#this is how I feel looking at them most of the time tbh

[animationexhilaration]

In anticipation of the next chapter with Leather, his deranged brothers, Jammy and Hitch.

Ok so, Leathers brothers are the ones i had the most fun with. I especially had fun with Hitch. Think I had the most freedom when designing these two because there's little to know indication of what they look like. the most to be inferred was "similar to Leather" and "farmers"

I just realized I gave them similar poses lol

Honestly, a lot of my interpretations of the brothers is very loose. From what I can gather, they are based on the Sawyer family, pretty obviously with Leather being a sexy Leatherface. But aside from that, I believe that Hitch takes inspiration from Nubbins Sawyer, who's known as the Hitchhiker and the most deranged; I mean we get dialogue from the Mc About how much we hate Hitch. I'm not too sure about Jammy; Its possible he could be the cook but that's a reach.

I took a lot of liberties with how Hitch and Jammy could be interpreted. Like, Leather feels like he's got a lot of older sibling energy, there's no way Hitch ISN'T a middle child, and Jammy feels like a youngest child. We get little info on their individual personalities outside of a few minute, easy to miss moments, based on vibes.

We hear about Jammy first; Leather comments that Jammy slacks off and in a later chapter, we have the option to tease Leather about Jammy fooling around with girls and from the way Leather reacts: he doesn't rule this out as a possiblity. So its likely he might have lured people to kill. Buts that's a headcanon tbh. But we do know the most about his personality, especially compared to his brother. Minus the blood and if he tried not to look like a shifty bastard, he'd come off as a simple farmer

Then we see Hitch in a later chapter, but he's unnamed until Leathers mask off episode. We don't get much info on him, it feels like he lurks in the background until its time to kill, so I reflected it in how his hat obscures his eyes. Whatever personality we can glean from him, i think we can also draw from Nubbins from TCM; psychotic and mentally deranged with erratic behavior. He might be the most bloodthirsty or confrontational, as evidenced by the fact he's the one hunting us down the most in Leathers mask off chapter.

It's pretty obvious that Hitch and Jammy are closer to each other than they are to Leather, as evidenced by the way they talk about him. From what I know about toxic family dynamics especially among siblings, it honestly feels like they might have been turned against him at some point. One could guess they somewhat cared for each other, but their hatred of witches and outsider overrode that. Their family is generally pretty fucked and we might get more info on them outside of the witch stuff. I hope so at least.

[tani-b-art]

there’s always that one person. that somebody. that someone who has had the most influence on helping to shape who you are. crystal is ava’s.

when ava responded with, “of course” after crystal told her “thank you, for what you did in there” and following when crystal said, “i appreciate it…” both of those reactions from ava were out of surprise and humility. she wasn’t expecting her to say any of that but you can see how much ava was so happy to hear it. elicited some real unsuspected mushiness from her and it looked like when a child is proud they gained their patent’s approval for a good thing they did. very meek in the cutest of ways. soft ava — the fact that crystal can still touch that special spot in ava even with them not being on good terms tells a lot, too. the fact that ava told her, “of course”…saying that tells that despite their not so good place, she still wanted to look out for her and it wasn’t a question. it’s almost as if she said you’re still my soror, you’re still my sister, you’re still my friend (i still remember how special you made me feel—on all levels of their friendship and/or relationship) and i wanted to help you and could, so i did. for ava’s immediate reaction to be so empathetic to hearing crystal in distress about not being successful in her bid for their funds—to me, that seems like she’s witnessed crystal in this position/state before (back in the day) and her instinct to so quickly recognize that coming from her…it was all still in her memory bank and ava was there then and now to be the calm to her storm and to find someway to fix whatever it was that has crystal anxious. it feels like a lot of ava’s reaction to crystal was from recalling and recognizing old times. ava didn’t mind putting the long-standing rivalry between them went on temporary pause so she can be there for her. even with their beef, ava keeps that special place for crystal open just a little.

(come to think of it, ava may get a surprise visit from crystal at abbott with the purposes to ask for her forgiveness. that lingering conversation will finally be had. they’ll talk it out, crystal will admit she did ava wrong, ava will accept her forgiveness and that’ll be the closure they, mostly ava, need(s))

if we’re never told about her & crystal’s backstory during their college/sorority days, i think we all can very much piece everything together without an actual episode. there’s so much explained in their few but extremely pivotal interactions — and we clearly see just how affected ava still is to this day with crystal. it appears as though the one person ava has gotten close to by choice (not familial) or allowed herself to be open to really damaged her in a formative period in her life and that person was crystal. and crystal betrayed her. their connection was good in the beginning and then turned not good at all. maybe it wasn’t crystal’s intention to hurt ava (idk why but in my deciphering of them, i believe crystal’s whole purpose of befriending ava initially was based in something that was contrived but along the way, crystal actually started to like ava, not just on a friend level either, and then it turned ugly when their situation got “exposed” to their sorority and crystal decided to keep her reputation intact and save face)…i’m still debating on if any of their falling out was intentional on that account or not. but however it played out, crystal’s actions definitely hurt ava and created this persona in ava. the emotionally impenetrable person she is. but, it’s obvious how that glass of protection she formed for self is slowly being built down because of people like janine and o’shon who aren’t crystal. both of them (especially janine; tbh, I would also add iggy because they have a relationship that seems just as impactful but probably was right after crystal—not sure on the timeframe yet but it seems like he came into her life at an aligning time) are helping her realize that she won’t need that protective glass anymore whenever she shares intimate moments with them…the image that comes to mind with ava and her glass of protection is the enchanted rose inside of the glass dome. she’s the rose that placed herself inside of it out of self-protection. it’s still a glass but it doesn’t have the purpose of running out of time (like the fairytale) so she has time to see everyone for who they really are. all the new people in her life (janine, o’shon) that show her any signs of like and love have been treating her that way in genuine kindness and in sincere care and it’s safe. and because it’s safe and considerate and w/o malice, she can dismount the dome that’s been shielding her and let herself experience those beautiful acts from the people who care for her. there’s honesty in their feelings towards her. so that glass dome, it served its purpose. she can reveal herself from underneath it.

we’ve gotten lots of soft, delicate and vulnerable Ava this season. she feels very safe with the people she’s allowed to see this side of her which shows how much she feels protected to let down her walls and unmasks herself around them. she obviously isn’t able to allow this often because her reactions to folks being kind, patient and gentle with her proves how foreign it is—it’s an act of love she isn’t too familiar with because she’s not gotten it very often. probably only from her grandmother so it coming from non-family seems jarring to her but y’all know she absolutely loves it! so seeing her let it happen and momentarily receive it to let her soft come forth is…soft.

it’s soft and still very powerful too. and it’s beautiful because it’s brave and graceful. i would even say her timidity is beautiful, brave and graceful just as well. so sweet. so kind. all very attractive.

