#that was a really nice touch to the scene

[thetadispatcher]

"Yes, of course. I can get that pulled up quickly." He grabbed one of the tablets off the table, quickly bringing up a copy of Vincent's code he had created as well as all the data that ran when Vincent hit the stress threshold. He always had it readily available to look over whenever he had time to see if he could find any new information. He handed the tablet over the Willow once he made sure everything she would need was on screen.

"He talks, a fair amount." Peter replied with a shrug, he wouldn't call the android Bishop selectively mute or anything as he spoke to many in the house a good amount. "He just doesn't share much about his past, that's all. And I'm not gonna force him to do so, that wouldn't be very nice." Sure he did have to ability to look through an android's memory, but he felt it was breech of privacy to do so, and tended to rely more on the androids to open up to him when they felt ready. It was a far better method in his opinion, and helped him be on better terms with the androids. "He also doesn't really have a filter, but that's rarely an issue." He mumbled slightly, hinting that he'd had the android bring up private things to him a few times in the past.

"But I'm sure it's just because you got a bit too close to Vincent, he's a bit protective of our AP700." Peter couldn't blame him as many saw Vincent as more of a sad puppy that needed help then someone that was capable of taking care of themselves in important situations. Peter paused to pluck a small crocheted alien off one of the computers, he knew it hadn't been there before meaning Vincent was trying to sneak his work into the room to decorate. "He's never really explained why he cares so much about Vincent, and the only answer he's given me is he likes joining Vincent well he's working." He put the yarn alien on a rack nearby so he'd remember to ask the AP700 about it, just in case maybe someone else had brought it down.

"Oh, I actually have the security footage of that incident." Peter took a moment to check no one was coming from upstairs before he quickly typed something in on the computer then turned one of the screens mounted above him.

The screen changed from displaying bent the metal skeleton of the last android they'd worked on to the stairs in front of the police station. A female android, one likely for home use as from her uniform, was nervously shifting her weight as she stared up at the front doors, clutching something in her hands. It was early in the morning as the only light was from the building and the street lamps, no one was around to see the clearly deviant android on the steps of the station, trying to convince herself to enter or turn around and leave.

Peter entered the frame, stopping to look worriedly at the android before cautiously walking up behind her. He reached out to touch her shoulder as he spoke, his voice too quiet for the camera to pick up. "AAAHHH!" He let out an anguished shriek as the android jumped and whipped around, the object she had tightly held in her hands was ripping into his face. Her body blocked most of the scene from the camera, but it was clear from the aftermath exactly where she'd gouged the makeshift knife into.

The android jumped over the railing, running off into the darkness and leaving Peter on the stairs where he'd fallen to his knees clutching the right side of his now bloodied face. It took him a moment to get to his feet and hurry into the building, leaving the now bloodied stairs as the only thing on screen.

Peter turned to them as the screen went back to displaying the bent skeleton. "Entirely my fault, I startled her and she reacted as anyone would." He clearly didn't hold a grudge against the android for partially blinding him from how he spoke. "She was never caught, and I hope she doesn't feel guilty about it as it was just an accident." He wasn't going to share anything more about the event as Nines was present, and he didn't want to get the android in trouble for what she'd done to him as he knew a lot more then he'd told those who questioned him afterwards. And Nines was one of the people who could tell easily he was hiding information, and had even pressed him to come clean about what he knew despite knowing the young man would never do it unless he was guaranteed she'd not get in trouble.

"But If you wanna talk to him, you can go ahead." Peter answered as Strasky turned to look at Dan as the PL600 reentered the room just as Nines was leaving, likely to find the other android so he could get the rest of his uniform back. Strasky could already guess why Peter had checked the hall before addressing what had happened to his eye, it was likely Dan was the one who was actually upset by the event as he had noticed the angry and sorrowful look on Dan's face when Peter had turned to greet them. Peter may have come to terms with the incident, but Dan had taken it way more to heart and wasn't about to let it go.

Dan approached Strasky, offering him a muffin from the tray he'd grabbed well he was gone. Strasky started to decline the offer until he noticed the look on Dan's face that reminded him the one his parents would give him when he'd try to skip meals as a kid. He froze a bit as his brain struggled to come up with a retort, but he ultimately gave in as the look in the android's eyes hardened. The look softened into a smile as Strasky accepted the muffin and turned his attention to the screens well he ate.

Dan turned to Peter who took the muffin without a fight, clearly Dan had taken care of that issue with Peter but still knew how to get a version of him with the same bad habit to listen.

