#toddler transcription

[yeoldenews]

A cute example of what I've taken to calling "toddler transcription" - where moms/older siblings would copy down phonetically what pre-school aged children wanted to write to Santa.

Berneice was three and, given all the Cs swapped with Ts, I suspect she had a stuffy nose.

(source: The Marysville Tribune, December 16, 1896.)

[simscici]

Previous / Next Beginning (Gen 8)

Image transcripts (PT):

Ao fim do dia, ainda no aniversário de Touma, ela recebeu uma visita de seu amigo Peter (filho da Jade). Ao contrário de quando infants e toddlers, eles gostavam bastante um do outro agora.

Como sempre, Juniper o recebeu fazendo muitas brincadeiras e piadas internas que eles tinham entre si, mas naquele dia foi surpreendida com a declaração de Peter sobre ela ser sua eterna pessoa favorita. Isso com certeza aumentou a autoestima dela.

A parte mais divertida de brincar com Peter era o fato dele ser ingênuo demais para sempre cair nas mesmas travessuras dela para trapacear no xadrez.

Com uma cara inocente enquanto diz "sua vez" ela conseguia sempre se safar. Ela sabe que não pode viver de trapaças no xadrez, mas ela acredita ser uma ótima forma divertida de treinar sua lógica.

Como era rotineiro, Touma deu um beijinho em sua caçula para que ela tivesse bons sonhos à noite.

Yuna fez a mesma coisa com a mais velha. Eles diziam que as meninas não dormiam sem o beijo de boa noite, mas na verdade aquilo já virou como uma tradição para todos eles.

A festa surpresa foi o suficiente? A rotina deles sempre era muito corrida e quase não tinham tanto tempo quanto gostariam a sós, então uma surpresa extra, em plena madrugada depois que todos estavam dormindo era totalmente justo, certo?!

[daretolovemyrambling]

ARCANE: unreliable narrators (Silco and Vander focused) PART 1

I haven't really been in this tag/fandom before the season 2 finale, but can we talk about how both Vander and Silco are unreliable narrators? Especially when it comes to their flashback scenes?

I don't get why i've seen so many take the flashbacks we got in the show at face value. The show makes clear time and time again that when we get a flashback from the point of view of a single character, they are an unreliable narrator.

some examples of other characters:

on the left: biased/not the reality (character's memory/pov) vs on the right: unbiased/reality (our, the viewers, pov)

I'm going to use video clips and transcripts of the memories because I can't just gif like 5 minutes of scenes. Since you can only have one video per post, I will have to post this in several parts.

Let's start with Warwick's memories from 2x5:

We see that the memory of Warwick in episode 2x5 is all over the place, memories from the past 15-20 years come flooding back in bits and pieces. 

In the first moment of this scene we see Warwick running through the mines, then we see Singed who has experimented on him, we see the Monkey Toy aggressively banging it's cymbals against each other, then we see a younger looking Silco about to swing something at an enforcer, for a split second the Monkey's face replaces Silco's, we see that it was a bottle bomb and set that enforcer on fire.

I think this represents Silco's almost obsessive nature when it came to their fight for Zaun's freedom, the Monkey overwhelms you with it's loud noise the same way Silco likely overwhelmed Vander with his ruthless actions.

the next scene, Silco looks horrified at Vander and we cut to Vander drowning Silco, then back to the moment Vander (and likely Silco) discover Felicia's lifeless body. 

We see a moment of Vander punching an enforcer with his gauntlets from 1x1, cut to the Monkey's face again, then we see Warwick's perspective of the prison fight with the enforcers in 2x4 (we see him choke one of them out with his claws) and slashing several more of them brutally.

Finally, we cut back to the mines were he hallucinates a toddler-aged Powder crying her little eyes out (it looks like something that actually happened. I think this might be a moment shortly after he takes in the girls. Powder looks like she just woke up from a nightmare, her body language is shy and scared). He softly wipes the tears away with his left hand (same hand he used to choke Silco and an enforcer just a few moments earlier) 

Powder's face turns into Jinx and then pre-teen Powder and we follow Powder's lifeless gaze to Felicia dancing at the Jukebox, before finally, Vander images a Silco shortly after the murder attempt, this Silco is still dripping wet from the lake (and he uses his signature glass) but smiles at Vander invitingly (likely a moment that actually happend but was warped by the many nightmares Vander likely had about what he did).

The idea that Silco escalated the Bridge Riot and thus caused the death of many Zaunites, including Felicia and Connol, is definitely supported by this short memory, but it's *not* the only way you can read the scene. Vander's memories are evidently completely scrambled, he is remembering the worst moments of his life all at once.

It's just as valid to say that Silco was not there during the Bridge Scene in season 1 episode 1 as to say that he was!

That is what makes unreliable narrators so interesting, we can make assumptions to what happend, but if we don't get an unbiased view at a scene, we don't know for sure if it happend the way the narrator imagined it.

Examples where we have unbiased flashbacks would be flashbacks like Mel's childhood in 1x8 and the Bar scene with Felicia in 2x5. In these scenes we don't follow the pov of one character, of course information is still omitted from us to an extend, but we can make our own assumption instead of seeing the biased/narrow pov of a single character.

[elvenwhovian]

My son has been sitting in my lap while we play through the Portal games. Not sure if it's a good parenting choice, but it's very entertaining. :3

A transcript for those who don't speak toddler:

My son: Where's Wee Wee (Wheatley)?

Me: He's gone bad. He's mean now.

My son: Where's Wee Wee (Wheatley)?

Me: He was bad. He was mean to us. What do you think? What do you think's gonna happen?

My son: I (want to) find him again.

Me: Yeah. We'll find him again.

My son: Is he gonna be nice?

Me: (repeats question) Mmmm. We'll have to wait and see.

BONUS: *My husband laughing at Potato Glados*

[sgiandubh]

On sightings

It's that blessed time of the year, with eggnog and spice galore?

Anons are never unemployed for long, because - as I always say - the idiots' mother is always pregnant.

To counter Park Anon, perhaps, another casual fan (relevant later) posted a sighting on another one of those FB behemoth fan groups that come with a LOT of small print barking around ('BE KIND! NO BULLYING! NO SPAM! NO ADS!'). That particular group is obviously Spanish/Latino based and that is sort of relevant, in the geopolitics of this fandom:

Anyways, here goes. The woman had no fucking idea of Claire Fraser's civilian name, but was ashamed to admit to it - so long for accuracy, dude:

Her sister is also a member of the group, but curiously enough nobody asked her anything, even if she was there and could have given her own feedback on the whole event. And she did not offer any, even when her next of kin was clawed around by the patrolling Stans Brigade. Perhaps because she's only been a member of the group since December 15, 2024 (her sister, the OG informer, was active in there since August 30 2024, only)?

