#these three all thrive on chaos just in different ways

[that-nerd-who-writes-fanfiction]

Merlin: I can fix him.

Gwaine: The past ten years would say otherwise.

Lancelot: How’s your sleep schedule? Did you fix that yet?

Merlin: Shush, I need realistic goals.

Lancelot: You could always tell him magic isn’t evil.

Merlin: …

Gwaine: Damn. He got you there.

[hwaslayer]

the space between us three (jyh) | four.

⇢series masterlist | series playlist

⇢summary: while juggling the demands of life, yunho continues to do his best to raise his independent 11 yr old daughter, seora. throughout the years, they've built a strong foundation, an unbreakable bond— one that consists of late night talks and food runs, father/daughter dates, and sideline cheerleading at her basketball games. so when you unexpectedly come into their world, things shift. despite the uncertainty and the fear of stepping outside of their comfort zone, yunho and seora eventually learn how to open their hearts and learn how to rebuild a home where three can thrive together.

⇢pairing: single dad!yunho x f. reader

⇢genre: (18+ - minors dni) strangers to lovers, single dad au | fluff, angst, eventual smut

⇢word count: 4.5k

⇢chapter content/warnings: cussing, mature language/ sexually implied content, sorry more of a filler chapter cause i need to build this up lol 😅 but more oc x yunho!!, taehyun & jihoon tryna play cupid, well ok i guess everyone is at this point lmao, seora and yunho have a lil heart to heart

Monday comes a lot quicker than expected, but you're glad the weekend was better than you thought it'd turn out. Running errands and spending the day with your parents was actually a lot calmer this time around— no bickering or arguing unnecessarily, mom wasn't picking at things or pointing out specific details just to work your last nerve.

It was good. It did make you feel bad for not being better about spending more time with them, though.

But, that's why you vowed to work on it with your brother and you knew you both were serious about making it happen. Better late than never, and you and Wonwoo could admit to your faults. 

That's progress and a way forward, right?

Anyway, the agenda went as promised with your family— you ended up at the grocery store for about an hour before driving down to the pharmacy and different furniture stores until you and your parents settled on a new, good quality couch they were satisfied with. When you had gotten back to the house that afternoon, mom sent you away with towers of food and Yunho hadn't gotten back home yet.

Couldn't help but wonder what his typical weekend was like with his daughter. Was that weird? He seems so laidback [despite his dad tone coming out on Saturday before leaving], it just makes you wonder what him and his daughter do to fill their downtime together.

Must be cute.

When you got back home that afternoon, you had tidied up your place and showered off the early day's activities before preparing a charcuterie board, wine and other finger foods for Noeul and Sian's arrival. It was a much needed sleepover since it had been awhile since the last one— the three of you getting caught up with work and being too exhausted to meet outside of it. You and the girls talked about everything and anything; from new updates on old friends from college and highschool and analyzing every detail of their recent photos on IG, to love, dating and all the juicy one-nights, to what's been on the grocery list lately and then finally, openly exploring the topic of sex toys and all that glory.

Very, very much needed.

In fact, sleeping in the next day and getting breakfast with Noeul and Sian at the cute café nearby was the cherry on top. You finally got to taste that thick, milk bread with coconut-pandan jam sprinkled with tiny bits of sea salt.

Your weekend was better than expected.

For Yunho, it was a bit chaotic; filled with an impromptu sleepover with 11-going-on-12-year old girls screaming and singing at the top of their lungs after a long day of shopping and eating out. They all plopped onto the large air mattress Yunho set up in the middle of the living room, their voices slowly dying down as the hours went on. They didn't fall asleep until a bit past midnight, which is when Yunho decided to finally shut off his TV and get some shut-eye himself.

Then, the morning came and it was chaos all over again. 

He overheard the girls talking and giggling until Seora gently knocked and walked into her dad's room to wake him up. His eyes fluttered open, his daughter sitting on the edge of his bed poking at his cheek. He sleepily chuckled and sat up, ruffling her hair messily while she asked if he could take them to a specific breakfast spot deep into the city. 

A spot that has thick, milk bread with coconut-pandan jam sprinkled with tiny bits of sea salt and other unique delicacies. 

Even though he's exhausted, he gets up and gets ready anyway. Not only because of Seora, but because he can finally get a taste of that fig sesame and honey danish and grab a bag of those milk bread dinner rolls for him and Seora to indulge in.

It's too bad he had just missed you leaving the same spot. 

Monday mornings are usually a drag, especially coming from a much-needed, good, relaxing weekend. But today, you're powered up on coffee and making sure you have your things [and yourself] ready for your meeting with Yunho. You're not sure why you're nervous; perhaps, it goes back to you feeling lost and confused about different aspects of this project. You don't know much about the IT and clinical informatics side, and you don't wanna come off as dumb, clueless.

Especially in front of him.

You're just hoping for the best, and you've sat yourself in the booked conference room to go through old emails, old messages, to get yourself up to speed. You do remember being looped into certain threads, but not paying any attention to it because it didn't particularly concern you at the time— which, is a good thing you did because you definitely would not have known there were specifics about the ordering system that the higher-ups had already asked for and that they were already working on the build. You can ask Yunho where things are at from that point.

That’ll be a good start.

As you continue to busily type away for other aspects of the project and personal tasks, you almost miss the figure that passes by and walks into the room.

"Woah, you're here early. Why?" Your eyes slightly widen at Yunho's tall figure strolling in with a cup or coffee in his hand.

"Because I wanted to be early, but apparently you're earlier." He smirks, plopping down next to you. "Working hard already? Goodmorning, by the way.”

"Sorry, goodmorning.” You scrunch your nose a bit, embarrassed at how you greeted him. “I just.. don't wanna sound dumb in front of you so I've been getting all my notes together." He chuckles.

"Never? No question or thought is dumb, Y/N. I don't expect you to know everything about our team. It's complicated."

"Still, I wanna be prepared."

"You are." He reassures you and it instantly comforts you.

"Are you gonna sit there?" He looks at you with a brow cocked up.

"Yeah, why? Do you want me to sit across from you?"

"No, I'm just asking since it's us two. I wasn't sure if you'd be comfortable that way." You chuckle.

"Oh, sorry. I hope you don't mind. I invited Taehyun and Jihoon from my team. I thought they could come to meetings in case I'm not around for whatever reason." He shrugs. "Plus, it just helps me to have extra heads involved in case I needa delegate."

"Makes sense, I don't mind. The more the merrier."

"Is it okay to still sit here?" He smiles and you nod.

"Sure." You laugh. There's a small silence that falls between the two of you while you both type away, along with Yunho's Slack notifications going off. But, none of it feels uncomfortable.

"So, how was your weekend with your parents?"

"Good! I just tagged along and ran errands with them. Picked up some meds, groceries. They finally got a new couch for the living room, too."

"Your mom has been talking about getting a new couch for awhile."

"She's definitely happy now." You look at him. "You know, I.. did not know you were the neighbor my mom had been talking about."

"Good things, I hope?"

"Oh yeah, my parents love you and your daughter." You look at him.

"They're great. They take care of us a lot, and I appreciate it. Especially on days when I can't be home right away. Your mom looks after my little-but-not-so-little one." You give him a tiny smile. "I— how come you don't swing by often? If you don't mind me asking."

"Just busy, honestly. My brother, too. He's younger. We get caught up with work and plans."

"Your parents talk about you two a lot. They adore you both and they always hope you'll come by more often."

"I know." You look down at your laptop. "We just suck at slipping in time for them, I'm gonna admit. And it's just.." You pause, not wanting to dump your life story and feelings on Yunho on a Monday morning. He looks at you with a hint of concern in his eyes, but you brush it off. "Anyway, we're trying. We know we needa do better." He smiles a bit. "My brother and I have talked about it and have come up with a plan so that we're slotting in time for them."

"That's all that matters. Are you and your brother close?"

"Very, yes. If you're around next weekend, you might get to meet him because we'll be swinging by together."

"Hm." Yunho hums. "My daughter has a basketball game and it's about an hour out. We might be gone by then, but if you and your brother are around when we get back, I'll gladly stop by to say hi."

"Sounds good. How was your weekend?" You ask and Yunho lets out a small chuckle at the way you try to fill in the silence while waiting for Taehyun and Jihoon.

"Busy. I, uh, hung out with a friend on Friday." He clears his throat. "Then took my daughter and her friends out on Saturday. When I saw you.. that's where we were going."

"Aw cute. Where did you guys go?"

"Well, I picked up one of my bestfriends and we took them to the Samsung Star Mall."

"That's a big mall. Sounds like you were there all day."

"Damn near, yeah. Then, grabbed some takeout, let the girls pick up their things from their homes and headed back to the house. They were yelling and singing like crazy after dinner." You laugh.

"That's very cute." He does a slight head tilt.

"Anything for my daughter." His eyes are glued onto his screen.

"What's her name?"

"Seora."

"That's a beautiful name." He gives you a small toothless smile.

"It is, isn't it?" You nod.

"What'd you do on Sunday? I assume you were able to sleep in since the girls must've been tired."

"Kinda, but Seora ended up waking me and asking if I could bring them to a café for breakfast. They were so excited about it."

"Which?"

"We went to Morning Toast." You gasp and look at him.

"That morning? What time?"

"Like 11?"

"I had literally just left right before it hit 11!"

"Really? That's too bad. It would've been nice to see you." He chuckles a bit, and it makes the heat rise to your cheeks. "Though, I had temporarily adopted like, 2 extra daughters so it was a little crazy. I might've looked a little out of it." He thinks for a minute. "Maybe it was best you didn't see me at that moment." 

"What do you mean? I'm sure it would've been fine if we did run into each other. I'm positive you probably didn't even look that way."

"How could you be so sure, hm?" He teases lightly before chuckling. "I've had pre-teens singing at the top of their lungs at the house and in the car all weekend. Pretty sure your parents probably heard them next door." You laugh.

"Sounds like your house is the place to be. Maybe I'll have to inquire about a quote for hosting my birthday there." 

"I just need about 3 months advance notice." You look at him and shake your head, giggling. At this point, his team lead, Taehyun, walks in with a smile on his face though it's obvious he's a bit stressed and has been running around.

"Hi! Sorry! Was caught up with a ticket." He rushes in, slightly out of breath and frazzled. Behind him is another team member that you haven't met yet. He meets your eyes and gives you a tiny bow with a small smile, slipping into the seat next to Taehyun in front of you.

"Hey, I'm Jihoon." He sits. "Sorry I couldn't make it to the meeting last week. Was tied up with some urgent issues."

"Oh, no worries! It's nice to meet you. I'm Y/N. I'm one of the project managers, mainly supporting the pediatrics unit."

"Good to meet you, too." Jihoon smiles. "It's nice to get some communication from the peds side."

"Yeah, I feel the same." You chuckle. "So, I saw that the build was already in the process." They all nod.

"It sure is. But, I thought it'd be good to give you a brief introduction to both of the IT and clinical informatics team just so you know how we interact." Yunho connects his laptop to the TV, causing you to turn your attention towards the screen. "Is that okay?"

"No, please. I'd love that. Take the floor." He smiles before running his finger down his bottom lip and beginning his presentation. He starts off by re-introducing the three of them before going through the names of his other direct reports. The next bits of his presentation explaining the core tasks his team is responsible for and the differences with the clinical informatics team. He goes through the key people in that team and you find yourself typing away while glancing at the screen every now and then. You find his explanation incredibly detailed but simple enough for you to understand. It's super helpful, and you feel like you've definitely learned a lot from the meeting alone. This was the one area you weren't entirely familiar with, and it was nice that the three were open to answering your questions and clarifying anything that might've seemed confusing. You also learned that they've gotten a good amount of the planning and groundwork done for the main hospital unit. Now, they can focus a lot of their efforts towards the pediatric unit.

At the end of the meeting, Yunho gives you the floor to ask any more questions. You take the opportunity to clarify last minute things that come up before you're satisfied enough to finish up.

"So, let's plan on meeting with the full group next week. Then from there on, biweekly meetings? I'm sure the group won't be opposed unless there's absolutely no updates to provide in that time frame. We can always cancel if needed."

"Good with me, boss lady." Yunho says, giving you a small smile.

"Not even." You chuckle, typing up the last of your notes. "I'm just trying to coordinate and make sure things run smoothly."

"Which is a shit ton since you're overseeing the entire project." Jihoon laughs.

"Yeah. You're spearheading the whole thing and without you, it'd probably be a mess." Taehyun chuckles a bit. "We don't really communicate with the pediatric hospital much, so it's nice to have a bridge." You nod.