Strasky glanced at Dan as the PL600 set the tray down so the others could take from it and started tidying the work area, likely trying to understand how he caved so easily to his silent demands to eat like a child.

"Every research must begin somewhere. I would be interested in reviewing the data as well as Vincent's code, if that's alright. I'm a rather competent Netrunner, this would be hardly new to me."

Bishop leaned over as he smirked at the cyborg, "So that's what you're calling yourself now?"

"I must say I'm jealous of your android guest." Willow said, still watching Peter, "The original is entirely too talkative."

"Forgive me for trying to make sense of this situation." Bishop replied, "You are the first human we met upon our arrival here. The androids have feelings and the one with my likeness is openly hostile for the most unlikely reasons."

"Sounds like you alright." Rook scoffed.

"And next, I can tell this younger Strasky is defending misbehaving android despite it being highly likely that it was one such rampaging deviant who took his eye."

"That's an interesting theory, Bishop. In any case, I would like to have a word with the better version. I might be able to pry a more complete answer out of him." Willow added, "If that's alright with you. I simply wish to ensure his behavior isn't prompted by more than just his paranoid tendencies."

[pastryfication]

winter wonderland

pairing: kimi antonelli x leclerc!reader

note: i’m not really satisfied with this but it’s cosy and christmassy so we ball 🙂‍↕️

part one of my advent celebration

december had a way of coming creeping just at the right time. it brought a lightness to everything, spreading a nice warm feeling across everything as it rolled around with its christmas cheer and holiday cosiness.

to celebrate christmas that year, your family had rented out a cabin at your favourite ski resort, nestled in the heart of the french alps. it was a tradition you had kept up for a long time, but for the first time, the friend you brought wasn’t just a friend. he was someone much more special.

the small chalet style cabin your brother had arranged for your group was the perfect charming blend of rustic elegance and winter magic. it was made of dark wood with steep, snow-covered roofs adorned with twinkling fairy lights that cast a warm glow as the night settled in. snow piled neatly on the nearby balconies, where wreaths and red ribbons hung along the edges, adding festive touches to the scene.

you and kimi had gotten your own room—much to arthur’s dismay—and it was as magical as the rest of the house. until then, you had enjoyed your evenings together, cuddled in the warm, cozy bed, but as it was your boyfriend’s last night with you before he flew home to spend the holidays with his family, you had decided to go explore a small village located just outside the boarder of the resort.

you were walking along a small road close to the middle of the town. the square was alive with the cheerful hum of holiday spirit, and market stalls lined the cobblestone paths, selling everything from hand-knit scarves to spiced cider and roasted chestnuts. a large christmas tree stood proudly at the center, its branches decorated with delicate glass ornaments and shimmering tinsel, while the soft notes of a carol floated through the air from a street performer’s violin.

beyond the village, you could see the ski runs snake down the mountainside, illuminated by the golden light of the setting sun. skiers and snowboarders still dotted the slopes, gliding gracefully down the white mountainside. the peaks of the surrounding alps, capped with snow, rose majestically against the sky shifting from pale blue to the soft lavender of twilight.

it was getting late, and your mum had already sent a message to let you know that you had to be home soon, but everything about the moment was so absolutely perfect, and you didn’t want to break it just yet.

the snow crunched delicately under your boots as you took another step through the magic winter wonderland of the small village. the street performer had changed to a christmas love song, the soft tones creating the perfect backdrop to your walk.

despite the thick, fluffy gloves you both were wearing, kimi’s hand felt warm in yours. every so often, he’d squeeze it a little tighter, a silent signal that made you glance up. his eyes always met yours with that familiar, loving sparkle, sometimes followed by a quick kiss on the tip of your cold nose.

he adored the way you looked all bundled up in your thick coat, scarf and woollen hat with a frosty blush covering your cheeks. it made him all giddy on the inside and he couldn’t help but let his gaze linger as a goofy smile took over his face. it made your heart skip; it was rare to see him this relaxed, away from the newfound pressure of the track and cameras.

“i wish we could stay like this forever,” you whispered as you passed a stall selling handmade ornaments. kimi’s fingers squeezed yours again, and when you looked up, he had that smile—the one that made your heart flutter.

“me too,” he said, his voice low and earnest, before he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

you looked at him, puzzled. he turned to you fully and whispered your name, his breath visible in the cold air. “i love you.”

your smile widened, a new blush spreading across your cheeks—this time not from the chill. “i love you more.”

“not possible,” he immediately remarked back, not giving you a chance to protest. even if you hadn’t been able to see his face, you would still have been able to hear the smile in his voice.

you smiled right back up at him, but before you could respond, he leaned down and pressed his lips to yours. it was short and sweet, both of you smiling into the kiss, and when you pulled apart, giggles filled the air between you.

