#this was gonna be with the other post but i decided to put it by itself instead

[thebellekeys]

Wow, way to show you have no understanding of the problem I'm getting at with my post.

Imagine seeing an individual getting a PhD in art history and instead of blaming the workings of late-stage capitalism for the difficulty it brings them to get a job, you blame... the person that literally contributed to new, valuable knowledge in a field that's been studied for hundreds of years at the tertiary level? You blame the university for offering *checks notes* a literal university degree solely because of its lack of market value? Assigning value to a degree solely based on capitalist return is exactly the problem.

I'm not in support of dumping 100k on any degree, frankly, especially when there is more than enough money to support R&D in developed countries. I would never take out a loan like that myself. But if a person is capable of academically succeeding at such a high level, it is rather crude of society to punish them for not automatically subscribing to largely volatile markets when it comes to their studies.

We should be campaigning for educational reform, demanding more information about funding agencies' checks and balances, and responding to the needs of society by envisioning job opportunities for persons in the arts and humanities. We as a society need to acknowledge scholarly pursuits are inherently valuable. We should not be penalizing students who have made the choice to study history and literature. Because there will come a time in a few decades when AI starts putting STEM people out of a job too, and then we'll all be in the same boat suffering when ten Elon Musks rule the word and decide everyone else isn't worth the time, that everyone else just isn't getting degrees with "market value".

But, lol, the only other post on your blog is one blaming the people who give a shit about Palestine and genocide for Trump winning the election instead of all the conservatives that supported him en masse regardless of "whatever's going on in the West Bank", so nothing I say is gonna make a difference to you.

And a reminder that higher education cannot be considered truly democratised if students can still be doomed to poverty with multiple or advanced arts and Humanities degrees...

[youleftmenochoicebut]

WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW — james potter x reader.

SUMMARY. — the highlights of your relationship with james fleamont potter

PAIRING. — james potter x fem!reader

WARNINGS. — fuck around and find out; use of Y/N; english isn't my first language;

A/N. — so this is inspired by the masterpiece margaret by ldr!! also, first post, yay!!!

๋࣭ ⭑────୨ৎ────⭑๋࣭ first meeting; 6th year (1976)

"if you're gonna jump, i'd love to see you do a double flip." James' voice sounds out through the cold night air, and you can hear him chuckle as you turn around, eyebrow raised.

okay, you're totally surprised to see him here, way past the curfew, on the top floor of the astronomy tower while the wind whooshes rather lightly for the winter season. of course you know who he is, everyone at hogwarts knows him and his group of friends, the marauders. but, being a ravenclaw who doesn't stuck their nose in other people's business, you never had the pleasure of being a victim to one of their pranks.

"i'm not jumping." you reply after a moment, stepping away from the edge as you throw the muggle cigarette you'd been smoking to the floor, stomping it out. you reach your hand up, brushing your hair behind your ears, and for a while you two just stare at each other.

"everyone's already packing for the christmas break." he murmurs, adjusting the glasses sitting on his nose, a smirk playing on his lips and he strolls closer to you, leaning back against the railing. "you're going home, or not?"

your brows furrow, nose crinkling, as you eye him up and down suspiciously. you're pretty sure it's a bad omen that James Potter approached you just like that, out of the blue, but you decide to humor him anyway.

"no, i... i'm staying here." you answer his question, biting down on your lower lip, and you look away with a shrug. "don't you have a game tomorrow, Potter?"

"i do, Y/N. what, you gonna come?" James pushes his hands inside the pockets of his pajama pants, smiling at you, raising his eyebrow. you don't even try to ask how he knows your name, you probably don't want to know either way.

you shake your head and chuckle, the air escaping your mouth looking like smoke in the freezing weather. "quidditch isn't really my thing." you respond, and you chew on your words for a beat before adding. "catch the snitch for me, huh?"

he seems taken aback for a quick second, but lightens up soon enough, and nods eagerly. like a golden retriever, you think. with that thought, you take off, waving him goodbye as you swiftly disappear down the staircase.

๋࣭ ⭑────୨ৎ────⭑๋࣭ first date; 6th year (1977)

you stand in front of the only mirror in your dorm, most of your dormmates already out and about except for Sage, who's sitting on her bed and watching you closely as you fiddle with the hem of your dress.

"i look ridiculous." you groan, tugging down the tiny skirt of your outfit, glancing back at Sage. the dress is from a muggle friend of yours, apparently very in fashion now as she stated in her letter, but you can't feel more out of your element. it's not that you don't like clothes like that, it's just that you almost never wear them.

however, you're getting ready for a date with the James Potter, and you want to look your best. oh, and it's Valentine's Day, so you want to somehow prove to everyone who'll see you that you're worthy of James.

"you look great, stop whining." Sage rolls her eyes, munching on her chocolate frog, and she scratches her cat behind his ear.

you sigh, nodding at your friend's aggressive approval, then grab your bag, quickly putting your wand into it, and you saunter over to Sage's bed. you kiss her forehead, chuckling when you hear her let out an ew.

you leave your dormitory, run down the stairs, then sigh again as you get out of the common room, bracing yourself at the challenge of getting to the end of the staircase. and so it takes you some time, time that you spend overthinking almost every interaction you had with James in the two months you have known each other.

when you finally arrive at your meeting spot, your hair's all messed up and tousled, your eyes bloodshot from the wind and lips dry from constantly licking them. instead of Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop or the Three Broomsticks, James insisted on you two meeting here. in the Hogwarts grounds, near the Great Lake. usually, even during that time of the year, the grounds were full of students. but now, they're clear, except for a big red blanket on the snowy grass, with James sitting down there. there must be some spell casted around that area that keeps it warm, because James doesn't have his coat on. you approach him with a smile, dropping down next to him, and the heat hits you, making you loose your jacket soon.

for a moment, James just stares at you, mouth agape, his eyes shimmering with pure happiness. "you're beautiful." he breathes out as you nervously tug down your skirt, and a chuckle escapes your lips.

"thank you." your smile widens, and you look at the picnic basket he prepared, smelling the freshly baked cookies and the two bottles of juice. he notices your eyes wandering, his hand reaching out and grabbing a strand of your hair, untangling it gently.

"uh... i made the cookies myself." he murmurs, and when he meets your amused gaze, he shakes his head. "yeah, no i didn't. i asked the kitchen elves to make them. but they were more than happy to do it!"

you laugh heartily, feeling the blush creep up your cheeks at his touch, his hand dropping down and resting over your wrist.

๋࣭ ⭑────୨ৎ────⭑๋࣭ first fight; 6th year (1977)

exam season is really fucking with you this year. after last year's OWLs you really thought i'd be easier this year, but clearly not. you're running low on sleep, nourishment, and your patience. almost every waking moment you're spending in classes, doing your assignments or studying in the library with Lily and the other gryffindor girls with whom you've become quite close ever since you started dating James.

well, when it comes to James himself, you haven't seen him much lately. and when you do, it mostly goes one way with you doing both of your homework while James watches you with hearts in the place of pupils, and leaves kisses and touches all over your body.

it's 9.30pm on friday when you're making your way back to your common room after yet another study session in the library, being one of few students out in the hallways at this time. you turn round the corner, your body collapsing against someone else's, and you end up on the floor on your ass. a yelp escapes your mouth, and when you look up ready to shout at the idiot in your way, you realize it's your idiot.

"you look like hell, sweetheart." James smirks, glancing down at you as he leans in with outstretched hand, helping you up smoothly. you let out a huff, rolling your eyes, annoyed out of your goddamn mind, and you step away.

"wow, James, thank you. that's just what a girl wants to hear from her boyfriend after a shitty day." you murmur, wanting to just go past him, because you can feel your temper run short already. but of course, James being James, doesn't allow you to do so. he grasps your wrist as you try to pass him by, and you yank away the moment you feel his hand on yours. "sod off!" you hold your books closer to your chest, frowning momentarily.

"you've been ignoring me, Y/N." he says quietly, and it's probably the first time you hear him so serious and toned down. "i'm trying, i'm making effort, and you're acting like studying is the only thing that matters."

"because, right now, it is! it is to me!" you raise your voice, your hand clasping at the material of your shirt, and you shake your head. "i've been slacking off the whole spring because of you, and now i have all this shit to catch up. i don't have time for nonsense."

you don't even realize the blow that your words are to James, too sleep-deprived to notice the way his lips purse or how he almost seems to physically hurt at your statement.

"is that all you think we are? nonsense?" he whispers, ruffling his curls in an anxious gesture. "cause if that's the case, then i'll stop bothering you."

"no, James, you know that's not what i meant." you groan, shaking your head, and you step closer to him. "i'm sorry. i'm just so constantly tired and... sorry."

๋࣭ ⭑────୨ৎ────⭑๋࣭ first 'i love you'; summer of 1977

the sun is hitting your body in all the right angles, a cigarette dangling between your lips, as you lay on your back, on the jetty while the boys play in the water. you, Remus, and Peter have spend the past week at the Potter manor with James and Sirius, and James' parents. it's mid july, summer in all its glory, and you try to live it to the fullest.

you squeal and open your eyes the moment you feel drops of water fall all over you, and you're met with James' athletic figure right in front of you. he kneels down, face to face with you, quickly taking the cigarette from you and taking a drag. rolling your eyes, you sit up, pushing his shoulder playfully. you watch the rest of the marauders with a small smile on your face, Peter standing in the most shallow point of the lake and sipping on some fire whiskey, Sirius and Remus making out with only their heads visible out of the water. James rests his chin on your shoulder, one arm wrapping around your waist and tugging you closer against his chest, and you glance up at him through half-lidded eyes, observing the way he blows out the smoke.

"i love you." you whisper suddenly, as if the thought just struck you, your hand raising to push his glasses up his nose, and you lean in to plant a soft kiss on his cheek.

"yeah?" he replies, his voice having that cocky edge to it, but you can see his heart truly explode, eyes full of love. "i love you, sweetheart."