"I agree."

"Definitely boss lady if you ask me." Yunho looks at you, causing you to shy away for a moment. 

"Maybe you and I can set up weekly meetings to update each other?" You look at Yunho, then Taehyun and Jihoon. "Or Taehyun, Jihoon—"

"Yunho is probably the best. He's everywhere. He knows everything." Taehyun chimes in quick. At first, Jihoon and Yunho are confused even though, it's definitely the right answer and they'll always defer to their manager in these situations— not because they don't think they can handle it or relay the proper information, but because it just makes them feel more comfortable doing so. Jihoon cocks a brow up before Taehyun meets his gaze and gives him a look that tells him he should play along and go with it.

"O-Oh, right. I agree." Jihoon stumbles on his words a bit before returning his full attention to you. "Yunho can answer all your questions without issue."

"Yeeeeah." Yunho says, slightly furrowing his brows at them before looking down at you. "Let's just keep it between us? If I really can't make it, I'll just email you with some notes or something."

"Okay." You chuckle, making a note to coordinate calendars with Yunho later and set a reoccurring invite. "I'll message you later about some good days and times. See if we have any matches."

"Cool."

"Well, thanks guys!" You smile at them brightly. "I really appreciate your time and for thoroughly walking me through everything."

"Of course." They all say in their own way as you shut your laptop and stand.

"We're gonna debrief in here for the remaining minutes before the next meeting comes in." You nod.

"See you next week? Feel free to email or slack me if anything comes up."

"You too." You wave at them before walking out of the room and shutting the door, finally feeling like you can breathe comfortably again. You speed off to your desk once you’re out of view, hoping to see Noeul and Sian at some point to talk about the meeting.

Meanwhile, Yunho watches as you leave— his eyes trailing your figure until you're no longer in view down the hallway, and Jihoon is snorting while typing away.

“Debrief time!” Taehyun says.

"Soooo." He finally breaks the silence post-laugh in a sing-song tone. "How'd your thing with Ara go?"

"Uh." Yunho laughs a bit and they both look at him confused. "No, it was fine. It's just.. I don't know? I don't think I feel anything for her to be quite honest."

"Well, first of all. What do you mean you don't know? What did you guys end up doing? How did we get to this point?" Taehyun asks, making Yunho do another head tilt.

"Tough crowd. Too many technical questions." They laugh. "We just had ramen at the new restaurant and then we hung out at her place." They both pause and look over their screens to meet his eyes.

"What happened to 'we're just gonna do a harmless dinner and call it a night?'"

"For the most part, it was."

"What about the other part that wasn't?"

"We ended up making out and then.. I stopped it." Yunho says calmly, which is confusing Taehyun and Jihoon.

"Oh shit." Jihoon looks at Yunho with an amused expression. "What?! You didn't feel anything for her?"

"I— no, not really."

"Damn." Jihoon ticks his head to the side.

"What'd she say when you stopped it?"

"She understood where I was coming from, I think? I tried to lay it down gently and I told her I didn't wanna do that to her. I thought we were good as friends, and she deserves someone that is sure of their feelings."

"That's good."

"Yeah. Well. I hope so? I hope it didn't ruin our friendship."

"I'm sure it'll be fine. She might need some space for a bit, but I'm sure it'll be okay. I know she appreciated it."

"Yeah." Yunho looks at them. "Anyway, back to the main discussion.” He laughs a bit. “I think we have our work cut out for us. We should continue to stay on top of those tickets and try not to let them pile up, but we should also prioritize securing the network for this unit. Making sure there's no roadblocks. I'll keep up with the clinical informatics team to keep mapping out the ordering system." The two ahead of him nod simultaneously. "Feel free to delegate things on your plate to other team members if you don't have the capacity to take them on right now."

"Got it, boss." Jihoon adds.

"You know, if I may say so." Jihoon and Yunho look at him, confused. "Y/N's pretty." Taehyun smirks.

“Oh, here he goes.”

"She's also really nice." Jihoon laughs, knowing exactly where this is going. "Seems like you two get along easily."

"I didn't know our team doubled up as a matchmaking service."

"Only for you." Jihoon snorts at Taehyun's remark.

"So, that's what the whole thing was about."

"What whole thing?" Taehyun acts dumb.

"Having her set up those meetings with me only. Even though the both of you have covered in the past.”

"I mean, it's only right." Taehyun smiles. "Besides, you can learn a lot about each other, too."

"Uh huh." Yunho looks at them before shutting his laptop. "We'll see how it goes."

"You agree though, right?"

"About what?"

"About Y/N?" Taehyun and Jihoon follow Yunho's lead as he stands and stretches, grabbing his laptop to prepare heading out back to their office.

"And if I say yes?"

"Then remember to thank me in the end when it all works out." Yunho laughs.

"Can't get anything past you two either, I see."

"Did Seora know about the date?"

"No, but I also think she has inkling because Hwa's dumbass let it slip." They laugh. "I called it a team dinner and he somehow let 'date' slip at some point during his stay with her."

"Ah, but I'm sure she'd be fine with it."

"I don't know. She's hard to read. We talked a bit about it this weekend but even as her dad, I can't really gauge what she means or how she feels."

⇢FLASHBACK

"Daddy." Yunho looks at Seora as they make their way home from dropping off her friends. Her voice is low, and it's obvious she's tired from her weekend but content. 

"Mhm?"

"Thank you for letting my friends spend the weekend with me."

"Course, baby girl." He chuckles. "I'm glad you had fun."

"I did." Her voice is a bit raspy from all the yelling and singing they did all weekend. "It was so much fun. And I got so many cute things this weekend."

"You're welcome." Yunho teases.

"Thank you." She laughs. "You're the best."

"Mm." He hums. "I try to be."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot." There's a pause, and Seora is fiddling with the ends of her hair.

"Nevermind." She says close to a whisper.

"Ace." He turns to her at a green light.

"I just don't know how to ask. But, it isn't anything super important anyway. Let’s forget it—”

"No. You opened the door. Remember what I said about keeping an open communication between us?"

"Mhm." She hums. "Well..” She nervously fiddles with her fingers now. “I just wanna know if Uncle Hwa was right? Did you go on a date?"

"Hm, well. I went out to dinner with a friend. That's all."

"Do you like your friend?"

"No. We're really just friends." Pause. "Besides. I know you wouldn't be happy, right?" He chuckles a bit to make it a little light-hearted joke, but there's a genuine curiosity behind his question. He hasn't talked to his daughter about this, and he's a little surprised she even brought it up. But, maybe she too, had been curious.

"I mean." She sighs. "Uncle Hwa told me to keep an open mind about it."

"He did now? But, how do you really feel, Seora?"

"Of course I’d want you to be happy. It'll just be different, though. It's always been us two and we haven't really had anyone like that around besides mom. I can’t really see it right now.”

"I know." Yunho responds quietly. 

"I want you to be happy, though. Just saying it’ll be weird if that ever happens. Might take time, I guess.” She looks at him sadly. “You won’t replace me or mom, right?”

“Never.” Yunho’s heart sinks. "When and if that time comes, I'll always prioritize you no matter what." She smiles. "Okay? None of that.”

"Okay." She giggles a bit when her dad reaches over to gently massage the top of her head. 

"Now, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Do you miss mom?" He asks.

"Yeah. I do. I think about her sometimes, but it's hard when I don't have many memories with her."

"I know, I'm sorry. I wish you had more time with her."

"I do, too. At least I got some time with her." Yunho nibbles on his bottom lip when he feels her response hit him in the gut. Right now, he knows he's not ready to talk more about Eunha. He knows he can't handle it. He already feels himself internally panicking, the anxiety rising. So, he pivots.

He pivots because he just can't.

"Yeah, well. We have each other now and that's all that matters. You're stuck with your dad. Sorry ‘bout it.”

"Stop it." She laughs.

"Promise me you'll keep talking to me if you ever feel sad or alone, hm? Don't ever think you can't talk to me about these things, ace."

"I know. You never make me feel that way."

"Good."

"Love you."

"Love you, too." She smiles and leans her head back against the head rest. "I have one more favor to ask before the weekend ends."

"And what's that?"

"Can we have our own little slumber party in the living room tonight?"

"As long as you promise to shut off the TV at a reasonable time since you have school tomorrow."

"Promise." She puts up her pinky. "Pinky promise." Yunho multitasks and wraps his finger around hers.

"Let's do it."

⇢END

"It'll all work out how it should, don't worry, boss. It ain't gonna be like this forever." Jihoon adds as they finally make their way back to their office area.

"Thanks. And thanks for joining the meeting today."

"All good!" Yunho gives them one last smile before slipping into his office and settling down. He has a few more meetings and other tasks to tend to in a bit, but his first priority shifts when he sees a slack notification from you. He instantly pulls up the app on his desktop after connecting his laptop to the monitor, a small smile forming on his face when he sees your message.

you: should we just do mondays at 10am to keep things simple? i mean.. totally get if you don't wanna see me bright and early on a monday, we can check other days. 😊

yunho: no, mondays at 10am are perfect.

yunho: & don't say that. 🫤 it'll be nice to see you on monday mornings. 

yunho: usually it's chaos or everyone's dead from the weekend. no in between.

yunho: you'll be the nice balance!

you: uh huh. just remember you said this, not me. 🫡 i’ll send an invite!

yunho: all good, i'll take full responsibility for it. haha. thank you!

"I'm gonna call it right now. You and Yunho are gonna get close and it'll be the start of something new." You shrug while Noeul reads the messages over your shoulder.

"I mean, whatever happens, happens. I won't be opposed to it. He's cute and super nice." You poke your bottom lip out.

"And your parents literally love him and his daughter to death already. It's a match-made in heaven."

"Well, no. I wouldn't say that." You look at Noeul. "Besides, I don't even know if he's single. Before the weekend rolled around, I saw him getting all smiley and smitten with one of the nurses at the hospital. I think they went out together."

"Ah, you never know! Just keep your options open, but definitely don't shut him out if he's dropping little hints. Get to know him more, see what he dishes out. If he's taken, then you've earned another friend and it could blossom into a great friendship. No loss there!" Noeul crosses her arms and smirks. "If not, then please make sure you enjoy yourself."

"Sometimes, I really hate when you and Sian are right. Makes me feel—"

Ding.

Your phone goes off at the corner of your desk with a new notification. You lean over to grab your phone and check, your eyes widening in the process:

yunou._.u started following you.

"Oh bitch, he is definitely single." You and Noeul quickly skim his page before you shake your head and plop your phone down.

"Stop it! You never know."

"That man barely has posts!" Noeul picks up your phone again and plugs in the code. "Look! Pics of his surroundings. His daughter. Him and his friends. That's it!"

"You're impossible."

"You are! You just won't accept the fact that an extremely hot dilf could be coming your way and I don't know why!"

"Don't say that!" You quickly look around. "Can you keep it down?!"

"I oughta smack you upside the head for that!"

"Go away, don't you have another meeting in like, 10 minutes?" Noeul looks at her phone and it's her turn to be surprised.

"Oh shit, more like 5 now. I gotta go and hop on this call." Noeul begins to rush away, but she turns back towards you again. "You better follow him back, Y/N!"

"I am! Go!" You wave her off and she turns halfway to finally head back down to her office— barely making it in 5. You look at your phone once more before giving it a few minutes, letting the notification settle before deciding enough time has passed since Yunho followed you.

You didn't wanna be too quick, right?

But, when the notification comes back on Yunho's phone saying that you've followed him back, he can't help but smile. The notification puts him in a good mood, enough for him to figure out his next plan on how to get to know you better.

He'll settle for a simple like on your latest photo. Maybe, the next one, too.

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[dragon-kazansky]

The song in our hearts

Lestat De Lioncourt x Female Reader

A musician with a heart that sings and an admirer who wishes to see his songbird thrive. Two beings in different worlds get caught up in each other when someone threatens to steal his songbird's spotlight. Loving Lestat isn't simple, and your life will never be the same again. What is eternity without chaos?

{Masterlist}

{Previous Chapter} - {Next Chapter}

Chapter Nine - One last dinner

“You've been avoiding me.”

It's been three days. You had taken it upon yourself to avoid Lestat. Even when he called out to you in your head, you ignored him. No matter how much you wanted to see his pretty face.

“Yes.”

You're not even going to pretend you were busy or anything. Lestat would know you were lying. He knew everything there was to know about you these days.

Lestat takes a seat on the bench beside you. He had been watching you from the shadows for the last ten minutes, but enough was enough. He needed to talk to you, to see you properly.

