#the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree eh?

[alexandriastark76]

Why you can empathais with whag marina did but you can't do the same for pen???

Feeling depresión unloved alone and sad os not worrh it for you??

A mean evil woman is fiegiven because she is pregnant eheb she sid the chois of fucking eithout being married??? In the time you know to not fuck eithout being married but cant get forgive a broken heart???

Wheb the worl is mean to you it ca. Happen that you turn b out doing bad things

babygirl are you drunk

[rebouks]

Previous // Next

Tommy: C’mon.. if you’re not gonna let us pay you back, at least let us spoil your kids. [Oscar grumbled, admitting defeat; despite his stubborn pride, his kids were his weakness] Oscar: You’re an asshole, coming here n’ using the degree I paid for against me. Tommy: That’s your own fault; makin’ it difficult n’ all. Oscar: Yeah, yeah.. thanks, Tommy. Tommy: What goes around comes around, right? … Rhys: That one’s for-… Robin: I know all about this model. Rhys: You’re a pro already, huh? Robin: I read stuff about ‘em-.. never thought I’d get to use one though. Rhys: Well, it’s all yours. Robin: Woah-.. seriously? [Robin practically vibrated with excitement, cradling Rhys’-.. no, his camera as though it were made of solid gold] Rhys: Mhm, just make sure your brother n’ sisters don’t get their sticky mitts on it. Robin: I’ve got a good hiding spot, don’t worry. Rhys: You can hang out with me in the studio sometime, if you’d like. I’m sure your folks would be cool with it. Robin: Probably-.. what do you even take photos of in a studio? Rhys: Models, mostly. Robin: I prefer being outside-.. or catching people when they’re not looking. Rhys: Ah.. fan of candid shots, eh? Robin: I guess so. … Oscar: Getting the hang of it? Robin: Uh-huh! Oscar: Good-.. just don’t go taking pictures of people in the bathroom again, alright? Robin: I’ve still got one of you. Tommy: [cackling] That’s solid bribery material right there. Robin: It’s yours for a tenner. Oscar: How ‘bout I keep the money n’ put it toward your hospital bill. Robin: Hospitals don’t cost money. Oscar: Call it a taxi fee then. Robin: But we have a car… Oscar: I’ll make you get the bloody taxi on your own. Robin: So, I may as well keep the tenner? Rhys: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it? Oscar: [snorts] What is this, national bully Oscar day? Robin: He loves it really…

[missnight0wl]

Hii Marta 👋👋👋

First off, happy (very) belated birthday! I hope you're resting up and you're getting better :)

Then, I just wanted to ask if you're caught up on the latest HPHM chapter... I don't like where they're going with this, and it feels really cheap. The only way they could save this is, in my opinion, by showing how the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but I really don't think that's gonna happen. What are your thoughts about it?

Either way, I hope you have a nice rest of your day, and stay well ^-^

Well, first of all, thank you so much! 💖 I really appreciate it! I hope you're doing well, too!

As for HPHM, I’m actually not caught up. I still haven’t started Chapter 9, and to be completely honest, I don’t feel the need to catch up. I don’t want to say I’m quitting the game and I’m actually still opening the app pretty much every day just to collect my energy, but at the same, it’s just... eh. The whole “Beyond Hogwarts” often feels like the battle with R from the end of Y7: the characters seem to believe that whatever they’re doing makes sense, but it really doesn’t. Also, there’s basically nothing left in the game anymore from the things that made me love it all those years ago.

On top of all of that, I’m just not having the best time of my life – as you know. It’s nothing bad in particular, really, it’s just… life, I guess. And the main thing is that I just have a hard time finding motivation, so the quality of HPHM dropping down so much doesn’t help.

(Also, I just want to mention in this place: dear Anon who sent me the ask about Flump, if you see it, I swear I’m not ignoring you. I just have a lot to say about this character, and as I mentioned, I have no willpower to write my thoughts down. It’s gonna be a long rant, though. In short: I fucking hate Flump.)

Now, as for the events from the recent chapter you’re referring to… I assume it’s about Jacob and Olivia? Please, correct me if it’s something else because I didn’t check the whole chapter, but if that’s what we’re talking about: I absolutely hate everything about it. EVERYTHING. It actually might be a deal breaker for me. Like, I still don’t want to say “I quit”, but after I learnt about it, my motivation to come back dropped from low to barely existing. I’m still super bitter about that “too dry chicken”, and it’s beyond me how anyone could think it’s a good way to introduce this plot to the story. You know how it could’ve gone? Olivia could’ve said something like: “I was thinking the whole day about messing up the chicken yesterday, EVEN THOUGH JACOB SAID IT WAS FINE”. But no, the writers for once decided to be consistent about something and portrayed Fugly Slut as an absolute jerk.

I think that the only way to save this is to kill Fugly Slut. Olivia deserves so much better. And of course we’re simply ignoring Olivia’s past feelings for Duncan.

[silversims]

Dawn: I don’t think punching him would change his mind anyway. He’s been a real jerk since his Dad made mayor a third time!

Candle: Ugh, don’t remind me. Mama T was mad about that...

Peridot: Guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, huh?

Celestial: ...eh, it can sometimes.

[punkscowardschampions]

Ruster

Rio: [Okay, so this is giving just before Xmas like the holiday has begun but y’all aren’t here for the big day yet, they’ve just turned 14]

Rio: Are you all coming to Dublin this year like normal?

Buster: Why wouldn’t we be?

Rio: If everyone had different plans then maybe it’d be cool for us to but I don’t want to miss out

Buster: Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to announce my parents having made different plans but they’d be required to do the honours themselves first

Rio: How awful for you to have such stable parents, I do feel terrible

Buster: Hilarious as your attempts at wit always are, it sounds as though you’d be better served saving them for your unstable parents and own awful Christmas, to cheer things up where possible

Rio: Calm down, no one is trying to impress you, boy

Rio: It isn’t my parents, or instability, my mama is as settled as she’s ever been, somehow

Buster: A miracle isn’t on my Christmas list, especially not from your side of the family, you can be the one to relax

Buster: I’ll feign the usual gratitude for [whatever he usually gets from Alison, or the vibe of] when I unwrap it the morning of

Rio: Sure, that’d require some imagination and what boutique is selling it, eh?

Rio: It’ll be as appreciated as usual, no doubt

Buster: [some shops we’re shading for thinking they’re so imaginative when they are nothing of the sort]

Rio: Wow, yeah

Rio: not hard to believe your world lives and dies on a few streets

Buster: Nor is it you’ve seen and done it all, babe, you’d have everyone believe that

Rio: Not quite all

Rio: Have to save some stuff for my early twenties or I’m way ahead of schedule

Buster: Not to mention the therapist’s chair, once your mummy’s love life is unstable again

Rio: Now, only people who call their mammy mummy can afford and be bothered to find therapists, much more your side of the family’s craic that

Rio: and it isn’t going to be unstable again, that’s the point

Buster: You get what you pay for, but free therapy is bound to be better than unaddressed generational trauma and the waiting list’ll probably get to you by the time my point’s been proved truer than yours

Rio: Not you inadvertently pointing out that that generational trauma would be going down all branches of the family tree

Buster: I’m aware none of us are getting out completely unscathed, the apple doesn’t fall as far as my parents moved themselves in a bid to escape

Rio: Do your parents go to therapy?

Buster: She did, she doesn’t think there’s much to recommend it, and given how hard her arm was forced, I can’t say I blame her

Rio: There you go then, if I needed any more proof your suggestion wasn’t the least bit genuine

Buster: I’m suggesting it for you if you’re actually receptive to going, there’s still the possibility it could genuinely help you, under different circumstances

Rio: I wouldn’t have anything to talk about

Rio: I just don’t know if I want my Christmases to look any different

Buster: I’m hardly the person to talk to about that, I have even less control over yours than I do my own

Rio: I’m not

Rio: I was just asking what you were doing

Buster: Which I’ve already answered, the rest is useless window dressing worthy of the season but not my time

Rio: You’ve been going on and on, trying to get a dig to land

Rio: thanks for your answer, really helpful

Buster: You’re welcome

Rio: Unfortunately for you, I’m sure we’ll see each other before you leave, even if not on the actual day so

Buster: I’ll find a way to cope, helpfully, as your Christmas is set to crash and burn without any from me

Rio: ‘Tis the season 🥂

Rio: Edie might give it a go but it’s looking unlikely

Buster: Voyeurism isn’t my go-to but she never lacks an audience

Rio: Creepy as that was to say, you’re still not her target demographic

Buster: No creepier than her target demographic, I’d bet

Rio: It’s just other kids like her and Liam pretending

Buster: Excluding anyone pretending to be a kid, yeah

Rio: The stranger danger riot act coming from you?

Buster: What’s that supposed to mean?

Rio: It’s just funny that you’re giving me all these lectures when I can see how you spend your time via Nance’s excessive social media posting

Buster: If you can’t tell the difference between a lecture and an observation, you really are spending too long on Nance’s socials

Rio: Voyeurism isnt your thing nor mine

Buster: Neither is being hit over the head and yet, your family repeatedly try their best to succeed where my postcode’s attention seeking has failed

Rio: Where’s the try, honey

Rio: it comes naturally

Buster: Not the flex you think it is to be a natural disaster, but take the accolades where you can

Rio: I don’t ‘flex’

Rio: You’ll acclimatise soon, remember where you are

Buster: Of course not, what is there to take pride in, where you are?

Rio: Where we are is where our parents got us, no pride to be taken

Buster: None before a fall, which yours have got you headed for at any given time

Rio: Your concern is touching but I’m just fine

Buster: My concern is non-existent, like your reassurance of how fine you are

Rio: As you don’t care then the issue is the same

Rio: I’ll sort it myself

Buster: You didn’t ask for solutions to any of your issues

Rio: I can’t make her leave him alone, if that’s what he’ll be

Buster: Either they’re a legitimate couple and he can join my dad for a pint or they aren’t and his Christmases are numbered

Rio: Be nice to live in your world where everything is black and white

Buster: Shades of grey is a book title and a shit one at that

Rio: I didn’t hate the books

Buster: You wouldn’t

Rio: Have you actually read them?

Rio: Or just heard that they sucked and gone with popular opinion

Buster: I started, and in mine, she should’ve sought out some other opinions on what makes a decent book, leading man or relationship

Rio: It’s not supposed to be an aspirational relationship

Rio: but at least that’s your own incorrect opinion, I suppose

Buster: Tell that to everyone lapping it up as one

Rio: People just find [the actor] attractive, there’s not much else to it

Buster: They live boring lives, not a me problem

Rio: You wish

Buster: You can see how I spend my time, allegedly

Buster: perhaps you’re bored witnessing it but I’m not living it

Rio: That’s a relief

Buster: I’ll have to save some stuff for my early twenties too, babe

Rio: There’s still all the clubs that you’re too young for

Buster: That’s a relief

Rio: Do you like [whatever club Nancy has told us she cannot wait to go to] too?

Buster: As you just pointed out, I’m yet to be allowed in

Buster: What's to like about playing a waiting game?

Rio: Delayed gratifications not your bag neither, cool

Rio: I don’t know, whatever she’s hyped it up to being in her head from the stories is probably going to be better than it will be now, something to be said for it

Buster: I go after what I want when I want it

Buster: daydreaming’s for people who never will

Rio: Waitings all there is sometimes, it’s unavoidable

Rio: may as well enjoy it

Buster: Setting goals you can achieve now while the bigger ones are falling into place is enjoyable, you can avoid sitting still

Rio: There’s not sitting still with five brothers and sisters, trust me

Buster: It’s unlikely I’ll get any more than the 2 sisters, taking your word for it is all I can do

Rio: I’d say never say never but it seems unlikely it’s in the 5-year plan, yeah

Buster: We’re enough

Rio: Enough trouble or as a compliment?

Rio: My mama is going to have more, which is going to be weird

Buster: She can take my surprise she’s not pregnant already as a compliment

Rio: You can have that conversation with her, weirdo

Rio: Not particularly festive but not the weirdest by our family’s standard

Buster: The gift that keeps on giving is I’m too old to be forced into awkward conversation with every relative in the room

Rio: Good luck trying to avoid my mammy as one of them though

Buster: I don’t need luck, everyone else will be wanting to talk to her whether she brings him or not

Rio: Hence I can hardly blame her for wanting to skip the turkey and stuffing

Buster: But you do, you haven’t stopped sulking

Rio: Because there’s a little more at stake here than that, if you hadn’t heard that less sexy nugget of gossip

Buster: I don’t listen to gossip, wrong twin

Rio: Yeah, well

Rio: Junior isn’t here

Buster: Yeah, well

Buster: Santa isn’t real

Rio: How mature

Buster: It’s an excuse for a piss up, like St Paddy’s or granddad’s birthday, no magic

Rio: I’m not asking for a miracle

Rio: I’m saying if we weren’t playing happy families then perhaps his daddy might be more inclined to let us know where he is if not see him

Buster: And I’m saying, your mummy and new daddy might as well drown their sorrows here over the choices they’ve made and their consequences, she’ll have to own them regardless of where you spend the hol

Rio: It’ll be a choice she’s made for him, not herself

Buster: I wouldn’t know what she’s doing or for who, you’re in a better position to judge that

Rio: Not so

Rio: If you weren’t obligated to, you’d not choose to spend your time with them either

Buster: Unfortunately, I’ve got years left before I can decide how I’d rather spend my time, cheers for the reminder

Rio: What else are we here for but to make your life just that little bit shitty

Buster: The choice is yours to antagonise me

Rio: Nope, that’s all yours

Buster: Name one recent conversation I’ve started, it’s always you

Rio: Exactly, you choose to come at it with this attitude, not me

Buster: I don’t come at you, full stop, I leave you alone

Rio: Dreadful manners

Buster: It’s as bad manners to initiate unwanted conversation

Rio: Such a boy

Buster: There are plenty of girls you can talk to instead

Rio: I only needed to know what you were doing on the day

Buster: Ask Nance, she’s synced up to the same calendar I am

Rio: Too late now but next time

Buster: Or Ava, she has the best manners, if you’re concerned with them

Rio: She’s also a child

Buster: She knows what we’re doing

Rio: Don’t be awkward 

Buster: Don’t pretend you only care about festive logistics

Rio: I’m not pretending, I don’t

Buster: What do you want from me?

Rio: I thought you might have some actual advice but that was a mistake, forget it

Buster: What do you want to achieve?

Rio: I don’t know, what I can

Rio: I just want the others to have a good day, to know where Junior is

Buster: I’d be doing you no favours acting like where or how he is is something either of us can control

Rio: Yeah, fair enough

Buster: You could still make sure they have a good day though, in spite of his dad’s disappearing act

Rio: Grace wouldn’t mind staying home but all the others would rather be at the pub with everyone else

Rio: I’ll just have to tell her, or take everyone for lunch after presents, that could work

Buster: Tell her she’s outnumbered, no-one’s fault but her own she can’t stop having kids or that they’re opinionated

Rio: I don’t think I’ll phrase it quite like that

Buster: Soften it with your nice manners, naturally

Rio: Naturally

Rio: I can make it sound like a nice thing, alone time for them

Buster: It will be, honeymoon phase obviously being far from over

Rio: That’d be a poor show, even for a normal couple

Buster: We don’t know any normal couples, normalised is as close as we’re getting

Rio: Rude but true

Rio: I meant he’s the love of her life, not just a love of the current moment

Buster: I know what you meant

Rio: I don’t dislike him, it’s not that cliche for me

Buster: Even if you did, you wouldn’t prioritise it

Rio: Of course not

Rio: it’s about the kids

Buster: They’re her ultimate priority, love of her life or not, anything else is bullshit

Rio: And that’s true, whatever you may think

Buster: It doesn’t matter what I think

Rio: Just saying, don’t

Buster: I’m not

Rio: You are capable of manners, when you choose to

Buster: If she was unfit it’d have been evident before now, there’s none, despite what Junior’s dad thinks

Rio: He’s always been like that

Rio: It must be hard, being in his position but there’s no excuse to do this

Buster: A prick? Yeah

Rio: Jealous and insecure

Buster: And a pussy, exactly

Rio: No one wants to be second-best

Buster: No-one made him settle for being, he chose to be with her with the knowledge he was

Rio: And you wouldn’t?

Buster: Fuck no, I don’t go where I’m not wanted

Rio: Hmm

Rio: but if I was in love with someone, maybe I’d put up with it

Buster: It’s not love if it’s that one-sided they’d be willing to let you put up with that, can’t be

Buster: it’s an exercise in self-harm, about you more than them

Rio: It wasn’t one-sided, you can still care for someone even if you can’t give them everything

Buster: You get one love of your life, if our parents have taught us anything

Buster: but if they don’t love you back, it’s not, call it infatuation, obsession, whatever you want, how well can you say you know them if you don’t realise it’s blatantly one-sided?

Rio: Some people aren’t as lucky, that’s all I’m saying

Rio: Ronan obviously thinks she’s the love of his life but she can’t be

Rio: I’d probably go crazy too, in that position

Buster: Some people wouldn’t know what to do with the actual love of their life, so they cling to someone who isn’t, can’t be and has shown no indication that they are

Buster: like I said, he’s a pussy

Rio: And what about my daddy?

Buster: He doesn’t love anyone but himself

Rio: Ha 🙄

Buster: No-one finds it funny, except him maybe

Rio: Forget I asked, seriously

Buster: Because you don’t like my answer

Rio: Because you don’t know him, so you can’t make an educated guess

Buster: And you do?

Rio: Yes, Buster, I do

Buster: I see you more often than he does, a flight away

Rio: And when’s the last time we had a quality conversation?

Buster: When’s the last time your dad was capable of holding a conversation, when he was our age? He’s too high on his own supply

Rio: I’ve had conversations with him

Buster: About himself and things he cares about

Rio: I care about the things he cares about, getting to know him

Buster: Which doesn’t mean it’s reciprocal, just because you wish it was

Rio: I know he loves me

Rio: that’s all that matters 

Buster: What matters is he shows it, when does he?

Rio: You know that we see him at Christmas too

Buster: That isn’t what I asked

Rio: I don’t know why you’re asking

Buster: Yeah you do, you’re not an idiot

Rio: There’s no need to point score

Buster: His loss doesn’t win me anything

Rio: Just more smug satisfaction

Buster: What satisfaction do you think I get from watching your stubborn blindspot to his fuck ups?

Rio: We only get one mum and one dad too, you know

Buster: Which doesn’t mean they can treat you like shit, mine have earned my love and respect

Rio: Mine too

Buster: You’ve given yours, earned or not

Rio: It is

Rio: None of us are perfect

Buster: It isn’t though

Buster: and he isn’t even good, never mind perfect

Rio: What do you want from me?

Buster: I’m not going to get it, and you’re not going to get anything you want from him

Rio: Merry Christmas, like

Buster: Being grounded in reality isn’t all fun and games

Rio: Dreaming never hurt anybody

Buster: Deluding yourself will, especially where he’s concerned

Rio: I know who he is and what, okay

Buster: Does Grace? You act like you’re super concerned for the kids but that’s all it is if you don’t follow through on her not getting hurt

Rio: I look after all my siblings, don’t try to tell me how to do my job

Buster: If my dad was a fucking deadbeat I wouldn’t let Ava get her hopes up he wasn’t, that he gave a shit when he’s nothing but a selfish user of your mum and now you

Rio: Wow

Buster: Do your job properly or don’t pretend you care

Rio: You know as little about Grace as you do my dad so just leave it out

Buster: You wish, everyone knows it’s a shitshow of a situation

Rio: It doesn’t matter or mean anything to you

Buster: It’ll be embarrassing when history repeats itself in the years to come before I’m divorced from this

Rio: I don’t care and you’ll survive

Buster: Clearly, your sibling bullshit is just that, totally performative

Rio: Fuck you

Rio: you have no idea what I do for them

Buster: Not enough, whatever you supposedly do

Buster: because you’re preoccupied giving your daddy endless chances to be a disappointment

Rio: That’s not true at all

Buster: Yeah it is

Rio: It’s not, if you think that then you don’t know me at all anymore

Buster: Everyone knows you’re too much like your mum for your own good in that sense, I’m the only one who’ll say it to your face, that’s all

Buster: other members of the family would rather consider it a virtue or ignore the unfavourable comparison entirely, along with the situation

Rio: You can see it however you want

Rio: I’d rather be like her any day

Buster: I see it how it is, as a weakness he’s exploited

Rio: Love is not a weakness

Buster: He doesn’t love you

Rio: I hate you, you know

Buster: Hate me then, I’m right regardless

Buster: he hasn’t proved he loves you with a single one of his actions

Rio: If he didn’t love me, the twins wouldn’t exist, he’d not have come back

Buster: He didn’t come back for you, he’s an opportunist

Rio: Your toddler wisdom told you that? You have no clue

Buster: You don’t, I can follow the clues easily because I’m not being emotionally manipulated

Rio: Are you done upsetting me?

Buster: Remind me how many other kids he has first, is anyone even keeping count anywhere?

Rio: You’re so judgmental

Buster: Because that isn’t the behaviour of someone who thinks you’re special and values you, or any of his kids, for that matter

Rio: You’re the one that’s insecure about being enough for your parents, not me

Buster: Not me either, babe

Buster: I’m very secure in my achievements and potential

Rio: Very secure people don’t spend their time running others down but sure

Buster: You asked, it isn’t my fault you can’t handle the truth

Rio: The truths not whatever you say it is

Buster: Nor is it what you pray for before you go to sleep

Rio: My reality suits me as well as yours does, thanks 

Buster: My reality’s the same as everyone else’s, it suits me to live in the real world

Rio: So down-to-earth

Buster: Head in the clouds wouldn’t get me far

Rio: ✈️ get your furthest

Buster: Only to Dublin for the foreseeable

Rio: Try not to say commiserations instead of cheers

Rio: people here actually care about you

Buster: I’m capable of manners, when I choose to

Rio: Allegedly so

Buster: In your own words, unless you don’t trust your instincts all of a sudden

Rio: I don’t trust your intentions, for good reason

Buster: You’re far too bad of a judge of character for me to be offended

Rio: Intuition isn’t needed, you’ve provided all the proof necessary 

Buster: Now you’re interested in proof, hypocritical but in no way unexpected

Rio: You’ve been a bastard this entire conversation, entirely on purpose

Rio: I fail to see what else you wanted me to take from it

Buster: Grow a backbone so I don’t have to leave you a random body part under the tree, wrapping that would be a bastard

Rio: No one believes you wrap your own gifts

Buster: Well, I’m willing to make exceptions sometimes

Rio: To prove a point, I’m certain 

Buster: Are you the only one allowed to be stubborn?

Rio: If we had to share traits, you can keep it

Buster: I have to share more than enough as is, thanks

Rio: I’m the wrong person to share your twin woes with

Buster: I couldn’t compete with your sob story, I know

Buster: don’t worry, you can keep it

Rio: You’re the one trying to make my life one big tragedy

Buster: If the shoe fits, turn it into a fairy tale instead, yeah?

Rio: Your parents sort of covered the whole rags to riches thing

Buster: Your mum covered so many kids she didn’t know what to do, and without being old or living in said shoe, congrats

Rio: Less than nan at current count

Buster: She thought she knew what to do, she just happened to be wrong

Rio: If you want to talk about who’s really stubborn

Buster: Must be where we both ours from

Rio: Probably

Rio: can’t just blame her for the generational trauma

Buster: Your life doesn’t have to be a tragedy because he’s useless, you know that, don’t you?

Rio: Oh my God

Rio: yes, I know that because my life is not and will not be a tragedy

Buster: Good

Rio: I’ll assure you it’s not going to be embarrassing, my future, even though it’s not your business

Buster: You’re not trying to impress or reassure me, understood

Rio: You aren’t my target demographic either, no

Buster: And I’m only interested in targeting your insecurities, past, present and future

Rio: Assess your priorities, honestly

Buster: Assess yours, you’re the only person I’ve ever met with an angel on each shoulder

Rio: Aw, now you’re working overtime to say something nice to me

Buster: Nice? I can’t think of a bigger shame or waste of potential

Rio: Oh hush

Rio: I can’t help that how lovely I am makes you feel bad for your moodiness

Buster: You’ll finish last every single time, that’s the genuine tragedy

Rio: You can only wait and see how wrong you are and that’s your least favourite thing to do so

Buster: I’m rarely wrong, I don’t need to wait it out

Rio: Why are you so scared of being nice?

Buster: I’m not scared of anything, there’s absolutely nothing to gain by being a doormat, as you’ve highlighted

Rio: I’m not a doormat

Buster: You’re too nice, it’s the same thing ultimately, people walk all over you

Rio: It’s not people, he’s my dad

Rio: it’s different, an exception

Buster: He isn’t the only person who does

Rio: Like who?

Buster: Your other nan, all your siblings, every boy you’ve been out with, to name a few examples of the countless

Rio: They’re family

Rio: and they’re exes for a reason

Buster: It’s a pattern for a reason

Rio: Boys suck, that’s the pattern you’re seeing

Buster: No, you put everyone else’s needs ahead of yours, constantly

Rio: I get what I need

Buster: Why are you so scared of focusing on yourself?

Rio: You said I should focus on my siblings before

Buster: Because I know the likelihood of the alternative, I’m not going to back a horse that won’t run

Rio: Your way with words leaves a lot to be desired 

Buster: I’m not captain of the debate team right now, school’s out

Rio: Always time for a humble brag

Buster: I never have time for humble

Rio: Excuse my manners for the misunderstanding

Buster: You always look for the good, doesn’t mean it’s there

Buster: that’s the misunderstanding you should worry more about

Rio: Said like you knew any of my boyfriends anyway, boy

Buster: They aren’t mysterious and we all know your type, no-one could call you shy when it comes to staying true to said form and another established, predictable pattern

Rio: 😅 Do we now?

Buster: Yeah

Rio: Maybe from where you’re sitting but they’ve been vastly different

Buster: Not where it matters

Rio: Give me a chance, I’ve got years to find the one

Buster: A chance to do what? Other than what you always do

Rio: Says you

Rio: you’re allowed to have fun

Buster: So are you, why aren’t you?

Rio: I am

Buster: Where and when?

Rio: I like having boyfriends, what’s hard to get about that?

Buster: If you like them that much, why are you collecting exes instead?

Rio: Well you either break up or stay together forever 

Rio: sort of how it works

Buster: What you like is maths, or you’re at least good at it

Rio: Do you have homework?

Buster: Every break, no exceptions

Rio: If you ask nicer than that, I’ll help 

Buster: I don’t need your help

Rio: Oh, why did you bring it up then?

Buster: I was bringing up odds, since you’re playing them in your dating life

Rio: Improving them with every new boyfriend, exactly

Buster: Slightly

Rio: No sense meeting them too early is there

Buster: I’d struggle to make sense of why you met up with any of them

Rio: You aren’t gay, you wouldn’t understand

Buster: Their appeal wouldn’t be difficult to understand, objectively, if they possessed any

Rio: You wouldn’t, you’re too stubborn

Rio: you want to be right and me to be all wrong

Buster: I don’t because they don’t and you are wrong

Rio: All my boyfriends have been hot

Rio: it’s their undesirable personality quirks that got them dumped

Buster: If you were a 6 or 7, but you’re not

Rio: So you’re saying my boyfriends should be hotter?

Buster: You could do better, aim higher

Rio: So could you though

Buster: I’m well aware none of them are a match for me

Rio: Brutal

Buster: Honest

Rio: It doesn’t make you feel bad?

Buster: About what?

Rio: I don’t know, I would feel bad if I was getting with lads that I thought were beneath me

Buster: It’s unavoidable, they’re all beneath me

Rio: Do you honestly think everyone is?

Buster: Thus far

Rio: Wow

Rio: Must be lonely

Buster: Like I said, you can keep your victory in the sob story stakes nevertheless

Rio: I’m good, thanks

Buster: Me too

Rio: Glad to hear it

Buster: I’m glad you’ve swallowed down your faux sympathy

Rio: Why would I feel sorry for you?

Buster: Exactly, don’t

Rio: I should, purely for how uncomfortable it makes you

Buster: You should keep your promise not to be embarrassing 

Rio: You can have it

Rio: You and your big speeches

Buster: You’ve never heard a speech before, makes sense

Buster: if your school has a debate team they’d reject you for being needlessly concerned with manners

Rio: I’m pretty sure respect is a fundamental with any debate, no

Rio: but it’s safe to say I would not be caught dead

Buster: Sportsmanship isn’t tripping over yourself to be nice, it’s fairness

Rio: I don’t find it as hard as you clearly perceive it to be, being nice

Buster: No, you find it hard to set a boundary, which isn’t fair to anyone

Rio: Jesus

Rio: says the boy who keeps talking when I tell him to shut up

Buster: You wanted to talk

Rio: You’ve danced on the boundaries I’ve set but no, keep telling me I’m wrong, you arsehole

Buster: I touched a nerve, you’re upset because everyone else tells you how great you are and I don’t

Rio: Bollocks am I

Rio: I’m upset because you’re saying hurtful things to get a reaction

Buster: I won’t say what you want to hear

Rio: I don’t care what you have to say, we don’t need to talk

Buster: Then don’t ask me for my opinion

Rio: I’m not

Buster: You did, I wasn’t giving it unsolicited 

Rio: I don’t know what your problem is, genuinely

Buster: I’ve stated them, I don’t know how you expect me to much more plainly

Rio: Not your problem with me, your problem in general but it isn’t mine so never mind

Buster: I don’t have problems in general

Rio: Yep, it would be totally logical for me to be the beginning and the end of all of this anger you have

Buster: You provoke it, yeah

Rio: You’re antagonising

Buster: I avoid confrontation with you at every family event by avoiding you

Rio: I’ve done nothing to you, to make you hate me like this

Buster: You do nothing, that’s true

Rio: Just go back to ignoring me then

Buster: Stop ignoring everything, you’re so fucking passive whatever happens

Rio: Do you think I want a confrontation any more than you do?

Rio: You think you have more to lose but you don’t

Buster: You don’t want anything, not for yourself

Rio: Of course I do

Buster: All you care about is holding other people’s shit together

Rio: Why is it a bad thing to not want our family to fall apart?

Buster: You’re going to pull yourself apart trying

Rio: Your parents could leave because they had each other

Buster: They pick their battles, so do I

Rio: Could’ve fooled me

Buster: You’re a war, you have no idea

Rio: Pretty sure I do

Buster: You don’t

Rio: Now you’re being silly

Buster: You think you’ve seen even a fraction of the anger I have

Rio: I’m not afraid of you, Buster

Buster: Why would you be? It isn’t directed at you, my hate isn’t

Rio: Like I said, I don’t want to see anything bad happen 

Buster: Closing your eyes to it won’t make it go away

Rio: And nothing you’ve attempted has either but still

Buster: Nothing I’ve attempted was going to work

Rio: Doesn’t mean either of us can stop trying

Buster: I know that

Rio: Yeah, it’ll be fine, don’t worry

Rio: we’re barely going to be there

Buster: It’ll have to be, running out of options isn’t one, not for me

Rio: I can talk to someone else about this

Buster: You can do whatever you want, I’ve said my piece

Rio: Loud and clear

Buster: Attention on the former usually distracts from the latter

Rio: Thanks for the tip

Rio: If you happen to go out, avoid [a pub that you and your friends can get in]

Buster: Because I’m clearly a tourist who’ll loudly attract trouble?

Rio: If you like

Rio: though you’re not the loud twin, if we’re doing labels

Buster: Sometimes I am, if you like

Rio: TMI

Buster: If your mind will find itself in the gutter

Rio: You said it on purpose like that

Buster: But I could mean many different circumstances, your brain specified that one

Rio: I don’t need law school ambitions to know what plausible deniability is, thank you very much

Buster: You don’t need to warn me where to avoid, I know where you go, without your love of maths to point me in the direction of probability

Rio: Okay

Rio: Just trying to be proactive

Buster: As I’m so reactive

Rio: As you said I do nothing

Buster: You don’t do what I want you to

Rio: I am now

Buster: No, but if I have to tell you, you’re still not

Rio: Running out of options isn’t one

Buster: Being backed into a corner isn’t either

Rio: We’re on the same page, that has to make things easier

Buster: Easier for who?

Rio: Us

Rio: Everyone else remains oblivious

Buster: There’s no easier for us

Rio: That’s defeatist for you

Buster: Giving up would be defeatist 

Rio: I suppose that’s true

Buster: What’s worthwhile is difficult, first lesson I ever learnt

Rio: And then they left you up the mountain

Buster: And then I got myself down

Rio: You wanted to make up for Nance getting here before you

Buster: She brings it up every chance she gets, won’t let me live that down

Rio: Quite right

Buster: No, I was, staying as long as I could, we were too early

Buster: probably why she’s dyslexic, serves her right

Rio: I don’t know about that

Rio: but I’m glad you didn’t steal my birthday thunder

Buster: Terrible manners and an even worse first impression if I had

Rio: Be why you were in a rush to get out, can’t miss my birth

Buster: Took you years of hard work to hate me, why rush that?

Rio: You know I don’t actually hate you

Buster: I’ll keep trying

Rio: Good luck

Buster: How was your birthday?

Rio: Everything has been kinda weird since

Rio: but yeah, not terrible

Rio: yours?

Buster: I can’t remember, mine was ages ago

Rio: So you were wasted

Buster: Realistically, weren’t you?

Rio: Liam and Edie did a Halloween thing

Rio: I was having fun

Buster: [give her a costume specific compliment whatever she dressed up as cos she would’ve and you would’ve seen it and remember even if you don’t your party antics]

Rio: [tell him his party theme as if you’re jogging his memory and not just pointing out you also saw content]

Rio: Una liked [and whatever drug(s) you are saying you tried because the energy of not being drunk but also participating in this soiree]

Buster: What did you like?

Rio: [the party drug vibe] was fun but [something more trippy and introspective like acid or shrooms] wasn’t a good idea

Buster: [exchanging drug slang like lol lol in chelsea we call it this isn’t that posh and ridiculous because rich people truly can’t help themselves and he isn’t tancy, he can’t pretend he’s here for the silliness]

Rio: Are you messing?

Buster: Seriously

Rio: Oh wow

Rio: I’ve now got the biggest ick for all your cute friends

Buster: What cute friends?

Rio: Well, I fear that might be the case now

Buster: Consider the near miss a belated birthday or early Christmas present, babe

Rio: Yeah, yeah 😏

Rio: Nance doesn’t invite me over often enough for it to be a problem for you

Buster: She would if you still had the hots for any of our friends

Rio: Oh, I know 💘

Rio: There are enough players in that game though as is

Buster: It’s no Truth or Dare

Rio: No but I’m sure you play that still too

Buster: Don’t you?

Rio: I have, sure

Rio: Not recently

Buster: Why not?

Rio: Does there have to be why? 🤔

Buster: There always is

Rio: If you’re asking if I have a new boyfriend

Rio: I’ve been a little preoccupied lately

Buster: I wasn’t, your socials would tell me the answer should I have questions

Rio: Excuse you, I don’t post my every single thought or ALL my business

Buster: You post all your boyfriends

Rio: Just the ones I like would make me sound bad so okay, fine

Buster: I doubt they’re earning the label unless deemed worthy, by you at least, however temporarily

Rio: You mentioned how exacting your standards are, at least in theory

Buster: I hold myself to a high one, exempting anyone else would be ridiculous

Rio: I suppose I see the logic

Buster: It’s fairly self-explanatory

Rio: I just don’t like the implication that I have low standards, obviously

Rio: because I don’t

Buster: You have room to improve

Rio: So condescending, well done

Buster: A pep talk isn’t what you’re looking for

Rio: And you get off with idiots, same as me, same as everyone else

Buster: I’m not taking it personally, you are

Rio: You wouldn’t take your own high and mighty hypocrisy personally, duh

Buster: I don’t tether myself to the idiots I’m surrounded by to an unnecessary degree

Rio: Maybe it’s necessary for me

Buster: Of course you’d believe that

Rio: We can’t all be self-sufficient islands

Rio: I don’t want to be

Buster: You don’t want to admit defeat, when the lost cause shows himself to be

Rio: I’m not a quitter

Rio: doesn’t make me delusional

Buster: You’re a martyr 

Rio: A martyr, really?

Buster: Really

Rio: We’ve both known actual martyrs, what that looks like

Buster: Recognising an example at its most extreme doesn’t mean I can’t also when you’re yet to take yours as far

Rio: Wow

Rio: at least you’ve said how you really feel, yeah

Buster: Those are the rules, unless you’re going to dare me

Rio: Dare you to be a nice person?

Rio: Would be a waste

Buster: Of an opportunity, for you

Rio: Precisely, you’re perfectly capable if you choose it

Buster: What I’m capable of isn’t up for debate

Rio: Unless I ask you that, next truth

Buster: If you want to waste that too

Rio: Nah, it’s your turn anyway

Buster: I already told you I don’t have any questions

Rio: So

Buster: Tell your mum the truth instead

Rio: I don’t need to

Rio: I know what to do, everyone will be happy

Buster: Everyone is meant to include you

Rio: If everyone else is, why wouldn’t I be

Buster: Because it doesn’t work like that

Rio: It can

Rio: ‘tis the season for it

Buster: Excuses tend to start in January

Rio: It’s not an excuse!

Rio: Christmas is for the kids, that’s all that any of us cares about really

Buster: Maybe that’s a valid argument tried on someone else

Rio: Nothing changes for you, you can avoid me as usual

Buster: Nothing changes for you either

Rio: Ha, if only

Rio: nothing feels like it used to lately, this is me trying

Buster: Overcompensating

Rio: Projecting

Rio: two can play at this game, babe

Buster: What astute psychoanalysis 

Rio: No need for a PHD, naturally

Buster: Or such boring strategies, in my case

Rio: You’re very entertained, sure

Buster: There’s no shortage, whatever the season

Rio: I’ll leave you to it then

Rio: no sense in saying see you around

Buster: Like you said, we won’t and don’t need to

Buster: merry Christmas

Rio: This is so fucking bleak

Rio: can we not at least pretend to be civil?

Buster: Other family members will indulge you in all the polite small talk you could possibly want

Rio: I don’t want small talk

Buster: I don’t want to pretend

Rio: So stop

Buster: Is that a dare?

Rio: If you’re too scared to do it else

Buster: It isn’t your turn, remember

Rio: Awh, it’s okay

Buster: You’ll be without me holding your hand through [insert a christmas tradition he’s mocking here] 

Rio: When have you ever and where was I asking

Rio: You’ll be far too busy with your own and no one would ask otherwise 🍺🎯🎲🍺

Buster: [insert a childhood mem that there’s no need for him to bring up remotely, which is giving the energy of them sticking together/him looking after her through something]

Rio: Now he’s the memory

Buster: You’re the forgetful one

Rio: No, I’m the overly sentimental one, I’d forget nothing

Buster: And yet, you seemingly have who I am

Rio: Wishful thinking or genuinely?

Buster: You’re genuinely accusing me of being fake, aren’t you?

Rio: You said you don’t want to pretend, which means you are

Buster: You said you wanted us to, for civility’s sake

Rio: That’s not what I meant

Buster: It’s all I meant

Rio: Fine, tell me to keep up so you’ve covered stupid as well as poor

Rio: who’ll buy it if you don’t cover all bases

Buster: Find someone else to play with instead of flattering yourself your games are granting you unprecedented insight into my psyche

Rio: What psyche

Rio: You’re as transparent and predictable as every other boy in your postcode, congrats on it

Buster: Definite wishful thinking

Rio: On your part, perhaps but you’re so close

Buster: On yours, but hopefully the resulting ick you’re pretending to have will encourage you to keep your distance

Rio: You can keep your hope for yourself 

Buster: Why waste it?

Rio: It’s Christmas, live a little, Buster

Buster: It’s [whatever the date is like nope not yet]

Rio: A little too late to make the nice list

Buster: I’m top of my parents’ list

Rio: No you’re not, let’s not lie

Buster: You don’t know that Ava’s uncovered the Santa lie, that’s an educated guess

Rio: And she’s a smart girl, as well as the favourite

Buster: Yeah well, predictably, she’s my favourite too

Rio: You aren’t meant to have favourites

Rio: but I’m sure Nancy can cope better without the twin closeness than Gracie does

Buster: She does, hers is herself

Buster: and I’m sure it helps her cope with lots of things

Rio: Self-interest is a protective measure, sure

Rio: the only person who can let you down is yourself

Buster: Still no need for a PhD

Rio: They aren’t the letters you want after your name anyway and I sure as hell won’t get them either

Buster: You don’t want them either, you’re purely prodding to try and touch a nerve and get your own back, not for any deeper interest in the subject

Rio: No I am not

Rio: if I wanted to get a reaction out of you, I could do it easily

Buster: No you couldn’t, let’s not lie, babe

Rio: Uhuh 🙄

Buster: Fine, I’ll humour you for a second

Buster: What else do you want if not a reaction?

Rio: What more could I possibly want than to annoy you 

Rio: that’s what you want to pretend this is, go for it

Buster: You tell me

Buster: I’m offering you the chance to

Rio: Alright

Rio: you have to join in [the family tradition he mentioned mockingly earlier]

Buster: Because?

Rio: Because it’ll make me happy to see you suffer a little

Buster: I won’t, I thrive in the face of adversity, festive themed or otherwise

Rio: Maybe your poker face isn’t all you think it to be, boy

Buster: You’ve never beat me

Rio: Selective memory much

Rio: I’ve beat you plenty of times

Buster: Genetic advantage, my mum has a stack of chips where her heart would be, so the story goes, in everyone’s living memory

Rio: The stories are just that though

Buster: I learnt from the best, that’s fact

Rio: I’m not disputing that

Buster: You tried and failed to

Rio: No, genius, my point is that the family folklore can say about anything we want, it’s that sprawling

Buster: No, yours was that you’ve won before, which you haven’t

Rio: I’m not arguing with a loser

Buster: Arguing with yourself wouldn’t make you as happy

Rio: Yeah, I’m elated right now

Buster: You’re distracted, it’s what you came to me for

Rio: Is that what you do?

Buster: To you

Rio: Or for

Buster: The least I can now you aren’t crying

Rio: You’re a little too old to try to use that one for an insult

Buster: If I was insulting you, I could think of better

Rio: Good

Rio: that and pulling my hair belongs back with the Santa lie

Buster: Shame, but yeah, there’s too much of it to be anything but the easiest target

Rio: Have to try harder

Buster: Fight fairer, or I’d get banned from the boxing gym for being a bad sport

Rio: You know the rules better than that

Buster: I make my own rules, you know that

Rio: I learnt that from the best

Buster: Me too

Rio: There’s some traits not to run from

Buster: Plenty

Rio: You don’t stay away completely

Rio: and you could, wouldn’t be the first

Buster: You heard me say my parents earnt my love and respect

Buster: and about Ava, we’re a family

Rio: Of course you are

Buster: Even Nance

Rio: Yeah

Buster: They don’t stay away completely, I’m not going to, black and white again

Rio: It’s their decision until it’s yours, I get it

Buster: I trust their decision making, it’s been sound

Rio: Not steered wrong

Buster: They get the balance right

Rio: Works for them, why not you

Buster: Exactly, what isn’t broke doesn’t need fixing

Rio: I never said anything about your family

Buster: Your manners prevent you

Buster: but there wouldn’t be a lot to say

Rio: Why would I stoop to that level

Rio: I get it constantly, from worse-intentioned people than you

Buster: Swap you my neighbours for a few days, give you a taste of what we get as well, why not?

Rio: I’m aware that you’ve happily assimilated, that’s what you’ve told me

Buster: You can’t fully with posh cunts

Rio: Still Irish

Buster: Less bullshit titles means they still think you’re poor scum compared to them, even when you have more assets and a steady non inherited income

Rio: Earning it isn’t like being born with it

Rio: and it’s crass to talk about it

Rio: I’ve read plenty of other books, I know the sort

Buster: With a silver spoon in your mouth in a manor house that’s falling down or it doesn’t equal shit, naturally

Rio: Someone will accept you, despite your dreadful background and it’ll all be very romantic, if said books are to be believed 

Buster: I don’t need their acceptance, only Nance cares

Rio: You don’t do you

Rio: saving yourself a lot of hassle, that’s for certain

Buster: They’ll come to me expecting to be saved from hassle when I’m qualified

Rio: Connections and cash

Buster: Both’ll talk for me

Rio: I get it, you know

Buster: You always did, ever since I said I wanted to be a lawyer at [whatever age, because it’s giving a kid when other peeps would lol or lovingly mock him thinking he was gonna change his mind, because clearly he watched or read something]

Rio: You can have it

Rio: whatever you put your mind to, that’s just fact too

Buster: [however many years] until Harvard, then you can have me out of your way 

Rio: Yeah, I really believe there was the slightest consideration for me in that decision

Buster: You wouldn’t believe I was being honest if I told you there was

Rio: I think we both lost count of who’s turn it was a while ago

Buster: It was the furthest I could imagine going when I was [whatever age]

Rio: Away from me

Buster: People start new lives in America, that’s the film cliche

Rio: You can take day trips to New York

Buster: Perhaps I’ll set up my law firm there, everyone would love visiting even dad

Rio: I can see it

Buster: Yeah, I can too

Rio: Keep counting down the days

Buster: I am

Buster: [tell her how many because you’ve worked it out because you seriously think if you get far away enough from her and throw yourself into your future career goals everything will be fine]

Rio: You’re cute

Buster: Don’t

Rio: I’m not taking the piss, it’s sweet, that’s all

Buster: It’s patronising to call my future plans sweet

Rio: Alright, sorry

Buster: Congrats on finally touching a nerve though

Rio: I told you I wasn’t interested

Buster: You know it isn’t a pipe dream, that I’m absolutely serious

Rio: I said so

Rio: It’s what you want so you’ll make it happen

Buster: I should go do my homework instead of letting you distract me

Rio: Guess that’s what a future New York lawyer would do, yeah

Buster: [send her the schedule deets via a screenshot of this fam calendar or whatever of what time y’all’s flight is etc for christmas and what you’re doing when as it’s currently written like there you go so you can properly avoid me]

Rio: I’ll see you [at the parts of the schedule you expect to be at too]

Buster: Unavoidably

Rio: Don’t

Buster: It is, I would if I could

Rio: Why do you have to say it

Buster: Because

Rio: You can’t fob me off like that, I don’t have a dad, remember

Buster: Because I don’t want to see you at [the things he will]

Rio: Tough

Rio: and you’ll see me at [naming every event casually in a not at all petty manner] 

Rio: forever

Buster: No, I’ll only see you at marriages and funerals eventually, how other distant relatives who minimise having to be in the same room do

Rio: The flight is 6 and a half hours

Rio: the world isn’t as big as you thought

Buster: It’s as big as I decide to make it, my rules

Rio: You said you trusted your parents' judgment

Buster: I remember what I said

Rio: I can’t believe your big plan includes becoming a deadbeat who doesn’t give a fuck about any of us

Buster: You’re none of my business, I’m not responsible for any of you 

Rio: Yes I am, we’re blood

Rio: doesn’t that mean anything to you?

Buster: You’re blood related to half of Dublin thanks to Caleb, where are they in your big plans?

Rio: I have reached out to them actually

Rio: which you’d know if you still knew me

Buster: But I don’t, we’re practically strangers, why would I give a fuck?

Rio: Have it your way, we’re strangers

Buster: There are just too many of you to differentiate between and keep track of, face facts, it’s like a zoo outing

Rio: You’re a cunt, you’re not blind

Buster: Neither are you, there’s nothing in it for me

Rio: Enjoy yet another self-fulfilling prophecy 

Buster: Enjoy [another christmas activity he’s mocking because y’all were getting along for a sec there and he can’t have that so gotta be a massive twat]

Rio: Difference is I will and you’ll be sulking

Buster: I wouldn’t brag about being so easily pleased, is another difference

Rio: Not when you could brag about so much else

Buster: The luxury of being spoilt for choice

Rio: Got to convince yourself you’re making the right one somehow

Buster: I’ve got to make the right one for me, no-one else

Rio: See, you are just like your sister

Buster: She isn’t as stupid as her teachers are convinced she is

Rio: No one talks about her intelligence because it’ll always pale in comparison to her selfishness

Buster: She learnt from the best herself, following their example

Rio: Neither of you would be here if that were true

Buster: Our parents do exactly what they want

Buster: we’re here because of how true that is, they’re together for that very reason

Rio: Your dad doesn’t do anything that isn’t entirely about your mum, his whole job is testament 

Rio: and the selfish thing to do would be get rid of the babies you don’t need at 19

Buster: Resist the urge to saint them in order to really labour your point

Buster: everyone’s aware of the amount of ego involved in having kids

Rio: People who don’t have kids say that

Buster: They showed nan up by doing a better job

Rio: Yeah?

Rio: and you think that made them feel better or nan any worse than the real fuck yous in her life, get real

Buster: We’re talking about their reasons for keeping us and what they were motivated by, that’s all

Rio: You don’t think it was because they loved you?

Buster: I’m not claiming they didn’t, or don’t

Rio: There’s no other reason to keep a child

Buster: Me and my sister have no such ties to you and your siblings, to bring us back to what we were originally talking about

Rio: And I’ve told you it’s blood

Buster: Focus on yourselves

Rio: No shit Sherlock, we’ve got empathy and compassion to go around, it’s not in limited supply

Buster: Nevertheless, a ball’s been dropped somewhere or you’d know where your little brother is

Rio: He’s been kidnapped by his dad, are you for real trying to use that because you’ve decided its in your best interest to be a selfish arsehole?

Buster: I’m not trying to use anything, you are

Buster: to try and force me to feel guilt over something I don’t

Rio: Your lacking is your problem now

Rio: this is pointless

Buster: Good

Buster: well done for finally getting my super clear message

Rio: I understood what you were doing, well done for eventually succeeding with it

Buster: I will, whatever I put my mind to, remember

Rio: Waste your time however you please too

Buster: Time spent getting you up to speed isn’t wasted

Rio: You’re not my concern now

Buster: Now we’re on the same page you aren’t mine either

Rio: You must be so happy

Buster: It isn’t your concern

Rio: Apologies for not being a psychopath

Buster: You’re obviously not going to for continuing to diagnose me

Rio: Actions say all they need to

Buster: [don’t reply and block her etc as an action like yep they do]

[gazellefamily]

MEH-VERYTHING MEH-VERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (2022) “Dare I go against 98% of critics and say ‘Meh’? I’m doin it. ‘Meh”. But that’s being kind because I was so annoyed I had to leave the room halfway. Glancing over at Laszlo’s face during the 4th tedious Kung-Fu fight filled me with such regret for not suggesting ‘BLAZING SADDLES’ or some other Boomer comedy from Gerald Ford’s term. Laszlo is not a Kung Fu guy or a multiverse guy and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Meh!” -Sonny Gazelle

“Eh I’m not quite where Sonny is, but I do think people like this a LITTLE too much. What it is, honestly, is that we marinated our brains in insane comic book and sci-fi theoretical physics for so long that when normies flip out about this stuff, we’re like, ‘Yeah that happened in a Fantastic Four comic in 1988.’ But I did enjoy the performances and thought the filmmaking was impressive. So yeah - it’s cool. It’s ok! It’s more than ok! But maybe calm down everyone. Also agree there was too much kung fu.” -Tommy Gazelle

[sinisterexaggerator]

Cad Bane: Incorrect quote #2

*Watching Obi-Wan and Darth Vader duke it out over the sand dunes of Tatooine*

Bane: Sskywalker, is dat you? I’d recognize d’ose moves an’y’where... 

Vader: *pauses fighting* That name is dead to me. I am Darth Vader.

Bane: Oh, so it is you, and yer’a traitor it seems. Like Master like Padawan. Mighty interestin’.  Apple doesn’t fall far from de tree, eh Kenobi? *referencing Rako Hardeen scenario *

Kenobi: Not the same at all.

Bane: Say, whatever happ’ened to dat pret’ty lady senator you used to hang around with?

Kenobi: ...

* Vader screaming, light saber whooshing sounds *

Kenobi: Did you really have to bring that up?

[mianavs]

the meeting

In Lima with You part 1

a/n: sequel to Falling in Stockholm :) I also suggest reading the prologue, Fixation, for background info

tw: nsfw-ish

wc: 1.4k+

Falling in Stockholm  In Lima with You 

Warmth.

There was nothing you craved more than the warmth only another body could provide and Dabi was more than equipped in that department.

He gave you heat.

It filled you up and trickled down in excess. It clouded your mind and put you into a daze that left you incapable of coherent thought. It pressed against your skin until it burned and left marks all over it. Dabi’s heat was comforting until it turned painful, painful until it turned into pleasure, and pleasure always melted into a warmth that lingered for hours.

You opened your eyes to a stream of warm sunlight that painted your sheets a bright yellow. It’d been almost a month since Dabi moved you into this small condo after you gained his trust. Untangling your limbs from him with care, you swung your legs over the edge of your new bed and poured yourself a glass of water. You dug into your nightstand until you found the almost empty plastic sheet of small white pills and took one out. Ever since Dabi stopped injecting you with quirk inhibiters, he brought you some birth control and explained that the inhibiter had also been laced with contraceptives.

Your musings stopped when you heard a distinct low groan followed by disfigured hands that tugged you down into bed. Dabi’s face took over your field of view with his cold cerulean eyes, marred burgundy flesh, and little grey staples that held his face together. He was the picture-perfect definition of a monster but instead of screaming or fighting against him, you pressed a chaste kiss on his mouth before falling back onto your shared bed and looking at him with pure adoration—he was your savior after all.

“Good morning,” you greeted him with a shy smile.

Dabi’s mouth curled into a grin before bringing you into his arms and maneuvering your body so your back was pressed against his chest.

“Morning, beautiful,” Dabi slurred, his hot breath against your ear drawing out a gasp from your lips. “You’re running low on your pills aren’t you?”

You nodded wordlessly as Dabi’s hand snaked over your chest and started teasing your nipple.

“Good thing I got you some more,” he mused as he continued pinching and rubbing your hardening nub. “Even though it’d be nice to see you carrying my kid.”

The thought of carrying Dabi’s child sent a cold shiver down your spine as his other hand splayed against your bare stomach. You found the idea revolting and your body reacted accordingly. Then as quickly as the disgust came it left and panic replaced it when you remembered your painful re-education and the man who put you through it.

Dabi stopped his ministrations on your body and you knew he’d noticed your reaction. You held your breath waiting for the familiar pain from his quirk but his arms merely tightened their hold on you.

“Do you not want to have my kid?” He hissed sharply and you furiously shook your head.

“N-no! Of course I do, Dabi. I love you!” You cried and squeezed his hands for effect. “I just think we should w-wait until we accomplish the Mayor’s goal. Besides, I doubt Shigaraki would approve of me becoming pregnant.”

Your heart was in your throat as you waited for Dabi’s response praying your reasoning was enough justification for him.

“You’re right,” He mumbled nuzzling against your neck. “We need all the manpower we can get to bring down the heroes.”

Melting into his arms, Dabi started kissing down your neck while his hand traveled south to the apex between your legs. You shuddered remembering the intense sex from the night before but spread your legs anyway. He’d only started stroking your clit when his phone suddenly started vibrating. With a groan, Dabi’s hands left your trembling form and answered the call.

Just from the annoyed expression on his face, you could tell it was your leader, Tomura Shigaraki, on the other end. They exchanged a few words but Dabi’s eyes shifted to you halfway through the call. The warry expression in his haunting eyes put you on edge as you wondered what Shigaraki had told him to make him react that way.

“Get ready,” Dabi stated as he hung up on your boss. “There’s a meeting today and the boss wants you there.”

Shigaraki didn’t trust you and, as a result, few members of the league did.

He told you so himself during your first meeting with him. It’d been just the two of you in his office to Dabi’s displeasure but there was nothing he could’ve done—Shigaraki was the boss after all. It was in that dingy office where Shigaraki gripped your neck with four fingers while his thumb lingered over your pulse point.

“As a former hero, you’ll have to work that much harder, Y/N.”

Ever since that exchange, you were always cautious around him. During the few missions you went on with the league, you protected Shigaraki as best as you could alongside Kurogiri. You risked your life time and time again to keep him safe but only so you could return to Dabi. Shigaraki was merely an annoyance you had to deal with until the Mayor’s objective was complete. The disgruntled man-child could drop dead afterwards for all you cared.

What you cared about was Dabi and his trust in you. It was your lifeline and without it you were as good as dead. So as you walked closely behind your savior into the dark compound of the League of Villains, apprehension ate away at your composure as Dabi’s cold gaze remained imprinted in your mind.

Your gut told you this wasn’t a regular meeting when you walked past the other members whose faces were darkened with a negative emotion you couldn’t pinpoint. The tension in the air was suffocating but you continued walking until Dabi stopped in front of Shigaraki and another person you never thought you’d see again.

Keigo Takami stood calm and collected next to Shigaraki while you felt as if you were going to pass out. You stood frozen as your blood ran cold and all you could hear was your heart thumping erratically in your chest. When your eyes turned away from the red-winged hero, you noticed other pairs of eyes on you and watching with mixed emotions.

“HAH! Just look at her face!” Shigaraki sneered, taking a menacing step towards you. “Don’t tell me the two of you know each other.”

The question was more like an accusation and you wanted the earth to open and swallow you whole. You opened your mouth to speak but the words you desperately wanted to scream wouldn’t come out. Your eyes turned to the man next to you hoping he’d say something—anything—that would get Shigaraki off your case but Dabi’s eyes burned with anger as he stared you down.

That was when you realized that Dabi knew more than you’d hoped.

“Yes, I-we worked together once,” You stammered. “He’s practically the HPSC’s poster boy so I don’t get why he’s here.”

“To be a criminal like his dad. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, eh Takami?”

Dabi’s mouth contorted into a hideous smile as he stared at a surprised Keigo. You wracked your brain trying to remember a time when Keigo talked about his father but you only remembered hearing about his mother, Tomie.

Gold eyes flickered to you and your heart began to ache when you saw the hollow pain in Keigo’s eyes. It was a pain you were more than familiar with and, for a second, you wanted nothing more than to comfort your old friend.

Just when you were about to take a step towards Keigo, a deformed hand gripped your own and held it in a crushing grip. You gasped but didn’t fight it when you saw the bone-chilling expression on Dabi’s face. To anyone else watching, he looked amused but his painful grip and clenched jaw were dead giveaways to the fury the burned within him.

“Since you brought him in and your little pet is oh-so well-acquainted with him, you’re in charge of watching over him, Dabi.” Shigaraki stated as he sauntered over in front of Dabi. “So if he ever betrays us it’ll be on you.”

He spoke to Dabi but his scarlet eyes remained fixed on you making the meaning behind his word’s crystal clear—he’d punish Dabi by eliminating you first.

[commaclear]

*turns around like an evil business woman, stroking dog bc I’m allergic to cats* ohhoho. So you want me to drop the htid!Schlatt theory, yeah? Well, you’re in for such a mentally ill treat because I have multiple.

To start with my thoughts on our favorite wittle Schlatty watty, it’s pretty implied that home boy is an alcoholic and dilf (derogatory). Double homicide right there. Anyways. I’m betting money that he was the type of guy who peaked in high school and used that to his advantage. Schlatt was probably the President of the debate or stuco club and Quackity was probably some freshman who was struggling to feel validated at home or by close friends. It’s very easy for people with insecurities ti get wrapped up with people who offer the tiniest amount of admiration. (His parents weren’t supportive, but owemji girlypop was like “when he calls me fatty patty😍”)

Sorry, I’m a Quackity apologist, it’s my nature. Back to Schlatt. (I also imagine Schlatt came from money, which was also something that made him appealing to Quackity at a young age. this is relevant I swear) So thanks to peaking in highschool and probably loosing the last shred of youth he had left when Quackity finally broke free from that relationship, Schlatt probably found what kept him young was the aftermath of teen drinking. That buzz was enjoyable back when he was care free and had everything he ever wanted, so why stop now. There comes a point in alcoholism that it fucks up your life so hard that you drink to forget how hard it fucked you until you’ve just been fucked more. (Rip bro. Beer doesn’t use lube *laughtrack*)

When Quackity left him, Schlatt was probably broken. That was the last thing still tying him to being some life of the party highschool kid, and now his sugarpumpkin was getting to be a highschool kid while he was sitting through a college lecture about business with his best friend The Flask™️ since his dad told him to grow up. Speaking of growing up, that’s where our little Tubster begins. I bet Schlatt’s dad wasn’t involved too much with his life other than being a god awful role model, so Q was his only chance at a happily ever after and he destroyed that chance by mimicking his dads shit examples of how to treat your bitch. If I’m right, and Schlatt was expected to follow in his fathers footsteps (like most rich, peak in highschool, stuco kids are) then he probably just forced himself to drop any chance of being happy and upon his first year of working in some shitty office job, he made a fake ass love connection with the receptionist because god forbid the apple fall far from the tree.

Not long after, Schlatt was probably left with a newborn and a woman who no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t love because that just wasn’t him. Now it’s him and a baby and a bottle of bourbon and that’s his life now. All sad. Probably works at his dads office and will inherit the family business. He probably shows up to holiday parties with random girls he convinced he could love short term and he probably treats them just as all the other cooperate douche canoes treat their seventy second wives.

Schlatt mourns the loss of Quackity even if he knows he treated him poorly and did god awful things to him. He’s fully aware of what an awful person he’s been and he tells himself it’s all downhill anyways. He tries to pass these ideas onto Tubbo just like his father did to him, but Tubbo never cared for the Women his dad brought home (they never stayed long) or for the way that their liquor cabinet stayed more stocked than the pantry. They aren’t poor, but Schlatt thinks that means they are happy. He knows his mistakes, but if he has that glass in his hand then the mistakes aren’t there anymore.

Side note

I absolutely imagine that Schlatt had been called into a teacher conference once to talk about his son’s failing math grade, and is now banned from the school because he tried to (drunkenly and forcibly) (ever the charmer, eh?) rekindle something with his ex who was still coping from his fiancé being in a coma.

At some point Schlatt probably said something along the lines of “no one would ever have to know, sugar. Just me and you, like the good times. You remember those, right? I remember them. I wish you would’ve stayed, I never meant to hurt you. I’m a changed man now, baby.” Then there was a pause. “And you’ve changed to by the looks of how well that ass fills those pants.”

Quackity proceeded to press the office call button and make eret deal with this. That night he ordered new pants that were bigger because he hated feeling so objectified again.

Side side note

Wilbur has probably grabbed Quackity’s ass before and not understood why his boyfriend shuts down because Quackity shoved that trauma about as far away as Schlatt tried to shove the term gay back in the closet.

(Also I’m fully aware this isn’t relevant and will most likely never be used in the actual fic. I just like Schlatt because he’s such an interesting character when you take a step back)

honestly I'm so tempted to hit this with the canon stamp bc you are oh so close to completely accurate

very impressive, anon, please take this dusty piece of pink quartz for your efforts

[everything-laito]

What would you say is the breaking point in Laito's personality? The absence of his mother in his childhood? The sexual abuse you suffered? When was he locked up and forced to see his mother and uncle having sex? Any other? thanks!

Ooooh very interesting question! Honestly, I’d say it’s the absence of a maternal figure in his childhood. Since I’ve theorized that he might have been groomed as a kid, that’s definitely not a mother/son relationship. There’s this heart-wrenching scene in Dark Fate (Dark 06):

Laito: Hey, Bitch-chan. After all, you don’t know your mother’s face, right? Yui: Yes. That’s right. Laito: I see. Yui: And what about it? Laito: …I mean, I only thought that we are alike. Yui: Eh? Laito: We both don’t have mothers. Yui: Y-Yeah… --------------------------------------- Yui: (As I thought, Laito-kun doesn’t recognize Cordelia as his mother…) Yui: (So far, when we talked about Cordelia, I felt a distance, but as expected, to Laito-kun, she is…)

More Laito angst here, but I’d say it all started in his childhood with not having a mother. He doesn’t even refer to Cordelia as his mother (until his Dark Fate ending) as mentioned in this quote, so it is quite sad. That’s probably when his inner conflict about Cordelia started (which comes with grooming) so it definitely would start the scaffolding needed to make his current personality. 

The definition of a personality is still psychologically debated with the whole “what exactly is a personality” to the “nature vs nurture” thing. There is something called “vertical” and “horizontal” identities, which I believe are terms coined by the author of “Far from the Tree.” Great book btw! But, vertical identities are parts of yourself that you have in common with your parents, which can be race, ethnicity, nationality (although the latter two can change but they are typically in common with your parents) etc. It’s compared to tree roots etc. Horizontal identities are the qualities that make up stuff that you do not have in common with your parents. This is compared to “how far does the apple fall from the tree.” For example, my horizontal identity is being queer, because both my parents are heterosexual.

 In Laito’s case, he does not have much of a horizontal identity compared to his mother. He was not able to receive parental nurture nor the ability to explore his own personality and himself. That’s why his “nature” part of himself is more hidden compared to his “nurture” self. 

For those of you who don’t know, the nature vs nurture argument argues whether personality is something you’re born with or something that is a result of what you’re brought up as. I personally believe it’s a mixture of both. It’s also the whole Locke vs Hobbes argument whether humans are born with a “blank slate” and you might have learned about them in school if you live in Europe or America (they’re part of the inspiration for social contracts and referenced in political science). 

However, I do believe there is merit in both nature and nurture arguments considering neuroplasticity and the fact that people can always change from when they were younger, but still have a common core. For me, I’m definitely a bit more social than I was when I was younger (I was wicked quiet) but I’ve always been super curious. You could argue that me being more social was because of growing up, and my curiosity was part of my original disposition or nature. Sorry about these personal examples, I can’t think of a widespread one!  

In Laito’s case, it’s hard to figure out his “nature” personality, although I have touched up on this in the past. Since of the extremely strict and suffocating environment he grew up in, the space for his personality to “move” was very limited. Probably why all the triplets are egoistical in some way. But in Ayato’s case, he was brought up wanting to be the best in a suffocating way, which is why it carried into his regular personality years later.

So yes, I’d say the absence of a maternal figure (and paternal figure) is the breaking point in Laito’s personality because it carries into being more susceptible to Cordelia’s later actions. Sure his personality has changed since he was a kid, but under Cordelia, there was a lot of strain to not have a horizontal identity compared to her. Does that make sense??? Lmk if you need any clarification or if I totally misinterpreted the question :)

Have a good day!  -Corn

[honyakuninakunaru]

A Whimsical Snowdome // Mithra SSR Card Story

CHAPTER 1

(Snow Market)

Akira: "Alrighty... And with that, we've gotten presents for everyone back at the manor. It was hard to decide since there are a lot of unique things here at the Snow Market."

Chloe: "Right? I completely lost track of time while looking for this many souvenirs. By the way, are you hungry, Master Sage? Just now, I saw a stand that looked like they have some delicious meat. It's clo—"

Mithra: "They have meat, you say?"

Chloe: "Ah!"

Akira: "Oh, hi, Mithra. Are you perhaps hungry as well?"

Mithra: "Yes. So, where is that stand?"

Chloe: "Ah, um... It's the one right there, with the blue sign..."

(Sounds of footsteps)

As Chloe modestly pointed in the booth's direction, Mithra languidly made his way towards it. When he did, Chloe breathed out in relief.

Chloe: "Sigh..."

Akira: "Something the matter, Chloe?"

Chloe: "Well, Mithra's a northern wizard, and he's quite strong, so I'm a little scared, you see... Of course, I'd like to get along with him better, but..."

Akira: "I see... He does have the presence of someone with power, or rather, a unique aura."

I looked at the stands and saw Mithra, who was just sinking his teeth into the freshly obtained goods. The gesture of licking his long, sticky with overflowing sauce finger held sex appeal capable of overwhelming others, even those of a coarser nature.

Chloe: "....."

Mithra: "What? Do you two want some? I'm not sharing, you know."

Chloe: "Ah, no, no! I was thinking of giving you my handkerchief if you'd like to use it... But, uhm, my luggage's too much, I can't take it out."

Mithra: "Is that so. You are carrying a lot of bags, though."

Chloe: "These are the presents Master Sage and I chose for the others."

Akira: "I'm indebted to everyone for always taking care of me, so I have to get them something. Aren't you going to give anyone a gift too, Mithra?"

Mithra: "No. While it's true that occasionally, humans would give us tributes, the opposite isn't a thing. Is there even a difference between a tribute and a present?"

Chloe: "Eh!? A difference, huh... W-well, a present could be something that's filled with your feelings of gratitude? ...Ah, I found the handkerchief! Here you are."

Mithra: "Thank you."

Akira: "Psst, Chloe, Chloe!"

Chloe: "Hm? Why are you whispering, Master Sage...?"

Akira: "Looks like you were able to talk with Mithra very naturally just now. Isn't this your chance at getting a little closer?"

Chloe: "N-now that you mention it, I wasn't as nervous as before. The way things are, we should try and invite him to go around the market together..."

Mithra: "What are you two whispering over there? Oh well, not like I care much."

(Sound of footsteps)

Chloe: "Ah! Mithra, wait up!"

CHAPTER 2

Mithra continued to walk past the lively stalls without paying them any attention. His stop was a shop with a stylish feel and a line up of brightly coloured candy.

Bunny Bartender: "Welcome! What kind of candy would you like?"

Mithra: "Those blue ones."

Chloe: "Waah, they're so pretty...!"

Mithra: "Oh, you followed me. Did you two get thirsty as well?"

Akira: "No, not exactly... Never mind that, isn't this a candy store?"

Bunny Bartender: "Our shop’s service is to make cocktails using the candy picked by the customers. You can choose alcohol ones, too."

Akira: ("Cocktails from...candy? I can't imagine that at all...")

Akira: "Um, can I order as well?"

Mithra: "Go on. It's not like I'm the one making them."

Chloe: "I-I'd like one, too! There are so many to choose from, though..."

Akira: "I get you... All of them are so pretty. Which are the non-alcoholic ones..."

Mithra: "Chloe should go with the red one, and you with the purple one."

Akira and Chloe: "Huh?"

Mithra: "My drink is never going to come if you two keep on choosing forever, you know."

———

Bunny Bartender: "Pardon the delay."

A mysterious looking liquid was poured inside a tall glass. Its purple jewels were sparkling and shining as if being melted, making it look like a real piece of art.

Akira: "It's so tasty...! It tastes mild and grape-y!"

Chloe: "And this one is apple-flavoured! It has just the right amount of sweetness and sourness! I'm really liking this! Thank you for choosing them for us, Mithra."

Mithra: "Good thing that I was here, truly."

Akira: "I never noticed this shop because it's so far at the back. I want to bring the others here too... Right! Should I get them these as a present as well?"

Mithra: "More presents? Really? Well, even if you wanted to, you can't make a cocktail with them if you don't have the magic recipe. You'll be bringing back normal candy."

Akira: "That's fine too. I can tell them about this store over some candy-eating."

Chloe: "I think I'll do the same! Shylock might get happy if I get some for him."

Mithra: "..... Can anything be a present? Like a skull or a even poisonous plant?"

Chloe: "W-well... If it's going to make the other person happy...?"

Mithra: "I see."

Akira: "Speaking of, this store has a more intimate feel to it, unlike the other stalls that are rather public. There must be some unusual stuff here... Ah, this...!"

CHAPTER 3

What caught my eye was an array of snow globes. The snow inside them was swirling while a charming, cat-shaped dolls in the middle spun in a dance.

Mithra: "Have you taken a liking to this?"

Akira: "Yes, it's so pretty! There are so many to choose from... Ah, doesn't the cat inside this one look like you, Mithra?"

Chloe: "You're right! Its fur is the same dark red colour as your hair."

Mithra: "How rude can the two of you be. I'm nothing like this hairy ball. And if it's all because of the red hair, then you're the same, no?"

Chloe: "Ah! G-guess you're right! But my hair's a bit curlier compared to yours..."

Mithra: "On the other hand, doesn’t this black one remind you of Oz?"

Akira: "Of Oz...? When you say it like that..."

Mithra: "Here, look closer. It has a sore expression and isn't cute at all, just like that man."

Akira and Chloe: ("Um, not that I agree...")

Mithra: "Oh, right. Why don't we trap Oz inside this? We can just leave him there to dance with his cat look-alike. I can cast a spell on it and offer it to him as a gift. You said that a present can be anything, as long as it makes the other party happy, right?"

Chloe: "W-wait just a minute! I'm not sure Master Oz would be happy to receive something like this..."

——— (In front of the Christmas tree)

Chloe: "Wah, time flies so fast when you're enjoying yourself... The Snow Market is so fun."

Akira: "I'm glad I was able to go around it with you two. We've made some good memories."

Mithra: "...Right. Master Sage, give me your hand."

Mithra plopped something in my hand with a troubled expression.

Akira: "Ah, this is the snow globe we saw earlier...!"

Chloe: "D-don't tell me you really plan on cursing Master Oz with this..."

Mithra: "Excuse me? Look closely. It's me who's inside."

Akira and Chloe: "Eh...?"

Peering into the snow globe that rested on the palm of my hand, I saw the dark red-furred cat we compared to Mithra, dancing amidst the falling snow.

Mithra: "I'm giving it to you since you looked like you wanted it."

Akira and Chloe: ".....S...co..."

Mithra: "Huh? What mosquito...?"

Akira and Chloe: "So~ co~ol!"

Mithra: "So~ noisy... Please don't yell all of a sudden."

Akira: "Thank you so much, Mithra...! I'm so happy! I will take good care of it!"

Chloe: "Your present was a success, how good is that, Mithra!"

Mithra: "I guess you're right. Well, anything given to you by me is of the highest value. Feel free to thank me to your heart's content."

Big thanks to @/_Zeotrope_ on Twitter for providing the raws for this story!

[emerald-amidst-gold]

8, 13, 80, 82, for the otp asks? 👀

OTP! OTP! >:3 Time for some more rambling~! You know, I think my love for these two dorks grows more and more as I create and talk about their dynamic. It just. HNNNNNGH. *makes grabby hands at dumb dumb wolf and dumb dumb dragon*

Anyways, my fangirling aside, let's get to answering! >:D Thank you so much for the ask, dear friend! X3

8. Who tends to worry the most?

I was going to answer this with 'both equally', but the more I think, the more I realize that Solas is the one who worries the most. XD

I mean, come on. We all know Solas is a natural worry wart. It's in the man's blood, and Fane has a tendency to make his dear wolf's blood pressure rise to fatal heights with the shit he does. PFFT!

Fane is a literal battering ram when it comes to battles (this is based on how I've specced him in-game), and he just charges in without caring if he'll get sliced, diced, or scorched. Fane's illness with magic makes it incredibly difficult for Solas to erect barriers on him, so he has to devise other ways to keep Fane in one piece (nitpicking about his armor, constantly asking, 'Are you certain you are ready?', and begging, 'Please control yourself this time, ma'isenatha.') All of that worry comes from the fact that Solas has seen Fane die, has had to guide him to it, even. Fane doesn't mean to brush off that concern and worry, but when he's embroiled in battle he...loses his senses a bit. Dragons aren't meant to fight, and fighting is what Fane does best in his new life, so he has a hard time balancing bloodlust with merciful restraint.

If Fane gets injured (which he does, but only grazes and the occasional gash), Solas won't let anyone else attend to him, fear gripping his mind, memories of blood soaked crystal and decaying scales cracking his mask and rendering him tortured. When Fane sees that, instead of just seeing the nagging, he'll go docile, go remorseful and will say, 'I'm sorry, my sky. I never meant to-- I only--hn.' Once they talk and wind down though, things get right back on track, but Solas is constantly worrying over his dragon--constantly.

Solas worries about everything with Fane--his scars, his nightmares, his battle with his identity--but battle is where he's the least reserved in it. He doesn't want Fane to have to fight, but he knows they both don't have a choice in the matter.

13. Who steals the blankets?

Solas. SOLAS.

Well, it's more that Fane gives the blankets to Solas. XD Due to the fact that Fane's affinity as a dragon was ice, he has a very low tolerance to heat. So, furs and even thin silken sheets can be a bit too much for our resident dragon to handle. Hell, Fane walks around the outer perimeter of Skyhold (trails along the mountains and whatnot) in nothing but a fur-lined cloak, his typical trousers, and his black tunic. My boy gives no fucks about the cold.

Fane and Solas' quarters in Skyhold stay a nice in-between temperature, catering to both their needs comfortably. Magic is a lovely thing, and there are certain minor spells that Fane can bear without throwing up all over the place.

...Fane does whine when the fire is a bit too stoked though. That's when the balcony windows get torn open by a deadpan Solas, who then regrets his decision like so many other things. *cackles* Fane just shrugs and gives his wolf that shit-eating smirk of his that says, 'That all you've got, Dread Wolf? Tsk. Shame.'

80. What do they love about each other the most?

Solas is enthralled by Fane's sheer tenacity. Even before the two of them realized who the other was, Solas found Fane's attitude admirable. He had a feeling that Fane was troubled, could see it during specific intervals, but he also saw the will to endure in emerald and gold. Despite the snaps, the snarls, and the moments of disassociation, Solas could see just how strong of spirit Fane was--making decisions without a single regret (on the outside, of course), standing firm to what he believed in, never bowing to those who wished to break him in half with their hopes and expectations, witnessing those moments of vulnerability when Fane's illness with magic became too much, but the other powering through it despite the pain, despite the hardship, and between it all, how much he cared about every. single. person he came across. The downtrodden and forgotten. The traumatized and bereft.

Solas adores Fane's tenacity, and most importantly, his devotion. The latter comes later when they form a romantic relationship, but Solas has always seen both traits in his dragon. And he'll do anything to make sure those shining spirits never becomes warped again.

Now, it may seem predictable, but Fane thrives off of Solas' brain. X'D Fane is a creature of observation, he picks and delves to determine why things work the way they do, or technically speaking, why people act the way that they do. As such, he's always stunned or enraptured when Solas becomes especially passionate about a topic (spirits, the Fade, the Elvhen, his beliefs, his opinions, etc.) Solas' questioning and curious nature is what made Fane open up as a dragon, had him seeing that there was someone not so black and white. So, even if it's sometimes at his expense, Fane lets Solas talk and talk and talk and talk until the candles are burnt down and the moon's high in the sky, never once letting his mind wander and spiral because he'd be a fool to ignore such a beautiful sight as his sky.

82. What is an inside joke they have?

Okay, okay! I may have mentioned this before, but Fane and Solas, on occasion, like to point out the sheer irony of Fane being the 'Herald of Andraste'.

What I mean by that is; he's a dragon. History tiiiime! >:D

Old Gods-depicted as dragons by the Tevinter Imperium.

Archdemons, those that command the Blights, the very thing the Chantry warns against aside from mages--dragons

Fane is a dragon. Fane is also the Herald of Andraste. The Tevinter Imperium used to worship the Old Gods which the Chantry says are false gods and the only true one is the Maker.

So, where does that leave us? Fane is a dragon being worshiped by most of Thedas as a literal figure of divinity. He's the very thing the Chantry claims is 'wicked' and 'heretical'. Furthermore, Fane does have the capacity to harbor a portion of an Old God's soul. *holds out hands* EH? EHHHH?!

"They worship me as a god, more or less, right?"

"If one where to delve deeply into the matter, then perhaps. I believe most of the beleagured and drifting see you as a symbol of hope, ma'isenatha."

"...They literally call me the prophet of their prophetess. They think I'm divinely touched."

"Technically, you are correct. But--oh."

"Yeah. Fucking hilarious. Looks like the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Let's hope the scum in Tevinter don't catch wind. It would be humiliating for the Chantry to know the people flock to a dragon."

"...You are ridiculous."

"But you're laughing, so I know you see the irony, my sky." *chuckles* "Ohh, my day just got ten times better with that realization. Imagine Cassandra's face! Hah!"

"You are far too riveted by this, my dragon. ...Though I admit, it is rather amusing."

"See?" *snickers* "Herald of Andraste. Pfft. I'm a fucking dragon."

Dialogue drabble that I may flesh out and form into a snippet of pure ridiculousness! But that's the joke between Solas and Fane, and when Cassandra's catches Fane nearly exploding with the force of holding his snorts back...well, let's just say she's very confused. *cackles*

[stitchandani]

ArtistIssues

Experiment 622 - Jumby - Jumba’s lab assistant, with an unfortunate habit of trying to replace Jumba himself! After Lilo and Stitch taught him to try and be himself instead of outdoing someone else, his One True Place is as at Galaxy Defense Industries. He becomes their Lead Scientist, like Jumba before him. Unfortunately, the Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Even though he’s turned good, Jumby keeps his share of secrets from the Galactic Federation. His pet project was de-mutating one of their high-profile prisoners, 621…and that’s how 621 managed to escape.

“Oh well…living and learning, eh?”

[ask-hex-and-whitty]

“I think they might like to fight you because you tend to be riled up easily. That’s why I used to do it, anyway. But new topic, how do you feel about the recent news with Red?” -Rose Anon

"Eh, fair enough."

Besides, it was better for them to target him instead of the bombhead. Whitty had enough on his hands, he didn't need some stupid little anons passing him off. Virus could handle that, at least.

"You mean about him adopting? Kinda expected it. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and Whitty has a knack for collecting children."

[lukecastellandeservedbetter]

iii. Luke

Masterlist 

-

Into the unknown,

-

Luke followed the small group of campers around Olympus. They were getting a tour of the beautiful palaces, the grand pavilions, the coliseums. He watched Annabeth look around in absolute amazement. 

“Do you think I’ll get to see my mom?” She asked him quietly. 

Luke’s smile dropped ever so slightly. “Maybe.” he said. “But don’t get your hopes up, okay?” 

Annabeth frowned at him and caught up with her siblings. Luke’s eyes scanned the area, thinking about the best route to the throne room, while still falling into an easy conversation with Lee Fletcher about what could possibly be for dinner that night. 

It was a lousy feast, and the kids were brought to a room set up with some cots, told they would continue the festivities tomorrow and to turn in now so they could wake up bright and early in the morning. Everyone took turns changing for bed, and climbed into the cots, the torches of Greek Fire around them dimming automatically. 

After Chiron left them, there was a couple moments of silence before Lee Fletcher got out of his bed quietly and opened his bag, pulling out a small lyre, plucking a couple chords. The instrument gave off the soft glow of celestial bronze as he played a familiar song. 

A couple more Apollo kids, Michael and Samara got out of their beds just as carefully and quietly, sitting beside their brother, harmonizing with his low voice. Slowly, the other campers slipped out of their beds and joined in the circle as they recognized the tune. 

Luke was one of the last to join, settling in between Beckendorf and Travis, looking around the group and singing along quietly. They had missed the nightly campfire and songs, so he supposed this was the Apollo kids plan to make up for it. It lasted maybe three songs, just starting their fourth when the door opened, a tired Chiron looking at the group of guilty looking demigods. 

“Please children, to bed now,” He sighed. “There will be music tomorrow, I promise.” 

Everyone scrambled to bed, Chiron making sure everyone was settled before retiring once more. 

There were a couple of giggles and shushes, choruses of ‘goodnights’ and ‘sleep wells’ until a blanket of silence finally fell over the group of demigods. 

Luke tried not to think about how many more campfire nights he had left. 

-

Into the unknown,

-

Luke picked the lock with surprising ease and slipped into the throne room. It was late, and dark. The plan echoed in his head. 

Get the bolt. Get the helm. Run. 

He stayed in the shadows, looking around for some sort of security. A beast, or minor god, something or someone watching over the items in the throne room. 

He scoffed when he realized that the gods, in their ignorance and hubris, left their items completely unattended. They thought themselves so powerful, so untouchable, that no one would dare go near their weapons. He glanced around once more before emerging from the shadows, his quick hands grabbing the Master Bolt and Helm of Darkness. They shrunk in his hands to a normal size, and he stuffed them in the backpack quickly, just like he once had done with food and weapons and clothes while on the run. 

He made his way back through the throne room, past the hearth, passing each throne. He was almost out when he stopped in his tracks in front of the second last throne. Somehow he could feel Hermes power come from the throne. He looked up at it, his chest tightening with anger. His eyes slid to the winged shoes hanging off the arm rest and without a second thought snatched them up and snuck out of the throne room, locking it behind him. 

He shoved the shoes in the bag on the ride down the elevator and casually strolled out of the doors, past the tired doorman. He was nearly 19 and knew he looked older than that. He learned early on that as long as you have the confidence of someone who belonged, people generally didn’t question it. 

The moment his shoes hit the pavement however, he took off. Luke was an excellent long distance runner, and he only had to break when he couldn’t cross the street. 

He snuck onto a bus approximately 17 blocks away, getting reassurance from the bus driver that it would take him out of the city. 

“Luke Castellan,” Kronos’ voice was nearly comforting, as if proving Luke wasn’t alone. “There’s something waiting for you in the woods.” 

He glanced around the bus. There were only a couple people on board. He hugged his backpack to his chest as he leaned against the window, feeling the canister with the bolt, the helm and the shoes through the thin fabric. “Good or bad?” He murmured as quiet as possible, holding his hand to his ear closest to the window, as if he was using a phone in case any of the other occupants got curious. 

“A present, for a successful first mission.” Kronos told him. “Trust your instincts, Luke Castellan. You will know when to begin your travels on foot.” 

Luke didn’t respond, and instead watched the scenery pass by, fiddling with the zipper on the bag, fighting fatigue. Between the stress of making a viable plan, the refusal to sleep, the running, and his adrenaline starting to slow down, exhaustion started to seep into his bones. He shook his head and kept focused on the landscape as it slowly changed from city to woods. His eyelids worked against him, his head nodding forward a couple times. 

Something in his gut told him that the next stop would be his, and he straightened up, stretching as best he could in the seat, keeping his grip on the bag. As the bus rolled to a stop, he stood up, slung the bag over his shoulder and pulled his hood up, tossing a thank you to the bus driver as he exited. 

He waited until the bus pulled away before he turned on his heel and took off into the unknown. 

-

Into the unknown.

-

Luke zigzagged through the forest until a glimmer caught his eye. He slowed down, taking the opportunity to catch his breath, inching towards the tree in question. Instinctually, he reached his hand into the trunk, sticking his arm in until his fingertips brushed a cool surface. His hand closed around the object and he pulled it free. 

A sword. 

He adjusted his bag on his back and grabbed hold of the scabbard and unsheathed the sword. It was a twist of celestial bronze and regular steel, a weapon of mass destruction in the hands of a talented swordsman. 

He bowed his head. “Thank you Lord Kronos.” He mumbled and sheathed the sword, attaching the scabbard to his belt before taking off once more. 

The sun was only beginning to rise when he was finally caught. 

“Stop right there, pest.” A booming voice and rough hand stopped Luke, yanking him back. 

Luke reached for his sword, his anger already rising uncontrollably, but it, along with his backpack was snatched from him, and he was tossed to the side. 

Luke whipped around to face the God of War himself, Ares. 

“You insolent child,” Ares sneered. “What is this? Whose are you?” He opened the backpack. “You got some fancy toys here that don’t belong to you.” He shuffled through the bag, pulling out one of Hermes’ shoes. “A Son of Hermes, eh? I should’ve guessed. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” 

Luke felt his pulse quicken, his anger rising. Not at the insults aimed towards Hermes, but at the comparison.  

“Don’t,” Kronos told Luke. “He is trying to anger you. That is his specialty.” 

Luke took a deep breath. “Lord Ares,” He said casually, trying to keep calm. “I was just-” 

“I know what you were just doing,” Ares took the blade out of the scabbard. “Where did an insignificant demi-dork such as yourself get something like this?” He demanded. 

Luke shrugged. “A friend.” He said simply. “You see, my friend is very powerful.” He put his hands in his pockets, leaning against the tree, pushing past the anger to seem unconcerned. “Even more powerful than the big guy himself.” 

Ares flared at that. “If your friend is so powerful, why does he need these?” He holds up the bag. 

“Tell him.” Kronos told Luke. 

“He doesn’t,” Luke mused, shrugging again without missing a beat. “But what do you think will happen when the gods realize their things are missing. My dad has shoes fly away all the time, that won’t be an issue, but the others?” He smirked. “They’ll blame each other.” 

“What are you playing at boy?” Ares glared. 

“A war,” Luke told him simply, strolling around the little clearing. 

“A war?” Ares repeated, though he seemed less aggressive and more thoughtful. 

“A great war, between the gods.” Luke continued. “The biggest war in history.” 

Ares eyes gleamed, the promise of a war seeming to cloud his mind. “A great war.” He repeated again. 

“But I guess the plan fell through.” He sighed. “You caught me, you’ve retrieved the items so-” 

“Or I didn’t,” Ares interrupted. “Why, there hasn’t been a good war since the American Civil War.” He paused. “What can I do to ensure this war happens?” 

Luke thought the gods eyes were a little too glossed over, he seemed a little too eager, but he didn’t question it. 

“Give him the helm. He will be contacted.” 

“Take the helm, you will be contacted when the time is right.” Luke told him. 

Ares nodded and took it before handing the bag and sword back to Luke. “Let me get you back to your group little cousin, before they wake.” 

Luke grinned. “I appreciate that.” 

The plan was in motion now, it wouldn’t be long before they all fell, destroyed by themselves. 

[evabellasworld]

By the Stream

March Madness Challenge for @starwarsfandomfests

What happened, what’s wrong?

You’re sitting alone by the stream

The green grass is sprouting up

And the water splashes with the spring wind

I’m sure there was a promise

That even if you go, you won’t be gone forever

But every day you come to the stream

What are you thinking about?

Even if you go, you won’t be gone forever

Is that asking me not to forget you?

——————————————————————————————

Summary: Obi-Wan and Vanya were sitting beside the stream, not knowing what will become of the long-standing friendship that they built together.

——————————————————————————————

AO3 Link

Staring at the crystal-clear stream in front of her, Vanya was seated on a large rock, with stalks of yellow-orange daisies in her hands, with a smile on her face. Her surroundings were filled with wildflowers and polka-dotted mushrooms grown across the emerald field, along with the refreshing breeze in the air. The sun was shining on the blue sky as the puffy cloud above her glided, giving a sense of serenity inside her.

For months, the battles across the Outer Rims were bloodthirsty. Many of her troops were sacrificed in the battlefield as a price to pay for the Republic's victory. The fields that she was admiring were once soaked in blood and rotting corpses that painted across the bare valleys.

Trenches were dug deep and barbed wires were set up, marking each territory for both the Republic and the Separatists forces. Anyone who trespasses was either shot on sight or disappeared, never to be seen again. Vanya recalled assigning 35 clone troopers to gather intel from their enemies and so far, only 5 had survived.

Her heart aches as she laid on her bunk every single night, wondering whether the rest of her soldiers were still out there. It would be easier to think that the remaining 28 men and women were all dead, probably buried somewhere in the area. On the other hand, Vanya could not help but think that maybe, just maybe, they would return home to their brother’s and sister’s embrace.

Why did I even bother fighting this war in the first place? she thought, sniffing through the sweet scent of the flower. It’s not like we were protecting innocent people of the Republic in the first place.

She glanced at the stream again, only to notice the fishes that were swimming along together. For three years, she had been fighting a war that doesn’t seem to end anytime soon. Though her friends informed her that the Separatist were losing their grip on the Outer Rim, Vanya cannot be too sure about their statement.

In truth, nobody, including herself, had any idea when the Clone Wars would end. She was sure that the war would be over in a few months, but that few months became a year, before it turned into three excruciating years. If another year has passed, then she would be a forty-year-old woman, along with her longtime friends, Cinta Kaarim and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Her former apprentice, on the other hand, would be a fourteen-year-old girl, the same age that Ahsoka became a commander of the 501st Legion. How time flies so fast, she laughed to herself. Just yesterday, Lira was the little girl who was always asking a lot of questions and talking endlessly and now, she’s blossoming into a teenager and soon, she’ll grow into a strong and brave woman.

The thought of her Padawan growing up made her shiver, realising the uncertain future for her and her twin sister, Eva. Will the girls have to grow up to finish the war for us? Vanya bit her fingernails. Will they survive, or will they die young?

That was the question that bounced around her head the moment they were assigned as Jedi Generals for the 101st Battalion, much to both her and Obi-Wan’s distress. As she watches an Eden green butterfly land on top of the flower, her lips curve downwards when it flees in fright, prompting her to turn around and figure out what startled the fragile creature.

Rather, she found Obi-Wan pacing towards her the entire time, making her cross her arms and gave him an icy glare. “You know, your tactics of scaring other people is starting to bore me,” Vanya remarked, as he let out an amusing chuckle.

“Well, in that case, I’ll have to find another way to grab your attention,” he teased, as he sat beside her and grinned, hoping to crack his stone-faced friend. “Besides, you seem to always be in your head all the time. Should I be worried or should I stay out of your internal conflicts?”

“What do you want?” she breathed, her lips stiffened.

“Well, you’ve been sitting alone by the stream,” he answered, his voice laced with concern. “What’s happened? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing really,” Vanya shook her head. “It’s just the thought of us not seeing each other again just pains me too much.”

“But even if you go, you won’t be gone forever,” Obi-Wan assured, placing his hands on her shoulder. “Besides, we promised that we would always have each other’s back, no matter what.”

“But what if I didn’t make it alive?” she pined. “The Outer Rim is currently in siege and right now, I can’t even guarantee if I’m able to make it back to the Jedi Temple.”

“Vanya, don’t say that. You will come back to the Temple once everything is over, and you will see Lira and Eva again, I promise.”

“How can you even be optimistic right now, when you’ve been seeing your own men die under your command? You’ve even lost Satine on Mandalore, and you lose sleep worrying about Anakin and Eva’s strained relationship with each other.”

Obi-Wan bobbed his head, his eyebrows drooped. “You’re right. It’s difficult to think positively, especially when both your apprentices are fighting with each other too frequently. It’s hard when Eva kept crying on how Anakin was saying nasty things to her and how he felt unfair when I called him out on his behaviour. But what can I do? Eva has been depressed for years, and I have to stay strong just for her sake. I can’t afford to break down in front of her, since she’s already been through a lot.”

“I’m sorry, Obi-Wan,” Vanya apologised profusely, her head hung low. “I didn’t mean to provoke you like that.”

“No, Vanya, there’s nothing to apologise for,” he let out a weak smile. “It’s just that I’ve been keeping to myself for too long, and I thought that it would be better if I just let it all out, you know.”

She nodded as she squeezed her nose and wiped her hands on her dress, shifting her focus to the gentle stream. “So, how’s Anakin?”

“The usual,” shrugged Obi-Wan. “You know, flying recklessly, almost getting himself for a billion times, yeah, those are the things that I have to deal with for more than ten years.”

“That bad, eh?” her nose crinkled.

“Well, he had a rough upbringing when he was around Eva’s age. He was enslaved until my master, Eva’s father, rescued him and made me his master as his death wish. Then, he had to watch his own mother die a decade later, and even till today, he blamed himself for not being able to save her from those Tusken Raiders.”

“That was sad,” Vanya sympathised. “But that doesn’t excuse him for hurting other people’s feelings, especially Eva. The girl’s only thirteen, and she’s already in a fragile state of mind.”

“That is true,” he acknowledged. “Ever since Ahsoka left, Anakin is back to his destructive behaviour. His possessiveness towards Padmé, his anger issues, says it all. I’ve tried talking to him, but you know him. He’s as stubborn as a mule.”

“The apple doesn’t seem to fall far from the tree,” she commented. “You were just as stubborn as him when you were still an apprentice to Master Qui-Gon Jinn.”

He snorted, before clearing his throat. “I could say the same for you and Master Plo Koon. You always insisted on flying, even if it was too dangerous.”

“Yup, and now, the cycle repeats with Lira. I have to admit, as jumpy as Lira is, she is one hell of a pilot.”

“It’s like you said, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Obi-Wan repeated her words. “Master Plo was a pilot, you are a pilot, and now, Lira is following your footsteps into becoming a star pilot like the both of you.”

“And Anakin and Eva also have your piloting skills, though you hated flying so much.”

“Yeah, I had a bad experience with them,” he rubbed behind his neck, plucking a small, white daisy beside him. “You know the incident on Pijal. Even to this day, it still haunts me in my dreams.”

“I know, and I’m sorry that you had to go through that, really. No child should experience these kinds of horrors.”

“And we let a fourteen-year-old and two 10-year-olds fight in a barbaric war,” he exhaled. “I just hope that this war will end sooner. I miss the days when the only thing we had to worry about was maintaining peace in the Galactic Republic.”

She groaned in frustration. “God, I hate politics so much. It’s just too many red strings that prevent us from taking further action, you know. I don’t even know why the Jedi Council had to get involved in the first place.”

“I see where you’re coming from. Too many politicians, with a few exceptions, are corrupted. They would rather fill their pockets with credits than caring about the citizens instead. Honestly, I have a feeling that the Republic will crumble eventually. It’s too fragile to maintain its pillars.”

“True,” she relented as she got up from her seat, holding a bouquet with both hands. “Well, I should get going. The Council assigned me to another battle and I have to depart as soon as possible.”

He nodded and bowed. “Is that asking me not to forget you?”

“I guess so,” Vanya lifted her shoulders. “But like you said, I won’t be gone forever, and so will you.”

“Goodbye Vanya,” Obi-Wan gave his last wave at her. “I hope we’ll see each other again once the war is over.”

“I will, Obi-Wan,” she promised, before leaving him by the stream, where the grasses were sprouting up and the water splashes with the spring wind. Little did they know, this was their last conversation with each other before the end of the era.