, but for many reasons, ultimately decided was best to let go. So we all know that for a while, everyone being in love with Jester was the big fandom joke, right? Until it wasn’t a joke and actually everyone WAS in love with Jester, oops - but we hadn’t gotten to that point yet when I started working on this lmao. Other necessary background info: 1. There was a really fun graphic floating around, with Critical Role as a dating sim and Jester as the protagonist. 2. I fucking loved Dramatical Murder back in the day (don’t @ me) and I particularly loved how its four romance routes slowly built up your knowledge of the world until you had enough information to understand the True Route, which you didn’t unlock until you’d completed all the romances. 3. At the time of inception I was working on my incredibly long (and still, to this day, my favourite) CR fic, Only the Nightingale Sings, which ended up taking almost a full year of dedicated work to complete.

Long story already-pretty-long, I spent a fair amount of time brainstorming this fic, which involved a lot of dunamancy-induced time loop schenanigans, worldbuilding (I kept bouncing back and forth between magical modern realism and cyberpunk futurism ala DMMD), and mapping out what path the four routes (Fjord, Beau, Caleb, Yasha) would take. Trying to plan how I was going to pull them all together in the final loop/route to answer the key mystery - the disappearance/probable death of Mollymauk Tealeaf - was my biggest question mark. And since I was devoting all my time to Nightingale, I really didn’t have time to be working on a second plot-and-mystery-heavy fic, especially not one with intersecting timelines (oh god). Also, I didn’t intend romance to be the focal point of the fic (ironic, considering it was literally a dating sim AU, but the “four love interests” conceit was heavily tied into the plot, which is what I was ultimately more interested in lmao, and the final route would have featured no romance at all. Can you tell I’m a gen writer at heart?) but by the time I finished Nightingale there was enough heated conversation surrounding Jester and shipping that I decided it was probably best to shelve the idea for good. 

Anyways, that was a ridiculously over-long explanation, and as such I won’t bother with a snippet, but hopefully that was at least mildly interesting!

[whumphoarder]

¿Cómo se dice ‘I’m in Deep Sh*t’?

Summary: Due to unforeseen circumstances (and a bit of procrastination), Peter runs out of time to prepare for his Spanish presentation and ends up faking sick to buy himself some more.

He just wasn’t really counting on Tony being the one to pick him up from school.

Word count: 2,997

Genre: humor, fluff, whump

Link to read on Ao3

A/N: Based on a prompt from @coconutknightshade! 

Apparently it takes a village to write a story lol—thanks to @xxx-cat-xxx, @sallyidss, @fandomsficsandfeels, & @seek-rest for beta-reading and ideas, and @lunannex for Spanish help!

“What if I just like… fake my death?” Peter suggests as he hands his mentor a different sized wrench. “They can’t mark me down for not doing it if I’m dead, right?”

Tony, who is currently bent over their latest project (replacing the timing belt in May’s car), snorts. “As someone who’s been officially presumed dead more than once, can’t say I recommend it. Way too much paperwork.”

Peter sighs. “Can we stage a kidnapping then?” he says hopefully. “Or an alien abduction?”

Tony rolls his eyes. “It’s a four-minute speech, not the end of the world—though I have some experience with that too.” He holds out a hand. “Half inch ratchet.”

“A four-minute speech in Spanish,” Peter emphasizes, passing him the requested tool. “Which is a language I don’t speak.”

“Hence why you’re in Spanish class,” Tony counters. “With all the other kids who can’t speak Spanish.”

“But it’s also like ten percent of my grade,” Peter goes on as his mentor loosens the timing belt and removes it from the engine before handing it to Peter to set aside. “And I have to talk about what I do in a typical week, and it’s not like I can say I go patrolling or come over to the compound, so I’m gonna have to make stuff up—”

Tony interrupts, “Yo veo mucha televisión,” he says sagely.

“—and then what if I get up there and forget everything and just sound stupid?” Peter continues his rant. He groans and passes Tony the replacement belt. “Maybe I should just conveniently get the flu on Wednesday.”

Looking up from the engine, Tony raises an eyebrow at him. “Are you really this stressed about it? Because if you need to focus on school, I could just finish this up myself.”

Peter sighs again and runs a hand through his hair—he hadn’t meant to complain this much, he’d just kind of gotten on a roll after Tony asked him how school was going. “No, no… I wanted to come over—really. And I’ve got three more days to work on it, it’s just like… ugh. I should have taken German instead.”

Tony huffs out a short laugh. “Pretty sure they have to speak in German class too.”

“Yeah but MJ’s not in German…” Peter mutters under his breath.

“What was that?” Tony asks, elbow deep in the engine block.

Peter expels a breath. “Nothing, it’s fine,” he says a bit more audibly, trying to convince himself as much as his mentor. So what if the most observant and shrewd person in his year also happens to be in his Spanish class?

(And so what if he might have a bit of a crush on her?)

Tony chuckles. “You’ll do great, kid,” he assures. “Just make sure you practice.”

Peter forces a smile. “Right, yeah, of course.”

X

Practicing, however, turns out to be easier said than done.

With finals fast approaching, it’s crunch time for all of Peter’s classes. Whatever spare moments he has over the weekend are spent finishing up his Animal Farm essay for the English summative and cramming for his geometry test Monday morning. The upcoming Spanish presentation hangs over his head, but it’s more annoying than anything else. He figures it should be fairly simple to actually bullshit something and translate it if he just sits down and does it (which, ironically, somehow makes it easier to push off).

He’s intending to work on it Monday evening, but a winter storm hits that afternoon, dumping eight inches of snow and ice on the city. Peter spends most of his patrol assisting with minor traffic accidents and helping stranded motorists scrape ice from their vehicles or shovel cars out of parking spaces. By the time he gets home late that night, he’s too exhausted to do much more than sit on the couch with May and drink cocoa while she watches Grey’s Anatomy reruns.

Oh well. He’s still got time.

Peter tries to make good use of his study hall on Tuesday, but the period ends up being kind of a wash. He spends half the time attempting to come up with something to say that is both interesting enough to make him seem not totally lame while still believable enough to fool MJ, and the other half messing around on his phone and trying to recall the name of the annoying song stuck in his head.

(It was ‘Goodbye’ by The Spice Girls.)

He’s intending to finish the presentation Tuesday evening after he gets home, but then Ned throws an unexpected monkey wrench into his plans just before the final bell rings.

“So I gotta be there early for warm ups, but my mom will pick you up around six, okay?” he tells Peter as they pack up their book bags.

Peter frowns, confused. “...Pick me up?”

Ned tilts his head. “Unless May can give you a ride after all? But I thought you said she was working tonight, right?”

All of a sudden it clicks—tonight is Ned’s first band concert. He’d taken up percussion a few months back in an effort to beef up his extracurriculars for his college applications. Peter agreed to go to the performance weeks ago.

“Oh right right right,” Peter quickly covers. “Six is great. I’ll see her then!”

Ned beams. “Awesome! My sister and her boyfriend are coming too, so we might go out to celebrate afterwards!”

“Yeah, awesome!” Peter agrees, forcing a grin. “That should be really fun.”

(Oh yeah, he’s screwed.)

X

The concert was cool. Ned hit that triangle with all the required enthusiasm whenever his parts came up, and Peter flashed him loads of encouraging thumbs-ups from the audience. When it was over, they all went out to Denny’s for some mediocre late-night pancakes and the usual Leeds family banter. All in all, a pretty fun night.

When Peter gets home a little after ten, he opens his Spanish doc in one tab and promptly falls into a YouTube hole in another while looking for background music. He’s still grinning when he closes out of his fifth vine compilation video in a row until he checks the time a second later and the grin dissolves. It’s 12:03 a.m.

Oops.

Study hall Wednesday morning will be his saving grace, he’s sure.

X

So, of course, a fight has to break out right outside of the library.

It’s not too bad—the two instigating students are hauled away by security with a couple bloody noses and black eyes, and a few other kids are taken down to the office for questioning. Peter was far enough removed from the action that he doesn’t have to come along, but the whole debacle eats up all but the last ten minutes of the period so when the bell finally rings, he’s got precisely five words written down:

Hola, me llamo Peter Parker.

(Suddenly all those jokes about faking his own death are starting to sound a lot more appealing.)

Or if not my death, he thinks as he trudges down the hall in the direction of his Spanish classroom, cold dread pooling in his gut, then at least…

He stops walking, glancing sideways into the brightly lit office just off the hall. The elderly nurse is sitting at her desk, glasses half-way down her nose as she reads a paperback novel with the picture of a Christmasy log cabin on the cover.

No. He can’t. He doesn’t lie.

...Unless…

No. May’s at work. She’d have to leave early to come and pick him up.

Okay, but it’s not like you do this often, his brain counters. Hell, you came to school with a concussion and two cracked ribs last month and didn’t say a word about it. May can take one for the team just this once.

Peter slips into the bathroom across the hall and waits there until the bell rings to signal the end of passing period, and then an additional five minutes on top of that to add some credibility to his act. He splashes a bit of cold water on his forehead and around his neck, and then works himself up with some heavy breathing before exiting the bathroom.

Folding his arms over his stomach, Peter moves shakily across the hall back toward the nurse’s office, making an effort to look as unwell as possible. A passing student eyes him suspiciously and gives him a wide berth, so he figures he must be doing something right.

Steeling himself with a shuddery breath, he steps into the office.

“Hall pass?” the nurse asks without looking up from her book.

“Um, no, I don’t have one, uh…” Peter’s heart is fluttering in his chest. “I just… I’m not feeling good.”

Eyes still on the page, the nurse silently taps a finger to a sign on the wall just behind her desk which reads: PASSES REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS.

Peter swallows hard. C’mon, Parker—commit. “Right, but, uh, I came from the bathroom.” He hugs himself a little tighter and looks down. “My stomach really hurts. I was throwing up and, uh… stuff,” he concludes, deciding that in this case, less is more.

The nurse’s expression softens. She lowers her novel and gets to her feet with a small sigh. “Well, there is a bug going around,” she concedes, gesturing for him to sit down on the cot in the back of her office.

Peter keeps his responses vague when she requests more specific information on his symptoms, mostly offering shrugs or short, mumbled answers. She checks his temperature and seems slightly suspicious at his lack of fever, but he makes up for it by getting up suddenly and darting into the nurse’s bathroom.

When he emerges—exactly seven minutes and two new levels of Candy Crush later—Peter makes sure to keep his eyes averted from the nurse’s gaze and his movements slow and a little unsteady, one hand hovering over his stomach. She gives him a bottle of Gatorade and a couple of crackers and tells him to lie down until May comes to pick him up.

“I got ahold of her,” the nurse informs, sounding more sympathetic now. She slides a small garbage bin beside the cot. “She says she’s just finishing something up at work and then she’ll be right over.”

“Thank you,” Peter mutters tiredly. He doesn’t even have to act for that part—between the stress of his upcoming finals and his last couple of late nights, he really is exhausted and he has a bit of a headache. It makes him feel just the slightest bit better about pulling May away from her shift that there’s at least something physically wrong with him, even if it isn’t what he’s claiming.

Under the thin fleece blanket the nurse gives him, Peter manages to drift off to sleep.

X

But it turns out, today is just really not his day.

“No fever yet, but sometimes with these kinds of bugs that doesn’t come until later,” Peter overhears the nurse explaining in a low voice. He’s lying curled up on the cot, face toward the wall. “If that happens, just remember that he needs to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school.”

“Oh, I have a feeling that won’t be a problem,” a familiar voice that definitely does not belong to Aunt May replies.

“Mr. Stark?” Peter’s eyes snap open fully and he sits up in a hurry.

Tony and the nurse are standing together beside her desk, chatting quietly. Tony turns to look at Peter, face straight but eyebrows raised in amusement. “Oh would you look at that—he lives,” he remarks. “Feeling any better, Pete?”

Immediately, Peter wraps an arm around his stomach and does his best to look ill. “Uh, no, not really... but, um wh-what are you doing here?”

“The hospital is a little short-staffed today and your aunt was having trouble finding someone to cover her shift,” Tony explains, keeping his expression perfectly neutral. “She called to ask if I minded picking you up. You know”—his eyes narrow—“since you’re so sick.”

(Peter gulps. He’s starting to wonder if maybe he’ll be sick after all.)

“So of course, I told her I would,” Tony goes on. “I mean, if you’re feeling this bad, we could hardly just leave you here...”

Peter has to force himself to meet Tony’s gaze. “Right. Um, thank you. That’s super nice of you.”

“Well, you know me, Tony Super-Nice Stark,” his mentor says with a small chuckle as he steps closer to the bed.

“Now, with stomach bugs, the biggest concern is going to be dehydration,” the nurse continues. “So you’re going to want to push fluids, especially if he’s having di—”

“Fluids, got it,” Peter cuts her off, feeling his cheeks heat up. He gets to his feet and starts moving toward the door, but Tony halts him by grabbing his arm.