“Have I upset you?”

“No.”

“Liar.”

You look at him. Those beautiful blue eyes of his had your heart rate increasing. The twitch of his lips indicated he knew the effect he had on you.

“The police are looking for the man I saw you kill. They keep asking questions to everyone around me. Eleanor is still in town, refusing to leave until she gets answers, and I don't know what to do. It's eating away at me that I know the answers, but obviously can't tell anyone. Lestat, I'm going crazy over here.”

The vampire leans in close to you and caresses your cheek gently with his finger. His gaze does not once look away from your face as he admires you. “You're worried they will suspect you.”

“Not really. They have nothing to prove I even saw him after the show.”

He hums in thought. “I'm not worried.”

“Of course you're not. Nothing seems to bother you.”

“You ignoring me bothers me,” he confesses.

You find yourself gently leaning into his touch. Lestat smiles and dares to put his arm around you. He pulls you in close.

“I'm sorry for ignoring you. I've just had a lot on my mind.”

“I know.” He moves his hand to your hair and begins to brush through the strands with his long fingers. “I have been unable to shake you from my own mind.”

You turn your head slightly and look up at him. “In what way?”

“All the things I would have done the other night, had you not left me to care for your friend.”

“I couldn't leave her…”

“Doesn't mean I was happy to see you leave. I had you in my arms.” His lips brush against your ear. His voice makes you shiver.

“Lestat…”

“I want you to be mine. Do you understand that?” His voice is so smooth. So deep. So alluring. “All. Mine.”

“What… does that mean?”

“Join me in the shadows, mon amour.” He uses his other hand to tilt your chin up. You can't help looking at his lips.

“What…?” You whisper.

“Let me turn you.” The grin on his lips is dangerous. The fact that he's even asking permission makes you wonder what he's really thinking. Lestat comes across as someone who wouldn't usually ask.

“You mean… to make me like you?”

He grins. “Yes. You and me… forever.”

That familiar shiver runs down your spine. The one only Lestat can make you feel. Yet, how can you willingly say yes to that?

“You want me to die for you?”

“That's one way to put it.”

There's a darkness in him that concerns you, but at the same time it pulls you in. He is something dangerous, different. He's exciting and terrifying all at the same time.

“You're thinking too much.”

“No. I'm thinking the right amount,” you tell him. “You can't just ask me to die for you. Lestat, there's too much to consider.”

“Stop thinking for once. Make a choice.”

His gaze is stern, slightly pleading, but also daring. He was making you feel all kinds of things at once. It was suffocating.

“Give me time to think.”

Lestat pulled a face. He didn't like waiting. As far as he was concerned this was something you didn't need to think about. Lestat wanted you by his side. He didn't want to ever let you go. There was no one here to stop him from getting what he wanted. He had chosen you. His heart had chosen you.

“Don't think about it for too long.”

You could see his patience already wearing thin. “24 hours.”

“Fine. You better have an answer for me by then.”

Lestat rises from the bench and leaves without further word. He disappears into the shadows. You sigh heavily as you let the conversation weigh on your mind.

You had 24 hours to decide if you wanted to die for him. No pressure.

By the time the sun rose you had received a total of 4 hours sleep, on and off. Lestat had been heavily on your mind all night, his words on repeat like a broken record.

‘I want you to be mine.’

‘Join me in the shadows.’

‘Let me turn you.’

To be a vampire wasn't just giving up your life to spend eternity in the dark, bit to also feed upon those still living. To give your soul for immortality. Lestat would be your master. Your lover. Your everything.

Yet, that knowledge didn't make your choice any easier. He was asking you to sacrifice everything that you were to be by his side.

Everything.

There was still Noah’s case to consider too. The police were still looking for answers. They had nothing to trace him to you or Lestat.

Eleanor wasn't going to leave until she got answers about her brother.

You could feel the guilt eating up at you.

If you had just spoken to Noah about his proposition, maybe he would then have understood what your music meant to you and would have left it. Maybe you would have even brought yourself to let him sing for you just once.

Maybe then Lestat wouldn't have felt the need to kill him.

Too many what ifs.

As you enter the theater you spot Eleanor with Jack and Amelie. They were all talking in the lobby. Jack spots you first and smiles at you. Both women then turn around to smile at you too.

“You look all bright eyed and bushy tailed.” 

“Ha. Ha.” You walk over to them. “What's happening here?”

“Eleanor has graciously invited us to dinner tonight. It would seem the little lady is in need of good company,” Jack says with a smile.

“You're invited too, of course,” Eleanor says politely.

“Oh, um….”

“Please come. I do so want to know about you.”

You can just imagine the look on Lestat's face when you tell him you can't give him an answer tonight because you have to go to dinner.

“Alright…”

Perhaps it will delay the inevitable.

“Splendid. Jack can fill you in on the details. I'll see you all later!” Eleanor waves goodbye as she leaves.

Amelie smiles as she comes up to you. “Nice girl. I hope she gets some answers soon though. She must be missing home terribly by now.”

“Yeah…”

Jack pats you on the shoulder. “Now, I have some wonderful news to share.” You look at him curiously. “I've been talking the tailor in town. With everything that's going on, I think it's time for a new look, don't you? She has some gowns that would make you shine when you play on Fridays. How does that sound?”

“What's wrong with the dresses I have?”

“Nothing, of course. I just think what we need is a new look. A refresh, if you will.” He smiles kindly.

“Alright.”

“Wonderful. I shall let her know to send the dresses over.” He grins happily. Jack will do anything je can to try and make things work around here.

As the sun begins to set you leave your house and make your way down the street. You're on your way to the restaurant Eleanor has chosen for you all. Jack had offered to come fetch you, but you declined, telling him you needed some time to yourself.

You were only hours away before the 24 hour time period was up. You needed to decide what you were going to do. We're you really willing to give up your life for a man you knew so little about?

It was like a spell when you were with him. His handsome face, his charming voice. He knew he had this power over you, and ne was using that to his advantage.

God, he drove you crazy.

A good crazy. A crazy you were almosted addicted to. You missed his face when he wasn't near. You missed his voice when too much time passed since you heard it last. You missed how it felt to be wrapped up in his arms as he kissed you senseless.

You were far more than in love with him.

“Where are you off to? My house is the other way.”

You stop and turn quickly to see the man of the hour looking at you with those piercing blue eyes. He was leaning up against a post, a hat on his head and a sharp suit leaving little to the imagination.

“Lestat.”

“You owe me an answer.” He stalks toward you.

“It will have to wait. Something has come up,” you tell him. Lestat stops right beside you, peering down at you with a sharp expression. He was tired of waiting.

���Convenient.”

“It was very sudden. Dinner plans.”

“A date?”

“What? No. Dinner with Eleanor. Jack and Amelie are going to be there, too.” You explain to him quickly.

“Is that so.” He hums in thought. “Well, I will not let you get out of this.” He grabs your hand and loops it with his arm. “I am your plus one.”

You look at him with wide eyes. “What?”

“I'm not letting you escape me.”

You can feel your heart racing. Lestat can hear it. He has a wolfish grin on his face. “Don't look so fearful. I shall have my answer tonight, Chéri.”

Lestat walks with you arm in arm to the restaurant. You both head inside and you give Eleanor's name to the host. He guides you over to the table where everyone else is waiting. You were the last to arrive.

Jack looks a little surprised to see you with Lestat. Amelie doesn't. Eleanor looks at him cautiously. She doesn't know this man and you hadn't mentioned him. After all, you hadn't intended on him coming along.

“Hello.” You greet the table.

Lestat pulls out your chair for you and you sit down. He sits down right beside you, grabbing a chair from the table behind him and aotting as close as possible to you. His arm rests around the back of you. He removes his hat and smiles at the others. He's playing along.

“I don't believe we've met,” Eleanor says, eying him.

“Non. We haven't.” Lestat grins. “Lestat De Lioncourt.”

Eleanor just stares at him suspiciously. You swallow nervously. Does she know? She couldn't possibly.

The waiter comes over. You feel nervous as you look at Lestat. He doesn't look bothered. Can he even eat food? He'll have to order something as to not seem even more suspicious.

As the waiter nears the table Lestat leans in close to your ear. “Order whatever you desire. This may very well be your last meal.”

His words sent your nerves alight. You knew he would expect an answer from you tonight.

One by one the table orders. You choose a meal you know you enjoy every time you have it, but the idea that it may be the last time has your tummy turning.

Then the waiter looks at Lestat. The vampire smiles and orders the same as you. You try not to look at him.

The waiter leaves.

“Well, this is nice,” Jack comments with a smile.

“Very. I walk past here all the time, never come in,” Amelie says happily.

“Me either,” you say softly.

Lestat gently reaches out to caress your shoulder with him finger. You feel your skin tingle under your clothes.

“What do you do, Lestat?” Eleanor asks, eying him again.

“I spend my days admiring the arts,” he replies with a grin.

Very funny.

“Is that so? You like music?” She asks.

“Very much.”

“So you're an admirer of this pianist then?” She gestures to you.

“Much more so.”

“Oh?”

“He's her sponsor. As long as she keeps playing at the theater, we receives donations from him,” Jack admits proudly.

“Did my brother not have a sponsor?”

“No one else at the theater does,” Amelie replies.

“How curious,” Eleanor says, deep in thought.

You feel a chill run down your back. It feels like an interrogation almost. Eleanor was coming off as suspicious and it was making you feel sick. You may have lost your appetite.

“I only sponsor the most talented of souls,” Lestat grins.

“My brother was talented.”

You can feel Lestat grow tense. “Matter of opinion, I suppose,” he mutters.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.”

You glance around the table and see Amelie and Jack exchanging glances. Amelie sips her wine awkwardly, trying not to make eye contact with Lestat or Eleanor.

Luckily your food comes out in perfect time to put an end to the conversation. Everyone tucks in and drinks are topped up, though Lestat holds his hand over his glass to stop his from being poured.

Not much conversation takes place during the meal. Other than a few compliments about the food and artwork on the walls. Even Lestat had nice things to say about the art.

You savour your food. Despite how nice the evening is, the looming dread of what's yet to come lingers on your mind.

Lestat, one hand still over the back of your chair, picks at his food. He's eating it, but does not comment on the taste. You watch with mild interest. Though, the thought of not being able to taste the food makes you feel rather sad. He has no idea how lovely this meal is.

When dinner is done, conversion continues. Dessert is ordered. Lestat encourages you to have something sweet. He does not order for himself. You and Amelie order the same dessert and talk about how nice it is.

Lestat plays with your hair a little as he watches you eat.

“This has been lovely,” Jack says with a smile. “Thank you for this.”

“No, thank you for joining me,” Eleanor smiles back.

“We should come here again,” Amelie comments, looking at you. All you can manage is a smile in her direction, and you hope she doesn't notice it doesn't quite reach your eyes.

Eleanor pays for everyone and you all head outside. Jack offers Amelie a ride home, she accepts. You stand beside Lestat as you wave to them and watch them go.

Eleanor turns to you. “I'm glad you came.” 

“Thank you for inviting me.”

“It was my pleasure, though…” She leans in a little closer, “your gentleman friend is a little strange.”

“He's mostly harmless.”

“Mostly?”

“Chéri?” Lestat calls.

“I have to go, Eleanor. Thank you for tonight.” You take Lestat's arm again. Eleanor says nothing as you leave with him. You can feel her eyes on your back.

Lestat has a determined look on his face. There was no escaping him now.

@awanderingghost @theprettiesthead @cosmixstar @theblueslytherin @katherine2098 @sawendel @floofdeloop @sitkafay @bigbaddie45 @bluscryn

@secretisme4 @darkqueen1995 @bridkesby @caribbeangal @sarcasticandfangirl @missjadesfics @kaybart19 @whereismymindnow @chauchirem @angelrenee239 @ppureheroiine

[mama-qwerty]

Sonic 3 - Knuckles

Okay, so I’ve been wanting to do some deep dives into the different characters of Sonic 3, addressing their motivations, reactions, and mindsets throughout the film.

And first, to absolutely no one’s surprise, is Knuckles.

Buckle up, kidlets. This’ll get LOOOOONG.

Sonic 3 spoilers ahead

At the beginning of the film, we see Knuckles being competitive, but not aggressively so. From the first few minutes we see him, we notice he’s not leaning hard into his warrior role. He’s not taking every competition as some serious challenge to his status, and overall seems much more relaxed than we’d seen him up to this point.