“we should probably head back,” you said, the reluctance clear in your voice as you glanced at the sky now deepening into night.

he sighed, nodding. “yeah. wouldn’t want to give your brothers another reason to dislike me.”

you pouted, your gloved hand coming up to caress his cheek. “they don’t hate you. they just have a hard time accepting the fact that i’ve grown up.”

he leaned into your touch, nodding his head with soft eyes. “yeah, yeah. whatever you say.”

✦ ✦ ✦

later, as found yourself at home in the cabin once again, with the glow from the windows of the chalets and lodges reflecting off the snow, casting a magical light over the landscape, you found yourself back at your favourite place in the world: your boyfriend’s arms.

the scent of pine trees and wood smoke came in from the slightly open window and mingled with the faint sweetness of hot chocolate coming from the kitchen, where your mum and charlotte were cooking up snacks for your movie night.

a small fire crackled in the stone fireplace, its warmth spreading throughout the room. your family were all gathered around, laughter and cheerful chatter filling the air. charles emerged from the hallway with a soft smile, leaning down to ruffle your hair before pressing a kiss to your temple before he moved on to alex, who sat on the couch with an amused grin, and they exchanged a friendly nudge and a few teasing words.

arthur was sprawled out in one of the armchairs, wrapped in a blanket with only his tousled hair visible. he shot you a playful glare when he caught sight of you and kimi on the loveseat, but it was softened by the small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

lorenzo was resting next to him, more up right and put together, but still relaxed in a way he only was around you. next to him, two empty spots were waiting for the rest of your close knit family.

leo was shuffling around on the floor, overwhelmed by the amount of cuddly people within his vicinity. his cute little snout poked at all of you as he surveyed the room, before he finally decided to join you and kimi by jumping into your lap.

you let out a small giggle and went to pet him. as the dog settled in between you, kimi’s arm tightened around you just a bit and you looked up at him with an adoring smile.

this, right here, felt absolutely perfect. this was your epitome of happiness. this was your wonderland. the most magical place in the world.

[goatskickin]

On the second day of GOATmas, my true love sent to me...

...end tables! Wood recolors of end tables!

I've recolored every end table that EA has created in a pack or expansion that:

1) already had wood recolors

2) didn't have wood recolors, but I felt that wood recolors suited them

For the colors: I am using Dynamite, Depth Charge, Shrapnel, Safety Fuse and Time Bomb by @pooklet, and Nesert and Honey by Io aka @serabiet.

Please check out the Add-On's I've recommended! They are meshes made by community members that will use these textures too. Or, they are bits of CC that go along with these nicely!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Contempo Adirondack End Table - tableenddeckadirondack

notes: base texture. using @hugelunatic's fix, this end table and the adirondack chair will share textures.

Recommended add-on: #1

Country Comfort End Table - tableendquaint

notes: original texture! Not much to say about this one.

Crazy 8 Table - endtablevalue

Notes: same ol texture. no longer shiny

Recommended Add-On: #1

Curvaceous Colonial End Table - tableendcolonial2

notes: this texture was awful! the mesh is bad too. but I triumphed, mostly because I gave it a new texture.

Curves And Swerves - tableendsurfer

notes: brand new wood texture! Love the sleek look of this mesh.

Recommended Add-On: #1

End Table By Splendid Scenes - tableEndHotel

notes: this is one of my favorite end tables! I really liked the two-toned thing that the original texture had, so I kept that.

Recommended Add-ons: #1 #2 Alt Link #2

Four Feet and A Disk - tableendsocialite

notes: uses the original texture for the wood. For the 'metal' I changed that to be in wood shades and have a lil wood grain, as I'd find that a lot more useful. At least for me!

Home Style End Table -tableendcomfy

notes: same texture! I really like this texture, so I felt that I didn't need to change it.

Inner Atoms End Table - tableendatomicage

notes: same base texture. If someone can make those legs a recolorable subset, I'd love it,

Recommended add-ons: #1 #2 #3

Junior Cosmonauts Bedside Table - tableendatomic

notes: did not come in wood recolors originally, so I made some! I thought that the lines of this end table would lend themselves well to wood, and give the end table midcentury modern vibe. 💫

Modest Medieval End Table - tableendmedival

notes: uses the original texture, but it's been edited. This does not have a white recolor - I made one, but it ended up looking stupid, and this mesh does not need one anyway. 🤷

Recommended add-ons: #1

Patchwork End Table - tableendgoth

notes: the mesh is quite nice, so this one has a brand new texture! Sourced from the expensive AL end table.