“Hey, hey, slow down, kid,” Tony tuts at him. “You were just looking like you might pass out a minute ago.” He presses his palm to Peter’s forehead and glances over to the nurse, eyebrows pinched together in the semblance of concern. “He’s kinda flushed, right? Maybe we should check his temperature again.”

“It’s fine,” Peter mutters, barely managing to suppress an eye-roll. “I think I just need to go home and sleep.”

“Sleep is probably the best thing for him,” the nurse agrees, nodding. “But going back to dehydration, if at any point it’s been more than five hours since he’s last urinated—”

“Mr. Stark, c’mon…” Peter whines quietly, nudging the man toward the door.

Tony holds up a finger to shush him—there’s a twinkle in his eyes that’s honestly driving Peter mad. “Hang on, kiddo. This is all very important information. In fact”—he pulls out his phone and opens the notes app—“let me just write this down. So you said if he hasn’t peed in five hours…?”

The nurse goes on to happily share her wealth of knowledge regarding stomach viruses with his mentor. Tony nods along to her advice, looking genuinely interested the entire time, occasionally interrupting to ask pertinent questions. Meanwhile, Peter just stands there, quietly dying a little inside.

Finally, she concludes her little spiel and Tony thanks her politely, then asks, “You wouldn’t happen to have a bin or bag or something we could take with us, would you? I just got the car detailed recently—hate for that to go to waste.”

Peter lets out another low groan. “Mr. Stark…”

“Ah, I have just the thing!” the nurse says. She bustles over behind her desk and produces a plastic sand pail with assorted Paw Patrol characters on it. “I get these from the dollar store,” she informs. “They don’t look like they hold too much but you’d be surprised!”

Tony grins. “That’s perfect. Thank you so much, Alice.” Looking to Peter, he asks, “Need the bathroom before we leave?”

Rolling his eyes at his mentor, Peter takes the bucket from the nurse with a muttered “thanks” and strides directly out the door.

X

Tony doesn’t say anything for the entire walk to the car, but Peter’s mind is happy to fill the silence with dread and anxious thoughts as he imagines all the various ways his mentor might chew him out about this. Stupid Spanish presentation—he should have just winged it after all.

The moment that both he and Tony are seated in the vehicle and the car doors are shut behind them, Peter sets the bucket down on the floor and covers his face with a groan.

“Alright, let’s get it over with,” he mutters into his hands. “Lay it on me.”

“Just to clarify,” Tony begins, sounding a bit more serious. “You’re not actually sick, right? This was just to get out of your presentation?”

“Yeah, I dunno...” Peter admits, feeling defeated. “I was planning to work on it—I swear. Just, well, there was all this stuff due for my other classes, and then the snowstorm, and all these commitments just kept coming up, and I just kinda... ran out of time. Figured if I got sent home I could buy myself an extra day or two.” He sighs deeply, lowering his hands to look up at his mentor. “Are you gonna tell May?”

Tony huffs out a short laugh. “Honestly? I think you’ve suffered enough.”

Peter blinks at him, surprised. “Wait, seriously?”

“You listened to a school nurse describe the BRAT diet for three whole minutes,” Tony says with a snort. “I don’t think any lecture May or I could give would top that.”

“God,” Peter groans, running a hand over his face. “If I hear the word ‘binding’ used one more time…”

“But,” Tony says, holding up a stern finger as he starts the car. “As soon as we get back to your place, we’re finishing up that presentation in time for your miraculous recovery tomorrow, got it?”

“We?” Peter raises an eyebrow at him. “Do you even speak Spanish?”

Tony waves a hand dismissively. “I know French and Italian—close enough. More importantly, I am fluent in the language of bullshit, kid. I once convinced an entire board of investors that not adding a clock feature to the new Starkphone prototype was a philosophical statement about the ‘futility of time as a construct’ rather than an embarrassing oversight caused by deadline crunches, no sleep, and more caffeine flowing through my veins than red blood cells.”

“And how did that go?” Peter asks.

“Sold twelve thousand shares that day. And I got to meet the Dalai Lama.”

Peter just snorts.

“Oh, and there was this other time,” Tony goes on wryly, “when I helped my intern play hooky to get out of a school presentation by convincing the nurse he had the shits.”

Peter leans back against the seat with a heavy sigh. “I’m never doing this again, Mr. Stark,” he mumbles.

X

Link to all my fics

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[for-ests]

Well, even though I’m already getting ready for Xmas, we can’t ignore thanksgiving. How bout a piece on Tom meeting the whole family on this day but it’s a chaotic mess because holidays can just bring out the best or worst in us. Maybe that’s just my family. Anyways, happy writing! 🦃

Thanks for the request babes :-) I hope this is what you had in mind (I vaguely say aunts, siblings, cousins, so the reader is able to imagine however many they have) enjoy!! ❤️

Word count: 2,145

✭♡✭♡✭♡✭

Even though you had been dating Tom for eight months, the two of you had never spent the holidays together. You had met at the most imperfect time, in late February.

Though you didn’t want to admit it, what unfolded tonight at your family’s Thanksgiving dinner would determine how you would continue on with your relationship. Your family was incredibly Important to you, and their opinion on your boyfriend was just as significant.

Despite the pressure that weighed on you and Tom’s shoulders, you were calm and collected. You were almost positive that they were going to love him as much as you had grown to.

Tom though, understandably, was a nervous wreck.

“Ughhh they’re gonna hate me.” He whispered, crossing his arms in a childish manner, mimicking one in a way that was intended to make you laugh. You chuckled loudly from the driver’s seat, trying to not keep your eyes off the road for more than a second.

“I think the fact that you have a British accent is enough to make my family like you.” You teased, reaching across the armrest and setting a comforting hand on his thigh. He relaxed immediately as you continued.

“We’ve talked about my past relationships before. But I’ve brought worse boys home, you being a decent human being is most definitely enough.”

“I know I know.” He mumbled, setting his hand over yours. “I just want it to be more than that. I’m here to prove myself whether you feel like that’s what’s gonna happen.”

“Yeah, totally.” You quipped, a bit flattered that he was so anxious to meet your parents and siblings. A guy had never shown this much interest in you before, yet alone your family.

“I can see you trying not to smile.” He teased.

Breaking into a smile, you shook your head, purposefully turning farther to the opposite side. Tom always did this, and you smiled every single time.

“Shush up and let me focus on the road”

Whatever your boyfriend said next faded into the background, and he soon turned his attention to his cell phone.

It had been months since you’d been to your hometown, and you were anxious to see it again. You were a well known actor like Tom, and that had kept you in many unfamiliar places surrounded by unfamiliar people. Coming back to your roots on such an important family holiday was what you had been waiting for. To see the people you loved again, and to introduce someone special to them.

Though your hometown was smaller, and not entirely significant, you were proud to be from the area. It was lively and decorated, the landscape stretching on for miles with rolling hills and hundreds of trees.

Your house was placed in a tight knit family friendly area. And as you drove closer, the aspects of your beloved neighborhood and town had become distinct, even the familiar layouts of the back roads put a smile on your face.

You breathed a sigh of relief. Nostalgia was a killer, and you were excited to show Tom around the town you held so close to your heart.

“Here we are.” You turned onto the block, and pulled into the driveway.

Tom tucked his phone away and focused his attention on what lay before him. “It’s lovely.” He smiled, pointing to a window on the second floor. “I bet that used to be your room.”

“Correct.” You tried not to giggle like the little girl you used to be. Unbuckling, you leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek.

As you pulled away, Tom was staring intensely. One look at you, and his nerves seemed to fade. You were so happy to bring him back. He loved to see you fulfilled, and loved that he was part of that reason.

Without another word, the two of you gathered your bags and made your way up to the front porch. The smell of holiday scented candles was the first thing you noticed when you opened the door. You could hear the afternoon football game playing from the living room loudly, and the bustling of your mother in the kitchen.

But before you stepped over the threshold into your warmly lit home, you leaned over and purred into Tom’s ear. “If you behave, you’re in for treat tonight.”

Tom snorted, nudging you away. “Shut up, I haffta focus.”

You kissed him again, but this time it was fully on the lips. You winked before screaming, “IM HOME!”

Then it was madness. Your family flooded to the front door, taking your bags so they could embrace you for the first time in months. It felt so good to be back, it was almost as if you had never moved out. Everything was the same, everything was familiar.

Introductions ensued. Cooing from your mother, going on and on about how handsome he was, though you had already shown her pictures. (She had seen all his movies already, but she would never admit that.)

A brooding stare from your father- which soon turned into a firm handshake. Your father didn’t really care who walked through the door, as long as they would watch sports with him. Tom definitely had some homework.

And your younger siblings of course, they had been waiting to meet Spider-Man since the moment you told them you were dating a superhero. They poked and prodded him, asking if he could play with them later and give they battle strategy tips.

It was all coming together, and thank God you arrived over an hour earlier than you had intended, so you could find some peace before the storm. Tom was unprepared for the mayhem that was about to ensue when suburban women had to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner.

Though you weren’t prepared for it, you were grateful. You were happy, watching him smile, his eyes twinkle, the corners of his eyes crinkling when your mother showed genuine interest in his career and experiences.

You were sentimental, wishing you could have spent a portion of your childhood with Tom, something that could have developed into an epic love story, one that stretched across decades. Your families would have already been close, before the fame. But when you thought harder about it, you were satisfied with what you had. You were incredibly smitten with Tom, and by the effort he was putting forth, he was equally smitten with you.

Tom had never been to the suburbs, so this trip was equivalent to a vacation for him. Which you found strange, given the fact that it was the fucking suburbs– but you didnt want to ruin his fun.

And ruined it was, or so that’s what it seemed like as your mother screamed at the top of her lungs for your younger siblings to leave the kitchen. You were by her side, also in an apron, trying to carve the turkey as best as you could while your mother mashed potatoes like she had never mashed them before.

“When are the aunties coming?” You squirmed and ripped another chunk of meat off the turkey bones, tossing them into a glass bowl.

“On their way.” Your mom said breathlessly, finishing the mashed potatoes and focusing on stirring the gravy. She then ordered you to crack open a few cans of cranberry sauce.

“Will we be done in time?” You glanced to the oven that had biscuits baking in it.

“Yes. Your grandmother is bringing doubled eggs and relish plates. Your aunt is bringing…” she trailed off as her attention was turned to the stuffing that had yet to be loaded into a plate. Unfortunately, your mom had fallen behind schedule this year and had to cook everything in the last couple hours. Part of that reason was because she was distracted with your arrival. It was a mess, but it was all coming together. With your help of course.

“Is there anything I can help with, Mrs. L/N?” Tom peaked his head around the corner at the commotion. You knew he had been distracted with a long friendly lecture from your father.

Your mother didn’t seem to hear him, as her train of thought was interrupted by the oven beeping. The biscuits were done.

She breathed a sigh of relief, and turned the oven off. Everything was finally cooked, and still piping hot for all the family to enjoy. Yet your mother still seemed anxious. But that was just how she was, every single year.

“You’re the guest, Tom.” You smiled. “And everything is done.”

He gave you two thumbs up, flashing a cheshire grin. Surprisingly, he seemed over the moon, probably excited for the food that was lying in front of him. It was aromatic, and your stomach started to grumble.

“Can I at least help set up?” He asked, guilt flashing across his face. Tom was one of those people that hated to sit around and watch everyone else take part in activities, even if it was as simple as setting up the dinner table. ‘Let me do something’ He mouthed, practically pleading with his eyes.

Your father made his way into the room, but before he could say anything, your mother piped up, back still turned away from the three of you.

Your mother chuckled. “Oh sweetie, guests don’t help set the table.” She walked past him, picking up the carved turkey and setting it gracefully in the center of the elongated wooden table.

“Guests?” You father chortled, clapping Tom on the back. “He’s practically family now.”

Your father’s eyes met your for a moment, and you were pleased to find his statement was genuine. Your heart fluttered, forever grateful that your parents seemed to approve of him. That was a first.

“Oops!” Your mother laughed. “You’re right, honey.” She walked past Tom and guestered for him to follow. “Grab whatever you’d like and bring it over then.” Normally, she would have made a joke, but you could tell she was tired, and wanted to eat.

Snorting, you shook your head. You knew she was trying extra hard to impress Tom. Like you, she had been waiting for another man in the family to spoil. Nodding towards the biscuits, Tom gained the hint that you wanted him to snatch something else to help set up.

That was the calm before the storm. The hustling and bustling of dishes signaled to your siblings and cousins that it was time to eat. They practically ran into the kitchen, a whirlwind of thank you’s in their paths. Taking advantage of that opportunity, your mother started handing them dishes to set on the table.

And before you and Tom knew it, there was nothing left to place on the table.

Setting the biscuits sheepishly on the edge of the table, and handing a few to your cousins at the kiddie bench, he rounded back to your side.