The events of the series helped to temper him, to show him that it’s okay to have fun, it’s okay to unclench sometimes, and it’s okay to be the kid he is. He’s part of a new family, a new tribe, and he’s thriving in it.

Yet when the opportunity arises to go into battle once more, he’s ready to do so. He’s eager for a challenge, and Shadow gave him more of a fight than he was expecting. He got his tail handed to him, and although he was likely injured to some degree, his pride was what really took the pounding.

But he shook it off.

Shadow kicked all three of their butts, easily, and instead of getting angry and losing himself to that rage, he followed Sonic’s lead to pull back so they could regroup and get some more information.

The Knuckles of Sonic 2 would not have done that. That Knuckles attacked Sonic without warning, without getting all the facts, without allowing his opponent to properly fight back. Picked himself back up after getting run over by a speeding car and gave chase. Attacked the car, holding on even when it flew over the edge of a cliff. Threw himself off a plane so he could attack a giant robot, without contemplating or coordinating any other plans or angles of attack first.

That Knuckles would have seethed after Shadow’s victory, angry that he’d been bested, and eager for a rematch as soon as possible.

But he didn’t. He listened to Sonic.

At the Chao Garden we see him having a little fun at Tails’ expense. They’d just engaged in a battle with a stronger, unknown foe, and lost, but he’s relaxed enough to engage playfully with his brothers, and take in the atmosphere of the restaurant.

Ya know what that showed? It showed that Knuckles had accepted Sonic and Tails as his allies, people he could trust and look to for alternate strategies in any challenge. Were he on his own, he would have hunted Shadow down endlessly, much like he did with the Master Emerald, to restore his perceived lost honor.

But he’s not on his own anymore. He looks to Sonic and Tails for their thoughts on a situation, and trusts them when it seems his own brand of dealing with something is ineffective.

Once they follow Stone and realize his identity, Knuckles doesn’t immediately engage in battle over the events of the last movie. Even when they go aboard the crab bot and see Robotnik, Knuckles still doesn’t immediately attack. He doesn’t threaten the man, or exhibit any anger toward him over the way Robotnik double crossed him, stole the ME right out from under him, and left him for dead.

When Tails admits that working with Robotnik is the only way to find who’s behind releasing Shadow, Knuckles agrees. He trusts his youngest brother’s ideas, as he knows the fox is more clever and able to see a bigger picture than he is. If Tails says this is a good idea, especially if it involves technology and finding a foe that seems otherwise untrackable, then Knuckles will agree.

Surprising no one, Robotnik double crossed them, and they only managed to escape thanks to Knux’s quick thinking and strong bite reflex.

Back home, he happily let Tails take the lead once more, concocting a plan to get into GUN HQ and retrieve the second key to prevent the use of the Eclipse Cannon.

Knuckles is a great warrior. He kept himself alive for the ten-ish years he traveled the galaxy, searching for Sonic and clues to the Master Emerald. He can face down nearly any foe. But his strength is a full frontal assault, not so much stealth and espionage. He himself knows this, but that doesn’t mean he has to like it.

It may have simply seemed like an easy few jokes regarding his desire to “break the glass”, but this is a dangerous mission, and he doesn’t like to feel like he’s simply sitting on his hands, waiting for his turn in battle. He knows Tails’ plan is a good one. He knows going in fists first isn’t going to get them anywhere. But it still bothers him that he is told to simply “wait until we need you.”

But he was there when they did. He acted the moment he was called into action. Everything he did was to further the plan, to keep his tribe safe. And to him, crushing the floor pad controller should have stopped the machine from functioning. When he’d accidentally crushed the toaster at home, it stopped working. Same with Sonic’s cell phone. And Maddie’s. And the VR headset that he totally didn’t freak out over.

Electronics are delicate, and if they are broken, then the thing they are designed to do will stop, too.

But it didn’t work that way, and instead he was lifted into the air, unable to help. His tribe was trapped, and the building he’d destroyed on the way in was threatening them. And he couldn’t help them.

And everything just went downhill from there.

Tom was hurt, and Maddie was . . . oddly quiet.

Knuckles was used to danger. To people getting hurt. He’d lost his tribe and his father all those years ago, so he wasn’t a stranger to feeling that fear or pain.

He himself had been on the receiving end of Shadow’s blows, and knew how painful it could be. But whereas he and his brothers could mostly shrug off those kinds of hits, push through those injuries within minutes, humans didn’t seem as resilient. Weren’t as ‘sturdy’ as they were. And there was a real possibility that Tom could die from such a blow.

A sobering idea.

The head of their tribe was gravely injured, and that meant Knuckles was the eldest warrior in charge. His whole demeanor changed the minute the ambulance pulled away. Gone was the more kid-like echidna, who let his brothers take the lead. He was now the eldest, the one who needed to look after the others.

Sonic was understandably angry, but when Tails tried to soothe him, the hedgehog turned his anger on the fox. Knuckles stepped between them, keeping Tails safely behind him as he focused Sonic’s anger on himself. He stayed calm and level-headed, trying to talk Sonic down. At the mention of using the Master Emerald, Knuckles still remained calm. He understood Sonic’s anger, his pain, but he knew from experience that did not make for good decisions.

And when Sonic insisted, when he threatened to fight Knuckles for it, Knuckles almost took the bait. He geared up, ready for battle, before backing down. Fighting would solve nothing. It wouldn’t take Sonic’s pain away. It wouldn’t diffuse his anger. It would only waste precious moments, and allow the Robotniks to continue with their plan to harm the planet unopposed.

Ultimately, Knuckles knew the only way to stop this weapon was for Sonic to go Super. And the only way for Sonic to go Super, was to use the Master Emerald.

And maybe, in that moment, Knuckles was hit with a sense of deja vu. It wasn’t that long ago that he himself had been so blinded by revenge he’d allowed an enemy to escape with a dangerous weapon. Had he not fought Sonic so hard, had he not been so focused on destroying the hedgehog, would he have recognized Robotnik’s plan to steal the Master Emerald for himself? Could he have stopped Robotnik before he got that close to the Emerald in the first place?

Yes. Yes he would have. If he hadn’t been so preoccupied with his anger toward Sonic—because of his association with Longclaw, and by extension the other owls—if he hadn’t been so enraged because his entire tribe had fallen that day, all those years ago, then he would have noticed Robotnik going for the Emerald. And everything that had happened after wouldn’t have.

And maybe it was that thought, that experience, that made him back off. He knew the anger inside Sonic. But he also knew Sonic’s heart, and it was that knowledge, that hope that Sonic was not so far gone, that the warrior’s heart that beat within the hedgehog’s chest would keep him from going too far.

And that was what made Knuckles let Sonic go. He didn’t approve of Sonic getting the ME while he was in that state, but they had precious little time to talk it over.

And he’d been right.

He wouldn’t quite know what happened between Sonic and Shadow, but seeing them work together to take on the Eclipse Cannon confirmed he’d made the right decision.

And when the effects of the Master Emerald wore off, and Sonic plunged toward the Earth, he trusted Tails’ idea to go after him. Sonic was falling too fast for both of them to leap out and catch up, but with that extra throw from Knuckles, Tails could reach him.

It was only a few moments later that Knuckles leapt from the failing ARK. He watched Tails grab onto Sonic, clinging to him as they plummeted, but then the fox went as limp as the hedgehog. The force of reentry had knocked him unconscious and now they both ragdolled in a freefall.

Knuckles fists were large enough to protect him as he entered the atmosphere, and he kept his eyes locked on the glint of gold as the portal ring slipped from Tails’ hand. His more streamlined form meant he descended faster, his experience with gliding aiding him as his tail acted as a rudder to maneuver the wind sheer to reach them.

Ring caught and thrown, and brothers safely tucked beneath each arm and held close to his body. The change between the atmospheres as they fell through the ring hit him like a punch to the chest, and he barely had enough time to spin them around so he took the brunt of the impact when they landed, before they hit the ground hard.

He had only one thought in his mind. PROTECT.

And when they awoke, and found that they’d been successful, he could go back to being pissed at Sonic for challenging him. Because even though everything had worked out, he didn’t like being put in the position Sonic had put him in. But when Sonic apologized, Knuckles believed he’d seen the severity of his actions. And his heart had stayed pure.

This movie proved that Knuckles is the bestest big brother, and will step up whenever necessary to ensure the safety of his tribe. That even though he’d lightened up, he will still kick ass, and take his role as protector very seriously.