Anyways, all the obsessive tropes seem to have been thoroughly checked, in that comment thread.

Blonde Bambino? ✅

Tracula? ✅✅- you know that one was coming, right?

The Wookey Hole Caves is an amusement park in Somerset - oh, how convenient:

C might have went with Blonde Bambino and retinue for the Winter Wonderland show - it does make sense.

An easy daytrip from London, too. But it had to be Somerset, for some reason - where C has established no footprint since 2019 and something she never mentions in fan events (even though Tracula's relatives do live in that area - plot thickens). Where no other sighting had been reported since at least the Italian guy taking a fan pic with C, circa 2019-2020 (help me on this one, veterans 😘?).

What stroke me as odd wasn't even the lack of pictures. It would have been very easy to sneak one, since the OG informer's nephew was riding along Blonde Bambino on an age appropriate ride - but hey, let's not nitpick on that one, after all Park Anon didn't have any, either. Also, the OG informer is unsure about Caitriona's name, but knows exactly how old Blonde Bambino is? What about that 'almost 4" - did C casually throw some pebbles along the narrative track, like Hansel in that fairy tale? Isn't Blonde Bambino supposed to be 3 years, 4 months old? How is that 'almost 4'? Was the OG informer using her own deductive skills, based on a ride Verboten sign?

The carousel the Blonde Bambino could not supposedly ride on is this one. It is situated indoors, in the park's Penny Arcade zone, at The Mill (https://www.wookey.co.uk/things-to-do/):

What stroke me as odd is that both the OG Informer and the Riding Toddler's mum are inexplicably elusive about any specific details. I was not expecting a deposition transcript, for sure, but at least a couple of those details that bring warmth, humanity and plausibility to a story. You know, like Park Anon's little girl having a tantrum because she didn't want to go home:

[Source: https://www.tumblr.com/sgiandubh/751391542332325888/i-always-read-the-comments-on-sams-posts-because]

Nothing of the sort, here. But if anything, what gave me pause the most is this tiny little tidbit the sanctimonious people across the street do not want you to see:

You read that right. The Perfect Stay-At-Home Dad couldn't be arsed to watch 'his' son on a ride, in an amusement park where things can and do happen. The One Who Always Babysits, even when his 'wife' is clubbing around with her Praetorian Guard (credit given accordingly 😉) in London, knowing perfectly well C has a full time nanny for 'Baba', looked completely disconnected from the scène de genre. So much so, that the OG Informer had nothing else to report.

So which one is it? Was it T, was it someone else from the Praetorian Guard? Does it really, really matter?

All this carefully calibrated story surely made me think about one of the times I lied to a very nice bungalow B&B landlady, somewhere on the coast of the Peloponnese. When our electricity blew out in the middle of the (cold, February) night, I had to call her and explain 'me and my husband' were about to die frozen in her idyllic little orange orchard. My 'husband' was my best gay friend (currently posted somewhere in the Middle East, LOL) and we were very much plastered with excellent wine, which we happily continued to imbibe after the incident was solved. Bless her heart, she did ask me the next time I went there (with Someone, 😱) how was my 'husband' doing. I shamelessly told her we got divorced, in the meanwhile. She smirked and mumbled something like 'eh, diplomats'. LOL.

Double standards are, as always, prosperous across the street. Other than that, may I just add the most recent reviews of the park are ahem, mixed, at best?

Especially, perhaps, this particular review, written by a mom of a three-years old little girl:

[Source: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g635922-d213489-Reviews-Wookey_Hole_Caves-Wookey_Hole_Somerset_England.html]

I find the management's answer extraordinarily enlightening. They know they have a problem with it. They offer settlement outside of the saloon, perhaps a batch of free tickets and hefty discounts thrown in for good measure. LOL, really LOL.

Hence my question, Your Honor: was it even C? Why would she do that, when she could have easily went to Eurodisney in Paris or any other fabulous London seasonal attraction, of which I am sure there are many? This, by all accounts, sounds more like a sad, rushed and tacky improvisation - again, why? Why on Earth do that to 'Baba'? Why?

Make it make sense, please, because right now it surely doesn't.

I rest my case.

[ribena59p]

DSAF Project Save The Kiddin’s transcript

This is the original charity the game was for

NIGHT ONE ~

Phone Guy –

“Hello? Hello, hello?

Uh, I wanted to record a message for you, to help you get settled in on your first night. Um, I actually –“ (cuts off)

Dave –

“Sorry, I just had to cut that asshole off. What a fucking pencil neck.

Anyway, good fucking going on landing a minimum-wage job where you have to fend off gigantic, felt-covered bastard animals who want to snap your neck and stuff you into a fuckin’ bear suit.

That phone guy left some tips of his own to help you survive, but honestly, they didn’t do him much good. Spoiler alert: he fuckin’ died. What a nerd.

So, good ol’ Davey’s gonna give you some tips.

Tip number one: don’t let those bastards lay a finger on you. They can and will stuff you into a fuckin’ bear suit. Take it from me—those suits smell like slaughtered toddlers.

Tip number two: don't use too much power. You have two blast doors on either side of you and two door lights. You can use those to check when the robots are coming. If they’re ready to pounce on ya, you can create a titanium fuckin’ barrier between you and the deranged rabbit trying to fuck you up.

Sadly, those impractical design measures were designed by me, meaning they’re a fuckin’ hindrance. The doors and the lights halve your power (?), and if the power meter runs to zero, the bear is gonna come out and fuck you up. Remember: you can’t outwrestle a fuckin’ bear. So make sure you don’t run out of power.

By the way, this place is totally fuckin’ haunted, and that’s on me. I sort of murdered a few dozen kids back in the eighties and stuffed them into the robots out of pure spite for the company.

Don’t worry, though—kids don’t count as real people.

I’ll call ya tomorrow. And remember: you can’t out wrestle the bear, so don’t even try.”

(hangs up)

NIGHT TWO ~

Phone Guy –

“Uhh, Hello? Hello?

Uh, well, if you’re hearing this and you made it to day two, uh, congrats! I-I won’t talk quite as long this time-” (cuts off)

Dave –

“Hey, how ya doin’, man?

It’s me again—Big Dick Davey.

Night two, eh? Good job on not getting stuffed into a tacky fuckin’ bear suit. Honestly, tonight should be the exact same as last night—just with slightly angrier robots who’ll try to rip your throat out twice as hard.

Oh, I forgot to mention—you're probably well acquainted with the bear, the rabbit, and the duck by now, but there’s a fourth one in the building.