“I feel worthless.” He whispered in your ear, knowing it was a light-hearted joke.

“It’s fine babe, next time.” You left a light kiss on his cheek.

The two of you started to make your way to the table, unable to ignore the grumbling in your stomachs. You had purposefully told Tom not to eat a single thing before the gigantic meal. You had also advised that it was more than welcomed to take seconds, thirds, and even fourths.

And then, as if on cue, the front door violently swung open, and in hurried your aunts and grandparents. “Oofta, traffic was a killer.” You heard you grandmother’s voice complain loudly from the front entrance. A chilling breeze followed, refreshing in the warmly lit atmosphere.

You turned and saw your grandfather balancing at least four pumpkin pies in his hands. Tom rushes forward to help, and you followed suit.

“OH MY GOSH IT’S Y/N’S BOYFRIEND!” Your rambunctious aunt seemed to yell at the top of her lungs when she spotted the stranger.

Tom’s eyebrows raised in amusement.

“Be prepared for kisses.” You warned, smiling from ear to ear, knowing he had already been warned of their excessive amounts of affection.

It was going to be an incredibly wild night. One that you and Tom would remember for years to come.

[fand0mfancies]

Came across this on Tumblr a few days ago, it amused me for a couple of hours or more, filling it in, while watching QI.

 Fandom Questions

 1. What was the first fandom you got involved in?

Star Trek: Voyager, I suppose at least for reading. Started writing with Stargate SG-1.

 2. What is your latest fandom?

I dip in and out of lots of fandoms on and off, the most recent ‘pick up’ is Ballam from Eastenders, I don’t watch soaps, but Robron and Ballam both appear a good bit on my tumblr, so I eventually gave in to checking them out via fic and youtube – thank god for youtube, lol! I still don’t watch soaps, but I watch those storylines!

 3. What is the best fandom you’ve ever been involved in?

Gosh, that’s... actually no that’s really easy. Primeval. For anyone not familiar, it’s a ‘silly little dinosaur show’ produced in the UK. It had 4 short seasons, with a somewhat revolving main cast – although they managed to keep 3 of them through all 4 seasons – but the fandom was/is amazing. I made life long friends through the fandom and even though I don’t write much any more I still read some and still talk with those people.

 4. Do you regret getting involved in any fandoms?

I would say no. I can’t say every fandom has always been amazing – ship wars anyone! – but mostly fandom has been a very positive experience in my life.

 5. Which fandoms have your written fanfiction for?

How long have you got... in genuinely no particular order (basically as they came to me) Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Star Trek (TNG, DS9, Voy, Ent & Reboot Movies), Marvel, Kingsman, Person of Interest, Due South, Quantum Leap, Firefly, Buffy/Angel verse, Harry Potter, The Sentinel, Torchwood(/Doctor Who), Hawaii Five-0, Shadowhunters, Sherlock, Primeval, Emmerdale (Robron), NCIS, CSI (Vegas, NY & Miami), White Collar, Empire Records, Bull, Diagnosis Murder, MacGyver (the original), 1-800-Missing, CHAOS, Without a Trace, M*A*S*H, Charmed, Queer as Folk (US), Will & Grace, Bring it On, Nash Bridges, Magnificent 7 (TV series), House, Babylon 5 – I think I got them all... a few of those were one time only deals, but a lot of them have more (anywhere from 2-52 (or more still!) ranging from 100 word drabbles, to thousands of words – hey I’ve been writing fic for 21 years... you tend to amass a lot of fandoms...

 6. List your OTP from each fandom you’ve been involved in.

Oh geez, here we go, lol! Okay...

 Stargate SG-1: Jack O’Neill/Daniel Jackson

Stargate Atlantis: Rodney McKay/John Sheppard

Star Trek: Elim Garak/Julian Bashir, Chakotay/Tom Paris, Jonathan Archer/Malcolm Reed, James Kirk/Spock – I don’t particularly have an ‘otp’ in TNG, the couple I’ve written were Picard/Data, I’ve also dabbled reading Data/Gordi)

Marvel: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark

Kingsman: Harry Hart/Eggsy Unwin

Person of Interest: Harold Finch/John Reese

Due South: Benton Fraser/Ray K

Quantum Leap: Sam/Al

Firefly: Malcolm Reynolds/Simon Tam

Buffy/Angel Verse: Buffy/Giles, Angel/Spike, Xander/Spike, Willow/Tara

Harry Potter: Harry/Draco, Harry/Hermione, Harry/Hermione/Draco

The Sentinel: Jim/Blair

Torchwood: Jack/Ianto

Hawaii Five-O: Steve/Danno

Shadowhunters: Magnus/Alec

Sherlock: Sherlock/John, Mycroft/Lestrade

Primeval: Nick Cutter/Stephen Hart, James Lester/Hilary Becker Emmerdale: Robert Sugden/Aaron Dingle

NCIS: Gibbs/DiNozzo CSI: Nick Stokes/David Hodges, Mac/Danny, Horatio/Speed White Collar: Neal/Peter/Elizabeth

Empire Records: Joe/Lucas

Bull: Benny/Jason

Diagnosis Murder: Steve/Jesse

 I’ve left a few out where I don’t have particular OTPs

 7. List your NoTPs from each fandom you’ve been in.

Here we go again... lol!

 Stargate SG-1: Jack/Sam, I just... no. I’ve read a few where it’s a background or secondary pairing, but it always makes me wince a bit. I’ve read a few with Sam/Daniel as a secondary pairing that didn’t make me react that way and I’ve read Sam with other characters, but Jack/Sam just is a nope for me.

Stargate Atlantis: McKay/Keller – no, just no. that was horrible. She treated him like... awfully, trying to change him to suit her, just... no.

Marvel: Contentious, but Tony/Pepper, also Peter Parker/Tony Stark. Maybe because I saw the movies before I ever looked at the comics, but meh.

Due South: Benton Fraser/Ray V – again, contentious, but honestly I think Ray V was kind of a shit friend to Fraser.

Firefly: Anything with Jayne. No really, I just can not stand the character. I spent most of the series wanting to punch him in the face and sometimes you get characters you love to hate, but I just hated him.

Buffy/Angel Verse: Buffy/Spike, Willow/Kennedy

Harry Potter: Ron/Hermione, Ron/Harry, Harry/Ginny... basically, Ron and Ginny should just be loveless hermits who live by themselves. Ok, no, that isn’t fair... but as much as Ron was Harry’s first friend, he was selfish and bitter and Ginny/Harry just... never sat right with me. Ron literally says she spent ‘all summer talking about’ Harry, when she’d met him for all of three seconds. She didn’t know him. It always felt like she fell more in love with the *idea* of Harry Potter, than Harry Potter himself.

Sherlock: Sherlock/Molly, he’d eat her for breakfast. Serious, she’d never survive him.

Primeval: Oliver Leek and anyway. Arg. Creepy little dude is creepy and evil.

NCIS: Ziva/DiNozzo – ugh, just no.

 Again, I’ve left out ones where I don’t have particular NoTPs

 8. How did you get involved in your latest fandom?

Tumblr, god damned bitches posting gifs of pretty boys falling in love, roped me in!

 9. What are the best things about your current fandom?

I dabble in several fandoms at once... but if we go by ‘most recently picked up’ as ‘current’ we’re talking Ballum, which hey, it’s always fun to have an actual canon pairing be my OTP, that’s rare for me, lol.

 10.  Is there a fandom you read fic from but don’t write in?

Well (so far) I haven’t written any Ballum. (I say so far, because I’m a realist, lol). I rarely read in fandoms and not end up writing in them at some point. Although I have probably dabbled in a few I’ve not written for, but if I read it with any sort of consistency, I mostly end up writing it. I am weak!

  Ship Questions for your Current Fandom

 11. Who is your current OTP?

Okay, so that list above, just basically go with that. While I do drop in and hour of fandoms and some I certainly read in more than others, I do tend to go back to fandoms... If we were talking about what I’m mostly focused on writing atm... Steve/Tony, Mycroft/Lestrade, Harry/Draco and Robron are ones I’m currently working on most.

 12. Who is your current OT3?

I’m not currently writing anything that’s OT3 with any real focus. I have a couple of Neal/Peter/Elizabeth WiPs that I will at some point finish, but they aren’t a big focus just now. I did recently read a fabulous Neal/Peter/Elizabeth fic that’s been on my tbr list for ages.

 13. Any NoTPs?

Just... see above, lol!

 14. Go on, who are your BroTPs?

Harry Hart/Merlin, those two are Bro’s until the end and I will fight you on this. Also, Eggsy/Roxy! OMG they are such a BroTP! And Tony/Pepper/Rhodey – I may no like Tony/Pepper as a pairing, but I love them as best friends and of course, our Rhodes, because again, I will fight you on this, they are awesome and Tony needs his best friends!

 15. Is there an obscure ship which you love?

I’m not sure there is. I suppose I’ve read a few fics for some random pairings over the years, but nothing that’s made me really ship-ship them. I like Clint Barton/Bucky Barnes, after seeing it as a secondary pairing in a Steve/Tony fic, but I’ve seen that pop up a few times since, so maybe it won’t stay obscure for long!

 16. Are their any popular ships in your fandom which you dislike?

Jack/Sam, Tony/Pepper, Ron/Hermione, Harry/Ginny, Buffy/Spike – they all seem to be het pairings, oops. But I am mostly a slash fic reader/writer, so I suppose that’s not too surprising.

 17. Who was your first OTP and are they still your favourite?

Jack/Daniel from Stargate SG-1. I still love them. I still read them, although it has been a while since I’ve written them on their own (I have got some SG-1/SGA x-overs where they feature)

 18. What ship have you written the most about?

I’m genuinely not sure... without going and counting (and I’m not going any counting!) I’d guess Jack/Daniel, McKay/Sheppard, Jack/Ianto and Steve/Danno.

 19. Is there a ship which you wished you could get behind, but you just don’t feel them?

No, not that I can think off. I either like it or not. I do occasionally feel bad for not reading a fic if it’s an author I really like, but I don’t read that fandom or pairing, but nothing specific.

 20. Any ships which you surprised yourself by liking?

Robron and Ballum, lol. I do not do soaps!

  Author Questions

 21. What was the first fanfic you ever wrote?

 Stargate SG-1, Jack/Daniel, a story called The Dare, The Disaster, The Almost Happy Ending, And The Very Happy Ending – it was awful. Don’t go looking, lol!

 22. Is there anything you regret writing?

Don’t we all? No, I wouldn’t specifically say so. There are certainly fics, especially older ones, I wish I could have written better, but nothing I’d go, ugh I should never have done that.

 23. Name a fic you’ve written that you’re especially fond of & explain why you like it.

Uh... honestly that’s really hard. I... um... yeah, I don’t know, really. I wrote a nice little flower one in POI that I felt worked rather beautifully. The Language of Flowers. An I wrote an SGA fic for NaNo a few years ago, called A Different Life, but it’s not online, because I didn’t finish it yet and I knew I wasn’t going to finish it any time soon, so I didn’t feel it was fair to leave it up unfinished (there is a reason I don’t read WiP fics and I don’t post them either, because I know how much I hate unfinished WiPs) Edit: After writing this I reminded myself of a POI fic I wrote called Hours of Separation – It’s a Harold/John break up story that I always intended to write a sequel too where I ‘fixed’ them, but I just couldn’t do it. I broke them a little too well. But I really love it actually.

 24. What fic do you desperately need to rewrite or edit?

The afore mentioned A Different Life needs to be edited and finished, lol! Also a Primeval fic with the working title Crypt Keeper (don’t ask) that I worked myself into a bit of a corner on and I figure out how to fix it, but I haven’t done it yet, so it’s still needs fixing and finishing, lol!

 25. What’s your most popular fanfic?

I haven’t the foggiest.

 26. How do you come up with your fanfic titles?

Sometimes, really easily, a quote, a line from the fic, a song title... other times it’s like pulling teeth, hence working titles on things like ‘crypt keeper’ which is a reference to one scene near the very start and has no actual hint of the plot, lol!

 27. What do you hate more: Coming up with titles or writing summaries?

Oh the titles. Summaries you can just copy a few lines from the fic if you are desperate, if you had to post ‘untitled mcshep fic #67’ people would get cranky, lol, hell I’d get cranky!

 28. If someone were to draw a piece of fanart for your story, which story would it be and what would the picture be of?

Oh... I... huh. I mean who wouldn’t love fanart for their stories? Any of them honestly! But if I had to choose just one... I guess something in my Animal Instinct verse, which is Primeval (although I always intended to write other fandoms in the verse) where some people transform into animals, based on their ‘spirit animal’ and some art of the characters with their spirit animal form would be awesome.

 29. Do you have a beta reader? Why/Why not?

Sometimes, look if you’ve read this far, you know I write in a lot of fandoms, lol. In some fandoms it’s easier than others to find beta readers. Also, sometimes if it’s just something short, I won’t bother. But I do try for my longer fics.