Recommended add-on: #1

Subtle Touch End Table - tableendelite

notes: uses mostly the same texture, but I removed the curlicues!

The Gold End Ratio Table -tableendcentralasian

notes: mostly uses the original texture which is surprisingly good! I for sure removed the shine on this one.

The Good Butler End Table - tableendluxury

notes: same texture because I liked it

The Mighty Mighty End Table - tableendmission

notes: most every recolor of this end table that I have seen does not use the original texture, and I think that's a shame! I really like the original texture, which I have utilized here.

Recommended add-on: #1, #2, #3 (it's the one called Mission Style Dresser)

Tri Tip End Table - tableendtriangulartile

notes: no need to use new textures; the wood part is so small, it's hardly worth the effort. This does NOT include any RC's for the marble top (not made of wood, so no wood RC's).

Vintage End Table - tableendbohemian

notes: I like this one so much that you get it in TWO flavors! First uses the original texture, with the decorative top and sides and bits at the ends.

And the second one is 'unyassified' (lol) if you have a need for a plainer table.

Download - Sims 2 End Tables - Wood Recolors

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Recommended downloads: ariffrazalin's "One More" Slot Package For end tables:

[zeropro]

I'm in love with your art, I love how you draw the seekers

Btw do you have any fanfic recs?

Oh thank you! I enjoy drawing them!

Fic Recs? Sure I can pull some up!

The first transformers fic I ever read was Stop Me by Megadoomingir, it's a retelling of TFPrime, but like not a retelling so much as Starscream goes back in time and things happen again.

My favorites are Star Followed Star by Book of the Night Sky (In which Starscream is killed and Sunstorm is cloned to replace him) and Ghostly Touch by Baird Crevan (In which Starscream gets attacked in his apartment)

I also really like This Ship Will Carry Our Bodies Safe To Shore by Postapocolyptic Cryptic. It's short and sad and I keep going back to it.

Kinda funny fun Megastar one is Quarantine by Neveralarch, in which Starscream gets sick and Megatron is forced to take care of him.

The Darkness Within by Balrog Roike is a nice Skyfire one, where Skyfire joins the Decepticons to be with Starscream and Starscream somehow has the worse time of it lol.

Candid by Ceris Malfoy left me pretty hollow.

In Him We Trust by BooLoo2 has fun implications.

Another Deception by Mamzelle Souris sports the Young Seekers AU where a bunch of the Seekers were framed into their adult bodies too early and the Autobots decide to try and rehabilitate them. Ruins by CheerfullyMorbid is an AU of this AU haha. I like the parts with Starscream a lot.

Spoon888 has a lot of fun fics. Endorsed By Starscream is a hilarious one, and I also enjoyed Wing Switch, Aftershock, Giant Killer Slugs, and Stature. At the Cliff Edge and Anything are less comedy but also worth a read.

Im not really into sparkling fics but the Skywarp and Thundercracker scenes in Spoon888's Accidental War Criminal Aquisition are amazing.

It All Started with Paint Spatters by Dark Star of Chaos is really cute, as is Superball by ntldr

Maybe when I'm done with Endings, this can begin by Leximuth is a certain kind of sad.

And just today I read Trine Love After the War by Baird Crevan, which I quite enjoyed.

And not a Starscream fic, but Could Be Worse by Mimkana is a Knock Out Break Down fic set in a prequal Earthspark continuity and Im actually Beta reading that one so def check it out!

Those are my recs! (Im not sharing my NSFW ones lol!)

[butterflydm]

Rings of Power - s1 eps 5-6

This is not exactly a liveblog, but I am going to write down my thoughts about each episode before I move on to the next one.

(spoilers for the whole rings of power show and for LotR)

Episode 5 continues the trend of strong episodes. Very good episode. The Harfoot song in the beginning was pretty touching and a nice way of showing that time was passing in that storyline.

This was a great episode for Elrond, who really goes through a lot of stress. He learns that his king was hiding information from him because he wants mithril from the dwarves; he learns that his people are dying/fading. Gil-Galad says here that he was hoping that sending away Galadriel and her soldiers -- the last remnants of the war -- would make the blight stop spreading on the tree. And I continue to love Elrond and Durin's relationship - <3 <3 <3 <3.

We saw some significant cross-cutting between Gil-Galad and Halbrand (our High King and our "Lost King") as well as between Halbrand and the Southlanders who went to pledge themselves to Adar.