I loved the way they portrayed him. He was so perfect.

~~~

Check out my other Sonic 3 analysis posts

[sangoziethesimp]

Birthday for the Queen of chaos (Yae Miko Special) | YAE MIKO X FEM READER

My girlfriend mains her so why not make a story about our lovely kitsune. My gf also told me to build her so... Yeahhhh hahaha.

The last rays of the setting sun painted the Tenshukaku in hues of violet and gold as you left Ei's chamber. A single tear rolled down your cheek, a tear of joy for the glimpse of eternity found in the quiet companionship of her birthday. You carried the weight of a secret promise – to help Ei find fleeting moments within the vastness of eternity.

The next morning, you approached the Grand Narukaku Shrine with a nervous flutter in your stomach. Today was Yae Miko's birthday, and while her birthday would be a stark contrast to Ei's quiet celebration, you were determined to make it memorable.

Stepping through the torii gate, you were greeted by the cacophony of a lively festival. Food stalls overflowed with Inazuman delicacies, games of chance were underway, and laughter echoed through the air. A giant banner proclaimed, in bold calligraphy, "Happy Birthday, Yae Miko!"

Yae, perched on her usual spot under the sacred sakura, surveyed the scene with a mischievous glint in her golden eyes. Her usual white and scarlet attire was replaced with a bright pink kimono adorned with playful fox motifs.

"Well, well," Yae purred, a teasing lilt in her voice, "Look who decided to grace us with their presence on this most… auspicious occasion."

"Happy birthday, Yae Miko," you responded with a smile, ignoring the chaos unfolding around you. "This… extravaganza is quite a sight."

"A little birthday surprise fabricated by some 'anonymous' admirers," Yae said, leaning closer. "Though I have a sneaking suspicion of who's behind it."

Her voice held warmth, a stark contrast to her usual playful demeanor. You flushed, but held her gaze. "Perhaps," you admitted, a smile playing on your lips.

The rest of the day unfolded in a whirlwind of activity. You sampled dango from a street vendor, Yae's playful commentary keeping you entertained. You tried your hand at a game of chance, much to Yae's amusement (and your own chagrin).

As the festival reached a crescendo, a magnificent display of fireworks erupted across the night sky. You and Yae sat shoulder to shoulder, watching the vibrant bursts of color illuminate the sky.

"This is…" Yae started, her voice softer than you'd ever heard, "delightful chaos. Thank you, (Y/n)."

You turned to her, a warm feeling spreading through your chest. "Just a little something for the kitsune who thrives on chaos," you said, a teasing lilt in your voice.

Yae leaned into you, her golden eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "And you," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper, "are the one who brings a touch of… serenity into it all."

A blush crept up your cheeks as you leaned closer, the promise of a kiss hanging in the air. But just then, a loud voice boomed from behind.

"Yae Miko! What is the meaning of this… festivity?"

Ei stood at the entrance to the shrine, her usual stoic expression replaced with a look of bewildered curiosity. The lively festival scene seemed to have left her momentarily speechless.

Yae chuckled, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes. "Just a little birthday celebration, Ei," she said, her voice laced with amusement. "Care to join us?"

You watched as a flicker of warmth colored Ei's cheeks. The contrast between the two birthdays – Ei's quiet contemplation and Yae's boisterous celebration – couldn't have been more stark. Yet, in that moment, you knew this was the perfect culmination to the shared birthdays. Both Ei and Yae, seemingly so different, had allowed themselves a glimpse outside their usual routines, finding a moment of joy in their own unique ways.

As the three of you stood under the fireworks-lit sky, a shared sense of camaraderie bloomed in Inazuma. It was a memory – a memory of shared birthdays, of a chaotic festival, and of a glimpse of warmth amidst the eternity – that you knew none of you would soon forget.

[realityjoey]

ADORABLE (RILEY ANDERSON MC x EVAN BUCKLEY)

The firehouse was always a place of chaos, camaraderie, and the occasional dose of high-stakes adrenaline. But recently, amidst all the calls and the banter, one thing had become a staple of the 118 — the collective obsession with Buck and Riley’s relationship. It wasn’t just that they were adorable together; it was the way they made their love so unmistakable and genuine, even when they didn’t realize it.

Everyone had noticed from the very beginning. When Riley Anderson joined the 118 a little over a year ago, her thick Northern English accent had piqued the team’s curiosity. She was tough, skilled, and quick-witted, never shying away from banter or hard work. But it didn’t take long for Buck, always the flirt, to be drawn to her in a way that was different from how he interacted with anyone else.

At first, it was small things—Buck poking fun at her Britishness, making quips about tea and crumpets, all while his lingering looks said more than his words. And while Riley played it cool, everyone could see the way her eyes softened just a touch when Buck was near. It became a running joke at the station that they were the worst-kept secret, even when they tried to hide their affection behind sarcastic remarks and quick glances.

Now, three years into their relationship and living together, their bond had only grown stronger. The team was utterly obsessed, unable to get enough of how Buck and Riley made even the most mundane moments cute. They didn’t do it on purpose; they weren’t the kind of couple who flaunted their affection, but that somehow made it all the more irresistible to watch.

One particular day, the 118 had just returned from a call, still buzzing with adrenaline. Riley, as usual, was the first to head for the showers, her hair matted from sweat and grime. Buck, trailing behind her, grabbed her hand briefly, squeezing it just once before letting go, and it was like a signal to the rest of the team.

“Did you see that?” Eddie grinned, nudging Hen. “It’s like they can’t go two seconds without touching.”

Hen smirked, shaking her head in mock disbelief. “I give it five minutes before Buck’s looking for another excuse to ‘accidentally’ bump into her.”

Sure enough, as soon as Riley was out of the showers and back in her locker room gear, Buck appeared by her side, offering her a bottle of water as if she couldn’t have gotten it herself.

“You hydrated?” he asked, his voice casual but with an underlying tone of concern.

Riley rolled her eyes playfully but took the bottle anyway. “I think I can handle getting my own water, Buck.”

“Yeah, but I do it better,” he shot back with a wink, leaning in to press a quick kiss to her temple.

From across the room, Bobby watched with a fond smile. He didn’t say much about their relationship, but everyone knew the captain had a soft spot for the pair. He had taken on a mentor role for both Riley and Buck, and seeing them together, thriving in both their relationship and careers, filled him with a quiet sense of pride.

Later that day, when the group gathered in the lounge for lunch, Chimney couldn’t help himself. He leaned over the table, a mischievous grin on his face.

“Okay, I have to know,” he said, staring pointedly at Buck. “Do you guys ever fight, or is it just constant cute moments and puppy dog eyes?”

Riley, who had been mid-bite, nearly choked on her food as Buck laughed. “Oh, we fight. She’s got a mean left hook,” Buck teased, but his hand found its way to the small of Riley’s back as if to soften the joke.

Riley raised an eyebrow, playing along. “And you’ve got a face that’s too easy to aim for.”

The entire table burst into laughter, but there was something unspoken beneath their words—something so solid and trusting that even when they joked about arguments, it was clear how deeply they cared for one another.

Athena, who had been quietly observing from her seat, chimed in. “You know, I’ve seen plenty of couples in this line of work. It’s not easy. But you two? You make it look effortless.”

Buck and Riley exchanged a glance, both of them a little embarrassed by the praise but grateful all the same.

“It’s not,” Buck admitted softly, his usual bravado slipping for just a moment. “But I think when you’ve got the right person, it’s worth every challenge.”

Riley’s hand found his under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. “He’s not wrong. We make it work because we want to.”

The team’s collective swoon was almost palpable. Chimney dramatically placed a hand over his heart. “I swear, you two are going to give me a toothache with how sweet you are.”

“You love it,” Riley shot back, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Of course we do,” Hen said with a grin. “I mean, how can we not? You two are like the firehouse’s own rom-com.”

From then on, it was like the 118 had a radar for all the little moments between Buck and Riley. Whether it was Buck casually wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they walked, or Riley giving him that rare, soft smile she reserved only for him, the team was obsessed. It wasn’t just the romance—it was the way their connection was woven into everything they did. It made the hard days easier, the victories sweeter, and the family at the 118 even closer.

As the day wound down and the sun began to set, the team gathered outside the station, enjoying the cooler evening air. Riley leaned against Buck’s chest, his arms wrapped around her waist as they both watched the city skyline. It was a rare quiet moment, and the rest of the crew, scattered nearby, couldn’t help but steal glances.

“They’re ridiculous,” Eddie said quietly to Hen, though his tone was affectionate.

Hen nodded. “Completely. But I wouldn’t change a thing.”

And none of them would. Because in a job where danger was always looming, the love that Buck and Riley shared was a reminder of why they all did what they did. It was a reminder of the joy that could be found even in the hardest of times. And, frankly, it was just too adorable to ignore.

As the evening air cooled around them, the 118 lingered outside, caught between the easy camaraderie of a quiet night and the unspoken affection between Buck and Riley. The pair stood wrapped in each other, the fading light casting a golden glow over their relaxed forms. It was the kind of peace the station didn’t often see—a respite from the chaos that usually marked their lives.

Chimney, sitting on one of the outdoor benches, nudged Hen with his elbow. “Look at them,” he whispered, although he wasn’t really being subtle. “They’re like a couple out of a Hallmark movie, aren’t they?”

Hen smirked, shaking her head. “I don’t think Hallmark movies have nearly as much sarcasm and banter.”

Athena, overhearing from a few feet away, leaned in. “Or firefighting. But still,” she added with a soft smile, “they do make it look easy.”

Eddie, standing by the truck, caught Buck’s eye and gave him a knowing look, shaking his head in mock disbelief. “Don’t you ever get tired of being this disgustingly in love?”

Buck grinned, one arm still loosely around Riley as he shrugged. “Nope. And don’t act like you’re not jealous.”

Riley tilted her head back to glance up at Buck, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “He’s definitely jealous,” she agreed, playing along.

Eddie rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that.”

Despite all the teasing, it was obvious to everyone that there was no jealousy—just a genuine fondness for the couple who had somehow become the heartbeat of the team. Buck and Riley’s relationship wasn’t just about them; it had woven itself into the fabric of the 118, bringing with it a sense of warmth and family that had made the crew even tighter than before.

As the night deepened, Bobby, ever the observant captain, finally spoke up from his spot by the station doors. “Alright, enough standing around gawking at the lovebirds. Who’s up for a game of pool inside?”

The suggestion was met with eager responses, and soon enough, the group filtered back into the station. Buck and Riley trailed behind, her hand still casually hooked around his, their easy connection evident in even the smallest gestures.

Inside, the station’s rec room was lively with the sounds of friendly competition. Hen lined up her shot at the pool table while Chimney gave running commentary, always ready to crack a joke. Athena and Bobby sat at one of the tables, watching the team with a mixture of amusement and pride.

Buck and Riley, though, found themselves on one of the couches, content to watch the others from a distance. Riley curled up against Buck’s side, her head resting on his shoulder as he absentmindedly played with the ends of her hair. It was these quiet moments that often struck the rest of the crew the most—the way they didn’t need words or grand gestures to show their love. It was there, in the way they leaned into each other, in the stolen glances and soft smiles, in the comfortable silence between them.

Chimney couldn’t resist throwing another comment their way. “You two just gonna sit there and be cute, or are you actually gonna join in?”

Buck laughed, shifting slightly to tighten his arm around Riley. “We’re good here. Besides, I don’t need to embarrass you all at pool again.”

Hen chimed in with a smirk. “Oh, please. Last time you played, you nearly scratched on every shot.”

“That’s because Riley was distracting me,” Buck shot back, feigning innocence as Riley nudged him in the ribs, a playful grin on her face.

“Oh, sure, blame me,” she teased, though the affection in her voice was clear.

Eddie, having finished his own turn at the table, walked over and shook his head. “You two are impossible. It’s like you’re stuck in honeymoon mode forever.”

“That’s just who they are,” Athena said from her spot, her voice tinged with warmth. “And you know what? It’s good for them. For all of us.”

Bobby nodded in agreement, looking over at the couple with a fatherly pride that he rarely expressed out loud. “They’ve found something special. That’s rare in this line of work.”

Riley, catching the sentiment behind their words, sat up a little straighter, her expression softening as she glanced around at the group. “You lot act like we’re the only ones who have something good,” she said, her voice teasing but genuine. “This whole team, it’s a family. That’s special too.”

There was a moment of silence after her words, a pause where everyone seemed to take in the truth of what she’d said. It wasn’t just Buck and Riley’s relationship that made the 118 feel like home—it was the connection they all shared, the way they looked out for each other, teased each other, loved each other in their own way.

Chimney, always the first to break a serious moment, clapped his hands together. “Alright, alright. Enough with the sappy stuff. Let’s see if Hen can actually finish this game without losing to me.”

The mood shifted back into playful banter, but the warmth lingered. As the night wore on, and the crew settled into their usual rhythms, Riley and Buck remained close, content in the knowledge that they weren’t just a couple within a team—they were part of something bigger. Their love, as much as it was about the two of them, had become a reflection of the family they’d found at the 118.

Later, as the station quieted down and the night shift rolled on, Buck and Riley found themselves back outside under the stars, standing in the same spot where the team had teased them earlier. Riley wrapped her arms around Buck’s waist, leaning her head against his chest as he kissed the top of her head.

“You know they’re never going to stop teasing us,” she murmured, her voice laced with affection.

Buck chuckled, his arms tightening around her. “Let them. I don’t mind.”

Riley looked up at him, her eyes soft in the dim light. “Me neither.”

They stood there for a while longer, just the two of them, wrapped in each other as the city lights flickered in the distance. Inside, their family—the 118—was waiting, ready to tease, to laugh, to love, and to face whatever came next, together.