 30. What inspires you to write?

That old adage, if you want to read it, sometimes you just have to write it? Spite? Boredom? Honestly sometimes I just have ideas I have to get out of my brain and it’s write or go mad(der)

 31. What’s the nicest thing someone has ever said about your writing?

That it inspired them to write something.

 32. Do you listen to music when you write or does music inspire you? If so, which band or genre of music does it for you?

Sometimes, sometimes I find it distracting when writing because I end up singing along and forgetting what I’m writing, lol! I do sometimes get inspiration from songs, I guess mostly from the lyrics, but no particular band or genre – although I listen to a lot of country music!

 33. Do you write oneshots, multi-chapter fics or huuuuuge epics?

Little from column a, little from column b... littler still from column c...

 34. What’s the word count on your longest fic?

Around 60k, I think.

 35. Do you write drabbles? If so, what do you normally write them about?

I have. Primeval had/has a week drabble challenge, mostly when I’ve written drabbles it’s been for a challenge, with a specific prompt.

 36. What’s your favourite genre to write?

Uh... I mean, my fandoms really span the genres, but I guess sci-fi or crime are probably my favourites.

 37. First person or third person - what do you write in and why?

Third mostly, I have occasionally written in first person, if it felt like the fic needed it.

 38. Do you use established canon characters or do you create OCs?

Little from column a, little from column b... it depends on the fandom and the story. Sometimes you just need more characters, mostly they are minor roles, I don’t tend to write much established character/oc fic

 39. What is your greatest strength as a writer?

Ability to convince myself people will want to read it, lol! No actually to be honest, I love to know people read and like my stuff, but I gave up a long time ago on trying to ‘please’ people with what I write. I write what I want to read.

 40. What do you struggle the most with in your writing?

Focus. The problem with 21 years of fandom history, is well... 21 years of fandom history. A lot of fandoms, a lot of pairings and as I say, I never really ‘leave’ a fandom, I just drop in and out and sometimes that means I’ll write on something consistently for weeks or months and then end up getting distracted by another fandom again and not touch it for weeks or months again. Hence, I don’t post WiP fics, because I know I’m easily distracted and don’t want anyone to suffer my lack of focus but me.

  Fanfiction Questions

 41. List and link to 5 fanfics you are currently reading:

I don’t read WiP fics, so yeah... but 5 I’ve recently read in different fandoms that I’ve really enjoyed

 Turns Out, I Have a Rose Garden by betheflame (Steve Rogers/Tony Stark)

Lucky by china_shop (Neal Caffery/Peter Burke/Elizabeth Burke)

Colors by Quesarasara (Sherlock/John)

Betrayal by Blackghost7 (Gibbs/DiNozzo)

Matchmaker (Part 1 of the Marmalade Series) by HastaLux, Mottlemoth (Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade)

 42. List and link to 5 fanfiction authors who are amazing:

See now this is hard, because... ahh so many...

 FredBassett – Primeval author, her Stephen/Ryan series is epic and brilliant and endless

https://archiveofourown.org/users/fredbassett/pseuds/fredbassett

 Keira Marcos – I know other people will have said her, I don’t care. I love all her stuff, across all the fandoms she writes in

http://keiramarcos.com/

 theapplepielifestyle – her Steve/Tony is amazing. Hands down some of the best I’ve ever read. I will fight you on this.

https://archiveofourown.org/users/theappleppielifestyle/pseuds/theappleppielifestyle

 JillyJames – her Tony DiNozzo is a real life grown up... exactly as he should be considered given he’s a goddamn federal agent!

https://jillyjames.com/

 missbecky – I’ve read pretty much all her Steve/Tony and Harry/Eggsy and it’s awesome.

https://archiveofourown.org/users/missbecky

 Honestly, I could have listed so many more, but, I’m being good!

 43. Is there anyone in your fandom who really inspires you?

Everyone. The thing is, fandom at it’s best is like crack, the more you get, the more you want. The writing, the gifs, the art... it feeds you and makes you want to make more of it, because more of it needs to exist and if that means you need to do it yourself, so be it!

 44. What ship do you feel needs more attention?

ALL OF THEM!

 45. What is your all time favourite fanfic?

Oh hell no, not even, I can not. It took me an hour to narrow down 5 authors, I can not narrow down one fanfic!

 46. If someone was to read one of your fanfics, which fic would you recommend to them and why?

I mean, it depends on what they like... probably the Hour of Separation I mentioned above, if they like the fandom/pairing, or my Animal Instinct stuff.

 47. Archive Of Our Own, Fanfiction.net or Tumblr - where do you prefer to post and why?

Archive of our Own. I haven’t touched ff.net in *years* since they started getting super restrictive about what you could post. I do occasionally post stuff to tumblr, but mostly I now post to AO3. I did have my own site and I’ve yet to upload a lot of stuff to AO3 – one of these... months... that will be a project – but it’s amazing. Seriously, having been in fandom 20+ years, going from having to search all over a million different places and now it’s all in one place, where we’re honestly, spoiled and protected. The kids now have no idea how crazy impossible that once seemed.

 48. Do you leave reviews when you read fanfiction? Why/Why not?

Yes, but not as often as I should. I love AO3s kudos button, so I can sort of say ‘hey I enjoyed this’ without having to comment, because I sort of hate leaving comments just going ‘hey I enjoyed this’ because I always feel like I should say more, like, oh I enjoyed this specific thing, which yes is an unnecessary hang-up, but there ya go.

 49. Do you care if people comment/reblog your writing? Why/why not?

Of course it’s nice to get comments, kudos, reblogs etc. I’m not as attached to them now as I was when I was younger, because I learned along the way that it was more important that I like what I’m writing than that other people do, but it’s still nice to know that something I’ve created is enjoyed.

 50. How did you get into reading and/or writing fanfiction?

I went looking for Star Trek Voyager stuff online, pics etc, waaaaaaay back when! And I came across fanfiction entirely by accident... and I read some – het stuff mostly, then I started watching Stargate SG-1, went looking for fanfiction for that, but was not on board with Jack/Sam, found Jack/Daniel went ‘huh really? That’s weird’ read it... and yeah... 21 years later... lol!

 51. Rant or Gush about one thing you love or hate in the world of fanfiction! Go!

Ship Wars. No seriously, just don’t. Like, who the actual fuck cares. I like my ship, you like your ship. I don’t care if it’s canon or not. I don’t care if it’s popular or not. I don’t read my NoTPs, but I’d never dream of telling someone else not too. Yes I think they are terrible, bad, no good pairings, but that’s *my* opinion. Don’t try to change my mind and I won’t try to change yours. I avoid them like the actual plague. If someone starts that shit around me, I will shut it right down. You are a dick. Go to Jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect £200.

[incarnateirony]

*chef's kiss* Your "honk honk" seems of a different... attitude. I can't help but think you got information, and I wonder if it's the "‘Supernatural’ Boss on Season 15’s ‘Chance to Let Both Boys Be the Star of Their Own Story’" interview on Variety. If it's nothing, that's cool. If it's something else, I'm intrigued. Most of all, /if/ you write something about it, I/we always love hearing your thoughts. 🤡🤡

Hokay so this is going to be difficult to write out, because I do want to clear this up. Given, it took considerably longer than I intended, a few life kidnappings and one really strong IPA later, so if I get rambly, forgive me, I’m kinda buzzed.

That said, arrogant as it may sound, I’ve been told many times that people take me as a sort of seat of common sense and realism in this fandom, and “honk honk” can have many readings, so let me explain where I’m at in regards to the show, our canon, DeanCas and everything in this tangled web.

For those somewhat new to my blog, I didn’t really “ship it” until season 13, episode 5-6; I’d argue myself in reverse that my foundation was shaken by 12.19 in reverse, so put it somewhere in that time frame. Before that, I simply defended the validity and, frankly, sanity of Destiel fandom for seeing what they saw after years of them being gaslit, times confusion spawned from fandom levels that birthed all kinds of weird bitterness.

I kept it at arms length because realistically, on a production level, it just wasn’t a thing until somewhere in the ballpark of S12, which is when I joined fandom, and for a reason I will continue to vague blog about but I think some people have picked up on.

Even still, I have always endorsed being mindful of ones’ own emotions and expectations, and despite my honk honk, that still floats as a background element to everything I am about to say.

The TL;DR is that, quite frankly, any babbling about marketing or production issues aside, since season 14, Andrew Dabb has been seriously fucking my head up. Seriously.

I don’t know how long you’ve been with me, Nonnie; but early S14 I started blogging about the God of Control, Ialdaboath, Abraxas and other shit but also said I had no faith in it since in S11 already the network shut down killing god for fear of pissing off the fundies, and still, making him the villain holds about the same effect even if cruising on technicality. I built entire meta series pondering the pattern and direction of our canon, laying out how it was due to be Chuck, in reflection of Yellow Eyes and the sins of the Father, and then Dabb turned around and smacked my reservation out of my mouth in 14.20.

I spent hiatus blogging on about the next alchemical step being death of the relationship for birth of something new by Art and Lovers arcana; I referenced that old meta project, but spent equal time dismissing the balance of it, too Destiel, too front facing, to not expect it at all. Season 15 turns around smacking us with divorce and marriage shit all around and knocked that reservation out of my mouth too.

I blogged about Belphegor and patterns having a DeanCas breakup by 15.03 within mythology, but not to expect it to be forward facing; and ep 3 was so loud TVG and soap reporters started calling a spade a spade. Dabb knocked that reservation out of my mouth.

Structurally speaking, we continue to tread forward into louder and louder territory, and any time I try to apply any form of reservationist logic to it, Dabb cockslaps me into the dirt so hard I don’t know what to call logic anymore.

The interview may be part of it, for sure, but full honest I’ve been honking since before that.

Now, what “honking” is lacks a specific goalpost. As someone fully at peace with the level of effort our crew has been giving us beyond restrictions, as someone respecting the low key textuality plugged into this season even if it failed to meet “good representation” boundaries as people have identified, or the performative release anyone’s after, I have no specific expectation beyond:

Louder.

It’s going to get louder. It’s going to get harder, and harder to miss. And they aren’t shy about it anymore.

When it comes to corporate level shenanigans, there’s other things at play; some associated with certain topics I vagueblog about; others less vaguebloggy but related, like the WB losing 5 of its and its sister companies’ CEOs in the last year and complete corporate turnover that led to Pedowitz’s recent promotion to make CW more self-standing without babysitting as much by its parent company (not even minding the CBS-facing Moonves disaster which makes it 6 in CW’s blast radius).

Whether it be the first-female-WB-CEO making a change in how the business is handling its business decisions and marketing decisions, or simple “Forgotten Child Syndrome” that has given Dabberens the right to get away with everything but murder, in all we know of the crew, and all we see, the direction is only one thing: Louder.

And for that, I’ll gladly honk to death right now.

This crew is taking it as far as they can, and I will gladly blast the circus music announcing them in their wake.

We have truly reached a “roll the dice” point, which at no other point in history have we been at a horizon of beyond the curtain. We could still turn up snake eyes. That’s fine. Or we could nat 20. Or it could be a tepid 10. But the fact that the dice are rolling at all – honk honk.

I don’t know what’s real or logic anymore at this point, it’s one big muddy mess. So I may as well enjoy the ride, throw the dice, honk my heart out and see just how far these fuckers manage to sling us. 

But if I could get in a TARDIS and zap back to season 7 fandom and try to tell them what was going on, right here, season 15, the final season, with Dean and Cas, everybody would tell me I was on crack or full of shit, and that’s the kind of perspective this bitter ass fandom desperately needs to wrap their heads around and hands over rather than being lost to waves of irrelevant arguments.

I mean let’s look at S8-9 fandom that weren’t paying attention to the production curve at the time. A large sum convinced themselves it was “going to go canon”. But where, when, how? What was canon? They didn’t know, they just knew they got mad when a corp exec went “dafuq is a Destiel” in sum, because he was rightfully blindsided and everybody went bananas and didn’t come down from it since. If you had asked them then what “going canon” meant, you’d get a million different answers much less explanations why they thought it, some being really bizarre meta about fish or other RANDOM shit that literally makes you go “the FUCK?”.

And that has plagued the DeanCas community ever since, frequently addressed as “moving goalposts”, wherein person just needs XYZ and then it happens so somebody else makes a new thing they want and so on into eternity.

But as of late I’ve noticed a large, and I mean large section of fandom has detected certain patterns in Dabb era and have pretty unilaterally set an idea– for example, fandom has come to realize Korrasami, right down to the handholding, seems to be putting off beacons and pulses in the show time and time again. It’s not the loud rep some want, but a great deal of people are out here, seeing this groundwork laid down. There’s a how and a where and a when and I really can’t think of any other time in the history of this fandom that’s actually been in conversation, and I don’t think fandom has really grokked that as a difference, as well. 