Yeah.

There’s a fuckin’ fox behind that tacky-as-shit purple curtain in the dining area. Yeah, that fox is fuckin’ mental, by the way. He’s going to start peeking out of his curtain and then charge at you like a fuckin’ banshee. He’s a twitchy, indecisive prick—not sure why the company seems to have a thing for that fox, to be perfectly honest.

They even tried to build a whole foxy-themed strip club. Awful fuckin’ idea. One orange bastard got far too touchy with the fox, if you catch my drift.

Foxy’s a real special character, though. A fan favorite. And the only robot in Freddy’s to ever get to visit the Grand Canyon.

Oh, if he charges at you, close the left door as soon as you hear his rapid fuckin’ scurrying. If you’re not in the office when he charges at ya, may Fredbear have mercy on your soul.

Well, that’s enough pretending like I care about your safety for this night. I’ll call you tomorrow with more Freddy’s-related bullshit trivia.

See you on the mean side.”

(hangs up)

NIGHT THREE ~

Phone Guy –

“Hello, hello?

Hey, you're doing great! Most people–“ (cuts off)

Dave –

“Heyo, doggo!

It’s me, Davey.

Wow, night three—Incredible.

See, if there’s one thing I can do, it’s give bad advice to future nightguards.

By the way, since these messages are pre-recorded, I have no actual idea whether you’re still alive or not. Let’s be honest—statistically, you probably died back on night one. Priceless.

If you’re still alive, worry not. To survive the night, just do the same shit you did last night—but better.

Yeah, those robots really want you dead because they think you’re me.

Long story short, I put on the fuckin’ rabbit suit back in the eighties and lured some kids into the backroom. Then I strangled them all and stuffed them into the robots.

Now, I know what you’re thinking— “What the hell is wrong with you, Davey? Are you a child molester or some shit?”

Rest assured, I’m not a kiddy diddler or anything like that. I’m just an eggplant man who gets a kick out of shutting down shitty haunted pizzerias.

Granted, I am the reason most of them are haunted in the first place.

By the way, night guards who survive this far usually start seeing weird things—either due to stress or drinking all the rubbing alcohol in the supply closet. You might see a shitty yellow recolor of the bear. If you do, just flip your camera monitor to snap yourself out of it.

Just don’t dick around, and you’ll be fine.

I’ll speak to you tomorrow, dude. And remember—you might not be able to outwrestle the bear...

But you certainly can’t outwrestle the golden bear.” (hangs up)

NIGHT FOUR ~

Dave –

“Hey, Dave again. I have a surprise for ya, man. Listen to this shit—it's hilarious!”

Phone Guy –

Hello hello?

Hey! Hey, wow, day four. I knew you could do it.

Uh, hey, listen, I may not be around to send you a message tomorrow. *door bangs are heard here, and continue throughout the call* It’s-It’s been a bad night here for me. Um, I-I’m kinda glad that I recorded my messages for you *clears throat* uh, when I did.

Uh, hey, do me a favour. Maybe sometime, uh, you could check inside those suits in the back room? I’m gonna try to hold out until someone checks. Maybe it won’t be so bad. Uh, I-I-I-I always wondered what was in all those empty heads, back there.

*Freddy’s “Toreador March” music plays*

You know...*animatronic moan is heard, the same as when you have your monitor up, and an animatronic has got into the room*

Oh, no – *garbled scream that more closely resembles Golden Freddy’s scream, followed by static*

Dave –

“Wasn’t that fuckin’ gold? Pardon the pun. He got fucked.. hard!

Anyway, I’m massively fuckin’ hungover from drinking all of the rubbing alcohol in the supply

closet last night, so I’mma go have a fuckin’ nap. Catch ya later!”

(hangs up)

NIGHT FIVE ~

Phone Guy –

FUHWFHIYFYFYFYFYFYYUHGBIDWHQGQIOFHOEWHVOJWEOQPJHGOIEWHIHIOBH WOSRSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTCYUGUIUO;HIOHIOHIGY78R56EVYYOU UKT66FVUFDLYTKLUIHIU9OY97087B9 68745 /’0.C6SO8UX5RYH3\

Dave –

"Hey there, man.

Sorry to interrupt... whatever that was.

You see, I’ve just realized something—most people who work here end up the exact same way: stuffed into a bear suit within half a week.

I’ve gotta wonder—what kind of person would just get a job here all willy-nilly and then outsurvive a man designed to make those robots behave?

Bullshit.

You aren’t some rookie fresh off the street. You’ve landed this gig before. You’re a Freddy’s veteran—somebody with experience.

According to my calculations, there’s only two people you can be:

A nerd named Jeremy Fitzgerald—who, by my calculations, is basically a vegetable now—

Or...

Old Sport!

It must be you! Nobody else could just plop their ass down and survive four nights like it’s nothin’ at all.

Old Sport... oh, how I’ve missed you.

You came back. You always come back.

Have you come back for me, Old Sport? Have you come back for ol’ Davey? I knew it. I just knew that you really loved me!

Look, I have to go, Old Sport, but I’ll be right back tomorrow night, OK?

Stay alive, Old Sport. I’ll speak to you again tomorrow, Sportsy."

(hangs up)

NIGHT SIX

Dave –

“OLD SPORT, I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU CAME BACK!

You have no idea how much I’ve missed you—how much we’ve missed you.

We’re a family, Old Sport. Freddy’s is a family.

I thought you had abandoned us, Old Sport, but now it’s clear to me—we can be partners again.

You have no idea how lonely these last few years have been, Old Sport. My life was dead without you.

But you were lost and now you are found. I’m coming back for ya, Old Sport.

I’m going to come back and find you.

I’M. GOING. TO. COME. FIND. YOU.

I’M. GOING. TO. COME. FIND. YOU.."

(hangs up)

NIGHT SEVEN ~

NUFFIN. U PLAY AS DAVE stupid stuupid diiot

NIGHT EIGHT ~

Dave -

“Alright, I’ve had enough of these felt-covered bastards.”

“Chasin me around, trying to stuff me into a tacky fuckin bear suit!”

“Ive gotta find sportsy!”

“Its time to deal with these robotic fuckers...

...Dave Miller style!”

“Its smashin time!”

“I never liked that fuckin rabbit.”

“Fuck you bear-head!”

“Nobody can out-wrestle the bear... ...except for ole Davey!”

“Yiff in hell, fox!”

“Burn in hell, you fuckin duck!”

“Since that golden bear scrotum is long dead...

...Its time to go back to the saferoom, to retrieve my lunchbox!”

“Ah, spectacular!

My lunchbox!”

“I-

Oh-.”

“Why, hello there, ghostly spirits! Do ya need something?”