Ava is allowing Ava!

(a lot of this soft Ava awakening is in large part to Janine)

[the-bonfires-ember]

fuck it ill do it myself

Being in a Relationship with Someone with NPD for Dummies

**I would like to open with the preface that if someone is not willing to work on their NPD or to work through elements of their mental illness that strains your relationship, then they are not ready to be in a relationship. I got super lucky in that my partner was over-therapised tbh and so is able and willing to make the accommodations I mention here but that will not be the case for everyone. Think it through carefully. Everyone deserves love, but they should never feel like they need to sacrifice their own wellbeing to give it and get it in return. Be safe and look after yourself**

This is written for people in romantic relationships but with some editing, it could be useful for platonic relationships also

So, the first thing I want to explain is Narc crashes. Maybe you've heard about them, maybe you haven't but understanding them is, I think, the most important piece of groundwork you could have. Think of NPD as a hard shell over something very soft and gooey. Anything can cause the shell to crack, even the most gentle of taps. And those cracks can vary in size, so that sometimes only a little bit of the insides ooze out, and sometimes a lot pours out all at once. Someone with NPD has built their ego and external image to shelter a typically very young and fragile version of themselves. And when that shell breaks, it can feel like an attack on that weaker part. NPD crashes look different depending on the person. For me, as an example, I get this overwhelming feeling that I am going to be discarded and left alone. Which is particularly unhelpful in a romantic relationship but we'll get there. For other people, depending on the severity, they could lash out, get very defensive, or start having ideas about self harm and suicide. I don't really get that bad anymore, but I also haven't crashed so catastrophically in recent months.

On to specific advice!

Make a plan of what to do in the case of a crash. This can be anything from, 'tell me that you still love me and that you aren't going to leave' to 'leave me alone, I can't regulate around other people'. It could be physical comfort, it could be getting them something sweet to eat when they are calmer, or it could be a bath. Have a conversation about it when you are both in a good mental state and make a plan. Keep in mind the differences in severity so that you know what to do and how to react.

When you have a problem, bring it up gently and carefully. When they are doing something that you want to question or ask for them to do differently, remember that they will take it badly if you handle it wrong. I don't mean 'just let them do whatever they want forever'. That is both unhelpful and unrealistic. Of course there are going to be things you need to discuss. Just be cautious about your words being interpreted as a threat to them. This can be another thing you discuss together ahead of time so that you can formulate a way of phrasing such things in a way that they feel more comfortable with.

Keep your emotions under control. If you are mad at your partner with NPD for something, get a hold of that anger by yourself first and then bring it up with them when you are calmer. Getting angry at someone with NPD creates a loop of them feeding off your anger, getting anxious and overwhelmed by the perceived aggressive nature of the conversation, and immediately going into defense mode - which tends to make you angrier and then it just loops around again and no one benefits from that. I mean, I think this applies to all relationships but taking out your own emotional responses on your partner is especially damaging when they have NPD. It hurts us much more deeply and for much longer.

To break those things down to their base components, you need to have a lot of patience and emotional maturity. Which is a big ask, and I'm sure there are people out there who have made it work somehow without those things. I don't know of any personally, but I'm sure it has happened before. Either way, make sure that the relationship works for you too. If you have to go to all this effort for the one you love, they should be willing to do the work for you too.

People with NPD deserve to be loved, but no one deserves having to hurt themselves to keep loving the one who is doing that harm in the first place.

Mental health is complicated. Personality disorders are complicated. Frankly, people are complicated. Maybe some of what I've said is valuable to you and your partner, and maybe none of it is and you are still able to be in a healthy relationship, even if it looks different to mine. And that's great! As long as it works for you both, do whatever you want forever.

Just be safe and take care of yourself first and foremost.

[aristaspark]

Although I have an idea, what is the order of your favorite characters between JWCC and JWCT??

Good question !

Jwcc:

1- Brooklynn. I don't know, I just love how savage she is. I love that she knows what she wants and that she always stands her ground (I was sooo team Brooklynn during the phone gate). And I relate so much to her struggles when it comes to her feeling like an outsider in social settings. I like the fact that she's kind of the "popular girl" archetype but introverted and genuinely socially akward at the same time, and not in a quirky way. I feel like a character like Brooklynn has rarely been done, if ever.

2- Kenji. I've always had a soft spot for the annoying boy no one can stand and Kenji fits the description to a t. I love him even more because they actually explained what had led him to be that way (he's not just annoying for the sake of it, it's merely the result of his father abandonment) and it just makes sense.

3- Yasmina: I really like her, and as much as I like Brooklynn, I think Yaz is the one who resembles me the most 😂 I found myself relating to her so many times. She's the least annoying and the most mature tbh.

4 - Darius: I really like him, and I like the storyline with his dad, it explains his fascination for everything jurassic well but he's at that place because he's often too one note for my liking. Like, he does struggle to put himself in other people shoes to understand them even when he's the one in the wrong and he is REALLY idealistic, sometimes to the detriment of actual people. But I like him 😂.

5 - Ben: Ok, don't kill me. Ben is really hard for me to place because I kinda not like him in some seasons but like him in others lol. If we're talking season 1 to 3 Ben, I find him annoying and too immature, it puts me off. The season I dislike him the most in is season 3 where he's really selfish and makes some really questionnable decisions, but I do like the storyline. Now, season 4-5 Ben? Love him, I'd place him above Darius and maybe even above Yaz.

6- Sammy: Sorry, but as an introvert Sammy is really too much for me even from behind my screen 😭 She struggles with respecting people's bondaries or straight up respecting people who don't share her worldview. And idk, she's too optimistic it puts me off sometimes 😭 I like her, I simply like her the least overall.