Because it’s, for the first time, actually been handled like a genuine potential. How far that potential goes is up in the air, but it’s no longer punch line subtext or weird “oops I tripped and fell in the gay” shit. It’s not even just lowkey background parallels. It’s entire goddamn story arcs crafted front and center with loud cultural resonances, partial text level breaking dynamics and more, just lacking the affirmative sentiments people want– and suddenly, fandom actually has a formulative idea of what those sentiments might look like in the show.

And that my friends? That’s different.

Honk honk.

[spacejew]

oops accidental personal post I guess

It's weird that I almost feel the need to go here to personal blog again because of a handful of irl friends following what was supposed to be a private personal Twitter in theory, just for like, idk, internet strangers and friends I made online not those imported from meatspace. Also those character limits... Suffocating.

Anyways yeah things are kinda stable but dissapointing lifewise? I'm definitely in a rut and stuck somewhere I'm desperately trying to get out of. Also like. idk. Gender shit. I think I really fucked myself over hard when I made the decision a few years back to conviously bottle up all my dysphoria and trans feelings and bury them and repress them hard and just live as a very gay and feminine bi boy and like. hm. I think I've been happy since? But im thinking now that maybe. Because that's still a part of my psyche that haunts me every day. I might actually have been mildly depressed this whole time and like, still struggling to make important life decisions because of the anxiety of that. Idk. Maybe if I got a therapist and realistic attention to that all those years ago and it turned out to be very real n legit and i got to make tough choices and live my truth, I would be equipped now to actually be joyful and able to fully focus on hard work and taking risks and putting myself out there and being successful and shit. Idk idk idk. I just have to wonder if all this time I've actually been quite unhappy and filling the void with dumb shit and a good deal of dissociation and complacency. Idk. what I'm saying is maybe I made a big mistake there lmao and could've started transitioning, if that's right for me, 4-7 years ago maybe, who knows. Haha so fun. Fuck me. Big Regrets, lads. But also I still don't know if that's right. Which probs means it is who am I kidding. Oof. But it's ok life is a journey I'm full of wise shit and I know it's not the end of the world. It just kinda. Makes me so sad on behalf of the old me who would cry so much because of dysphoria and living in this body in this life. She knew. I don't know why I buried her alive like that. Anyways.

I spent all year struggling to make an animated short (which ended up being kinda long tbh like 10 minutes?) by myself mostly, just me and my mental blocks and executive dysfunction and shit, but I was v passionate about it and worked hard and got to actually bring a whole vision to life, with basically nobody to tell me what to do, just give me feedback that I wasn't obligated to follow. It came out pretty nice and I'm very happy that I got to tell exactly the story I wanted and try a cool new look and I just wish I gave myself more time to work on the actual animation part but I put my heart and endless weeks and months of refinement into the storyboarding and script and every little detail and I really feel accomplished and like it paid off -- and I even got to do a private screening at my summer camp job that I was called in to do one more time at the last minute right when I finished my film, it was a miracle and so perfect, everyone cried and truly loved it and felt touched by it. And then I went to animation festivals! And all this cool shit! But... I haven't been able to figure out a public screening thing yet. And I feel like all my excitement is gone now. And I really wanted to polish the look and some backgrounds a little, just some very quick rerendering and comp, but. I feel like too much time has passed, i just feel dissapointed. I haven't put it online yet cause I haven't done my public screening, cause of my stupid anxiety about little details and overall idk imposter syndrome I guwss I feel more ashamed of it than proud of it even tho it's probably good, and like I feel that everyone was excited to support me but probably nobody cares anymore.

Basically I had all the wind taken out of my sails. Oh and right when I was trying to get it off the ground I guess and push through, my grandma died. I'm so heartbroken I loved her so fucking much and. She never got to see the film cause of my stupid bullshit. I feel so bad about that. So so bad. Ugh. And it's a film very very hilariously blatantly directly based on me and my feelings and my real family history, ultimately besides other main themes it's about talking to your grandparents and family about the past and your current feelings. And in it the main character, a girl, cough cough even though it's basically me, cough cough go figure, gender shit, anyways the climax is her going back in time to talk to her great grandma, and it's very emotional and my best friend of like almost 10 years now composed and recording a music for that scene for me. And now when I eventually screen this, my entire family and also myself is gonna get torn to shreds by this scene more than intended because my own fucking grandma, who I was excited to show this film to more than anyone on earth, passed so unexpectedly without seeing it. Fuck. Why didn't I send it to her when she was in the hospital? Obviously cause if I did that that would make it real and she wouldn't get better and all I do is live in denial. Ugh. Anyways yeah. The point is I'm stagnant and in a rut right now and just want to move forward and focus on making new work and just get a real career relevant job already. Tough year hit a well needed high and now petering off back into misery. Not to be dramatic. I'm ok tbh I have a part time I'm slowly getting sick of and a loving supportive partner and some very good friends, tho not as many as I used to see regularly and that's kinda sad too. That's your 20s babey.

I just need to move on and make big changes. My pattern rn is like. Work fri-sun, if I'm lucky I get to hang out with friends or lovers, usually at least with my partner. on monday I recover from working. on tuesday I have dnd and usually get some stuff done but honestly just catch up on warframe with my clan friends. wednesday my partner and I got to the park and library for half the day and eat and draw and talk. on thursday I mentally prepare for work again and usually we go out to play another roleplaying game with her roommates friends. a lot of that free time that's been left unmentioned is spent being over at bae's sometimes so I don't have the ability to get much work done. Lately I've spent most of my time planning a dnd campaign which is fun but also too stressful on account of obviously I'm not playing it yet so like what's the point, sorry friends who have patiently waited for months for me to be ready to start the game for them. And also like. Yeah idk. just sad and confused and resting my weary heart and body after a very rough month after my grandma passed. But! I did accomplish a very crazy deep cleaning of my room. I threw out 14 bags of shit at the least. I wish I weighed it all, it was a lot. I feel so much more organized and cleansed from that. For the record I didn't have any trash in my room, nor was it every a mess. Just every single cabinet and drawer was crammed full of stuff and I guess I hoarded a lot of shit. I was able to throw away a lot of things I held on to be cause of sentimentality and I'm proud of myself for growing that way. So like. Idk. It's not all bad, baby steps. I still feel like I'm constantly improving as a person! I'm positive, optimistic. Just tired, anxious, and feel bad.

Also I finally got a new phone and because of my hubris I dropped it without a case and it shattered only two weeks in. The day I was gonna buy a case. But it's ok. Story of my life I guess. I can't keep everything pristine and polished forever, one day shit falls and breaks but it's still usable. It has character.

I wasn't expecting to dump everything like this, sorry yall. Thanks for reading I guess. Also I forgot how to do a read more on mobile lol sorry

[fullmetalirin]

Fullmetal Alchemist OG vs. Brotherhood: On Beginnings

Normally, I’ll be comparing OG episodes to the Brotherhood episodes that cover the same material. But to start off, I think I’d like to compare the very first episodes of each, and discuss how they function as introductions to their respective series.

Fullmetal Alchemist

OG’s first episode begins where the manga begins: in medias res, with the Elric brothers in Liore pursuing rumors of the Philosopher’s Stone.

This is a very slow, introspective episode; the action of the Liore storyline does not kick off until the next episode. Much of the episode is spent on exposition, primarily on alchemy. The characters take pains to explain the magic system’s mechanics and limitations, and we also get a look into what the exceptions made possible by the Philosopher’s Stone look like. As a first episode, this tells us: this is a fantasy series where the magic system is very rigorous and follows consistent rules, and exploring those rules will be an important part of the story.

We also learn a lot about our main characters, yet many of the details are still played close to the vest. One is only a suit of armor, and the other has prosthetic limbs. We can draw a clear connection to the opening flashback, but the details are still unclear. What, exactly, happened to them? Why, exactly, did they do this? What does it mean that human transmutation does this to people -- again, tying into the mechanics of the ‘verse. As a first episode, this tells us: we’ve tantalized you with a mystery, keep watching to learn the answer.

This episode also lays out its cards in terms of theme. Much of the episode is just spent on philosophy. Ed gives his views on religion and humanity, and Rose pushes back. Ed dismisses Rose’s faith, but Rose points out that he clearly doesn’t know all the answers if his science can’t resurrect the dead either. In the background, Cornello is manipulating everyone. This is a story about lies and truth, reality and ideals, faith and science. What is the answer? Keep watching, and maybe you’ll find out!

This is what hooked me. It effectively advertises what the story is going to be about, and those are things that interest me. It gives a lot of interesting exposition without feeling forced, and gives us just enough hints towards the characters and mysteries to keep me engaged. I want to know where this is going.

FMA: Brotherhood

Brotherhood opted to do something completely different for its first episode: an original story about Isaac McDougal, a rogue State Alchemist.

This is definitely an episode that assumes you are already familiar with Fullmetal Alchemist. It’s even more in-medias-res than OG’s first episode: This episode throws a ton of characters, philosophies, and conflicts at us that we have no rightful context for at this point in the story. The opening scene isn’t even about the main characters. We have no context for who Mustang or Isaac are or why it’s significant that they’re here and fighting each other. It’s not entirely clear whether Isaac is right or not or what he’s talking about -- the exposition side of things gets a little cramped in this action-packed episode. Kimblee gets a cameo, but he isn’t going to be relevant to the story until much later. The ending seems to make it clear that Bradley is evil, but it’s not clear what we’re supposed to do with this information. It’s all very interesting if you’re already in the know, but it’s a lot to take in for a new viewer.

I also have to ask why Mustang is even fighting this guy when they have the same goal. Is Mustang fighting him to maintain appearances, or due to a genuine moral disagreement? Is it not tragic that he has to make this decision? In doing so, in quelling revolution so he can keep waiting for his perfect moment, has he not become the very thing he hates? Or would giving into the anger and breaking ranks entirely just make him as mad as Isaac? What happens when the internal reformist meets the revolutionary? These are incredibly important questions that deserve time and attention, and ones that would add great depth and meaning to Mustang’s character and the narrative.

What do we actually get? “Ha ha, Mustang is grouchy because he got soaked! It’s funny!”

But none of that is what the episode is really about. What the episode is really about is cool fight scenes.

The Elric brothers are introduced fighting, and fighting by showing off how they can nosell the bad guy’s attacks because they’re so awesome. Pretty much the entire cast of alchemists run into Isaac at some point so we can see high-powered alchemist battles featuring cool moves. It’s capped off with SUPER ALCHEMY that SUMMONS A GLACIER that’s going to DESTROY THE PALACE! HIGH STAKES!!!

As a first episode, this tells us: the rules of the characters, and the setting, aren’t what’s going to be important here.

We’re no longer introduced to alchemy as a tool that fits into society, but as a cool powerset. And that, right there, is one of my big issues with Brotherhood: it’s not actually interested in making alchemy balanced and fitting it into the rest of the world. It’s just interested in using it for flashy magic battles.

I mean, “equivalent exchange” is bunk from the moment we see alchemy in action. Okay, so alchemy doesn’t violate conservation of matter (though we'll have to assume Central is just loaded with aqueducts and it was a very humid day for Isaac’s performances to obey that). But where is Isaac getting all the energy to freeze and boil huge amounts of water, a substance with notoriously high specific heat? Where is he getting the energy to make a giant moving glacier that regenerates itself when shelled by cannon fire? The original anime made addressing that question its central thesis. Brotherhood tells us shut up can’t we just enjoy how cool it looks?

The powers aren’t even very consistent. The first soldier Isaac freezes, he just needs to touch his arm and the whole body freezes immediately. When Isaac touches Ed’s arm, Ed is perfectly fine except it... rips his coat? How? I thought we were supposed to assume Isaac can only affect things he can directly touch... except in plenty of scenes he’s bursting water pipes from afar. Oops! So why does he need to use his own blood to make a stupidly fragile and inefficient weapon when he should be able to just freeze Ed from a distance? Why does the palace only start freezing when the glacier touches it, why couldn’t he have just frozen the place to begin with? Why does his blood spear dissolve when he dies, but the city-freezing alchemy is still going and needs to be disrupted by destroying the sigils? What exactly are his limitations here?

As later episodes are going to show, we aren’t supposed to be asking these questions. Brotherhood isn’t interested in answering them. It likes alchemy for the power, not the limitations.

Now, in and of itself, there’s nothing wrong with that. There are plenty of shows based around high power fight scenes, and that’s a perfectly valid genre. Giant Death Glacier is cool. But FMA keeps insisting that alchemy is not magic, that it does have rules and restrictions, equivalent exchange equivalent exchange equivalent exchange. And that’s why I write this down as a blunder. Brotherhood knows what it wants to be, but doesn’t seem able to admit to it. It’s false advertising.