"Only blood can bind" -- Adar says that here and it feels pretty significant. I have seen some s2 gifsets that use that quote in a pretty clear and significant way. It was also implied that the Sauron-sympathizer killed the teenager to earn his place to Adar (though we only saw orcs marching later on, so we don't know if any of those who surrendered survived). The sword was revealed as a key in this episode and it uses blood to work whatever it does. Only blood can bind. From what Adar says, he plans to do something to blot out the sun in the lands -- I have my suspicions about that, based on what I think the Southlands end up being in LotR. We also had Miriel's father warn her of darkness if she goes to Middle-Earth.

Actually oaths in general seemed like a strong theme in this episode. We have Elrond's oath to Durin being a strong source of conflict for him, and Arondir warning Bronwyn that pledging themselves to the orcs will drag the Southlanders back down into the darkness.

We also get our big moment when Halbrand decides to be Galadriel's lost king. I do see a lot of conflict in him in this episode, especially in the scene in the forge where he talks to Galadriel. She convinced him that his fate belonged in Middle-Earth (which was "the one place I swore to never return" per Halbrand). This is when everyone's fate was sealed, because as soon as Halbrand goes back to Middle-Earth... that's a bell that can't be unrung. But I do feel like I watched him actively making his choice, and he made it because of Galadriel's passionate and vulnerable words to him. He wasn't at all involved in the fire on the boat that made the queen doubt herself and push harder on Galadriel to make sure the "King of the Southlands" was with them -- that was entirely due to the actions of Elendil's and the chancellor's kids. If the fire doesn't happen, then Galadriel doesn't go back and tempt Halbrand one last time.

btw, SUCH a great scene between Galadriel and Halbrand in the forge! He is trying so hard not to be tempted by what she's offering him but she's right that he yearns to be more than "common" (see: him feeling the need to show off that he can handle a sword after her training exercise with the soldiers). The real power that Halbrand fell from was even greater than being a mortal king.

Very strong episode.

Mom update: she's still inclined to believe that Adar is Sauron, though she has some doubts; and the Gandalf storyline is her least favorite because she feels like he's not learning the ropes of living in the world quickly enough. She did like the Harfoot song at the start of the episode. She's really into our other three storylines (Galadriel & Halbrand; Elrond, Durin, & Gil-Galad; and the Southlands).

Episode six was really powerful. Very much focused on the Southlands people and then the arrival of the Numenor back-up, and super-intense.

The big kaboom at the ending was... when I saw that water going through the channels and realized that Adar wasn't just creating a way for the orcs to move in daylight, but that this was part of his larger plan... I was aware that the Southlands didn't actually exist in LotR, at least not to my knowledge, but I wasn't certain that they would be Mordor until we saw that mountain blow.

Theo had a heartbreaking episode -- and we got a reminder/foreshadowing of the One Ring at the end, when he was talking about feeling a loss over the key/sword and how holding it made him feel powerful. That's Sauron's main temptation -- the allure of power, and the various things that can be done with it. (and that's also what Galadriel has been tempting him with)

Arondir and Bronwyn were both very brave and heroic, and got to finally openly acknowledge their attraction to each other and kiss, plus Arondir doing so much to try to look out for and support Theo. They are such a good little family unit. I'm gonna miss Bronwyn in s2! (I am aware that she doesn't come back)

Isildur also had a good episode, plus there were some visual reminders of what I vaguely remember from the LotR prologue about what he's going to do in the future. I actually also felt like we got a visual reminder of Sauron's tower in TRotK going down in this episode, when Arondir collapsed the watchtower. The Return of the King... and we did have a "king" return in this episode.

Galadriel and Halbrand were both heroic in saving the Southlanders... and both had intense moments of deeply desiring revenge that the other one pulls them back from. Halbrand is definitely not working with Adar at this point, since Adar is under the impression that he killed Sauron (and I've seen the gifsets of how!), so this plan is all about Adar using the bones of what was once Sauron's plan to instead conquer and create a homeland for orcs (killing and enslaving the current occupants).

If I had been watching this live and unspoiled, that scene in the woods would have made me ship Galadriel and Halbrand for sure... I mean, it still did, but you know. I know it's a lot more complicated than it looks, lol. I feel like I can safely say that I am ~into~ Galadriel/Halbrand (Sauron) at this point. Everything with them pulling each other back from the brink of revenge and then bonding over it... delicious. Honestly, even more delicious knowing the truth about him.

Adar using himself as the bait so that the human worshipper of Sauron could actually go and use the key to make the mountain go boom... that was very clever of him. (also, we see that the humans who surrendered to Adar were thrown out to be on the front lines of the assault against their own people; that's what surrendering gets you. it doesn't save anything)

Halbrand/Sauron assumed that Adar would recognize him, even in a different form. But he didn't (though Adar was clearly feeling some twinges of something by the end of their scenes together).