Ghosts – “WE NEED FOR YOU TO GET IN THAT SUIT AND TO DIE HERE,

RIGHT NOW.”

Dave – “That sounds lame.

I don't wanna do that.”

Ghosts – “WE NEED TO SEE OUR HAPPIEST DAY, AFTON!”

Dave – “Any day is your Happiest Day,

when your in Vegas!”

Ghosts – “YOU’RE GOING TO HELL, AFTON!”

Dave – “Nice try, but I don't believe in consequences for my actions!”

Ghosts – “WE WILL GUT YOU LIKE A PIG, AFTON!”

Dave – “Now you’re just bringin’ the mood down.”

Ghosts – “WE’RE NOT LETTING YOU LEAVE, AFTON!”

Dave – “You're all ghosts!

I can literally just walk straight fuckin through you!”

Ghosts – “BUT, AFTON...

THINK ABOUT HOW FUN ITD BE TO LAUGHT AT US...

…WHILE WEARING THE SUIT THAT YOU MURDERED US IN!”

Dave – “That sounds hysterical!

That’s a grand fuckin idea!”

“How do I look, fellas?

Am I sexy or what?”

“Y'know what?

You guys are good sports!

Sorry that i sorta murdered you all...”

Ghosts – “ALRIGHT. FUCK HIM UP, LADS.”

Dave –

“Goddammit.

I hate you all.”

“Bleeding, bleeding. Pain vast discomfort pain vast discomfort oh gahd!! Id feel my heart being torn apart if i had one!”

[quitealotofsodapop]

Had to format this weirdly cus I accidentally answered it privately to @soniclozdplove and lost it. Transcript is in image descriptions if this is too fuzzy:

Prev art ref.

Oh boy, the first thing that happens to Macaque straight after that reveal?

A sock in the jaw. From five different fists.

Also a burning toddler catapulting themselves at his groin area.

The only reason Macaque isn't sent straight back to Diyu in that moment is the appearance of the world's best referee;

Kṣitigarbha gave the Mercy Goddess a heads up when they sensed the Six Eared Macaque busting out of the Underworld.

Guanyin: "I plea that you halt your hands." Wukong: "Guanyin?" Macaque, surprised and beaten: "The mercy god?" Tang: (*faints*) Rest of the Gang: (*drop to a bowing pose*) Red: "Hi Auntie!" Tieshan, fan still pointed at Macaque: "Give us a single reason we should let this beast live." Guanyin: "His words and remorse are true. He had not known of the First Egg's existence when he engaged Sun Wukong in battle all those centuries ago." Wukong, still furious: "Whether it was deliberate or not - he still caused the death of ou- my first child! How can I be certain that he won't cause harm to this one?!"

The back and forth probably lasts hours or even days. And soon, Macaque realises that he needs an ultimatum.

Macaque: "Wukong, if there's any way for me to prove that I only wish to repair the damage I've done, please let me!" Wukong: "How?! How could you do anything to prove to me that you won't be a threat to them?!" Macaque: (*pauses in thought when his gaze falls upon the bodhisattva. The irony is almost hilarious.*) Macaque, pained sigh: "When I had stolen the scriptures from your Master, I only wished to free you of your duty to him, and free you from the Circlet." Wukong: "What does that have to do with the egg?" Macaque, kneels before Guanyin: "Bodhisattva, in order to prove my vow to protect Sun Wukong and his future cub; I ask that you give him the means to disable me if I ever become a threat once more." Guanyin: "What you ask for is no light request. You were willing to lie to the Buddha himself to remove the very same astra from your mate. If you take the burden for yourself, I cannot guarantee it will ever be removed." Wukong, eyes widen as he realises what's happening: "Macaque! You're not asking to-!" Macaque, firm: "I understand what I'm asking for. I also ask that both Nezha and Tieshan are taught the disabling mantra. I now understand that they have protected you and our island for far longer than I have. If anyone is to be trusted to monitor my actions, it's them." Guanyin: "What say you, Third Lotus Prince?" Nezha: "I... this is a bit unexpected... but I agree to act as the Macaque's warden. If he's truly seeking forgiveness, the Circlet will disallow him from straying." Guanyin: "And you, Iron Fan Princess?" Tieshan: (*points her weapon dangerously at Macaque's face*) Tieshan: "Do not think of this is an acceptance of apology, beast. If collaring you is what is required to keep Wukong and his child safe, I will accept my part in your punishment." Guanyin: "Then it shall be done. Liu'er Mihou, I now bind you with the Golden Tightening Fillet, so that you may be given the chance to prove your atonement." (*a light envelops Guanyin's hand as they bring it to Macaque's head, the shadow monkey grimacing as he feels the metal band encompass his crown. Wukong is shocked silent.*) Macaque, turns to Wukong with a hopeful smile: "Told you I was serious." Wukong, dumbfounded: "You... I guess you are."

Pigsy promptly asks what just happened, and why is the jerk monkey wearing jewellery now? Tang nearly faints again. Red Son demands to see the fillet in action and Iron Fan decides to amuse him.

Macaque's head is pounding for days afterwards.

Many hours later, with Macaque in the equivalent of a bright padded room, Wukong asks Macaque something important.

Wukong: "When?" Macaque, scratching his sore brow: "When what?" Wukong,: "When did you learn that they existed?" Macaque, eyes droop sadly: "When I greeted the Ten Kings and Kṣitigarbha in Diyu. They assured me that the cub's soul would be returned soon." Wukong, heart skipping: "Returned?" Macaque: "To you. I tried to offer something up to give them back to you right away but... it was out of my hands." Wukong, ghosts hand over stomach: "So you decided to escape when you heard they were coming back?" Macaque: "I did. I don't know where I escaped from, but I managed it. It was so dark and cold... all I could hear was my own thoughts and the winds of the Underworld. Then one day I hear one of the Ten Kings mention that The Monkey King's Cub is to be born soon, and I just saw white and-" Wukong, shushing: "Shhh. You don't have to keep explaining yourself. Though I'm still furious... You're clearly trying to make it better. I pray that the Egg is born in a time I can find myself forgiving you." Macaque: "Me too, peaches. Me too."

As his beloved King leaves the secure room, Macaque's hand switches from the circlet on his brow to the marriage pendant hidden beneath his clothing.

His vow is true. As is still his love for his mate. No matter how much he's hurt him, knowingly or not.

Also he should probably figure out what the heck the White Bone Spirit wanted out of him when she helped him escape the Underworld. He was a bit too occupied to pay attention.

[100babywarehouse]

(Transcript at the bottom, under cut.)

What is 100 Baby Warehouse?

