#uggg I love these two so much

[omvi-death]

Kunikatai hc: Once Katai moves in with Kunikida he actively makes an effort to clean up. Bc like Kunikida would get home and want it to be clean.

And he feels like the man who wouldn’t sit down until his space is clean. And of course Katai knows this and starts to clean after himself so he can make Kunikidas day just a little better.

[nightofnyx8]

Does spy x family/ twiyor give you fma/ royai vibes? I don't know if my brain is just addled by royai fic love, but they feel similar somehow.

Maybe it's the tragedy of war in both stories, the forbidden love (that's bound to happen between twiyor and if it doesnt I'll be mad) between two people with blood on their hands.

I've seen hilarious (sad) comparisons between Nina and Anya of cute girl and big white dog, but that's not really what gives me the vibes.

I'm now diving into the manga but I saw some spoilers for Twilight's rough past that made me go 'oh shit... things can get dark'.

I just want someone who's better at analyzing things and studying characters (love ALL your fics btw) to tell me if I'm out of my mind or point out what I'm missing.

*takes a huge breath*

OKAY SO LIKE I was totally against watching Spy x Family at first because it was "mainstream" (it was a very stressful semester of college in my defense) until I saw this fanart by @mochidoodle, twiyor paralleling that royai moment in fma. From that point on, I was a goner. So while I do mostly write twiyor fics at the moment, my love for them is largely colored by my love for royai.

First up, Loid and Roy. On the surface, very different people. One overthinks everything and plans to the tiniest detail, while the other lives off of 99% pure impulse. Loid is a very serious and private person by nature, and while Roy definitely has his solemn moments, it's kind of his whole game to act like the immature colonel playboy of the military before he brings down the entire government with his real motive ("surprise, bitches!"). The main difference I'd say is that Roy knows what he wants, and has a very clear goal how to get there. Loid doesn't. He's still torn between his mission and his family, and doesn't even know who he really is. Like we don't even know his real name lol.

Yor and Riza are also very different. Riza is the voice of reason with Roy (and he definitely needs it). Her personality is actually more aligned with Loid's in that way--quiet, serious, and reserved. Both are them are very good shots. However, she and Yor both don't very highly of themselves at all. Both of them are very compassionate and kind in their own way, and both of them have a soft spot for children. However, Riza's overwhelming guilt comes from her choices in the Ishvalan War, whereas I think Yor almost...intentionally blocks out the brutality of what she has to do to keep her brother alive.

Which brings me to the topic of war in both series (spoiler alert).

Both FMA and Spy x Family are very antiwar. Neither of them glorifies warfare. Casualties and consequences are not treated lightly. Progranda plays a huge role. Both series are trying to prevent another war from happening. For the sake of the argument, I'm going to refer to Yor as a soldier as well as Loid because she is still putting her life on the line for her country (she even says her job is comparable to that of a soldier in the manga). The biggest difference is that Roy and Riza chose to do the things they did in Ishval. Loid and Yor did as well, however it was more their circumstances that pushed them into that decision. Loid lost his mother as a child and crawled around in the streets for years before finally joining the military, only to lose everyone he ever cared about. Yor did it because it was only way to save her brother from literally starving to death. The war between Ostania and Westalis forced literal children to become soldiers (and that's kind of Endo's shtick--what war does to children). Roy and Riza...I mean, there's a reason why their fate is so tragic. They literally committed genocide. Yes, their reasonings are far more complex than this little lecture has room for, but it sufficeth to say that their burden is immensely heavy (I'm not even going to get into how Riza's burnt tattoo fits into the tragedy of their relationship and their choices because it's going to make me cry). But that is FMA's whole thing: Choice. What makes us root for Roy and Riza despite everything? Because despite impossible odds, they are working for a future where something like the Ishvalan War will never happen again, even if they end up being sentenced to death along the way.

Now going back to Spy x Family, the plot doesn't center around a global scale like FMA does. Yes, the tension between the East and West is a huge part of it, but most of the story is centered around one little family. It's important to remember that FMA isn't royai's story--it's Ed and Al's. Roy and Riza's character arcs are mostly complete even by the beginning of the manga. Loid and Yor's and Anya's are not.

But you really did hit the mark when you said royai colors our love for twiyor because both couples are two people who care very deeply for one another but can never be together. Roy and Riza can never get married due to military regulations. And the fake marriage between Loid and Yor will end once Operation Strix is finished (or so Loid thinks). But it's not really the mission or the military that's keeping them apart. One of my favorite royai authors @lantur wrote such an amazing royai fic outlining the fact that Riza being Roy's subordinate isn't actually the thing keeping them apart. Those two have such a painful, shared history. (I mean, he literally burnt the tattoo off her back after using the knowledge of it to commit genocide, for which Riza feels partly responsible). And yet they are fiercely loyal to each other. They don't need to kiss or fuck to know how much these two love each other. (On screen I mean...you cannot tell me they didn't at least have one night together).

With Loid and Yor, it's not nearly as heavy. But Loid (or rather, Twilight) does carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. He feels it's his sole responsibility to bring about a world full of peace, and he will not deviate from that mission. But of course he's getting more attached (who wouldn't) and he's eventually going to have to choose between his forged little family and the rest of the world. To most, maybe that's a simple decision. But you have to remember that Twilight is one who is going to have to change the most out of the Forgers. His decision to love them changes everything. It actually brings up an interesting point if royai did have a child. Would they still choose to put themselves on trial if it meant the possibility of leaving their child an orphan?

Spy x Family is about, well, families. The strength that comes from when broken people decide to heal each other and create a future for their child that's bright and safe and warm. And that directly parallels with FMA because it doesn't always have to be blood-related families, but the bonds you choose to forge (pun intended). And though I hope for royai to have a nice, quiet life in the country somewhere, laughing and growing old together, it's left ambiguous for a reason. Twiyor on the other hand, well let's just say that my heart keeps telling me that their happy ending is coming, but they're going to have to go through a lot of pain and angst and denial of feelings to get there. It's a comedy, so I expect Endo will get them together eventually, it's the when that's the mystery.

So I guess to wrap up this very lengthy answer, while royai and twiyor are different on the surface, they are similar at their core. Fighting for a better world, creating their own families along the way, and sharing little moments of devotion through their daily lives. Because though the series is nowhere near being done, you know Loid would look at Yor like she's the moon and the stars once he finally realizes he loves her.

Thanks for letting me rant about something I feel very passionate about, and I'll probably add to it if I think of more reasons lol. I'm glad you enjoy my fics, that's very sweet of you to say! Have a wonderful weekend! <3

[blingblong55]

If I didn't know better- 141

Based on a request and a personal need:

hi! i was wondering if you could do heavy angst for a fem reader? i’m not sure what but uggg i love angst

Angst, F!Reader, death of character, Platonic!Relationship

A/N: I recently cried over Marjorie by Taylor Swift and this request came up at a great time.

If I didn't know betterI'd still think you were talking to me now If I didn't know any better I'd think you were still around

Grief (noun) deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death.

They say people can die from a broken heart and maybe that would be the best option for you at this point. They also say that at some point when you lose someone you love, perhaps just maybe you would start to hallucinate. And at the funeral, where now he lies, dressed in his best suit, you might begin to think this was just some imposter, that maybe he was alive. Some kind of dream.

-------

Three days ago, the task force was assigned to make the most challenging decision. Infiltrate into a Russian base. It was meant to be easy until Ghost and Gaz were ambushed and safe, but the trio in which you found yourself had much different luck.

You had told Price you had a bad feeling about this mission. You wanted to pull out of it, felt something in your gut, telling, no, begging you to stay at the base.

Communication systems broke down. You were stuck in a confined space, limbs weak. Price and Soap trying their best to get them and you out of that space.

"It's okay, Bonnie, I'll get us out, just wait and see." He reassured you, Price trying to push the vast wall that collapsed on you three, Soap holding your hand. You, well you see you had gone through something similar as a child, except, you were surrounded by other children, 12 trapped, 3 survived.

Soap was the one who knew the whole story, Price knew bits of it. That's why they fought hard to get you out, not them, but you. After 13 hours of continuous struggle, you all got out, "Told ya, Bonnie" he kissed your cheek.

It was hell after that though. Ghost and Gaz are back at base, stuck in the hard bed of the med-bay. Nurses and doctors had to tame them, they would wake up, screaming and fighting. Took many soldiers to put Ghost back into that bed.

They hadn't heard from any of you since their ambush. At some hour, Ghost feared for the outcome. Gaz on the bed next to his, "They'll be a'right mate, I know it." he tried to reassure his teammate.

Once the three of you reached a safe house, things were calm, for a while. "Think Gaz and Ghost are doing well?" Soap spoke first, breaking the silence. You all three sat on a sofa, staring into nothing.

"Maybe" you softly answer. "Better be." Price spoke next.

After that, you snuggled into soaps side, resting as he watched over you. Always your guardian angel.

Three hours into your sleep, you wakened up by an alarmed Price. "GET YOUR WEAPONS, ITS TIME TO MOVE!" He yelled over a loud sound, possibly a bomb.

Soap took you by the hand, guiding you out, you coughed through the smoke. Bullets being shot at what you thought was the enemy. You all ran, gaining bruises as you passed by rocks and tree branches. At some point Price signals you two to run faster, guns in hand.

Smoke and fire surround you. Enemy soldiers rushing at you three. Price and you start to shoot at the enemy, taking some down. Soap is being protected by you two, he builds an explosive strong enough to take a few of them down.

"GET DOWN!" He commands, Price and you obey, the bomb goes off, and at least 7 enemy soldiers scatter to bits from it. Blood falling from the sky. 19 more to go.

Mud, so much dust and blood on your uniforms staining your soul. And it's true what they say, war is never fun, kind or welcoming to those who fight it. It's not even rewarding, it leaves you scarred and nearly dead every time you pick a gun up. You die with each bullet you fire, not physically but mentally you do.

It's war and it will never be fair.

"GO, GO, GO!" Price commanded, he ran behind you two, leaving no one, at least you two, behind.

You hide by some creek, and you all sit there, waiting for the next attack and listening to the water flow down. You took some of the water, cleaning your face which was full of nothing but mud and some blood. "Think Ghost has been tranquillised, by now?" Soap never fails to know his teammates. Price chuckles, "No doubt that kid is giving 'em hell."

"19 left," you softly say.

"What's that about, Bonnie?"

"19 more enemy soldiers," you look up at them, the cold wind now hitting your face.

Long limbs and frozen swims You'd always go past where our feet could touch And I complained the whole way there

"I told you Price, this one would be hard, I knew it'd be."

"Look kid, this is war, nothing will be fucking easy, we are soldiers, we follow orders and execute them to absolute precision."

Soap gave you a kind look. He was always the one to trust your gut, knowing you had a reason to feel this.

For hours after, you all walked in silence. Boots making the noise, it was now around 2am, so close to the base, yet so far. At some point you find yourself in the cold mountains of the country, only surrounded by the snow and stones.

You all sat down, looking at each other, not saying a word. "Shit couldn't get any worse for us." he chuckles,

Soap and you chuckle with him. You all start to tell stories, about the days of your young years in the military. These were the conversations worth keeping for years to come.

The car ride back and up the stairs I should've asked you questions I should've asked you how to be Asked you to write it down for me Should've kept every grocery store receipt 'Cause every scrap of you would be taken from me

An hour passes the cold stormy weather, messing with your vision. "This is the plan, we go south for now, try and avoid attention, understand?" Price asks, looking at you both.

For the next thirty minutes, you walk, jog and run. Desperately wanting to find some ally to help you. Unfortunately, one met their demise.

5 soldier,s left to just three of you, an easy task. What happened next left the two of you empty.

Price took out two, you one. Only two left, Soap and you take out another, the scope in his gun finally being of good use. One left, what's more, to ask.

All your closets of backlogged dreams And how you left them all to me

"Bonnie!" Soap pushed you to the ground, and a gunshot echoed around. "Enemy down!" Price walked to the two of you. The three of you now stand there, breathless yet victorious.

"Soap?"

You asked once his smile was wiped off. Blood gushed from his mouth. He fell on his knees, looking up at you, you kneeled down, holding him close. Price shot the actual final enemy. "Soap, stay with me, c'mon, don't do this!" You panicked, all he could do was look at you. With the ghost of a smile on him, he cups your cheek, "I always did love you, r/n" he barely let out. He fell on his side, Price and you trying to stop the bleeding and trying to keep him warm.

"Soap? please don't leave us...don't leave me," you whispered, there was nothing more to do, but watch him die.

"It's time for me to go home, Bonnie"

You shook your head, trying to cancel out his words, "No, not yet, you stay here, with us...me....please Johnny, please." you begged knowing damn well all was lost.

Price took his hat off and rested it over his chest, looking at his comrade.

"Rest, you have earned that, son"

Soap sighs, his hand holding yours, grip loosening. He looks at you, with a small smile as he closes his eyes.

What died didn't stay dead You're alive, you're alive in my head

"I love you Johnny, my favourite friend." You kiss his cheek, and he finally let go. Finally met peace.

It's been now three days since his death. Only Price has seen you since then, you have been sleeping in Soaps bed. Wearing an old jacket, but not touching the rest of his stuff. Although the love you two had for the other was platonic, you kept thinking of the what if's.

Maybe if you loved him more than just a friend, maybe he could stay just a little longer. If you didn't know better, it was him humming you to sleep each night.

His ghost dances with your shadow, kissing you good night, wishing you could stop crying and blaming yourself. His favourite girl in the whole world. The one he could never stop loving.

Even in his last moments, he loved you.

At his funeral, you sobbed into the arms of the three men. You swore he was there, and felt some weird warmth on your shoulder when you looked down at his grave.

What died didn't stay dead You're alive, so alive

He was alive, in you, he is alive. He still tells you his jokes and makes comments on Ghost's stupid masks. Right now, he is right there, hand on the small of your back as you put a white rose and an orange tulip on his coffin. The Family walked away, but you stayed there. You grabbed some of the dirt and threw it at the coffin once it was lowered.

Sat by his now grave, been a full year now. Some moved on, others didn't.

And if I didn't know better I'd think you were singing to me now If I didn't know better I'd think you were still around

"Hi, Bonnie, how are things at the base?" he sits beside you, playing with the grass and flowers.

"Price let his beard grow a little more. We have a tattoo of you," you chuckle, "Gaz got it too, you know how he hated tattoos" You look at him.

"Can't believe it took my death to get a bloody tattoo" he laughs a little, hand on your back, his head resting on your shoulder.

"Ghost and I are getting more along now, he talks about you a lot" You too play with the grass underneath you.

"Hey, you better not replace me"

"But not to worry, I'll never replace you"

"How are you?"

"It's been hell, Johnny, I forgot your voice" Your voice cracks, tears running down your cheek. His hand wipes them away, and you feel a cold breeze pass by.

"I'll be waiting for you, Bonnie, and I bet you'll get tired of my voice."

"You'd be 29 now, Happy birthday Johnny." You kiss the tips of your fingers and place them on his stone.

He kissed your cheek, another cold breeze you feel.

I know better But I still feel you all around I know better But you're still around

------

Tags: @screamonic

A/N: I think I had a mental breakdown as I wrote it, so...yeah..if it's shit...sorry

[bumblepony]

Thank you for tagging me @adhdprincess Tagging @march-flowerr @two-birds-alone-together @becomethesun [Empty Q's are at the bottom of the post]

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 75

2. What's your total AO3 word count? 434,796

3. What fandoms do you write for? TLOU

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Unexpected Consequences : 327

Like You Were Always Meant To Be Here : 306

Glitch in the Code or Playing Video Games with My Uncle and Dad : 183

A Soul For Sale Or Rent : 164

After The Rain :126

5. Do you respond to comments? Yes, as much as I can. But I am bad at remembering, so if I get a notification and don't respond right away, my brain forgets it exists. Thank you, ADHD.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? I think its a tie between these two.

Life is pretty cruel For a touchy feely fool

We're Only Going So Far

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? Maybe this one. Boy I Was Back Then

8. Do you get hate on fics? No, not really. I had one fic that got some hate but it was pretty minimal. I don't even have that fic anymore; I planned to rewrite it but never did.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? Yes, Yes I do. All kinds, but generally, it's soft smut; I don't do a ton of really out-there stuff, not that I am yucking anyones yum, just not my style. I have M/M pairings and M/F I haven't really explored F/F yet but I plan to just haven't got around to it yet.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written? Yes, I do. So far, only one has been published its TLOU/Firefly Turn On The Red Light . I am working on another right now for TLOU/LOTR

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? No, not that I know of.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? Nope.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? Yes, actually a few,

14. What’s your all-time favorite ship? So, it's not really a Ship because they are actually together, but Bill/Frank is my favorite ship from the video game. I love that the HBO version actually gave us a relationship with them.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? Probably my Henry & Sam Live Wip. Like, I want to write it, but it's going to be a lot of work, and there already is a great writer, @becomethesun, who is writing one that is amazing. It's called collaborators .

16. What are your writing strengths? Uggg, I guess my ability to come up with ideas for stories.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? My ability to finish writing those ideas.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? I do it from time to time, but I try to get help from someone who actually speaks the language.

19. First fandom you wrote for? Technically The Heralds of Valdimar, but that was all through Yahoo email with my friends when I was 15-16 years old. My only published stuff is on AO3 TLOU.

20. Favourite fic you’ve written? Shit I think it's a tie with

A Soul For Sale Or Rent

Glitch in the Code or Playing Video Games with My Uncle and Dad

----

To copy on mobile, hold and press the text below and tap "Copy". Feel free to use the pic at the top of the post as well!

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 2. What's your total AO3 word count? 3. What fandoms do you write for? 4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos? 5. Do you respond to comments? 6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? 7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? 8. Do you get hate on fics? 9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? 10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written? 11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? 12. Have you ever had a fic translated? 13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? 14. What’s your all-time favorite ship? 15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? 16. What are your writing strengths? 17. What are your writing weaknesses? 18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? 19. First fandom you wrote for? 20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

[the-cat-chat]

July 20, 2024

Cast Away (2000)

A FedEx executive undergoes a physical and emotional transformation after crash landing on a deserted island.

Warning: Review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

JayBell: There are so many things about this movie that I love. The first part of the movie shows how much Tom Hanks' character is on the go go go. He's all about efficiency and productivity. Everything is on a schedule, even his personal life. At the same time, he's also a bit of a romantic.

It takes a while to build up to the big crash, but it's great for character building and raising the anticipation. The plane crash scene has pretty good special effects, even by today's standards.

I'm a big fan of survival movies, so I do love watching Tom Hanks' character make mistakes, learn, face setbacks, overcome obstacles. Having Wilson as a way for his character to bond with another "person" is so smart. Although it is strange to be sad about a man's relationship with a volleyball, it's done so well. You really feel like Wilson is the only thing keeping his character sane.

Usually with movies like this, it ends when they get "rescued." I like that they show some of his character's adjustment back into society. (the seafood dinner with food carelessly leftover, the lighter, the too soft mattress, him guzzling water from a bottle).

I only have a few gripes about this movie. One, why are there zero animals or bugs on the island? Yes, there are fish. But nothing else at all? Even a small scene of him killing a bug or chasing off an animal would be cool.

And second, I do think his girlfriend moves on a bit too fast, especially without the closure of his recovered body. If you do some of the math, she basically "grieves" for like 6 months or so, and some of those months were spent still trying to find him. I agree that they shouldn't get back together in the end, but I my brain couldn't help but do the math at the same time.

But I do feel like the ending fits. Now, Tom Hanks' character isn't on a schedule, he doesn't have a plan, which is so different from how he treated life in the beginning of the movie. And I like how the angel artist lady is included throughout the movie before finally appearing at the end, as if it was "meant to be."

P.S. RIP Wilson

P.P.S. I couldn't help but notice as he drives in the final scenes of the movie, he has a brand new Wilson. What on earth is he planning to do? Create a new Wilson with a face and talk to it and carry it around in society? Use it for volleyball? Doesn't that seem disrespectful? idk

Rating: 7.5/10 cats 🐈

Anzie: As this is my second time writing this review bc obviously the universe hates me and disagrees with my opinion on this ammmazing movie, this will be scathing. I hated it I don’t even wanna be nice anymore. I thought it was funny how Tom Hanks was obsessed with time and then forced to be on an island where time really is an illusion. I like the start when he’s still running fedex (totally thought he was ups but whatever) and the plane crash was really well done for the time and then when he’s on the island I start getting peeved. Has this mannnnn ever seen Naked and Afraid. Where’s the fire- it took him so long. He should’ve been a Boy Scout. Uggg. And the knocking his own tooth out. I’m triggered. And loosing Wilson. Lame. He so could got him. This is like Jack and Rose all over again.

And now my reallllll problem. I will not ever be able to watch Helen Hunt again. Okkk. So this guy that gives you a ring the last time you saw him on Christmas right as he’s boarding a plane that will crash- is stuck on an island for 4 years. Ok - Her kid is 2 years old - it takes 9 months to make a baby- ok so we’re already back in time where there’s 1 year and 2 months when she could’ve been hung up over him- soooo in the year following his disappearance- say she waited a month or two for them to find him- okkk we’re at a year grieved another 2 months- quick but okkkkkk met his Root Canal Dentist- which wowwwww- had a wonderful romance so in like 8/10 months after he was missing- I’m sooo sorry she got over him being missing grieved and dated and married this guy would is literally her fiancé nemesis and had a kid wayyyyy to quick. I mean I do t think I ever did anything so quick in my life everrrr. And I still can’t look at Chris Noth. I’m done. For my sanity I have to be. None of the math makes sense to read but you get it. After 2 months??? I think I’ve been dedicated to listening to a song on repeat longer than that.

I am glad he had his little friend to come back to- and I did like the whole angel wings artist lady plot but that veers to unhealthy kinnnnnda???

Rating: I can’t- it had 4/10- but for my mental health now it’s a 2/10 Crabs 🦀

[prosperdemeter2]

I never knew just how much I needed perspective flips from the rewrite series until I just read them lol. These characters are so…perfectly messy and human the way you write them and I absolutely love it. Just like Maddie alone. The way I wanted to just go uggg in the her pov for the Eddie asking about Daniel moment. But then wanted to high five and cheer for her in the other one where she told Bobby not to dare try and mess up buddies relationships after the bombing. Brilliant.

Anywho, while I can’t stand her in it, Can I ask for a perspective flip for Shannon in chapter 2 of collision please? 🥹

Gosh! This was a complicated one lmao. Let it be known that, for the canon of the series, I will probably never be going into Shannon’s POV again 😅 (not that I'm frustrated or anything about it. She was just TOUGH to write).

As for your words up top: omg pls you're so sweet 😭 I try so hard to write characters that are flawed but so deserving of love - I hope as the story goes on you gain some sympathy for a Maddie that's learning and trying to be better now.

collision chapter two

Eddie’s house was… quaint. It wasn’t what Shannon would have chosen for their family, if he had ever bothered to ask her, but it was what he had chosen. She supposed she shouldn’t have been surprised, Eddie had always been fond of the smaller things in life. He didn’t enjoy extravagant, he had fought her tooth and nail over getting a new car when they were still together, citing medical bills and a future fund that he’d rather be putting his pension into. He had to have been making enough in his career as a public servant (and with his retirement from the Army), so Shannon didn’t really understand why he was still living in his small, two bedroom, one story house. But it wasn’t her concern how Eddie spent his money anymore. 

At least, not when it came to this. 

“Good morning, sweetheart.” Harvey kissed her cheek like he always did, like she was a work of art, and gently tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. She preened - Eddie had never touched her like that, he had never spoiled her the way Harvey did, with pride and reverence. Harvey was better, everyone in her life told her that (Shannon had known that when they had first slept together - Harvey was perfect, safe… dispassionate.). 

Shannon hated Eddie’s little house. 

It was too clean, too lived in, too decorated. He had a calendar on the refrigerator that didn’t have his handwriting on it, stuffed behind Christopher’s messy color pencil drawings and report card boasting all A’s. He had a list of emergency phone numbers taped on the counter next to a landline and Shannon’s name wasn’t even on it - the list went: Buck, Carla, Bisabuela, Tia Pepa, Maddie, Captain Nash, Athena Grant, Karen Wilson, Tia Adriana. The list was obviously for Christopher, just like the shower chair and the rails in the bathroom she had spotted earlier. It was a good thing he already had those in place, Shannon had noted with a derisive snort, considering his boyfriend needed them just as much lately (if the way he was slowly moving the night before said anything). 

Shannon glanced over her shoulder and towards the locked door at the end of it - Christopher was still in the bathroom, he had paused briefly outside of the door that clearly belonged to his father’s bedroom but Shannon had waved him along. I’ll make breakfast, she had said with a smile. 

Christopher always liked waffles. She was sure Eddie had the ingredients to toss those together, although she didn’t see a waffle maker anywhere. Maybe she should interrupt the two of them, like she had thought of doing the night before just for the laugh of it all (imagine, Shannon scoffed. Helena would have had Eddie’s head, and Shannon’s, if she had ever caught them doing what Shannon had caught him doing the night before.). She could imagine it, really. She didn’t know what they were doing behind that door, really, except she knew, from her own wealth of experience, just how good at bedroom activities Eddie was. They’d probably be lost in each other, like Shannon had noticed they so often were. Her knocking on the door, sharp and loud, would have them springing apart. If she laughed loud enough, she could picture the perfect bright red Eddie’s cheeks would turn - it used to mean that they would be having a very entertaining romp in the sheets themselves, but Shannon had long ago grown to enjoy the lead up to the main event just as much. Eddie was easy to rile up, fun to do too, and ever since he had served her those divorce papers? Shannon thought he deserved a bit of embarrassment every now and then. “Can I have cereal?” Christopher interrupted her thoughts with a blink of innocence. 

Shannon flinched. “I’m going to make waffles.” 

Christopher frowned. “Okay,” he shrugged. “Can I have cereal still?” 

“Your mother,” Harvey intervened when Shannon merely bristled in her spot. “Is going to make waffles.” 

“I don’t want waffles.” Christopher argued petulantly. He had always done that - it had driven Shannon insane when he was little. Clearly, Eddie had picked up where his parents had left off when it came to catering to Christopher’s every want and need. “Dad says I can have cereal so long as I have fruit too.” 

“Well, dad’s not up.” Shannon said in a forced light tone. Dad said, dad said, dad said. It was all she had heard the day before until they had gotten back home and then Christopher had sat himself next to Buck on the floor all night until it was time for bed. Shannon had offered him the side of the couch closest to her, Christopher had always been a cuddler and Shannon had, genuinely, missed having his small body pressed tightly against hers. Christopher had declined, though, but she hadn’t missed the way he had cuddled up next to Buck’s side instead. Perhaps she should have offered him her seat, the man had just gotten out of his full leg cast not too long ago, but there had been a bit of vindictive joy in watching him wince as he straightened out his leg to rest on the rug. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” She winked over her shoulder at Christopher’s little, tired face, and turned back to the cabinets with a frown. 

“Dad -.” It was like Christopher had summoned him. 

The door opened and shut on the other end of the hallway and Shannon… she had always been attuned to Eddie. She knew the cadence of his footsteps, the way he breathed, the way he would first look for Christopher and then look for her. Only it took longer than Shannon remembered it ever taking for Eddie to look in her direction - the door clicked shut behind him and his hair was a mess (and he had a small bruise, sucked into the skin of his collarbone that Shannon couldn’t help staring at when his shirt slipped down enough for her to see it. It wasn’t jealousy so much as rage. Eddie had belonged to her for the longest time, she had been the only person he had ever slept with, his first and only for so long. Any mark he had on his skin used to be because she put it there. And now she was competing. With a man who made Eddie laugh and, and… she was mostly ambivalent towards Eddie’s boyfriend, except that she wasn’t. She couldn’t help but think of how different things would have been if he hadn’t been around, if she hadn’t waited so long. Eddie’s face would have flashed with that anger again at something she said and it would have ended the way it always did, Shannon’s nails leaving a trail down his back and her mouth sucking a bruise into his skin). “Morning, Eddie.” Harvey greeted kindly. 

Shannon shook herself. She was happy, she was going to marry the most wonderful man, she had her son back (on Eddie’s terms, though. Shannon didn’t have Christopher so much as have time with him). “Morning.” Eddie waved, though, cordial and polite as always. Shannon could remember the way he used to touch her, soft hands on her hips as he walked by. He used to wrap himself around her, duck his nose into her shoulder and hold on while he woke up. 

He bypassed her completely and instead lingered over Christopher, pressing a kiss to the crown of his head and breathing in against his curls. 

What happened to the man she had married, she wondered. Where had she lost him? “Buenos días, bud.” Shannon gripped his cabinet handle tighter. 

She had always been jealous of the relationship Eddie had with Christopher. It was always so easy, so second nature with the two of them. Shannon had to work every second of every day to be a mother, to remember what it was she was supposed to be doing to keep Christopher happy and healthy and Eddie… Eddie just knew how to do it. And it didn’t make any sense to her, really! Eddie hadn’t had parents the way Shannon had - Ramon had been gone most of his childhood and Helena had thrust him into the role of man of the house much too early. He had always been good at it, though. Surprisingly tender even when Shannon had wanted him at his hardest. It only got worse one Christopher was born - Eddie was careful not to yell, he had cried the first time he had held him, Shannon had caught him singing Christopher to sleep, once, when he was on leave. He loved being a father and Christopher, obviously, adored having him as one. 

Christopher tipped his head back to rest it on Eddie’s chest, staring up at him like he always had - like Eddie was the hero in every story he ever made up. He beamed and leaned up, pressing his own kiss to the corner of Eddie’s scratchy, unshaven jaw (Shannon had always hated it when he looked like this. Unshaven, just rolled out of bed, face unwashed and hair still a mess. She preferred Eddie put together.). “Buenos días, dad!” 

That was another thing. Shannon hated the whole… Spanish thing. It was like they were trying to shove her out. When they were in Texas, Eddie and sisters would go on a whole rant in Spanish back and forth and Shannon would be left just trying to pick up on context clues. Helena had tried to translate what she could, and Sophia had always explained it after the matter. You could try to learn, Adriana had said with her nose in the air like always. Eddie had apologized, though, when Shannon had pointed out feeling left out of family conversations. 

Clearly, though, he was still insisting on teaching Christopher the language. She wondered if it bothered Eddie’s new partner too, or if Buck was perfect with that too. Shannon rolled her eyes at the thought, the man probably spoke Spanish himself. It was like Eddie had created him in a lab - young, tall, handsome, strong, stupid and yet, somehow, smart. She had noticed Eddie staring at certain kinds of men over the years, Buck certainly fit Eddie’s preference better than Shannon ever could. Eddie hugged Christopher from behind, smiled at him in a way that made a portion of her anger with him disappear, and rested his chin on Christopher’s bony shoulder. “¿Cómo era antes de que empezara a llover?” 

She scowled again. 

Of course. 

Eddie clearly wanted to ask Christopher something that she wouldn’t understand in order to keep their secrets. It was like he was plotting against her - Christopher fought her at every corner, he didn’t seem all that interested in doing anything but argue with Harvey, and if she had to hear one more time about just how great Eddie’s boyfriend was she was going to wring her own neck. “It was okay. We didn’t get smores, though.” Christopher explained. 

Eddie frowned and clocked Christopher’s disappointment immediately. “We can make some with bisabuela?” 

“In the backyard?” 

“Or we can make them in the oven here.” Christopher smiled excitedly and hummed, his little body shaking with excitement. 

Shannon closed the cabinet a little too hard and opened the next one - full of plates and ceramic bowls that were all mismatched and clearly second hand (but a good brand of second hand, she noted. The kind that could be microwaved and put in the oven if needed without even chipping the paint. Eddie’s family didn’t use those.). “Shannon,” Eddie called to her with that edge to her voice that told her that he was starting to get frustrated with her. She frowned at it - frustrated at her? She hadn’t even done anything yet but try and feed their child. “I’ll make breakfast.”

Shannon almost laughed. “You can’t cook.” She smirked over her shoulder at him. 

The last time Eddie had tried to cook he had managed to undercook chicken after leaving it in the oven for half an hour. Eddie rolled his eyes at her and something like a sharp satisfaction spiked in her belly. He was annoyed, good. “Dad makes eggs!” Christopher defended with a strong frown. “And… and crepes with bisabuela.” 

Bisabuela. Isabel Diaz had always been Eddie’s biggest enabler. She called him pet names and kissed his cheeks and pulled him into tight, long hugs. Isabel had told Shannon, very seriously, that Eddie was special. That he had a special heart that deserved to be taken care of. That he was soft, and that softness was his strength. Shannon had always been… uneasy around the woman. It was like she could see right through her and was just waiting for Shannon to make a mistake. “You can always have cereal.” Eddie said dryly, standing up and nudging her out of the way and towards the table. 

Her skin burned where his arm had touched hers. It had been… a long time since Eddie had touched her and things between them had always felt like a raging fire. It was an addictive feeling, even if Harvey’s hand on her wrist felt calm and cooling. “I thought you would have bought more.” Because his cabinets had been nearly empty, his refrigerator had been full of health food and pineapple juice, his freezer with meats and meatless substitutions. 

“It’s not like we expected company.” Eddie countered and grabbed the eggs out of the refrigerator, scowling at the milk like they had personally insulted him. 

Shannon could feel it, the fire growing between them, threatening to come to a head. She wondered how it would blow up, now that the bedroom wasn’t an option for them. “Harvey doesn’t like eggs.” She stuck her chin in the air and said. 

“Then he can have cereal.” Dismissive. 

Shannon bristled in frustration. Eddie had gotten so boring over the years. He had stopped arguing with her a week before she had left, but when she had shown back up he had shown her that he still had that passion inside of him. 

She wanted to taste it again. All of him was hers, he had vowed that a long time ago. It didn’t matter what a piece of paper said, anymore. He had belonged to her since they were twelve. He could have his fun, but he’d be back. He would always come back. “He -.” Harvey’s hand covered over Shannon’s shoulder. 

“It’s okay, Shannon.” He said with a bright, cordial smile. “I don’t mind cereal.” 

Shannon’s building excitement faded when Eddie turned back around, his face carefully expressionless.  “Cereal’s on the fridge.” He said with a nod and turned towards the oven. 

Something in her stirred. Anger, annoyance, arousal. 

Eddie was always so much more fun when he decided to play petty. 

Shannon carefully sat down beside Harvey with a small smirk. Oh, if he wanted to play, they could play. 

[gremlin-writes-angst]

hii can you do prompt 33 for cove

Prompt 33: Oh God. If only you knew the things I'd do for you

Character: Cove Holden

Takes place: Step 3

Relationship: Best friends who are unknowingly in love with each other

Not proof read

You weren't scheduled to go to work, so you decided to have a lazy morning. The only thing on your list to do today was pick up Liz from the airport. Your mother being unavailable and Liz refusing to get a taxi. That's at least what she said, you knew she wasn't as stuck up as her younger self, she was just looking to spend some time with her sibling. Relaxing into the couch, taking bites of your breakfast before you were interrupted by your phone blowing up.

Nonchalantly you pick it up and begin to read the messages. It took one or two before you were rushing around the house getting ready for work.

Weeks before you'd agreed to take someone else's shift. And now you were late to said shift. Some people may have just passed it on but this coworker had already taken a shift of yours, you owed it to them to hold your side of the bargain.

With keys in hand you hurriedly left the house and reached your car.

With your stress and focus on getting to work you missed the tall ,sea foamed haired boy you called your best friend approaching your house. But as you got to the driver's seat you saw his reflection in the window. As you tried to unlock your car, you questioned the man

" what's up"

He could tell it was a rushed question, and from what he could see he was confident

" well I wanted to see if you wanted to do something before you have to pick up liz"

You had forgotten about that while stressing about work. Dropping your keys from the shock. You quickly recover, grabbing the key, and fiddling with the lock again. You didn't hold back your frustration, verbally expressing yourself.

" I agreed to take a shift, and its uggg-its too late to back out, but I won't be back in time to- these stupid keys I swear- to pick Liz up. I can't mess up this badly."

" let me help"

Cove held out his palm, asking for the keys. He wasn't just going to take them but he was more clear minded and thought it would be easier for him to do.

You accepted and dropped the keys in his hand. You moved aside for cove to work on the lock, within seconds he had the door open for you.

" I'll get Liz."

" What no, cove I'll figure something else out."

" I got it"

"Cove! You should enjoy your day off. It's too much. I can't let you do it."

"Oh God. If only you knew the things I'd do f9r you, then you'd realize that this is nothing. Please let me help you , I don't like seeing you stress out."

Cove said the first part like what he was saying was obvious, like it was just another fact. But to you it was more, it made your cheeks warm. He must not realize how romantic his words could be.

" You gotta get going"

You gave a small chuckle as you climbed into your car. You hoped your current bashful state wasn't obvious to him. He closed the door for you. Before he started to walk back to his house. Quickly you rolled your window down.

" thanks cove"

He simply gave you a thumbs up. You rolled up your window and drove away.

No matter how far you drove. How busy work got. Your mind was stuck on that street. Stuck on those words cove spoke so calmly. It was a moment that made you question his feelings for you. Maybe he also wanted to be more than friends… just maybe.

[minibunbon]

Absolutely crying about how useless the internet is now a days ;_; 

I started reading punpun (like 100 years too late I know) and why is there literally no place for like spoiler free dicussions anymore. I just want to chat about v1+2 without spoilers and enjoy my slow read through of it (b/c I am slow at reading everything now a days woops).

Please if anyone would like to chat about punpun but now spoil things please talk to me. 

[Goodnigth Punpun - V1 + V2 English Omibus Spoilers Bellow]

I really like it so far, and I’ve always wanted to read it but it. I know minimal things about it but it being a depressing coming of age / life line story I always wanted to wait until I felt like I was in an place where I feel ready to read it. And I am glad I did b/c it’s real intense, but also uggg it really is so good, I think it captures how depressing the world is so well. And the monologues are so raw. 

Also I really love yuichi’s character, and I can just tell this man is set up for failure but I want him to learn and grow from his mistakes so bad. He seems like a nice man who is just unable to grow from his experiences and it’s so depressing. In a weird way I find myself connecting to him more than anyone else in the story. Not that I share experiences/are the same age as him. But I feel like that lonely unsure of what to do with your life afraid to over commit to anything before you ‘ruin’ things for good (for example like punpun’s parents may feel they have)... Extremely relatable for the young adult in me.

I don’t really connect to punpu yet tbh, I’ve only seen him through elementary and middle school so far. I really do like the potrayal of his just fear of himself and fear of loneliness. And also his lack of good role models and subsequent view of the the world because of it. It’s really so sad all of it lmao. I guess that’s the point of the book. But it’s really just a lot of bad circumstances with good stuff mixed in but you know if people don’t have the right love and support in the end what can you do. 

Especially with volume one, all PWC stuff was kind of wild. I feel like it’s really a fine line between children just being children and also the real danger and skewed understanding of everything they get from exploration of things they might not be ready or might be scared by... Like children will always be curious about this stuff... I mean everyone is, but these kids got into some deep shit because of some of the things they saw and many of them will come out with trully formitive expeirences for the worse. I think they will all kind of be fucked up because of this after all... 

Anyways I kind of just want all of the adults int this to try a little bit harder and be a little bit better people. Because it just feels like they all have it in them if they just tried a bit more... For punpun’s and aiko’s sake. But I know it wont be like that. And since punpun and aiko kids they will not be able to break any trauma they have yet, so it continues to fester within them as they grow. Maybe they will in the future, but also maybe they won’t. And that’s just sad. Life really is about just observing those aroudn you and either trying to become a better person for whatever reason or failing to do so. 

Also in v2 there’s this whole part about punpun thinking he’s this terrible vile thing for wanting yaguchi to loose, and when he does he feels sick about it. And it’s just very relatable, the feeling of like being the worst person in the whole work when you’re 13 years old and feel any emotion what so ever. Again it’s the whole tthese are all normal things for children but without any proper guidance or safe space to explore/understand these things then it all just consumes and makes them feel awful. Honestly amazing of this Inio Asano dude for capturing how a depressed child thinks/feels/acts/views the world. 

Anyways my take away from these two volumes is very much just, how much I wish everyone was just a bit of a better person. Then none of this would have happened and no one would be sad. But the world’s not like this at all.

[oswinunknown]

Hello hi yes I just wanted to say that I follow your Mayor Attorney playlist on Spotify and it has me WRECKED. All of the songs you put on there are just so on point for Damien x DA/Darkiplier x DA and I've already listened to it four times within the past two weeks and just UGGG (/pos) anyways I was just scrolling through the Damien tags and I recognized your name so I thought I'd take the opportunity to share my love for your playlist because it's just so pERFECTLY CURATED FOR THOSE TWO GAHHHH(also it's introduced me to a lot of really great songs that I had never heard before and now I really love which is probably part of why I've listened to it so often) anyway this got rambly but I just wanted to share my appreciation for your playlist. Thank you for your time and have a lovely rest of your day. -💙

EXCUSE ME WHILST I SOB /pos but regardless thank you so much for liking the playlist yo! im really proud of it n im glad you got introduced to some new songs too!

AND YOU HAVE A LOVELY REST OF YOUR DAY TOO TYSM FOR THIS KLAJSDHLKSK

[flannel-wearing-warrior]

I feel so sad that supernatural is ending soon, but at the same time I feel so proud of what all it has accomplished so far.

[albinokittens300]

Part Two of SoD Thoughts lets GO-

Spoilers below.

Credence backstory was, decent. Honestly there are several theories about his family that ngl I feel like would have been more interesting but him being Aberforths son works the way they build up the story really well. And it makes your heart hurt knowing Credence is actively getting worse.

Speaking of Credence UGGG he has me so conflicted. I don't like the way he treats Queenie but he is actively dying at the same time. AND he goes against Grindelwald at the end AND HIS FAMILY SAVES HIM.

I cannot express how much I love the three way spell with the Dumbledore bros and Grindy GOT me when it broke the bloodpact. That was a HIGHLIGHT of the film for me.

I know I mentioned it in the last one but I love Bunty climax in the film, her coming out from the crowd and giving Newt the case with the living Quillin. It was SO good for me as someone who adores Bunty. Go girl!

SANTOS. I LOVE IT THAT SHE GETS ELECTED. And she saves Jacobs from the spell Grindy threw at him, we adore her for real.

In general the emotions and feeling of a team this movie gave appealed to me SO much. Dumbledores team is all so supportive and helpful to one another because they all genuinely care and want to be successful and it's AMAZING.

Also, Jacob and Theseus wanting having issue with Grindelwald being pardoned makes absolute sense. They know what he did and to see him get off scot free understandably infuriates him.

Over all I love the talk about how they had to get around Grindys foresight. Confusion as a plan really is the only option when fighting someone like that so the confusion and multiple overlapping plans makes sense.

[eleventhdoctorsangel]

Can you hear me screaming please don’t leave me

Summary: Bobby Nash and his niece were always really close. But on one fateful day he and his team were called to her house after her suicide attempt. After saving her his niece decided to go in the same line as work.

“You behaved yourself I’m proud of you.” I said. Buck just glared at me. “Oh come on you know you love me.” I teased.  I looked over to see that Eddie was putting stuff away next to us. Uncle Bobby walked pasted us and patted Eddie on the shoulder. “That was a good call Eddie.” Uncle Bobby said as he passed Eddie. “Thanks cap.” Eddie said as he closed the door to where he was putting stuff away. “Nice job.” Chimney said as he passed us. Buck had closed the door to where we putting stuff away making his way passed Eddie. “Yeah. Good call.” Buck said as he walked past Eddie. “I would give him a little time. I think he’s just not used to another cute guy. I think he feels threaten.” I said. Eddie let out a laugh. “I think you might be right.” Eddie said. “Come on you two.” Uncle Bobby said. “We listen to Cap.” Eddie said. I nodded and made my way over to the other side of the truck where the doors are. Eddie followed me and opened the door for me. “Thanks.” I said giving him a smile as I climbed into the truck. I got back into my same seat I was in when we were on the way here. Buck again glared at me as I took my seat. I gave him a weird look in return. “What?” I asked. “Nothing.” Buck said as he looked away from me. “Okay grumpy gus.” I said rolling my eyes.

The rest of my shift was as normal as it could be. Well according to Uncle Bobby. I changed out of my work and put my street clothes. I grabbed my bag and left they women locker room. As I left the locker room I passed Eddie. “So how did you like your first shift?” Eddie asked. “Pretty tamed to be honest.” I said laughing a little. “Well it won’t always will be like that.” Eddie said. “Yeah every day can’t be like today. I know there will be days were it will be nonstop.” I said. “Well you probably want to head home.” Eddie said. “Well I don’t mind staying and talking for a while. But if you need to get home to Christopher I understand.” I said. “I think I should get home to see Christopher.” Eddie said. “I understand that. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I said giving him a smile. “Yeah see you tomorrow Y/n.” Eddie said. “See you tomorrow.” I said walking away and out of the station to my car. I got my keys out of my purse unlocking my door. I opened the door to my car throwing my bag into the passenger seat along with my purse. I buckled in then put my key into the ignition I turned on my car. I pulled out of the parking lot of the station. I drove back to the house that I recently moved into. Luckily Uncle Bobby and Buck had helped me move in. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a decent size kitchen, a living room, a two car garage and a decent size back yard.  I opened my garage door and pulled in and closed my garage door. I turned off my car and pulled the key out of the ignition. I grabbed my bag and purse then opened the car door getting out then closed the door. As I walked closer to the door leading into the house I got hear my dog marshmallow scratching on the door. I unlocked and opened the door. Marshmallow ran up to me jumping on my legs. I laughed and picked her up from the ground. She started licking my face making me laugh. “Alright come on you must be hungry.” I said as I put her back down on the ground. As I walked in the house she was at my heels. I sat down my bag and purse near the door.  I went to go feed and water marshmallow. As she ate I started to fix me something to eat. I pulled my phone from my pocket and unlocked it outing on one of my many playlist then put it on the counter.

I decided to make some pasta. As the water was boiling I started to hum to the music I went to grab the noodles. The music stopped at my phone started to ring. I went over to my phone and sat the noodles down next to my phone. I looked to see who was calling me and it was Buck. I answer it and brought it up to my ear.  “Hey Buck what’s up?” I said. “I just saw my sister naked.” Buck said. “I’m sorry.” I said. “I saw my sister naked. So you know how I’m staying at Abby’s place for the time being.” Buck said. “Yeah.” I said. “Well when I got back. I saw luggage’s and heard the shower. So I thought it was her.” Buck said. “I got I don’t need that image in my head.” I said. Buck started to laugh. “Oh come on you know you want that in your head.” Buck said. “No buck I don’t.” I said laughing a little. “So what are you doing?” Buck asked. “Just making me something to eat.” I said. “Yum what are you making?” Buck asked. “Just pasta.” I said. “Well with Bobby as your Uncle I bet you can every make pasta taste good.” Buck said. “Thanks Buck. So what you going to make?” I asked as I picked up the noodles and went to put them in the water. “I don’t know I might just fix some scrambled eggs.” Buck said. “Who are you talking to Evan?” I heard a female voice say. “Y/n. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Buck said. “Alright Buck I’ll see you tomorrow.” I said. I hung up and smiled as I shook my head. I finished my food and got my food plated I went over to my table as sat it down then I when to get something to drink. When I came back to the table I saw Marshmallow sitting down net to the chair looking up at the table. “Oh no sorry baby you can’t have any.” I said as I sat down. But she continued to look at me. “I’m not giving you any.” I said. Marshmallow let out a huff as she laid down on the floor.

Once I got done I went to take my dirty dishes to the sink then went to go put the leftover food away. After putting the left over away I put the dirty pan into the sink also. I started to play music again as I washed the dirty dishes and then put them in the dishwasher. After I got the dishwasher loaded I went to clean up around the kitchen.

When I got done cleaning up I decided to get some laundry done since I need to get some done. While the load of clothes were going thru the washer I grabbed the laundry basket that had laundry that needed to be folded and brought it into the living room and sat it down next the couch. I sat down and turn on the TV and put some supernatural on. Marshmallow jumped on the couch and lay down next to me as I started to fold what was in the basket.

I finished folding what was in the basket just as when the clothes in the washer needed to be switched over to the dryer. It had taken me a bit longer to fold because I got distracted by supernatural a few times. I switched the clothes over and started another load. I got done with that I walked back into the living room and grabbed some of the clothes. As I was putting my clothes I heard my phone ringing. I rushed over grabbing my phone from the couch to see who was calling me this time. It was Buck again.

“Buck I swear if you tell me about seeing your sister naked I will end you. Okay Bucky bear I will end you.” I said as I answered his call. “Okay you and I both know that you wouldn’t hurt a fly. Besides you’re so tiny. Which is why I’m going to help you get some muscles on those noodle arms of yours.” Buck said. “Okay first of all I don’t have noodle arms their weak nerd arms.” I said. “Okay weak nerd arms then. Bring some workout clothes with you when you come in tomorrow.” Buck said. “Uggg but that sound like hard work. I’m happy with my weak nerd arms. Why must you put me through some much tortured? Here I thought you loved me.” I said. “I do love you. You know that. All I’m say is that a few workouts won’t hurt you. We gotta stay fit in this line of work.” Buck said. “And I’m not fit now? You’re cutting kinda deep there Bucky bear.” I said. “I didn’t mean it like that.” Buck said. “Buck I’m messing with you. With as long has you’ve known me I would have think you be able to tell when I’m messing with you.” I said laughing. “I so knew you were messing with me the whole time.” Buck said laughing too. “Whatever helps you sleep at night Buck.” I said. “So what are you up to?” Buck asked. “Just watching some supernatural and getting caught up with my laundry.” I said. “You’re watching it without me how dare you.” Buck said pretending to act upset. “Clam down I’m watching episodes that we’ve already watched. Beside I’ve watching this for a while now I only just now got you into it.” I said. “And it has ruined my life so thank you.” Buck said. “Hey I tried to warn you.” I said. “It’s getting kinda of late I should probably go to sleep.” Buck said. ‘Yeah I’ll probably wait until I put my last load in the dryer then go to sleep.” I said. “You better.” Buck said. “Yes dad.” I said laughing. “I’ll see you tomorrow Y/n.” Buck said. “See you tomorrow Bucky bear.” I said. “I love you. You know that right?” Buck said. “Yeah I know. I love you two Bucky bear.” I said. “Bye Y/n.” Buck said. “Bye Buck.” I said and hung up.

[whoslaurapalmer]

utena manga AND adolescence manga!!!! the longest of any of my utena posts why did i have so much to say. 

-i do have to say that the box set is amazing. i’ve never owned hardcover manga before!! and the art is really beautiful and i love all the color illustrations....... -also came with a poster!! but i, don’t particularly want naked utena and anthy on my wall. 

-i always love utena, so much  -“it’s not shocking pink, it’s rose! it’s a nice color. i picked it out, after all.” babygirl  (-omg the explanation that there is a list of stylists that she could get uniforms from and at least she picked one on the list) -poor kaido.......he’s the true Pre-Series Friend Who Shows Up In The First Episode And Is Never Heard From Again Once The Plot Kicks In 

-i like that the manga has an explanation of how utena found ohtori academy because, you do wonder -- but i also like how she’s just There in the anime, with absolutely no explanation of how she got There, she’s just There and maybe she’s always been there!, re: time, it ultimately doesn’t matter, it’s where she wound up regardless  -the.......floaty dreaminess of it......... -uggg wait especially because even though it has been akio manipulating her around all this time she still doesn’t truly go to ohtori because of akio she goes because of anthy 

-i’m. look i don’t even want to say it cause this is a straight-up terrible nickname and i am in pain over it but i have to say something  -mr -mr l  -mr  -licky -lick  -i have to wonder how other people have translated that 

-me: hey that looks like he licked the tears off her face??? utena: i named him --  the narrator living inside my brain: and at that moment lulu vandelay considered launching a book across the room for the first time in her twenty-six years of life

-you know utena if your aunt got transfered to amsterdam, you still would’ve wound up at an ohtori academy  -what even happens at the ohtori in amsterdam??????????????  -what  -do they do an exchange program?? do they ever get anyone back??? is amsterdam also creating a world?????? or are they fine over there??? -is it alt universe ohtori???? 

-chu-chu is so fluffy!!!! so soft.......big squish........huggable............ -anthy making him a tie because she felt bad about him not wearing anything!!!! 

-THE MANGA MOVES VERY FAST HONESTLY -especially because i hit a point where i too was reading as fast as possible to get through it but there was still SO MUCH 

-no nanami????? no nanami at all??????? except for that one picture of her???????  -no???????  -look. i really love nanami and i didn’t realize how much i really liked her until she wasn’t there :( cause i liked her in the first place but i miss all her antics :( and i liked where her character arc went a lot :(  -she’s very loud about this but she’s really just that tumblr post that’s like ‘i put ‘i love salsa’ in the chat and no one said anything and i wondered if salsa had killed a parent or if salsa ever really existed’ and that’s relatable  -and the second-guessing embarrassment of every single thing in your life and yet the commitment to radical high-and-mighty confidence about the same exact things to compensate??? good for her!!!! 

-utena, with the power of dios: i can see every move! me: wow didn’t know dios had the sharingan 

-INTRIGUED actually by touga having. a secret room with a big fucking calendar with zodiac symbols and all the fights predetermined  -like there’s something super interesting about that  -like...... -on one hand a physical representation of The Plot Being Controlled. The Plot Has A Map Now. on the other hand, touga has to write it all down like a nerd bc he’s not akio and has no sway himself over the narrative and he needs a reference 

-i’m absolutely fascinated by how a group of people can come together and create The Same Story that is so different in the manga and the anime.....  -just. how  -in a good way and a bad way. in the good way, how do you collaborate with people like that????? in the bad way, how do you create two completely separate thematic takes on the same story  -with so many of the same base scenes!!!! they go completely different ways!!!!! i’m!!!!!!!!!!!! 

-oh i do love the character profiles. i like knowing birthdays!! 

-akio grabbing utena because he thought she was anthy

-it fucking goes from. ‘everyone in this manga wants to fuck touga’ to ‘everyone in this manga will support utena, EVEN TOUGA?????’ like wow  -he’s just.........living with them..................................... -like a creep  -AND HE JUST GIVES UP THE STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENCY THAT’S THE FUNNIEST FUCKING THING  -doesn’t take much to get them to break the system down here but they’re still not breaking the system down here  -oh my god it’s like the sad lemon man movie speedrunning the first 3 books and hitting the plot notes with none of the substantial theme  -it’s just, i don’t think the manga is completely terrible, like i think there are some interesting moments but i also know the common perception is The Manga Is Terrible? so i’m like. do i pick out the interesting things and try and give them meaning? or do i just. wholesale agree that this is, on a whole other thematic plane and terrible  (-my whole life is ‘i should be able to make my own opinion on something!’ vs ‘but i like to read other people’s opinions to make sure i don’t miss anything but that should not replace my own capacity for critical thought which i am clearly capable of and did a great deal of work on as a lit major!!’) (oh this is anxiety.) (it’s a lot of ‘i don’t want to misinterpret this in any way because that is a failure on my part so i’m digging around for explanations’ oh that’s still anxiety.) 

-i mean. the emphasis on ‘friendship’ more than anything with anthy is, disappointing, but i DO also like utena trying to get anthy to make friends and that anthy’s first instinct is to take after wakaba because that’s super cute 

-chu-chu narrating the curry story!!  -he’s just such a sweet bean. 

-utena: akio? the devil, lucifer? me, reigning my brain back in as it shoots into hyperdrive: okay lulu you’re right about the tarot symbolism but now is not the time, bring it back, girl  (......utena’s the fool nemuro hall is the tower the car at the end of the movie is the world anthy stabbing utena is the ten of swords (not in the sense of betrayal but in the end of the cycle/story portrayed in the swords suit)) (ANYWAY) 

-and then touga still somehow stays at the center of the story and utena relies on him....... -there’s a bigger reliance on men in the manga that is not, challenged at all, re: touga and dios -but at least akio’s still a full-on creep  -actually i think he unsettled me just a smidge more which was a big accomplishment, considering the time i almost fell over furniture 

-me: oh my god are utena and anthy gonna switch places???  me: NOOOOOOO -anthy’s coffin breaking because utena puts the ring back on....... -but, like........dios is completely incapable of action as well and utena doesn’t need him to rescue anthy  -dios is more some ethereal grand thing here instead of an idealized past self that akio has lost access to and can never regain and was never truly good in the first place  -although utena and anthy switching is, interesting. reinforces akio making utena a princess when again she’s neither and it’s.......a little “in the end, girls are all like rose brides” and women are manipulated around by men, but also, kind of loses what anthy holding the swords meant in the first place? 

-touga: you have to do it, utena me: touga stop trying to steal the scene. get out. get out now 

-THE CASTLE IS REAL????????????????????????? 

-okay the absolute roller coaster between ‘he’s gonna kill dios????’ ‘that’s the manga backstory?????’ ‘DIOS IS JUST DEAD NOW????’ ‘NO HE WAS STILL DIOS THE WHOLE TIME!!!!!!’  -oh but you know you could read it as a, killing your past self sort of thing -...........although that doesn’t really vibe here, does it 

-i think them being specifically ‘gods’ takes away from just the, cycle of humanity kind of thing........ -it’s so pleasantly vague in the anime because how dios came to be Dios and why anthy had to put a stop to it just doesn’t matter. it’s not what matters. it’s not what’s important. the fact that it happened at all is what matters.  -and somehow he still wasn’t dios the whole time!!!!!  -“she kept his sword in her bosom, one last token of her love!” that’s an.........interesting way to put it -i mean, yeah maybe?? but also, no?????????????????????????????? 

-anthy’s kind of, watered down a little in the manga too, in a way?  -STABBING UTENA WAS SO IMPORTANT TOO 

-noooooo where are my girls learning that it’s not about being a prince and that it’s just genuine love and being there for someone  -i mean i guess the love is here but. “i must be the prince myself” no!!!! noooooooooo  -you know what i don’t even want to THINK about akio and utena..........like that 

-AND THERE’S STILL TOUGA!!! IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL!!!!!!!!!! TOUGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA  -anthy: /wearing utena’s uniform me: /staring into the camera like i’m on the office 

-like...............well that just continues the cycle then, doesn’t it, in a way  -which, is its own kind of story.............. -and i guess you could also make a case for ‘well no one’s immediately recovered right after a story that takes time and it’s not always perfect and that could involve anthy emulating utena’ -BUT NO!!!! NO??????? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  -i think that’s giving the manga too much credit considering how much it forced ‘the prince’ at the end!!!!!!!!  -i get it. i get the ‘the manga is terrible.’ i see you.  -it wasn’t, completely terrible, but, wow. i get it. 

-okay hold on i still have two side stories before adolescence

-OH ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? ONCE AGAIN I HAVE TO DEAL WITH RUKA  -WAS IT NOT ENOUGH THAT I HAVE ALREADY SUFFERED  -ruka i still hate you. that’s all i have to say on that 

-and black rose arc condensed to thirty pages????  -the way mikage acts towards mamiya is like. blatantly creepy in the anime but i didn’t think it was here???? rude.  -anthy and utena holding hands after it, though....... 

-OKAY, adolescence  -i feel like, i was unduly harsh on the movie...... -mostly because i was reading the youtube comments on the dub before i watched and people were talking about how terrible the dub was (i did not watch the dub)  -and i knew about the car and i was just really thrown by the car. the cars. just. unexpected  -but if the manga speedruns in a bad way the movie speedruns in a way that not only hit the plot elements but picked up a lot of the thematic elements as well!!  -i mean every arc was touched upon in some way! even the black rose arc! -which haunts me, regularly.  -also i am forever going to be thinking about the fwwm parallel like damn  -it really was a good time....... -oh! this in particular was why i was a little concerned about missing anything in thinking about the manga   -like...is this a bad character choice in good writing, or is this a bad character choice in bad writing? sometimes i’m not always great at that 

-anyway.  -the manga was really mostly the same except somehow touga was more uncomfortable, there were no cars, and utena and touga had sex uggg  -god i SWEAR when i was flipping through last week i saw a car though. i swear???? i thought i did?????  -guess i didn’t!! 

-touga: as long as you keep me there in your heart, i can continue to exist like this. i can stay at this school for all eternity.  me: The Grief™ vs ohtori academy doing its thing vs I HATE THIS AAAAAAAAA 

-anthy, to akio: be gone! you’re only in my mind! me: oh that’s a powerful statement though. re: like, how akio keeps anthy 

-what i DID really really love was the little scene at the end with anthy and utena out of ohtori and older in a planetarium theater after everything and being cute on a date (with chu-chu!) and that that’s how it ends (even if utena was still thinking about touga) with them holding hands walking out............... -the softness!!!! 💖💖 

[littlegrrl7]

“The Tiger and the Wren”

Ikemen Sengoku Shingen/OC 18+

Excerpt from Chapter 6 “Pain and Warmth”

Fluff

___

“Rough mission?” Sasuke eyed the bruise on Ren’s cheekbone, another was visible through her kimono collar, her gait was stiff as she walked down the hall. It had been a few weeks since they’d seen each other.

“I’ve had better.” She gave him a half-grin and a wink. “How goes your training under Kenshin?”

“I’m managing to avoid him more regularly, it helps that these cold months keep people indoors.” He lifted the hem of his top. “Look, for the first time in my scientific lifestyle, I have abs!”

Ren laughed, giving him a half hug as they walked down the hall, he noticed her bandaged hand and squinted at her.

“I’m fine. Honestly, my mark had two extremely well-trained shinobi in his employ. I took my lumps, but gave as good as I got.” She gave him a quick reassuring kiss on the cheek, then turned the corner.

 Speaking of abs…

Her face pressed into the heated flesh of Shingen’s bare chest, the edge of his kimono caressed her cheek, unconsciously she inhaled deeply. Ren hadn’t realized how much she had missed the sweet musk of his scent. Coming to her senses, she stumbled backward, Shingen caught her in his long arms holding her against him until she had regained her balance. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks. His hands caressed warmly down her back.

“My Goddess, if you are favoring mere mortals with kisses from your divine lips today, I’ll have the next one.” Holy cats! His voice was like buttered caramel, she gazed upward, his mirth filled grey eyes smoldered, her knees went weak.

 Dammit, girl pull yourself together!

“My Lord, I apologize.” She started to bow, her eyes shifting away from his burning gaze to the ground. Her heart threatened to beat its way out of her chest.

“Unnecessary, “ Shingen cupped her chin, lifting her gaze back to his. A thumb traced the edge of her bruise with concern, then continued to teasingly brush over her lower lip. “You are, as always, a pleasure to bump into Ren.” The tiger glinted in his eyes at the double entendre. He took her hand, playfully kissing the tips of her fingers. Her face burned red. With a smile, he nodded in greeting to Sasuke and continued on down the hall.

Ren gasped.

“Woah,” Sasuke’s lip twitched in a grin “I knew there was some unresolved sexual tension between you two, but I feel like I need a cold shower after that exchange. Is he always so-“

“Every damn time.”

“And you haven’t-“

“No.” Ren swallowed audibly. Sasuke peered at her flushed face then glanced down the hall.

“Ren…I’m straight, and I’d hit that, what are you waiting for? He’s obviously into you.”

She sighed, shaking herself off. “He’s my boss.”

“I don’t think that’s an issue for him.” Ren smacked her friend’s shoulder.

“Uggg, I need a soak. My body is one big bruise. I’ll catch up to you later, ok?”

Sasuke gave her a lip twitch smile and sauntered off down the hall.

It was rare Ren used the onsen as she was one of the few females at the castle with leave to make use of it. It was cold, but still, the light dusting of snow melted far before the edge of the water. Ren had tied a small tag to a scarf at the entrance, announcing the hot spring was in use by her then dropped her towel near the edge, sinking her naked bruised body into the steaming medicinal waters.

It had been a long time since she had taken a beating like that, and it was a sharp reminder to keep her skills honed. She had been sent to Oshu to ferret out some information, on her way out, she encountered two extremely well-trained Shinobi who appeared to be brothers. She was happy she escaped with her skin intact if varying shades of purple. At least she gave as good as she got, the dark-haired one had stayed at range, but the flirty blonde he called “Gen” was definitely hurting as much as she was. She turned to face the edge of the pool, laying her bruised cheek against the cool stone. Everything just ached, it was probably for the best she didn’t have a mirror. At least the wound on her hand was shallow, it was the only cut she took. She let her mind drift in the rising steam of the onsen, her eyes sliding closed.

Familiar steps came close, her eyes snapped back open.

“Hello Ren, mind if I join you? Sasuke said you were going for a soak and would like some company.”

 Shingen…damn, you Sasuke. You are going to wish Kenshin had killed you.

She flitted her eyes to the side, her breasts were pressed to the wall, her back faced him.

“I left a scarf indicating I was using the onsen.”

“I saw,” He chuckled. “Was it not an invitation?”

She turned a little more to look at him. Shingen stood on the other side of the natural pool, wearing only a small towel around his narrow hips. Her eyes traveled upward slowly, every line of his body was perfectly sculpted from his muscled abdomen to his smooth broad chest to shoulders so vast she felt like she’d swoon. Ren had never seen a more magnificent specimen of a male. If he were from her time, he would be a model and not one that needed the aid of photoshop. She let her eyes wander appreciatively back downward. He smiled, dropping the towel to slide into the steaming water.

 Yes, …everything was perfect. Whelp, there’s more fuel for that fantasy…

Ren averted her eyes, her face glowing red. “Just stay to your side.”

Him

He saw the bruises on her face from the last mission and winced internally. He knew the twins she ran up against. That she survived, was a testament to her skill. When Sasuke mentioned to him she was going to soak, Shingen picked up a container of salve to give her to help with the bruising. Seeing her in the onsen, he was sorry he sent her. The white flesh of her back was mottled in all shades of pain like she had either taken a beating or fallen hard. He realized by the way she covered herself, she was unused to casual nudity.

“I’m sorry I sent you.” His voice was sincere, he saw her eyes flash in surprise.

“Was the information I retrieved not what you desired?”

“It wasn’t worth the damage to your pearlescent skin, my angel. Are you ok? I brought you some salve to help with the pain and bruising.”

“Thank you, my Lord. That is very thoughtful of you.” To his surprise, she turned to face him, sinking down into the water. Her arms crossed over her bare chest. An angry blackened bruise striped across her shoulder to her collarbone on the left side, it looks like someone struck her there then it bounced off catching her cheek.

“Just Shingen, please.” He requested softly, “Would you tell me what happened?”

“I got cocky.” A self-deprecating laugh slipped from her lips. “I haven’t run up against anyone else here to match my skills, the other shinobi I’ve run into were sloppy or lacking in discipline, these two weren’t.”

Shingen listened quietly, watching the emotions play freely across her face. She was different today, unguarded. Possibly from fatigue. He found it very human of her, alluring, different than the self-assured cold demeanor she usually projected.

“I had just left the castle with the intel when the dark-haired shinobi started flinging kunai at me, he stayed at range the entire time. I never had a chance to bring out my bow because the blonde immediately closed at melee. We were evenly matched and disarmed each other as soon as he closed. The fight turned into unarmed combat with his brother flinging missiles at me. Thank goodness I was faster, he only managed a graze on my hand.” She gave a small shrug, wincing imperceivably at the roll of her shoulders. He found himself wanting to reach out to her to comfort her but knew she wouldn’t allow it in her current state of undress.

“The dark-haired man called him “Gen”. We beat on each other for some time, I gave as good as I got. I managed to knock him out, and I ran for it.” She paused and then added, “I would prefer not to be sent there again without backup.”

“Understood, again, I apologize for putting you in that position. I did not know they would both be present.”

Ren raised an eyebrow. “But you were aware at least one would be present? A warning would have been nice.”

“My goddess, I knew you could handle it, I have faith in you.”

She splashed him, “Ass.”

Shingen blinked at the unexpected sass then gave her a wolfish grin.

“Next time, warn me.” She smiled, it was radiant, and he felt his heart thump loud against his ribs.

“I promise.” He moved forward to sit by her and saw her eyes widen in panic. Shingen raised his hands.

“Just, keep to your side, mixed bathing isn’t really done by non-couples where I’m from.”

“We could change that.” Her eyes lit warily at his grin. “My angel, I would love to couple with you. "

“Pfffft!” Her laughter made him smile. “You and your silver tongue, do you ever stop flirting?”

“If you desired me to, I would stop. But I don’t think you do.”

“Guilty.” She rolled her eyes, then turned back around, giving him a view of her back to where the water lapped at her narrow waist. Another bruise started there and wrapped down under the water. His lips briefly tightened at the amount of pain she must be in.

“Ren, why don’t we go back to your room and I’ll help you with the salve? I use it when I’m injured. It will actually help more than the heat of the springs.”

She nodded, “would you close your eyes?”

“Hmmm?” He tilted his head.

“So, I can get out, would you please close your eyes?” The tips of her ears were scarlet, it had nothing to do with the heat of the springs. He smiled at how adorable she was.

“My eyes are closed.” He heard her leave the water, imagined it running off her flesh, pooling around her. Soft fabric rustled as she wrapped herself in the full towel.

“I’ll be in my room, thank you.”

Shingen waited until he could no longer hear her footsteps, then opening his eyes, he climbed out of the springs. He picked up the jar of salve and went to retrieve his kimono. He could have just given it to her, but the damage was so extreme she would never be able to reach all of it on her own.

 Tell yourself that old man.

This was not just an excuse to touch her, he wanted to help her.

 mmmhmmmm

He slid on his kimono…maybe he should just stop by and give her the salve, he could send a maid by to help her apply it. Yes, that is what he should do. He started walking toward her room with decisive strides.

He tapped on the door.

“Ren, it’s Shingen.”

“Come in.”

His breath hitched as he entered the room, and all thoughts of simply handing her the salve disappeared like smoke. She kneeled on her futon, her bare back to him. Her sleeping kimono was belted around her waist, but she had slid both arms out and merely held the cloth up to her chest. He had just seen her fully naked in the onsen, and yet this was far more intimate. He took a deep breath steeling himself. He was here to help her.

“I appreciate you helping me. I won’t lie, I’m very sore. It’s been a long time since I’ve been hurt this badly.” Her soft voice was hesitantly vulnerable.

Shingen kneeled behind her scooping some of the salve from the jar, he warmed it in his hands before spreading it gently onto her purpled flesh. Her skin was softer than he had imagined. He leaned in, rubbing the salve into the wound on her shoulder then moving lower down her back. His hands were gentle, reverent on her. The fact she was even letting him touch her so intimately surprised him.

“I saw one lower, near your waist?”

“Hmmm, yes, he hit me in the hip with a log.” She fidgeted a bit then opened the front of her kimono, dropping the fabric to display her purpled hip. He moved his hands over it, and she sighed in pleasure.

A smile tugged at his lips. He leaned in closer, letting his natural warmth roll over her. His hands continued to rub salve into her abused skin, but at this point, it was more of an excuse to touch her.

He slid both hands down her back, Ren let out a rumbling purr that ended in a moan. Then covered her mouth in embarrassment, her skin flushing to red.

“It appears I have discovered a tigress.” Shingen let his lips graze the nape of her neck, he couldn’t resist. The spice scent of her flesh was enticing. She turned her head toward him, snowy lashes fluttering to her cheeks.

“It just felt really good.” She admitted. The blush on her cheeks was beyond charming. He slid an arm around her cupping her chin.

“Let me see that cheek.” He caressed some salve over the bruise on her face. Her violet eyes caught his, he paused. There was desire in the depths of her eyes. She leaned back into his chest. He brought both arms around her in a warm embrace. His lips nuzzled into the back of her neck. He nipped her gently, suckling on tender flesh. Her breath came in short hot pants.

“Shingen, we shouldn’t.”

He grinned against her neck.

“You don’t want me to hold you?” he asked softly.

“I do, it feels nice.”

“Do you want me to kiss you?” his lips trailed against softly on her neck, nibbling at the uninjured flesh.

“I’m too hurt to make this enjoyable.”

He chuckled against her cheek. “I am enjoying you.”

She let out a frustrated little snort, he grinned wider. “You are adorable.” Shingen ruffled her short hair. “How could I not enjoy being close to you?”

She rolled her eyes. “Alright, I thank you for your help, I can get the ones in the front.”

“Or you could allow me to?”

Her

His hands, she was melting into the warmth of them. Everywhere he touched her, it tingled. Ren told herself it was just the medicinal salve, but her heart beating so fast in her chest told a different story. Her body still hurt, but now a different kind of ache was overlaying that. It was not a small effort to lean away from him, sliding her arms back into the sleeves of her kimono. She turned slightly with a wince and brushed her lips softly against his cheek.

“I really appreciate it thank you, I should get some rest.” She tried not to look him in the eye, Ren knew she’d lose her resolve if she did. It was already slipping. Every breath was full of his scent, his warmth, her body was screaming for him. She was holding onto her moral ground by her fingernails and slipping fast.

“It will only take a moment.” His eyes caught hers, concern and tenderness swirled in the soft grey. She was lost. Wordlessly she moved the cloth to the side, exposing the length of her left leg, the bruising on her thigh wrapping around down to her ankle. Shingen warmed the salve again in his hands, then slid them down over her muscled leg. She bit her lip holding back a moan, her eyes sliding closed. She rested her forehead to his shoulder. He made her feel too good to care anymore, the pain was replaced with his warmth. Her entire world focused down to the heat of his hands stroking over her calf, massaging the salve into her skin. Her breath came out in a long shaky sigh. Then to her surprise, he slid the kimono back over her leg, covering her. Shingen’s lips pressed warmly to her forehead.

“Get some rest, little bird. I’ll leave this with you.” He laid the jar next to her futon and stood. Her body hummed in protest at the loss of his warmth.

She let herself slide down into the bed, he leaned forward wrapping her warmly in the covers.

“Sweet dreams, my goddess.”

Continued on A03- long fic

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21712111/chapters/51789976

[the-cat-chat]

November 4, 2023

Seven (1995)

Disenchanted, near-retirement detective William Somerset and his newly transferred partner David Mills attempt to stop a serial killer before he can complete a series of murders.

JayBell: My dad loves to reference this movie with, “What’s in the box?!” And it doesn’t disappoint when the moment finally comes around. Also this is my second watch of this movie and he repeats this line wayyyyy more than I remembered and with so many different inflections.

What I like about this movie is that it almost feels like watching an extremely long episode of Criminal Minds. I'm guessing the plot of the movie was probably more original when it first came out, but since the whole seven deadly sins thing has been done many times since then, I can't help but feel like the plot is overdone.

Having Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt team up for this movie is the highlight for me. I love how their characters are contrasted throughout the movie. Not just their experience level, but their personalities, their interests, and even their approaches to police work. It’s kind of like a buddy cop movie in the sense that two detectives who are at odds eventually come to an understanding and develop a bond.

This is only the second time I’ve watched this movie, but I do think it’s a little predictable at the end. Although the end is dark, it feels poetic in a way for both of their characters.

Overall, enjoyable crime mystery with nice acting and a solid plot.

Rating: 6/10 cats 🐈

Anzie: Welll. I’ve tried to forget this movie since we watched it. I haven’t. Never will. Good old mind like a steel trap. Oh calamity. First it wasn’t enough that I had shoveled far too much spaghetti into my mouth 10 minutes before we watched this, actively wishing to barf when… oh you guessed it the first sin…. Yeah that’s greed… oh how’s the greed victim die…death by gorging on spaghetti. Thank you universe I will be here all week.

And I enjoyed the movie for the rest of the time, it was a bit slow, but entertaining- you’ve got young Brad Pitt, a scholarly totaaaalllly retiring Morgan Freeman, and the seven deadly sins. That was until the end. Again, if I ever afford the lobotomy I desperately need, I may be made whole again. I forgot Kevin Spacey was our freak of the week. Annnnd he didn’t disappoint. I’m soo mad. Ya know as much as this “what’s in the box,” was hyped upppp! I didn’t expect it to be ThiSSSsss. As it was happening. I knew what was happening. But like I’m sooooo mad. Did I say that already? All the victims were so planned out for soooo long- then this man that totally barfs at any mundane human contact and convo is envious??? Pllsssss. And the whole deal with the wrath gets me peeved. I really can’t get into it for my safety. Like did Brad Pitt’s character have any say in his sin??? Like wrath is an overwhelming sense of anger directed towards an undeserving person???? And like I get of course there’s the choice that he could’ve not killed Kevin Spacey- but then he was basically emotionally goaded into the act??? It just felt too easy of an ending- plusssss Detective Mills had just moved there- was Kevin Spacey just always going to wing his last two sins?? I have so many infuriating QuEsTiOooooNnnnnsSssss. Like for reals was he just so sure anyone he chose would fall into his trap??? Uggg. Anyway loved the delivery of “wHat’S IN thE BoXx??” Best thing I’ve ever seen Brad Pitt do.

Rating: 5/10 boxes 📦

[descendantofthesparrow]

Harry Hook x reader - exchange

Harry stared at the beautiful necklace in the window, hands in his pockets. The sapphire and ruby-encrusted jewelry staring mockingly at him.

All he wanted to do this year, was get his amazing girlfriend of 3 months her first Christmas gift from him, it had to be good or else!

‘all guys know, if a girl doesn’t get a good and expensive present for her birthday or Christmas, or an anniversary from their significant other, they'll dump ‘em flat, it's just the facts Hook’ Chad Charming had said that to him a little while after he and (y/n) had gotten serious.

Harry pulled out his phone, opening his bank account app.

$496.56 available in your account.

glancing back up, he grimaced at the price tag of the necklace

$2,000.99

“ugg, I'm never gonna be able to get ‘er a present worthy of ‘er”

shaking his head, he sulked down the street, making his way back to auradon prep. shivering as he made it inside, just in time for curfew, rubbing his hands together to gather warmth, and shaking off the cold snow from his shoulders.

“Harry~!” he felt a smile bloom on his face as he locked eyes on you, (short/long/mid-length) (h/c) hair gleaming under the lights, bright (e/c) eyes happy to see him, and a bright gorgeous smile.

god, he had gotten the most beautiful girl in auradon hadn’t he? that’s why he had to get the most beautiful present for her.

“bonnie lass~” he cooed, catching you with his arms and hips, spinning you around slightly as you jumped on him. “hehe, I was only gone for 20 minutes~”

“I know~ but I missed you” you mumbled into his chest, feeling the warmth radiating from him.

“Alright, alright little koala, let’s go” 

you giggled as harry carried you back to your dorm, letting you drop yourself back onto your feet.

“Thanks, hooky” you smiled, tiptoeing to kiss his cheek, which was still red from the cold.

“yer welcome love, now get some sleep” you nodded, pulling him into a quick hug before sliding back into your dorm.

“good night Harry ”

“goodnight (y/n)”

=

you sighed as the door closed, god you were falling in love with that boy, and hard too.

“so what are you getting him for Christmas (y/n)?” Jane spoke up from her bed, smiling at the stupid grin on your face, but frowning when your smile dropped.

“shit! I don’t know! he's so perfect, so I have to get him something perfect!!” Jane found herself laughing.

“what- why are you laughing?!” Jane stifled her giggling, smiling at you “because the gift value doesn’t matter, it's the person it’s coming from that matters~!”

you sighed “I know but...Harry-Harry is my first boyfriend, so the first Christmas gift has to be perfect! and if it’s not perfect, Harry will think I'm not worth it and then he’ll leave me!!!!” Jane sighed and stood from her bed, walking over to you and gripping your shoulders

“if I help you find something, will you chill for at least a couple days about a gift for Harry?” you nodded vigorously, grabbing Jane's hands

“yes of course! thank you Jane!!”

Jane nodded, grinning “you’re welcome, now go to bed!”

you laughed, releasing Jane and heading over to your dresser to grab your sweat pants and a Harry hoodie.

“Alright, see you in the morning jane”

“see you in the morning (y/n)”

=

 “christ Harry 2,000 dollars for a necklace? you sure about it?”

Harry nodded, looking intently at his phone at the photo he took.

“it’s perfect for ‘er Uma, I have ta get this one”

“Harry, I'm pretty sure you can just get her a 25 dollar crystal necklace and she’d never take it off till it broke, and then she would go crazy over fixing it because you gave it to her”

Harry shook his head, messing with his mother’s old ruby ring, “no Uma, I have ta get this one, it's the only thing worthy of ‘er” Uma rolled her eyes. she would never understand Harry’s obsession to please whoever he was with, it was the same with his dad.

and then Uma, and now (y/n), with him wanting to make her happy with lavishing her with expensive gifts when she would be happy with a well-worn hoodie or jacket.

“Okay so it’s perfect for her, but it's 2,000 DOLLARS you can’t afford it!!” Harry’s shoulders slumped, feeling that pressing feeling on his back.

“I know, what am I goin’ ta do?” Harry locked eyes on his ring, ripping it off his pinkie finger he turned to Uma with a giant grin.

“I'll sell my ring!!’ Uma's eyes widened and she shook her head

“what no! that’s the only thing you have of your mom left!!” Harry’s face dimmed slightly “I-I know but, if it’s for (y/n)-”

Uma groaned, standing “alright whatever, do what you want, but I'm warning you, (y/n) would be happy with just a bracelet or something”

Uma walked off, leaving Harry to stare at his mother’s ring.

=

“no, no, no, no, nope, nah, no, uggg there’s nothing!!”

you flopped back into your chair, there was nothing online for harry, and going to the mall had proved fruitless.

“come on (y/n), let’s go to the mall one last time, maybe you’ll find a cool jacket?”  you sighed, shrugging.

“yeah, we have to go later though, I have winter break homework to do” Jane nodded, putting on her coat.

“Alright, I'm going to go to lunch with Lonnie and Evie alright?”

“kay have fun”

=

Harry rushed through the streets, skidding to a stop at the jewelry shop, smiling as he spotted the necklace, glancing at his hand, he played with the ruby ring.

“Hopefully it's enough for an exchange” he muttered, pushing through the shop doors.

“Hello, welcome to the miner’s jewelry shop, I'm Doc, how can I help ya?” Harry took a deep breath holding out the ring.

“is it possible I can exchange this for that ruby and sapphire necklace in the window?” Doc blinked, taking the ring carefully and examining it.

“well my boy, the necklace retails for $2,000, and this...wow this would go for $5,000 easily, are you sure about this?” Harry blinked surprised, 5,000? wow, but he had already made up his mind.

“I'm sure, its, the necklace is important to meh”

doc smiled, eyes twinking “whos the girl son?” Harry felt his face heat up, and he reached up to scratch the back of his neck.

“that easy to figure it out? well, her name is (y/n) and...she's really important to meh, and I need the first Christmas gift I get ‘er to be perfect.”

Doc nodded, glancing back at the ruby, “alright, I’ll take this, and you can take the necklace, sound good?” Harry nodded, grinning widely.

“yes! that sounds perfect!”

Doc smiled, placing the ring on the counter, getting up from behind the counter to retrieve the necklace.

“I’ll tell ya something else, if she doesn’t like it, you can return that and I’ll give you back your ring” Harry nodded, watching as Doc unclipped the necklace and walked back to the counter to place it in a box.

“Thank yeh”

as he left Harry couldn’t help the sinking pit that formed in his stomach as he walked away from the last thing he had ever gotten from his mother. 

=

you groaned, closing the math book, and face slamming into the cover.

“you good love?” you jumped out of your skin, whirling around to see Harry grinning devilishly at you.

“Harry you ass” you laughed, standing and walking over to him for a hug. he hugged you tightly, rocking you slightly.

“Sorry love”

you sighed, pulling back and grasping his hands, brows furrowing when you noticed something missing from his right-hand pinkie.

“Harry?” you questioned, bringing up the aforementioned hand “where's your ring? you never take it off?”

Harry shrugged “im havin’ it polished”

you didn’t believe him, he never trusted anyone with it.

you narrowed your eyes but let the matter go, not wanting to start a fight.

“alright whatever you say hooky”

=

your jaw dropped as you passed by a jewelry shop, Harry’s ruby ring sitting inside a box in the window, you could tell it was it due to the specific scratch on the band on the left side, no price listed, instead it said.

not for sale till 1/30/2020

pushing open the door you walked right up to the man at the desk, pointing back at the ring.

“how much is that ruby ring in the window”

doc smiled, he could hear the anger and confusion in your voice.

“(y/n) I presume?”

your arm dropped to your side, and you balked, jaw-dropping and eyes widening, looking confused “wha- how do you know my name?”

“your boyfriend came in about two days ago, traded in that ring to get something for you”

your jaw dropped, “but-it- its important to him, I wouldn’t want him to give it up just to get me something”

doc chuckled “tell you what darling, I'll give it to you for free, so you can give it back, and you’ll be able to keep your present from him”

you balked “but-but-free?! you’re going to give me it for free?!”

“why it's Christmas! and I have plenty of rubies to spare, I don’t need one with precious sentimental value” 

you felt tears burn at your eyes, and you nodded “thank you, thank you so much”

“of course, now let me go fetch it and I’ll wrap it up for you too”

“at least let me pay for the wrapping?”

“oh alright”

=

“I still can’t believe you gave it up Harry, you know when she finds out she’s going to be pissed”

Harry shrugged, tying the ribbon on the wrapped box “not when she sees ‘er present I bet” Uma made a face, yeah right, she’s just going to storm right over to the store and demand the ring back.

“whatever Harry, she's going to be pissed at you” Uma stood and walked out of the room, leaving Harry behind with the pit in his stomach growing bigger and sinking deeper.

"I'm doin’ this fo’r ‘er." Harry stated to himself, looking down at the semi-neatly wrapped present. "Ma would've liked ‘er…." 

~~~

"I can't believe he traded his ring for a present for me! This ring is way too important to him!" You exclaimed, pacing your room.

"He must've gotten you something expensive." Jane stated, watching you pace.

"But this is the last thing his mother gave him! Why on earth-"

"Bonnie lass?" Harry's voice came from the other side of the door.

You ran to the door, shoving the wrapped up ring box behind ur back as you opened the door.

"Harry!" You exclaimed, wrapping your arms around his neck.

"Merry Christmas love!" Harry exclaimed, hugging you back.

Jane coughed, causing you to release Harry and glare at her.

"Jane, don't you have your gift exchange with Carlos?" You stated.

Jane went wide-eyed, grabbing her present and rushing past the both of you with a quick "bye!"

You laughed before pulling Harry into your room, closing the door behind you. When you turned around, Harry was holding out his gift to you.

"Harry, I want you to open yours first." You stated, holding out your smaller gift to him. He looked confused for a second, but nodded, taking the box.

You took yours, watching as he walked to your bed, sat down, and began to open it. You smiled as he opened the ring box. 

"But how?" Harry questioned as he held up his mother's ruby ring. he looked to you, his eyes were shining with tears.

You smirked. "I saw it in the window at the jewelry shop you traded it at. Doc was very kind even though I basically threw open the door and demanded to know the price of it. Although he knew right away who I was." You rambled on.

"But now I have to return your gift…." Harry frowned.

You smiled. "Nope! Doc said I could keep it." 

"Really? Well open it lass!" Harry exclaimed, sliding his mother's ring back onto his finger, where it belongs.

You sat down next to Harry and began to untie the ribbons on your present. Unwrapping became a bit of a struggle when you realized Harry has never done this kind of thing before. 

Finally, you managed to get to the box inside. You opened it up and gasped. The ruby and sapphire encrusted necklace shined up at you.

(imagine the diamonds are sapphires) 

"Do ye like it?" Harry asked as you held up the necklace.

"I absolutely love it! But Harry, don't ever think about giving up something of yours just for me, legit i would have been happy with one of your old hoodies" You exclaimed, putting on the necklace.

Harry snickered, shaking his head. "Alright Love. I won't try tha’ again." 

Harry leaned forward, kissing your forehead. "Merry Christmas my love"

You smiled, laying back into Harry's chest. "Merry Christmas my pirate"

~The End~

thank you to @marichat4lyf​  who both beta read and wrote the last half of this fic!!