#this was a great year for shows i'm excited for next year 💖

[himawaari]

2023 CHARACTER WRAPPED

top 9 10 characters I loved in 2023 (cheating a little whoops)

tagged by @kimdokjas and @mudanonaito— thank you for tagging me gaby and jenny!!!!

I only chose characters from shows i watched this year to make it easier :) no tags since i'm so late ahhh but i'd love to see everyone's!!

characters under the cut!

kazuki kurusu - buddy daddies

misuzu + carol - tomo chan is a girl!

mitsumi iwakura - skip to loafer

maomao - the apothecary diaries

gesicht - pluto

frieren - sousou no frieren

taichi mashima - chihayafuru

akane kurokawa - oshi no ko

aoi todo - jujutsu kaisen

[ellesthots]

Fateful Beginnings

I. “the club within the club”

parts: next

plot: when you find yourself needing a topic for a journalism final, you seek out an interview from Gotham’s elusive vigilante: Batman. this proves even more difficult than it already sounds, and tensions rise when you discover an intimate secret—just as Bruce Wayne realizes his own.

pairing: battinson!bruce wayne x fem!reader

cw: 18+ MATURE! NSFW! canon-typical violence, slow burn, enemies to lovers, angst, fluff, forced proximity, eventual smut, mutual pining, POV alternating, Bruce Wayne needs a hug, mental health issues (psychosis, suicidality), substance use, blackmail (or is it?), serious health issues, grief, brief mention of sa, gaslighting, mild gore

words: 2.1k

a/n: this is my first fic i’ve posted to tumblr and ao3, very excited to see how people like it ✨ same user on ao3 :) comments and reblogs are so appreciated! 💖

"I haven’t turned in the assignment yet, I'm so sorry," You fumbled with your book and it slipped forward on the desk. Your professor wasn't too happy with you; already a week late, this assignment was creating a piece of journalism about happenings around the city—the city was used loosely, because it was school policy not to require students be in the field for assignments. You never wanted to linger on what might have caused that rule to be enforced.

Dr. Vry was usually the picture of impatience, though she had a soft spot for you—she described you as a ‘journalistic prodigy’. You couldn’t see it, and it didn't help that you couldn't write your final piece when graduation was so near. While you’d done well in the intro courses, now that the material was more complex… you were struggling. She would say it was all in your head, and the only thing holding you back was lack of confidence in your burgeoning journalism skills, but you weren’t so sure. You had come from a sociology background but had interest in learning journalism with your last few credits, unaware how much grief this would cause you.

"Y/N, you're overthinking it.” She gently shook her head, her salt and pepper hair unmoving in the slick bun. “I'll extend it until the end of next week without point reduction. But after that it's out of my hands!" With that you thanked her, hurrying out of the class with your book tightly squeezed to your chest. Thank god, you thought. I can't fail out of a class in my last term.

That evening you holed up in your apartment per usual. You absentmindedly texted your one friend here, Margaret, but knew she was out clubbing. You’d met in a sociology course last year when you transferred. She had been the only one kind enough to show you around the city, the social butterfly she was; holding your hand as she dragged you from bar to bar, club to club. This led to a cat and mouse dynamic between you both: her always hopping to the next party albeit the occasional pit stop in your apartment and you, the reclusive homebody. You hadn’t always been so subdued, but you hadn’t always lived in the crime capital of the US.

You longed for more companionship, but focused on how you'd be leaving Gotham after graduation. The sting of loneliness here was too great, and it was no use stringing more people along. Mar had snuck her way into a crack in the first few months of your arrival. Back when you thought you might find something here. Back before you were proven wrong, and you’d given up on this godforsaken city.

Mar didn’t usually respond but tonight, she did.

Y/N, get your ass to the club! I miss you.

You chuckled a little to yourself at the idea of getting all ready to be sweaty in a room full of strangers. No thanks, have fun!

Within a second she had disliked your message and sent another: You'll find more inspo here than in your studio. I'm sending a taxi, be ready in 10

You groaned and threw the phone down. Ugh. You were tired from a long day of classes, and didn't want to pay to be humped by random clubgoers. Men in Gotham were nasty, taking every opportunity to try and get something from a woman. Plastered all across downtown were blistered posters with a faded number to report drink tampering. You should have expected as much with the city’s reputation, but coming from a small town you were naive. You picked up your phone and her text stared back at you. The day’s exhaustion had worn on your resolve, and the longer you looked at her text, the closer you were to giving in. More inspiration... she might be right. You looked around at your empty walls and the waning light outside, the sun rapidly giving way to a dark, rainy abyss.

Fine, only for an hour.

You reluctantly walked over to your closet to pick an outfit. This was gonna be a long night.

You found yourself standing out under your apartment patio, shivering in your dress. You chose something subtle: mini, dark, with some heels to match, though you admittedly didn’t have many options. You’d hurried and only put on lashes, lipgloss, and brow gel, because you thought your driver would be on time. Staring out at the flashing headlights threatened a migraine, so you whipped out your phone and went onto Scypher, a Gotham-area social media. You didn't bother going on very often, only on the rare occasion Mar dragged you out into the city. There was a handy 'Crime' tab, which had up-to-the-minute updates. It seemed pretty empty, only some car vandalisms the past hour. Hmm. You felt uneasy, the environment unusually calm for a Friday evening. Maybe it's a good thing. Wouldn't want to go out during a crime surge. You looked up as you heard a tire tempt the curb. Your driver called out your name, and you slunk into the backseat.

The drive was quick, with clubs practically on every corner. Mar hadn't told you which one, so you weren't prepared when the car pulled up to one of the most elite clubs in the city. Your face went pale, and your voice cracked as you failed making excuses to the driver. "I'm so sorry, my friend must have given you the wrong directions—"

"No, it's correct." He was stern, and when you started taking out cash to pay, he waved a dismissive hand toward you. "Your friend already paid, Miss." Flustered, and frankly confused he hadn’t sneakily accepted double payment, you thanked him and stepped out. The line wasn't too long, so you got behind a few people who were laughing hysterically. You noticed some green tinfoil out of their pocket: Drops. You forgot all the biggest dealers hung around here every night. What was Mar thinking bringing you here?

The line moved fast so you didn't have time to find an excuse to leave. You held out your ID to the burly, tall bouncer who gave you a once-over and a smirk. You stifled a groan, hating being looked at like a meal. Living in Gotham meant always feeling eyes on the back of your neck. The bouncer grinned and handed back your card, holding out another hand for the club fee. Shit. You fumbled in your bag and realized you didn't know the amount. Sheepishly, you looked over from your bag and scanned the wall behind him as quickly as possible. $50. Jesus. You managed to find three twenties crumpled at the bottom of your bag, and begrudgingly handed them over. He smiled and opened the door for you. "No change."

Well, guess I'm eating ramen this week.

Your ears began ringing the second you entered the booming club. People were packed in like sardines, and before you could even muster a thought you were grabbed fast from behind. You suppressed a scream.

"Y/N!!!" Mar wrapped you in a hug and you grabbed her to steady yourself. "Shit, Mar,"

"You look SO good! Fuck yeah!" She smiled and smacked your butt as she took your hand and led you towards the stairs. You hadn’t gotten much of a look, but her eyes looked bleary, red. "I met some guys that got us a lounge!" She was giggling but you pulled back, wincing. You'd already been sufficiently creeped on by the bouncer.

You rolled your eyes. "I thought this was a girl's night,"

She shook her head, grinning. "C'mon Y/N, get loose!" As she turned back to step up the stairs, a circle of green tinfoil fell from her pocket. You yanked your hand back, frustrated. No fuckin’ wonder. She was wasted. "MAR." You bent down to pick up the litter just as a man came up behind you, grinding against your ass. A bit of his drink spilled on your side, and you spun around to shove him back. Mar stepped up, always a willing wingman. "Hey, don't fuck with a woman like that, bitch!"

BAM BAM BAM BAM. Popping noises that sounded like gunshots rang out from the far corner of the bar. Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. You grabbed for the railing to head for the exit when people running from downstairs rammed into you. After a few seconds desperately straining your vision to look for Mar, you covered your head with your arms while you ducked. The gunshots inched closer and closer, egging on your heart rate, curdling your thoughts sour. I shouldn't have come. I don't want to die. I shouldn't be here. What the fuck am I doing here? I shouldn't have come. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I'm going to fucking die.

You heard a rapid increase in gunfire and then a total ceasing. You wanted to look up, but it was too terrifying. Sweat beaded on your entire body as it became electrified with adrenaline—you had known how unsafe Gotham was, you just hadn't seen yourself in the crossfire… until now. You squeezed your eyes shut, pushing yourself hard against the side of the stair to try and make your body as small as possible. You wondered if everyone else had been killed, and they were looking for any survivors… The rough concrete texture burrowed itself into your arm as you jammed it even harder, forcing yourself to be compact. I could be dead with just one bullet.

Before more morbid thoughts could form, you yelped as you felt your body being lifted and slung over someone's shoulder. Something was hard and slick against your stomach, and you opened your eyes manically to see the world whizzing around you. The arm that held you was strong, so strong you couldn't slip out if you tried. You ducked your head as the person ran you both toward the back exit with total ease. Panic started to set in. It's so dark. Who is this? Is he gonna have his way with me?

As soon as you were brought an alley down, fully away from the chaos, you began fighting against the stranger. The streets were so dark you still could hardly see, but it felt like the person was armored. You’d heard some small grunts from them on the short sprint here, or maybe you’d imagined them? Regardless, you couldn’t place the voice while your ears were still bright with tinnitus. You shouted, trying with all your might to shove them off of you, to no avail. "Let me GO!"

"Stop fighting." A low, gravelly voice spoke right next to your ear. You continued struggling to the point you felt a bruise forming on your bottom ribs. It was as if the entire world had zoomed in, and nothing mattered more than escaping. You drew a quick breath, tensing your body to fight. This motherfucker isn't gonna let me go, is he?

Without warning he relinquished his grasp and you slid off the man, landing squarely in a puddle. You looked up and through the darkness saw a masked man clad in deepest black... the Batman.

"Thanks, uh," You immediately broke eye contact, feeling awkward. The tornado of panic in your chest relaxed ever so slightly. You felt bad for fighting so hard against him, but you hadn’t known any better. Before you could fully realize the gravity of what had just happened, how Vengeance himself was standing before you, he noticed something glint behind your ear.

"Turn around." The voice was low and gravelly still, and you spun around instantaneously. You'd heard good things about the Batman in your year and a half here. A few of your classmates had direct experience with him, having been saved on one occasion or another. "He never stuck around, he was always gone as quickly as he came." It seemed almost instinctual to trust him. And, his voice brooked no argument.

Suddenly the back of your head lit up in flaming pain.

"You need stitches." He stepped back and through the deadened night you saw a screen light up on his arm. "Victim with head wound on Feller and Kelley." You heard a faint 'Roger' before the screen went black. Fear shot through you the same time as relief. You were safe, but you had to get a needle snaked through your scalp. The thought made you physically ill.

To your surprise, he was already halfway down the alleyway when you looked back; just as he turned out of view, police lights illuminated the alleyway. Holy fuck, you'd just met the Batman.

And you hadn’t gotten a good look at him.

[mcromwell]

Four years ago, I installed TikTok and began making art videos to promote my art business. I steadily got better at making videos, had a few big hits, grew my follower count to 75k (my largest on any social platform ever, to this day) and even qualified for the app's creator program, which netted me a fair chunk of change for a few months. Right when I started considering it an integral part of my business, engagement started tanking. Despite my follower count and trying to keep up with trends and editing techniques designed to retain viewers, my videos went from getting about 10k views to less than a thousand--that's not even 10% of my follower-count. The app slowly stopped recommending my videos to anyone, followers or on the FYP. For months. And then after TikTok was voted to be banned in the US, it got even worse, and the CEO even stated in his video addressing the ban that they would "not be able to pay creators as much due to spending more money on legal fees to challenge the vote". At that time I was grimly reminded of what I already knew about social media sites: they aren't your friend and they don't care about you. They'll give you something "nice" (a chance at monetization and virality) with the hope that you'll keep making content for their content farm, and when your videos don't get views, the gambling mindset of "maybe next video will do well" or "the algorithm is just weird right now, maybe it will improve if I just keep going" will keep you addicted.

I finally hit a wall. I can't waste my time. I have very little time to achieve what I want to due to my health. So making videos that get 300 views and no comments is definitely a waste of my time. I used to say good things about the algorithm, how it shows you niche things instead of only just the popular stuff, but clearly that isn't the case. My videos posted elsewhere get tons more interactions and engagement. I am stepping back from TikTok for a while; I even uninstalled it. The endless scrolling is not good for me, either.

All that to say: art videos will be less frequent. The only places I'd be making them for is Instagram and YouTube, and I think if I'm going to pick one to focus on, it'll be Youtube. Subscribe to my channel here, where I am slowly uploading my entire TikTok catalogue of hundreds of art videos.

TikTok did great things for me when it worked. It was really exciting for me to hear folks at in-person events say stuff like, "Oh, I saw a video of this painting!" "Your process is so fun to watch!" I won't forget the support everyone gave me. Thank you.

I hope to use this extra time to focus on my practice more. I want to lean into sketchbook bundle downloads, Patreon, and just simply drawing more! Exploring more! We'll all benefit from that. So here's to newer, healthier directions.

💖 M

[feralchaton]

I am a private person. I also believe that joy, like misery, loves company but it definitely throws better parties. Along with keeping much of me and mine to myself; I usually don't 'allow' myself to get excited. But. I am over the moon, bouncing off the walls, can barely contain myself excited/ happy/ elated at finally having our wedding.

The cute part of the story is that this was originally planned for 2015. The date would have been 11/11/15. In previous years, I was told that pregnancy would be next to impossible for me, and I was okay with that. Our son's birthday is about a week after that date. I'm more thankful for him. I also appreciate how, over that time, our guest list has gone from close to 250 to less than 10. Happily so, no fuss, just us.

I'm finally (officially) marrying my best friend!!! The one who let me know love at first sight is not only possible but very real. The one who taught & showed me what unconditional means and stood, stands, beside me as I consciously separate and navigate from all things conditional and toxic.

The trials and tribulations have been many, and we grew closer and stronger together not only through difficult times but the many good and great ones, too.

We see each other, meet each other where we are, and choose each other while choosing to keep going and keep growing. We are partners in every sense and yet wonderfully individual and separate, still finding ways to surprise one another. We do not tolerate each other's differences; we celebrate them. We don't hide our anger or misgivings; we talk and work through things together. We match, fit, and click in close to every way possible.

I can't imagine what has been close to the equivalent of half my lifetime spent with him any other way. Many remark on how lucky he is, but it takes two, and he helps me feel like a four leaf clover dancing on a rainbow each and every day.

"Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday best of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, Saturday, no luck at all"

Tying the knot (literally) 🍾🥂💐✨️🫶🏼💖🤭🥳💌

[andreafmn]

I'm Not Afraid | Chapter 12

Word Count: 4.5K

Story Description: (Y/N) Argent arrived at Beacon Hills to put to rest her father’s sister, Kate Argent. For the first time, her family has decided to settle down and sustain a life in this interesting small town. After 17 years, (Y/N) has the opportunity to establish interpersonal relationships but will she be ready to face the complications that come with relating to her cousin’s, Allison, friends; especially, the infamous Derek Hale. She will face the adventure of being associated with the Derek and McCall pack, as well as being faced with the discovery of certain aspects of her life she never imagined.

A/N:  sorry this update took so long. It's sometimes hard to try an work around all the inconsistencies of the canon plot and it kills my inspo. But enjoy! 💖💖

<- Previous | Next ->

Outside the warehouse, (Y/N) could feel the loud music bustling its way through the walls. It made her pulse beat at time with the tempo. She could feel the bass of the music pumping inside her, building the nervous excitement that she already felt. She was ready to make herself nonexpendable to both Derek and her family. All she wanted was to prove just how great of an asset she could be.

Her parents had been training her for as long as she could remember. Using the “it's a tough world out there” excuse for it, they had submitted her to hours and hours of self-defense and weapon training. (Y/N) knew she was good enough to be put on the front lines of this war, even if no one believed in her.

It all made her miss her parents. For the longest time, they were the only constants in her life. The only people she could get close to without fearing that she would lose them. They had been her biggest supporters and she needed their vote of confidence now more than ever. She needed to feel like at least one person was in her corner.

(Y/N) saw Isaac and a disgruntled Erica, joining their side before they entered.

“So, what’s the plan?”

“Shouldn’t you already know?” Erica scoffs. “Although, I wonder which version you’re asking for. Our plan or your family’s?”

“Lay off, Erica,” Isaac grumbled. “All I know is that we need to find Jackson and stop him from getting his next victim.”

“And how exactly are you going to do that?” (Y/N) asked. “Last time I checked he has a paralyzing venom and superhuman strength.”

“Element of surprise?” the blond chuckled. “Look, we still need to meet up with Scott. It’s his plan after all.”

“Fine. Then let’s go.”

The three of them walked into the building. The stench of sweat and alcohol filled her nose, every one of her senses telling her to turn back around. But not even her fight-or-flight response would keep her from helping that night. She would be respected –one way or another.

(Y/N) followed Isaac and Erica into the rave, even as her limbs begged her to turn back. And maybe she should have listened. The flashing lights and the thumping bass strangled her but her mind had been made up. They would get Jackson that night, no matter what.

Their eyes followed the crowd, their heads in full alert. Everything they did could only end one of two ways –trapping Jackson or another death in their hands. And deep down. (Y/N) wanted to be the one to do it. It would be her only chance to show everyone what she was made of.

“(Y/N), why didn’t you tell me that Allison was going to be here?” Scott questioned as he joined the trio, worry evident in his eyes. “More than that, that your family is here?”

“I told Derek,” she defended herself. “I thought he would have told you too. I promise this wasn’t meant to be an ambush, Scott. Next time I’ll tell you myself.”

“No, it’s okay,” he sighed. “It’s just that seeing Allison here took me aback. I didn’t think I would have to worry about her tonight.”

“I am sorry, Scott. I thought after this morning you might have already known how big our family’s involvement had gotten.”

“Seriously, (Y/N), it’s okay,” he smiled reassuringly. “But I want to make sure things go on without a hitch. So, Isaac, I’m gonna need you to tranquilize Jackson.”

Scott pulled out a silver tranquilizer gun, presenting it to a surprised blond. “Why me?” he questioned, doubt clouding his eyes.

“Because I gotta make sure the Argents don’t completely ruin the plan. Okay, you better do it intravenously which means in the vein. When you find him, you pull back on this plunger right here. In the neck is probably going to be the easiest. So you find a vein, you jam it in there, and pull back on the trigger.”

“Don’t you think I’m the better choice here?” (Y/N) interjected, her hushed voice hiding her anger. “I’m the only one here that we know is immune to Jackson’s venom.”

“You also don’t heal like we do,” Scott responded. “It’s not that I don’t trust you with this, (Y/N). But the less people that get hurt, the better.”

The girl was sure her face was growing red, anger bubbling deep inside her. One more person to add to the people that did not believe in her. “Fine,” she said. “But I’m staying close by and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

“That’s alright,” he smiled weakly. “Just be careful.”

“Oh, I doubt this will even slightly hurt him,” Isaac laughed, inspecting the small gun.

“No, I mean you,” Scott explained, his eyes trained on the blond. “I don’t want you to get hurt. Any of you.”

As the shaggy-haired boy left, Isaac followed him with his gaze. There was surprise in his blue eyes and a slight hint of confusion. “You okay?” (Y/N) asked her friend.

“Yeah, I just… he cares.”

“Of course he does,” she smiled. “Why wouldn’t he?”

“I don’t know. I guess, I’m still not used to people caring,” he said sheepishly before slipping on his confident façade as Erica joined them. “Okay, so, me and Erica will distract him. I’ll tranquilize him and you make sure no one sees us carrying him out.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Erica responded. “Too bad you’re missing out on the action, (Y/N).”

And where the Argent girl would have normally bitten back, she remained quiet because the blonde was right. She was missing out. Because her family didn’t trust her and neither did her friends. Even under the guise that they were just trying to protect her, she knew it was because they didn’t think she could do it. That she couldn’t pull her weight.

But instead of sulking, (Y/N) followed them to where Jackson was already prowling. The dance floor was packed with sweaty bodies, pushing against each other, leaving very little room to work around. They justled around, fists pumping and elated smiles on their faces. Too enthralled and oblivious to know what was happening right under their noses. These people were at a party with no knowledge that two killers walked amongst them.

Erica was the first to reach Jackson, snaking her hand around his neck to attract his attention in a sultry manner. Then, Isaac joined them, pretending to be just as interested in Erica as Jackson seemed to be. They were at a party, (Y/N) thought. That was what people did at parties.

They grind against one another, pretending there’s some sort of instant connection that could get them lucky that night. Call it pheromones or call it hornyness, most of the people in her vicinity were falling victim in that game. And it made her wonder, that maybe with the right person, she could also be one of those victims. She could imagine that she was just a normal teenager, enjoying a loud and flashy rave, waiting for the moment the guy she was with would kiss her.