Still, this isn’t objectively bad as a first episode, given the intended target audience and purpose. If you want to watch your favorite characters being cool and getting into high action magic battles, this definitely delivers, and it’s pretty representative of what the rest of the series is going to look like. But you do have to look at a guy pushing a giant regenerating glacier around a city while shouting “equivalent exchange!” and not lose your suspension of disbelief, and that’s not what I want out of stories. I like the idea of magic that really does function like a science, with limitations, checks, and balances, and I like stories that seriously grapple with those implications. Brotherhood’s first episode does not do this, and it’s pretty honest about the fact that the rest of the series won’t either.

[snagglewoojin]

Airplane Ride

summary: in which you spill your drink on the handsome stranger beside you on the flight and things take off from there (no pun intended) genre: fluff, romance characters: you, minhyun a/n: masterlist

ok so you were on your school break

and you and your friends decided to go on a short vacation together

to none other than bali

the island

famous for its coral reefs, clear blue sea water, nature and hot men at the beach

and in order to get to bali

y’all gotta take a plane right?

so that’s how you and your other friends went ahead and booked tickets

but you were the one who ended up without a seat next to them

because y’all bought your tickets late

and most of the seats have already been filled up

so you had no other choice but to pick the few remaining ones left

and yours happened to be the middle seat of a 3 people row

in the economy section

cause obviously

you’re way too poor for business seats

or first class seats

maybe you’ll be able to experience that in your dreams

but anyway

the day to fly rolls around

and you and your friends have excitedly gathered everything

and arrived at the airport in time

everything was going well

and according to the plan

up until you got onto your flight

see,

it’s not like you expected some dashing young guy to be sitting beside you

honestly you didn’t even thought about who you might end up spending a few hours with

in these narrow ass seats

experiencing back pain from how uncomfortable it was

but when you said you weren’t expecting anything

you really weren’t

and you didn’t care

not until you hear an “excuse me” in this clear, deep voice

that you look up

and literally lock eyes with the most gorgeous man you’ve ever seen in your whole damn life

he was literally and i mean literally

glowing

was it because of how fair he was

you didn’t know

all you knew was that his jet black hair and clear dark brown eyes were sending shivers down your freaking spine

issa demigod

a greek god

a God

that was just how ethereal the man’s beauty was

and you completely didn’t notice yourself staring

not until he waves a hand in your face and says “excuse me” again

that you snap out of it

and get all flustered

before getting out of your seat so that he can get to his seat

which was the window seat

so when you settle back into your middle row seat

you try hella hard not to stare

but you were distracted

whatever you were thinking about before this man showed his presence has long since been forgotten

and you didn’t even know why your body was tensing up, getting all rigid and shit

but you couldn’t help how your eyes kept lowkey diverting back to him

from the corner of your eyes

watching him do whatever the hell he was doing

getting comfortable in his seat and whatnot

the person on your other side, the aisle seat, arrives a few minutes before the plane prepares to leave

and it was a middle age woman

so yeah

those were the people you were going to be spending a few hours with

on this flight

-

the plane takes off after god knows how long

and excitement was bubbling inside of you

you were hella happy

after all the hard work and suffering you had to go through these past few months

in order to complete your final year projects

you were finally able to relax

and have some fun

plus you get to sit next to this cute ass guy on the plane

life was blessing you with some good shit

anyways

half way through the flight you ask the stewardess for a cup of water

and she gave you like way too much, more than what you’d asked for

you couldn’t drink all of it

so you just took like a few sips 

and prepared to put it in the cup holder attached on the back of the chair in front of you

when your clumsy hands decided to just

accidentally tip the whole cup over

onto the hot stranger’s lap

you swear it wasn’t on purpose

and the water

literally

seeped into his pants

and you could only stare in shock

y’all literally just stared at each other

speechless 

wondering how the fuck is that possible

like how can your hands just tilt and spill everything on him

but it happened

and your entire face went red in a millisecond

“i’m so sorry!” you cried

being the angel he is

he simply laughs it off and quickly grabs some tissue that he has with him

and starts wiping it off

“i have some too! if you need them,” you offered and started looking for your own tissue

“it’s fine, don’t worry about it,” he reassures you and your heart melts in an instant

“i’m honestly so sorry i’m just really clumsy oh god,” you repeated your apologies, highkey still in a panic

why’d you go embarrass yourself in front of a good looking man

honestly why can’t you be normal for once?

he just laughs and waves it off

“no really, it’s okay. at least it ain’t coke or some sweet other drink,” he tries to joke

you laugh awkwardly and tell yourself to calm down

“gosh i’m such a wreck it’s my first time to bali and i land myself in this kinda embarrassing shit,” you mumbled under your breath

not expecting him to hear it

but he fucking does

he hears every single word of it

“it’s your first time in bali? me too!” he exclaims and passes the wet tissue to a passing by stewardess

“o-oh? yeah... it’s my first time...” you trailed off, surprised that he was even striking up a conversation with you

“are you here for a vacation? studies? visiting?” he probes further, making light conversation

“i’m here on a vacation with my friends. what about you?”

“me too! except they took an earlier flight yesterday because i still had a few things to settle so they just went ahead first,” he says

“wow, what great friends.”

he chuckles a little at the sarcasm in your tone

“say, what’s your name?”

“oh right. it’s y/n,” you flashed a smile

a smile that literally screamed “im so nervous help me right now”

he returns the smile, “i’m hwang minhyun.”

and your heart does multiple flips

what a perfect man with a perfect name that perfectly suited him

at the back of head you wondered if you’ve already used up all the luck in your life by being able to meet hwang minhyun and sit beside him

anyways the flight wasn’t going to end anytime soon

so obviously the conversation went on

you learn that the both of you were the same age

and that his university was actually pretty close to the one which you studied at

“so where are you guys staying at in bali?” he asks

“x beach resort,” you said, “it’s pretty expensive but the view is worth it.”

“really?!” his eyes grow a little wider and you’re slightly taken aback at how loud his voice was

“oops, sorry,” he smiles bashfully, “but that’s where i’ll be staying too. guess i’ll see you around then.”

your eyes light up, “for real? wow this is such a coincidence.”

“maybe it’s fate,” he winks and clicks his tongue

you wanted to jump off the plane right in that instance

like your heart was honestly beating so fast

you wondered if you were going to get a cardiac arrest

“yeah, maybe it is.”

-

a few more hours later

you’ve arrived at bali

the plane has touched down

and everyone was filing out

slowly

one by one

you were still conversing with minhyun

as if y’all were best friends

honestly you didn’t know how you even had so much in common with him

and so much to talk about

but it felt as if you just met a longtime friend whom you’ve never seen before

a handsome ass longtime friend to be exact

but anyways

you gathered with your friends once again

and introduced minhyun to them and vice versa

they all gave you knowing looks

which did not go unnoticed to minhyun by the way

he only laughed and gave you a teasing look as well

while your entire face was beet red

you really just wanted to crawl into a hole and die, no joke

but since y’all stayed at the same resort

everyone decided to just go together

-

“so i guess i’ll see you around?” minhyun says when everyone reaches the resort

you nodded, smiling up at him

why was this man so tall?

he had the looks, the personality and even the height?

god is unfair

truly

“but before you go off,” he says, “can i have your number?”

you were shocked

like

your number?

damn

things were progressing quick

and you weren’t complaining

you quickly type in your number and saved it

he smiles and keeps his phone, sending you one last look before waving and walking off

“be careful wherever you go!” he yells while walking backwards, still waving

“i’ll call you soon, cutie!” and he runs off

you’re just left standing there

shock

mouth hanging open

he just called you what?

cutie?

are those actually angels singing in the background or were you just hallucinating?

anyways, you knew it was going to be one hella trip

and spent the rest of the time looking forward to seeing minhyun again soon

[chibalein]

Kalafina Live Review - 10th Anniversary

Finally it’s available and I watched the whole 10th Anniversary Live (again and again), so I thought I’d give a review on it. Here is my original Live Report -> click. My opinions didn’t really change much, though, so I’ll be repeating myself here and there :p Here we go!

Ring your bell ~ in the silence

I love that intro, especially with those flags opening

other than that, boring entrance -> the 9+ONE intro would have PERFECT for that occasion

Ring your bell

fuck that song

However, I like the performance, surely one of their best, I love their bright smiles and movements

 BUT it gave me reminder of why I don’t like this song: the final “ring your bell”s, Wakana always makes me cringe

Quick opinion: I really came to hate Keiko’s dress. Not the colors or the golden/black pattern, that’s pretty cool: it’s those lace shoulder pads and the leather corsage. They make her chest area look super bulky and the chest part of the dress is not form-fitting at all. She has such a beautiful body but this dress just doesn’t support it.

Mirai

Fuck that sooong and everyone who voted for it

But even I have to say, I have a lot of fun watching them perform, they move around, interact with the audience, it’s lovely and more carefree

Lirica

Definitely one highlight of the night

I realized for the first time that the Strings are actually plucking their instruments lol I thought it was a background sound by the manipulator

I barely hear Hikaru in the chorus, is she singing high or low? xD

Keiko is the best here, so deep and dramatic!

Booooring stage show. No movements by the girls is one thing, but no special light show or anything? They could have been so creative with this dark piece..

Manten

OMG some choreography

Wakana is greeeeeat

Yane no mukou ni

First performance where I almost cried during the actual live, perfect and emotional

Still don’t like Hikaru here, she sounds like she is shouting which kills all emotions she might have had while singing

Cool plucking violins at the end, never noticed they do this

Hikari no senritsu

overplaaaayed

OMG light dude, DO SOMETHING

Best flute solo of all time

Quick opinion: all the performances where I criticise the lack of creativity, movement etc. look actually great on the DVD, because we have the cameras. Changing angles, focus on each girl, their faces, the audience and the band give variety and it makes it look a lot more interesting. But sitting in the actual audience is absolutely tiring, because there is just nothing happening on stage. It’s just like you listen to a CD, especially if you had a seat in the far back and could only rely on the screen. Such a shame and waste.

Storia

oh god no

their steps in the middle part are all over the place XD

fun and good performance

Quick opinion: almost all songs by now have been completely or partly illuminated in blue light. Uncreative? Yes.

Natsu no Ringo

Hikaru again sounds strange and shouting, she definitely was edited

Other than that super beautiful performance, Wakana was in top form that night

Serenato

Another big highlight, one of the best performances Kalafina ever did

Actually a nice, refreshing intro by the accordion, but I personally find it kinda dominant throughout the song, which was a bit distracting and which I didn’t really feel in the actual live

ARIA

Hikaru sings lower and I like it a lot, although they definitely enhanced her voice to sound a bit “prettier”

she did such an emotional and sad performance, you could see that is not struggling as hard as e.g. in Red Day

Sprinter

that Keiko hug

finally some action on stage and interaction with fans!

super fun to watch and OMG Keiko is using the pedestal

Oblivious

still bad place in the setlist

great AMV and surely also a highlight, sadly this is the only special treatment for their debut song, should have been celebrated more

Poor Hikaru gets always ignored during WaKei duet lol

Kizuato

Great performance, I adore that song

Keiko’s voice a bit too cute for me here

Kimi ga Hikari ni Kaeteyuku

Keiko’s stupid cutesy voice

Very emotional and those sad faces at the end kill me every time

I just realized that they have sung all Kara no Kyoukai songs in a row XD

Quick opinion: It’s like they only have red, white and green filters, all while the light technician’s finger is apparently stuck on the blue light button. This is BUDOKAN! This is ALL you can deliver?!

Kantankatan

I honestly wonder why this song made it into the setlist. Hyakka Ryouran sure, being their most recent single, but why this B-side song (and e.g. why not Tombo?). Since fans couldn’t vote for it, it makes me think that the girls just really love this song and wanted it included in their last recorded live performance.

Wakana is simply perfect, Hikaru... well... she’s there. Where has her “neverending” voice gone to?

Where is the second violin dude? Toilet break?

This song becomes so much better when the Strings join in the last part

Symphonia

I still hate Keiko’s dress

omg girls, please move around or something

good and nice performance

Red Moon

finally SOME DARK SONG and finally something for the eye with the video

Hikaru still sounds kinda weak, but during the actual live she was barely audible, so I guess that’s a plus here

Keiko is amazing, you can hear her so clearly! Wakana too! Epic performance

Waaaaay too much blue for a song called Red Moon

Adore

Flashback to After Eden with Red Moon -> Adore xD

Wakana is suuuper!

What the hell is wrong with you Hikaru? What happened after After Eden? She’s sooo shouty, this is definitely her weakest performance of the night

Great violin solo

OMG they use the pedestals FOR THE FIRST TIME and they use it for GODDAMN 12 SECONDS

And I noticed they actually played some video -> good!