It is exactly what it sounds like - it's a collection of sims that were the results of 100 baby challenges. In other words, this is a warehouse of sorts, and the only thing stocked here are sims. If you are looking for a spouse for your legacy, and you know exactly the kind of sims your heir likes, you may be able to find exactly what you're looking for here - if you're looking for a family-motivated male young adult, browse our selection to see if there's someone who fits your parameters. If your NSB rose gen needs some cute sims to woo, you can find those here!

Are there only "The Sims 4" sims here?

Absolutely not! You can play a 100 baby challenge in almost every sims game - I'm not sure about The Sims 1, but I know for a fact you can in 2 and 3. So, in our navigation page there will also be sections for sims strictly in TS2 and TS3.

I'm playing a 100 Baby Challenge right now. Can I submit a sim?

Yes!! Please! This blog will be EMPTY if no one submits sims, because I simply cannot play that many 100 baby challenges at once. I'm playing 2 right now, and that's hard enough.

Will you have sims for download if no one submits any?

Well, yes. But not very many, and not a good variety. There will be no TS3 or TS2 sims if no one submits any, because I don't currently have either installed. So please, if you have sims you want to share, please do!

Can I just make a post and tag you so you can reblog it, instead of submitting my sims?

That's perfectly fine too! I just have the submission page to make things easier on everyone, but if you want to make the post yourself and tag me, that works just as well. Just add @100babywarehouse anywhere on your post, and I'll see it and add it to the sim collection.

I don't play 100 baby challenge, but I want to submit a legacy spare. Is that okay?

While this is called 100 Baby Warehouse, this is also fine. I will have a specific category for legacy spares on the navigation pages, because I know that most people play legacies more than 100 baby challenges (including myself). Otherwise, this blog might be rather empty, and I don't want that! Either way, as long as the sim would normally be kicked out of the main house and forgotten, left to the whims of story progression, the sim is welcome in this collection.

If this is the 100 baby warehouse, does that mean there are only babies/infants, toddlers, and children here?

No! Definitely not! Sims of any age can be added to our "inventory." Even adults and elders. So if you want several teens for the teen angst story you are wanting to write, have a look around our teen category.

Can I download Aeli?

Not right now, sorry. Maybe later.

If you have a question you want me to answer, please feel free to send it to me! And if you're shy, feel free to ask it on anon. Just know that if too many people are nasty, anonymous asks will be disabled.

Transcript for picture:

"Hello there!

My name is Aeli, and I am the matron of this place. "What is this place?" You may ask. That's why I'm here - to guide you.

This is officially a "warehouse," as some may call it, but I think of it as an adoption center of sorts.

Here, you will find sims that have been forgotten, or abandoned, and left to the whims of fate (or story progression). Specifically, these sims were used strictly as stepping stones in a 100 Baby Challenge - in this challenge, the children are simply a means to an end, unless their challenge is done using the multiple matriarch rules, in which case the only child that matters is the final daughter of each matriarch.

And that's just unbearably sad to me.

All of these wonderful sims have such potential, they could have whole futures ahead of them, but they are denied that simply because that's how the challenge works. They are kicked out the instant they are no longer teenagers.

So here, we have a collection of many of these wonderful sims that Watchers in need may take in and care for, themselves. These sims can have any life they may dream of - or, well... have nightmares about.

Whatever life they end up with is up to you, the Watcher."

[folkbreeze]

meet toddler Saffy at her best... or her worst

transcript:

Saffron screams

Elvis: No, no, Saffy, please

Lazza: what's going on?

...

Elvis: she wanted cake. Ok, Saffy, enough.

Lazza: Por favor [please], make it stop.

Elvis: I'm trying! Come on Saf, get up.

...

Elvis: Jesus... Come on, shhh.

Lazza: Just put her on the cart!

...

Elvis: see? now mama's angry. We won't be getting kisses today.

[peachi-blossom]

My thoughts on Hazbin Hotel as a non HH fan

Originally, I was just here to watch people criticizing Hazbin Hotel. But when the recent controversies came in, I feel like I have to step into the fandom rabbit hole.

As a non Hazbin Hotel fan, I've watched the pilot, read the prequel comics, watched the ADDICT music video, and finally the show itself. (I've watched the show on March 15th.)

NOTE: I didn't watch the show on TV so I watched it on a pirated website instead and read the transcript because no way am I watching this in front of my parents, my siblings, or Grandma. This is my personal opinion on the show.

Pilot: So Hell is basically Earth except it's painted red and inhabited by demons. The background has too much red, but not as bad that it makes my eyes bleed. I don't like how the female characters have the same color scheme except Vaggie and Niffty (pilot only). For example, Charlie, Katie Killjoy, and Cherri Bomb. The only two funny parts of the pilot is when the top hat demon says "Wow! That was s***!" after Charlie sings Inside of Every Demon is a Rainbow and when Angel pokes his head in as Vaggie is giving Alastor a warning. I didn't like the daddy joke. It just sounded bad. Also, why is there a joke about harlequin babies?

Prequel comics that are no longer canon: Basically the prequel comics focuses on Angel Dust and Alastor.

For Dirty Healings, it shows how Angel Dust first met Charlie and Vaggie. I knew that Vaggie's name was named after a uh, you know. Ugh… Why did Vivienne Medrano had to name her that? Also I hate Valentino.

As for A Day In The After Life, it just shows why Alastor is the most feared demon in Hell. Also he swears after seeing Vox.

ADDICT music video: I genuinely have no thoughts on this music video. I think this was just bait for the SA and CSA victims. Sorry for those who like the MV.

Episode 1: This is worse than the pilot. I did NOT like the beginning part. It's biblically inaccurate for multiple reasons, but I feel like a few people only talk about this one thing. Sin didn't exist until Adam and Eve ate the fruit of knowledge of good and evil. Not only that, but it's also misogynistic too because it was just Eve who ate it. What makes it misogynistic is that it implies that all women would have to bear the sins of Eve ALONE. There's rampant swearing and sex jokes. Also, isn't Archangel Michael supposed to be the leader of the Army of God? Anyways I'm siding with the angels.

Episode 2: The red is so bright that it hurts my eyes. It doesn't help the fact that Alastor blends in the background. Oh yeah, when Vox tells Sir Pentious to kill himself, it made me feel sad because it reminded me of the Shay incident. The time when the stans drove Shay to kill themself because they were uncomfortable with the large age gap of HuskerDust.

Episode 3: Why? Why is there a BDSM sex dungeon?! I know that was Angel's idea, but still. Why?! I seriously have no words. When Zestial says "What troubles thou?" I was like "Huh?". It should be "What troubles thee?". I think his Old English has grammatical errors. The Egg Boiz, Carmilla, and Zestial are bearable because they never said a swear word. Off topic, but Velvette's swirl streaks on her hair makes me think of a swirl ice cream.