[lfghughes]

I need more dad Trevor with twin daughters 😭 can I please get something where he takes them out on separate daddy/daughter dates? He totally seems like the type of dad who would do whatever his babies asked of him

a/n: i had way too much fun planning this out. thank you so much for requesting it

One of the first promises that Trevor had done when he found out his girlfriend was pregnant with twins was that he would give all of them his individual attention. He wanted his daughters to know and feel that they were their own individual humans because he knew most of the people in their lives would treat them as one. He also vowed to his girlfriend that they would always find time for each other in the middle of all the chaos. This meant a lot of date nights with all three of his favorite girls.

His twins were definitely very different from each other. Since birth their personalities had been very different but as they grew up those personalities shown through more and more every day. This meant he had to get pretty creative on what to do on those solo dates with them because he wanted to pick the right activity.

Date #1 - Adeline

Adeline or Addybug as Trevor liked to call her had always been the calm sensitive baby. She thrived when it came to sitting down and reading a book or all the quieter activities. Out of the twins she was the one Trevor had to think more out of the box for because it was usually opposite of the activities he would do. But he always went above and beyond for things she liked to do. Right now both Trevor and Adeline had finished up getting their nails done at the nail salon, completely Addys idea but Trevor went along with every second of it.

Now it was his turn for her big surprise. “Remember when you told daddy you wanted to go to the butterfly garden?” Trevor asked and immediately her eyes got wide because she knew what this meant. “Are we really going?” She asked and Trevor nodded his head. As soon as she had mentioned it last week he made a mental note to see if there were any places around where she could go see butterflies up close. Eventually he had landed on this place and decided it would be fun for her.

Turns out he was right because the minute she stepped in she was amazed by everything in the garden and not just the butterflies although that was her favorite part. “I have one more surprise for you.” He told her as they walked out from the butterfly garden after she got to see everything. “Me and mommy ordered a little caterpillar kit for you and once they turn into butterflies we’ll let them out into the garden.” This was everything she wanted to hear and more. Date one was the success he had hoped for.

Date #2 - Charlotte aka Charlie

Charlotte was the fierce one of the two. It was her way or no way and even at a young age she had demanded that she get called Charlie and not Charlotte simply because she liked it better. For Trevor though she was always his Charlie Bear. Funny enough she was the easier of the pair to find an activity for because whatever meant getting her energy out was what she wanted. He could as easily take her to a trampoline place or go karting and she loved it regardless.

Typically she chose the place though because she was always very vocal about what she wanted to do and surprises were not her thing. Today she had made it clear she wanted to go horseback riding and Trevor wasn’t going to tell her no. Luckily for this one he didn’t have to research a whole lot because she had been on a horses kick lately and had already picked this activity a couple of times before. “Do you think one day I can get my own horse?” She asked once she was all done riding, her eyes looking up at her horse and he could tell by that look that this love for horses was here to stay.

“I think it’s something me and mommy will have to talk about but maybe one day.” That was a good enough answer for her, a smile immediately growing on her face. “Alright, well it’s pretty warm out so what do you say about getting some ice cream?” Trevor asked and she immediately nodded her head. “Can we call Uncle Jamie to go too?” That was going to be another yes and once again another successful daughter date.

Date #3 - The Wife

“Wow look at you.” Trevor whistled as his wife stepped out of the closet all dressed up for their dinner date. Her cheeks burning a bright pink because even after all this time Trevor managed to make her heart skip a beat with his compliments. She walked over, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “Both girls told me all about their daddy daughter dates this week. Addy has been watching those caterpillars since they got here.” His wife smiled as she talked about her girls. “And Charlie said you wanted to talk to me about getting a horse?”

Okay, not his exact words but his daughter did get him there. “I told her we would think about getting her a horse.” He shrugged sheepishly before holding his hand out. “But that’s a conversation for another night because right now I have a date with my favorite girl in the whole world.”

[lurkingshan]

Once again I'm here because I'm angry. There's been a lot of talk about Boston and what Jojo wanted or not to say about sluts and whatever. I, and other people I think, were struggling with the idea that Jojo would actually want that message out. So I went to see some interviews. And got kinda shocked about one thing that he said. (btw this is an actual quote.) He was talking about Boston reasons for his behaviour Jojo: Bad people don't need to have a backstory. They are just born sluts. A bad character doesn't need... (and then the interviewer says - he doesn't need tragedy to be bad) Exactly. And then he gets asked if he thinks Boston needs redemption and he emphatically says NO. And then talking about how much fun is writing the character he says this: Boston is such a fun character to write. yeah unpredictable he's like, he doesn't care. he doesn't have morals so we just like goes with the flow. bad people? no morals? humm... i don't know... So yeah, now I don't really know what to think about it. I was wondering what are your thoughts about this. I'm still gonna watch some more of this, because I'm a masochist that needs all the information, but yeah, I thought I would share. Thanks for the space

Yiiiiiikes. Okay, first let me preface this by saying that whenever I am reading/watching something that was either translated to English or spoken in English by a person with a different first language, I try not to get too hung up on specific word choice. By necessity we tend to go for the simplest possible words to convey meaning in those situations, and thus a lot of nuance gets stripped out.

That said, the sentiment is clear: Jojo saw Boston as a villain character without a moral code that he could deploy to cause chaos wherever he liked in the story. And he is definitely conflating his villainy with sexual promiscuity, which is the worst part of this quote and unfortunately aligns with the way that finale, and ultimately the themes of the show, were written. It definitely makes me side eye Jojo and as I’ve already said, I won’t be so inclined to trust him nearly as much next time.

Only Friends, however, has more than one writer, and I don’t think they all see it this way. If you think Boston is purely an irredeemable slut, you don’t write his breakup and reunion with Nick in the way that this show did. You don’t give depth to his situation with Atom. You don’t show his sincere emotion, his hurt, and his earnest desire to be with Nick while he can. With all the info we have now and in retrospect, it kind of feels like there was a bit of a tug-o-war going on with Boston’s story.

My understanding is that Den Panuwat, one of three writers on the show, is the one who adapted the novel version of the story, and there he changed Boston’s final arc significantly. Rather than Boston fucking Atom, he made his final conflict about his dad’s political career with Boston’s sexuality being used as a weapon against him. He wrote Boston and Nick ending on good terms. And he wrote a final chapter for Boston where he arrives in New York, finds a more accepting society and queer community who accept and understand him, and thrives.

I’m sure there were some non-artistic reasons why we couldn’t get this version of the story in the show (the politics story was likely vetoed for censorship reasons and they probably couldn’t afford to show us Boston in NY, for example), but the fact that Den wrote it signals that his perspective on Boston is not fully aligned with what Jojo said in that quote above. Perhaps we have him to thank for the empathetic portrayal and humanity we did see in Boston despite Jojo’s perspective on him. And Den has another show coming soon, so maybe we’ll see a clearer read of his own perspective on queer sexual politics without the GMMTV restrictions when we watch Playboyy.

[promptsblog]

Alright, quick apology for going slightly off-topic here from my usual sporadically-posted writing prompts, but I just found out something that has me really disappointed. I know this is kind of old news, but I only just found out because I wanted to replay Choose Love the other day, and GUESS WHAT? It’s gone. Netflix erased it, along with most of their interactive content, and I’m not happy.

Choose Love wasn’t just a rom-com; it was pure chaos in the best way. It gave us the chance to make reckless, dramatic choices that we’d never get to make in real life. Do you marry the loyal, dependable boyfriend? Go for the ex who is incompatible with you in every way? Run off with the hot, adorable rockstar? Or somehow, choose yourself and end up alone? It was interactive gold. And now it’s gone. Why? Because Netflix decided interactive storytelling isn’t worth their time anymore.

Here’s the thing: interactive romance stories have huge potential. Apps like Episode and Choices are literal cash cows. Choices has raked in $175 million, and Episode has had over 9 BILLION views across its stories. I'm not going to type that out as a number, but that's a lot of zeros. These apps are proof that people LOVE making choices in romance stories. They’re paying for premium options, spending hours replaying different endings, and fully immersing themselves in these fictional worlds. But the next step is live action. To actually see the stories play out in the real world and not just stilted animation.

So why did Netflix give up on something with so much potential? Romance is one of the most popular genres across all media, and when you combine that with the interactivity people crave, it’s a recipe for success. Look, I know Choose Love wasn’t perfect - Cami was bland and underdeveloped, the comedy could have gone a little harder and it was pretty obvious that we were being pushed to pick Paul - but it showed the potential of an interactive romcom. It was a proof of concept. They could’ve built on that! They could’ve made something amazing! Instead, they just gave up.

I also can't help but think of all the effort that was put into it by everyone who worked on it only to have it taken down after a mere year. As a creative, that must be so disheartening for all those writers, producers, crew members and actors.

And sure, maybe they want to focus on other projects or whatever, and post-strikes, it's expensive to pay royalties for content that isn't bringing in loads of views blah blah blah, but how do you just drop an entire format that’s clearly popular elsewhere? Apps like Choices and Episode are thriving for a reason. People don’t just want to watch a love story - they want to participate. Fans have very strong opinions about what choices characters should have made and who should have ended up together, and this format gives them the power to make it so!

I guess what I’m saying is, RIP to Choose Love and Netflix’s interactive era. If you need me, I’ll be over on Twine working on my choose-your-own-romance bisexual love triangle masterpiece which I will inevitably re-abandon after three days.

[bouncykhotchillipeppers]

Welcome back to another special edition of my astrological chart readings… Today we have Seonghwa.

✦ Disclaimer I do not know him personally, no harm intended, others may interpret differently. I’ve been studying astrology for six years, and I take this seriously and try my best. Feel free to ask any questions you have! This is not a full chart reading, just a couple of interesting things for his birthday.

✦ Sun, Mercury Rx, Mars, Saturn conjunction, Sun conjunct Midheaven in Aries (Tenth House) Quick rundown, when I found out that if you swap the characters in his given name (성화 seong-hwa to become 화성 hwa-seong) and it means Mars, well… Aries is ruled by Mars. They’re inherently connected in astrology as they have the same energy. And he has four planets and his Midheaven all in Aries, which is crazy! Things that seem fated.

Back to the actual analysis. Stelliums, or three or more planets in one sign, are common occurrences. He has two stelliums, one in Aries (Sun, Mercury, Mars, Saturn) and one in Aquarius (Venus, Uranus, Neptune).

There is an overall need to be noticed—he wants to be recognized for whatever he achieves, and he will achieve things because he’s determined enough to and has the iron-clad will to get him through any trials he will come across. Despite this need to be noticed, the Aries Sun thriving in the spotlight, he has a penchant for being sensitive to how others perceive him, thanks to Saturn being here as well. What others say about him matters. He wants to conform, yet he wants to rebel. It will take a while for him to come out of his shell, but when he does, it’s wonderful.

That Mars-Saturn conjunction is the most interesting because it’s the most powerful, the domicile Mars overpowering the exiled Saturn. Someone who is simultaneously afraid of conflict yet constantly testing his will in extreme situations. Impulse vs steadfastness. There are many ways this can be interpreted, though for brevity I will say that part of him will always need to let his individuality out, his need for independence, and there’s a battle against authority going on inside of him at all times.

Mars-Saturn sesquiquadrate Pluto, the patience and depth is astounding… Endurance, survival, in it for the long run. When he devotes himself, he devotes everything he has. He’s all in. He doesn’t know how to do things halfway.

Mercury-Mars conjunction, a quick thinker, though with Mercury in retrograde, it may come out unplanned or not as it should be taken. A little witty, a little silly… Bored easily.

Sun sextile Uranus makes him open to being a little quirky and odd, more willing to associate himself with people who don’t fit in, and that Venus placement emphasizes this, too.

✦ Moon in Cancer (Twelfth House) This is his chart ruler, an overpowering presence in his chart. Moon rules over what is secure, emotions and the presence in the home. Whatever is in 12H bleeds into the collective consciousness—your feelings are his feelings, and he isn’t sure where yours end and his begin. Extremely sensitive to whatever and whoever is around him. There needs to be a…refined aspect to this though. He doesn’t like to deal with anything too unpleasant if he doesn’t have to. It’s good that he has the Aries and Aquarius to offset this, the doers of the zodiac, otherwise he could get too stuck in his own head and avoid confrontation altogether in order to keep the peace. I suppose one could also associate this placement with someone who lives in a chaotic home, many unplanned things happening all at once, though it could also mean someone who wants to maintain a perfect home, perhaps in spite of the chaos. Since Moon and Cancer both are associated with the mother, this could also mean an idealization (12H) of all motherly or homely things.

✦ Venus in Aquarius (Eighth House) I sort of covered this when I did Hongjoong’s chart reading a month ago, but it’s likely that Seonghwa runs very hot and cold with people, very either/or. Venus doesn’t naturally like to be here. He has a lot of walls… Once you’re in his circle, you’re in it permanently—unless you betray him somehow, which would be the ultimate offense. Very protective over others. Uranus in 7H emphasizes the hot-cold of his personality, though he has 7H of one-on-one relationships in Capricorn and 11H of friendships in Taurus, so whatever friendships and relationships he does have are long term. He probably likes to give gifts of some kind to others, an exchange of sorts. “I do this for you, you do this for me.”

✦ Final thoughts Seonghwa is a very passionate and devoted person. He simultaneously wears his heart on his sleeve but keeps his cards close to his chest… Everything must surface eventually though.

I don’t talk about parents because I do not wish to speculate, but I do feel like he’s very similar to his mother in a lot of ways due to all of the planets in tenth house and his Ascendant being in Cancer.

Thank you for reading! You can check out my other chart readings on my blog or on Twitter.

[onegianthotmess]

Thinking about Jamil finally meeting Fortuna’s family when he’s in his fourth year and she’s in her third.

And Fortuna really has to prepare him-

Fortuna comes from a very big family, the oldest being about thirty-three and the youngest being around seven years old. Her parents got pregnant and married young and thrived on the chaos, so they decided to roll with it. Thank goodness the family business does so well!

All in all, Fortuna comes from a family of thirteen, herself and Sam and her parents included. This means that Fortuna has TEN siblings! Not that anyone is complaining, they all love each other very much and love having a big family.

But every time someone brings home a partner, things get even more insane because everyone wants to meet the partner and make them feel welcome. They’re the incredibly enthusiastic, if a bit pushy, family that end up making you feel like you’re part of the family even if you’re just a friend visiting.

So Fortuna is giving Jamil advice a week in advance and basically an idiot’s guide of do’s and don’t’s for when he meets the family.

Do: respect Momma at all costs, compliment at least three different dishes made by Momma, do exactly what Momma asks you exactly when she says it, give honest taste testing opinions, always let Momma know if you’re uncomfortable, always look someone in the eye when conversing especially if you’re talking with Momma, and make sure to hug Momma when you meet her. (Most of the Do’s are about how to act properly in front of Momma)

Don’t: let the death glares from Daddy and older brothers get to you, let the twins preform any kind of reading on you, let anyone try to make a deal with you on a product, play poker with Sam and Daddy because they cheat, and don’t leave the table right after you finish eating and use the rest of the time for talking and getting to know everyone.

And after a week of taking notes, going through what to do in situations that were bound to happen, and everything in between, Fortuna dubbed Jamil ready to meet her family.

And boy, did they leave a first impression on him.

Firstly, he’d watched Fortuna get scooped up by her father as he welcomed her home with a kiss to her cheek and a massive hug. And if Jamil already wasn’t scared to meet the man due to Fortuna’s prepping and mentions of how he taught her to kickbox like a pro, he definitely was scared now due to the sheer size of the man. He put the “giant” in gentle giant with his size and large amount of muscle due to years of dedicated work for his business and consistently going to the gym.

Then he’d watched Fortuna’s mother come and hug her and plant several kisses to her cheek once the girl was put down by her father. And Jamil knew he’d found the mama bear when she walked over because not only did she already have an air of protectiveness around her, but she also had a lean yet muscled build like he had himself.

And then he was noticed.

Jamil was immediately given a rib-cracking hug from Fortuna’s mother and dragged into their home and introduced to Fortuna’s siblings before both Jamil and Fortuna were dragged into the kitchen to help with cooking. Jamil was so engrossed in getting to know Fortuna’s mother that he didn’t even notice the death glares being sent his way.

I fucking love this canon x oc ship just about as much as I love Leona x Morel-

The chaos is too good-

[redacted-scp-antics]

Saints are done. Time for the Stareater.

TW!! Mention of cannibalism and torture.

No, they don't actually eat stars, at least not eating in the classic way. Stareater are known for their ability to create the so called "red void." It works like a very thick, fog-like thing that consumes everything in its path. Suffocating even the brightest light. Each of them is able to create a smaller version of the "void.".

Getting trapped inside this "void" is a horrible feeling. Not only is it very hard to breathe, but it's also ice-cold and can take away the victim's sense of hearing and seeing. Beside using it as a weapon, they can also use it as a way of traveling.

Stareater are NOT good people; they thrive on pain, suffering and chaos. They don't care how much they hurt whoever they are attacking. Often sinking their teeth into the flesh of another person while they are still alive.

They resemble humans but there is one very obvious thing that makes them different from humans. Every Stareater has antlers. These antlers vary in size and color. However, only their creator has golden antlers.

Just like the Saints, Stareaters come into the world as grown adults. The dimension they live in is just way too dangerous for a kid. Their creator is called "Lacereil". Despite them not really believing in things such as a leader, most of them are clever enough not to mess with Lacereil or those closest to him. They know that they don't stand a chance against him.

The void? They actually have complete control over how bad it gets. It doesn't have to make someone blind during the time trapped inside. It also doesn't have to be as cold.

They have done many evil things, and one thing they are infamously known for is the attack on the Starborn species. During the attack, they didn't show any mercy. Almost all the Starborn died back then.

Stareater don't have to be monsters. They are capable of showing kindness. However, so far only Noire has openly shown this. This infuriated the others, and Lacereil banished him into a lonely forest. While Lacereil is a monster in most cases. Banishing Noire was not really done out of spite. He knew that Noire was not safe with them anymore. And he was also very much aware of Noire's skills.

Noire spends most of his time alone. Beside Lacereil he only gets visits from three other Stareaters.

Lynia, a female Stareater known for her strategies.

Ashem a skilled hunter who is even able to murder new and old gods.

And Carmient, Ashem's closest companion.

The bond between Ashem and Carmient is the deepest that has ever been seen between two of their kind. They might not openly show it, but both of them care deeply for the other.

[thebowerypresents]

Geese Prepare for Next Chapter at Sold-Out Music Hall of Williamsburg on Friday Night

Geese – Music Hall of Williamsburg – December 6, 2024

In a series of year-in-review features, several New York Times critics use variations on a term one of them called “algorithm breakers” — that is, output that eludes “easy categorization, keeping us off balance.” The term in that particular instance was for movies, but it could just as easily apply to other art forms. Maybe I liked it because it helps with a band not at all easily described: Brooklyn’s Geese. Not in the lazy “they’re genre-benders, wow!” kind of way, but because, like fellow shape-shifters (and recent tour mates) King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, theirs is a sound that thrives at the pressure points of where different rock styles clash into near chaos but hold steady to create invigorating music. They hit a little weird at first — and you’re reaching for why. But they’re under your skin already.

Geese’s first record, 2021’s Projector, had jittery post-punk for days, running the gamut from Television to Radiohead. The next record, 2023’s mesmerizing 3D Country, felt like a mutation, taking that sound every which way from chamber-folk to scuzzy-noise jamband, from pretty to zany to screamy. At times and in moments, they’re the kind of band you sort of can hear whatever sound you want in (I hear Beck at his most experimental). But in aggregate, they don’t feel derivative, and you’re more apt to marvel at how what they have hangs together at the brink of where it’s about to come apart at the seams and wobble off the front of the stage. 

Wouldn’t you know it: Geese also have a festival. Friday night was the second of three shows at Music Hall of Williamsburg, part of the band’s second-annual Geesefest, each with a different collection of cannily curated openers. (Friday had NYC’s Guerilla Toss, filling the room with big-rock-sound pow, and earlier, Philadelphia’s Cold Court, doing a ferocious jazz-punk thing.) Over a nearly two-hour set, Geese frontman Cameron Winter and his rambunctious cohorts served a little bit of everything, throwing back to Projector with “Rain Dance” and a punched-up “Fantasies/Survival,” peeling off more than half of 3D Country with standouts including a raging “Mysterious Love,” a woozy “Domoto” and, to close the show, the tender “Tomorrow’s Crusades,” Winter’s pained-happy falsetto carrying the “Where would I be without you” refrain. 

The story of the night, actually, was new songs: three billed as Geese tunes and one (the terrific “Drinking Age”) from Winter’s own just-released solo album. Each was a flavor of Geese, showcased in well-selected places in the overall set, without distinctly pointing to a direction the band might be headed with their next mutation. But most of all, the band seemed to love playing them, seemed to love their abandon, seemed to love their people, seemed to love this moment they’ve hit where they’re graduating to bigger things and have a lot of growth to celebrate. The crowd knew it, too: We all savored the rush of what already felt like an underplay-sized room for Geese. It’s the excitingly early, not just promisingly early stage: not quite Chapter 1 of their story anymore, and certainty that many more chapters are on the way. —Chad Berndtson | @Cberndtson

Photos courtesy of Toby Tenenbaum | @tobytenenbaum

[dragon-kazansky]

The song in our hearts

Lestat De Lioncourt x Female Reader

A musician with a heart that sings and an admirer who wishes to see his songbird thrive. Two beings in different worlds get caught up in each other when someone threatens to steal his songbird's spotlight. Loving Lestat isn't simple, and your life will never be the same again. What is eternity without chaos?

{Masterlist}

{Previous Chapter} - {Next Chapter}

Chapter Six - Just a drop

Lestat escorted you from the theater all the way to his house. You didn't even hesitate to go with him. It was like everything in your life was simply leading back to him.

You weren't sure if that was of your own free will or not yet. There was still a long way to go with Lestat.

As you stepped into his house you froze at the entrance of the living room. You found yourself staring at the couch. Last time you were here, Noah was bleeding out and Lestat was drinking from him…

“We can go upstairs if you wish.”

You're startled by his voice. You turn and put on a smile. “I'm okay.” You look at him. He looks at you. “It's… not a great feeling being in a room I know someone literally died in.”

Lestat caresses your chin with his finger. He guides your head toward him. “Don't think about him anymore. He's gone. Now it's just you and me.”

You keep your eyes on him, but you're thinking about the couch.

“Non, Chéri. Thoughts on me.”

“Are you always going to read my mind?”

“Not always. Only when you're clearly deep in thought.” He lowers his hand, but he doesn't tear his eyes away from you. “Which is a lot.”

“Don't get smart with me, vampire.”

He chuckles, though it sounds like he's mocking you a little. “Use my name. I like how it sounds from your lips.”

This man knows no bounds.

“You're pushing my buttons.”

“The right ones?” He grins. Lestat leans in close to your ear. “Don't deny yourself the pleasure. I'm yours, tonight, tomorrow, and every night after.”

Your breath hitches. His grin gross wide.

“You want me, non? You wrote me a song. You think about me daily. You look for me in the crowd. You took my hand and felt me bring you here. I know you. I know your thoughts.” He smirks. “Humans think of only three things most of the time. Money. Home. Sex.”

You feel a shiver run down your spine. You can't hide anything from him. He's listening to your inner thoughts.

“Damn it.”

He grins. “Just say it. Tell me what you want. Better yet, show me.”

You stare into those beautiful blue eyes. It's too late to even change your mind. He knows. You don't even bother pretending as you reach out and grab his jacket. You pull him forward and kiss him. Lestat returns the kiss hungrily, his hands clawing at your waist. You can feel his long nails digging in slightly.

He guides backwards toward the couch but you stop him. “Not here.”

He sighs against your lips. “Understood, Chéri.”

Lestat entwined his fingers with yours and guided you upstairs. You keep your eyes on him as you follow him. He moves slow, almost like a cat stalking a mouse. He guides you into a room and you both coke to a stop.

A coffin is sitting in the middle of the room. You turn your head toward Lestat slowly.

“Are you afraid?”

“You don't… want me to get in there… do you?”

Lestat leaves your side and approaches the coffin. He opens the top and let's you look inside. There's nothing in there, not that you thought there would be. He clearly sleeps here.

“Do you want to?” He asks.

“No…”

Lestat closes it again and sits on top. He looks at you for a long few moments, silence sitting heavy between you both.

“Come here.” He holds out his hand.

You stare at it. Your heart was pounding in your chest and a part of you was afraid again. Lestat had this effect on you. Even so, you reach out and take his hand. He guides you closer to him.

“There is something I want.”

He stands up, standing as close to you as possible. You can't tear your gaze away from him. You feel like you're breathing too loudly. 

Lestat smiles. “Stop thinking, Chéri.”

His arm wraps around your waist and pulls you against his chest. You have no choice but to look at him. He grins. You can see his teeth. He's not even pretending any more.

“I want a taste,” he says quietly. His accent seems thicker somehow.

“Blood?”

He grins again. Of course, your blood.

“You're nervous.”

You nod your head. Didn't you have every right to be nervous? Vampires exist and head one of them. This man who had been admiring you and your music for so long was showing you his life in the dark.

Relax.

You closed your eyes and grabbed his shirt with one hand. You heard him chuckle. He leans you back, dipping you. You can feel your own heart rate pick up, and you know he knows too.

The hair falls from your shoulder, following the rules of gravity. You're almost tempted to open your eyes and look at him, but resist.

Lestat presses his lips against your skin. You gasp softly. He teases you with small kisses, making sure you feel every single one. You want to kiss him properly. You want his lips on yours.

He chuckles. He's still reading your thoughts. “All in good time, Chéri.”

You don't even get time to process what he's doing next. A sharp pain radiates from your neck and you open your eyes wide. Lestat has bitten you. You can feel your blood in your veins. He's drinking it. Drinking you.

Both your hands cling to him now. Lestat isn't phased by it. He's too focused on how wonderful you taste. You're so warm. So full of life.

Your hand slips from his arm and Lestat detaches himself from your neck. Blood trails down his chin as he looks at you. You're looking up at him through half lidded eyes.

“Beautiful.”

Your breathing is shallow and he knows you don't have the strength to get up by yourself. He lifts you up and carries you back downstairs. He lays you down on the sofa and puts a cushion behind your head.

You look so pretty.

Lestat caresses your hair gently with one hand. He takes this time to admire you. You're still looking up at him. He smiles softly at you. You're dazed. Of course you are. He drank enough to weaken you. Enough for you to have to stay here.