To the beginning

finally after way too long, an upbeat song since Sprinter (which is 6 songs ago)

It took me years to realize that they sing “down to zero we go”, however Hikaru sounds suuuper strange singing that line

finally some light action, took you long enough, eh

That Keiko punch at the end xD Not enough of those cool shots

Progressive

YEAH SOME REAL ACTION

also one of the best performances of the night, I love Keiko here, she’s moving so much and having so much fun, it’s infectious

Hikaru killed it and that very last line is awesome

Ongaku

Aaaaw that hug in the beginning

of course, Ongaku is a must, I still think this would have been a better entrance or encore song

look at this power, fantastic

those band solos are the best thing of the whole concert, honestly I love them so hard

however, accordion solo is so out of place and unnecessary beyond belief

Bongo duuuuuuude, LOOK AT HIS FACE I can’t even xD

KONNO HITOSHI VIOLIN EPICNESS!!!!!!! With great justice he got the best reaction from the audience

They edited that Keiko jump/hug, it took her much longer to reach Wakana xD

The interaction between the girls is gorgeous, something we have been missing overall a bit

they included the flute at the end too, very nice (I suppose the accordion too, but fuck that)

that was the best Ongaku performance they ever did

Heavenly Blue

they still should have gone to MC after Ongaku

other than that, good performance I guess

Into the World

well hello there blue filter, it’s been a while

is it just me or has Keiko been made more dominant than she is supposed to be in the beginning?

Nightmare Ballet

come one, at least do that Zaregoto BGM THAT SOME ASSHOLE CUT FROM 9+ONE!

Great intro by accordion though, her duet with Sakurada is so cute

I feel I should take that blue spotlights to a date by now, because I have spent more time with them today than with my boyfriend

Great performance by the band, though too late into the concert in my opinion

Hikari Furu

best performance of this song of all time

Wakana kills it so hard, I feel bad for the others

fantastic mix of normal and acoustic version

that epic pause, THAT EPIC PAUSE

Quick opinion: I am not the biggest fan of those white “wedding” dresses. While their “final” version is pretty cool, I don’t like the veils, simply because they serve no purpose, especially since they’ll be thrown away immediately afterwards.

Hyakka Ryouran

nice flute intro

Red-Blue-Red-Blue-Red-Blue FUCK YOU

Ah, that middle HiKei dance, now you finally can see what I was talking about in my live reports. Wakana would have been better standing on the middle stairs though... #needless nitpicking

the flags are waving, that’s admittedly pretty cool

great performance of everyone, good that this song made it into the setlist

Alleluia

this doesn’t have many live recordings I think, so I am really glad that Alleluia made it as the last and most popular song of the night

definitely a marvellous farewell song for Keiko

look how powerful she sings, she knew this was her last big performance and she delivered

- Why is the manipulator celebrated to heavily? Is he particularly popular or something? XD

- Ehm, Wakana’s dress are actually pants? Do I have that correct? XD

- They should have thrown in “snow falling” as a surprise encore, just for the joke

-------------------------------

+ the musicians brought in so much variety and creativity even in highly overplayed songs, they made this truly a special concert

+ very good camera work, some great and cute shots and not so many cuts like in 9+ONE for example

- apparently an intern did the lighting here, I can’t explain this amateur work otherwise

- it’s a pity that there wasn’t any extra content included like some kind of Making Of or something on the Commemoration Lives. Sure, they reserved it for the movie, but still, at least something would have been nice

I really love this Live, although I had a lot of criticism. Kalafina delivered and they gave some of their best performances of their career. It was worth it all and it’s simply sad that this is their last concert. They deserved better treatment for this and it should have been even more special, with more effort and creativity by the staff/the agency.

Oops, that became longer than intended, sorry! Thanks for reading!

[lindoig1]

Heaven - or almost!   Day 10.

We ate fiery beef noodles at a place opposite our hotel for breakfast. Not quite sure whether the hotel doesn’t do breakfast or whether what they provide is not suitable for westerners, but they gave us a voucher for beef noodles as I said - if we wanted anything else, we had to pay for it ourselves as well as try to explain to the cook what we wanted. Everyone who came into the cafe seemed to get the same order, but the cafe threw in a somewhat strange, but perfectly fine, boiled egg each for us. We have noticed that many places have a lot of eggs floating in some sort of hot stock and the look of them turned me off a bit, but they tasted fine even if we got eggs that had been in the soup for a week - how would anyone know?

Then it was off to the mountains to the Heavenly Lake near God’s Mountain (Mt Bogda).  It was well over an hour’s drive to where we had to go through security and buy our tickets. Oops, they don’t take tickets from foreigners so we had to get checked out at the Police Station and after 15 minutes or so, we were suitably accredited and cleared to rejoin the queue to go through security again. You then walk across a courtyard and go through security again. I wonder what they could have missed the first time that we could have acquired in the 50 metre walk across the razor-wire enclosure that warranted the second examination? Chinese people seem highly regimented and simply cop whatever ridiculous bureaucratic procedures are applied. They all line up neatly until the door is opened and then the queue collapses and it is all push and shove to be first inside. They wedge themselves between us and surreptitiously edge forward or sidle around and between you and then try the same manoeuvre with whoever is next in line. Only problem is that 500 others are trying to pull exactly the same stunt on them. I have to say that the security nonsense is getting to me. You have to show your passport or ID card 10 times a day and everything has to go through the X-ray machine even if nobody is there to monitor it - even to get into our own hotel lobby. You get patted down with greater or lesser intrusion/excitement at least a couple of times a day and I have observed that as westerners, we get a lot more scrutiny than the locals.

We are now in the CORRECT station waiting 4 hours for our train. At the first X-ray station, they confiscated Heather’s dry hair shampoo, at the second X-ray station 50 metres later, they confiscated our plastic fruit knife and hair cutting scissors. They made us open all our bags and did a thorough job on Heather’s, but when my bags were all open at their insistence, they didn’t even lift the lid, just waved me through. But they were VERY interested in my binoculars.  They mimed a lot of birdwatching moves until I understood that I had to get them out of my backpack. They turned them over, shook them, peered through both ends, examined them again from every angle and eventually handed them back with true eastern inscrutability and a flick of the hand to send me on my way.

Anyway, back to the Heavenly Lake. We all lined up in our thousands and progressively boarded a cavalcade of hundreds of buses to be driven 10-15 kilometres where we all had to get out and walk/climb close to a kilometre through a slightly tacky ‘traditional village’ lined with stalls selling mostly non-traditional souvenirs, food and other wares. This path led us to a larger enclosed buying opportunity with some similar items as well as plenty of others, all at upmarket prices. We escaped with our money belt intact and finished our walk to where we lined up dutifully so a different fleet of buses could take us the remaining 30-40 km up the mountain to the lake. Interesting that we alighted the first bus maybe 15 metres from where we boarded the second one, but a sturdy fence and a plethora of police and security guards prevented anyone taking a short cut to miss the tourist trap. Despite it all, the walk wasn’t too bad and the hawkers not too aggressive although Heather was struggling a bit with the stairs in what turned out to be quite a hot day.

The lake was suitable heavenly - very beautiful set in very steep towering hills against the broad background of a regiment of snowy peaks to the north. The water was glacial (there are 2 glaciers in the part of the range we could see) and deep emerald - also just deep, 100 metres at its deepest with an average depth of 60 metres. We paid a small fee and joined a boatload of local tourists for a half-hour spin around the lake. (We haven’t seen a single westerner for at least 4 days.) It was a pleasant enough trip, but no commentary, even from our guide who we have marked down heavily on a number of counts.

Our guide recommended that we go to his friend’s place further up the mountain for lunch because the food near the lake was tourist food and very poor. A little apprehensively, we agreed and Rachid collected us in his car and drove us up to his village - a collection of yurts. It was quite nice up there in the forest, quiet and with fewer people than we have seen outside our hotel rooms since arriving. We selected a few items and he and his wife cooked them for us. Nothing special, but quite nice, more than we could eat and a little on the expensive side, but we are tourists after all. Rachid and his wife were very courteous, Kazakhs but living in China for 40 years.  Rachid (at least) spoke excellent English and Heather had quite a yarn with him while I looked unsuccessfully for birds - saw hundreds of black-eared kites, very like our black kites, but only a single rook apart from them.

After lunch, we returned to the lake and I had a short walk along the boardwalk while Heather rested in the blazing sun, then it was into the bus that took us all the way to the bottom without providing any further buying opportunities. En route to find our driver, we discovered a geological museum in the entrance hall near the bus station and spent an interesting half hour or so finding out a bit about how the mountains and lake were formed. There was a lot to see and read and at least one more floor that we never explored so had we known and planned things better, we could happily have spent a couple of hours in the area.

This probably all sounds a bit flippant but it was a really nice day. The mountains are truly spectacular. Steep and rugged, rocky and riddled with jagged aretes slicing the slopes in all directions, strata running at all angles, a hundred shades of green, but with heavily scarred areas of slippage - truly dramatic, quite breathtaking, absolutely beautiful. There were horses, cattle, sheep and goats in numerous places along the roadside, some of the most colourful stock I have seen. The sheep, in particular, came in black, greys, browns, white, creamy-yellow, a range of fawns and beiges and red, really red, at least Hereford red. Many sported a combination of 2, 3 or 4 colours.  I have never seen sheep like that before and the horses and cattle were almost as colourful. There was a small river and a couple of minor creeks rushing the snowmelt to lower pastures, and the trees and grass were a mix of dazzling greens and the shady glades looked very inviting in the heat. To add to the natural beauty, there were quaint pagodas perched high at the very precipices of some mountains, a scattering of yurts here and there, and a couple of temples near the lake. All very interesting and picturesque. It was an entrancing day in the country even if the administrative hassles were frustrating and really quite ludicrous.

There was a fair bit of debate on the way back to town about what to do next. Our guide said it was too early to go to the station and suggested we go to a water park, but we were both pooped and didn’t want to do any more walking or climbing any more steps. We also got the feeling that the driver didn’t want to extend too much and the guide said we should give him an extra 100RMB for his time. We weren’t worried about the money, but just wanted to sit down with a cold drink for a while so we finally settled on a bar and we shouted them both a drink.

We sat and talked a strange mixture of language, signing and interpretation and when we were sufficiently recovered, it was off to the station. Another long walk to get to the entrance and then the multiple passport checking, X-rays and security hassles got into full swing. An hour or so later, we were inside the ginormous waiting room with 4 hours to go and huge crowds occupying almost every seat. Interesting that half of them left on the next train and the rest left on the following one and we got very lonely all alone in the mammoth waiting room. Another young couple came in just before our train was starting to board and the four of us set off with our baggage to climb two sets of at least 100 steps each up to the platform. The other couple were young and strong, but ended up as whacked as we were by the time we finally made it to the top. More hassles about our tickets and passports, but it was finally sorted and the train got under way about half an hour later than intended. Not sure if that was just because of us, but soon after we got our papers back, the train headed out into the night.

It is now 1am and I am going to sleep. More drama are possible ahead at the border - a process scheduled to take more than 8 hours!!!

[avengerofyourheart]

Leave This Town Pt 3 (Mechanic!Bucky AU)

Characters: reader, Bucky, Natasha (mentioned)

Summary: Your dreams of kissing your small town life goodbye are about to come true when an unexpected detour leaves you stranded. Meeting the handsome local mechanic has you rethinking your plans. Perhaps happiness is less about where you’re headed and more about the people you meet along the way.

Song Inspiration: Sleep on the Floor by The Lumineers

Warnings: Mentions of drinking. The mildest of swearing I guess?

Word Count: 2.8k

Tags are at bottom (TAG LIST IS CLOSED I’M SORRY)

**This fic is for @bionic-buckyb ‘s 5K AU Writing Challenge**

A/N: You guys. This fic has taken on a life of its own and I’m oddly okay with it. Once upon a time I planned 3 parts, then 4, and now it’s 7. :D Oops. That’s what I think, anyway. Who knows? Not me, apparently. ha! I really hope you’re loving Mechanic!Bucky as much as I am!! Any feedback and comments are appreciated. Love you guys!!

<<Part Two   Part Three   Part Four >>>

Leave This Town Series Masterlist

Full Masterlist 

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A/N: This gif applies, I promise. ;) 

______

Previously:

Reaching your room, you flicked on the tv mostly for background noise and took a hard look at the detailed budget you had written up for your trip. Paying for 3 days in a motel and adding the car repairs, your wallet was taking a hit, but Bucky’s willingness to lower the bill would definitely help. You were grateful to this kind stranger and the thought of spending the whole day with him tomorrow was strangely exciting. Surprised to feel a few butterflies flutter in your stomach, you shook your head to clear away the feeling and got ready for bed.

I’ll be gone in a few days, you told yourself as you drifted off to sleep.

_______________________

Morning came and luckily your body woke you around 7am because you’d neglected to set an alarm. You hopped in the shower and then rummaged through your duffel for something comfortable to wear that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty. Slipping on a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and sneakers instead of your trusty sandals, you pulled your hair up away from your face and headed out the door with an apple in hand.

Arriving outside the auto shop, the garage doors were closed but a light was on in the office. You let yourself in and wandered behind the counter toward the light, finding Bucky seated at a desk piled high with papers. His hair was down, brushing the collar of his light blue work shirt which was unbuttoned to reveal a white tank top underneath. Watching him fill out a form of some sort in a hurried scrawl, you observed him unnoticed a moment before announcing yourself.

“Good morning,” you finally spoke, bringing his head up.

His handsome smile instantly brightened the artificially-lit room, causing those butterflies to make an appearance once again. “Morning, Y/N.”

You returned his smile, leaning against the door’s entryway. “Well, it looks like this office could use a little help.”

He chuckled. “You’re not wrong, but quite the undertaking. I’m pretty sure some of these receipts are older than me. My uncle owns the shop, but he’s basically retired now so I run the place. Organization was never his strong suit. How about some coffee and a little tour?”

You nodded, “Sounds like a plan.”

Bucky kept a small coffee pot in the waiting area in front of the counter and he poured you both a cup, offering cream and sugar. You followed him around as he explained where things were and why they were kept there, although sometimes the answer was “because that’s where my uncle put them”, defying all logic. There was a corded phone on the wall behind the counter, but it rarely rang. According to Bucky, your call was the only one he’d had all week. Most locals just dropped by and he’d squeeze them in whenever he could.

The computer was ancient, which seemed to be a trend in this town, but most files were still on paper anyway. Bucky gave you a rundown of where tools were generally kept along with stories about the cars he was currently working on and their owners. Your favorite was Mr. Coulson’s 1962 Cherry Red Chevy Corvette, which he had named Lola. For years he would hover around the car while Bucky changed the oil or any other regular servicing, but he seemed to trust the seasoned mechanic now. Bucky still advised you not to touch Lola, just to be safe.

“So? Which project would you like to tackle?” he asked you as he pulled his hair back into a bun to start his day.

You were momentarily distracted by the act once again, but made it seem like you were considering your options. “Where’s the tow truck?” you finally asked.

His brow furrowed in confusion. “Uh…you want to tow something?”

“No, I mean the lift mechanism that nearly shattered my eardrums. It’s bad enough when your car has to be towed, being subjected to that unholy noise is just insult to injury.”

He barked out a laugh at that before gesturing to its location around the corner of the building. “You’ve got a point. If you want to back it into that empty stall, I’ll show you how to grease it up.”

Bucky tossed you the keys and you did just that. You managed to lubricate the hydraulic lift of the tow truck very carefully as to avoid pinched fingers. When it raised and lowered with no squeal, you jumped up and down, clapping your blackened hands in excitement. Bucky poked his head out from under a car’s hood and grinned at you, causing that flutter in your stomach to grow.

After the tow truck, you managed to organize the tools which were now all hanging from a pegboard on the wall for easy access. Next, you washed all the dingy windows, finally letting actual sunlight in. Around mid-morning, Bucky asked for your help aiming a flashlight at a particularly tricky part of an engine. You pointed the light at the area in question from above while Bucky worked from underneath the car.

“So where are you headed specifically?” he asked, breaching the subject of your trip.

“L.A.” you said simply.

“Oh? Off to Hollywood to become a big movie star, huh?” he teased lightly as you heard the clanging of a tool against the engine.

“Nope,” you contradicted him. “I’m no actress. I’m actually a writer. Screenwriter, to be exact,” you explained proudly.

“Really?” he asked, an impressed tone in his voice. “That’s amazing. Do you write one specific genre or a variety?”

You smiled at his question, grateful that he took your confession in stride without any doubt at your ability. “Action and suspense, mostly. I did write a romantic comedy while I was in school, but it was so damn sappy I couldn’t even stand to read it afterwards.”

He chuckled, making you wish you could see his smiling face from where you stood beside the car. “I’m sure it wasn’t that bad. We’re always our own worst critic.”

You let out a sigh. “Maybe. My fellow classmates said it was pretty good. I just don’t feel like it’s my forte.”

At that last word, you heard the rolling wheels from underneath, then revealing Bucky. He sat up, catching your eye with a shrug. “Well, sometimes what we struggle with the most is how we grow as a person. Or an artist. ”

You considered his words of wisdom as he stood from his crouched position, wiping his hands on a rag. Bucky had a smudge of grease on his neck and you had the strongest urge to take that rag from his hands and brush your fingers against his skin while cleaning the spot yourself. A few strands from his bun had come loose, framing his face as a light sheen of sweat clung to his skin. In this dingy, hot garage, you thought he was the most beautiful sight you’d ever seen.

Realizing you hadn’t shared a response, you cleared your throat and broke eye contact, blurting out the first thought in your head. “Hey, what’s that thing called? The rolling board thing?”

“Hm? Oh, it’s a creeper,” Bucky answered, nudging the contraption he had been lying on moments before with his booted foot.

You snorted involuntarily. “A what? A creeper? That’s the best thing I’ve ever heard.”

Bucky joined you in your laughter. “Yeah, it’s a pretty unusual name.”

As the laughter died down, you held his gaze for a moment longer than intended, snatched by the captivating, stormy-grey eyes meeting yours. He broke contact this time, reaching a hand out toward you and you realize he was asking for the flashlight in your grasp.

“Well, thanks for your help. I think I’ll be okay going solo for the oil change next,” he said with a grin, accepting the flashlight from you.

“Yeah, um…it’s no problem. I’ll, uh…I’ll get back to it then,” you replied with a nod, telling yourself the flush on your skin was from the heat of the day.

You spent the next few hours cleaning the garage’s cement floor which was covered in oil splotches. Once finished, you stood back to survey your work, wiping the back of your hand against your sweaty brow.

“Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the floor back to it’s original color. When you bought that can of Coke from the vending machine I thought you were just going to drink it,” Bucky said, impressed as he stood beside you.

“Drink it? Ick. No. After seeing what that stuff does to a greasy oil stain, what do you think it does to your insides?” you asked in reply, wrinkling your nose in distaste.

“Clears out all the grease?” he asked in a teasing tone.

You made a disgusted noise, nudging his side with your elbow as he burst out in laughter.

“Speaking of grease, do you wanna pick up some lunch from the diner? My treat. Nattie knows my usual and you can get whatever you want,” he offered, plucking a few bills from his wallet before handing them to you. “I’ll finish with this car and get cleaned up.”

“Sure,” you replied, accepting the cash and stashing it in your pocket. You ventured into the bathroom (which was a whole other cleaning project you had yet to tackle) and washed your hands before trekking the few blocks toward the diner.

You returned half an hour later with a bag in each hand. You hollered at Bucky that food was here and as he rounded the corner, you were gifted with a lovely surprise to see the handsome mechanic in only a tank top, having shed his work shirt in the summer heat. He reached up and released his bun, brunet hair cascading down with a shake of his head. You had noticed something on the underside of his left arm, but it was only a split second so you convinced yourself it may have been a trick of the light.

Both of you settled in the empty waiting room where it was slightly cooler with a struggling air conditioner sputtering in the corner. You ate out of the to-go containers with intermittent conversation. At first bite, you suddenly realized how hungry you actually were. The apple from that morning wasn’t very filling, you decided.  

“So,” you said with a mouth full of food, then swallowing before you went on, “Did you always want to be a mechanic?”

“No,” Bucky replied with a small snort. “I’m not sure anyone truly has aspirations to become a grease monkey. Believe it or not, I thought I was gonna become a huge rockstar and make it big. I was in a band in high school and we stayed together a few years after we graduated. We actually weren’t too terrible and I got pretty decent at the guitar, but when my dad left, my uncle was shorthanded so I started helping out here at the shop. Turns out I’m pretty good at fixing cars and I don’t know. I just stuck with it. Plus we needed the money,” he stated as fact, then shoving a forkful in his mouth.

Setting down your own fork, you took a good look at him. Even knowing him such a short time, you could tell Bucky had untapped potential. He was a young, attractive, charismatic guy. He probably could have done any number of things with his life and succeeded. The fact that he just resigned himself to this life made you a little sad. “I’m sorry,” you spoke quietly. “About your dad, I mean.”

Bucky shrugged. “It was rough at first, but in the end, probably for the best.” He scraped the last of his food onto his fork and finished it off, then gathering up his trash. “Are you finished?” he asked you, gesturing toward the last few bites of your lunch.

You nodded and joined him in cleaning up. Following Bucky back into the garage, you both tossed your empty containers in the large trashcan. It was then that he noticed something sitting on on his workbench.

“What’s this?” he asked, holding up the cash that had been left there.

“Your change,” you answered simply.

He was silent a moment, probably calculating what his own meal normally cost. “This is too much. Did you pay for your own lunch?”

You nodded with a shrug, “I still owe you.”

He let out an exasperated sigh as he pulled his hair into a bun again. You weren’t mistaken, there was definitely a unique pattern of white lines and curves on his skin under his left arm near his bicep. “I said it was my treat, you didn’t have to do that. You’re paying me back already.”

Offering a smile, you just shrugged again. “I think I’ll tackle the office,” you said bluntly, biting back curiosity as you walked through the doorway and immersed yourself in the messy back room stacked with papers.

____________

Several hours and a trip to the office supply store later with having done so much filing you felt like your fingers were more paper cuts than skin, the small back room was finally organized. You’d run it all past Bucky later and make sure he could keep up with it for his own benefit, you thought as you stretched your sore muscles. 6 o’clock had rolled around and once again you were starving. You weren’t sure how late Bucky stayed open so you peeled yourself out of the vinyl chair and headed for the garage.

You didn’t see Bucky at first glance one again, so you peeked around cars, walking toward the far end of the garage where you hadn’t been yet. There was a small alcove just around the corner that wasn’t visible unless you knew it was there. Turning the corner, you were surprised to see Bucky sitting in the back of a car with a bottle of beer in his hand. Oddly enough, the car had no roof. Or doors. Basically it was a bench seat wrapped in black leather inside a bare car frame. Bucky took a sip and then noticed you standing there.

“Hey,” he greeted you with a smile. “All done?”

You nodded, stepping forward. “You?”

“Yep,” he confirmed, then letting the moment fall into comfortable silence.

Feeling courageous, you climbed into the car and took a seat on the bench beside him. “How long ago did you finish?” you asked him, rubbing at a grease spot on your arm you’d just noticed.

“About 20 minutes ago. I peeked in and saw you were about done so I didn’t want to interrupt. You were muttering to yourself about the necessity of last names on customer receipts, then you sang a few seconds of the Alphabet song to find the proper file. It was cute,” he said with a chuckle, then offering the beer bottle to you. “I would have brought another but I wasn’t sure if you were a drinker or not.”

Your eyes flickered between the beer and him, cheeks enflamed from realizing he had been watching and listening earlier. You accepted the cold beer from him, hyper aware of the fact that his lips had been on it a second ago. Holding his gaze, you took a swig and then handed the bottle back to him. His eyes dropped to your lips as you licked them, then back up to meet your eyes.

“So,” you finally spoke, glancing at your surroundings. “Is this a project of yours? This car?”

Clearing his throat, he nodded. “I”m hoping to restore it completely eventually, but it’s a slow process. Parts on classic cars are expensive and I don’t have a lot of time these days. But eventually, it’s going to be a ’67 Chevy Impala. Such a great car.”

You nodded, trying to picture what it would be like one day. For some reason that specific make and model sounded familiar to you with an image of a shiny black car roaring down the highway flashing in your mind, maybe from a movie or tv show.

Bucky was playing with the label on his beer bottle when he spoke again. “So, I was thinking of going out to dinner at this great Italian place in town tonight. Would you like to join me?”

“Really?” you asked in shock.

“Okay, so it’s the ONLY Italian place around here, but it’s still pretty good,” he admitted with a grin, still awaiting your response.

“Um…sure. That sounds great. Good as the diner is, I’m not sure I could handle a fourth meal in two days,” you said, pulling a face.

He laughed, “Understandable. I’ve done it, but wouldn’t recommend it.”

You echoed his laughter for a moment. “I should probably get cleaned up though…” you trailed off, looking down at your sweaty, grease-covered clothes.

“Oh, yeah, me too,” he agreed. “I can drop you off and then pick you up around 7:30?”

“That sounds perfect,” you grinned, climbing out of the car with Bucky following you.

As you waved goodbye to Bucky and shut the door to your motel room, your mind went into panic mode. Was this a date? Did you pack anything date-worthy? How much scrubbing would it take to get the grease out of your skin and fingernails? Taking a deep breath, you let go of those worries as excitement for tonight crept in.

You had a date with Bucky Barnes. Maybe.

_______________

Part Four>>>

____________________________________________________________

Aaaahhh!!!! I’m so excited you guys!!! I’m having SO much fun with this fic. :D How’d you like those Easter Egg car references. ;) Gotta use what limited car knowledge I have! haha. Are you ready for this maybe-date with Bucky??? Get excited, cause I am! I love you guys! Any feedback and comments are appreciated! <3

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