๋࣭ ⭑────୨ৎ────⭑๋࣭ engagement; fall of 1978

after a whole day of unpacking boxes and moving (using magic) furniture around, both you and James are truly exhausted. you’ve just moved into your first house together, having lived with James’ parents for the summer, and despite needing some renovations you are able to live in it without a problem.

as James takes a break on the couch, probably reading this month’s Quidditch Times, you’re trying to cook something for dinner. you’ve decided you don’t want to have a house elf, neither yours or James’ family ever had one, and you two aren’t changing that. but, that means you have to learn how to cook. which actually turns out to be quite the challenge.

two burnt lasagna-lookalikes in, you give up, your face red and eyes filled with frustrated tears. casting a quick cleaning spell, you leave the kitchen and head to the living room, expecting to see James there. but the space is empty.

„Jamie?” you shout out, looking around with a frown gracing your soft features, and after a moment of listening in, you hear him cursing somewhere outside.

and so, with your hands on your hips, already sure he’d just fucked something up, you make your way outside to your garden, through the living room backdoor. you’re immediately taken aback when you see daisy petals just laying around on the grass and it takes you a second to realize it’s a path. growing more and more suspicious you follow it, and it leads you to the small pond in the further corner of the backyard. the rocks around the pond are covered with lit up candles, and James is on one knee next to the wooden bench.

„hi, sweetheart.” he murmurs with a smile, holding a small velvet box in his hand, and as you come closer, you can see the tears already prickling in the corners of his eyes. he opens the box swiftly and the ring nestled inside must be the most beautiful rock you have ever seen. „i… i had a whole speech prepared, you know. about- well, you. us. but right now, looking at you, i cannot remember shit of what i wanted to say. the only thing i do know, and i always will, is that i want to look at you for the rest of my life. i want to see you smile, i want to make you laugh, i want to wipe your tears away. every single day. so, Y/N Y/L/N, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

you drop to your knees almost instantly, a sob escaping you as you’re at eye lever with him, and you just nod. you nod, over and over, letting your tears run down your cheeks, knowing that if you speak you’ll break down completely. James knows that too, and he silently slips the ring onto your waiting finger, bringing your hand to his lips and planting a soft kiss on each finger.

„oh, and before you say anything, i call dibs on the wedding date.” he whispers and you chuckle, pushing your lips against his before responding.

„yeah? so what’s the date?” you tilt your head, just staring at him with the stupidest smile on your face, with tear stained cheeks. you two look like idiots, kneeling in the dewed grass, but honestly you don’t care.

„december 18th.” James replies, clearly proud of himself for the mere idea, and his hands cup your face, thumbs brushing the tears away. „the day we met.”

๋࣭ ⭑────୨ৎ────⭑๋࣭ pregnancy; winter of 1980

you’re laying on your shared bed, fingers tapping against the huge curvature of your stomach, feeling your baby kick furiously inside you. you’re waiting for James to come home from work, as you’re already on bed rest, only two weeks away from your due date (which is january 31st)

you’ve been bored out of your fucking mind for the last few days, James putting in more hours at work before he has to take paternity leave when the baby comes, and everything in the house being all done and finished. everything babyproofed, nursery set up and ready, every single thing you could own for a newborn, you have. the only thing that’s left for you is resting and looking pretty, as James had said one evening.

your neck practically snaps from how fast you turn your head the moment you hear James apparate outside your house. you groan, quickly moving your hand to massage the back of your neck, and in just a few minutes James is standing in the doorway to your bedroom, a tired but oh so happy smile on his face.

„hi there, mama.” he mutters softly, dropping his suitcase and his wand onto the desk, getting onto the bed right away. he reaches out, tugging your shirt up to expose your big baby bump that’s covered with stretch marks, and leans in, placing kisses all over your belly. „and hi there, lad or gal. i hope you’ve been good to your mom today. daddy had a long day, you know.”

you smile, running your fingers through James’ curls as he rests his chin on your stomach, hands rubbing at your skin there, eyes set on your protruding belly button. you love when he tells you about his day in that way, talking to the baby about it, a habit you both created somewhere in your fifth month of the pregnancy, when you started showing more and more clearly.

„yeah? anything interesting happen today?” you ask quietly, gently playing with his hair, your tired gaze set on his face at all times.

„i won a bet with Sirius, which one of us would catch the most death eaters in an outing.” he hums after a beat, tapping his finger against your stomach, and both of you chuckle when the baby kicks so hard you can see its tiny foot stretch your skin. „yeah, your uncle Padfoot lost a bet. loser. daddy’s the best at what he’s doing, baby Potter.”

„merlin, you’re teaching our baby unhealthy rivalization and it’s not even born yet.” you roll your eyes, tugging at the ends of his hair teasingly, while he bats his eyelashes up at you.

„after all, they’re a Potter.” he murmurs lovingly, looking at your round and puffy from all the baby weight face as if he’s seen an angel, and he swears to himself that he’s falling in love with you over and over again every time he looks at you. „it’s in their genes, sweetheart.”

[mrslaflour]

📸 cheese babe.

pairing — taehyun x reader

warnings — noncon filming, restraints, reader is drugged tf out, taehyun totally just cum shotted all over reader, somnophilia things but no sex scene, didn’t proof read shit, all lowercase

notes — VERY QUICK DRABBLE. yes, yes i did post this before grape party kai. this is a tiny drabble to hold you over that i just scribbled down basically :p.

you feel numb. tingles spreading throughout your whole body but you can’t move a single muscle. your eyes can only part slightly, everything else remaining blurry. god, how late is it? was this just another late night nap? you hear a click and then a bright flash come through your eyes causing you to groan.

“you’re awake?”

another voice. in your room? you live alone. you go to speak up but nothing comes out. nothing can come out. it’s like your tongue is just dead and your lips refuse to fully part. you go to sit up but even that task isn’t possible. your arms are stuck behind your back, you finally notice that. but still. you should be able to lift your chest. now you’re worried and your breathing becomes heavier and more strained. it wasn’t until you felt a cold hand press against your chest that you realized you probably were naked. you say probably considering that fact that you can’t move your head to look and you can barely see out of your eyes in the first place.

“you’re my muse for the night. you’re drugged the fuck out though, so if you’re freaking out due to the sensory issues, there’s your answer.”

a man’s voice. that’s all you could get out of what he just said. well, other than the fact that he definitely either kidnapped you or has you out in the back of an alley, once again, you’re literally in the dark. it’s starting to even become difficult to think straight. he moves his hand from your chest and brushes a hair behind your ear.

“i’ll show you the pictures when i’m done and well, when you’re not so out of it.”

he moves away and you hear a few more clicks and see a few more flashes. your eyes shut, and you decide to keep them like that. you feel him push you onto your back and spread your legs open. feeling an extremely cold breeze against your sex. you hear him mumble a few things, but you can’t make them out.

“can you smile?”

it’s silent. you can’t respond and he just laughs. you feel what feels like a giant weight on top of you and two fingers prodding at the corners of your mouth pushing it into a smile and the click of his camera again. that noise was gonna drive you crazy. you feel his arms move lower and start rubbing your sides and gliding through your collarbone.

“i could really have my way with you right now. don’t have to worry about you bitching, screaming for me to stop, pushing me away…”

he pauses.

“but that would be too easy. a struggle is always fun.”

he slaps you and tilts his head to the side with a questioning look on his face.

“could you feel that? are you still there?”

you slightly open your eyes and the tiniest tear pokes out. he hums in content.

“assuming you can hear me, just know you shouldn’t piss me off. i’m not afraid to kill you. it’s not hard for me to find someone new.”

he stands up off of you and you close your eyes again once the camera flash blinds you again. you feel him go to mess with your wrists and the slightest bit of tension seems to be released. he has a hold on one of your wrists and moves it over to your crotch and your other hand to your breast. moving you around like a doll.

“say cheese…”

another click. another flash.

“you look like a fucked out drunk little bimbo. i should live stream this and have people tell me what i should do to you. would give me some more ideas of what positions to put you in for my photos.”

you’re passed out. well…not completely. you can feel everything he’s doing, hear everything, but you can’t think anymore, and you can’t even open your eyes anymore. more tingles bouncing throughout your body.

the sound of a different button can be heard as well as the sound of the camera being placed on the floor. you hear his footsteps come closer to you and the sound of a zipper.

“i know i said it’d be too easy but i have plenty of chances to let you play hard to get after this.”

you hear him groan a couple times before you feel something cold dripping on your stomach and slowly moving up to your face.

“what a shot. can you say cheese for the video?”

he leans down and you feel his hand touch your face before he moves your face on its side. presumably so you can face said camera. you then feel full all the sudden. a sense of splitting in you and you groan. the feeling starts to become painful.

“sh, just lay there and look pretty and let me do all the work.”

he goes deeper in you as he moves up more so he can put his finger on the corner of your lips and moves it up into a smile again.

“say cheese!”

[poespetraven]

Hiiiiiii hellooooooooo hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii so uh funny story I haven’t watched the new episode yet…

LET ME EXPLAIN

(!!!spoilers for both the X-tale comic and series below!!! (I’ve never tried using the “keep reading” line thingy ooh this is exciting! Heehee look at me being all tumblr proficient! (I still have no idea as to what I’m doing (shoot sorry I got distracted.))))

I DID REREAD THE X-TALE COMIC AND REWATCH THE X-TALE SERIES THO AND OH MY GOSH I FORGOT HOW MUCH I HAVE FEELINGS ABOUT THE X-TALE COMIC, ESPECIALLY THE 2ND HALF OF IT LIKE OH MY GOSH I FORGOT SO MANY LITTLE DETAILS THAT MAKE IT SO MUCH MORE DEVASTATING BRO WHY DO I NEED REREAD THIS MORE OFTEN WHAT AM I DOING?!?!

Anyways, that was fun! I guess in a way it was kinda fun having not read it in a while cause like I got to be surprised by some things I forgot. Like Cross almost killing Frisk in the very beginning and then panicking about it and feeling awful. The slow build up of his suspicion of Frisk. And the whole deal with Papyrus secretly protecting Cross from his blasters to make Undyne and Frisk think he killed Cross. I had been thinking that Cross saved himself for a while now. And you know what? You know what that does? YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MAKES EXTRA DEVASTATING?! YOU KNOW WHAT OTHER KNIFE TWISTING DETAIL I FORGOT?! CROSS INITIALLY SPARED PAPYRUS! DO YOU REMEMBER THAT?! DO YOU?!?!?!? CAUSE I DIDN’T! I FORGOT! BUT AFTER CROSS KILLED EVERYBODY HE LEFT PAPYRUS TOTALLY UNHARMED AND WAS LIKE “Papyrus wants me happy 🥰” AND PAPYRUS IS JUST LIKE STANDING THERE AND THEN HE’S LIKE HES LIKE “yeah but like maybe you went like a little too far-“ THEN BOOM HES FUCKING DEAD. CROSS KILLS HIM! LIKE URGHHHHHH IT HURTS IT PHYSICALLY HURTS ME! AND THEN LIKE WHAT HAPPENS DIRECTLY AFTER? LIKE I FORGOT ABOUT FRISK TRYING TO GIVE CROSS THE HEART LOCKET AND THEN CHARA ACCIDENTALLY KILLING FRISK!!! LIKE I HAVE I ROBBED MYSELF BY NOT REMEMBERING THIS ANGST! IT MAKES CROSS’ REALIZATION THAT HE CAN’T ACTUALLY BRING EVERYBODY BACK EVEN MORE DEVASTATING!

So uh yeah I had a very fun time rereading the comic. And then I rewatched the X-Take series like the next day and OH MY GOSH IT WAS EVEN BETTER HAVING JUST READ THE COMIC LIKE IT JUST HITS SO MUCH HARDER AND I should probably stop there before I jump into another rant. This post was not supposed to be this long oops. I’ll just summarize what I was going to say by saying that this series gives me Feelings and Emotions.

BUT I STILL HAVENT WATCHED THE NEW UNDERVERSE EPISODE! I’ve being holding off for a day when my family is out of the house for long enough for me to rewatch all of Underverse Season 2 plus the new episode cause I want to try and see if I can put it on our television. BUT GUYS I DONT KNOW IF I CAN WAIT ANY LONGER! I THINK IM GONNA CAVE! LIKE I DON’T NEED TO WATCH IT LIKE THAT! LIKE ITS A NICE IDEA SURE BUT LIKE WOULD I REALLY ENJOY THE EPISODE LESS IF I DIDN’T WATCH IT LIKE THAT? NO! WHY AM I DOING THIS! I DONT KNOW! WHY AM POSTING THIS ON TUMBLR? WHY AM I STILL TYPING? WHO IS EVEN GOING TO READ THIS? HEY YOU THERE! YEAH YOU! WHY ARE YOU READING THIS? WHATS GOING ON?

…well I think I have officially decided that I am not going to wait until the house is empty to watch the new episode cause that’s stupid. I’m going watch it on my laptop with my headphones and a cozy blanket on my bed the way it was intended and it is going to be fucking fantastic.

UNDERVERSE 0.8 PART 1 Premiere

[webco-dawnn]

Shiratorizawa Hcs !!

This posts includes hcs about Ushijima Wakatoshi, Tendou Satori, Semi Eita, and Shirabu Kenjiro. I apologize for the short post and short selection of people, I'm just not too sure how to characterize the rest of them..

Ushijima

When you two first get together, he isn't really sure what to do since he hasn't had any past relationship experience. So he tries to take it slow. He's a little too nervous to kiss you, so he just decides on hand holding for now. And you bet he's gonna be holding your hand for a while.

He's not too good with his words, not really knowing how to voice his emotions or what words to describe the way that he's feeling, so his love language is physical touch and gift giving. He'll often give you little trinkets that he finds that reminds him of you, or he'll just come up from behind you and wrap his arms around his waist, pressing a kkiss to your temple. (Once you two have gotten comfortable in your relationship, he finds it's easier kissing you now since he's not as nervous as before)

Ushijima's hand is LARGE compared to yours. Like, seriously, he's like a giant compared to you. When he puts his hand on your thigh, his hand covers most of your thigh, when you two are holding hands, your fingers are usually engulfed by his.

He's not the type to get jealous easily, but he does get a little jealous when you're talking to someone else without him. He'll try and hold off on showing his jealousy, but he can't take it any longer and eventually just walks up to you, holding your hand without saying a word.

Tendou

He'll be really scared to confess to you. He's scared he's too ugly or weird-looking and that you'll laugh in his face when he confesses. Due to the bullying in his past, it hasn't made it easy to make friends, so he's just glad he has you. He doesn't want to confess in fear of ruining the friendship between you two. But when you come to him and tell him how you feel, he's pleasantly surprised. He just kinda stays there for a moment before smiling and telling you how he feels as well.

When you two start dating, he starts to get a little more affectionate. He'll hold onto your hand or your arm, sneak in a little more compliments directed to you, (he already compliments you a lot) and, if you'll let him, he'll draw little stars and other shapes on your hand while you're doing something else.

When Tendou has a bad day, he always comes to you for comfort, since he knows you'll be the one to give him the reassurance he needs. He'll sit down right next to you, letting his head fall onto your shoulder as a sigh escapes his lips. You usually pull him closer, sometimes even into your lap, and just hold him. Tracing shapes into his back while asking him what went wrong about today.

Semi

When you come over to his house, he'll show you his guitar and even play a song for you. His voice is angelic as he sings carefully picked out words in the phrasing of a poem specifically for you. He'll strum the guitar with gentle, carefuly hands. He'll even show you how to play the guitar and the song he wrote for you.

Semi thinks of you late at night, and usually the thought doesn't go away until he sees you again. So, to help him get through his nagging thoughts, he makes multiple playlists specifically for you. All filled with love songs or songs he thinks you'd like. He'd listen to the playlist for the whole night, eventually falling asleep to it. He sends you the link to it the next morning in hopes you'll like it. You always like his playlists.

He'll call you many pet names. Babe, sweetheart, darling, babygirl/boy. Just whatever you can think of, he'll call you. When he first did it, it just kind of slipped out. He called out for you to ask you for some help on something, but instead of calling out your name, he just called out "babe." He was so embarrassed about it, but was relieved when he found out you liked it. He just likes to see you happy.

You two often have late night calls that last for hours. It starts with one of you saying, "I couldn't sleep," which was true at first, but now it's just an excuse to talk to each other. You'll ramble on about different topics, and so will he. His topics usually consist of upcoming practice matches in volleyball, upcoming gigs he had at restaurants or shops to play his music, or sometimes even you. He'll just go on a rant about how much he loves you, complimenting every part of you, calling you beautiful from head to toe.

Shirabu

Shirabu doesn't know how to talk about how he feels. He has no idea how to start a conversation with you about how much he loves you, he doesn't know when to compliment you even if he's currently thinking of a million different compliments when you two are talking, he just doesn't know when to say it. Which is why he'll often put the many thoughts, compliments, words of adoration and affection into letters and poems that he'll write you after school, sticking them in your locker the next morning. He makes sure to sign his name at the bottom, a heart added next to it. He knows it sounds super cheesy, but he can't help it.

He doesn't like PDA too much since he knows his team is full of a bunch of nosy teenagers. He doesn't like it when people pry into his business like that. So he often doesn't hold your hand in public or anything, not wanting his team to find out about you two. But as soon as you two are alone- most likely in his room after school- he can't keep his hands to himself.

Shirabu isn't too good with his feelings, so he does get defensive often, but quickly puts his walls down when he realizes how he's acting to you. He doesn't use pet names since those make him feel awkward. If you like them, he'll try to use them, but it's just not for him.

[globalrebrand]

The Marriage of Music and Alchemy: Chapter Four

Warnings: None!

A/N: Posting from AO3.

~The students make a drastic choice to deal with a new rival.

5.5K words

Chapter I | Chapter II | Chapter III | Chapter IV

The Prefect immediately sent an SOS to the group chat , which was comprised of Ace, Deuce, and Cater.

They all agreed to meet on short notice as everyone beelined to Cater's room after club activities let out .  

"Guys, there's trouble," the Prefect and Grim burst into Cater's room to see him mindlessly texting on his bed. Followed shortly by Deuce who confirmed. "We've got a rival in the picture." 

"Who could possibly rival Crewel? Dude's smokin'." Cater sits up, not looking up from his phone, and slides on his rug to join his other classmen, who circle up to discuss the major wrench in their previously thought fool-proof plan. 

"Add him to the screen ." The Prefect urges as Deuce pulls out his laptop and opens the slide presentation.

"What was his name again?" Deuce groans in his haste, frantically making a new slide. 

"Something Rogerson? All I know is that he's a Professor at RSA." The Prefect chimes in. 

"What!" Ace shouts. "I have too much riding on this plan, from some goody two shoes from RSA to cock it all up." He reminds the group. 

With a quick search, the students find Rogerson's faculty profile on Royal Sword Academy's website , which includes everything from his hometown , educational background and a portrait that they all agree a horribly unflattering.

"Here he is. Clifford Rogerson." Deuce flips the screen to show the group huddled on the floor in the low lamplight of Cater's room, the setting sun peering through the windows as if it, too, wants to get a glance at this new threat to your budding relationship with Crewel. 

"He doesn't look like a Clifford," Grim mumbles, absent-mindedly scratching his tummy with his paw. 

Cater agrees, scuritinzing the headshot further. "It doesn't suit him at all, such an old man name. And I mean he doesn't look that old."

"So this is the RSA prick?" Ace pulls the screen towards him. Obstructing Grim's view. 

"Well, at least we don't have to worry about looks. Crewel's got him beat by far." Ace decides. 

"Not everything is about looks, you know." The Prefect chastises, tugging the laptop back to the center of the plush carpet.  "And it's not like he's ugly…just kind of plain, but charming in his own way." 

"Prefect, don't tell me you think this loser's hot." Ace scrunches his face in distaste. 

"One, I didn't say that, but I admit it was sweet that he bought Professor Bellamy flowers. And really beautiful ones at that. Apparently, he's a big fan of her work." 

"Hmm, sounds like a simp. Professor B. wouldn't fall for that." Cater insists. " Besides his socials are horribly cringey. Just a bunch of crap about how rewarding it is to be a teacher."

"If you're calling him a simp because he's considerate, then you don't recognize a decent man when you see one." The Prefect snaps at Cater, who, in his defense, always came across as terribly shallow, but his critique of Rogerson was a new low. 

"I don't see Professor Crewel putting in that kind of effort." Deuce adds, and the group pauses in contemplation. 

Ace is the first to break the silence. 

"I'm just gonna say it, his raw stats don't match up to Crewel's," Ace argues with a flash of his palms. 

"Not rich, not hot. A nobody. " Cater seconds. "There's no competition here, be so for real."

" Well, he has a date with the Professor, and Crewel doesn't, so I don't think we should take this lightly. " Deuce grunts. 

"Whoa, what?! " Ace shouts. 

You two should have led with that. " Cater's eyes go wide. 

"They're meeting at some cafe tomorrow night. " The Prefect adds. 

"We have to get Crewel to that cafe. " Ace jumps to his feet. Pacing frantically as he brainstorms solutions. 

"How? I feel like there's no way to cue him in on it without exposing our whole operation. " The Prefect reminds.

"And more importantly, I made a deal with Azul to get the interworkings of Crewel's schedule. I won't let my sacrifice be in vain. " Cater huffs. 

If Professor B. and this nobody hit it off, then it would have been in vain anyway!

"I think we have to show our hand. " Ace reasons. "Fuck, this is happening early than I thought. "  

With a sigh, Ace grabs the Prefect's shoulders. "It's all up to you now. You'll go to Crewel tomorrow morning before class. "  

"What, how am I going to get Crewel to the bar?"

"It's up to you to be our trojan horse."

*            *           *

There is a shortage of single women on Sage's Isle. 

While it certainly isn't the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Sage's Isle, it is most definitely an issue at the top of mind for any would-be-eligible bachelor presently residing there. 

Sure, Crewel is lucky that he at least isn't a full-time resident; he spends his weekends and summers in the Queendom of Roses, but finding a lover off-Island who is tolerant of his disjointed schedule is harder than it seems. Well perhaps it wouldn't be, if he didn't have standards. 

And, of course, single women on Sage's Isle do exist, but the reality is that there are two large boys' schools on the Island, with a majority of male teaching staff. The nearby national parks, forest, and marine life institute attracted many forest rangers and researchers from off the Island, many of whom again happened to be men. Of the women on the Island, many were taken, whether married or soon to be, and the greater issue still was that Divus was picky . Horribly so. His sister, Delphine, often chided him for it. Countless times, she'd sent near-perfect specimens of the feminine form his way only to hear him reply, " There wasn't a spark. "  

You, his dear colleague, weren't the first single woman he encountered on the Island, but you were the first he perhaps well and truly liked or had the capacity to like in a romantic sense. Divus had a cadre of lady friends and acquaintances he'd made at the gym, consignment shops, or simple walks around the city. Divus wasn't blind to his own good looks, and he typically didn't have to work hard to attract a woman's attention, single or otherwise. However, he was confident none of those relationships would evolve into anything else, even if his lady friends aspired for more with him. 

There was nothing wrong with these women, of course. Many of them were smart and talented, attractive and considerate. Just for whatever fickle reason in Divus' brain, they were worthy friends but not worthy lovers...for more than a few nights or so. Perhaps the reason he was so finicky was that Divus didn't truly know what he was looking for—that was until he met you.

Someone accomplished and witty with aplomb in spades. Elegant and poised but cheeky and well-humoured.  That's why the students liked you so much, Crewel thought. You were intuitive and knew when to drop the facade of the stern teacher to a compassionate and playful adult. And perhaps due to all of those traits, he found you to be the most alluring specimen who ever walked the planet; he could search another lifetime and never find someone as magnificent as you. Who's to say if you were the most beautiful of all the partners he's had ? Frankly, it didn't even matter. He hadn't even had you yet , and you were by far the most perfect.  

He found himself wanting to give you things that he'd never even remotely offered to past partners, things like assurance, comfort, security…children, the errant thought pops into his mind at the mere thought of you! Oh dear, things were worse than he original thought, his feelings in the short three months he's known you were far more profound than he anticipated.

However, if Crewel liked you, it meant that a great deal of other men would pine after you as well . It was already clear that Rogerson had felt similarly. He needed to move swiftly and convey his intentions, but here was the pivotal problem. 

Crewel had never properly courted someone before. 

As far as romance was concerned, he'd never been in a competition where he wasn't automatically chosen. With his looks, it wasn't hard to find a superficial fling. People often liked the idea of him more than the reality.  

And while he's never been tested on it persay , it should be obvious he's the best suitor around, shouldn't it? Crewel never had to struggle to get a woman's attention before. He didn't know why the task dating you seemed so daunting. Perhaps it was because he intended to be serious this time . But he wasn't quite sure how to be.  

Ugh. Crewel didn't have time to ponder such things today. Crowley insisted on having him in for a meeting this morning. As he exited his car, parked in his spot in the garage conveniently nestled in the cliffside and hidden from view, he made his way through the labyrinth like tunnels leading the to schools main building.  

Suddenly, his attention moved from his stagnating love life to the vibrating in his pocket. A phone call at this hour was strange. It was likely his eldest sister or his close childhood friend.

"Annie? " Crewel answers, a bit surprised by the early morning phone call. 

Good morning! " Annie chirped into the phone, her voice bright and warm like a virtuoso's flute.

"Good morning, " Crewel replied, his tone notably more dour. 

"Divus, you sound cross already, what's going on? " Worry now colored her tone. 

"Just contemplating things. Did you need something?" He inquires, quickie changing the subject form his worries, to literally anything else. 

" Ah, I just wanted to know when you'd be home, back in the Queendom , that is . "

"I'll be home from Friday evening to Sunday evening, as I always am. " He adds for good measure. Annie knows this. 

"Well, I just wanted to know if you'd have more time than just an obligatory dog playdate and afternoon tea ."

More? What were you thinking?

" Your old brand is hosting Pre-party for fall fashion week Saturday night. I wanted if ask if you'd come with me as my plus one? " Divus could practically hear her nervous grin over the phone. 

"Bold of you to assume I didn't receive my own invite. "��He replies, casually. 

"Did you? Well, we should still go together in any case! It'll be fun! "  

"Why not? It'll  be good to see old friends from my industry days. " Divus agrees.  

"You're supposed to say it will be good to see me, Divus. " Annie pouts.  

" And it will, but I've seen you nearly every odd week for the last 25 years duckie, it's not exactly as if I never see you. "  

"Well, I don't see you nearly as much as I'd like. "  

Fine , I'll see you evening saturday for a bit more than our usual routine , now I've got to step into a meeting.  

"At this hour? Well, ta-ta darling.” Crewel bids her farewell and hangs up the phone, now at the looming doors of Crowley's office. 

Divus enters with a knock, and to his surprise, the old crow is doing his best to cast a stern glare in his direction. 

"Professor Crewel, have a seat. " Crowley gestured to a plush violet armchair arranged in front of his desk. Mozus loomed in the corner like a malicious spirit come to haunt him for past misdeeds. Which perhaps wasn't so far from the truth.  

"It has been brought to my attention."

"By Mozus, I presume? " Crewel interrupts.  

"Ahem, " Crowley glides past his interjection, "that you have taken a romantic interest in Professor Bellamy. "  

"What? Hardly." The accusation is easy to deny, primarily because nothing has transpired yet, only an increasingly weighty tension brewing between you both. Or at least it seemed mutual enough. Now was not the time for alarm and HR forms, but perhaps in a month or so, it would be. If you were amenable to things that is. 

"Well, good. Keep it that way. " Crowley seemed surprised by the denial and seemed quite prepared to wrap up the conversation. 

"Just know, Divus, that I spent a lot of money on her teaching contract, and if she leaves prematurely, we'll have to give back all the grant funding she brought in with her acquisition!"

"Noted. " Crewel nods in acknowledgment, causing Trein and Crowley to relax. Clearly, the conversation was going much easier than they had anticipated. 

"However, I can't promise that I'm afraid," Crewel replied with a facetious frown. 

"What?! " Crowley snapped, banging a fist on the table. 

"Professor Bellamy and I have no romantic relationship at present, but I will not preclude myself from engaging with her in the future," Crewel suggests with a dismissive inspection of his nail beds.  

" In all my years, I have never seen a cad as relentless as you roaming these halls. Do your antics never cease! " Crowley shouts, raising from his seat to point a stern finger in Crewel's direction. 

"I take offense at the term cad . "  

"Besides, I have never engaged in romantic relationships with my colleagues before ."

"By the very grace of the seven, " Mozus replies. 

"There's no precedent for these concerns. " Crewel ignores his colleague's sardonic quip. "Besides, I hold no position of power over her, so technically, I'm free to do as I please. " Crewel researched the rules immediately after meeting you at your orientation over the summer.

"Divus, I can't legally tell you not- " Crowley begins. 

"So don't. " Crewel offers. 

"Legally, I can't, but I would strongly advise against it. I see no situation where this ends well. " Crowley folds his arms across his chest, the feathers on his cape ruffling with the gesture.  

"What if we fall in love, get married, and have decades of a happy union?" Surely, that would be a great outcome that Divus sees as entirely possible.  

"Well, that'd be worse! " Crowley shouts, indignant and apparently highly offended by the suggestion that Crewel pursues you with intention. "Then I have to give you both time off for things like a wedding, a honeymoon, and ugh, seven forbid you to have kids. That's months off at a time for two top instructors for the foreseeable future. Hiring temporary replacements for parental leave? Are you so selfish that you don't see how that would mean years of logistical hell for me!"

Trein rolls his eyes at the headmaster's outburst. Clearly, the thread of the initial conversation has been lost entirely now. 

"Come now, Dire. I think your warning is clear. If unheeded. " Mozus offers icily.

"You're worrying yourselves about nothing. " Divus insists, standing to take his leave. No one stops him. 

Yes, yes, they're worried about absolutely nothing, Divus thinks , well , for now that is.   

*            *           *

For the first time in your dating life, things were looking up. Sage's Isle was a veritable paradise for a single woman. Handsome school teachers, sexy park rangers, sharp researchers, and even the fisherman weren't too shabby!

But only one man of the many you'd met stood out in your mind. 

And while Divus was not quite your type . Well rather he was everyone's type , which made him someone common sense told you to stay away from.   

In your experience, men so devastatingly handsome were often notoriously horrible partners. That, paired with whatever inordinate amount of wealth visibly ran in his lineage, he had to be an absolute disaster to date…right?

Things that seemed too good to be true often were. And as things stood, your colleague was entirely too good. 

Aside from his frankly irresistible physical trappings, you would say that the two of you seemed rather compatible. Crewel was clever and dashing, if not a little arrogant, but you could see the deep compassion that pervades his stern teaching style. When it was simply the two of you, smiles never ceased. Sure, outside of a few car rides, you hadn't really spent time together, but that tension that grew between the two of you crackled like freshly ignited wood in a hearth.

But you couldn't trust your instincts. Wouldn't trust them. Not with him. All rationality flew out of the door when you looked up at his silvery catlike eyes lined with dark lashes, chiseled jaw, impossibly smooth skin, broad shoulders, svelte frame, and long legs, drawing your eye up to an impossibly tight a-

See! All of it, it was horribly distracting. He was distractingly alluring. You showed a picture of him to your friend, and she responded a man that beautiful has never been faithful to anything once in his life, but she said you should definitely fuck him if you can, just to say you had; such men are for borrowing, not for keeping as they seldom wanted to be kept. 

You found that advice to be rather objectifying. Besides you weren't getting any younger. You needed to pursue love interests with intention.  

Would it be foolish to think he would change? Could change? For you? 

Of course, it would. So it was better not to get your hopes up. 

These plagued you as you made your way to the music room and would be absolutely unproductive for the day ahead, but just as you sought to banish thoughts of Crewel from your head, at least for a few hours if the seven would allow it, he happened across your path.

Oh, speak of the devil. 

"Professor Crewel. Good morning. " You greeted me with a slight wave. 

This subtle gesture successfully caught Crewel's attention, and the scowl on his face immediately lessened at the sight of you, making your silly little heart go all a flutter.  

"Professor Bellamy . Aren't you a sight for sore eyes? " He smiles, but there you can still perceive weariness.   

"As I so aspire to be. " You reply with a coy nod. "What's wrong, my friend? " You step closer to him, placing a tentative hand on his arm. Crewel's smile deepens at your touch. 

"Nothing you need concern yourself with. " He places his hand over yours as he holds your gaze. You try to scan his expression, looking for any signs of what could be affecting his mood, but now sweet expression successfully allow whatever worries were previously on his mind to allude you.  

"Alright, reluctantly, I won't pry. But it isn't a burden to hear your troubles, Professor Crewel. " You give his arm a little squeeze. 

"I'll keep that in mind. " He gives your hand a squeeze in return before letting go.  

"Please do. " You encourage, but before you can say anything else, the two of you are interrupted by the frantic patter of the Prefect's footsteps across the stone floor. 

"Professor Crewel! " They call, slightly breathless from their runover from the Ramshackle dorm.  

"I, um, I have something I need your help with. " They stutter out. 

"Easy now. " Crewel waits for them to catch their breath. "Speak plainly, pup. I'll do what I can to assist. "  

"Well, it's a rather sensitive issue. " The perfect warily glances in your direction. You take the cue and excuse yourself.  

"Oh, I see. I'll see you both later. I'm down the hall if you need me. " With those words, you depart. 

"Step into my classroom," Crewel instructs, and the Prefect nods. 

Showtime.

*            *           * 

It was strange to see their home room so empty , the Prefect thought as Crewel led them inside towards his desk.  

"Tea? " He offered, gesturing to a beautifully sculpted electric kettle plugged in on his desk. 

"No, no, I'm alright."

"Perhaps a sweet then? " Crewel tapped a tin of cookies with his pointer."

The Prefect shook their head anxiously. They were already about to tell the most fantastical lie. They couldn't let their guard down. Ace had trained them all night to get the story straight come morning.  

" Well now pup go on. What's the matter? " Crewel sunk into the plush leather of his seat , and instead of his normal leisurely reclined posture he sat upright with his hands clasped in front of him and his gaze fierce with concern.

"The other day, " The Prefect started, "I was out in Foothill town with Deuce, Ace, and Grim, coming home from one of Ace's basketball games. "  

"Go on, " Crewel encouraged.

"And those three want to grab food from the taco place by the coast, but I really wanted a burger. So we split off. While I was there, this older man wouldn't stop bothering me. The shop was empty, and the owner was in the back making the food. 

He wouldn't leave me alone! He kept pestering me, complimenting my school uniform. It was all rather icky. He demanded my number, and I had no choice but to give him the real one because he called my phone right there. 

"Oh dear. " Crewel saw where this was going.  

"He's been harassing me for the past few days, and he told me if I don't meet him at this bar, he'd come find me."

"And I just really don't want him to show up at school, and I know I'm safe here, but I'm scared to go into Foothill town now. " The Prefect pretended to be on the verge of tears, making their voice watery and whimpery, praying Crewel bought the tall tale Ace spun in a rush just the night prior. 

"Pup, I know that in your home world, you must have adages about keeping away from strangers. "  Crewel chides.

"I know it was just scary, and I wasn't clever enough to evade him. "  The Prefect throws in a particularly pitiful sigh for good measure.

"He expects you to meet him this evening?" Crewel looks to confirm.  

The Prefect nods.

" Fret not , I will handle it. Thank you for trusting me with such a sensitive issue. " As if on cue the other students started filtering into home room.  

"Thank you, Professor. " The Prefect stuttered, honestly in awe of how easy it was to get Crewel to believe them. They scurried to their normal spot next to Ace, Deuce, and Grim. All three made sure to keep it cool for the duration of homeroom as Crewel read announcements. 

The second they left the room, Ace was quick to ask. "Did he buy it?"

"I really think so . " The Prefect replied, still in shock that they managed successfully deceive Crewel.  

Now came the hard part , bracing themselves for the inevitable moment when Crewel learned that he had been lied to , but hey, anything for love, they supposed.  

*            *           *

It'd had been a long time since Crewel had a good excuse to fight, and damn if he hadn't been itching for an excuse . 

Of course, there were other ways to handle things. Crewel didn't have to intervene at this bar, but regretfully, the Prefect was without any guidance in this world , and someone had to step up. Informing Crowley would be a poor solution, and Trein didn't have the sensitivity to manage such manners. He thought about calling you but decided that you and the Prefect were sufficiently close and that if there was a reason they came to him and not you, he ought to respect their choice and keep things confidential. 

Once he pummeled, he means defused the situation with this suspicious older man, he and the Prefect would be due for a very lengthy talk about strangers and boundaries but for now Crewel just needed to get them out of what could potentially be a very dangerous situtation. 

The bar was a nice establishment he was familiar with. A popular date spot amongst Foothill town's residents due to its beautiful view of the sea and trendy yet casual atmosphere. A strange place for a local pervert to choose to accost a student, but Crewel couldn't say he was familiar with the mindset.

When he walked into the bar, still in his suit coat from work, he was surprised to see you were seated alone. Sipping on a glass of something deep red and sparkling.

Perhaps you, too, had heard of the Prefect's plan and took it upon yourself to intervene. You smiled and waved him over. 

" Oh, Crewel! I didn't know you'd be here."

"I could say the same for you, May I? " He gestures to the empty seat, and you nod emphatically, removing a particularly chic handbag from the chair and hooking it beneath the high counter. 

"I'm meeting Professor Rogerson this evening."

"Oh, " Crewel tries not to let his displeasure show. 

"Don't worry, it's not a date or anything. " You quickly amend. He must have failed. 

"Not that it's any of my business, but does Rogerson know that? "   Crewel inquires.

"He'll learn soon enough if he isn't already aware. " Crewel chuckles. 

"So it's no imposition if I join you?"

"None at all!" You assure him. "I've always hoped I'd run into you like this. " You admit coyly, swishing the contents of your drink.

"Oh, and why is that? " You seem taken aback by his question, your Doe eyes peering at him with a hint of confusion.

" Well, I seldom do, and I wanted to , oh , never mind. Don't look so smug. "  You stop once you see that teasing smile stretching across your colleague's features.

"Oh no please elaborate." Crewel encourages with a toothy grin. "If it's any consolation. I've dreamt of this exact scenario…only," He pauses and scrutinizes your sitting figure. 

"What? " You look concerned, glancing down at your outfit.

"Oh nothing, it's only you look far more ravishing than in my dreams. Somethings just can't be imitated."

"Professor Crewel, this is hardly my best."

"You may call me Divus if I may call you-"

"Professor Bellamy! Ah, and…Divus." Rogerson steps up to the bar with enthusiasm that diminishes as he recognizes the face of his old peer.

Did you invite him? Rogerson tries not to let his displeasure show. 

"No, it was just a happy coincidence. " You beam. 

"So very happy. " Divus smirks. "Oh, am I interrupting? She assured me I wasn't."

" No, no, it's quite alright. " Rogerson flushes,  "Though, I did wish to pick your brain about music perhaps privately. " Rogerson smiled. "Admittedly, I am quite a fan of her musical work."

"Ah, how refreshing. You actually having taste." Divus quips.

"Such talk might bore you. I would hate for you to be held hostage in a conversation on musical technicalities. "  Rogerson suggests.

" Oh, I'd hardly be out of my depth. We have conversations like this all the time , but I suppose Professor Bellamy can do yet another night of charity work and indulge your inquiries. " You looked rather amused that the two men went back and forth. 

"Well, forgive me, Professor Rogerson-" You begin.

"Please, call me Cliff." 

Crewel rolls his eyes. Where does a man as pathetic as Rogerson get off thinking he's earned the privilege of being on a first-name basis with you? 

"Well, Cliff, I'm afraid we'll have to save the technical talk for another time."

"Not if he has anything to say about it, Crewel thinks blithely." 

"I wanted to get your perspective. And Divus, you can certainly help with this, I'm quite glad you came. "  

Each man orders a drink as you get down to brass tacks.

Crewel scanned the bar's inhabitants and quickly realized that everyone in attendance was in either a couple or a group of some kind . There were no lone suspicious figures waiting for any underaged students to saunter in. He had the growing suspicion he'd been played and perhaps that a rendezvous with you had been the goal the entire time. Meddling pups . 

" As former students at each respective institution, I really wanted to talk to you both about an idea I had. I would love to deepen the bonds between RSA and NRC. " You grab each man's hand and give him a squeeze. Crewel is sadly coming to realize that this gesture is just a part of your genial nature and not necessarily reflective of anything else.

"Go on… " Rogerson encourages. Unlikely , Crewel thinks. 

"I think holding joint musical concerts would be a delightful way to do that. We could rent an auditorium in the cultural center here in town." 

I couldn't agree more! " Rogerson heartily concurs. "More parents would be able to come that way as well," Rogerson suggests.

"And even local residents, should they be so inclined." You excitedly rattle off all of your ideas and Rogerson eagerly eat each and everyone up, yes and-ing all of your proposals.

"Crewel, what do you think?" You turn to him and check in; your features are relaxed but open as you anticipate his critique.  

The boys at NRC would likely resent such a decision, but Crewel didn't want to burst your bubble. And in truth, if anyone could bring the two sides together, it would be you. His homeroom students constantly raved to him about your humor, warmth, and talent, so maybe coming from you collaborating with their long-time rivals might not sound like such a bad idea. Every student at NRC, well, almost every student, inherits a strong grudge against RSA.

And even though Rogerson irritates him like no other, Crewel is certainly above such petty feelings. Well, he's pretty sure.

Crewel errs on the side of optimistic feedback.

" I think it could work. Our students might be a tad resentful, but I'm sure they'll work even harder knowing they'll have to perform alongside RSA students." 

"I had the same thought, Divus." You smile. As talk of the new joint series of concerts winds down, you change the topic of conversation. Curious to hear about the dynamic between Crewel and Rogerson.

"So you two go back quite a bit, it seems." You say lightly, sipping your wine and glancing between the two men. Crewel's face sours, and Rogerson's brown furrows with a bit of displeasure.

Oh no. You've struck a nerve.

"The past can stay where it is. Forgotten ."  Crewel states coldly.

"Of course, Divus would say that." Rogerson scoffs. "Even from across the island, he and his pack made my life at school quite difficult." The liquor has certainly loosened his tongue.

"Yes, yes, and I've since apologized." Crewel rolls his eyes, visibly annoyed that Rogerson would attempt to bring  

"I don't think you have, but bullies always remember things differently, don't they?" Crewel shifts uncomfortably but is quick to dismiss Rogerson's accusations.

"Well, now's a bad time to start." He replies blithely.  

You frown and quickly cut the tension.

"I didn't mean to bring up past animosities. Let's finish our drinks and be off. We all know we have to be up bright and early tomorrow."

Crewel and Rogerson attempt to laugh, but their uneasy grimaces stifle the sound. 

"I'd like to close my tab." You call to the bartender.

*            *           * 

This is the first frosty night on Sage's Isle. The winds along the coast easily go through your light fall jacket that was ample weather protection mere hours ago.

Would you like me to drive you home? Divus asks. 

"No. I'll catch the bus."

It's freezing.

"I'll be fine." You insist. Your voice is as cold as the night's air.  

"Then I'll wait with you." 

"If you'd like." The change in your demeanor is giving Crewel whiplash. He has no idea what could have upset you in the last hour or so .  

"Divus, might I be frank a moment?" But it seems he won't have to keep guessing for long.

Of course." But Crewel isn't sure he actually wants to hear any criticisms you might level against him.

You take a deep breath before speaking. 

"If you've been cruel to Clifford in the past, as he claims, then you should own up to your mistakes and apologize. "  You level him with a stern glare, not unlike the one he gives to his students.

"I see," Crewel says, unable to offer anything more.  Not wanting risk upsetting you further.

"Being a bully shouldn't be a point of pride, but a point of shame. In my opinion. How can we be good role models for these young men if we ourselves can't take accountability for past wrongs?" You tell him, almost unable to understand how he could be so flippant in regard to Rogerson.  

"It is a matter of 15 years past. There would be little point in apologizing now." Crewel doubles down on his refusal to apologize.  

"Rogerson would beg to differ." You turn your gaze to the tram looming up the hill.   

"This hardly concerns you. " He snaps. You turn to look at him, clearly offended by his tone, but your expression soon shifts to one of resignation. Disappointment .

"You're right. It doesn't." You pause, considering your next words carefully. I don't know. I just thought you were different. Someone man enough to own up to his mistakes instead of burying them." 

Crewel, for once, had no reply prepared. 

The tram pulls into the station. You move to get on. 

"Good night, Professor Crewel." 

"Good night, Professor Bellamy."

You don't wave goodbye.

Well, shit . 

Series Masterlist

[motelroomjesus]

whooo I finished ep 4 and 5 of The Heart Killers

I still don't like Kant, I'm warming up to Bison, still obsessed with FadelStyle, and I want Style carnally.

I'm also really interested in how they're using the music and soundtrack to emphasize the emotions of some scenes.

This post is about to be longer than my usual since it's covering two eps but anyway

Spoilers under the cut !

Me when I overanalyze my BL:

First and foremost, that pat down scene in ep 4 where Fadel maintained eye contact with Kant as he searched him... How do u put that there and expect ppl to not imagine things, Jojo..... 😫 Even the goofy music in the background couldn't dissuade me from thinking they should hate fuck ☝️ but anyway

It's very obvious that while Style isn't fully committed and his feelings for Fadel are just starting to bloom, he definitely wants that man. Atp where we are in ep 4 he's obviously lusting after that man (face economy, body tea). I mean he gave him, apparently, the best sex of his life in a grief meeting storage room. He let the man cut his little crop top off. The lust of it all is so real. But I think now, after the chase, after spending more time with him, especially after hearing how Fadel was asking where he was, he's pursuing Fadel with more sincere intentions and I think he truly wants to know Fadel more. And lord have mercy, that scene in the woods.

That scene in the abandoned warehouse in the woods, aside from the iconic "I don't like that I miss you", is when I first noticed the soundtrack specifically highlighting the emotions. Now, I know soundtracks are meant to do that but I think they're doing it in a really fun way IDK They put a lighthearted cute, and low-key hopeful, little tune over a heated make out and handjob. It felt like it reflected their emotions in that moment really well and how the audience is meant to see the scene. It's not just a hot and heavy make out session because yay official, it's an indicator of a turning page, especially for Fadel. It's a signal that he can get butterflies in his stomach too, even with his enormous walls and stoic mask (defense mechanism), and I'm sticking to that interpretation. I love u my emotionally and sexually repressed little hitman.

And then Kant came in and decided NOW is the perfect time to finally tell his friend that oh yeah ur new bf is a hitman. It's not even that part that actually annoyed me, it's the little quip when Style says gunman instead of hitman. Like I'll kill u with a gun Kant. 😭

I fear I may never truly warm up to him, he is so annoying to me. 😔

Okay so ep 5, I kind of warmed up to Bison. He's cute he's fun, he's totally ignoring his instincts about Kant even tho he knows better. He seems less than helpful in most scenarios though, but whatever

There were two scenes that caught my attention and they were obviously meant to:

1) Kant and Bison post coital cuddles

2) Style and Fadel's intimacy towards the end of the ep

I'm mostly talking about the music again and the intentional use (or absence) of it. During the KantBison scene, when Bison is being so gentle with his kisses and telling Kant tender words, the music reaches a subtle crescendo once Bison says he feels like his life is changing since he met Kant and the camera lands right in Kant's distressed face. It was a great way to signal that Kant is gonna face the music very soon. I found that fun and I had to rewind a couple times just to make sure I wasn't making it up in my head. Could just be a transition sound choice, but I'm reading into it.

The KantBison scene felt like a big contrast next to the FadelStyle scene to me. At this point I think they're both feeling more than they're letting on for each other. Fadel and Style's night is, mostly, quiet. There's no backtrack for the most part. Fadel is splayed out in the bed just watching Style take his shirt off, exposing himself more than Fadel, and caging Fadel in by crawling on top of him. Style is on top of him kissing him, doing what he wants to, and Fadel is letting him. Style is telling Fadel that he wants to be trusted, he wants more from Fadel and he's willing to wait for him to be ready. He means it. And I know there's the component of this all starting for some car and Style now being aware of the reality of the situation but I think that's the point. That's the point of doing this specific scene with the absence of a backtrack until Style starts getting actually frisky. When Style is saying all of this and kissing Fadel's scar, we only listen to his words, their breathing, and their kisses. It's bare bones, but that's the point. To bare it all.

Did I read into that too much? Maybe! but idgaaaaffff. I'm eating this shit up and having fun dissecting things that maybe don't need dissecting. :P

I think it's obvious I'm more invested in FadelStyle than KantBison.... zorry! They put me-targeted drugs in FadelStyle. It's not my fault. 🧍

[rubylovessharks]

Hii!! I saw your post asking for ideas of what to write for Idia’s birthday and I just had to say something! (Feel free to ignore this ofc)

The whole crush trope is one of my obsessions along with Idia so I would love to see how you write Idia realizing that he has a crush on reader who is yuu. Like reader has also their otaku side (way more chill that Idia ofc) and they are patient with him so they got to form a pretty frienship with him and also helped him a lot after his overblot

You can omit this part if you want but im thinking of a really kind and sweet reader who besides Idia has befriended most of the twst cast, but they can act pretty shy if the situation is too overwhelming(?

Idk if that makes sense and sorry for the request and thank you for your time :)

of course i'll take on your request! i really like it too :3 so i'll try my best to write it, and write it well!!

Idia Shroud x Yuu(who is the reader)

no warnings! it's all gonna be fluff :333 but like it has hints of angst but ya know- that's idia for ya :/

It's been quite a long time since you and Idia have become friends, you still remember how you first got to know each other. Idia's brother, Ortho, has found out about your shared interest for gaming and anime and thought that you'd make a great first irl friend for Idia. And the very first moment you got introduced to him you knew that you two really are similar, and it wasn't just Ortho's exaggerated view point.

You both were shy and afraid of social interactions, you both enjoy video games and let's not forget that whenever you got the chance you'd talk Ace's and Deuce's ears off about the various animes you've watched. So you two really do have a lot in common. It's just that Idia seems to distant himself from others, never wanting to leave his room and only going out if he really needed to. And how could you call yourself his good friend if you don't try to make an effort to make his sad life a little better?

And that effort has worked too well. Because now everytime you are even mentioned Idia's heart feels heavy. If before he was just shy yet kind of willing to let you into his life now he feels as if something is totally wrong! Everytime you two hang out he feels as if there's a tugging feeling inside his chest, telling him to get closer and hug you.

The tips of his hair turn a light pink as his face reddens, he chokes a for a moment on nothing as he stares at your form. You were playing games at the moment and Idia couldn't help but think that you are the most beautiful thing in the world. Yet like always Idia tends to go towards the negative outlook on life instead of a positive one, and that leaves him with a bitter taste in his mouth. He remembers that day, or rather specifically that fight.

"Why do you still come hang out with me?" you hear him ask with that soft voice of his. What a stupid question you think to yourself, doesn't he know that you come here to have fun? "What do you mean?" "do you just not remember a week ago?" you put down the controller you held and turned to fully look at him "ya know... When I went berserk and tried to unleash a bunch of monsters out to the world????" "you mean when you overbloted? Yeah I remember. It doesn't change the way I feel about you." Somehow these words pulled harder at his heart, as if you were pulling his very soul closer and closer towards you.

"Ever since I met you you were always showing signs of mental problems, and I still decided to become friends with you." now that Idia thinks about it, he did act like he had no real purpose. And now there's a nagging part in his brain that thinks otherwise.. why did feelings have to be so confusing and weird!? Is what he thinks.

"Well I don't get feelings either...." you say as if you read his mind, "but I'd like to ask, since you brought up the subject," "brought up the subject?" Idia whispers "what do you feel?" Now Idia is completely pink. From his hair to his face, if he could get redder he would! "Did I say that outloud!?" he panics. "Did you not mean to? Shouldn't friends tell eachother their problems and try to help eachother out?" Something about you saying that he's ''just a friend'' makes his heart sink. As if he's falling down after his overblot again, down and down until he hits rock bottom.

"Idia please...." you reach out for him, like you're trying to pull him up, to stop him from falling. "tell me what's wrong." Maybe he should explain the way he feels. Maybe he should try to understand that weird tugging feeling he has. Maybe it's something he just never felt before, and you are the cause of it, the reason he's been feeling more happy than what he's past self has felt on a regular basis.

There's no way it is romantic love...Right?

And he reaches out, holding your hand in his, letting you help him from the endless falling. Getting him out of that pit of dark thoughts. "I love you." You tell him, and he never hit rock bottom once you said that.

All of the sudden he's pink again, and as these words loop through his brain he gets it. That tugging, pulling feeling on his chest, his heart, was his love for you. His yearning to be with you. The want to make you happy as he keeps you by his side to maintain his happiness too.

But he's not deserving..

Is what his old self would've said. But now he knows that if he wants to be with you just as much as you want to be with him, saying no will just harm you. Saying no will just push you away and make you feel as if doesn't want that as well. So he does something he would've never thought he'll do in his life.

"I-I love you too!"

He says shakily as he leans forward to peck your lips, and you too, lean into it making his birthday a happy memory in his eyes again.

[obsessivestar]

Ted but like he takes you xmas shopping and its so jolly and fun and merry i just love ted and i think hes neat :33

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Ted Nivison x gn!Reader

Warnings: Bit o' anxiety at the beginning, one use of Y/N, feminine lingerie spotted

You and Ted had both gotten rather busy throughout the last few weeks. Normally you spread your Christmas shopping out and go on different days throughout the months of November and December, but so many things had gotten in the way for both of you, so you both decided to dedicate an entire day to Christmas shopping for your friends and family, and maybe a little for each other if you got the chance. Where's the best place to go other than your local mall?

Ted drove the both of you to your local mall using his Toyota Tacoma, of course, and managed to get you guys a good spot by the food court entrance so it wouldn't be too much of a walk to get back. Once you get inside the mall, you're immediately hit with the overwhelming bustling atmosphere of a local mall during the holiday rush. There was a giant Christmas tree posted up in the middle of the food court, the ceiling covered in a few different white Christmas lights, though it was midday so they weren't on. There were so many different kinds of people with tons of different bags they were lugging around, all talking over the subtle Christmas music playing throughout the entire mall, walking in slow strides through the thick mall traffic you expected to see. You let all of the pessimistic thoughts run through you now so you wouldn't be miserable laster. God, you're gonna have to walk behind slow people all day. Can't wait to get stuck behind a slow family of 15 walking in a horizontal line, covering the entire lane. The lines are probably gonna be nuts, you might get bumped around by strangers, think of all the bags you're gonna have to carry...

You're snapped out of your pessimistic thoughts by Ted taking your hand into his, pulling you closer to stand at his side. He was probably reading you like a book, he could tell that you were getting a little overwhelmed with everything.

"Hey, I'm right here, alright?" He gives you a reassuring warm smile, caressing the side of your hand with his thumb. "Just stick by me, I've got everything mapped out. We won't be here long.."

His warm smile was definitely reassuring. It was nice to know that he had put some thought into this trip to minimize stress, maybe you would be able to find a way to enjoy this, despite all of the people.

The mall was mostly just one big circle with a few extra hallways, so you knew you'd only be doing one rotation. The first place you goto is a smoothie joint to grab something to drink, wanting something sweet and fruity to boost your spirits. Of course, Ted wouldn't let you pay for your own smoothie. He claimed it was faster for him to get it all on one order so you didn't have to wait for your separate orders. Sometimes it bothered you that he was always so quick to spend money on you, but honestly, you didn't bother arguing with him about it today, it would take too much time.

Your next stop, of course, was a Bath and Body Works for all of those in-laws that were difficult to shop for. This was actually where you started to relax a little more; where you started to enjoy this little adventure with Ted. You spent a majority of your time here sniffing the different candles, debating whether or not to get some body wash or hand sanitizer for home, silently cackling a little at the prices and being a little surprised by their Men's focused section. Bath and Body Works sells Men's cologne? Neat. Maybe you'd grab some here for Ted for his birthday next month.

After buying some candles and body wash for family, your next stop was the GameStop. You came here to shop for a majority of your guy friends, on and off YouTube. You checked out the different games on the back wall, looked at the Funko pops and figurines on the other side, went down the middle aisles to check out the sweaters, shirts and hats and even took a gander at some of the more expensive merch on the too shelves, the shelves you knew you couldn't reach on your own at all. You and Ted had hit the jackpot coming here, going back and forth with each other while showing different things.

"You think Eddy would like this?" Ted walks up and shows you a hat while you were looking over the different figurines. It was a simple cap with the Kingdom Hearts crown on the front. It looked pretty nice. You turn to look at it, raising a curious brow at Ted.

"I mean, I know he likes Kingdom Hearts.." You speak softly, tilting your head a little. "Does Eddy wear hats though?"

You could see the gears turning in Ted's head and he lets out a huff, making you giggle a little. He adjusts all of his stuff under his arm so he can take his phone out and you see he's opening Instagram. You let out a laugh of realization. "Are you checking his Instagram?" You ask with a big grin, furrowing your brows a little. "You have to check his Instagram to know he doesn't wear hats?"

Ted let's out a cheeky little chuckle, but groans when he realizes you were right. "He doesn't wear hats.." Ted sighs, sounding both amused and disappointed. He slips his phone back into his pocket, looking back at the sweatshirt rack. "I think I saw a, uh...Kingdom Hearts sweater back there. That might work."

"Yeah, probably. He'd like that."

You ended up leaving that GameStop with a rather large bag and a new, interesting story you couldn't wait to tell Eddy at the New Years party at the end of the month. You guys move through the curved hall of the mall where all of the phone-related shops are placed and get a moment where you can actually appreciate the holiday atmosphere. There's hardly anyone down this particular hallway so you get to slow your pace a little, walking side by side with Ted, your fingers still comfortably intertwined. The internet and the convenience of online shopping has made Christmas spirit a little harder to feel, especially when you think about how malls like this used to be decorated, but as you begin to walk by the beautifully decorated Mall Santa plaza, Winter Wonderland playing through the old fashioned looking speakers, hearing children call out to their parents with joy and laughter...you could feel it. You could really feel the warm, jolly spirit of Christmas.

You notice that you and Ted had begun to walk to the beat of Winter Wonderland, quiet little smiles on your faces. You turn your head briefly to look at him, and he looks at you, the white Christmas lights making his hazel eyes sparkle in your direction. He looks content; he looks warm and happy to be here with you, and that just makes your smile grow. You feel like you're in a cheesy Christmas film as you both let out a gentle laugh, picking up the pace a little when the mall traffic begins to pick up once again. This is actually really nice. Those pessimistic thoughts from earlier have been completely replaced. You're starting to think about all of the friends and family you'll both get to see, how excited you are to witness their reactions to their gifts, knowing that it all came from the heart, relatively.

You were looking forward to it all, you weren't even thinking about the gifts that you may be getting. Sure, in the back of your mind you were thinking about what Ted would end up nabbing you, but Christmas isn't about the gifts. It's not about one upping toxic members of your family by spending the most money or getting the biggest gift, it's not about hogging all of Christmas dinner, it's about being with the ones you love while you still can. Some people don't always get to see their parents every year, some don't always get to see their aunts, uncles, friends and cousins. That's what makes getting together during the holidays so special, no matter what you're celebrating. You couldn't wait to see Ted's family this year, then getting to see your own. You couldn't wait to eat a great meal with great people, to show family how much your cared and cherished them, to celebrate the end of the year with all of your closest friends. Man, this adventure with Ted was making you sentimental. Christmas spirit, huh...

You are once again snapped out of your thoughts by Ted stopping by a Victoria's Secret to look at some Christmas red Holiday lingerie. He gestures to the garter belt and knowingly raises his brows at you. Ah boy, here we go.

"You're not getting me that.." You slowly shake your head at him, looking him over with a smirk of disbelief.

"Oh yeah? Why not?" Ted smirks back at you, his eyes flicking down to the mannequin that wore the whole fit. "You don't like it?"

"I like it, but it's not worth it." You shook your head once again, keeping yourself outside of the store. "I'm tellin' you, it's not worth it."

"How is it not worth it?" Ted's smirk grows into a suggestive smile. "C'mon babe, looks worth it to me."

"You really gonna buy that just for me to wear it once?"

"Yeah, that's worth it."

"Check the price tag."

"I can afford it, (Y/N)."

"I know, but check it anyways."

Ted let's out a soft huff and glances down at the price tag sticking out of the lingerie. I see his eyes widen and he lets out a scoff.

"It's 140 dollars!?" Ted raises his voice in shock, immediately getting a little embarrassed. You can't hold back your laughter, watching as he nervously covers his mouth and scurries out of the shop, returning to your side.

"You're right, you're right.." Ted groans softly, rushing passed the store with you. "Not worth it."

You continue to laugh until the store is out of sight. Oh he was so right, this has already been so much fun. We start to really get into the spirit of the holidays, making a brief detour into the dollar store to buy bags, wrapping paper and most importantly: matching Christmas hats, though the one you bought ended up being a little big around your head. Ted thought it was cute, occasionally having to pull the hat back by the white pompom to make sure you could see where you were going. At this rate, you're having a great time at the mall. The long lines just gave the two of you an excuse to giggle and joke around before having to pay at the register and return to the mall's main hall.

The last store you ended up hitting was a sort of local hobby shop for those miscellaneous friends and family that liked a little bit of everything. This place sold books, board games, calenders, little trinkets and toys, dice & figurines for DnD, any little obscure thing you wouldn't normally think of was in this store. You and Ted were once again spending more time just looking at and messing with the little trinkets in the store rather than discussing what to buy for whomever. You only split off when you both get distracted by something. You spend way too much time trying to get the high score on a Bop-it toy while Ted was talking to the employees about different board games that interested him, but he never ends up buying any of them. You only end up leaving with a bit of dice and some squishy toys for some of the younger members of your family. You would've bought the Bop-it, if you didn't already have one at home.

Before you know it, you've circled back around to the food court, quite a few bags filled with gifts wrapped around your arms. While you're here, you mind as well get some lunch. You both find a place to sit so you can take turns getting your food. Ted decides to wait with the bags so you could go wait in line first, but he gives you his wallet, because of course he does.

"I can pay for my own food, Ted." You have this knowing grin on your face as you look down at him, placing one hand on your hip with the other holding his wallet out to him.

"I know, but it's Christmas." Ted gently pushes your hand away, insisting that you use his wallet. "You deserve a treat, babe."

"It's not Christmas." You smirked, raising a brow at Ted. "It's Thursday.."

"It's the season of giving! C'monnnn.."

You roll your eyes at his insistence, but again, the sooner you agree to this, the sooner you can go home.

"You're lucky I'm overstimulated.." You huff with a grin, turning away to go get your food.

"Love you too, babe."

You wait in the somewhat long line for your food, order it, get it from the counter and head back to your seat so Ted could get his food. It takes him a lot longer to get back, so at that point, you both decided to take your meals to go and leave out the food court exit. This adventure was definitely a fun one. You got over some anxiety, you bought some great gifts for your friends, many laughs, a new Bop-it highscore and it was all shared with your lovely partner, Ted Nivison. As Ted puts the bags in the backseat, you slip back into his Toyota Tacoma and let out a sigh of relief. You spot him through the rearview mirror, watching him tuck a smaller bag that you didn't recognize into the giant GameStop bag. You glance back at him with a curious smirk and he meets your gaze, a sheepish little smile spreading along his blush-toned lips.

"Did you see that?" He asks, slipping back into the driver's seat.

"That small bag?" Your smirk turns into a knowing grin, getting your seatbelt on. "Oh yeah."

"No you didn't." Ted let's out a deep chuckle as he starts up his truck, smiling at the laugh you let out in response. This guy. This fuckin' guy. You have no idea when or how he could've bought something for you today, or what it even could be. You couldn't think of a single moment where he was out of your sight...

...did he buy that while you were distracted by the Bop-it? Motherfucker--

[jesi-jess]

OKAY THINK I CAN POST SOME THOUGHTS NOW, I've screamed out loud enough.

BELOW THE LINE WILL BE SPOILERS FOR CHAP 7, namely my thoughts over it all. If you don't wanna be spoiled read the chapter above before continuing this post.

So first off the entire begin with Soldier and seeing buff Merasmus just made me feral and laugh so fucking hard. The old man wizard also having a tattoo of Jones was so sweet but also being the overlord of the prison like god damn.

But like man then SEEING THE WHOLE FAMILY COME IN, I was not ready for that, they were all as goofy as expected but it was so cute and they all just made the perfect chaotic family imagined.

Then GOD DAMN HEAVY THO, HOLY SHIT. That beard just suits him so well. Sir.... SIR. I am lost in the sauce, I'm smooching, in my head Medic smooching, hell anyone wanna be smooching. Help.

THEN SEEING SCOUT BE SO CUTE AND HONEST ABOUT DECIDING HE IS GONNA MOVE ON FROM PAULING THO???? Idk kinda left me like okay that is so far then her being supportive like "Yes there is defs way more hotter ladies than me, go get some hot ladies Scout." JUST HONESTLY? Like I do like Scout x Pauling but I also don't mind it not becoming canon, cause them being the best pals for one another just feels so nice like help.

Ngl though following the ENTIRE part about the Admin, just left me like....

On one hand I enjoyed it but on the other hand was so out of no where I didn't know what to even think once that arc of it was done. Like straight up she is the mama of the brothers and crazy, never told why she is truly doing it (or I missed it while reading, I'll reread trust me). Wild as fuck. I don't know, like not disappointing but also not sure how to feel. Best way to put it I don't hate it LOL.

And then we get the entire end and seeing EVERYONE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY EVERYONE WAS THERE! Scout becoming like his ma and keeping with all his kids was the sweetest thing, then Spy... SPY! I could go on and on how happy I am with that face reveal. It's funny how I pm pushed my drawing way of him towards that too, I still always look at my commission and the sfm model I loved after that pm is the reveal too. Salt and Pepper older gentleman. Then the others all coming in and seeing the bits of them. PYRO, DEMO, SNIPER, ALL OF THEM.

SNIPER HAVING THE GRAYING IN HIS HAIR SHOWING TOO MADE ME MORE FERAL THAN I REALIZED IT WOULD.

I teared up seeing Spy looking at the photo with that gentle smile, just knowing the mama passed away. Broke my god damn heart. :CCCC

I seriously loved it all though. I think it all is well that ends well, never expected the comic so quick, also was worried how it would come. How it would end? But I think the open end in a way of it all is perfect. It solidified some things, left other things in questions to let us boil off of and enjoy. I didn't feel any thing was pushed in a way that would be damning or upsetting (at least to me). I didn't need confirmed ships or saying the story will continue. I just wanted them alive in the end and happy.

And was it given.

WE FINALLY GOT IT BOIS

IT'S HERE, THE COMIC IS HERE, I AM GOING FERAL

BYE

[daisybell-on-a-carousel]

*Ages of this post based on information from Jason and Tim's original runs in the 80s, as im still in the process of reading the comics and I respect original runs more anyway

Jason was 12 (pre-crisis, not contradicted) when Bruce adopted him at some point after Dick left, and Dick had left Wayne Manor for about 2 years by the time Jason died (Batman #436) making Jason 14 at death, to turn 15 that year if his birthday is August 16th

Tim is 13 when he introduces himself after Jason's death (Batman #441)

They have like, a 1-2 year age difference

Jason returns to life 6 months after his death, spends 1 year in the hospital, then 1 year on the streets before someone recognizes him as Robin, then 1 year with the league of assassin's before being thrown into the pit (Batman Annual #25)

A total of 3 years with Jason running on just instinct and muscle memory before being healed by the pit

Therefore, Jason, while physically older, is largely missing 3 years of his life

Jason is younger than Tim

Thank you coming to my ted talk

(Dont take this seriously please bcksbdjsnks)

[transformers-synergize]

robots in disguise :)

Cybertronians are masters of disguise, easily able to integrate themselves into most alien societies. Especially ones that consist of other cyber life or heavly plated alien, things cybertronians can easily mimic. When unable to mimic the native life, bots will often take advantage of halo Forms technology, creating a near-perfect solid light replica of the native life. Cybertronians also have the built-in ability to pick up and decode languages just from hearing them. with Their vocalizer being extremely flexible and able to mimic the sound of other species, and if they desire, some can mimic the voices of specific individuals.

Scouts and infiltrators are usually able to figure out how to mimic the native life's behavior and better integrate themselves. Their disguises are often imperfect, but they're usually good enough not to cause any alarm, allowing these cybertronians to integrate themselves into alien societies undetected so they can insert themselves into roles that would give them the most power and influence. This allows Cybertronians to easily take other alien planets/societies out from the inside either to destabilize them so they become non-threat or to convert Their planet into a cybertronian colonies. But if an infiltration is unsuccessful, Cybertron has enough military might they can usually enforce their will on a planet by force, if need be.

During the war, due to Cybertron's unstable state, many Cybertronian colonies were able to break free from Cybertron's control, and many civilizations whose development was purposefully stifled were able to finally Advance without Cybertrons Influence.

Course, an infiltration campaign is not the reason why our little groups of stranded Autobots and Decepticons are stuck on Earth. So, the stranded bots don't have the same tools that an infiltrators might have. On earth, they can not mimic the native life very well, They are too small and often lack any plating, but they can mimic their vehicles and other mechanical devices, but that can only help so much. Neither side Possesses a haloform generator, leaving them reliant on native beings to perform certain tasks for them and help keep their existence hidden. Barely any Bots on either side had been on an alien planet before, and the ones that have only ever really been on Cybertronian colony worlds. But, one of the stranded Autobots is an ex-infiltrator and is more than familiar with dealing with unkown alien worlds. :)

[iceycloversart]

doesn't this have a name?

[poolsidepanic]

just so that everyone is aware, @bigdumbbambieyes has the best ideas!!!

mermaids heather and chrissy have got their hands on a washed up sailor. robin is theirs now <3

inspo image

[raiiny-bay]

today's drawing efforts

[rabnerd28]

Listened to the latest WCD episode and I had to turn it off. Like, am I technically making myself upset, yeah. But it's like, actually making me think about how much I don't like that apparently a thing was happening, and there's less of an open interpretation now, among other things.