But (Y/N) wasn’t there with anyone and she wasn’t normal. She hadn’t even been born into normal. No, she was there making sure Jackson didn’t turn into a bloodthirsty reptilian and off his master’s next victim before Isaac could knock him out. As Isaac and Erica closed the distance between their bodies and Jackson’s, the blond boy pulled out the tranq gun, ready to make his attack.

And Jackson noticed. He sported his Kanima nails and sunk them into the pair’s stomachs, muttering something she couldn’t quite decipher. Isaac and Erica twisted in pain, the gun falling from the boy’s hand as he groaned in discomfort and dropped to the floor.

(Y/N)’s eyes were focused on the silver gadget on the floor, close to being trampled by the moving bodies. That was her moment and she would take it. Rather than helping her friends, she dove for it, gliding through the crowd to get to it.

She heard Isaac telling her to stay back, but the adrenaline was already pumping through her veins. She was capable, she repeated to herself. (Y/N) needed to get the tranquilizer and stop Jackson from getting to his victim. Once in her hands, her palms trembled at how cold it was; heavier than she had thought too. But it was there, and she had the power to stop him.

(Y/N) stalked quietly toward him. His eyes were trained directly in front, too distracted to think that she could be right behind him. And she knew she had to be quick. One wrong move and everything would have been for nothing. Without another grueling thought, she pressed against him and sank the needle in his neck, pulling the trigger as she felt it disappear into his skin.

What she didn’t account for was his weight falling completely onto her. She tried her hardest to keep him up, but it wouldn’t take long before his body would bring them both to the ground.

“That was a very dumb thing you did, (Y/N),” Isaac said as he took Jackson in his arms.

“But I got it done,” she smirked. “Now, let’s get him out of here.”

Between him and Erica, they carried Jackson’s unconscious body out of the dance floor and into a small room where they were supposed to wait for Stiles and Scott. The tension inside was thick, choking to the point that it was almost unbearable. The Reyes girl was angry that she had failed to do her task and that (Y/N) had jumped in to save the day. Meanwhile, Isaac was angry that she had gotten herself into a dangerous situation.

“You can’t seriously be angry at me, Lahey,” she whispered to her friend. “I did what I had to do to get him here.”

“And what would you have done if you hadn’t?”

“Something we won’t know because I did, Isaac,” she retorted sternly. “Contrary to popular belief, I am capable of a lot more than any of you give me credit for. Even for a human.”

“The problem is you are a human, (Y/N). You can get hurt and there will be a time that we won’t be able to help you.”

“And that’s a risk I am willing to take. Just like all of you are.”

Before Isaac could answer, the door swung open, putting the two werewolves on high alert.

“Just me,” he said as he threw his hands up in front of him. “Don’t freak. Is he okay?”

“Well,” Isaac said, his eyes trained on (Y/N). “Let’s find out.”

His claws sprouted from his hand, ready to sink into Jackson as he had done to him minutes before. But he did not get the chance to enact his revenge. Even in his unconscious state, the Whittmore boy was still sentient. His arm flew up, stopping Isaac’s and bending it until he finally released it.

“Okay, no one does anything like that again,” (Y/N) called as Isaac fell back. “So much for not getting hurt?”

“Shut up,” he muttered toward her, inspecting the damage in his hand. “I thought the ketamine was supposed to knock him out.”

“I think this is as good as we’re gonna get,” Stiles said. “So let’s hope that whoever’s controlling him decided to show up tonight.”

“I’m here,” Jackson said, startling everyone in the room. His voice was chilling and devoid of any humanity. “I’m right here with you.”

“Jackson, is that you?” Stiles asked, crouching in front of Jackson’s seemingly tranced body.

“Us,” he responded. “We’re all here.”

“This is getting too ‘We are Legion,’” (Y/N) muttered. “Too biblical for my taste.”

Stiles shushed her before turning back to the knocked-out boy. “Are you the one killing people?”

“We are the ones killing murderers.”

Stiles continued his sleuthing into Jackson’s subconscious, and possibly into who was controlling him. He reiterated everything they already knew. They were killing killers. That much was certain. But they didn’t understand why. Who had they killed that had prompted so much bloodshed?

“They murdered me,” Jackson answered again. His head was trembling as his eyes turned red and yellow, his transformation into the Kanima slowly slipping in. “They murdered me!”

“Okay, more ketamine,” Stiles mumbled. “The man needs more ketamine.”

“It’s all gone,” Isaac answered.

“You used the whole bottle?” (Y/N) exclaimed. “And that didn’t even last.”

Then, Jackson stood snarling at the teens, his head convulsing rapidly as reptilian skin ate at his human one. They stammered out of the room, slamming the metal door behind them. But it wasn’t enough. It never would have been enough. They were dealing with a creature with unparalleled power and speed, and he had one thing to do. Jackson broke through the metal walls, disappearing into the club, and getting lost in the crowd. Everything they had done had been for nothing.

They moved toward the exit, getting trapped between the people that had already grown tired of the party and were leaving. It separated them into pairs. Stiles and (Y/N) were outside first, looking around for any sign that the murder had taken place and that someone else knew. But people milled out of the warehouse as though nothing had happened. As though no one had seen a thing.

“What is that?” (Y/N) questioned, pointing at the black dust that seemed to circle the building. “Planning on building a ring of fire if Jackson escapes?”

“It’s mountain ash,” Stiles whispered as they moved toward his Jeep, a safe distance away from the door. “Supposedly, it keeps supernaturals where they are.”

“How do you know they won’t cross it?”

“We’ll have to see.”

“Hopefully not too late,” she said. But her words died as Derek jogged toward them, a look of worry on his face. His eyes were on her quickly, trying to speak without any words. “Um, we sort of lost Jackson inside.”

“(Y/N)!” Stiles exclaimed at her blurting. “We did. But, uh…”

At that moment, Isaac and Erica walked out, their gaze falling on the black ash. It was as though they were staring at a ten-foot wall in front of them, with no way through. Whatever that powder was, it had worked. Too well.

“I did something!” Stiles celebrated.

“Look at us humans doing something,” (Y/N) smiled. “And still they underestimate us.”

“What did you do?” Derek questioned, turning his attention toward her. “I thought I told you to hang back.”

“You don’t tell me what to do, Derek,” she bit back. “And I did what I had to. Because last time I checked…” Before they could continue arguing, a loud growl broke through the air. (Y/N)’s head snapped toward the sound, somehow knowing who it belonged to. “Scott?” she whispered. “Is that Scott?”

“What?” Stiles questioned her as everyone’s gaze fell on her.

“Break it,” Derek directed. But Stiles refused.

 “Scott’s dying!”

“Wait, what?” Stiles asked her. “How do you know that?”

 “Oh, my god, Stiles,” Derek groaned. “Just do it!”

With a wave of his hands, Stiles broke the barrier and Derek ran right through. And before anyone could argue, (Y/N) followed. She didn’t understand why she had been able to hear Scott. All she knew was that she did and she could feel the pain and weakness in his call. He was begging for help and she had been able to listen.

“You should have stayed back,” the man beside her grumbled as they ran to where the growl had come from. “You could get seriously hurt.”

“I want to help, Derek. And I will,” she spoke through gritted teeth as they snaked through bodies in the room. “We have no idea what we’re walking into.”

“Fine,” he responded defeatedly as they reached a door at the back. “Just stay back.”

As he opened it, Scott’s weakened body was strewn on the floor. His face was toward the floor and, without the twitches he made, she would have sworn he was dead. Derek burst in first, swaying as soon as he did. 

Suddenly, a flash of red jumped from the darkness beside the door and lunged a knife directly into Derek’s back. Victoria struggled with him, waving the blade as they fought for dominance. Whatever was in the air had weakened him and was making her a worthy adversary.

“Get… Scott,” Derek managed to croak out as he fought the Argent woman, crashing into the wall behind them.

(Y/N) dropped beside the boy, thinking of a way she could carry him out of the room without his help. She started snaking her arms under him, pulling his torso toward her to drag him out. But the little headway she made was destroyed as Derek stumbled onto her, making her fall alongside Scott.

“What the hell?”

“She’s gone,” Derek whispered, his eyes falling to where he had just been fighting with the woman. “Sorry, there’s wolfsbane in the air. It’s making me weaker.”

“It’s fine,” (Y/N) mumbled. “Let’s just get him out of here.”

They draped one arm of his around their shoulders and dragged the boy back to (Y/N)’s car under her instruction. There was no other way they could transport two hurt werewolves any other way. Carefully, they rested his body on the passenger seat before (Y/N) buckled him in.

“Where’s your bike?” Derek mumbled, holding his left arm, and trying to conceal the blood that was rushing out.

 “I told Isaac to retrieve it from my uncle’s this afternoon,” she shrugged as she closed the car door behind her. “Something told me the SUV might have been the best bet tonight.”

“Well, I can…” he tried to speak quickly but a wince of pain killed his words. “I can drive. You should get your bike.”

“Isaac’s got it,” she said. “And I need to get the car back to the house somehow.”

“And you trust him with it?”

“As much as you would trust me with your own car,” she retorted. “Now, you’re hurt and clearly still a bit buzzed from the inhaled wolfsbane. So stop arguing.”

“Fine,” he grumbled. “Just don’t kill us before we get there.”

“Can’t make any promises,” she smirked. “Now get into the backseat, sour wolf.”

They drove in silence to the veterinary office, their eyes meeting in passing through the rear-view mirror. There were so many words unsaid between them but too many things had happened that overwhelmed them. One more talk at that very moment and they would probably say something one of them would regret. As much as (Y/N) wanted to talk to him, Derek looked too weak to withstand a screaming match with her.

All the anger she felt toward him dissipated as she saw his head fall back in pain, his wounds not healing as quickly as they should have. At that moment, (Y/N) wanted to comfort him. If it hadn’t been for Scott’s unconscious body on the seat next to her, she would have driven him to her home and taken care of the wounds herself.

Instead, she parked in front of the small veterinary office, where Deaton was waiting for them. He hurried to the passenger side, helping Derek carry Scott into the operating room in the back. They laid the boy on the metal examining table and allowed the doctor to do his work.

“Derek, I’ll get to you as soon as I am done with him,” Alan said. “I just have to make sure his healing starts before any real damage is done to his lungs.”

“I can help him,” (Y/N) offered. “I know enough about first aid to close a couple of cuts.”

“Oh, um, are you sure?” the doctor questioned. “I know he’s in pain, but it’ll only take a couple of minutes.”

“Let her,” Derek groaned. “Anything is better than keeping this wolfsbane inside.”