Now, Jwct

1 - Brooklynn : What can I say, I'm loyal 😂 No but I really love where they took her character because it doesn't come out of nowhere, the seeds of her "downfall" had already been planted in jwcc and I live for it. People who say she's not the same watched jwcc with their eyes closed I don't care 😭 And with all the trauma she's been through I feel even more for her, and I can't wait to see what the end of her story will be.

2 - Kenji: I absolutely love him in jwct, but for different reasons I guess. They turned the stereotypical narcissistic boy into a man who's desesperately trying to find light in the pit of darkness that his life has become and I feel so much for him. Idk, I relate to him so much and I just want him to get the good things he deserves.

3 - Ben: I love him so much in jwct. I find him funny but touching at the same time. What I will say might sound controversial but I think one of the reasons I like him so much more here is because Bumpy is not there. In jwcc he always was kinda detached from the group because he was glued to Bumpy so much that she had become part of his character, but jwct, by removing Bumpy for most of the season, allowed him to really find his place in the group and to developp an identity outside of Bumpy.

4 - Sammy: LOVE HER TOO. She's so much more...idk...balanced? She still has that optimistic personnality but she's allowed to be more nuanced and I love that for her. She's able to listen to others and to learn from her mistakes which is a big evolution when we look at jwcc (we can see this especially in her scenes with Yaz). So yeah, stan jwct Sammy.

5 - Yaz: I still like her, but I feel like her personnality took too much of a drastic turn. She kinda feels like a different character in a way and it's kind of a bummer because I liked her "harder" side. In season 2, especially, I feel like her character can be summarized with a single word (therapist), and that's never a good thing. But I like her because, let's be honest, they wrote her to be likable, but she's missing something.

6 - Darius: Little disclaimer, me putting him last doesn't mean I don't like him, I love them all in jwct, but someone has to be last 😭 I like him in season 1 and his inner conflict regarding Brook's death/his involvement in her demise. But in season 2 I really feel like he's just kinda there. And the way he confessed really left a bad taste in my mouth which affected my view of his character. The fact that he had the nerve to throw Kenji under the bus is messed up on so many levels and he has yet to redeem himself in my book. So I'm waiting to see where they'll take his character because this could simply be the foundation for a very interesting arc, and I hope that's the case.

[sleepnowmychild]

Your recent post, somehow that was actually helpful to be reminded we're allowed to not try to force ourselves to see the gods as we work with them and the characters in the myths as completely synonymous. Trying to navigate that has actually been really difficult and confusing for our practice.

I feel like since helpol fell from the massive powerhouse it was in ancient times, when it was so widespread and engraned in several cultures, a lot of people tend to see it as something of the past. Like they're just old stories from a far off time and it was never a wide spread religion with differences between reigons and time periods at all.

Everyone's relationship with the gods and how they practice will differ, and the time periods and cultures changing over the years will also effect how we worship (like we dong exactly casually sacrifice animals anymore you know). But I've always noticed that a lot of modern people find it kind of hard to see ancient religions like religions, and more like set of stories you're in a fandom for.

Whatever your worship looks like, it's completely valid as long as you can separate the real gods from their 'fandom-ified' modern interperations we see in retellings like PJO, LO, hades game and Epic etc. Some retelling will be better than others, but even the best ones aren't equal to the actual religion and ancient texts.

Tbh the 'fandom-ification' of religions and their stories is kind of inevitable, I'm sure in like 5000 years when some new religion is the most widespread, all the major ones we have today will face the same fandom treatment as a lot of ancient polytheism religions do now. I mean,,, people already write Jesus x Judas fic for the jokes today, one day it'll be dead serious fanfic like people make for the greco roman gods right now.

[aritsukemo]

Okay, so this was an amaaazing read....that took me four classes to get through...BUT STILL GREAT!! <3

With this being my first time reading one of your works, you definitely blew my expectations out of the water!! AGHH THIS WAS SO CUTE!! >.<

The best way to describe this was like baking a cake from scratch, and in the process, mixing gumdrops into the already sweet batter! I adore the way you write!! It's makes me feel the same way I feel whenever I look at someone's pretty handwriting 🥹

No, but seriously, this felt like I was watching a romcom ( a good one that I would snuggle up in bed to watch and eat my favorite cookies to not the cringe ones that I put on in the background to help fall asleep just an fyi ) The dialogue, the descriptions, the comedic elements... Everything was done in such a perfect way and made me completely fall in love!

Love the memory of the fortune game and I adore how it came back around at the end! I found it to be a nice touch! March comforting the reader and overall her way of speaking in this made me feel so warm and fuzzy. It was like a nice hug tbh 🤭

OH OH OH, speaking of the dialogue!! IT WAS AGHHH SO ADDICTIVE!! I love how much personality everyone had. Like, I think what I love most about this is how animated everything felt reading this. Reader's internal monologuing and overall personality just seemed so refreshing and alive! It made your way of writing seem truly one of a kind!! 🥰

I'm still fresh to HSR, but I feel like you absolutely nailed the characterization of EVERYONE in this fic. ( My personal favorite was, ironically, Herta, who I'm not the biggest fan of in the game bc I think she's kinda bland, but that's a convo for another day )

Like, I personally tend to have this sorta disconnect when reading ( and sometimes writing ) fanfics bc I can typically never imagine them saying the stuff they do in fanfics but I didn't at all come across that problem reading this, and to that, I applaud you ten times over! You're truly gifted with a pen ( ...or I guess in this case it would be a keyboard. ..Huh.. Whatever, you get what I mean )

Everyone, please, check this fic ( and them ) out! 🙏 I had such fun reading this and I'm sure you would too!

RUE.

── march 7th x gn!reader

summary: On Valentine's Day, rumors reach your ears that your best friend - and coincidentally, your mega crush - March 7th, has inexplicably started dating someone else. Is everything here really as it seems, or is Cupid just using you as target practice?

contains: modern & highschool au, misunderstanding trope, comedic tone but there is Angst Kinda™, inspired by my very american experiences (sorry), not actually unrequited love, happy ending, perhaps some wlw-coding icl but anyone can read

word count: 5.6k

notes: written for this event, requested by @plebejus-argus (prompt rue + indelible, lacuna)! umm. i got a little carried away. enjoy.

The world is ending as you know it.

“I’m sorry,” you shake your head, smile turning terse. “What was that?”