He removes his hand from your hair and cuts his finger with his nail. He gazes at you with an intense look. “Some of you for some of me.” Lestat isn't entirely sure if you had comprehended what he said. Still, he brings his finger to your lips and grins as you take it. You don't even question it.

“Sleep, Chéri.” 

You give in and close your eyes. Your hand rests in Lestat's lap. He takes it in his hand, fingers resting over your pulse. He smiles.

When you wake up, you're alone. You sit up slowly and last night comes rushing back to you. The theater, Lestat, your blood. You reach up and touch your neck. There's two little lumps where his teeth had been embedded into your flesh. It wasn't a dream.

You're smiling. Why are you smiling? He bit you. He's real. Lestat is a vampire.

A cup hovers near your face and you look at it. You follow the arm up to find Lestat looking at you. “Coffee?”

You take the cup. “Thank you.”

Lestat takes a seat beside you and leaves his arm hanging around the back of the sofa behind you. You're very much aware of his hand almost brushing your shoulder.

“How was it?” You ask, glancing at him.

He grins, an amused and satisfied grin. “Delicious.”

Your cheeks feel warm. “Better than you imagined.”

“Far better.” His fingers stretch out and brush gently against your hair. The sensation causes you to shiver. Lestat's lips twitch at the sight.

He has you in palm of his hand and you don't even realise it.

“How was it for you?” He asks, eyes not even blinking as he watches you.

“It was….” You trail off as you think about to last night. The feeling of his teeth piercing into your neck. The feeling of your blood flowing through your veins. His lips on your skin, his hands on your body. “It was thrilling.”

Lestat, pleased with your comment, leans forward. You dare to turn your head and look at him. “Do you remember anything else?” He asks.

“I…”

Flashes come from your memory. Broken fragments as he drained you to the point of unconsciousness. The taste of something strange lingers on your tongue. You reach up and touch your lip slightly.

“Blood. Your blood.”

“My blood is inside of you. Rather intimate, non?” He chuckles.

“Why?”

His eyes seem to light up. “You will see soon. Dearest, you have no idea the fun we are going to have. You're going to thrive and you're going to want more.”

You're not entirely sure of his words, but you also don't question him. There's a glint in his eyes you can't decipher.

Lestat leans in closer now touching you. You don't push him away so he makes himself comfortable. His arm rests around your shoulder and he guides you gently into his side. There is no space left between you.

You can't help feeling this is what he was after all along.

@awanderingghost @theprettiesthead @cosmixstar @theblueslytherin @katherine2098 @sawendel @floofdeloop @sitkafay @bigbaddie45 @bluscryn

@secretisme4 @darkqueen1995 @bridkesby @caribbeangal @sarcasticandfangirl @missjadesfics @kaybart19

[dysfunctionalsimmer]

The Dysfunctional Sim Legacy Challenge

🚨 This is an ALL-pack challenge 🚨

In The Dysfunctional Sim Legacy Challenge, you will embark on a wild journey with a family of Sims who thrive in chaos, dysfunction, and hilarity. There are ten generations in this challenge. Each generation of this legacy will bring new challenges and absurdity to your gameplay. From questionable life choices to comical mishaps, this legacy challenge will test your Sims' resilience and your ability to manage the most dysfunctional family in all of SimNation.

If you wish to share your journey, please use the hashtag #dysfunctionalsimchallenge

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Basic Rules:

You must dress to code.

Unless stated otherwise no cheats are allowed however for gen one, you may use 'freerealestate' cheat to get your first home if you don't want to build wealth on the streets, that is up to you. But after that no cheats please.

You can live anywhere in the world unless stated otherwise.

Every generation must complete both the career and aspiration of the heir unless stated otherwise.

Your spouses can do whatever you like unless stated otherwise.

Your sims and spouse can be whatever pronoun you wish them to be.

There must always be a biological heir. No robots mmkay.

Life span can be normal or long and you must have auto aging enabled.

Unless stated otherwise if an heir dies you cannot resurrect them. If there is no new generation the challenge has failed. However, if the next gen is alive but is a baby, toddler or child you may create a caregiver for them until they age into a teen if no living family member is available to raise them. Once they're a teen they're on their own.

You have free choice of who the heir will be.

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GENERATION ONE: The Hot Mess

Meet your founder, a perpetually hungover party animal with a penchant for drama and chaos. They’re determined to start a legacy, despite their chaotic lifestyle.

Traits: Party Animal, Outgoing, Cringe

Aspiration: Party Animal

Career: Mixologist (to start with)

Dress code: Hot-mess / Party Animal / Club-ware

Rules:

You must host and achieve gold for every social event available (all packs = 29 parties in total).

You cannot hold down a steady job, you must be fired at least once and quit at least once. You cannot quit a job until you max that career. 

You must have at least three children with different partners, and they must all be raised in unorthodox ways (for example raising them in a basement, only feeding them pizza, etc etc.) Never have any child taken away by child services.

You hate cooking so when it’s not a party day or holiday, you order pizza for dinner.

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GENERATION TWO: The Show Pony

Gen two is a quirky and eccentric sim who just wants to be noticed! They love being the center of attention and have a talent for making people laugh, even if it's unintentional. Their ultimate goal is to make a name for themself in the world of entertainment.

Traits: Goofball, Hot-Headed, Childish

Aspiration: Joke Star

Career: Entertainer

Dress Code: Flamboyant & Flashy

Rules:

Max Comedian career and have at least B-grade fame.

Become best friends with a global superstar and go to a karaoke club with them once a week.

If they are close, always start a fight with the paparazzi even if they’re not there for you. 

Tell a weaponized joke to all alive adults in your relationship panel once it’s unlocked. 

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GENERATION THREE: The Gold Digger

Gen three sim simply loves money. They love flaunting it. They love spending it. They just hate working for it.

Traits: Materialistic, Snob, Self-Absorbed

Aspiration: Mansion Baron

Career: N/A - Marry for Money

Dress Code: Affluent but trashy 

Rules:

You must marry and divorce (not kill) at least five rich Sims while maintaining a fabulous lifestyle. 

You only have one biological child in late adulthood. The rest of the time you drink illudium q-36 birth control or outright avoid woohoo.

Maintain a deep suntan when the weather is warm.

Visit a bar every week for your discount drinks (Friday: Ladies night, Sunday: Guys Night, any other day: Happy Hour) and don't forget to flaunt your wealth when speaking to strangers.

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GENERATION FOUR: The Eco Warrior 

Materialism disgusts Gen four. They want to save the planet while living as green and frugal as possible.

Traits: Freegan, Recycle Disciple, Green Fiend

Aspiration: Eco Innovator Aspiration

Career: Civil Designer Career (Green Technician)

Dress Code: Thrift Store

Rules:

As soon as you hit young adulthood you leave your family behind (split households) and live on the streets.

Once you hit adulthood you start your career, buy land and live off the grid (off-the-grid lot trait must be enabled) in a micro home to raise your family in. Instead of a toilet you own a bush, you have tents as bedrooms for those who can use them.

You can only use things you found in a dumpster or purchased at a flea market to decorate your micro home with.

You marry someone you meet at the flea market.

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GENERATION FIVE: The Conspiracist

Gen five is obsessed with all things strange and unexplained, from ghosts to aliens to government cover-ups. They spend their days researching conspiracy theories and investigating haunted locations around town.

Traits: Paranoid, Nosy, Socially Awkward

Aspiration: Seeker of Secrets 

Career: Paranormal Investigator (Freelancer)

Dress code: Track suits, hoodies and trench coats 

Rules:

Live in a haunted house with a secret basement conspiracy room.

Raise someone from the dead.

Have max friendship with a ghost, a werewolf, a vampire, a mermaid, an alien, patchy, and Bonehilda.

Marry and have children with Father Winter

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GENERATION SIX: The Fang Fan

Gen six sim has just finished reading their favorite vampire romance novel and is now obsessed with everything vampire, they dress like one, they befriend them, they read up about them. They’re so obsessed they get turned into one! After becoming a vampire and living the immortal life for a few years, they realize being a vampire is really boring, so they find a way to turn back into a human before they die.

Traits: Bookworm, Non-Committal, Cringe

Aspiration: Master Vampire

Career: N/A - earn your wealth by selling fine aged bottles of plasma nectar as well as other vampire concoctions.

Dress Code: Victorian / Goth

Rules:

Have equal numbers of vampire children and human children.

Reach the highest rank in the Vampire lore skill.

Turn at least 5 other Sims into vampires.

Discover the cure for vampirism and become human again.

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GENERATION SEVEN: The Thrill-Seeking Daredevil

Gen seven has a hunger for adrenaline and seeks out dangerous stunts to satisfy their need for excitement. They live life on the edge, pushing their physical limits to the extreme. Their bro-like attitude and daredevil antics make them a hit with the thrill-seeking crowd.

Traits: Active, Bro, Adventurous

Aspiration: Extreme Sports Enthusiast

Career: Athlete (Professional Athlete branch)

Dress code: Sporty

Rules:

Climb to the Highest peak of Mt. Komorebi

Celebrate the first day of the season by doing the following: Summer = drink beetle juice. Fall = Order and eat puffer fish meal. Winter = make a wish at a wishing well. Spring = Eat a Cowplant “cake”.

On every first day off work go deep scuba diving in Sulani.

If you make it to an Elder, die from overexertion.

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GENERATION Eight: The Neglectful Pet Lover

Gen Eight has a heart of gold but a messy lifestyle. They can't resist taking home every stray they come across, but they often forget to feed or care for them properly, leading to their escape back into the wild.

Traits: Animal Lover, Childish, Slob

Aspiration: Friend of the Animals

Career: Veterinarian

Dress code: Scrubs / Slob 

Rules:

Adopt and take care of at least 4 strays you find in the wild. Have them all run away at least once.

Have max friendship with a flock of wild birds, a bunny and a dust bunny.

Own at least three chickens, two goats and one llama.

Complete the bug collection.

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GENERATION NINE: The Unapologetic Criminal

Gen nine loves crime and is addicted to the thrill of stealing. As they grow older, their kleptomania only intensifies, and they become known as the town's most notorious thief.

Traits: Ambitious, Kleptomaniac, Evil

Aspiration: Public Enemy

Career: Criminal - Boss Branch

Dress Code: Sleek and stealthy outfits.

Goals:

Your spouse is a police officer who you met at prom.

Crime Spree Streak - Steal at least 10 valuable items without getting caught (reset if you get caught.)

Complete a Villainy Degree with honors or higher.

Have at least 3 enemies in the neighborhood.

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GENERATION TEN: The Cursed One

Gen Ten prefers their own company to other sims. They spend their days exploring hidden caves and ancient ruins, searching for treasure and uncovering secrets of the past.

Traits: Self-Assured, Loves Outdoors, Loner

Aspiration: Jungle Explorer

Career: N/A - sell archeology finds to fund your lifestyle.

Dress Code: Adventurer / Outdoorsy

Rules:

Create at least 9 jungle relics.

Explore all hidden zones in the world.

Be cursed five times and find a cure.

As an elder, die from a relic curse you haven’t had before. 

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This challenge was made for some friends who have lost that simming spark despite owning all the pack. It is designed to be long and challenging, but I hope you love it if you try it (my fav is gen 10 because I never made relics before.)

Happy simming everyone <3

[wolfjackle-creates]

H, K, N for the ask game 😁😁

For this ask game! (Submissions still open)

H: What is your favorite source text for fandom stuff (e.g., TV shows, movies, books, anime, Western animation, etc.)?

Probably TV shows. Though I spent more than a bit of time in the MCU, so serialized film might be a better description. There's been exceptions, of course. (Jane Austen being the notable one.) But I tend to thrive in fandoms where the writers/studios don't quite follow through on all the implications they make. Or something falls just a bit flat that fic can explore the implications of.

K: What character has your favorite development arc/the best development arc?

This is a hard one!

I'm a millennial, so of course I was enthralled by Zuko's arc in ATLA.

Edward and Alphonse Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist are more character studies I adore. Just... The way they had to confront the truth of what a philosopher's stone required and how their journey changed from resurrecting their mom to restoring their (Alphonse's) bodies to bringing down the homunculi. The way they grew as people throughout the manga/show. I just love them, okay?

Frodo from Lord of the Rings. His journey broke him, but he persevered. At first, he made a promise with no idea what would be required of him. But when it got tough? When he started to break under the pressure? When he shattered? He didn't give up. Because the world and his home and Sam were worth everything.

I just really like heroic characters, okay?

N: Name three things you wish you saw more or in your main fandom (or a fandom of choice).

[The answers to this are gonna be dpxdc specific. I know some of these are explored more in their individual fandoms.]

I love when people explore the complexities of Jazz's character. She doesn't always have her shit together, she just pretends to. And she's a bit of a know-it-all with a superiority complex around her intelligence. Again, I know this gets explored more on the DP only side of things, but I don't see it as much on the crossover side of things. (And I do have something in the works for this on my end!)

Repeat the above with Dick, tbh.

I would like to see more exploration of Danielle, too. Like, her character tends to be just "chaos gremlin who loves to travel." But... she went to travel because the DP writers didn't feel like actually figuring out how to fit a 12 year old into the show when Danny's parents couldn't know about her. Danny and his friends were 14, Jazz 16. They were entirely incapable of taking care of a 12 year old, so she was mostly written out of the show after her creation for shock value. I'd love to see more of her as a traumatized, abandoned kid who looks 12 but is really just a few months and has no one she can turn to for help. (Something I also plan to touch on with my own fics.)

The above are just my interpretations of the characters! I know a lot of people see them differently. And I do write my fics with the above characterizations in mind, so I'm definitely aiming to be the change I want to see. (We'll see more of Dani in the upcoming scenes of Bring Me Home. And I have plans for some things involving Jazz.)