This is the second episode in a row where we've had Galadriel and Halbrand deeply bonding over something they have in common, so that is definitely a thing.

Adar telling Galadriel that maybe she should have looked for Morgoth's successor in her own mirror? Ooof.

But now that the mountain has blown up... Halbrand is very very good at noticing and taking opportunities when they arise. And I'm aware that he's not still being "the King of the Southlands" in s2. I'm aware of the actual reveal scene but not what exact events lead up to it, so I am interested to see how that goes.

Adar said that after Morgoth died, Sauron dedicated himself to healing Middle-Earth, but at the expense of the Orcs? I think I understood that correctly.

Sauron's intentions might be genuinely good but if he uses manipulation and violence to achieve them, then he poisons his own goals. We've already seen that Halbrand is just... effortlessly manipulative. During the scene where Galadriel escapes from the cell in Numenor, Halbrand wastes no time to find a way to get something out of the situation that benefits himself (the guild crest).

And that is maybe the key thing that Sauron never figured out after Morgoth died. That Morgoth's endgoal wasn't the only problem -- Sauron's methods are also a problem, also create and court evil results. He always looking for an angle that benefits himself and though violence isn't his first resort (manipulation would appear to be), once he does choose violence, he's brutal about it. He didn't just need to fix the endgoal of idk destroying the world (or whatever it was that Morgoth wanted, I'm not a Tolkien scholar). He also needed to fix the methods that he uses to interact with the world. It's not just the 'what' that matters but the 'how'.

So... if Halbrand had stayed in Numenor, what would have changed? The mountain would still blow, because that was Adar's plan, and he put it into motion before he was captured by Galadriel & Halbrand - he made himself into the bait to distract anyone from the real danger. The only thing that would have changed (so far) is that Galadriel might have actually killed Adar in the barn -- it was Halbrand who pulled her back from the edge, just like she was the one who pulled him back earlier. Everything else that happened in the battle and afterwards didn't need his involvement, not as long as Galadriel still brought the Numenor host. I suspect the answer to the question of "what would have changed" will rapidly change in the upcoming episodes, though.

It is also easy to picture a scenario where finding out about the mountain going boom leads to Halbrand going to the chancellor of Numenor and selling himself as the solution to this new problem of all his hopes and dreams of trade with the newly-rebuilt Southlands going up in flames. A road that would carry less guilt and turmoil for Galadriel specifically, since she would not be the reason that Sauron returned to Middle-Earth.

Mom update: she was feeling pretty stressed out about the mountain blowing up, so we will continue next week! She isn't sure what to think about Sauron at the moment, after Adar saying that he killed him. She knows that Sauron isn't dead, because of LotR, but she doesn't have any guesses as to what's going on with him. She is considering the idea that he's already basically disembodied, the way that he is in LotR. She DID have a critique about how quickly Bronwyn was on her feet after that terrible injury (my mom had a real bad shoulder injury when she was a kid, so she's experienced that kind of pain. Not an arrow, but there were broken bones and such).

So far, I feel like the episodes have been building on each other and getting better and this episode in particular was... so so intense.

[blueberri-blu]

Hi Blue! It’s me again coming at you with another request!

This time around, I want it to be a ROTTMNT Leo x Reader. It takes place at the end of season two (and before the movie) and it has Leo trying to confess his love to the reader. He’s bad at it, but god bless him he’s trying his best.

And use writing prompt 1 in it. Thank you and have a nice day!

Hiiiii! Of course!,

Losing It ෆ๑

[rise] Leo x gn!reader

Prompt # 1: "I didn't think you were the type to lose your head over a s/o" "Neither did I"

ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ

"Hey y/n!" "Yea Leo?" "How much does a Polar Bear weigh?" "Probably like 200lbs or more, but how much?" "Ugh, you're such a nerd" "gee thanks Leon" "aanyway, no, they weigh just enough to break the ice" "hm?" "Hi, I'm Leo, and you're cute" *wink* "oh! Haha, good one Leo!"

Leo internally groaned

No matter how many pick up lines he used, you just wouldn't get the hint

I mean, sure, he flirted with everyone, but come on! You were the only one he flirted with while blushing, didn't you notice the tremble in his voice? His Shakey hands? Nothing?

Ugh, he really didn't want to have to be direct with you...

He was already a blushing mess just shooting pick up lines your way

How would he be if he was vulnerable in front of you, expressing his feelings... He'd only embarrass himself!

ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ๑ෆ

A couple of hours later and after dinner

Donnie sat on the couch with Mikey, Raph was picking up dishes, and you and Leo were sat on the floor

You were "watching" the end credits of a Jupiter Jim movie

And by watching, I mean Donnie was on his phone, you were trying to finish your pizza, and Mikey and Leo were whispering about something

>> "why don't you talk to them!! They obviously believe you do this to everyone!!" "Well, Yea, but how am I even supposed to tell them? Oh, hey, I'm a giant ninja mutant turtle man, you wanna go out with me ?!" "They already know you're a mutant!, they obviously don't care" "alright, Mikey-" "this is Dr. Delicate Touch, telling you to suck it the fuck up and tell them! No one can stand your constant cheesy pick up lines anymore!!" ":c"<<

As you finished your pizza, all you saw was this:

You quirked an eyebrow at Leo, and he just looked away, pretending to find something interesting on the empty wall

Recently, he had been avoiding you... Except for the uptake in cheesy pick up lines

Originally you thought he was upset with you but then...

You started connecting the dots, and, stupidly, came to the conclusion that Leo liked someone

It explained his avoidance, and the cheesy pick up lines? Well he was obviously practicing for the person he liked

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You and Leo had this strange dynamic for about a month before you finally couldn't take it.

It was around 1 am, but you just couldn't stand your constant overthinking of the situation.

So, you decided to march down to the lair, and corner Leo into talking

Thankfully, Leo was only with Mikey on the skate ramp

However, Mikey fled the scene once he saw you marching towards Leo with a face of determination and possibly nerves but that's not the point

Leo was confused, but then looked at you and immediately started sweating bullets

You seemed... Upset to say the least, and the way your eyes were locked on his form, it was he's fault

He started stuttering out apologies, for what? He didn't know, but you being mad at him was the last thing he wanted

It was only when you yelled "WHO ARE THEY" with tears in your eyes was he very confused

"wha- who??" "Your... Whoever is you like!" "What are you talking about haha- I don't like anybody!"

You thought he was nervous before, oh honey, he was now pale and confused

Were you really this upset at knowing he likes you???

"you know! You've been practicing your pick up lines on me! You aren't spending time with me anymore! The constant whisper telling with your brothers, followed by you blushing from your ears to your neck!"

And it clicked

You didn't know

You were upset... That he liked someone else!

"uhm... Uh... Y/n, look, I.. uh"

You were full on crying now

"I uh.. I don't like... Someone else"

"what do you mean!"

"I... I mean that I... I... Uhm"

"has anyone called god?"

"...what?"

"because he's missing an angel... Uh... You... Hehe”

He was so red, and through your blurred vision you could see he was shaking..

"are... Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"uhm.. I mean.. uh.. do you, do you wanna be my, my s/o? Maybe? If not thatstotallyoktheresnopressure"

"Leo... I... Of Course!"

It was the tightest huh you had ever given and recieved

He was twirling you around, happy tears falling down both of your cheeks .

Once you were both calmed down, you thought to yourself and then said

"I didn't think you were the type to lose your head over a s/o"

"Neither did I, mi amor, neither did I"

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[marymekpop]

⟢ highlight of the hour: lovely runner [12/16] ⟣

now or never

[pharawee]

How to have sex carefully in tent. I'm ready. Can we do it?

—MONSTER NEXT DOOR · Episode 9

[campcampkirbykirbykirby]

Alongside the commentaries, the guy who ripped the Camp Camp Blu-Ray ripped just about everything else, including the most adorable Blu-Ray menu I have ever seen, and I saw no harm in sharing it with you all.

[harbingersecho]

let me go, please -- i don't wanna do this!

[a-bitch-made-fullmetal]

I love the reoccurring detail in the manga that animals are unnerved by Hohenheim. me too bestie

[leixinyus]

[tamayokny]

so far, i think muichiro's episode in the hashira training arc is my fave. this is not only because he's my fave hashira (and just like me), but they added a lot of his personal quirks in to flesh out not only muichiro, but also the demon slayer corps members and the hashira training arc overall. it was nicely done.

[deus-ex-mona]

such is the tale of a ✨chronically online hypocrite✨

[deathsmallcaps]

Maybe it’s just because there’s only so many ways to draw a type of thing, but I have seven thoughts about Elemental (2023) after watching it again lol.

1. It showcases a lovely balanced relationship between artists. Ember, of course, has an eye and hand for glass making, and Wade sees the potential and ability she has; how her light shines through to the world and him, figuratively and literally. Meanwhile, Wade’s way with words is more subtle, but really reaches in deep and converts visual art into emotion; it takes a good writer and speaker to convey feeling into accessible ideas. And Ember recognizes his talent, and lets it touch her.

They bring light into each other’s lives; without each other, they were fine and functioning and almost happy, but when they have the other, that’s just the icing on the cake.

2. The art style looks worse without motion. Both characters are constantly unconsciously moving in every shot; Ember flickers and Wade drips. Plus, the way light works with them and around them doesn’t translate well to a still image (especially with Ember; it’s hard to draw without outline, and I think it helped with visibility and stability on the screen, but in stills it looks awkward.).

A lot of fan art I’m seeing seems to struggle with this outline/still problem, again more with Ember than with Wade, but a lot of artists have added their own spin and style and made it work. I think the problem is directly related to how it’s difficult to capture water, fire and light ‘sources’ like the moon via photo. So if the art style for that particular aspect is turning you off, and you’ve only seen stills, I’d suggest you watch a bit of video or a good gif set (there’s already quite a few) before deciding whether it’s worth watching or not.

3. Speaking of art, this movie really reminded me of Studio Ghibli movies. Maybe there’s only so many ways to draw something, or maybe it’s just the Howl’s Moving Castle (both book and film) and Ponyo fan in me, but Ember for sure took a lot of visual inspiration from Calcifer, it’s the red outline and such, and Wade the waves from Ponyo. It was fun to see! Also tbh I saw some Dr. Seuss CGI movie shapes in their bodies.

4. Ember and Burnie breaking the cycle. When Burnie left Fire Land for Element City, he was following his dreams (and he even started enough of a trend that his whole neighborhood because a new fire town). But his Sad disagreed with him. As a last attempt at connection, Burnie bowed a Bok Sa (sp?), a very deep bow, to his father, to show respect and love. His Dad did not return the gesture, spurning his son and his dreams, and turned away.

When Ember leaves for the glassblowing internship, she performed a Bok Sa for her Dad (and it’s so intimate guys. Like it’s almost embarrassing to look at because it’s raw and passionate and I really admire the creators for Not restraining it). Burnie sees a chance to show his daughter that he loves her, and that he respects her dreams (despite his and Cinder’s sacrifice of emigration from Fire Land, which is a big theme in this movie), and so he holds back the hurt his father laid upon him, so many years ago. He does a Bok S- back. It’s wonderful. I’m not sure he would’ve done that at the beginning of the movie, but his love for his daughter won out in the end.

(I just wish that the mother-daughter relationship received a little more canon consideration as well, but I appreciate the movie for the relations it did focus on.)

5. The city fucks up in a big way, and of course it’s up to the people affected to solve it, at least in the short term. Despite water being a huge hazard and supposedly already gotten rid of in fire town, there’s still a water train that passes regularly and always displaces enough water to kill a fire person. And in terms of the dam, there’s so much bureaucracy that Gale (the city safety officer?) found it easier to (nearly) shut down a business than to get a health hazard (the broken dam) fixed.

And when Ember covers up the hole, she leaves it! Her tempered glass doesn’t get support, and it eventually cracks and floods Fire Town, nearly killing lots of residents and leading to Wade’s evaporation.

6. Feel free to add on but I’m surprised that no globe has really talked about the disability angle yet. I i afraid I don’t have enough experience being physically disabled to talk about it in a nuanced enough way but oh well. It’s there. The way the fire people needed different transportation (also there was a fire person in a wheelchair. How things that are safe for others could kill them (Cinder nearly died while carrying ember because a guy dripped on her, which is a thing that others would find mildly inconvenient). How Wade’s nephew casually mentioned that Ember could die if she stepped off her mobility aid (the floatie) and proceeded to mess with it. And of course the shame, embarrassment and fear of being excluded & discriminated against.

7. More Men Should Cry!!! It literally saved Wade’s life lmao.

[pandoratheprocrasticreator]

god i hope they dont actually use the deus ex machina medicine from the DLC to bring yakou back to life. the point of his character is that he died! the point is that he had any number of chances to not die but he made the choice to trick three kids that looked up to him to be his accomplices for a murder suicide even though he cared for them deeply! he doesn't get to live in a world where he both avenged his wife's death and gets to be with his new found family because he chose one over the other and that was his whole character arc! that's what makes him a good character! like i know the kodaka's team doesn't have a good track record with bringing back characters from that dead and destroying their character arcs with it but. if you want fluff of him hanging out with the NDA just let the fans write fix-it fics this is the premise for someone's 300k slowburn not a canon installment to the actual franchise!