Episode 4: Before the show came out, I saw SlayQueenArt's post on Twitter (X) that says Vivienne Medrano hired Raphielle II, aka R2ninjaturtle, who has a rape fetish and isn't a SA victim. As someone who is formerly addicted to porn, this episode is insulting on so many levels. I didn't watch the whole Poison sequence because of that. And don't get me started on Loser Baby. I hate this song so much. It felt like it is blaming on SA and CSA victims for being SA'd. Like it is blaming me for being addicted to porn on and off when I was EIGHT. I know there are some victims who like episode 4 so I will leave them alone. I seriously hate how Charlie behaves like a toddler at the end. No grown adult should behave like a toddler like she did because being raped isn't a silly thing to cry over. Like, hello? She is the supposed to be the main character. Oh yeah, there was NO warning for the episode when the show premiered and it triggered the victims who watched it. SA and CSA victims are not losers. Former porn addicts are not losers. Nobody is a loser. I am NOT a loser.

Episode 5: Wow, Vivienne Medrano really turned Lucifer into King George from Veggietales. I guess this is what happens when King George gave in into his obsession with rubber ducks. I didn't like Hell's Greatest Dad because of the unnecessary rivalry between Lucifer and Alastor, but at least Mimzy ended the song. Oh boy, this is where I hate Alastor now. No really, he is Vivienne Medrano's first edgelord oc. He has gone full edgelord and is basically a Bill Cipher wannabe now. His full demon form is not even scary compared to Bill's final form. He no longer stands out from the main cast even if he rarely swears. Mimzy is basically the embodiment of the hooked nose stereotype. Wow, the embodiment of a Jew stereotype. How racist.

Episode 6: That was an absolute slap in the face at SA and CSA victims and me when Sir Pentious got SA'd! Seriously, Vivienne Medrano doesn't even care for the victims at this point! What's worse is that he is based off of her old ex-friend, DollCreep. Why did she whitewashed St. Peter?! I know there are white Jews, but he was born in ancient Israel so I wouldn't think he'll be looking like a white man with blonde hair and blue eyes. How come angels don't know how souls get to Heaven?! We got the Ten Commandments! We got Jesus Christ who took our place to die for our sins so we wouldn't have to bear these sins! Emily and Sera are bearable because you know. I hate how Niffty is being treated like a child when she's NOT. What's worse is that Niffty is supposed to be Japanese because of how people INFANTILIZED Asian people, especially women.

Episode 7: My issue with Out for Love is that when Carmilla tells Vaggie that she should fight for love and not for vengeance. Well, Vaggie always fight for love and never for vengeance. In Whatever it Takes, she literally says that she'll always protect Charlie. Where is the vengeance in that? That is poor character writing. Rosie is basically the blood libel stereotype where the Jews are cannibals. Again, that's just racist against Jews.

Episode 8: I thought the finale was pointless because there were no stakes and Sir Pentious' heroic sacrifice was comically anti-climatic. Like, why did Sir Pentious's so called friends cared about him when they didn't help him at ALL in episode 6?! I'm not a fan of the CherriSnake ship because Cherri only becomes interested in him because he has two "joysticks". Not to mention he kissed her without consent and she thinks it's hot after that. The problem with More Than Anything (Reprise) is that Vaggie reassures Charlie that she changed many lives, but she only changed one. I'm so glad Adam defeated Alastor first. There is absolutely no way Lucifer slept with Eve. Oof for Lute and Adam. You both fought well until the end.

The character designs are awful. Every male character basically looks like The Once-ler from The Lorax 2012 movie except for Adam (I know Alastor doesn't have a top hat, but still gives off the vibes. Zestial is more Burtonesque.). Not to mention they are all skinny twigs except for Adam (I think). The female characters in Hell have the same color scheme except Vaggie (again). For example, Charlie, Katie Killjoy, Mimzy (though her dress is a little darker), Cherri Bomb, and Niffty (show only). They have too much pinks, reds, yellows, whites, and blacks. I love pink, but this is too much. What's worse is that they blend in the background and again it hurts my eyes. There is NO color variety and I feel like my eyes are burning.

That's my thoughts on the show.

[theroyalthrones]

BEHIND THE SCENES | Alland, Romagna, Orillia

beginning | previous | next

The night unfurls like a well-worn tale as family cars glide into the courtyard, each arrival a thread in the intricate tapestry of their lives. Laughter dances through the air, warm and inviting, yet Lucian stands at the periphery, ensnared by a web of his own making. The faces of his siblings blur into a vivid tableau of love and familiarity, but within him simmers a storm—questions unasked, regrets unshared. He watches the unfolding scenes with a heavy heart, a silent witness to a joy that feels just out of reach.

transcript below↓↓

It’s a friday night, and Fiona and Liams clan is going to dinner together.

The night is crisp as cars start to pile in the courtyard. The family is back for their monthly get together. A tradition that started when all of Fiona and Liam’s kids started to build lives of their own. A traditions that keeps the connected. Especially since the older girls rarely attend the coffee dates Lucian and Lorraine so regularly frequent.

They are all familiar with the space of course. Having grown up in the palace for most of their childhoods. They arrive individually of course. Fiorella is the first, with her growing family of 4, soon to be 5 with the new edition prominently displayed in her person. She walks with her father, Her husband and sons trailing behind them.

Next to arrive is Flo’s family. She is also a very pregnant individual, and carrying her son. Dorian is with them as the walk through the doors into the dining room. Some of them are already sitting at the table. Florentia gives her toddler to the nanny to keep him occupied during their meal. She walks up to her father, and kisses him on the cheek while he continues chatting with Aleksi. Dorian goes to give Fiorella a greeting, standing behind her chair as she looks up at him in pleasant greetings.

We then see Lucian arrive, not long after Lorraine walks up behind him. She grabs him and holds him back from entering the room for a moment. It might be a bit awkward because the footman is standing there as well, but so is regular royal life. She whisper shouts at him.

Lor (from afar)] Luc?!

Lor(pulling him)] Come with me.

Lor] What’s going on?

Luc] {exasperated} Lorra

Lor] You haven’t picked up my calls! And I read the articles…

Luc] You know better than th—

Lor] I told you not to pursue this!

Luc] Maybe it’s none of your business.

Luc] [Angry] I can’t listen to this right now.

Lor]scoffs Lu-

He walks away into the dining room, Fiorella dogs on Him as he walks in.

Fio] You both are late.

Luc] It’s her fault.

Fio] laughing Clearly they’re lying.