“I said she’s with someone else,” Herta, the Robotics Club president, informs you. She slams her locker shut (normally you’d make a comment about her barely reaching the knob, but right now you think your insides are dissolving), the sound reverberating throughout the chasmic hallway.

“Why you or anyone else would want to date Little Miss Pink is beyond me, but you’re encroaching on a taken lady, twerp. For your own benefit, you should back off.”

You knew something was off when the aloof academic genius herself dragged you away from your lunch to walk with her. But you didn’t expect this. March, your bestest friend in the whole wide world, suddenly off the market? And the news is being broken to you on the day of your planned confession? 

This can’t be right, your gut urges, she would’ve told me.

Why wouldn’t she? March 7th tells you everything! She even confided in you about accidentally pushing that TA into the courtyard fountain that one time. Hell, the pink-haired girl even triple texts you about the drama she overhears (eavesdrops on) in the library, excessive emojis included.

You text her during calculus when you should be working, and she responds immediately, both of your souls almost intertwined in some type of procrastination symbiosis. When you’re riding the bus together, she’ll rest her head on your shoulder and doze for twenty minutes while you watch the rise and fall of her chest.

And on days like these, Valentine’s, you hold apprehensive hope in your heart that today may be the day I tell her how I feel.

Your chest tightens painfully. What if that day will never come? 

“How do you know that?” you rasp, throat now dry, “And more importantly, why do you care? You didn’t even come to my party last week! You’re a geek, not a gossip—”

Herta whirls around to face you, amethyst eyes narrowed. “I’m not stupid. If you require anecdotal evidence, fine: I saw her canoodling with her presumed lover this morning. I can’t remember his name, and frankly, he was repulsive - but he was holding a bouquet, she was giving him googoo eyes, et cetera.”

You are going to die. 

If it were not for your stubborn brain, you’d buckle to your knees and beat on the linoleum floor while lamenting how every single divine being out there must be praying on your downfall. But you stay as still as a statue, probably burning holes into this egghead’s face.

It makes a little sense, you suppose. March 7th is fun, hilarious, thoughtful, beautiful, and full of joy; she’s a total catch, so it’s not as surprising as you’d like that others would be vying for her attention. She’s already befriended just about everyone in this school, including all of the teachers and the stray dogs near the gate. Who wouldn’t try to confess to her?

You blanch. “Oh.”

“Yeah, ‘oh’!” Herta stomps her foot, pulling you from your impending breakdown. “I’m never wrong, by the way. Everyone and their mother sees how you look at her. But,” she rocks up on her tiptoes to flick your forehead, “you’re too late. Pity.”

“There’s gotta be more to it than that,” you reason, huffing and rubbing the wounded spot. “Even if this did happen, she would’ve told me, like, right after! Her suddenly acquiring a boyfriend is kind of a big deal.”

“Maybe she forgot. Young love is inebriating.”

No, she wouldn’t forget. You know March like the back of your hand, and though important stuff can slip her mind, it’s moreso… assignment deadlines, instead of interpersonal drama. She’s a pro at cataloguing the latter.

“You’re overthinking it!” Herta crosses her arms over her chest. “Consider your options carefully. If I were you - which would be a travesty - I’d tell her how I feel, and before the end of the day, too.”

“That doesn’t sound like something you’d say. You were just telling me to back o—”

…then she stalks down the hallway with purpose, shockingly fast on her short legs.

Something is very wrong in the world today. You can’t even go back to lunch, your appetite lost among a whirlwind of thoughts. It’s disconcerting; you’ve, admittedly, not seen March since morning, and she was absent from the cafeteria too. 

She could be off somewhere with this… this guy. Solidifying the thought in your mind is devastating. 

One time - both of you were about thirteen, the subject of romance (what you knew about it against your will) was breached over a mess of glittery pens and scented stationery. All day, instead of working on a dreaded animal cell diagram, you’d been indulging in the sacred, prophetic game of M.A.S.H. and the crafting of paper fortune tellers. 

“I don’t see what you find fun about this,” you’d grumbled. 

“Well, that’s ‘cause you’re weird,” she’d responded matter-of-factly, scribbling numbers on sectioned folds of loose leaf. “Don’t you wanna know who you’ll marry?”

“No.”

“Well, that’s too-bad-so-sad. Now, pick a color!”

Minutes earlier, you’d been slyly watching out of the corner of your eye when she’d decided which person to put under which flap of the fortune teller (her big, looping handwriting can be discerned from a mile away), and you’d taken great care to remember which numbers and colors to pick to land on her name. 

Notably, March had put her name and yours into the craft - forever cementing the possibility that both of you could end up together, if someone just picked the right combination. 

Perhaps, back then, you were trying to puppeteer fate. It seemed to work, because when you picked 3 and pink, March 7th was revealed to you after some mere hand-shuffling and genius scheming. Back then, you’d felt a little guilty, but not guilty enough to tell her that you were probably going to get struck down for blasphemy or hubris or something. You’d just internalized that part.

…but most clearly, you remember the giant, blinding smile on her face.

“Oh my gosh!” she’d exclaimed, cheering like she was competing with the shot heard ‘round the world, “Me! You’re gonna marry me! This is awesome news. We already know everything about each other; we both like puppies and kittens, and we both suck at science!”

March was, and still is, the most beautiful person alive.

You remember your heart pounding traitorously. “...yeah. This is awesome news.”

“I want red velvet for our wedding cake!”

Of course, as you’ve grown older, you recognize that it was just a silly game. But the memories you’ve made with her between then and now, were not. If anything, they’ve only made you realize how much - how badly - you do want to marry her, one day in the future. There’s no one else for you. 

But is there someone else for her? Like this mysterious guy giving her flowers that may or may not exist? You need to talk to March or else you’re going to explode. If that happens, then the already underpaid janitors are going to have to scrape your remains off the floor. Ugh.

However, the feat of communicating with your best friend today is starting to seem impossible. 

“Now, not to call anybody out,” a warm but monotone voice interrupts your spiraling, “but please try to pay attention. This will be on your exam.”

Mr. Yang is clearly talking about you, but you cannot bring yourself to tear your gaze away from March 7th’s empty seat. This isn’t funny anymore, where is she? Out of the four classes you have today, you share three of them with her. Though sometimes she skips to nap in the abandoned bio lab, she always texts, and she always invites you.