“Alright then,” the man conceded before handing (Y/N) a medicine cup filled with a black powder. “Make sure you place this directly on the wounds before you close them.”

Deaton handed (Y/N) a tray of supplies and a pair of gloves and showed them to his smaller check-up room as he tended to Scott. The two kept quiet during every step. As Derek removed his shirt and (Y/N) washed her hands, as she wiped away the blood that stuck to his skin and pressed the powder into the stab wounds, as she sutured the cuts and bandaged them. All quiet.

“Thank you,” Derek croaked as he broke the silence. “For everything you’ve done tonight.”

“Well, I couldn’t very well leave you guys to die because of my family,” she shrugged. “I’m doing what anyone would have done.”

 “I don’t think anyone else from the Argent clan would have saved us.”

“Well, they don’t count as anyone,” she chuckled. As he tried to join her in laughter a wince fell out of his mouth as he moved his arm too fast. “How bad does it hurt?”

“Better now,” he sighed, sinking into the chair he was in. “I want to apologize, (Y/N). When you called, I never meant to make you feel like you weren’t capable.”

“You don’t ha…”

“I do, (Y/N). You have to know that what I said was because I can’t see you get hurt. I spoke rashly and I need you to understand that I didn’t mean it. You’re more than able to do everything we can do, I just can’t bear if something happened to you because of it.”

“Sooner or later, everyone will just have to accept the fact that I am a part of this world and that I can help in ways others can’t,” she responded as she sat beside him. “I just want to feel like I am valuable to the pack and not just another human you need to protect. I know there are things I can bring to the table that no one else can.”

“Like how you were able to not only hear Scott’s howl but to know that he was hurt,” he said. “Or how you never crossed the mountain ash threshold.”

“What’re you talking about, Derek? I heard Scott’s howl because it was loud and I didn’t cross the line because I had no need to,” (Y/N) chuckled. “Nothing else is happening there.”

“I don’t think that’s true, (Y/N). You’re different somehow, and I’m sure there are other unexplainable things that have happened to you. I mean, you’re even immune to the Kanima’s venom for some reason.”

(Y/N) kept quiet because it was true. Just like she had felt that Deaton was more than he led on or how she simply knew that Scott was dying. It was something that had happened to her over the years. Sometimes, she just felt things. But she didn’t know how to explain it to Derek. She was probably different, but she didn’t know why or how.

“Don’t know what you want me to say, Derek,” she sighed. “If I am anything other than human, my parents have not told me and I haven’t found out. But I would rather talk about anything else. Please, no more unexplainable things.”

“Alright,” he smiled softly, the only thing he could muster with the pain. But his smile didn’t last long, his face falling into a worried frown. “Something happened tonight when I was struggling with your aunt.”

Her eyes fell on his, questioning the dread that befell on his face. “What happened, Derek?”

“I bit her as we fought,” he confessed, his gaze falling to his bandaged arm. “I-I… I thought it was the only way she would let me go and I simply did it.”

“Derek, you did what you had to do,” she replied, placing a hand on his arm. “Whatever happens next, it’s not your fault.”

The man sighed before he continued, roaming his eyes over her hand. “Do you know what hunters do when they are bit or scratched deep enough?” When she shook her head no, he continued. “They kill themselves. Rather than accepting the change, they choose death over becoming one of us.”

“And did you? Bite her deep enough?”

“I did,” he admitted. “I did and now…”

“It’s still not your fault,” she reassured. “My family is so scared of becoming a werewolf that they’ve become monsters themselves. To choose death over a life like this, I think it’s cowardice. And that’s on them.”

“Why do you think so differently? I don’t think I’ve ever met a hunter, let alone an Argent, that thinks like you.”

“My father. Something tells me my father cares more about werewolves than he lets on,” she smiled. “But he’s on your side just as much as I am. And if it’s ever necessary, he’d help you as much as I would.”

“Two Argent hunters choosing the supernatural side over their family. Never thought I would see the day,” he laughed, the tension leaving his shoulders with every chuckle. “How did it take this long for our paths to cross?”

(Y/N) smiled at him; grateful the conversation was finally shifting. “Well, I’ve been all over the country and there’s a couple of years of difference between us,” she stated teasingly. “I’m sure that’s why it took so long.”

“But you’re here now,” he said, his eyes falling to her lips for a second.

“I am,” she grinned, slowly leaning toward him. “I am right here, right now.”

“Good,” he smiled, inching closer and closer.  

But a knock rang through the room and their eyes snapped to the open door. Deaton stood by the doorway, a knowing smile on his face. “I wanted to let you know that Scott’s awake,” he said. “And I know you’re recovering, but I do have to wake up early in the morning.”

“Of course,” Derek responded. “Thank you.”

As soon as the doctor left, the pair broke into quiet laughter. The universe had stopped them once again and she didn’t know if fate was trying to keep them apart or make them work for it. It had also become cruel how many times they had been so close to kissing before they were interrupted.

“We could just get it out of the way,” she offered. Her head fell onto his shoulder. Looking at his face was temptation enough. “Maybe the next time no one will walk in; finally break this curse.”

“No, (Y/N),” he sighed with a smile. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing this right. Not rushed or just to get over it.”

“Fine,” she whined. “I guess you’re not going to jail tonight.”

“That’s good to know,” he chuckled. “But it is time for all of us to go home. Unfortunately, none of this is over yet.

Next ->

My content will always be free, but if you’re feeling particularly generous, you can leave a tip on any of my posts  or buy me a coffee to support me and my love of writing If you’d like to be tagged inthis or any other story: click here Make sure you have my notifications on so you know every time I post!

Tag List: @hellowinterlane​ @lokisgoddesofpower​ @mersuperwholocked-lowlife @malar-region @sunshine-flower @lilstanxd @sunsetcurvej @malar-region @heyitsaloy @blackbluerose666 @bellabadacadabra @winter-soldier-101 @zheezs14 @sunsetcurvej @mushroomelephant @she–walks–in–moonlight @Gracelynn318 @skyesthebomb @esposadomd @blueshoelaces @then-worship-at-my-altar @six-call @yuki254 @honeylovemoon @Beckiej0073-blog @baebeepeach @cecehensonn @catgirlpwr @magimtz23 @perle-noir @adaydreamaway08 @hufflepuffobsessedwithmarvel @thatgirljayy @sugasthreedollarkookie @laylaskywalker @fandomonetwo @fruitylilfuck @haroldpotterson @gangstalicious06 @elijahssuit @ellabellabus07 @scarletdfox @halleest @sunflowerleii @shara-ne @nngkay @mar @saltedcoffeescotch @thecollectorofwords @gabi-princesada1d @zealouscookierebeltrash @sleepilysworld @laylasbunbunny @treatiseofselena @american-staness @cevans-winchester @brittany-appleyard24 @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 @ivory-raptor @euphoria1992 @mrknightsgirl @hopexargent @druigsluver29 @Fresita1218 @sunsetmaverick @rebelbagel @mrknightsgirl @missfunsize

@the-house-of-rose-and-ember @elizabeth916 @heccatee @cerejinha

[lovvecherrymotion]

everyone has been posting about their 2023 and how much jere and joker out have impacted their lives and i guess it's my turn now

this is pretty long and all over the place but... i have a lot to say, i guess

i'm a big eurovision fan but not to the point of watching all the national finals or preparties or anything. i'm pretty invested in it during may but prior to this year i haven't really gotten invested in any artists (at least not to this extent)

anyway, this year, for some reason, i ended up watching cha cha cha the day after the umk final and i was in love. i didn't even need to listen to any other songs - i knew right away käärijä was my 2023 winner. i decided to check other songs that were already out and... guess what other song i liked right away? yeah, carpe diem

and then the universe decided it'd be lovely if bojan and jere met and it fundamentally changed the trajectory of my year. their friendship made me so happy at a time of my life i was struggling so much in terms of mental health - and with their friendship, their music, their interviews, and the rest of the kä crew and joker out

i started lurking around tumblr again. i didn't feel comfortable enough to participate in fandom, but i did love seeing all the content and all the discussions everyone was having. i hadn't felt this excited joining a new fandom in... years, literally. and despite all the shitty moments i've had in 2023, both jere and joker out have helped me a lot and i've felt so happy thanks to them

when i got the ticket for the tavastia show, i spoke to non fandom friends, expecting them to tell me it was a silly idea to fly to the other side of europe just to see joker out (and potentially experience the next bojere reunion), but they all said the same - we haven't seen you this happy about anything in a long time. you should go. and it was one of the best concert experiences of my life

then i also booked an entire trip to dublin to see jere AND I GOT TO MEET HIM? and now i'm getting my first tattoo ever? and, sure, i also got covid for the first time in my life, but it was yet another AMAZING concert experience and one i'll never forget, both thanks to jere and everyone else i met in line. dublin will forever be in my heart. it's one of those experiences that seemed straight out of a fanfic and i can't believe it all happened to me

and finally, it was time to see joker out in madrid, which was a little bit of a birthday gift to myself. i was awake for 30 hours straight and i don't even know how i survived, but it was PHENOMENAL. i truly loved every second of it

after dublin, i made the decision to start being a bit more active around here and got to meet some more lovely people and... while i still feel a bit weird, because i'm not exactly the best at interacting with others and i often feel like i'm the kid who transferred schools mid school year and is still trying to figure out exactly how to fit in, i do love how wonderful this community is. our silly joint fandom has brought me so much joy and i can't wait to see how it'll be in 2024

i'm not exactly ending this year feeling great, in terms of mental health, and i've been feeling quite down about certain things both jere and joker out had helped me feel a bit better about - body image and my own writing being the two main ones - but i seriously believe the positive impact they've had on me will influence how i deal with this during 2024 and i do hope to get to a better place

i wish you all the very best and thank you for being a part of my wonderful fandom experience and making my days a little brighter 💖 and i guess this is a good moment to say that my messages/inbox are always open and i'm always more than happy to make new fandom friends! also, if any of you are going to milan, just let me know (and, yes, i'm still deciding on some more joker out dates for next year because i can't resist spending money on them, it seems 💀)

[ageless-aislynn]

Title: “Recreation” (3/?) Author:@ageless-aislynn​ Characters/fandom: Kai-125/M!Reader, Halo the series Summary: You wanted to take Kai on a date that she would love but your ideas are running a bit thin. Don't worry, though, ODST Jerry is here to help. 😉 Rating:  T (PG13) Length: 3,405 Spoilers/warnings: Set in the Silver Timeline of Halo the series, not the games or novels. No show spoilers. Disclaimer: Definitely not mine but I do enjoy borrowing them just for a bit! 😉 A/N:  Annnnd it's been a while, friends. Since the last update, life has been all about stress, health issues and writer's block but I'm trying to get things back on track again. 🤞😣🤞

Thank you to @mrtobenamedlater for the suggestions on what sort of dates to not take Kai on. See, I was paying attention, lol!

If you also read "15 Minutes" (or you're checking to see if I'm going to mention anything about it 😉), the next chapter on it is also in progress. Ideally, it should also update at some point this month but I make no promises.

If you've been reading since the beginning, thank you for sticking around. If you're reading this at some later date, thanks for giving it a chance. However it goes, I hope you enjoy! ⭐💖⭐

Taglist: @laurenstacy610 @sporadicbelievernightmare @sarnakhwritesthings

I tagged everybody I tagged last time but, as always, if you'd prefer not to be, just let me know! And if you would like to be tagged in my Kai/Reader fics, just let me know! At the moment, I also write John/Reader, John/Kai and John/Cortana, so I’m glad to tag you for whatever you’d like. Also, if you’d like to be removed, just let me know as well, no hard feelings. 😉 💖

Halo fic masterlist ⭐

"So, what's the plan?"

You looked over as ODST Jerry fell into step with you. "Plan?"

"You know, for when your Spartan honey gets back from extended deploy."

Your I'm thinking over my options face clearly looked a lot like your I'm completely at a loss face. Wait, now that you thought about it, they really were one and the same in this case.

"Come on, man, you need a plan," he bemoaned. "You can't just try to wing it with a Spartan. Not a Spartan. She's worth the time, the effort, the thought, the whole thing. Don't you worry, though. Jerry's got you covered. Give me a few hours and I'll be back with some options."

He strode away with great purpose, leaving you staring after him, a bit flummoxed at having somehow gained an ODST Fairy Godfather.

All considering, though, you could definitely use a little of that "feet first" attitude when it came to dating.

You were on your way to the mess for lunch when, as if by magic, Jerry appeared next to you once more.

"I've been going over the options, running the numbers, all that," he began without preamble. "You know that big amusement park that opened a few weeks ago, tallest roller-coaster on Reach, guaranteed thrills for all?"

"That's where I should take-?"

"You should absolutely not take her there. Think about it, she can jump from orbit without so much as a pod! How exciting is some plain ol' roller-coaster going to be to somebody who can orbital jump in just her armor?"

You nodded slightly, conceding the point.

"Same thing with the games. Punch a bag to show your strength? She can punch the whole machine onto the next continent. Hit a target? She's a sniper, my man. Even with the lousy 'guns' they use for those things, I'd bet you a whole year's salary that she'd make every shot. That's no fun for her. She'll want to be challenged, she'll want excitement! You've got to give her something she's not going to get any other way or why would she bother, right?"

You went from nodding to shaking your head to finally just doing a circle with your chin. "But I'm not that exciting," you said. "That's going to be impossible."

Jerry whipped out his padd. "I made some notes," he said and flipped it around so you could read the screen.

You leaned down a bit, squinting at the print. "Um, you know I couldn't survive that one, right? And I'm just straight-up not doing that one, that one or that one," you said, pointing at the corresponding bullet points.

"If you're worried about where to find a marching band, don't sweat it. I know a guy," he said confidently. "I can even convince him to throw in the venomous carnivores for free."

"I don't know," you said with a slight grimace. "None of this is my style."

"Really? Not even number 15?"

"Yeah, I'm definitely not doing battlefield karaoke. Besides, where would I find an Elite who could sing?"

"I know a guy," he repeated even more confidently.

"Maybe some other time. But thanks."

He waggled a finger at you. "I'm not going to give up on you, buddy. Not after you opened my eyes to the wonders of yoga."

"Are you feeling more centered and enlightened?"

"Eh, that, too," he said. "But I'm going to make sure that you show that Spartan the time of her life, even if it kills us both, don't you worry!"

He gave your shoulder a friendly punch and disappeared into the crowd before you could respond.

You were on an early shift today, so you decided to do some recon in the city. There were a few fancy restaurants there, would Kai like something like that? There were also movie theaters, some quite elaborate. That movie in the park you'd been about to see before the emergency deploy, she'd said she liked it, so was it playing somewhere? She might like the chance to see it in a more elegant setting. Or what about live performances? Did she like plays? Musicals?

You realized you had no idea about her taste in music or entertainment. Or food. Or pretty much anything important, the more you thought about it.

Frustrated, you let your feet carry you out of the city into the outskirts. There was one place you could go to clear your mind for a while. Maybe some fantastic, Spartan-worthy idea would come to you, then?

Not long into throwing balls for the pack of rescue dogs, you'd gotten the feeling you were being watched. Surreptitiously, you'd scanned the wooded area beyond the fenced-in yard but couldn't spot anything suspicious. Even after casually checking out the buildings of the animal sanctuary behind you, you didn't spot anybody watching you from a window or around a corner. Often, some of the other volunteers would gather to watch you playing with the dogs but you really didn't know why.

Deborah, one of the other volunteers, approached after a while, calling your name in greeting. "Want a break? I'll take a turn if you want to go visit your best girl. She's in her usual place."

"Sure, thanks," you said, tossing the ball to her and giving the dogs still clustered around you fond scratches. You headed back to where you'd left your shirt hanging on the porch railing but it was warm enough you'd worked up a light sweat, so you left it off. You found a place in the shade on the ground next to the steps to sit, letting your hand turn palm upwards on the grass.

You caught a glint of eyes beneath the steps but didn't say anything, knowing it was better to wait.

It didn't take nearly as along as it once had before there was movement from the corner of your vision. You still didn't react, keeping your gaze forward, but when a slightly cold, damp nose skimmed your palm, your mouth twitched.

It wasn't until the furry body sat next to you, close enough for the wiry fur to brush your arm, did you look at the small, gray dog. "And how are you today, Gigi?" you asked very softly.

You moved your hand up onto your lap and waited until she shifted to lean against your leg before slowly and gently petting her back. She sat there stiffly for a few more seconds, then finally sighed and laid down with her head propped onto your thigh.

"You know, you're welcome to play ball with the rest of them," you suggested and she rolled her dark eyes to look skeptically at you. "Or not," you concluded.

You both watched Deborah and the rest of the dogs for a while, then Gigi abruptly tensed and darted back under the steps a heartbeat before you heard the crunch of footsteps.

"Hey, marine," Kai said as she came around the corner of the building, dressed in dark civvies, the streak of red in her hair barely peeking out from under her black knit cap with the tear on the edge. "Got room for one more?"

You were on your feet and striding towards her before you even realized it. Halfway there, you realized you didn't know what you were going to do when you got there but fortunately, she didn't have the same problem.

As soon as you were within reach, she grabbed you into a massive embrace. For a long moment, you just closed your eyes and held onto her.

"When'd you get back?" you finally asked into her muscular shoulder.

"Couple of hours ago. Been in debrief for ages. Though poor Chief is still there, so guess I shouldn't complain."

"You all right? No casualties?"

"Silver's in one piece," she said which wasn't really an answer but you figured that was all she could say.

When you leaned back, you expected her to let you go but instead she shifted her hold so to touch your face.

"I'm glad to see you," she said, her tone husky.

"Yeah. Yeah, me, too," you stammered out, feeling tongue-tied.

And then she kissed you and, in addition to feeling bereft of words, you had your breath stolen as well.

You heard a faint growl come from under the porch and Kai released you, murmuring, "So, who's your friend down there? They sound like they're considering biting my ankle."

It took a few blinks before your brain resumed functioning again. "That's Gigi," you said. "She's had a rough go of it, doesn't trust very easily. Usually she wouldn't call attention to herself like that, though."

"She must like you, then," she said with a slight smile, "considering that she's warning me to back off."

You turned, finding that Gigi actually had her head poked out from under the porch, her lips curled and showing teeth. "That's not very nice," you admonished in a gentle tone. "You're both Spartans, you should stick together."

Gigi gave a displeased barky growl at that and vanished into the shadows once more.

"She's a Spartan, huh?" Kai remarked, biting her lip as if to restrain a grin.

"Well, she came to the sanctuary already answering to Gigi so they didn't want to change it," you explained. "So, I told her that it was short for Gorgo, you know, the Spartan queen? I thought she should have a strong name, something to give her courage when she needs it."

Kai looked at you as if you were too precious to be real. "I like it," she said. "Well, Queen Gorgo Gigi would be a welcome part of Silver Team, if she ever feels like joining."

"One day," you said. "Or at least I hope one day that she'll feel safe enough to come out and play ball."

"You'll get her there," she said confidently.

"You think so?"

"Yeah," she said with an encouraging nod. "You're good with her, I can tell. She trusted you enough to come out from her hiding place and sit with you. That's a big deal."

You arched an eyebrow. "How did you know that? Can Spartans see around corners now?"

It was her turn to look a bit sheepish. "I saw from the woods." She jutted her chin in a direction across the yard through the fence. "I, um, might've been watching you running around, playing ball."

"Why?"

She gave a huffing laugh. "Probably for the same reason why you watch me do my deadlift routine."

"Because it's an impressive display of strength and agility?"

She waggled her hand to indicate you were close.

You thought it over for a second. "Because you're hot?"

She did an on the nose gesture. "You didn't answer me before: you got room for one more or do you think it'll upset Gigi if I sit in her space?"

You glanced back as if the small dog would offer a comment. Her eyes glittered in the darkness, which told you she hadn't completely withdrawn. "I think it'll be all right," you finally surmised. "If she seems to get distressed, we can move."

Kai nodded and the both of you took a place on the ground with you the closest to the steps. You sat there in companionable silence for a while, watching Deborah throwing the ball to the pack of dogs.

Eventually, Deborah came your way, gesturing to Kai. "Want to take a turn? They've about run me out but I'd like to give them a little while longer to play."

Kai bounded to her feet. "Sure," she said eagerly. "Just… throw the ball for them?"

"Just throw the ball," the other woman confirmed.

Though you had no doubt that Kai could've thrown it three days' drive away even for the speediest Mongoose, she tempered her strength to mimic approximately how Deborah had been throwing it. Soon, she was laughing at the antics of the pack as they raced around. You noticed that she would also deliberately throw the ball to some of the smaller or slower dogs, giving them their turn as well.

She also paid attention to when they began showing signs of being tired. "Should I let them rest now?" she asked.

Deborah had found a place in the shade to sit far enough away that Gigi didn't withdraw further. At Kai's question, she pushed to her feet. "Yeah, they seem good. I think they'll all have solid naps now, thanks."

Then, as Kai approached and gave her back the ball, she went on, "We're always looking for people for play time like this, or even just feeding and filling water bowls. If you'd ever like to spend more time with them, please feel welcome. I know they'd love it."

"Thanks," Kai said with a broad smile. "I'd love it, too."

"You'll make sure she gets in?" you asked, inclining your head towards the little gray dog under the porch.

Deborah gave a wry smile. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she gets that spot she likes tucked away in the linen closet."

You turned to Kai and gestured for her to proceed.

"You don't tell Gigi goodbye?" she asked, arching a brow curiously.

"Gigi doesn't believe in goodbyes," you returned, partially because you thought it would make her smile.

The toothy grin she gave you went straight to the center of your chest. "Something else we have in common, then."

The walk back into the city was much more pleasant now that Kai was at your side. She couldn't tell you much about the mission Silver Team had been on but that was all right with you.

After she told you that she hadn't had time to grab anything to eat, you diverted your course to find the little out of the way diner you often frequented when off-duty.

As it turned out, Kai had never before had the chance to discover the wonders of the classic hamburger. The elderly owners were quick to ply her with every conceivable variation they could concoct.

Kai's enthusiasm was contagious and her appetite was indeed Spartan-sized. In the time it took you to eat three generously sized burgers, she'd gone through perhaps a dozen. The happiness radiating from her made it difficult for you to not grin like a fool.

She waved them off when they offered to grill up another. "I'm stuffed," she demurred. "Couldn't possibly fit in another bite."

"But," the silver-haired woman asked, "what about dessert? Do you like pie?"

"Pie?" she asked, her tone perking up. And, as it turned out, yes, she did.

When you requested the bill, Kai snatched it off the table in a move so fast you didn't even see a blur of motion.

"My treat," she said. "You can pay for the next date."

Her casual choice of words surprised you. Once you were outside, having promised the owners that you'd come back soon, you fell in line beside her.

"Was this a date?" you finally asked.

"It was to me," she said with a tiny smile and threaded her fingers through yours. "It was actually the most perfect date I could've imagined."

For a moment, you couldn't seem to remember what words were. Then you cleared your throat and said, "I have something for you."

"Did you knit me a gun cozy?" she asked eagerly.

You gave what you hoped was a mysterious smile. In truth, you probably just looked besotted. That was okay, though, because it inspired her to kiss you again.

Kai had remained outside of the marine barracks as you went in to retrieve her present. As you joined her, you noted about a dozen ODSTs and marines lurking none-too-stealthily nearby. One of the privates took a step in your direction and, from out of nowhere, ODST Jerry intercepted him, steering him back into the crowd.

He gave you a covert thumb's up, then disappeared again.

You'd thought you'd done a decent job wrapping the present in plain gray paper, tied with a silver ribbon, but when you actually saw it in her hands, you couldn't help but notice how it looked like a lumpy mess.

You should've put it in a box and had somebody professional do the wrapping. It was too late now, of course, but as she stood just looking at it, you wondered if you should offer to take it back and try again.

But then she glanced up at you and her eyes shone with a surprisingly wet sheen. "Thank you," she said quietly. "I love it."

"But you haven't even seen it," you protested mildly.

"Don't have to. I love it already."

You would've expected her to tear through the paper in a split-second but instead she carefully slid the ribbon free, then undid each seam with careful precision. It was almost as if she had never been given a--

The thought hit you as if you'd walked straight into a wall.

Then the thought made you want to punch the wall. She had never been given a wrapped present before.

It was a good thing she was preoccupied with the wrapping paper because you'd never been that great at concealing your feelings, especially when something made you see red. Scuttlebutt about how Dr. Halsey had treated the Spartans had never been particularly kind but you suddenly had an inkling of just how very unkind the treatment had been. Spartans weren't unthinking, unfeeling machines, no matter what anyone had ever said. It was true that they seemed more… animated since Dr. Keyes had taken over the program but maybe that was merely because she was allowing them to be?

It was all way above your pay grade but your feelings for Kai—

Okay, yeah, you had to admit it at least to yourself: you had feelings for her. Pretending to be in a relationship had been only been pretend for you at the very start. Kai was easy to care about, easy to admire, easy to want to be around.

The kissing was also a fantastic perk to the pretending, of course, but even if that had never been a thing, you would've still wanted to spend time with her.

As she undid the final piece of tape, she glanced up at you again and whatever she saw this time made her straighten. "You okay?" she asked.

"Sure." Your attempt to clear all of those feelings off your face was obviously an abject failure, so you went with it. "Hoping you like your gifts."

"There's more than one in here?"

"Finish opening and find out."

She slowly peeled the paper back, as if loathe to have the experience end. Oh, you were definitely getting her more wrapped presents, ASAP.

"I noticed yours was torn," you said as she gently lifted up the black knit cap from the rest of the bundle.

She made a surprisingly squeaky sound as she turned it and the metallic thread of the embroidery along the wide brim caught the light. "Is this my sniper? And a Needler? A MA5C? These are all my favorite weapons!"

"I know," you returned, then grinned as she actually spun in an excited circle.

She yanked off her old cap and put the new one on with reverence. "I just wish I could wear it and look at it at the same time," she said and you gestured at the package she still held in her hands.

She lifted the scarf out next, making another squeaky sound as she took in the matching embroidered pattern across both ends. After throwing it around her neck, she looked at you, this time with heat. "Would you want to come back to my room so I can model these for you?"

You stared quizzically at her, about to point out that she was modeling them, wasn't she?

But before you could speak, she leaned in closer to murmur, "So I can model only these for you?"

You blinked. It took two tries but finally you got out a heartfelt, "Ma'am, yes, ma'am."

As she grabbed your hand and pulled you away, you passed ODST Jerry now in the middle of the group of rapt onlookers.

"I taught him everything he knows," he was saying with a proud sniff. "Now, c'mon, everybody pay up. Yeah, and maybe if you're lucky, ol' Jerry here will help you make a Spartan love connection, too."

[ursafootprints]

*eagerly holds up microphone ;D

1, 3, 12, 13, 17, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30

Sldkfjsdf 💖💖💖 THANK YOU FRIEND you're the sean evans to my weeping-while-answering-questions interviewee

1, 12, 24 have all been answered!

3. What’s something you learned about yourself as a writer? Oh, gosh. That I can finish something longer than five chapters? That banking all my oneshot ideas is a great way to focus on a main project but means I will be extremely scattered from having too many WIPs in the aftermath? I feel like I'm much less thoughtful/self-aware about this kind of stuff than a lot of other authors, lmao.

13. What fic was the easiest to write? Cheating because it was by far the shortest, but it happens here every day (and its soon-to-be-posted Part 2, as they were actually originally written as a one-shot, haha.) I finished each scene in one sitting of CLAMP-fuelled brainworms.

For the ones that are on more equal ground wordcount-wise, Pyrite was the easiest! I had a pretty solid idea of what I wanted out of it and didn't struggle overly much with any of the individual elements.

17. What were your go-to writing snacks? Salt & vinegar chips are my favorite snack, but I don't snack while I write! I don't wanna get chipfingers on my keyboard.

22. Share an excerpt from your favorite scene I can't actually pick a favorite from the last two chapters of YNYD (Peter's talks with May? Tony and Peter's final date night before Peter moves for MIT?? the final scene?!), so instead, from Pyrite:

"I accepted that I had no fucking clue what Dad would let you get away with all the way back when you were three and I didn't revert to being an only child after you drew all over his Shelby Cobra with a screwdriver," he said, rolling his eyes at the memory. It's not like he'd at all wanted his baby brother to get slapped into next Tuesday, but— "For all I know you could blow Norman Osborn right in front of him and he'd just compliment your technique." "Tony!" Peter squawked with a peal of horrified laughter, twisting up out of Tony's lap to shove at his shoulder in protest. "'Hmm, excellent work, son,'" Tony intoned in a well-practiced imitation of their father, catching Peter's wrists. "'See how he's working the shaft, Anthony? Now this is how a worthy Stark successor sucks cock.'" "Oh my god," Peter wailed as he struggled against Tony's grip to try and shut him up, beet red and laughing.

Despite being wholly inappropriate, Tony was actually just being a big brother rather than trying to flirt with Peter here, and so this part actually struck me as being weirdly charming as a look into what their sibling relationship could've been like if not for… everything.

26. If you had to choose one, what was THE most satisfying writing moment of your year? Oh finishing YNYD for sure. I've never written anything near that long or complex before (my next-longest work is only 37k vs YNYD's 166k,) much less finished it, and it felt like a massive accomplishment.

If we're talking something more specific to the writing process, coming up with the idea of using Hanahaki as the premise for the wicked love sequel was also super satisfying! I was pretty content with the idea of just letting the first part stand alone as a full-on tragedy, but I did keep rolling the idea of "but what would their relationship look like after that" around in my mind just out of sheer fascination with it.

I didn't think my answer at the time ("they'd get therapy but Tony wouldn't really ever open up to talk about it and things would never really be the same I guess???") would be that interesting to write or read, but landing on "Tony would be forced to talk about it because his son got Hanahaki" was immediately exciting!

27. Did you do anything special to celebrate finishing a fic? I live in a constant state of buying myself a little treat, so I probably did that, but otherwise not really actually!

29. If this were an awards show, who would you thank? Lolll oh god. You and @shivanessa for sure for all the lovely gifts and for being such thoughtful and supportive readers and friends, my sibling for listening to me ramble about my fics, Rome for letting me bounce ideas off of them and being a wonderful friend and cheerleader, allllllll of my regular commenters…!! You guys are what makes being in fandom so fun 💖💖💖

30. What’s something that you want to write in 2024? Lmaoooooooooo

People were sharing their WIPs lists in the Super Starkers server a while back so I threw one together and, well…

…We'll see what happens!!

[libratxt]

it’s that time of year again… 🎄🎅🎉🎊 no. the highlights of your 2023 media consumption of course! just like last year, i want to know your top 5 films, books, tv shows, songs/albums, pop culture moments if that’s your thing, and as a bonus: any favourite personal moment/achievement in the last year? new to you, new in release, either works! can’t wait to see your response and wishing you a happy new year! 😁🩷

yay!! i was so excited to receive this in my inbox again this year 💖 overall i feel like i consumed less media than last year? but here's a roundup of some of my favorite things this year:

movies

so most of the movies i really really enjoyed this year didn't actually come out this year lol but i really enjoyed:

skinamarink - i love horror and while this one might be too much of a slowburn for people, it really filled me with dread so yay!

birdman (or the unexpected virtue of ignorance) - i'd been meaning to get around to this one for a while and finally did! totally worth it. the writing and acting: immaculate!

stop making sense - one thing about me is i will enjoy a music doc. the energy in this is so so wonderful. i love david byrne, i love talking heads. left the theatre in a great mood

saltburn - a controversial pick probably. but i had fun! don't really care for the criticisms that it fails at being class critique. it's about being a little pathetic freak and wanting to crawl into someone else's skin for me.

crash (the cronenberg one) - another one i'd been meaning to get around to for a while. i've seen most of cronenberg's stuff and i deeply deeply enjoyed this one. it's about sex, it's about violence, it's about desire, it's about all the weird things the human body can do. i love cronenberg and this one was perfect to me. mwah!

music

crash (charli xcx) - i know, i'm a little late. i listened to this religiously this year. having seen cronenberg's crash this year also added a little extra flavor. obsessed. love it. several songs are on my spotify on repeat as we speak.

this is why (paramore) - ahh so much fun! i love paramore, love getting a new paramore album. the remix album is great too. i also got to see them this year and had a blast! paramore was the first concert i ever went to so getting to see them again is full circle for meee.

desire, i want to turn into you (caroline polachek) - fun!! i do prefer pang but i had fun!

skylight (pinegrove) - sleepy, twangy indie album. i enjoyed! it was soothing this year.

joy as an act of resistance (idles) - the opposite of a sleepy, twangy album! i'm hoping to catch idles in the new year since they're stopping in town :)

tv

not a great tv year for me tbh

succession - succession my beloved! banger of a final season. it will go down in the annals of my favorite tv shows for the rest of all time. kendall roy you will always be famous.

adventure time - revisiting adventure time for the first time in forever. it's fun, it's sweet, i have a soft spot for it. i'm on its final season but have yet to finished because i'm emotionally attached at this point.

video games

baldur's gate - all i've done with my time lately is play baldur's gate. eat, sleep, breathe baldur's gate. i have not touched my sims in months because i have no space but for baldur's gate on my computer. finally got a ps5 and immediately got baldur's gate so that i can finally play it properly because my mac can only barely run it!!! i'm emotionally attached to my little tiefling cleric. i am already fantasizing about my next playthrough.

top me moment!

lol as for personal successes this year: i got a fellowship with a really well-recognized poetry organization in my city that i have so much love for and that truly does so much good work for our community. i have been slowly working my way through the ranks. i started as a mentee last year, taught some poetry classes for them, and this year helped run their month-long festival, and am now working directly with them to help plan their month-long festival for next year. it feels so aligned with the kind of career i'd like to have in my life. next goal is to hopefully lock-in some kind of permanent position with them once my fellowship is over. hopefully i will have good news about that in next years wrap up! thanks again for asking this, i truly get a kick out of it!!

[2129888]

hii, I love love LOVE your art so much omg you are very talented, I adore the colors you use and the expressions - your art is so soft and literally gorgeous. also so cool to see you are an oofuri fan hehe , makes me want to get into oofuri again like HARDCORE>>> if you want to for fun, pls list three reasons to read oofuri or why u love it!!!! I was watching the series like 7 years ago or something, but it lies dormant in the back of my mind bc I know I need to revisit it . ur passion and art triggered this chain reaction!!! I have to see Them (the characters, broo damn they are so cute) anyway have a fabulous day and summer, hope you take care!

guh. wuh. hello... buuhuhuhuuuuuuu ← (me drowning in my own tears) omg thank u so much... you've really made me smile ear to ear from this!!!!! you are so kind 💖 honestly i feel like i've completed my life's purpose if oofuri made it back on your radar because of me LOL my evil agenda grows stronger 😈 it is such a fun and unique story with the sweetest funniest cast of characters ever and such heartfelt writing with a great mix of serious and lighthearted moments... it really is worth a read 100%!!!!! and ofc i would love to share propaganda i mean a few reasons it's my favorite forever hehehe <3

1) reason number 1 goes to the number 1 boy. him.

i love him so much <3 in the manga he's hilarious as always but also goes thru a lot of great character development that the anime only covers a fraction of!! but really all the characters in oofuri are endlessly endearing and interesting...it's so fun to read about their lives! i especially like when silly convos are had between them in the background that give us more insight on everyone's families, favorite things, hobbies, etc... the small things really matter in oofuri and it shows. everyone and everything has its place in the world... there is a great sense of interconnectedness that feels so natural in the story and makes it a joy to read. the mangaka shines showing us the magic in mediocrity; in little everyday things and routines. it's so touching... the world is full of so much life and laughter i love it so much!!!! (live laugh love oofuri)

in general i just love how kind oofuri is to its characters... ofc there's drama every now and then and i eat that up too BUT ☝️ i love how the narrative encourages understanding, communication, open mindedness, perseverance, a positive mindset... everyone has their struggles and goals throughout the plot, but no one is told they don't belong, or that they can't rise up to the occasion and go after what they really want. it creates really interesting scenarios too where you sometimes get a look into someone's innermost dreams/insecurities/fears and it's so relatable and sweet and human much of the time. it all ties back to how well the development of these characters is handled. it's just peak writing... oofuri makes u feel like it's all possible as long as u keep going. it's just so sincere i love it......

2) and the matches are so fun!!!!! once you learn a bit of the terminology they're pretty easy to follow too! a lot of the greatest moments in the series happen during matches. you get to see so many characters shine or make fools of themselves <- also good i laugh a lot. higuchi-sensei knows her stuff and creates such thrilling situations that have me losing my mind sometimes and whether my favs win or lose i'm always excited to see what comes next bc they always take it and DO something with it. nothing ever feels stale to me about their club trainings or school studies either... bc the characters are so interesting everything they do is a joy to read!!!

3) and ofc the art is so cute and scrunkly and has been a huge inspiration to me over the years!! she's great at capturing emotion on people's faces and i've always wanted to emulate that... also love when she draws them itty bitty or all just hanging out together it's the cutest thing eveeeeer 😭

i really just babbled forever and maybe in the end said nothing at all LOL but thank u so much again for sending this @angelaive 💖 i hope i've convinced u a little to give the manga a shot!!! please enjoy if u do!!! take care 💕

[themagikmirror]

LET'S REVIEW🔎 6 MONTHS : 10 VIDEOS

It's been a labor of love and a privilege to do the work of channeling Spirit and ancestors that want the best for us in 2024! As I prepare to move through 6 more months of sidereal astrology, divination and channeling messages, I want to reflect over the first half of the year. It's always a great idea to look back before moving forward...

Hindsight is 2020

I invite you to review all videos you feel called to! Especially if you never watched any of these videos within the moments they were posted for! The next 6 months (summer + fall 2024) will begin producing fruits from things that we've sown and worked for. Likewise, it will also reveal consequences for areas we've refused to properly manage, take accountability for and grow through. My favorite time of the year is actually the second half. Everything just seems fuller and bigger. I am excited to move into new seasons and to start seeing major manifestations. If you KNOW you've done your best and been in alignment with what Spirit has asked of you, then you have NOTHING to be scared of! I'm excited to experience more retrogrades, our second eclipse season, the conclusion of Saturn in Aquarius and more Jupiter in Taurus because I know that no matter what happens if we continue to align with God's guidance its all meant for our highest and greatest good. This post excludes any written content, reels/tiktoks I've posted and my latest video. You'll have to go find those yourself 😉 2024 long form video content is listed in chronological order below ⬇️ Knock yourself out!

VIDEO #1

VIDEO #2

VIDEO #3

VIDEO #4

VIDEO #5

VIDEO #6

VIDEO #7

VIDEO #8

VIDEO #9

VIDEO #10

Thank you for being here! If you enjoy my content & it helps you unpack and process what's going on in your life, stop hesitating to connect with me on a more personal level! By clicking the link in my bio or watching these video you'll be led to my Facebook Page where you can find and hit "BOOK NOW" in the bio! This is how you can schedule spiritual work with me that's ALL ABOUT YOU! Meet a divine reflection of yourself by allowing me to help you better connect with your highest path & Spirit. Hope to meet you one day!

✨🪞💖🕯️✨🪞💖🕯️✨🪞💖🕯️✨🪞

[daeron-the-daring]

Hi could you tell me how you picture Daeron in your head for now when we don't know how the writers will portray him? I mean, do you think he would be the most Hightower coded out of all Alicent's kids or maybe he would have more Targ qualities? Because book description of him indicates that he was the gentlest, daring, great commander and would be the best king out of all of them and I just can't help thinking that he got all the best genes from Alicent and Hightower family as he spent a couple of years in Old Town and grew more accustomed with Hightower way of thinking, manners, behaviour and so on and I think despite being a Targaryen he would be more Hightower like just the same as Jon Snow is Targaryen, but at heart he is a Stark because Starks raised him and OMG that would be so epic because Daeron is Jon idol so that would so cool, 2 Targaryen guys who take after their mothers side of family in terms of personality, beliefs, behaviour. And speaking of beliefs, in intro where Aemond sigil was a sapphire, Daeron had EXACTLY THE SAME sigil as Alicent, it has to mean something right? I am so excited for him to come in next season, my baby boy 💖

Hi Anon! Thank you for your message and your patience, if you are still here! 💚

That's a good question, but not easy to answer, mostly because the writers usually add their own ideas to the characters, and that's fine if it makes sense and serves a purpose. It's not always the case in this series, I think, so I can't fully predict what Daeron's full personality is going to be.

On the other hand, you're right, he is a sweet boy, he would make a good king probably, and he is really popular because of his good qualities. The show hasn't told us his story yet; we don't know anything about his relationship with his family for example, which would have been crucial. If we are thinking of the canon, he is a real ride or die for his family, and I would really like it if the show would keep it this way. I think we will definitely see some Hightower influence on him in a good way. He is the most presentable out of his siblings, has good manners, is humble, gives credit when it's due, and has this sense of duty (like Aemond, who is the closest to Alicent). I think his sigil in the intro is more like a cup(?), showing he's still the cupbearer to Ormund. Maybe because he is training to be a knight and has to climb the ladder, that's why he is different from his brothers. Maybe not, and he has a good nature. Either way, I'm sure (or hope) he is going to be loyal to Aegon and his family. I have my concerns about how things are going to turn out between Aegon and Aemond next season (based on Ewan Mitchell's interview), but the Greens are loyal to each other, and in some weird way, they love each other. I mean, you don't raise a statue of your fallen brothers unless you love them, right?

Most of the Greens have this "oopsie" moment, like Aemond killing Luke or Alicent misinterpreting Viserys' last words, so "it's not their fault". I don't hate this in every scenario, but I hope they won't turn Daeron into the inexperienced young boy under Ormund's influence, who doesn't want to do anything wrong. I mean, this would have worked if they hadn't played this card before. However, I can imagine him dealing with some emotional distress during the war, seeing its horrors, and him striving to prove himself better and not always succeeding in this. Also, since the circumstance of his death is uncertain, I hope they make his character well-beloved and make our hearts bleed for him.

I think Jon's idol is not our boy, but a later Daeron. Nevertheless, you have a perfect memory. I completely forgot about this info!

Long story short, I can't wait to see him next season!

[notebookmusical]

Hi Cossette! My favourite Maisie songs are I'm Trying (Not Friends) and Cate's Brother, but I also highly enjoy both singles that she released for The Good Witch (both accompanying music videos are also very enjoyable) :D I've started following Maisie's music releases circa You Signed Up For This and it's been a joy to see her artistic growth over the past 2 years 💖

For The Good Witch, I'm most looking forward to the title track, but The Band and I and Coming of Age are also amongst the songs that I'm very eager to hear! I love good storytellings and I'm excited to see what she comes up with to weave the stories altogether!

I also love your connection between The Band and I and Taylor Swift's Long Live: When I first heard Long Live years ago I love how wholesome it is!! It also shows how far Taylor came (music career-wise) since her debut and the importance of fan support over the years 💖 Hopefully we'll get to hear the Taylor's Version of the song one day!

To name a few other music albums that I've been enjoying lately:

The Record by boygenius

Good Riddance by Gracie Abrams

Drop Cherries by Billie Marten

Young Heart by Birdy

Everything I Know About Love by Laufey

Phosphorescent by Gabrielle Aplin

P.S. 2023 has been a great year in terms of music releases so far (a lot of artists that I enjoy are releasing new music), so I'm very excited about it! In addition to The Good Witch, what are a few upcoming music releases that you are looking forward to? And what are a few recent albums that you've been enjoying lately?

that’s so special! one of my friends that i met through broadway twitter has been a huge maisie stan since YSUFT if not earlier and that’s how i found out about her music! i can’t wait to see what she does next!!  and i agree — i’m most drawn to good storytelling & good lyrics, and i feel like maisie does such a good job with that! i’ve loved reading her little teasers for each song! it’s just so special. 

i think long live (taylor’s version) would be the song that destroys me most on speak now (taylor’s version) — either that, or never grow up! i’m honestly so shocked that long live didn’t make it on the eras tour setlist, and i know that when she performs it on tour i’ll be sobbing (most likely on the livestream)! 

i’m actually listening to good riddance right now (as i respond to this message)! it’s one of my favorites of 2023 so far, and i hope it gets pressed on vinyl soon! i also really loved the record by boygenius & everything i know about love by laufey, but haven’t really listened to the others — i’ll do so soon! i own both the record & everything i know about love on vinyl, but rarely listen to them on vinyl for some reason even though everything i know about love sounds so good on vinyl!

i’ve been listening to a lot of holly humberstone’s “can you afford to lose me?” which is a compilation of her first two EPs! she’s rumored to have her debut album come out this year — i feel like since you like maisie & taylor, you’re likely to enjoy her music!  i’ve also been listening to cate canning’s newest single “get better” lately — i hope she releases another album/ep/something soon. the japanese house’s in the end it always does comes out at the end of june, and i’m so excited for it! i actually just preordered my vinyl yesterday. i have no idea what these singers are up to, but i’d love to see more music from: benjamin francis leftwich, no rome, isabel pless, and del water gap! i feel like there’s another album i’m really eagerly anticipating, but i can’t think of anything right now! 

albums i’ve had on repeat lately are: phoebe bridgers’ punisher, cuts and bruises by inhaler, emails i can’t send fwd: by sabrina carpenter, and of course, taylor swift’s entire discorgraphy and the 1975’s entire discography! and not an album, but i’ve been looping beabadoobee & clairo’s version of glue song since it came out! 

[thewholedamnboulangerie]

5, 13, and 19 <3

Eee thank you Talia my beloved!! 💕💕💕

5) TV show of the year?

I think we can safely say that it was KinnPorsche The Series: La Forte!! The show that inspired gnome chat to greater heights of insanity than ever before during its runtime, single-handedly tripled the number of fics I have posted on AO3, consumed my brain from April until - well, it's still gnawing on there tbh - and brought me some wonderful new fandom friends. Yeah it wins 🥰🥰🥰

13) How was your birthday this year?

My actual day of birth was super chill and snoozy, it was basically just cake and a takeaway and finishing watching Wheel of Time with my housemates (who had bought me a cake, which was GREAT bc I'd also bought myself a cake. allllll the cake). The exciting bit was supposed to have been the previous day, as I'd had tickets to a play starring literally the man himself, yes you guessed it, Toby Goddamn Stephens, BUT the last three performances (including that one) were cancelled due to cast illness, so a last-minute replacement plan had to be made!! And since Austentatious (stand-up comedians improvising a Jane Austen play based on a title suggestion from the audience, I adore them) had a show scheduled for four days later, and they're a shared fave of mine and the friend I was supposed to see Toby Stephens with, we rounded up five additional friends for good measure and had a lovely after-work theatre outing the following week 🥰

19) What’re you excited about for next year?

Oooh a very interesting and difficult question, because the things I'm most excited for haven't been planned yet, and exist even in my brain in only the most nebulous of ways!! The most certain one is that I'll be spending a lil bit of time at home in the summer, because not one but TWO of my friends from high school are getting married within ten days of each other (insane of them); I think I'm going on holiday abroad with my parents in the early autumn, which will be very exciting if we ever decide on a destination; I will almost certainly be taking a lil trip down to London over my birthday weekend for various antics and shenanigans (again, if I ever get round to planning it); E4 next instalment (not to repeat myself AGAIN, but: if we ever plan it); and ofc IF there is a BOC world tour Europe edition. Well. It WILL be Going Absolutely Insane O'Clock!!!!!! So like. To sum up. I will probably be going places and having a nice time but also I don't have all the information.

...but what I DO know is that I will be continuing to go absolutely insane about the blorbos with all the little gay people who live in my phone, and I am ALSO very excited for that!! I love you all 🥰💖❤️✨🥰

[thewingedmuse]

Hi! It was me who requested This reading… Thank you so much for doing it even though I sent it anonymously!! 💕 The Godzilla thing really had me puzzled at first, but it ended up being interesting to think out and write. I was actually thinking I might have done it wrong, because what other people had written was so different to what I had sent, so I’m happy you liked it so much! I wanted to give you some feedback about the reading, because it’s the right thing to do, of course, but also because I know you value it a lot 🥰

First of all, I felt kinda honored (?) you pulled the High Priestess for the reading… Though I don’t practice tarot myself (yet? 🤔), I’ve been studying quite a bit about it and it’s one of my favorite cards of the major arcana (the Wheel of Fortune is the other one!). Even though it’s a hypothetical reading I couldn’t help but feel excited about that being the energy of the “relationship” ��

Now, the fact that you didn’t know about Hongjoong before doing the reading makes it 10000x more impressive, because I think you were definitely spot on with your description of him! (From what I know as a fan, of course… I know artists don’t show their whole self to the public, but I’d bet other Atiny would agree). I’m not kidding when I tell you I could totally picture him in my head while reading! In a lot of the group’s content you can see Hongjoong with that soft, wholesome smile while looking at the members talk or do things, and don’t even get me started on the second paragraph!

Like, if you know astrology, he’s a Scorpio sun 10H and Capricorn rising… This man’s job is his whole life (he has said this himself btw), and you can bet he takes it seriously. That’s actually what made me a fan of Ateez and of him, particularly; I really admire his drive, motivation and perseverance, and I can assure you he has the next 10 years of his life planned out 😂 He became his company’s first trainee, a small company that had no means to compete with the bigger agencies and wasn’t even taking new people at the time. As their leader, he guided the group to domestic and international success (like, they’re on tour right now filling 20k seat venues! 🥹) and helped keep the company afloat during the pandemic. Even though their music is quite conceptual and not the general public’s cup of tea, they’ve managed to create a loyal fandom, and succeed while staying true to their essence and vision.

It’s also interesting that you mentioned he has “amazing energy”, because I felt that way about him right away, since I stumbled upon the first Ateez video I ever watched, like “wow, this dude is different…”, but I’ve also seen a few tarot readers on here say the same thing! Really, he is a great person: kind, compassionate and caring, he’s very aware of social issues and is involved in a lot of charity work too 🥹

Anyways, I hope this isn’t too boring but in short you killed it! It was a great reading and (in my opinion), a very accurate portrayal of Hongjoong. Sorry it took me a while to send you my feedback 🙏🏼 Thank you so much for reading for me and I hope you have a great day! 🥰

(Also if your entwined bonds event is still open I’d love to participate… would it be ok to do it if I already got this reading? 🙏🏼)

Thank you so much for your feedback!! I'm glad to know now the person who made my favourite Godzilla reading haha 💖 I'm so happy you love the reading, Hongjoong truly is an amazing person. The way you are so passionate about him really is lovely to see, like you are not only enthusiastic about their music but also greatly care about who he is as an individual! I think this kind of fan dynamics is very touching 💝 I feel honoured to have made the reading for you!

And sure you can join, there's no rules saying you can't after you've joined one but you have to be patient as there are about 40 before you. Hope you have an amazing day too!

[maximotts]

Hii Motts! I totally forgot to reply to you 😭😭 I was convinced that I have but apparently not 🫠 anyways I will absolutely dm you soon, I'm just too nervous 🙈 and those books sounds so freaking cool! I've only read 4 books this year and I'm in a bit of a reading slump already 💔 but I did just buy If We Were Villains because there's a bookstore right next to my new workplace (that will probably be a problem) so hopefully that will fix it. I hope you are okay 🩷🩷🩷-📖

AAA HIII!! I always feel so bad with how excited I am to talk to you haha sorry I just think you’re great 😅

And yes please do DM me!! Then I can show you how my reading journal turned out!! 🥰 don’t be nervous, I promise I’m so normal and a very chill person!

what books have you read? I’ve read two so far and right now I’m on my third and fourth (I read multiples simultaneously bc I’m insane)! Honestly I’ve wanted to read If We Were Villains for SO LONG, I cannot dissuade this purchase!

Omg a bookstore next to the workplace is SO dangerous, the only thing more dangerous is working IN one which I’m currently doing rn lmaooo I’m sitting at the desk and took a little break from my task and saw a message from you so obviously I had to respond immediately haha

Book buying bans are SO HARD tho ugh, I’m on one this year and I’m hoping it’ll be easier because I’m not counting books I get for free because of work so fingers crossed 🤞🏽I just really want to get through my physical TBR so if there’s a book I’m not too keen on, I can pass it on to someone else because gosh I have So Much Literature in my house.. I need to buy two more bookshelves 💀

I hope you’re doing well too! And that you’re loving your new workplace 🥰💖💖