He goes to sit next to Florentia and Dorian. The conversation continues now that he’s there. Florentia whispers to him and dorian looks over at him as well.

Flo] I’m so mad, we only ever hear from you in the news!

D] It’s not really news, is it? More so Tabloids.

Flo] That’s worse! Shocking, isn’t it? What’s true, what isn’t?

Lor] He’s involved with some girl.

Luc]annoyed Lorra-!

Dor] We know that. Even if she’s not actually— uh, what would you say?

Flo] — Committed, people love the jump to conclusions. You’re not gonna tell us?

Luc] Flo exasperated.

Fio] Won’t you give us what we want?

This is the time when Fiona walks into the dining room. everyone has been waiting for her. The stand up at attention, and when she gets to her seat and sits, they all follow suit.

Fiona] Honestly, both of you. You’d think you were paid to argue.

Liam] They’re young, Cara, can’t help it, can they?

Lor] I know, dad! whiny

Fio] You’re twenty-four Lorraine. snarky

The different conversations continue one. And dinner has also been served. Lucian watches sort of detached as conversations whiz around him. Fiona and Fiorella are talking about possibly sending Finnick to a boarding school in another province. Lorraine and Dorian speaking about Cars. Lucian observes it all.

Flo] Why not Gordonstoun?

Fior] Finnick wouldn’t like it in Drossel. So far away… Too cold, It’s a bit far for a boarding school.

Fion] [serious] is that not the point?

Lor] I finally got that spyder we talked about.

Dor] The Porsche?

Lor] What else? she’s a beauty.

Dor] Just how much are you making in that company of yours? Can’t have business at the table, but If I can convince you to sell me a share or too…

Lor] You’re interested?

A few hours later, everyone is leaving. They are full, and want to head back to their homes. They vow to make it to the next monthly dinner. They all will. As Florentia starts to break away from the group, Lucian calls out to her. She tells him that Dorian went to pick Leo up from the nanny

Luc] Hey Florentia!

She stops and turns to him.

Flo] I’m waiting for Dorian. He’s picking Leo up as we speak.

Luc] He’s cute.

Flo] laughing you’re talking about Leo, right? Because if not, we’d have a serious problem.

Luc] laughing as well…

Luc] Are you happy?

Florentia contemplates this for a moment. She is in her second trimester at this point, and what else could she say.

Flo] It gets tough. Work, family, marriage… it all takes its toll. And the compromises! Sometimes it feels like too much. But even so, they’re what bring me the most joy.

When she says they make me happiest. Show Dorian and Leo in the distance of a hallway, waving at their person. Lucian and Florentia look at them from afar. Standing still now instead of walking.

L]Francesca and I… we’re done.

F] Oh, Luc… I’m so sorry.

Luc] "I feel helpless… I don’t know what to do anymore."

Florentia listens intently as Lucian begins to share the story of what Francesca told him, his words tinged with regret and pain.

Luc] "She told me everything, Flo… and I didn’t even see it. I didn’t know… I wish I could’ve. I could’ve done something… anything."

F] Lucian. [softly, disappointedly]

She speaks to him tenderly.

F] I don’t know this… Francesca, but I do know you.

She touches her stomach

F] It’s unimaginable—the pain, the torment. They say a child is a blessing, and that one was yours.

She touches his cheek.

F] If you truly love her, go to her. Set aside your pain, the loss, the betrayal—everything. Think about what she’s endured…

F] "A woman so alone, scared, in a world that feels too big."

F] "Her walls are high, but be the one she might lower them for, or at least the one she could open a door for. Be the one she’s been waiting for."

He pulls her into a hug crying, he kisses her on the cheek. She hits his arm slightly annoyed, but also smug.

L] crying Love you, Flo.

F] Go, don’t wait longer!

Dorian and Leo walk up to meet them in that hall. Dorian gives Leo over to Florentia , florentia with her arms open and kisses grabs at him, and he cooes at her. Lucian stares at them for a moment.

At the end of the post, he goes to Francesca’s apartment. Fully ready to have a strong reconsiliations. but when he knocks on the door, no one answers. He goes to look through a window, and he gasps. We then see that the apartment has been cleared out. They’ve moved out.

[yeoldenews]

A wonderful example of what I refer to as "toddler transcription" - where parents write down their small child's exact words, tangents and all.

(source: The Zanesville (OH) Signal, December 18, 1905.)

[simscici]

Previous / Next Beginning (Gen 8)

Image transcripts (PT):

Penelope: Esta é a nova moda entre os toddlers?

Touma: Ela acha que é grande o suficiente para escolher a própria roupa, então não teríamos menos do que a próxima tendência do verão!

Penelope: Vovó vai amar as dicas de moda da pequena Ju, vem aqui gatinha!

Juniper: Vovóó

Touma: Nos reunimos não tem muito tempo, mas sinto como se tivesse se passado um longo tempo, então estou animado!

Penelope: Eu me sinto da mesma forma!

Penelope: Ju poderá brincar com sua priminha, não é, querida?!

Juniper: [se aconchega]

Touma: Que manhosa, só porque está nos braços da vovó??

Juniper gosta de escorregar sozinha, ela é grande o suficiente para isso!!

[gunthermunch]

[Transcript under the cut]

Maggie: meow Bluma: yeah… i really miss dad too Bluma: what'd he do in this situation? Maggie: … Bluma: agreed. we are not up for more shenanigans Bluma: what would uncle Lucas do then Maggie: mrow Bluma: I'm afraid we don't have any apples left. WG: let's clear this up real quick: I didn't send that message. My niece who can't even read did. i wrote it? yes and i'm embarrased about and HA- bet you're too right? Cass: We lived enough time together, i knew you didn't send it. Somehow. WG: Ok word then how about you grab your truck and then leave so we don't have to see each other until the next horrible accident happens? Cass: what? Wolfgang. i'm dying to see your haunted basement. Cass: show me around, would you? WG: SILENT SCREAMING WG: coming.

WG: so- try not to laugh while i go about it- so there's this basement. that exists in here. Ok? ok. Bluma don't panic yet. WG: ughhYEARS ago before i went to Strangerville, i accidentally moved one of the books over there… old spy movie style maybe. horror even. it doesnt matter. it was some sort of secret entrance WG: turns out it opens to a basement i think. I just took a peek but i could tell it was huge. WG: now in the present, this little girl right here started hearing ''the'' ''house'' ''talk'' and she thinks it's ghosts probably because of some joke i made when she was a toddler. she got too serious about it. moving forwards she then pressed sent on a rant message i wrote and now here we are Bluma: GUH- Cass: it's okay, there's nothing to feel weird about. What did you hear? WG: she was born in a house full of tombstones Blooms that's basically family right there Bluma: dead people…? Cass: well nothing like your mother but ghosts? hundreds. Bluma: i hear… groans. and then running around but with- little legs. And then there's also the scra- scratching? WG: so yeah it HAS to do with that dumb basement Cass: Bluma, do you have a radio? Bluma: boy do i Cass: perfect WG: hey no weird shit i'm supposed to be babysitting

[frozenwolftemplar]

Flash Fiction Friday 3/14

Thanks once again to @flashfictionfridayofficial for the prompt!