Is she with her new boyfriend? The one she didn’t care to tell you about? You hope not. Whoever this guy is, he’s definitely not good enough for he—

A hand is placed on your shoulder. You jump. 

“Mr. Yang! Sorry!” you blurt, looking up at your history teacher with a visceral type of embarrassment. He’s assessing you with an arched eyebrow and a frown, even as his hand reels back and he formulates a response.

Your cheeks feel hot, especially because, surely, everyone is watching - judging - and you’re just floundering with your mouth hanging open like an idiot. 

…wait, where is everyone?

“Are you alright? The bell rang two minutes ago,” he informs you, gesturing to the very empty classroom. Everyone’s already filed out, and it dawns on you that you’re going to be late for your next class if you keep this up.

You swiftly counter, standing rigid in your seat while beginning to gather your things, “Yes! Again, I’m sorry, I’ve just been skimping on sleep. I’ll get the notes from someone, I promise!”

Your explanation sounds unconvincing even to you, but you’d rather die before bringing up your dilemma to someone so kind like Mr. Yang. He’s so chill that lets everyone eat in class, allows cheat sheets on midterms, and lets you sit next to your friends.

Your friends. You stop cramming papers into your backpack, bottom lip trembling.

“Sit down. I’ll write you a note, so don’t worry about being tardy.”

Slumping back down, you give up on lying, the despair clear as day on your face and in the tears clumping in shimmering globs on your lashes. “Okay.”

A pregnant pause settles over the classroom, making the cooler side of you inwardly cringe. The other side wants to rant and rave to Mr. Yang until your tongue falls off. You do neither, waiting for him to speak first. He brushes past you and drags a chair over from an adjacent desk, the metal scraping against the floor like a death knell. When he levels with you, index finger drumming against the wooden surface below, he sighs.

“I couldn’t help but notice someone isn’t here today,” he retrieves a patterned handkerchief from his jacket pocket, paternally offering it to you. “I can’t say your reaction is abnormal. March 7th usually shows up, what with you two being the best of friends. Did something happen between you guys?”

You sniffle pathetically, wiping your tears and snot on the cloth, making a mental note to wash and return it later. Y’know, if you make it through today. Exploding is still a viable option.

“Um, not really. I just think she’s avoiding me? It’s not like her at all, and now, out of nowhere, people are saying that she’s dating this mysterious guy, and—”

The look Welt Yang gives you is still one of concern, but there’s a knowing spark in his eyes that makes you pause. God, how mortifying. Have you made it that obvious that you’re jealous? Seething in envy? Ready to burn down this school and raze the fields in her honor? You bite your tongue, muttering to yourself in embarrassment.

“I’d be remiss not to tell you that rumors can be just that - rumors,” he adjusts his glasses. “I’m sure you understand; you’re a smart kid, I’ve graded your quizzes myself. Once you determine the truth, things will get easier. I’m quite familiar with you and March 7th. She’ll turn up.”

“I know, I-I just…” you swallow. “I really like her. And I guess I underestimated how much until I heard she was with someone else.” 

“I figured,” Mr. Yang smiles at you, eyes crinkling and crow’s feet elongating with the shift of his facial muscles. “It is Valentine’s Day, after all. It makes sense you’re troubled about love - the atmosphere really amps up the pressure.”

Love. He used the L word. Spontaneous human combustion therefore must commence.

Without a doubt, you know you love March. But have you ever said it? Have you ever taken the initiative to make something more out of your friendship with her? No. You’ve been… waiting, and because you’ve been waiting, you’ve missed your shot with her. Someone more candid, more confident, has wooed her first.

You can’t stew in your inaction any longer! Something must be done… maybe Herta was right. Maybe you need to confess, get this all out of your system, even if she’s taken now. There’s no other prime time for it - you feel a burn in your calves that urges you to get the hell up right now, get moving, and go tell her. 

You want to tell your best friend that you love and cherish her company more than anything in the world, even if she knows. Even if she doesn’t love you back with that knowledge. 

“I guess it does.” Sneaking another glance at March’s empty desk, you breathe out hot air and stand up again to continue gathering your belongings, stuffing Mr. Yang’s handkerchief in your pocket. “Um, I think I know what to do now. If I could get that note…”

He nods sagely. “Of course,” the brown-haired gentleman eyes the clock, “if you ever want to talk about anything else, my door is always open. Well, except for when it’s not, I suppose.”

You don’t see it as you get ready to leave, your resolve strengthened and obscuring the big picture, but Welt Yang puffs his chest out in pride for a fleeting second as you go, note in hand.

You decide to head to the last period of the day, but not quite. What you mean by that is…

“Dan Heng! Psst, Dan Heng!”

You knock on the window perhaps a little too harshly, but you have to be at least a little loud so he can hear you, right? 

The repetitive racket eventually penetrates the walls of the science building, finally earning the attention of Dan Heng. If March 7th is your bestest friend (and hopefully more soon), Dan Heng would be your number two - your sidechick. Wait, actually, not sidechick, ‘cause you don’t like him that way.

He’s the guy you drag along to the mall or to the skating rink so he can actually get out of the house a little. Smart, bit of a nerd, but he’s a stand-up dude. 

His eyes are widened marginally, and he sits up straight in his seat at your display. You can see most of him, but your fellow classmates are littered about, his desk smack dab in the middle of them and the room itself. It’s a miracle the teacher hasn’t noticed you, but you know it’s only a matter of time before you’re caught and promptly sent to detention (again).

And this guy doesn’t answer his phone in the middle of classes, either. In fact, he turns the device off completely, something you can’t fathom doing. So simply texting him and demanding that he rendezvous with you right now for an emergency meeting is out of the question.

You must look a little… unkempt. Oh well. You seek the counsel of Dan Heng the Wise.

“Meet me in the bio lab,” you painstakingly enunciate your syllables, mouthing the words as clear as you can. To drive your point home, you jut out your arm and gesture to the left, where the abandoned room lies. You’ll have to go back in the building to meet him once he understands. 

Dan Heng’s eye twitches. He glimpses back and forth between the teacher and you.

“Please! E-mer-gen-cy!!!” you frantically wave. 

You spot your dark-haired friend sigh; victory is yours. He raises his hand and rattles off some convincing excuse, throwing one last look over his shoulder before exiting the classroom when granted permission. 

Quickly, and with an exhilarated smile, you rush around the corner and push open the metal swinging doors, heading inside.

You’re sufficiently sweaty by now, faced with Dan Heng’s crossed arms and ever-present judgment. The lab, room 104 to be specific, is cluttered with all sorts of crap.

Spare desks are stacked high in all corners, spillage giving way to boxes of used equipment containing microscopes and bunsen burners - or just everything you’d expect. Large tables meant for conducting experiments are riddled with wear and tear. 

But there’s a reason a lot of people ditch to come here. Under one of the tables rests a communal snack box that every burnout, delinquent, and tired student contributes to - always leaving something in return for seeking respite from classes and the like. 

You’ve sure taken your fair share of stale pretzels and fruit bars. Lastly, the lights always stay off, giving way to the natural light seeping through the windows, illuminating floating dust particles that tie everything together. 

Wow, you should come here more often. Grades be damned. 

“What could possibly be so important as to—what’s wrong? Is someone hurt?”

Oh, right.

Dan Heng looks frazzled by your unresponsiveness, and you can’t blame him. Steeling yourself, you bring up what’s been on your mind. 

“I’m gonna confess to her,” you breathe, “March, I mean.”

It feels so good to say it to him. But if you were in his average-sized tennis shoes, you’d be miffed to be called out of class for something as frivolous as this too - a crush, one so life-altering that it’s holding your sensibility hostage and making you act like you’ve lost all your marbles.

“Has the day gotten to you too, then?” your friend actually facepalms. The hand splayed over his visage eventually cracks open so he can peer through the gaps of his fingers at you, no doubt in contemplation. “But I can tell you find this important. Is that all this is about?”

“Um… if you know where she is, do you mind telling me?”

He shakes his head, sarcastic. “I don’t happen to track her hyperactivity all day long.”

“Right, right,” you fiddle with your hands and pick at your nails. You want to specifically ask for advice, because if there’s another thing to note about Dan Heng, it’s his levelheaded nature; this cornerstone of his personality has gotten you out of trouble in the past, and though he isn’t exactly a romance guru, there’s no one else you can think of turning to. 

“What?” he sighs.

“I’m gonna tell her no matter what, I swear, but… do you think that’s the right thing to do?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” 

“Well, because Herta told me she was sucking face with some dude this morning—”

Dan Heng coughs abruptly, “Actually, save it. I don’t want to know. Regardless of any external circumstances, you’re still partial to her. That’s love, and it will only hurt you later if you bottle it up inside. Plus… if you ask me, you two work well together. I’ve never seen March happier than when she’s with you.”

You think of cute plushies and pillow forts. You think of snacks and dual-toned eyes that are always crinkling in a jubilant, idealistic kind of hope. You think of funny faces and bunny ears, of candids and camera lenses. 

“Thank you,” you smile. “You’re always the guy I can call on, huh?”

“Not in the middle of class, at least,” he sternly reminds you, though the fond pinch of his brows gives him away. “Please.”

“Understood!”

By the time the bell rings, signifying the end of the school day, you have somewhat of a plan. 

There are a bunch of weeds gathered up in your arms - dandelions, daisies, onion blooms, just a myriad of general wildflowers you’d picked from the campus’s track field. They itch at your exposed arms, bared from the feat of your rolled up sleeves, but it’s better than nothing. You’ve even shorn some of the stems and arranged them just so to give off the illusion of propriety.

They probably won’t hold a candle to whatever roses or carnations March 7th was given earlier. But that’s okay! You’ve tried your best, even pilfering a lavender ribbon from the art room to tie around the makeshift bouquet, sufficiently beautifying their otherwise lackluster appeal.

Now comes the issue of finding her. Just as you pull out your phone to send another text (the past few hours have filled her contact with unanswered messages), the device pings in your hand. Startled and hopeful, you shiftily survey the area before reading the notification.

April 8th: Omg!!! I’m sooo sorry for not responding all day (╥﹏╥)!!!

Phew, she’s alright! The animated typing indicator pops up again, so you wait.

April 8th: I promise I have a really good reason! You’re probably at the bus stop right now, so why don’t you take it to Purrfect Pastries? I’m there rn

April 8th: With a surprise for you, of course :3 and the kitties are waiting~

She’s of course referring to the cat cafe you’re both prone to frequenting. It has a cozy atmosphere, serves sweet things, and isn’t far off the normal commute to school… so it’s been purrfect, the past few years, for unproductive study sessions and shared laughter. 

Oh. She’s probably going to gush to you about her new lover. That makes sense - she was so caught up all day having fun and basking in the warmth of her new fling. 

But now is your time to shine. You’ll show up with your shitty flowers and you’ll win her over! Or maybe not that. Ideally that, yes, but March deserves to be happy; she’ll pick whoever she wants, even if that person is not you.

You: Okay haha glad you’re safe ^^

You: I’m omw On my way!

Damn autocorrect. 

“Hey, you finally made it!”

Even after a day like today, where nothing and everything made sense, one word comes to mind: Lovely. March is lovely.

As if your life depends on it, you shove the wildflowers behind your back. The stakes certainly feel that high when your eyes land on your friend. She’s at the table in the corner - the one you both always sit at, so much so that you’re told some of the feline residents curl up under the chairs, waiting for either one of you to walk through the door.

You make a beeline for the table. Normally, you’d at least greet Mittens, the host cat who lounges on the order counter, but you’re itching to deal with your pounding heart and sweaty palms right now.

However, when you wave at March and begin making your way over, you almost trip. Walking fluffballs swarm your legs, mewling up a storm and demanding your utmost attention.

“Oof! Hey, I’m here, calm down,” you laugh, kneeling briefly to scratch some bellies and chins. You beckon the pink-haired girl over to lend you a hand, too nervous to look at her, but you hear a giggle and the scraping of a chair as she presumably comes to your rescue. “They’re so clingy today!”

“Well, we haven’t been here in forever,” she hums, kneeling down with you to say hi to everyone. She coos and simpers, and while she’s distracted, then you ogle all you want. 

March is positively beaming, radiant as ever in the midst of dim lamplight and dark wood. For some reason, a hidden, sardonic part of you thought she’d look different after entering a relationship. More affected, maybe, like she’s getting used to the company of a person that hasn’t been there since the beginning. Like she’s getting used to the company of a person that isn’t you.

Selfishly, maybe you’d hoped she’d look a little dissatisfied with the affections of someone else. 

No time for that now, you remind yourself. Stay grounded.

You watch as she works her magic; the uppity cats disperse after being fussed over a little. “I guess it has been a while. I’m a bit jealous - Mittens and the others prefer you over me any day.”

“Nah, they just missed us is all,” she grins. “Actually, mostly me, ‘cause I’m an animal whisperer and probably the reincarnation of Snow White. But you’re pretty awesome too.”

I missed you more than they did, you agonize.

March 7th grabs your hand. “Now come on, we have a lot to talk about!”

Dread courses through your veins as you take your rightful seat across from her. All of a sudden the gingham tablecloth looks very interesting. You decide to stuff your weed bouquet into your pocket, too ruffled to present it to her now. 

After March tells you all about her new sweetheart, you’ll come clean - if you don’t chicken out, that is. You’ll come clean about the explosion of wonderful and awful feelings in your chest, about the years of wanting. 

How could that admission change things? Ideally, she dumps this guy and threads her fingers through yours, giving you a shot at her heart and actualizing your idea of paradise.

Unfortunately, that fantasy is just a fantasy - realistically, she’ll react with sympathy, but tell you she doesn’t feel the same. That’s what you expect; friendly touches will cease, there’ll be a foreign, awkward lull in the air, and she’ll excessively tiptoe around anything that could upset you. 

March is considerate like that. God, why does this have to be so difficult? You want to back out, but Dan Heng will forever see you as a chicken (his eyes will say it for him), and you’ll be stuck yearning until the heat death of the universe.

“Again, I’m really sorry for being kinda AWOL all day, but I was planni—”

You don’t even think about what you do next. You just blurt,

“I cheated when we were making fortune tellers.”

You don’t register the bewildered look on her face, you just keep going. It’s a bit crazy how your hesitance just vanished - leaving your true feelings to lead the situation, for better or for worse. 

“W-When, uh, we were in eighth grade. You asked me to come over to your house so we could work on science, or fucking—whatever it was—and we never ending up working. You showed me how to make those paper fortune tellers and I thought it was really stupid. I thought it was stupid until you… until you put our names in it.” 

March’s lips are parted in surprise. You want to kiss them. Also, you want to projectile vomit. The Exorcist style.

“So I totally tuned you out while you talked so I could spy. I remembered where you put your name specifically,” you stutter, “I also r-remember how many jumbles it would take, so your section would—yeah. I picked you. I chose to marry you, and I cheated.”

You choke out the last word, tears rolling down your cheeks. You’re crying, and you haven’t even made a lick of sense so far - this the second time today you’ve had a breakdown and have gotten nothing out of it! Watching as the droplets land on the tablecloth, you don’t dare look up. 

At least you still have Mr. Yang’s handkerchief.

“I cheated because you’re the best, and I wouldn’t wanna be with anyone else, ever,” your vision blurs, thankfully giving you some courage. “But I know you’re dating someone else now, and I’m happy for you. I know that’s like… a cliche thing to say, b-but it’s true.”

March’s first reaction is not what you expect.

“Huh?! What on Earth are you talking about?! I’m not dating anyone! Dummy, where did you even hear that? I… oh you’re crying, I’m so sorry!” she panics, grabbing your hand once more. “Please don’t cry, it’ll make me cry.”

You’ve closed your eyes, but her sobering words make them shoot right back open.

“What?” you manage dumbly (hopefully).

“Is that why you think…? Oh my god, no! I wasn’t avoiding you all day because I was out tying the knot or something. I was avoiding you because I was busy planning this.”

March 7th stretches her arms out, concerned. She gestures to the cafe interior, and when you gather the strength to determine what she means, you notice something you hadn’t before.

Purrfect Pastries is empty, save for the two of you and the cats. Other tables normally teeming with couples and introverts alike are barren - there aren’t even menus set out. There are no empty coffee cups or muffin wrappers to be cleaned up by staff.

Speaking of, where are the staff? Sushang and Guinaifen are usually clamoring about, even on the clock. 

…other stuff, too. Besides the banker’s lamps tinged emerald and gold, there are flowers - they look to be paper - scattered over the whole expanse of the floor. Some of the waxy petals seem to have been shredded by the claws of none other than Mittens and his gang, while others remain intact, distinctly imitating a trail of roses. 

“I wanted candles, but Little Gui said they’d be a safety hazard. Honestly, I’m surprised she can talk, considering she swallows swords and fireballs as a side hustle,” she laughs, though it’s strained and unnatural. “You were really making a girl wait to be asked out, so I decided to take the initiative. Pretty smart, huh?”

You gawk. 

“This… this is a date?” Oh my god. Oh my god. “And you’re not seeing anyone?!”

“Yeah, duh,” her tone softens. “You’re so silly. Um, I skipped school to work a daytime shift here as payment, that way we could have the place to ourselves tonight. Turns out it’s a lot of work to secure Purrfect Pastries… I begged and bothered Ms. Siobhan until she said yes. Turns out my charm is, in fact, irresistible!”

“But—huh?”

She wipes your tears, all the while chattering like you’re not gonna have a heart attack. “And I was so, so nervous that I’d ruin the surprise! Sushang made me turn off my phone so I wouldn’t spoil anything - she almost threw it into the deep fryer too - but it was all worth it.”

“What I’m trying to say is… I’m sorry for keeping you in the dark, ‘cause it seems like I’ve missed a lot. I hope you’re okay… and, also, Happy Valentine’s.”

You bite back a hiccup and shakily retrieve your real - but undeniably pathetic - bouquet from your pocket. It’s completely squashed, the ribbon is almost unraveled, and the flowers have lost most of their color, already colored a soft brown.

Speaking is out of the question, because if you attempt it, you’re convinced that you will vomit The Exorcist style. So you just press the bundle into her hand, hoping it will say what you can’t.

“Are these for me?” March asks, breathy and on the verge of squealy. 

Don’t vomit. “Y-Yeah. Can you believe it? I was gonna try and win you back with them.”

Under regular circumstances, you wholeheartedly believe she would’ve poked harmless fun at this sad attempt at a romantic gift. She’d probably say something charming like “It looks like Bigfoot stepped on them,” or “Did you get this bouquet from the time of consumption?”

But the girl you love does not do that. Everything is too much, what with the realization that today was just some hellish misunderstanding, and you’re so… so happy. You don’t think you deserve to feel such joy after coming to believe untrue rumors about March 7th, but you’ll deal with that later.

“That’s so romantic!” she swoons, “Like in the movies where the noblemen are fighting over the hand of the princess, trying to win her over…”

“You’re the one who rented out a whole cafe for me, March.”

“Huh… I guess I did! When you put it like that, maybe you should bake me scones.”

“What?”

She fluffs the proffered weeds, making them look a bit livelier (despite most of the petals being lost to time), before setting them down on the table. It makes for a shitty centerpiece, but she seems more than content, a rosy color adorning her cheeks and allowing her to glow.

“Well, we can’t have a date without food, can we? Before clocking out, everyone helped me bake scones for us to eat. I’ll go get them, okay? I’m starving!”

Getting up and looking just as she always does, you speak up, somewhat coherent now.

“Thank you. Thank you so much. Shit, it seems silly to ask now, but… will you be my girlfriend?”

The pink-haired girl, your best friend, stops and turns. With a giggle and a wink, she once again, turns your world upside down.

“I already am! Heh. Also, I definitely knew you cheated back in eighth grade - with the fortune teller. I’m not so ditzy that I didn’t notice your staring, y’know.”

She disappears behind the counter and into the kitchen, petting Mittens on the way, but you still hear her - muffled, but still quite audible - squealing from here. What a delightful sound.

Just as you begin to decompress and recover, a burning question flares at the forefront of your mind.

Just what was Herta talking about, then? What about the dude March was supposedly ‘canoodling’ with? 

Almost prophetically, your phone pings several times. You dare to check it after a brief panic attack.

Herta: Well, it’s about time I tell you, I suppose

Herta: Ruan Mei and I made a little wager yesterday. She bet, in the interest of human compatibility, that you wouldn’t make a good pair with Little Miss Pink, and that you’d wuss out and spend Valentine’s Day alone

Herta: You should know by now that I don’t lose. Simply put, I lied to your face - there was never a John Doe trying to steal her from you. However, if my deductions are correct…

Herta: You and Little Miss Pink are now an item. I expect many thanks and perhaps your unwavering monetary support on my next project. You’re welcome 💜

…

You: Fguck Duck you

Herta: lol duck

Damn autocorrect! 

…you’ll just have to kill her tomorrow. 

taglist: @kazuinvocation HELP i'm too scared to tag anyone else

vday heart dividers by @/strangergraphics!!! rue on ao3

[an-internet-introvert]

You guys ever just remember this in Phil’s video:

[disposal-blueeee]

from this thing lolz

ty to @cherry-207 for the idea !! XPP

vargas by zarla-s

[imminent-danger-came]

Lady Bone Demon: "I've seen it countless times before your meager existence. I've witnessed cities rise and fall. I've seen the world suffer famine, disease, war, and endless turmoil—an eternity of needless pain. I thought if I helped someone with real power, guided you to be better, I could make a true difference in the world! But I now see the only true way to create the perfect world, is to start with a clean slate."

(3x13 Time To Be Warriors)

-

Azure Lion: *laughs* "I'm flattered, truly, but...were it not for Sun Wukong bringing us all together, I- without you, none of this would be possible! Your courage to stand up to the celestial host has inspired us to finally take a stand, to make a true difference in the world! And I can think of none other more suitable to lead us on our conquest than you brother."

(4x02 New Adventures)

-

Make a true difference in the world.

[girlivealwaysbean]

it's not sinking in that today might be the last day in my house and town for many months to come

[freezinglemur]

get au'd idiots >:]]] (do whatever you'd like with the designs :33)

(also i honestly thought that you were like 26 or 27 LMAO, because if that's the case, you're like more than 10 years my senior)

(OH no I am nowhere even close to either of those, I'm far younger! I don't think I've ever been told I seem that old, haha (I'm not offended I'm just surprised! No one's ever said I seem that old before) 26 and 27 are still quite a long ways off for me still thankfully)

Anyway, look at them!! The sillies oh my gosh I want to squeeze them...I should do my own renditions sometime :] The little patches on Seedenal's outfit,,, augh so cute!! And Damascus would give wonderful tours I think...Lodi would love the spotlight!

As a treat, have some doodles of Seedenal Before The Horrors that I did:

[ayara-resara]

.

[sskk-manifesto]

Next time we should just skip over ep 3 and do a chapters 84-87 reread

[bunnyboy-juice]

spent the first hour and change at work deleting some old files and am having a grand ol time laughing at myself for not realizing i was a lesbian sooner

[museenkuss]

loving and moving my body this week (06.11.-12.11.)*

Monday. 20 MIN EVENING PILATES TO RELAX AND FEEL CALM - EASY AT HOME WORKOUT

Tuesday. Beginners Belly Dance Tutorial | Beautiful Hips & Arms!

Wednesday. Everyday Pilates Mobility and Stretch | Posture, Hips and Hamstrings

Thursday. Victoria's Secret Train Like An Angel Live: Martha Hunt + Ballet Beautiful

Friday. 20 MIN FULL BODY PILATES WORKOUT FOR BEGINNERS - AT HOME PILATES or Waistline Shimmy | Belly Dance Workout

Saturday. 30 MIN FULL BODY PILATES WORKOUT FOR EVERYBODY - AT HOME PILATES

Sunday. "Chocoholics" Valentine's Day Waist Winding Workout

__

* the idea here was to find fun little ways to stay active according to my schedule this week. This is completely 'no suffering, joy only'. :)

In case the suggestion doesn't feel right for that day, here are some alternatives (12 minutes or less, can also be used as add-ons). No shame in taking it slow! Let's move according to our needs! :) nightime flexibility stretches // bedtime yoga stretch to release stress & tension // 8 min beginner's ballet flexibility. // 10 min | Beginner Belly Dance Workout | Slow & Smooth Tutorial // 15 min Gentle Pilates Workout For Beginners

[skrunksthatwunk]

yuri (ime)'s allergy to butches is kind of funny to me. the two genders of sapphic are long hair and bob