Fandom: Carmen Sandiego 2019

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1,048

A/N: I do not usually write to music, but about midway through I decided to and put on this: Disney - Enchanted - So Close - Piano Solo (Kyle Landry Transcription) That was a mistake; I kept grinning and SQUEE-ing for the rest of the fic; play at your own risk.

Setting down his glass, Dexter Wolfe swept his gaze around the room. The teeming crowd of earlier had thinned, leaving behind just a smattering of guests like those few straggling stars glistening in the sky before dawn, lingering over hors d'oeuvres or laughing too loudly over glasses holding tired remnants of drinks.

Overall, it had been a fine gala, he thought to himself as he leaned back against the wall. True, the food had only been passable, the musicians merely went through the bars of Straus rather than truly play, and the wine- well, the wine did not deserve mention.

And the pickings were decidedly beneath his usual standards; the ladies' gemstones were small and not a Rolex to be found among the men.

(Not that it'd stopped him from filling his pockets; Cleo always had a buyer or two who was minding their finances and would stoop to a semi-precious).

But it was still an uncommonly fine gala.

A smile wended across his lips as he let his gaze drift to the mostly picked-clean buffet tables. Hair tamed into a professional bun, Carlotta was switching off burners and setting lids atop dishes with muted clanks, as invisible to the guests as the air they breathed.

He watched, enraptured, as she went through the motions of cleanup. Really, she was the whole reason he'd decided to honor this mid-level affair with his presence.

Last week, during a rendezvous at a bus stop where they chatted familiarly whilst maintaining the appearance of strangers, she'd mentioned this event where she'd be one of the catering staff. Not her usual line of work, but an acquaintance had needed some help, and she was always willing to provide.

Perhaps he should have scoffed at someone who would so inconvenience themself for another, but he didn't; he was finding he liked that about her. It made her especial, like the musical laugh that sweetened the air, or how she made him feel…he did not have a word for it, just that the glories of a master thief tarnished beside her, and that he did not care.

Even now, watching her, he felt the luster leech out of the rings and watches he'd lifted so it was nothing more than ignoble tin weighing his pockets.

He did not know why; probably nothing to worry about.

Hefting a stack of trays, Carlotta headed for the kitchens, pausing briefly to note a puddle of wine someone's tipsy glass had sloshed on the floor. When she returned it was with a mop and bucket.

Wolfe frowned. This was not right. The finest lady here, relegated to serving mediocre food and cleaning up after crass guests masquerading as society. She deserved better. More. She deserved-

An idea crossed his mind. Quickly, he swept the room again; no cameras, no sign of any operatives, no one who'd care enough to mark what they witnessed.

Bueno.

"Espera!" He jogged to the orchestra, starting to pack up. Pulling a hundred note from his pocket, he slipped it to the conductor. "One more waltz, por favor." Then, passing more among the musicians: "A good one."

+++

Carlotta sighed, wringing out the mop. She did not mind helping out Emilia, pero…pues, to put it simply, she would take a horde of toddlers over a room of 'high society' any day. Really the only bright spot of the evening was-

"Perdon, miss."

The night sparkled.

She smiled a little wider than what the cordiality of a caterer demanded. "Can I help you, senor?"

"Si." Bowing at the waist, he offered a hand. "The most beautiful lady in the room spent the night working, and it would be a grave injustice that the evening should end without her having a dance."

Carlotta blinked. She darted her eyes around the room. "I thought you said-"

"Lo se. Pero-" Grinning impishly, Dexter nodded at the yawning staff, the clearly drunk partygoers, the nonplussed musicians pulling violins out of cases. Never did an assemblage look less inclined to talk. "I think we're good."

She really should refuse; he'd made it clear when they began the acquaintance not long ago that his line of work was such it was best she not be associated with him, and anyway, she was on the clock.

But then the first chord of a waltz sung through the air, and he offered the hand again, smiling in a way that sent an armada of mariposas taking wing in her chest.

…She was due for a break.

"You know." She matched his smile as he led her to the center of the floor. "I'm really not dressed for the occasion." She let him guide her into position; a thrill went through her at the feel of his hand against her side.

"De veres?" He frowned at her uniform as though confused, but his eyes held stars. "I couldn't tell, seeing how you're the most beautiful woman in the room."

A laugh tripped across her tongue as he waited for the beat. "Flatterer!"

"I prefer 'unflinchingly honest.'"

The music swelled gloriously (the hundreds had worked their magic), and with that Dexter swept Carlotta into the four-four time of the waltz rolling through the room. At first he was careful, slow, waiting to see how much of a dancer she was, then quicker and grander at the silent chiding smirk she flashed up at him when she threatened to outpace him and take the lead.

The ballroom and loitering partygoers fell away as the music continued, the world shrinking to just her and Dexter and the warm, breathless feeling in her chest, growing with every waltzing step.

There was still a lot she did not know about where they stood; it had only been a couple months. But right now, in Dex's arms, she knew she never wanted the song to end.

+++

For the first time in his life, Dexter Wolfe's step faltered during the waltz; Carlotta had just laid her head on his shoulder, her breath soft and warm against his neck, and he stumbled as he found the word that eluded him.

Dear Lord, I think I'm falling in love.

He should run from it, he knew, but he did not. Instead he pulled her closer.

He never wanted the song to end.

(A/N: I do not really write romance; these two are the exception 😁).

[otter-and-terrier]

EXCUSE ME WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK????? I'M SORRY -

i don't live in America, and honestly, i'm glad because what the FUCK is this???

UUUUUUGHAODSJFKHUAOWEIDSJLC TRUMP YOU ASSHOLE GO FUCK YOURSELF

okay but the way they treat president Zelenskyy is so fucking infuriating, the way they repeat words and phrases as though he's some kind of toddler/can't understand what they're saying??? downright racist (then again, it's trump. why am i surprised 😒)

the way they constantly tell him to say thank you to them is so fucking humiliating for him like wtf???

i'm sorry but honestly i fucking respect Zelenskyy. there's no way i could've sat through that without getting mad and (attempt to) beat up Trump

SERIOUSLY THO WHAT THE FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK