#willy here can't count for shit!

[callsignrooroo]

You Never Left Me

A/N: Eeee! Here it is y’all! So excited to for this be out there. This was my first time writing straight smut, so I hope I did it justice!

Minors and ageless blogs do not interact!

A big thank you to @hederasgarden for being my beta for a large portion of this fic!

Word Count: 3.7K

Warnings: Parent loss, p in v sex, AFAB reader, mentioned birth control, unsafe sex (don’t be silly, wrap your willy), dirty talk. I think that’s it, if anyone sees anything else please feel to dm me!

Coming back home always felt heavy. It had been five long years since you lost everything you knew, including your parents, to a tornado that happened faster than you could blink. Five long years since the last time you saw your one that got away– Tyler Owens. 

Blinking dust out of your eyes, you jumped out of your truck. You were right down the road from the motel where you were staying and had stopped to get some snacks for the morning. You had to be at the bank first thing and knew you wouldn't have time for breakfast. Just as you were walking up to the gas station door, it burst open and before you could get out of the way, you knocked into two figures. 

“Lily, you dumbass, I told you to slow down,” Boone snapped. 

“Oh shut it, it’s not like you are in any less rush, you're just as much a sucker for Tyler's cooking as the rest of us,” Lily grumbled. 

All three of you stopped in your tracks as you made eye contact.

“Shit”, you said.

“Shit,” Lily and Boone echoed simultaneously. 

You heard someone grumble from behind your two friends, and you quickly stepped out of the way, pulling them both with you. 

“So, uh, I thought you guys were in Enid,” you said awkwardly. 

Boone started sputtering and Lily cut him off. “Boone, you're going to catch flies. And, you, after five years of not seeing each other in person, that’s all you have to say,” she exclaimed. 

You cast your eyes downward.

Boone, however, finally seemed to get his tongue in working order. “Does Tyler know you're here?” he questioned. 

Your eyes snapped back up at the mention of his name. “No,” you emphasized.

Boone got a distinct look of disapproval on his face, and Lily looked at you like she knew something you didn’t. 

“Oh, this is going to end well,” Boone said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. 

Lily shoved him and he huffed. “You have to tell him,” she said, her eyes on yours.

This was precisely what you were afraid of and exactly why you planned your trip around their posted schedule on  YouTube. You weren’t sure you'd ever be ready to deal with him, not after you left.  “No, I don’t. I’m leaving in two days, and as much as I wish I could stay,” 

Boone scoffed, and Lily shoved him again, 

“I have work to get back to,” you explained. 

Lily crossed her arms and her expression shifted to hard determination. “If you don’t tell him, I will,” she stated simply. You blinked hard, and even Boone looked surprised by her boldness. 

“Lily, please, nothing good will come out of this,” you begged. 

The black-haired girl shook her head. “I mean it, he deserves to know,” she said seriously.

You felt tears prick your eyes. “Lily, please, I can't do this now, it’s been too long,” you pleaded. 

Her dark eyes softened and she reached for your hand. “Trust me, he needs to know,” she assured. Your eyes flicked to Boone’s and you could tell he agreed. 

“Fine, I’ll tell him,” you relented. 

“You promise,” she questioned, eyebrows raised. 

“I promise.”

She smiled brightly and pulled you into a hug. “Good. Text me before your flight and we can all get breakfast before you leave,” she chirped. 

You glanced at Boone, and before you could open your mouth, he hugged you and squeezed you tight. “You better text us,” he said into your hair. 

You smiled. “I promise.”. 

Lily looked at her phone and cursed. “Shit, we have to go, Tyler needed the milk to finish the food.” Boone rolled his eyes and grabbed the keys from her.

You shook your head as you walked into the gas station.

Later that night, you stared at Tyler’s contact photo. It was an old one, a picture of him right off a bull, smiling wide, before his injury. You watched the blinking cursor, waiting for some grand thought to strike you on how to tell him you were home. Eventually, you sighed and turned the lamp off.

~~

You closed your eyes as you leaned against your motel door. The morning had been long, and all you wanted to do was sleep. The bankers had been patient with you when they explained where the money in the found account had come from. You were thankful they didn't make things awkward when you started to cry when they explained the money was from a fund your parents set up as a child. You were wiped emotionally, but you knew if you didn't keep your promise to Lily, she would tell Tyler you were in town herself, and you knew that wasn't the right way for him to find out. 

Your phone dinged, and you glanced at it.

From: Lillypad :): We all just left, now’s your chance babes :*

A second later, another text came through. 

From: Booney: he never stopped

You blinked as you stared at the text. Never stopped what? Caring? Missing you the same primal way you missed him? Hating you for leaving him behind after flying out of town like a bat out of hell? You weren't sure, but you knew it was time to find out. 

You slipped out of the dress you wore to the bank and slipped into a tank top, your favorite pair of jeans, and your worn boots. It was now or never. 

To: Lilypad :): He’s still at his mama’s house?

From: Lilypad :): Like he’d ever leave

You felt your heart rate increase as the house came into view. You had so many memories of this place. Memories of the four of you piled up in the living room as kids, memories of you and Tyler sitting on the roof talking about going to college, memories of hugging him as he sobbed when his mama died, and then him holding you in his strong arms after your parents funeral. You shook your head to clear your thoughts, but the one you never stopped thinking of popped into your head instead. 

 The last memory you had of Tyler and this house was five years ago, on the day you left for Texas, and how you swore you saw tears in his green eyes as you drove away from the porch you had both sat on together so many times. You glanced in the visor mirror and realized your eyes were damp. You swiped at them before stepping out of your truck. When Tyler didn't immediately materialize on the front porch, you realized he must be at the back of the house on the sun porch. You took one last deep breath before taking your boots off at the door. You walked in, and a wave of nostalgia hit you as you spotted the magazines by the kitchen sink. You slowly crept through the house, memory after memory hitting you, until you reached the doorway of the sunroom. 

The second your eyes landed on him, it felt like a piece of your heart clicked back into place, and you knew you were exactly where you were meant to be. Thoughts of Texas were forgotten, and you just took him in. He looked good, even better than you remembered. He had a pencil in his mouth, and his brows were creased as he stared at his computer. You stood there and just took in the sight of him until eventually, he looked up.

He blinked several times before getting to his feet. He stood there for several long moments before crossing the room in a few quick steps to stand in front of you. He went to reach for you and then stopped himself. “Are you real?” he whispered into the silence. 

“Hi Tyer,” you murmured. The second his name left your lips, he was pulling you into a crushing hug. You immediately relaxed into his arms, overwhelmed by the feeling of his solid chest against yours and the smell of him; fresh laundry, wind, and something that was so intrinsically Tyler, you could never pinpoint it. 

“You’re here,”  he breathed into your hair. 

You nodded as best as you could pressed so close. “I’m home,” you said, voice laced with double meaning. 

“How? Why? Hey, look at me,” he said gently when you looked down at your feet. 

He hooked his thumb on your chin and brought your head up so you could look up into his eyes. “The bank,” you explained lowly.  He gazed into your eyes, patiently waiting. “The bank found an account, and I had to come sign for it,” you told him. 

“Your parents?” he questioned softly. 

When you didn't answer, he just continued staring into your eyes. He moved closer to you and caressed his thumb over your cheek. “You are one of the strongest people I know,” he said, voice laced with awe. 

You shook your head, temporarily dislodging his fingers from your face.  “I’m not,” you uttered. 

He brought his other hand up to your face and cradled your face. “You are,” he admired. 

You felt moisture gather in your eyes. “How can you say that, I left,” you sniffed. 

He shook his head and brushed a thumb over your cheekbone. “But you came back,” he muttered. The to me went without saying. 

“Tyler,” you said softly, letting yourself trail off.

“You came back,” he emphasized.

“I wasn’t going to,” you whispered.

You felt him flinch. “I wasn’t going to say anything to anyone, and I thought y’all were in Enid wrangling tornados, but then I saw Lily and Boone, and then Lily said if I didn’t tell you, she’d tell you herself, and I knew that wasn’t the right way to find out, so I came here to see you,” you said in a rush.

He glanced away from you, your face still in his hands, before looking back down at you, and you could see the moisture in his eyes. 

“You weren’t going to tell me you were home?” he asked. 

You couldn’t bear to look at the heartbreak in his green eyes, so you broke out of his embrace and sat on the worn sofa in front of the window. “I didn’t know how and wasn’t sure if you still…” you trailed off again. 

He gingerly sat near to you, close enough that your thighs were touching. “If I still what, sweetheart?” he asked as he leaned closer. 

You shrugged, and you both sat in silence for a few moments. “Boone said you never stopped,” you said quietly.

He moved even closer, tugging your legs so they lay over his lap.  “Did he elaborate?” he pressed. 

You shook your head and looked back into his eyes. Just then, you saw all of him. The softness he held for you, how he was letting himself be vulnerable, and the love he felt for you all shining through his eyes. 

“He didn’t have to,” you admitted. 

“Darlin, I know you know,” he said. “All those nights we watched the sky, and all the days spent in this very room, you have to know,” he said. 

You squeezed your eyes shut before opening them again and leaning closer so your foreheads were touching, leaving you practically sitting in his lap. “Of course I did, I’ve always known Tyler since we were kids,” you said emphatically. He let out a shuddery breath but you continued. “But then I lost everything, and it felt like everything changed, and I had to get out, to get away from the grief. I know now, I left you but you never left me.” You had tears running down your face, but Tyler wiped them away with his thumb. 

“Can I kiss you?” he questioned, his lips millimeters from yours. 

Instead of replying, you leaned forward to close the minuscule gap. He groaned into your mouth and you wrapped your arms around his neck. When the two of you had to part for air, Tyler immediately ducked down to suck on your neck. 

“Tyler, the marks,” you said weakly. 

“Yeah baby, I bet you’re gonna wear them like a trophy,” he hummed against your throat. You moaned and pulled him back up to your lips by his hair, and he groaned into your mouth. “That’s it, sweetheart, let me hear you,” he mumbled. You moaned again when he gently bit your lip, his tongue quickly coming behind to soothe it. “Tell me this is okay; tell me I can show you how much I’ve always loved you,” he begged.

“Show me, please. Show me, Ty,” you said softly.

He went back to your neck, peppering you with small kisses and intermittent sucks.

“Tyler, I need more,” you whined. 

“More,” he wondered. 

“Please Tyler, don't tease,” you begged, tugging at his hair. He shifted you so you were straddling his sweatpant-clad thigh, and smirked when you moaned at the friction. 

“Fuck,��� you whimpered. 

“Is that what you needed darlin’?” he teased. 

You bit your lip and brought your hand down to cup him through his sweatpants and he groaned, his forehead coming to rest against yours. 

“Is that what you needed, darlin’?” you parroted, eyebrow raised. 

“Oh you little-,” he cut himself off by rolling you both over so you were caged underneath him, quickly adjusting so his knee was connected to your core. 

“Sweetheart, I’ve waited too damn long for this for us to tease each other,” he confessed as he kissed down your neck. 

“Why don’t you do something about it then cowboy?” you asked, smirking. 

“There’s that fire,” he chuckled. He sat up on his legs, pulling you with him, and in one fluid motion, he had your tank top on the floor. He attached his lips to your newly revealed collarbone, one-handedly unlipped your bra, and added that to the quickly growing pile of clothes. You kicked your boots off and turned back to find him staring.

You shivered under his stare. “Your turn cowboy,” you told him, tugging on his shirt. 

In one move his shirt was on the ground, and he was pressed up against your bare chest. 

“Kiss me, please Tyler,” you pled. 

He kissed both of your cheeks before capturing your lips in a passionate kiss. You moaned as you pressed down against his thigh harder, slowly starting to grind yourself down. A second later he was kissing his way down your chest, stopping to circle his tongue against your left nipple, and then the right one, before going back to suck the left one into his mouth. 

You moaned in pleasure and your hand shot up to grip his hair, causing him to moan against your skin. “Fuck,” you cursed, arching your back as he gently bit down. He crept lower, kissing along your stomach as he went. He kissed along the edge of your jeans and raised a hand to undo the button. He let his head fall back down and leaned in, slowly bringing down the zipper with his teeth. 

“Tyler, holy fuck,” you groaned. You could practically feel his smirk against your thigh.

 “Yeah? I thought you might like that,” he chuckled. 

He peeled your jeans off and then stood up. When you looked at him with confusion, his smoldering eyes softened. “Sweetheart, as long as I've waited for this, you can bet that sweet ass of yours that the first time I get inside you will not be on a couch. 

You giggled as he pulled you up into his arms, your legs automatically wrapping around his muscular hips. You buried your face in his neck as he carried you the short distance to his room, sucking and biting your marks into his perfect skin. 

You whimpered at the loss of contact as he lowered you to the bed. He kissed you softly, and you sighed happily as his tongue brushed against yours. He brushed his hands over your shoulders, down your arms, and to your stomach. He rubbed your clit through your panties, and you arched into his touch. “How long has it been, sweetheart,” he questioned with a kiss to your hip bone. 

“Too long,” you panted. 

A moan broke out of your throat when he sunk his teeth into the meat of your thigh. 

“Tyler, please, I need you,” you begged brokenly. He hummed again as he hooked his fingers on the sides of your panties, slowly peeling them down your legs, leaving wet kisses as he went. 

“Fuck honey, look at you,” he said in awe. “Prettiest pussy I’ve ever seen,” he said.

You groaned and threw an arm over your red cheeks.

“Nuh huh,” Tyler admonished. “Let me see all of you. I’ve waited so long for this, sweet girl,” he said as he slid his fingers over your slicked entrance. 

“Shit, Ty,” you breathed. 

“There we go,” he said, his eyes alight, “let me hear you.”

He dipped his middle finger inside you, gathering your wetness, before he got down on his stomach. He slid his finger in and out, his mouth just a breath away from where you needed him the most. 

“I thought you said no teasing,” you whined as you moved to tug him where you needed him. Before you could, he licked a stripe right through your core. “Fuck,” you yelped.

He didn't say another word, just clamped his large hands around your thighs and licked at you like a man starved. 

“Ty, Ty, Ty,” you chanted. 

He mumbled something against you, and you groaned at the vibrations. 

He pulled away just long enough to suck in a deep breath and murmur, “Sweetest pussy I’ve ever tasted.” before attaching his lips to your clit. He eased a finger inside of you, and then moments later, he added another. 

“Ty, fuck, please, I'm ready, I need you,” you sobbed. He withdrew his fingers and crawled back up to pull you in for a kiss. 

You both simultaneously groaned at the taste of you on your tongues. 

He pressed himself against your dripping core, and you gasped into his mouth. Even through his sweatpants, you could tell he was big. 

“Darlin’,” he started, hissing when you pushed your hips down onto him, “I want this just as bad, but I’ll let you know when you can take me,” he finished. 

You ground down on him again, and he hissed through his teeth. “Tyler Owens, if you don't finish what you started in the next five seconds, I'm going to leave and finish it myself,” you threatened. You both knew it was an empty threat; you wanted each other too badly and had waited too long to call it quits now, but the empty threat seemed to put him into overdrive. He peeled his sweatpants off and went back down to suck at your clit. 

“How about this honey? Give me one, and I’ll fill you up like you need,” he bargained. Before you could respond, he was face-first into your pussy, two fingers curling just right. 

“Fuck,” you screamed. 

He pulled away to watch your face, his fingers never stopping. “That’s it, darlin’, come for me, come for me, and I’ll give you my cock,” he crooned at you.

Your arm shot out, and your nails dug into his bicep as you screamed out your orgasm. Before the after-shocks even subsided, Tyler was kissing you hard as he lined himself up with your entrance.

You both groaned when he finally sunk into you. “Fuck darlin’, if you keep squeezin’ me like that, this is going to be over faster than we both want,” he cursed from above you. 

“Fuck Ty, I can't help it,” you whined. It didn't take long for you to adjust, and before you knew it, you were begging again. “Ty, move,” you begged. He started slow, building up a rhythm, and before long, he was letting out small groans in time to his thrusts.

The two of you fell into a breathless rhythm of give-and-take, sweat shining on Tyler's temple and your hair like a halo around your head. 

On a specific stroke, your eyes rolled back into your head. You shouted and dug your heels into his back. “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” you squealed. 

“Yeah, right there, honey. Did I find your sweet spot,” he crooned. 

You clenched down, and he cursed. “Don't stop, Ty,” you cried. Your whole body felt lit up from the inside out. 

He pulled almost all the way out and swiftly pushed back in. Your bodies moved in tandem, a give and take until all you could do was grip his sweat-slicked bicep and hold on. 

“Fuck, I'm close, sweetheart. Give me one more, one more. Let me see you come undone for me,” he moaned. 

He reached down to rub your clit, and your back arched, your whole body like a live wire.

“Fuck, fuck, where,” he stammered. 

“Inside, fuck Tyler, please, give it to me. I’ve got an implant. Give it to me, baby,” you chanted. 

He groaned and fell forward to rest his head on your shoulder as he came. You both lay there for several moments, breathing harshly into each other's ears. 

Eventually, Tyler pulled you close and gently pulled out, shushing you gently as you whined. “I’ll be right back, darlin’,” he told you. You smiled to yourself and sunk deeper into the mattress. A second later, Tyler exited the in-suite bathroom and gently wiped you off with a warm washcloth. When he was done, he threw it in the hamper, crawled behind you, and spooned you close. He kissed your head and sighed in contentment. You both lay there in silence for a while, soaking up each other's warmth and drawing random patterns onto each other’s skin.

After a while, you pipped up. “I have to go back to Texas.” Tyler’s whole body tensed, but before he could say anything, you rolled over to face him and silenced him with a kiss. “I have a job to quit and a lease to break,” you told him gently, smiling. 

He grinned at you. “I think I know a place you can stay at so last minute,” he told you before leaning in for a kiss.

[kpop---scenarios]

Compromised (5)

Pairing: Bang Chan x Reader

Warning: Betrayal...

Word Count: 1.5k

Taglist: @velvetmoonlght @piscesrising01 @baby-stay92 @kisses-too-the-moon @dwaekkiiracha @rylea08 @imperfectlyperfectprincess1 @satosugu4l @iovecb97 @lordmaahes-nsc @sailorkoss @minh0scat @pixie0627 @50-husbands @jinnies-muse @yaorzu-blog @stanskzot8 @jisunglyricist @bangchannie97lov @armystay89 @machaandlofi

@silly250 @tsunderelino @1810cl @neyangi @gloriajovicc

Previous Chapters

Later in the day you ended up in the living room surrounded by 8 men, Chan included as you're interrogated about what you did to Jopok, or what you could possibly know about them.

“Y/N, dammit. I need you to think a little fucking harder.” one of Chan's guys yells. You're pretty sure his name is Hyunjin. And even though Hyunjin was extremely attractive, as they all were, you needed him to be a little nicer to you. This shit was traumatic.

“I'm sorry, my brain is fried. I'm exhausted, I'm shaken up and I'm scared. You might be used to all of this shit, but I am not used to having guns shoved in my face and bullets flying around all willy nilly.” You snap.

Han and Changbin burst out laughing. You can't help but smile at Han stomping his feet as he smacks Changbin, them both laughing and leaning into each other.

“Focus.” Hyunjin snaps at the two. “Has anyone new come up to you in the last few months? Spoken to you? Anything?” He asks.

You shake your head. “No, nothing. I've been with Chan for the most part, and if I'm not I'm at home, or work.” You sigh.

“What do you do for work?” He asks.

“Legal assistant.”

“Have you had any Jopok cases?” Chan asks, rubbing your arm. You don't pull away from him like you knew you should. You were confused by everything that was going on with him but he was your one comfort currently and you needed that and despite everything, you still trusted him.

“I don't know anyone there.” You sigh. “It's not like there's ‘Jopok Case’ written on any of the documents.”

“For fuck sakes.” Hyunjin snaps. “You want our help, you're going to need to think a little fucking harder here Y/N.”

“Hey!” Chan yells, standing up, partially standing in front of you. “She's trying her best. She's fucking scared, give her some god damn time.”

Hyunjin throws his hands in the air, muttering some hurtful words as he storms out of the room.

“Look, I'm gonna go out, do some rounds and see what I can find out.” Chan announces, standing up.

“Chan.” You say, grabbing onto his wrist. “Please don't go.” You whisper.

“Don't worry baby, I'll be safe.” He smiles, pressing a small kiss to your lips. “They'll take care of you, promise.”

Chan walks away and out the door, leaving you with six men you barely know, but before you can say anything, Hyunjin comes back into the room, looking around at everyone, but avoiding eye contact with you.

“Changbin, Felix, Seungmin, and Minho come with me. Han and Jeongin, you two watch over the girl.” He says, motioning for the other ones to follow him. The rest get up, leaving you with Han and Jeongin, who are looking at each other, nodding before looking back at you.

“I gotta take this phone call.” Jeongin smiles, walking out of the room.

“I'm sorry about Hyunjin.” Han says, giving you a half smile. “He can be really intense sometimes.”

“Yeah.” You chuckle. “I noticed that. I'm sorry I wasn't more help… this has all just been…” You pause. “Alot.”

“I can imagine.” Han chuckles, looking past you for a split second before he looks back at you. “Do you want to take a walk? I can show you a spot I go to try and decompress after a tough day.” He suggests.

“Honestly, that sounds great.” You smile, getting up to follow Han. As the two of you walk towards the front door, Jeongin joins the two of you, walking behind you and following you out the door.

“Such a beautiful property.” You murmur looking around as the three of you walk towards the woods.

“It is. No one is around for miles.” Jeongin says. Your stomach turns as the little voice in your head tells you to stop and turn back.

“I um, I need to use the bathroom.” You say, stopping in your tracks.

“It's just right up here.” Han says, pointing into the woods.

“Maybe later, I really have to go.” You say, turning around. You start to walk away when you feel a hand on your wrist.

“Stop.” Jeongin snaps. He turns you around, facing you towards the woods, where you see four masked men walk out onto the grass, all of them pointing guns at you.

“What… what's going on?” You ask.

“Jopok is looking for you. You can't run from them, Y/N.” Jeongin says. He leans into you, his lips close to your ear. “This was our way in. It's nothing personal.” He smiles, standing back up. He looks at two of the men, harshly pushing you towards them, making you fall to the ground.

“Take her.” Jeongin says. “Han, let's go.”

Two of the four men grab you, dragging you back into the woods as you try to fight, try to scream and plead for Jeongin or Han to help you but you're dragged further and further into the woods while you watch Han and Jeongin walk back towards the house, completely ignoring your pleas for help.

**

“Y/N, baby?” Chan calls out, checking the living room right as he walks into the house. The other men return home mere minutes after him, watching him go from room to room trying to find you.

“Did you find anything out?” Hyunjin asks.

“Yeah, just let me find Y/N first.” He says, walking towards the stairs to check his own room.

“She's not up there.” Han sighs, walking into the living room.

“What the fuck do you mean?” Chan snaps.

“She was scared. She got into her own head and said she was going home.” Han sighs.

“We tried to stop her, Chan. We really did. But she said she didn't trust you anymore… you weren't the man she fell for and she needed to go.” Jeongin pipes up.

“I tried to reason with her but she wouldn't listen. She made up her mind and said that she had to go.” Han explains.

“I have to find her. She's not fucking safe!” Chan yells, rushing towards the door.

“Yo, Chan, you can't risk being found out!” Han says, walking towards Chan. “Let us go to her apartment. Text me the address and if she's there we'll bring her back.”

“You couldn't even get her to stay!” Chan yells. “How can you get her back?”

“We'll figure it out. I promise, We'll do our best to find her.” Jeongin smiles, patting Chan on the shoulder. He sinks to the floor, holding his head in his hands and Jeongin and Han walk away.

“Please. Please bring her back.” He murmurs. Jeongin and Han walk away from his pleas, just like they did yours.

**

“The fuck are we gonna tell him?” Jeongin murmurs, walking through your empty apartment, going through your things, looking in all your cupboards and drawers as they kill time.

“We can't tell him Jokpok has her, he'll go after them.” Han sighs. “We'll tell him that she wasn't here when we got here. That there were clothes thrown all around and it looked like she packed a bag and left town?” He suggests.

“That's good. Yeah, that might work.” Jeongin laughs. “He can't find out about this.”

“No, at least not until the switch is complete. We need the protection of the Jopok before he can find out or they'll all fucking kill us.” Han says.

“No matter what.” Jeongin starts. “No one can know we gave Y/N to them.”

“Agreed.”

A few hours later, the two men walked back into the house and walked into the living room where Chan sat as he impatiently waited for his two, what he considered brothers, to walk in.

“Where is she!?” He yells, getting off the couch.

“There were clothes all over the place. Empty drawers… Empty cupboards… it looks like she took off.” Jeongin sighs.

“Maybe it's for the best?” Han suggests.

“How the fuck is that for the best?” Chan snaps. “She has no idea what or who she's running from. She cant fucking protect herself! Tell me, how the fuck is that the better option?”

“It's not. What the fuck, Han?” Felix snaps. “We'll find her.”

“We better. She'll die if they catch her.”

**

“Someone!” You cry out. “Please! Someone help me!” Your arms are tied tightly behind your back, your ankles tied tightly together. You were panicking, rightfully so as you tried to come up with some sort of possible solution to get the fuck out of there.

Your face burned from the hits you had gotten while trying to fight some of them off earlier. You tried your fucking hardest to get out of the almost inhuman grip that had on your body but you were exhausted. You just wanted to go home. You wanted Chan. You needed him to find out you were here, you needed him to come save you. He would do that, right?

“I don't know anything!” You scream, tears streaming down your face. “Just let me out!”

“Shut the fuck up!” Someone screams from outside the locked door. You can hear the deadbolt click before the door opens, in walking a familiar man.

You gasp as he walks in, his hands in his pockets.

“It's you?”

[marsontherocks]

And They Were Roommates Ch 8

Simon "Ghost" Riley x Trans!Hispanic! Male Reader

Summary (ao3 link): You've come to a conclusion that has you changing the way you act around Simon, and he notices.

A/N: Oh man, I was so confident I would finish this earlier, and then I got an awful cold. Sowwy :( Take this as an end-of-year gift :3 I feel much more confident in writing this now, and I hope you enjoy the chapter :)

Prev Part | Next Part

It’s approximately 8 PM when you get home. Not your latest, but also not your earliest. Your neck hurts from the odd angles you were using while working on the mural. “Simon! I’m back!” You call out while re-locking the door to the studio.

There’s a bark and then Riley is bounding down the stairs, tail wagging furiously. “I see someone has the zoomies,” You chuckle as Riley jumps onto your legs.

“They both do,” Simon sighs as he comes down the stairs. As if sensing Simon’s displeasure, there is a loud crash upstairs, followed by Willy hissing. Both of you give each other a long look of dread before heading upstairs, Riley trailing behind you.

A once was vase lies shattered on the ground near the coffee table, and a couple of feet away, flicking his tail on top of his cat tree, is Willy. “Must you be so destructive?” You sigh.

“I’ll clean it up,” Simon says.

“Thanks, Si.” You hum.

After taking your shoes off and a quick trip to your room to retrieve some clothes, you beeline for the shower, giving a pointed stern look to Willy on the way, who gives you a rather sassy look back. By the time You come out of the shower, the mess is cleaned up and Simon is lying on the couch, watching Riley attempt to initiate play with Willy.

You approached the couch and Simon moved his legs back, allowing you to sit in the spot his legs were occupying. After plopping down into the seat, Simon laid his legs onto your lap. The two of you watch as Willy hisses at Riley, which sends the dog scampering away into Simon’s room.

After sitting silently for a bit, basking in the domesticity, Simon speaks up, “How's your mural going?”

“Good! How was home?” You settle into the couch, looking over at Simon.

“I’ve only been here a couple hours now.”

“Really, where have you been?”

“I went to lunch with Johnny.”

You try to ignore the heat of jealousy in your gut. Soap's nice, great even. He's told you more about Simon in a week than Simon himself has in five years. And it's clear the two get along well. “Awesome, what did you two get?”

“Sandwiches.”

“Were they good?”

Simon shrugs nonchalantly, something you learned a few years after meeting that meant ‘it wasn't awful but not going again’, staring at you with tired eyes.

You nod, “Want to watch something?”

“Yeah.”

You scroll through YouTube before finding a video you’ll both like. A couple minutes into the video, Simon sits up and turns around so he can rest his head in your lap instead. You mindlessly go to play with Simon’s hair but quickly stop yourself, instead choosing to cross your arms and mostly keep to yourself.

Simon frowns but tries not to think much of it.

Halfway through the video, Simon hears your stomach growl. “Did you eat?”

You try to think, but can't remember eating recently.  “Fuck, I don't think I did.”

Simon sits up, “Want anything specific?”

“No, no. It's fine, I got it.” You reassure, standing up quickly and heading to the kitchen.

Two. Two days, five hours, and going on 36 minutes, Simon had counted. Two days, five hours, and 36 minutes of you avoiding physical contact with him. It was a nightmare. Hugs, high-fives, cuddling, knocking their feet together under the dining table, it was ingrained into Simon’s at-home schedule and you were practically avoiding him now.

It was making Simon feel like shit, but he wasn’t going to force you to interact with him. His weighted blanket wasn't doing its job to combat this new change in his norm. Simon needed to feel like his bones were being crushed, but he knew that wasn't possible at the moment or safe, so he whistled for the next option.

Riley practically barreled into the bedroom, tail wagging furiously when he spotted Simon’s head peeking from under the blankets. Simon stuck a hand out and patted his soft blanket over his weighted one. The dog jumped onto the bed and settled on his torso, Simon grunted.

“Do you think I did something wrong?” Simon impulsively asks out loud.

Funnily enough, Riley tilted his head in what the man can only assume is intrigue. Simon questioned if he was really about to complain to his dog.

Yes.

“I thought everything was going good,” Simon sighs. “Johnny said it was going good on his end. He started asking me questions about stuff Johnny told him, even joked about it with me…”

Riley rested his head on Simon’s chest. The angle made the dog's face look funny from Simon’s point of view, but he was too tired to laugh. Instead, Riley let out one of those sad dog sighs and Simon can't help but agree. “Maybe he’s not interested… or heard something he didn’t like?”

Simon sat in silence, thinking about all the situations where he could have fucked it up with you when Willy started to meow very loudly from the living room. Groaning, Simon sat up, gently pushing Riley off, causing the dog to jump off the bed and run into the living room. Shuffling across the floor, Simon entered the living room and the second he was in Willy’s sight, the cat stopped screaming. “What?”

Willy flicked his tail and Simon finally registered that he was sitting next to his food bowl. It was full, but Willy had eaten the center of it. “It’s full.” Willy meowed back, almost like a bratty child.

Simon sighed deeply, walking up to the bowl and shaking it, leveling it out. Willy rubbed his head into Simon’s knuckles before continuing to chow down on his food. After giving the spoiled cat a few scratches behind the ear, Simon started to head back to his room when Riley whined, pacing by the stairs.

One distressed groan and a harrowing mission to find a pair of socks later, and Simon was miserably basking in the cold air and sunlight while Riley violated a patch of dying grass. “Maybe he realized what was going on, and just… doesn’t feel the same,” Simon thought out loud. Riley glanced back at him, judgment in his eyes for talking to him while mid-business.

“You’re right, I should have been upfront from the beginning,” Simon concluded. Riley finished his business, and Simon glanced around lazily for any witnesses before kicking some dirt over the pile.

Halfway back, Riley barked and jumped as they approached someone. “Oh, Simon!” Your voice calls out.

Simon froze up and looked up to see you approaching, car keys in one hand and a bucket of paint in the other. “I thought you were at the doctor's office?”

“I was, but I ran out of green. Need a lot of that for dinosaurs and prehistoric plants, it turns out.” You explain, petting Riley with your hand with the keys.

“Yeah…” Simon trailed off, not sure if he should say something about the situation.

You nodded, and the two of you stood there awkwardly until someone on their phone pushed past, bumping into you. Simon tried not to think of all the violent acts he now wanted to commit against this passerby. “Right, I should probably get back to the office.”

“Yeah, see you at home.”

You gave him another quick smile before walking past him and to your shared car. Simon watched you get in the car and sit for a bit before, giving a quick wave and driving off. Not even a shoulder bump. Simon felt miserable again.

As soon he opened the door to the studio and unclipped the leash, Riley sprinted upstairs. After trudging up the stairs himself and passing by Riley practically attacking the water in his bowl and Willy making use of the litter box, Simon locked himself in his room. Finally, back under the safety of his blankets, Simon closed his eyes, half determined to sleep through this nightmare.

Old man is calling. The robotic voice of his phone chirped.

Simon managed to not toss the phone across the room, instead answering the phone with a growly ‘What?’

“Bad time?” Price huffed

“Always is.” Simon groaned.

“Well stay in a bad mood, we’ll need it.”

“When?”

“Now.”

“Be there soon… might need a ride.”

“I’ll send Garrick.”

You steady yourself as you hop off the step ladder. “Fucking finally,” You mumble.

It was late, and the only person left in the building was a janitor and your friend who needed a ride since his car broke down. You start to clean up, closing up paints and cleaning off brushes. “Finishing up?” Your friend asks, coming down the hall from his office.

“Yeah, I think I’ll be done with this tomorrow by the way.”

“I’ll let Samantha know.” He hums, stopping next to you, gazing up at the almost-finished cartoon dinosaur mural. “This is pretty fucking cool, by the way.”

“Thanks, bit different from my normal work, but I love stuff like this.”

“How's your guard dog?”

You made a distressed sound and sat on the floor. “Not good.”

“What happened?” He asked, leaning on the non-painted wall.

“Remember that friend of his I told you about?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m like 99.9% sure they are… together.”

He stared at you like you had officially lost it. “Well, I’m 99.9% sure you might have lost some screws on the way here.”

You rolled your eyes, “C’mon, I’m being serious.”

“Yeah, me too. You expect me to believe the guy who looks at you like you made the fucking universe, is into someone who isn't you?”

“Yeah, and he does not look at me like that.”

Your friend pinched the bridge of his nose, “I should hit you for saying that.”

You groan, “Why do I talk to you about this stuff? You’re not even seeing anyone.”

“Actually…”

You snapped your head in Barry’s direction. “Shut the fuck up, no you’re not.”

“Hey! What’s so unbelievable about that!?”

“Literally everything.”

“Well, for your information, I am seeing someone, and just for that, you’re not getting any information about it out of me.”

“I’m telling our only other friend, this is breaking news.”

“Oh absolutely not, I’m still getting messages from them from when I broke my arm six years ago .”

“Skill iss…” You trail off as you look at your message notifications. “Oh.”

“What?”

“Simon texted me he’s off leave.”

“Oh, that sucks.”

You sheepishly rub your neck, “Yeah, it won't make much of a difference though as of late.”

He raises a brow, “What does that mean?”

“I may have been avoiding him…”

“You’re going to single-handedly raise my blood pressure, just so you are aware.”

“Well, I figured it was best to give him some distance since he’s clearly already with someone.” You shrug.

“Take me home before I commit two acts of violence.” Your friend sighs at your defiance to believe him.

“I know the first act, but what’s the second?”

“Making sure there are no witnesses left.”

The janitor passing by with her mop bucket nods, “Very smart.”

-

A/N: I'm sure most of you knew what the misunderstanding was from the beginning lol Reader: Wow, these two are close. Clearly, they are dating, and there is no other reasonable explanation. I will never emotionally recover from this. Simon, shaking: I should have never eaten the last slice of pizza, now he'll never love me. Soap and Reader's friend: Do you see this shit, Riley?

-Next Part-

Taglist: @kkaaaagt

If you would like to be on the tag list, you can send an ask or comment :)

[agentkaz]

kloktober day

17: use the ghost of a dead character

basically a sequel type thing to one i did last year. pretty obvious concept, but i really like this one.

"Hey, Willy, whatcha doin'?"

Murderface practically jumped out of his seat at the sound of a familiar voice. He turned, saw Knubbler floating next to him with a grin, hazy and translucent, and he turned back, rubbing his forehead. "Fuck, now I'm hallucinating. Great. That's what I needed today!"

"Nope!" Knubbler said, flipping himself upside down in front of Murderface. "It's the real deal. I'm haunting you, babe. So could you act a little scared for a second? Y'know, just in case the big ghost bosses are watching."

Murderface stared at Knubbler silently for a moment before he gritted his teeth and launched himself at him, hands balled into fists. "Fuck you! I'm gonna kill you!"

"Murderface! Hey! Stop! I'm already dead!" Knubbler pulled out of Murderface's way before he could even try to make contact.

Murderface crossed his arms in a huff and settled back down. "Why are you haunting me? What the fuck did I do?" he asked. "Is this 'cause I was mad at you for dying? Because… I'm not sorry for the fucking monument, okay? You needed something really brutal!"

"'Cause being a ghost fuckin' sucks, that's why!" Knubbler groaned and flipped himself back over right side up and took his place next to Murderface, hovering over the couch cushion, one leg over the other. "There's nothing to fuckin' do! I'm just supposed to, what, float there? Yell "boo" at the yard wolves? And then whenever you show up, I can't do shit. Tried it! So I went, okay, I'll go haunt Murderface. Then it'll count as ghost shit and I don't have to be out here. And here I am, baby!" He held his arms out in a "ta-da" gesture.

"You fucking asshole!" Murderface moved to punch him in the arm, losing his balance when his fist sailed right through. "So… you're just gonna hang around here now? With me?" He sounded hopeful as he sat himself up again.

"Well, yeah, babe." Knubbler reached out to grab Murderface's hand and it went right through it, but to Murderface, it was the thought that counted. He cupped his hand as if he was holding Knubbler's right back. "That's the plan."

"Oh. Cool."

They sat there in silence for a little while, trying to just pay attention to the TV, like everything was normal. Then Murderface took a deep breath. "What was that about big ghost bosses?"

"Don't worry about it, babe," Knubbler said.

"Oh." Finally, Murderface stood up. "Hey, let's go fuck with everybody."

[humanitieswalkingredflag]

confession headcanons with lotor, acxa and allura

notes: first post on this account, figured I'd start off with something pretty simple tags: friends to lovers, confessions, first kisses, hugs, overall just fluff lmfao, claustrophobia, tight spaces, being locked into a closet word count: 1.5k

[ lotor ]

okay so first of all Lotor would act one of two ways if he had feelings for you

either he'd be extremely suave around you (and of course a blushing mess the second you acted even close to similar)

or he'd be almost mean? like I feel like he would ignore you if you were someone he really cared about and/or someone he was enemies with

in the latter case its a situation where he doesn't want you knowing

I feel like, if you two went from friends to lovers, it would more be the second option, so we're going to go with that

so you've been noticing for a while that Lotor's been ignoring you for a while

and you're like hey bitch what gives, so you go and ask him why

poor lotor is an absolute mess. he has no clue what to say

cause like obviously he can't say, "Yeah I was ignoring you because you're super hot and I'm in love with you." So he just kinda stands there like 🧍 "How can I help you?"

but now ur like lowkey pissed so you just force answers out of him by like getting super mad

and he's just like 😒 "why do u care?"

hehe you just yell out "Cause I love you fucking idiot."

and then you realize what you just said and storm off lmfao

poor man has a panic attack and then just chases you into the hallway, grabbing you and pinning you against a wall as gently as he can.

"did you... mean that?" lotor forces out, cradling your cheek in his large hand. his cheeks are red, you notice with some satisfaction, and as you revel in this affection after weeks of being starved of it you realize that the likelihood of lotor feeling the same way is really quite large.

so, after working up insane amounts of courage, you go on your tippy toes, guide lotor's head down to a height where you can reach him, and peck him gently on the lips, pulling away quickly, cheeks dusted red. "uh... sorry," you look away, not wanting to make eye contact with him, "If you don't feel the same way... you can just ign-"

"- I do feel the same way," he coughs out, also not meeting your gaze.

"Oh."

Lotor steels himself, then leans down, tilting your head up with his warm hand as he gently meets your lips, deepening the kiss as you smile into it.

After some time he breaks away, smiling.

the man is emotionally stunted but you can fix that *winks*

[ a/n that was shit lmfao he's quite ooc i hope y'all don't mind ]

[ acxa ]

acxa would be really subtle if she had feelings for you

if you guys go from strangers to lovers, then she'll probably just subtly do things for you

she's going to get a coffee, she'll ask if you want one as well

just the little things

if it's a friends to lovers scenario, she might leave lingering touches along your arms or hands

I feel like her main love language is acts of service, considering she's relatively closed off due to her military history, so she will do more things for you, as I already mentioned. however if she has feelings for you beyond just friendship, she might also cave to your love language as well

physical touch? she's letting you hug her, which leads to ezor teasing her so fucking much because usually acxa will just step back if someone tries something like that

if its gift giving, expect small, practical things likes knives or omnitools. she won't give elaborate gifts all willy-nilly, but she does know what you like for, for example, your birthday

anyway back to the confession (I got a bit off track there lmfao)

so acxa will be realllll subtle, and you'll just be blushing your ass off lmfao

like she'll gently adjust some hair so that it's again behind your ear and you will just go red as a tomato

the issue here is that ACXA IS FUCKING OBLIVIOUS

doesn't notice a thing

this means ezor (best wingman fr) and zethrid (their exhausted gf) have to play cupid and get you two together, because ofc only ezor sees the signs and has to act on them

anyway, the actual confession is relatively simple, because ezor dedicates so much of their time into getting you two into the closet together that zethrid swears she hasn't slept all week

(the sheer amount of failed attempts... is astounding)

so ezor is like, hey, [reader] wanted to meet you here for something top secret and pushes acxa into the closest, meanwhile zethrid just picks you up and drops you inside, closing and locking the door as soon as you two are in there

ofc they're both outside listening in

anyway acxa starts off by trying to break down the door, like the night in shining armor she is, but as soon as she realizes that it's futile she just slumps against the wall and accepts defeat

i mean ofc she knows why ezor is doing this

doesn't mean she has to like it

"so..." you blurt out, awkwardly rubbing the back of your head with your palm. internally, you're panicing at being locked inside a tight space with none other than acxa, the object of your affections, but you hope that you can at least display some composure around her.

you wouldn't want her to think you a complete fool.

acxa raises an eyebrow, "yeah?"

"how are we going to get out of here?" you ask, saying the first thing that comes to mind.

"they'll let us out eventually."

"hopefully. why do you think they locked us in here?" of course you know why the locked you in here. you should never have told ezor about your feelings for acxa, the general always was far too eager to play matchmaker to trust properly with sensitive emotions.

acxa doesn't reply for a while, simply tilting her head at you. she supposes it's now or never. the quicker she confesses the quicker you're both out of here; you've mentioned hating tight spaces before and she doesn't want to inconvenience you any further.

"they locked us in here because of my feelings for you, [reader]."

your eyes widen and your cheeks go red at the implication in her words. "do you-"

"they're romantic, yes, before you ask."

you swallow, "okay. um. I uh-"

"you feel the same way?"

"yes."

acxa sighs, in relief, and stands. as she steps towards you, you reach a hand out so that she may help you up. yet instead of staying standing up she kneels before you, her face at level with yours. as she takes your face in her warm hands, you smile, and she lends you one in return, right before your lips meet hers. the kiss is warm, nice, gentle, soft. you seperate, but before you can lean back against the wall, she grabs your collar, whispers, "may I?", waits for your nod then clashes your lips against her own, this one much hungrier.

ezor tugs the door open right then, but acxa just keeps kissing you.

[ a/n i am so gay. so. so gay ]

[ allura ]

THE SWEETEST

so obvious tho

but to everyone but you

again you are both oblivious to each other's blushing messes

"you look really pretty/handsome today," you are SCREAMING

in reply: "may I braid your hair, princess?" allura perishes on the spot and is so unbelievably red the entire time-

coran is, in this case, playing wingman

SHE STARTS WRITING LOVE LETTERS

they're always signed:

- from your sky princess

you only catch on at dinner one evening and you have that AHA! moment right next to coran

oh allura is so embarassed when you just stand up, tug out a letter and point at her while jumping up and down

but coran is smirking so hard lmfao

"you wrote the letters! princess you should have told me in person!" you're overjoyed; she returns your feelings! but why didn't she just tell you?

"I was scared you didn't feel the same way, love," allura replies.

you hands down leap towards her, hugging her so hard that she has to tell you to losen your grip a bit, lest you strangle her and you just cover her face in kisses. as you realize what you're doing though you jump away and blush hard, "sorry, I should have asked."

she shuts you up by tugging you back onto her lap and kissing you softly. "It is not an issue, my love."

you legitimately short circuit.

meanwhile the paladins: 😃 what the fuck 😃

cr: @humanitieswalkingredflag 2022 - by reading this you are agreeing to the following - this is my content and you will not copy it to any other websites - I do not own any of the characters, however I do own the work I write - I do not profit off of this content

[bugtransport]

Kamen Rider Stronger finished April 20, 2023

i forgot i finished this on 4/20. LONG POST WARNING!!

Okay, before I start this one, holy shit I’ve done so much since the last time I wrote one of these. Let me get back into the groove here. Stronger is in a weird spot where I feel like I have to recap a lot to talk about what I want to talk about so there’s going to be a lot of that. This one builds. Let me convince you that General Shadow is an interesting character.

AS ALWAYS: I’ll be dropping spoilers willy-nilly for like every series leading up to this + all of Stronger but there's an extra warning before the show ending spoilers. Thank you.

YIPPEE!

I know I've already owned up to it but at this point let's make it official... Showa Rider might be made for me? Every single time I try to think back about what I just watched to write about it I'm hit with the exact same thought: holy shit, that was SO fun. It is, it really is and always is. I had a blast, thanks. This is also the first time I've really felt like the way that I'm watching this (by starting at the very beginning and just blasting through season by season) has actually paid off! The past couple seasons have gotten interestingly experimental but Stronger feels like they were attempting to return to form while still using the knowledge they learned along the way. It's kind of adjacent to how V3 felt like '71 Rider refined; Jo Shigeru came in like "we are SO fucking back." 

The comparison between V3 and Stronger extends to the main characters too; I think that Kazami and Shigeru are more alike than not. We've been rotating protags (sans Hayato, sorry babe but you’re special in my eyes) in a pattern I've described as "sensory issues -> batshit -> wet" where for as much as I compared Hongo and Amazon to each other in the "the world is so loud and scary and I can't trust myself to not lash out and that scares me more" department I have to do the same for Kazami and Shigeru in the "hey boss, I'm gonna go fucking, I don't know, dig this bullet out of my shoulder with a knife I cleaned by spitting on it and then electrocute myself for funsies" department. Like okay, take a look at this list I whipped up here:

Both Kazami and Shigeru wanted to become borgs to avenge people who were dear to them and killed by the organizations in their respective series; Kazami for his family and Shigeru for his friend. Though Shigeru went straight to the source while Kazami tried to convince Hongo and Hayato to borg him first to no avail, you can’t tell me that Kazami didn’t jump into that beam and save the two of them and not think that might win him brownie points that he could then later use to convince the two of them that yes, this is the right thing to do and he would be a great addition to the team. 

Both of them have another Rider with them (I count Tackle!) who aren’t really… fully borged? Yuki isn’t for sure, he’s just got the arm; I’m not sure exactly whether or not Yuriko is a full borg because I don’t believe they straight up address that in the show but they sure didn’t address her like one and I’ve heard some things (...we’ll get into this later) that would lead me to believe that she was meant to be only partially there originally and get to full borgification by the end of the show. Both of them fought with the respective riders they were paired with. Also, both of their mouths are out in their suits! Very cute! 

Speaking of suits, both of them have very silly little suits that I don’t think anyone else in the series could pull off wearing. Imagine if Keisuke transformed into V3 or something. I think I’d cry looking at that. Hayato as Stronger? Man, he doesn’t have the sheer balls for that one. Sorry king…

Which of course leads me to: they’ve both got huge egos. I really don’t need to elaborate on this one, look at the shit the two of them pull… Kazami a little more in the physical department with the stunts he does and Shigeru socially with his cockiness, but you can see the comparison, right? 

And before we go on I think I need to clarify something: Shigeru jumping himself with his bike is very very real. That is actually a scene that happens. Anyway! I adore the way that the show started off and Shigeru and Yuriko had already been through their borg procedures and that the first time we meet them they're already fighting. It's a nice break from tradition! It feels fresh and new! I also think that it's one of the only ways that you could possibly sell how they borged Shigeru in a way that would make sense in a children's show. They gave him electric hands? Like, metal hands that he has to wear gloves over lest he fucking electrocute everyone? There had to have been an adjustment period there but by the time we meet him he's fine with things. I think this was probably the right call; while I love myself some good borg angst and it's interesting to see them adapt to their new lives and Ishinomori back me up here I think you would agree that exploring this idea is fun... for the way that Shigeru is borged specifically I think there's a little too much room for things to go south way too fast. Those two concepts can coexist in my mind. Can you imagine what it would have been like if he had tried to go swimming or something? 

After the first episode we do get a flashback in the second to exactly how Shigeru got borged which was basically:

Shigeru: [walks into Black Satan] hey I want to be on your side I love facism 

Scientists: ok what borgification u want

Shigeru: just fuck me up and make me stronger

Scientist: okay [electric hands]

Shigeru, Stronger: haha fuckin idiot I’m actually here for revenge! you killed my friend and I hate nazis. taste the powers you gave me [explodes them] 

And then he escapes, taking Yuriko (Tackle) with him. From the start he’s really cocky! My remark as I was watching the show was that he really feels like he can do anything because he just doesn’t give a shit about the social implications of anything that he does. Take him just walking into a lighthouse, getting stopped by the guard who works there, patting the guy down and being like “alright, well, you’re not a monster I guess,” and leaving. He’s silly and kind of rude to Tachibana (when he shows up) and has a “Who are you?” “What? Don’t you know who I am?” exchange with all the monsters he meets. He has a whole damn speech he does every time he transforms. It’s so good!

^ HE GOES :D

While this might have set Yuriko up to be the Female Straight Man (which she kind of is for him a little) she’ll rib Tachibana or the two of them will team up and slander a monster together. I love the way they interact… I think it helps them remain on pretty equal footing even though Shigeru is absolutely the primary fighter. He still leaves things to her and trusts her to do them. I don’t think she’s fully borged - she’s never referred to as such and instead gets the term… what’s it in English, electrowave human? So she can do special attacks and such. It kind of feels like a Taki type role but stronger? Not exactly; a lot of Taki’s importance in ‘71 Rider comes from the fact that he is fully human and able to keep up with them to contrast Hongo and Hayato, but Shigeru doesn’t have the same need to connect with his humanity as they do (being borged was his choice, after all) and as such I think Yuriko fits with him much better. If we let Tackle and Taki 1v1 I think Tackle would sweep. 

You see what I mean about Stronger seemingly learning from and refining the previous series? There’s not a way that I can talk about it without contrasting it – I think this is the point where I would stop and say that if you’re thinking about taking on the Grand Prix for yourself in full or in part and would like Stronger to be one of the series you watch to watch whichever of the series come chronologically before this that you are also interested in partaking before starting Stronger. I personally believe that there can be a lot of value in experiencing things in reverse order [<- guy who played the Layton series backwards and loved it] but also… I think that seeing things build up to Stronger as opposed to experiencing Stronger and then going behind the scenes to take a look at the building blocks is the way to go. Nowhere is that more apparently in my opinion than with: 

Hey man, what if the Generals fucked? 

^ he's calling the cops on me for that one

Maybe this was the part of the series I was most excited to talk about. Don’t worry about it. So far I’ve pitched Stronger like a continuation of ‘71 Rider to V3 which I’d say the main cast falls into; there’s not really a lot of the others in Shigeru… but if we’re talking villain generals? We’re talking X, baby. I think that meeting Apollo Geist first is absolutely essential if X is something you’re planning on watching (don’t watch X but like, watch X) so that you can see the fields from which Titan was grown. I have it on anecdotal evidence that doing things non-chrono and going back to watch X and therefore meeting Apollo Geist post Stronger feels a little underwhelming, but meeting Apollo Geist fresh off the heels of V3 feels correct and the ramp up in Stronger comes naturally. All of that to say: we’re back with the sexual tension, but it’s even more nuts this time. 

There’s one scene in X where civvie Apollo Geist shows up at Tachibana’s coffee shop and sits down at the counter to order. He asks where Keisuke is; Tachibana tells him that he’s out, and inquires as to how this man (who has not introduced himself) knows Keisuke. An old friend, perhaps? Apollo Geist shrugs – something like that. It feels like Titan took that scene and decided to build his entire goddamn character around it. 

^ man what the hell was this pick up line

Remember earlier when I mentioned that none of the monsters seem to know who Stronger is? That’s very much true, but Titan absolutely knows. He follows him around and smokes his stupid little cigarettes from his stupid little cigarette holder and just watches him. Titan’s obsessed with this man but whereas with Apollo Geist all the monsters were like “oh fuck yeah, let’s tie up X and drag him back, I’m sure that would make Apollo Geist happy,” it almost seems like Titan wants to keep Stronger for himself and just… doesn’t tell anyone about him. He’s possessive. He’s really intense about it. He is also using X-era techniques which didn’t even end up working against Keisuke to try and get Shigeru, of all people. It’s a fascinating strategy. The two of them follow each other to a concert and just stare at each other across the hall. Titan doesn’t really get his ass kicked, but he knows he’s not strong enough yet for Stronger. He upgrades himself. He fucking goes for it. And Titan… dies.

Well, let’s put a pin in that for a second. In any case, we need a new general, because that’s how these things go. Despite looking like a cross between an anatomical model, an astronaut, and the fucking Joker, Shadow is oddly compelling as a character to me in a way I have absolutely no idea how to describe or talk about? He’s not actually a part of Black Satan – he just kind of heard that Black Satan was fighting Stronger and was like “well shit, I want a piece of that, let me in,” and is just kind of here now. He proclaims so to Shigeru upon meeting him. Shadow really likes to play whatever game he thinks is going on by his own rules and he seems to have a blast doing so. He’s enigmatic, he’s fresh, he’s unlike any general that we’ve had before. His weird secretive nature almost makes him seem more like the leader type than the general type. Shigeru seems to understand that Shadow’s much more of a sinister threat than Titan, but doesn’t really seem to know what to do about it. 

Let me quickly detour you another time just to finish setting up this stage here: throughout my time watching Stronger I was also working on over easy, you know, that Donbros comic I made! Still really like that thing. I know I and others have joked about Tarou being Showa-coded and honestly if you were to pick him up and place him down in a 70’s Rider series I think he’d be right at home; I mentioned up top that Shigeru doesn’t seem to give a shit about societal expectations and while I think that Tarou gives a little more of a shit about the consequences (seems to have less of a grasp on how the implications actually work though) I’m fine putting them in a similar category. Did you know Inoue’s dad worked on Stronger? That’s a fun little fact for you. 

Okay, time to get back to the show. 

Titan gets one funeral (which Shigeru gets invited to in the funniest way, by just Being in a field while this was announced to him somehow) but it was kind of a flop and nobody showed up and they didn’t even manage to use it to capture Stronger, so they decide that he needs another one. It’s at this second funeral that Shigeru finds Titan laying in a casket on a bed of roses (yes, just like Shigeru has all over his outfit) and manages to prick his electric hand on one of them, bleeding like a human, directly onto Titan’s lips, who then revives, licks it, and becomes Hundred-Eyes Titan. Buildup’s over, this is where the mad yaoi really starts. 

You might now be understanding why I brought up Donbrothers earlier; yes, this scene shares really striking similarities with the time that Tarou got the juice sucked out of him at Sonoi’s funeral but even more homoerotic, because it’s actual blood?

Nevermind the actual Showa-era “how human are cyborgs, really” conversation that’s to be had both in the borg angst sense but also about the fact that he can bleed from his what-I’ve-been-presuming-to-be-metal hands. Again, calling back to X, it’s almost like that point after Apollo Geist got resurrected and was going to die unless he took one of X’s parts and put it in his heart, but this actually happened and wasn’t just theoretical. We’re going past where Apollo Geist got to. If first base is fighting the Rider and home base is actually killing them, I think Titan’s made it to second. Uh, but he’s got a problem getting to third. They’ve already brought in his replacement. There’s only one way to fix this one. 

Titan and Shadow Get Divorced 

Titan was kind of a flop in his first life. He’s been powered up a little more with Shigeru’s blood, but Shadow’s also been given Titan’s position pretty recently, and it would be a dick move to fire him. Look, usually the generals don’t come back unless the people they’re working for are the ones bringing them back, and they sure as shit weren’t doing that for Titan. Might as well just make them work it out together? For some reason the Black Satan leader seems to think this will work; really all it does is just instantly sets the two of them at each other's throats, and they begin to fight over Stronger.

They get exceptionally petty about it. Titan shows up, with a rose again, leading Stronger into a minefield, also strewn with roses, just to really rub in the whole “haha, your blood revived me” thing. Shadow at a couple points ends up straight up giving information to Shigeru so that he can get the upper hand on Titan. Shadow (who has a playing card theme, by the way, that’s his whole deal) shows Titan one of the cards that he just did a fortune reading with, and who else appears but Jo Shigeru, dripping wet, in the outline of the spade (cropped with the tail not showing) like he’s being framed in a heart. 

^ the way he looks at that card just takes me the fuck out every time

I feel like I’m losing my mind every time I think about the two of them. Titan staggers up a dune into the good ol’ Toku Desert, dragging himself to Shadow before Shadow kills Stronger so that he can have the pleasure of at least torturing him a little bit before he goes. Shadow pokes fun at Titan for being like “I’ll be the one to kill Stronger!” with a “are you sure you actually can?” and Titan, hand to my heart, blushes. 

Titan staggers up a dune into the good ol’ Toku Desert, dragging himself to Shadow before Shadow kills Stronger so that he can have the pleasure of at least torturing him a little bit before he goes. What the fuck?!

^ DIVORCED BITCHES REALLLLLL

Titan has his own hell! Titan has made his own hell and takes Shadow there to show off his accomplishments in a scene that I can only call “two socialites who desperately need a divorce” in which Titan plays the tired husband who’s got eyes for his secretary (Shigeru) but has to bring his bitch of a wife Shadow with him to work to show off just how much he does for this family while his bitch wife Shadow looks on, unimpressed, and thinks about also fucking his husband’s secretary (still Shigeru) or maybe killing his husband and taking the life insurance money, because there’s no way this plan of his will do anything but collapse down around him, which it does, and Titan once again dies as Stronger throws him back down the crevasse to this pit he’s quite literally dug himself. 

Watching the two of them interact is absolutely fascinating. Titan’s passion for Shigeru seems renewed and completely focused now that he has a rival, Shadow’s ignited something in him, and Shadow seems like he’s having fun playing around messing with Titan while enacting his own plans. Shadow turns out to be superstitious, and bases most of his decisions off readings that he does with his deck of cards, which adds an even more fun element to his character. This is the part of the show where he seems the most… I don’t want to say happy, but how about “in his element.” These are all some really good episodes of television and they’re a blast to watch. 

Black Satan leader susses out that Shadow’s up to some shit (don’t know how that could have happened, it’s not like he’s been telling everyone he meets or anything) and decides to try and bring in another General instead of letting Shadow lead. Shigeru gets captured, defeats the leader, and Shigeru and Yuriko are the FIRST RIDERS IN HISTORY TO CRACK OPEN A COLD ONE WITH TACHIBANA!! 

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL! THE END! 

LET’S GO TO DEMON WORLD! [SHOW END SPOILERS START HERE]

No, things aren’t actually over. This is where you can tell that things got rushed in production as (from what I’ve heard) ratings kind of tanked. Shadow brings in his friends from Demon World (where he lived before?) and decides to start a new army with them called the Delza Army, which he kind of leads. This is what he’s spent his time fighting with Titan and Shigeru and Black Satan secretly working towards - taking over the facilities that Black Satan already had and using them for his own new purpose. And sure, to do this, they need to kill Stronger, yeah. 

In much the same way that Titan and Shadow fought with each other, giving Stronger an edge, the Delza Army part of the show is mostly about these characters showing off their weaknesses through their bickering with each other, but there’s a whole fucking throng of them this time around. They each brought their own themed goons with them, and on multiple occasions the goons even begin fighting with each other while Stronger just kind of looks on in confusion and gets a clean path to the monster he’s actually looking to fight. This being backed by scenes of Shadow (somehow) drinking wine listening to one of his compatriots drone on and on makes it seem like he really misses being on the front lines?

^ look all i'm saying is that it looks like it's 2:55 and he's got another meeting with the guy this dude is bitching about at 3 to hear the other side of this story and he hasn't had lunch yet

The thing about the Delza Army is that it’s absolutely a “too many cooks in the kitchen” situation. Shadow’s brought in a bunch of people with conflicting views and outrageous personalities and different fighting styles who spend half the time using him as HR to work out their interpersonal issues and he just seems… tired. He doesn’t seem like a guy who was cut out for management! This is not a new character type by any means, I could name so many characters who get into a position in their job and realize like “nah, actually, I was way happier where I was,” fucking Jim from The Office does it, but it’s a completely new role for any General and like also, this was what he was working for from the beginning. To finally get here and realize that actually, he doesn’t want this, is kind of weirdly fucked and not at all what I was expecting from this show. All of the characters around him have so much personality and character that they’re completely forgettable because of the oversaturation . They went an oddly adult angle with his character and I can’t tell if it’s at all intentional or if it just happened to turn out this way. I don’t personally think that this part of the show is as good as the part with Titan and Shadow fighting, but I feel like that decrease even more helps support the change in Shadow’s character, so it ends up wrapping around to working.

This is also the part where Yuriko dies. 

There’s not really much that I can say about that one other than the fact that I’ve heard she was supposed to be brought back later as a full rider this time but, because the show had to be cut, isn’t. I have a story in my mind where the rest of the guys – because they all come back at the end, they have to put on one last big show, and they’ve got a lot of science guys there – manage to jump her back to life in much the same way Shigeru did himself and transform her into a full cyborg, like I said earlier, and that she’d fully join the ranks. I know that there was talk of possibly making Taki V3 or even Riderman, which is another reason I compared the two up top. They could have done that without all of the additional angst that it would have caused the '71 cast to borg Taki since Yuriko's already been modified. It would have been so good... I’ll mention this again I’m sure come Skyrider post, but I really liked his little spotted scarf, mostly because it reminds me of Tackle’s suit. It’s like she did get to be with us in a way! 

From there on you get your usual show beats: as mentioned previously, all the previous riders show up which is very fun, they defeat Shadow (who kind of seems relieved to be going out, to be honest) and the rest of the Delza army, and then it’s time to fight the Leader.

^ Tachibana's really silly in this one and but it's the sweetest thing seeing his boys come back to him

The leader this time around is like, I think the quarry come to life? No, but for real: some kind of rock monster that has been pulling the strings of all the different groups that all the different riders have fought. It’s all the same guy behind the scenes. I’ll say it, I kind of appreciated that one as a “no matter what name you put to it, facism is facism” type thing? I don’t think it’s that much of a stretch to interpret it that way. It feels kind of appropriate. The specifics of what they’re fighting change but the root cause and their aim is always the same; though there might be infighting between the groups, Kamen Rider is a show about punching Nazis at its core. 

^ and they all love Tachibana so much!

This is the last time (besides the little special) that we get to have Tachibana on the show. There’s a break between this one and Skyrider and you can absolutely feel it looming in the horizon as everyone rides off again. Despite that, Stronger’s a blast of a show! I think this is one where there are absolutely different ways you could watch it and I just managed to take the path where I ended up probably the most satisfied I could have been during the Delza part since I was just watching the degradation of a man in bureaucracy. Which is always, always fun. 

TO RECAP:

YES fuck yes I recommend Stronger, with the caveat I gave at the beginning that you should probably watch whichever shows chronologically come before this one that you’re interested in watching before you Tackle Stronger. 

Bu dum tss…

[widowshill]

B, D, J, K, M, T (doesn't have to be just DS if you don't want it to be!)

A -> Z FANDOM ASKS.

B - A pairing–platonic, romantic or sexual–that you initially didn’t consider, but someone changed your mind.

it feels like cheating to say any ships that came from rp because 90% of the time there's no way you'd consider them otherwise, but the one that stands out to me is willie and esme (ft. @retrograderesemblance) cherish them, would never have put them together on my own lol.

beyond that, and this doesn't really count for not ever considering it, but I was a w.illabeth disliker until this year, I read several persuasive defenses, and writing lizzie swayed me. so elizabeth herself changed my mind kinda.

D - A pairing you wish you liked but just can’t.

ok listen. it's s.parrington. i get it intellectually and i see the vision but i just don't like it and i have tried for years it is just not. idk. can't do it.

J - Name a fandom you didn’t think about until you saw it all over Tumblr.

i hope this is dark shadows to all my treasured mutuals whom i single-handedly inundate with ds content all over their dashes. my answer would be e.lisabeth das musical or honestly like ? robespierre of french history kinda has a stan army on here.

K - What character has your favorite development arc/the best development arc?

ohhh who would i say for ds. maybe roger because he gets domesticated, and makes truly wild strides in his relationship with his son. ( go white boy break that patrilineal curse ). weirdly i also kinda wanna say joe is up there ? he has an interesting journey from Carolyn's Rejected Puppy All American Fish Boy to like ... helping vic investigate laura, being ang's chew toy, having a mental breakdown. and also deeply caring about david! maybe i just like it when people start caring about the kid.

elsewhere it's jimothy norrington. easy. character arc of all time.

M - Name a character that you’d like to have for a friend.

not many people on this show because that's a death sentence but lowkey.. natalie dupres (josette's "spinster aunt") bc i think we would really get along. fancy french brunches with the gay aunt and we can talk shit about barnabas. even though she would bully me for my french, and rightfully so.

elsewhereeee hmm. alice k.ingsleigh would make a wonderful friend. sybil c.rawley. max b.lack sails.

T - Do you have any hard and fast headcanons that you will die defending? 

most of my headcanons about vicki tbh dan curtis can piss off. namely that girl has autism. she dislikes the task of setting her hair / sleeping on rollers and rarely feels like doing it, but her and carolyn will sometimes set hair for each other for some girl time. roger fencing and liz ice skating. i also know i'm right about specifically vic's and carolyn's music taste (monkees/mamas & the papas/paul revere & the raiders/herman's hermits, and jan&dean/the ventures/elvis/beach boys, respectively). vic is also added in the collins family history. david draws her in after she dies/disappears, and elizabeth has her formally added after she discovers his handiwork.

you can also pry my "elizabeth swann's burgundy dress was esme's" from my cold dead hands ! like. that's such an important one to me sdfgfd.

[practically-an-x-man]

Because we were just talking about it, have a pringles OC writing prompt. How about an X-Men one with Peter and Marigold. You probably know them well enough by now but there's always Mari's toyhouse.

(sentence/dialogue prompt)

"Quit smiling at me, I can't stop messing up sentences when you look at me like that,"

If you need more lmk but also no pressure

Sorry it took me so long to get around to this! It took me forever to come up with something good with this prompt, and admittedly I was a little worried that I wouldn't get Mari right. Weirdly, she was harder to write then Arith and Iriel, even though you've got so much more written for her.

But anyway, I hope this is cute! It's about 1.4k words, definitely not my longest piece of writing, but I think it's fun. Oh, and here's a song that'll be important as you read.

If there was one thing you could count on Peter Maximoff for (aside from saving lives and cracking terrible jokes), it was his taste in music. He’d been suggesting the karaoke night for weeks, but it was only when a karaoke machine mysteriously appeared in the rec room that he was able to put it into motion.

“You paid for that, right?” Marigold asked, eyeing the hunk of silver and black plastic as her partner fiddled with it. Peter twisted over his shoulder to look at her. His dark eyes were sparkling with a familiar mischievous light, and she knew the answer before he even said it. 

“Sure,” he said with a shrug, though a smile kept twitching at the corners of his lips. Marigold sighed. 

“You’ve got to stop doing that,” she said, “Eventually someone’s going to realize it’s you.”

“Psh,” he replied, looking amused, “I’m too good. They couldn’t catch me if they tried. And anyway, I’ll give it back tomorrow. I just need it for tonight.”

“Alright,” Mari agreed. She couldn’t say she had the cleanest record herself (it came with the territory of being an X-Man), but she figured there were worse things than just borrowing it for the night. Besides, it was a Monday - who goes out for karaoke on a Monday? They probably wouldn’t even miss it.

“Do you need help setting it up?” she asked instead, taking a few steps closer and crouching beside Peter as he kept working on the machine. He thought for a second. 

“No, I think I’m okay.” he said, “But we could test it out. Gotta make sure it works before tonight.”

“What song?” 

“Let’s see what’s in there,” Peter answered. He pressed a button on the side of the machine, and a CD port slid open. There was already a disc in there (Willie Nelson - yikes), but Peter plucked it out and set it on top of the machine. He leaned back on his heels, fingers drumming restlessly on his knees over the span of a few heartbeats. 

“Alright, I’ve got it.” he said suddenly, then disappeared in a flash of silver. He was back almost before Mari realized he’d gone, and dropped another CD into the port with eager, excited movements.

“What’d you pick?” Marigold asked, trying to spot the label on the CD as it slid into the karaoke machine. She couldn’t quite pick it out in time. 

“Stevie Nicks.” Peter answered with a grin, fighting to untangle the microphone wires. Mari smiled. He knew that was one of her favorites.

Peter bounced up to his feet, holding out a hand to her. Marigold took it and let him pull her up to her feet, accepting the microphone he handed to her. He held a second one up in front of his face. 

“Testing, testing, one-two-” he started, then winced at the burst of noise that spewed through the speakers, “Shit, that’s too-”

He darted over and twisted the volume knob, grateful when the echo faded from the room. Tentatively, he lifted the microphone back up. 

“Test?” he repeated, a little quieter that time, “Okay, good, that’s better. Try yours.”

Marigold lifted up her microphone, wincing a little at the smell of metal and old beer that clung to it. 

“Did you get this from a bar?” she asked, forgetting that she was supposed to be testing the microphone. Peter reached out and lowered the volume before her voice could boom through the speakers. 

“Yeah?” he replied, tilting his head at her, “Where else do you do karaoke?”

“I thought you took it from a RadioShack or something.” she answered, giving a sidelong look to the microphone in her hand. She knew it wasn’t exactly unclean, but there was something about it, and the thought that so many other hands had touched it before her, that made her skin crawl. It even felt a little sticky, but that might’ve just been her imagination.

Peter must have noticed her expression, because his eyebrows furrowed. A moment later, he’d zipped away again, only to return right in front of her. He had a Clorox wipe in one hand. The other reached for the microphone. 

“Here, let’s wipe it off,” he said.

“You read my mind,” Marigold responded gratefully, “Be right back. I’m gonna go wash my hands.”

When she returned, feeling much better after scrubbing the unpleasant bar-smell residue off her hands, Peter was wiping down his own microphone as well. When he’d finished with that, he ran the Clorox wipe over the front of the karaoke machine, over all the buttons and knobs, then tossed it in the trash and wiped off his hands on the front of his shirt. 

“Alright.” he said, “Better?”

“Much better,” she agreed, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, honey.” He handed her the microphone once again - this time it had the pleasant if chemically lemon-smell of the Clorox wipe - then crouched down to start the song. They were greeted to soft strains of acoustic guitar, mingled with a light music-box chiming. Mari smiled as she came in with the first lyrics. 

“Is love so fragile and the heart so hollow?” she sang, feeling a little self-conscious at first. She got over it quickly. There was nobody in the room but her and Peter, what was there to be embarrassed about? “Shatter with words, impossible to follow.”

From her right, she caught Peter’s eyes. She saw nothing but soft affection on his face for a moment, until he realized she was looking at him. That gentle expression was quickly replaced with teasing as he stuck his tongue out at her. Marigold rolled her eyes but kept singing. 

“You’re saying I’m fragile, I try not to be,” she continued, “I search only for something I can’t see.”

Despite herself, she found her eyes straying over to Peter again. And again, she caught a flash of something warm across his face… and then he crossed his eyes at her. Mari laughed before she could stop herself. 

“Stop distracting me!” she demanded, pointedly turning her eyes away from him before she could miss the next line in the song, “I have my own life, and I am stronger than you know.”

“I’m not distracting you!” Peter insisted, “I’m just looking at you! Am I not allowed to look at you?”

She elected to ignore him. 

“But I carry this feeling,” Marigold sang, “When you walked into my-” She made the mistake of turning around, and found her partner giving her the goofiest expression he could muster - teeth bared, eyes bugged out, like he was doing his best impersonation of a dollar-store Halloween mask. Mari couldn’t help it. She broke down into a fit of giggles.

“Stop that!” she laughed, reaching out to push lightly at his shoulder.

“Stop what?” Peter fired back, grinning wide enough to make dimples crease his cheeks. 

“Quit smiling at me!” Marigold insisted, “I can’t stop messing up sentences when you look at me like that!”

“I’m not doing anything!” Peter said, lifting his palms in surrender. 

“You’re making faces!”

“What faces? Mare-bear, this is just my face!”

“Mare-bear,” she repeated, giving him a look even as she tried to hold back her own laughter, “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

“Ah, you love me.” he teased, then added, “Mare-bear.”

“Stop it!” Marigold laughed, smiling so hard it hurt.

“You do!” 

“Maybe.” 

“Maybe?” he repeated, “What, singing karaoke got me bumped down to maybe status?”

“No, ‘Mare-bear’ got you bumped down to maybe status.” she fired back, though the threat didn’t hold much meaning when she still couldn’t pull the smile off her face. 

“Then I’ll just have to win you back with my incredible singing,” Peter said, lifting the microphone to his lips with a flourish, “Careful, Mari, I’m irresistible.”

“Maybe.”

“Again with the ‘maybe’!” he blurted, then shrugged and shot her a wink, “You’ll see.” 

With all his teasing, he almost missed his entrance to the song, but he recovered quickly enough.

“You in the moonlight, with your sleepy eyes,” Peter sang, reaching out a hand like he was an overly-dramatic actor in a music video, “Would you ever love a man like me?”

He turned to face her, giving her his best romantic look as he kept singing. Marigold just scrunched her nose at him, then stuck out her tongue. Peter barked out a laugh, his dark eyes brightening even as he missed his cue for the next lyric. 

“Uh- When I walked into your house, I knew I’d never want to leave,” he corrected quickly, but Marigold was already grinning.

“See?” she teased, triumphant, “I messed you up!”

[vaspider]

While I am generally reticent to grant any authority at all to governments to determine who is "trans enough" to count as trans, I do want to point out that in many states in the US which require "appropriate gender-affirming care" in order to alter your documents, changing your hair, name, pronouns, etc. does in fact count. That is enough. So if you don't feel like having that argument with a transmedicalist, you can Appeal To Authority your way out of it that way.

But yeah - transmedicalists unfortunately adhere to one of the saddest definitions of transness out there, and also an extremely cis-centric one invented by cis people to serve their own needs. This definition of transness as a medicalized thing where you're not Trans Enough unless you've done all of the Steps is one which centers cisness as not only the ideal, but of course the unattainable ideal, to which trans people should aspire. To these transphobic doctors and psych folx who created these standards, being trans is not one of several very normal ways that people can experience their lives and their gender but instead an imperfection which can be tolerated, but only if we're both appropriately sad about failing at being cisgender and also spend the rest of our lives chasing cisgender ideals that aren't even achievable to cisgender people.

That's really the thing, right? Our society is absolutely obsessed with stuffing people into these narrow little boxes that we can never fit into comfortably. They want us to be uncomfortable because then we're controllable, we keep striving and keep consuming. This is why the "ideal trans person" in their mind is someone who conforms to strict gender stereotypes and strives to be able to hide their transness pass (but of course They Always Know! but you have to be okay with that bc that's the bargain, people both wanting you to hide your transness and constantly acknowledge it as a reason you are Lesser).

When we step outside of the prescribed script, we're saying that we don't actually have to play the Harry Benjamin bullshit games. That, of course, can't be allowed to fly! You can't have people out here just willy-nilly ignoring all of these important tools of social conformity and control!

And so we fight. It's important that we don't let that shit dig its claws back in.

ive been seeing a new wave of transmedicalists lately I think we gotta start being vocal again about how nasty they are. you don't need to take hormones or have surgery to be a trans person. changing your name and pronouns is gender affirming care. wearing new clothes and hair and makeup is part of transitioning too. you dont need to pass to be trans, you don't need to be male or female.

nonbinary, agender, genderfluid, genderqueer people are trans too if that's a label they want to use for themselves. and anyone who says otherwise is a piece of shit. it's not "anti-transitioning" to say so, it's anti-telling other people what to do with their bodies. it's pro-minding your own fucking business and letting people do what they want with their gender and treating them with compassion and enthusiasm

[askfoxythejokerfox]

FNAF OC Ghostbusters Crossover

*both Foxy The Joker and Springtrap get suited up as Foxy The Joker zips up her suit she decides to zip it back down a little to show her breasts off a little to try to look sexy (lol) as she puts on a necklace that says "I ain't afraid of no ghosts" on as Springtrap puts on his proton pack Foxy The Joker takes her hook off and puts on a plasma cannon onto her hook and connects it to the hose to the proton pack as they both head to Willy's Wonderland Pizzeria as some epic rock music plays in the background*

*Foxy The joker and Springtrap and smile softly as they both nod*

Foxy The Joker: let's do this shit! *epic rock music plays in the background as Foxy The Joker tries to kick the door in trying to act like a bad ass but fails as there was a loud CLANG! noise as the epic rock music stops and Foxy The Joker yells* SHIT!! ahhh....*rubs her leg in pain* thought the fuckers kept the fucking doors open! ahh...*still groaning slightly in pain* it's NOTHING like they do in the movies!

Springtrap: *opens the door* um because they kept the doors unlocked babe...

Foxy The Joker: o-oh! heh...I knew that! heh...just wanted to look like a badass in front of my boyfriend heh *smirks and blushes*

Springtrap: *laughs softly and kisses him softly* of course your a badass love...

Foxy The Joker: *giggles and nuzzles him softly* I love you so much babe....lets do this and end this shit with these fuckers trying to copy our business...

*after a few hours they both finally captured all of the other animatronics successfully trapping them all except for Willy Weasel Foxy The Joker looks around nervously with the P.K.E Meter*

Foxy The Joker: huh...wonder were the other asshole went...hmm...

Springtrap: *looks up and and freezes In terror*

Foxy The Joker: hmm? what's wrong honey?

Springtrap: u-um...h-hes...*gulps nervously as his face turned pale white*

Foxy The Joker: *sighs* he's right behind me isn't he?

Springtrap: *nods nervously*

Foxy The Joker: ok on the count of 3...1...2...3!! *turns around with the P.K.E. Meter she zaps Willy using the pulse upgrade on the P.K.E. meter as it groans in pain she turns on the plasma canon on her hook and Zaps him as the animatronic body Willy was possessing started to slowly break apart catching on fire as she successfully pulled out the killer's spirit from the suit*

Foxy The Joker: BABE! THE TRAP! NOW!!

Springtrap: ON IT!! *he throws the trap twords Foxy The Joker*

Foxy The Joker: *stops on the peddle as the trap opens up but Willy wasn't going down without a fight as he was trying to break free of the stasis stream* GOD DAMMIT! BABE THIS FUCKER IS TRYING TO BREAK FREE OF THE STREAM!!!

Springtrap: ON IT! *activates his neutrona wand and fires another stream onto Willy successfully forging a teacher on him*

Foxy The Joker: THERE WE GO! HAHA! COME ON TUBBY! YA COMING HOME WITH ME TO THE LAB!! *smirks as she steps on the peddle again opening the trap as Willy was desperately trying to break free from the teachers but fails as he was successfully sucked into the trap as Foxy The Joker stops on the peddle again closing the trap successfully trapping all of the killers souls into the trap*

Foxy The Joker: *pants softly* heh...wow!...this sunva bitch put one helluva fight heh...let's get these fuckers back to the contaminant unit back in Freddy's...at least now these fuckers can't ever hurt a living soul again...besides it's my job here in Gotham to kill the criminals not there's...

[just-miru]

[Blueycapsules]

William Afton x reader

-------------------------------------------------------------

i think y'all are familiar with the "did you know i can hold the whole world in my hands?" type of one-shot by now, but even so i decided to give it a try anyway, since it's a pretty cute idea :D

[tw: nothing, just possible typos and/or other small mistakes | crack | fluff | one-shot ]

[word count: 2,267 words | 11,436 characters]

[first published: 16.02.2022]

[slightly edited: 20.02.2022]

-------------------------------------------------------------

"The whole world?"

i wake up to the sound of pouring rain outside. it's a pretty nice way to wake up actually - quite calming. i am facing the window and i can see the droplets of water running down on it.

it kinda has a nostalgic feeling to it - remember choosing a drop of water and hoping it will win the race among all the other drops?

anyway, turning the other way around, i am met with the usual sight i was blessed to witness every time William doesn't nuzzle his whole ass being into my chest - head on the side, arms laying flat on the bed with the palms towards the ceiling, and his butt hanging up in the air (here - in case it doesn't make sense).

'how does he even sleep like that?' i ask myself as i do every time i see him like this, chuckling silently a bit. his mouth is slightly open, a weak snore coming out of it every now and then.

i can't help but smile at him.

turning my attention to the clock, i read the red-glowing numbers '07:16'

i decided to stay a bit more in bed, not having anything important planned for the day. covering myself back with the blanket, i let my eyes close, hoping to fall asleep again, but my plan was soon to be messed up by the bloody urge to go to the bathroom-

i sigh. before getting out of bed, i lean in and give ma man Willy a small peck on the forehead.

making my way (downtown, walking fast-) to the bathroom, i throw a small glance out the hall's window - it has been raining for some time, large muddy puddles being already formed on the ground.

taking my time, i lazily do my morning routine, changing from my pyjama pants and throwing on a plain t-shirt.

by 07:48 i made my way towards the kitchen. opening the fridge, i take out four eggs, some bacon and butter, then start preparing the breakfast for me and William. waiting for the frying pan to heat up, i go up to the cupboard and take out a sliced loaf of bread. i take out two slices then put them in the toaster, setting it for 5 minutes.

i then open another cupboard and take out a cup, placing it on the table. it is William's favourite teacup - white with '#1 bloke' written on it in black, bold letters. i put some water in the kettle that is always placed on the stove, but i don't turn it on - i have tried before to make his tea, and i have failed miserably... it seems i really suck at making it so i just prepare the things he needs for when he wakes up to make it himself.

cracking two of the eggs open in the pan, i wait for them to cook. while doing so, i take two small plates and place them on the kitchen counter. a few minutes pass, and i take the first eggs out on one of the plates, cracking the other two left. i let my eyes close shut and listen to the frying sound they make on the pan. breathing in the nice smell of freshly made food, my mind wanders off for a bit, to nowhere in particular.

i just stay like that for a while...

"..."

"SHMWOP!"

"hOLY FU-" i quickly turn around, fearing for dear life.

"oh shit, is just the toast-"

it never fails to scare the living shit out of me. even if i have been using a toaster for quite some time, it always catches me out of guard.

that bloody thing-

i take the golden slices of bread and put them on the plate along with the eggs. i then go and grab a butter knife, and, of course, the butter. cutting two thin squares of it, i gently place them on top of each toast.

turning quickly back to the stove i take the two eggs out on the other plate, then place four slices of bacon in the pan and wait for them to be done.

as i put the last slice of bacon on my plate, i am proud to declare the breakfast as finally done. wasting no time, i grab a fork from a drawer and dig in.

peacefully eating my breakfast with the sound of the rain in the background, i manage to finish pretty fast.

the clock reads 08:10 when i'm done.

standing up, i go and place my plate and fork in the now not so empty sink. i stare at it for a bit.

'gotta wash it later'

i go into the living room and my eyes fall onto the book i've been trying to read for the past few weeks. it's on the small table beside the purple couch. some dust can be seen on the book's cover. a small piece of paper that's supposed to serve as a bookmark tells me that just about half of it has been read.

sitting on the said couch, the book in my hands, i start reading it. the rain outside seems to die out a bit with every page i turn.

time flies by and i am left with only a few pages to read. stretching myself a bit, i let down the book on my lap so i can rub my eyes a little. sneaking a small glance towards the clock i am surprised to see that not even an hour has passed since my little reunion with the book.

i pick it up from my lap, filled with determination to finish it - there's like, what, 100 and something pages left to finish. i can finish it today.

the rain has fully stopped by now.

it's peaceful.

... until it isn't-

a floor creaking sound is followed by a sleepy "mornin' luv" coming from no one else but William - my beloved.

"morning," i say throwing a small glance at him. he's still in his light blue dressing gown, pink slippers on.

walking towards me, he lazily wraps his arms around my shoulders from behind the couch, nuzzling his nose into my neck, his breath hot on my skin.

"breakfast's on the kitchen table, go grab some."

"mhm" humming into my skin, he clings to me for a bit more "thank you dear" then he lets go and starts walking to the kitchen. cold air is quick to hit the skin of my neck, already missing his warmth.

i just nod at him, even though he has his back turned on me. fully focusing back on my book, i keep on reading.

soon, the sounds of the boiling kettle and clinking fork on the plate are to be heard.

after a while, i hear him place his plate in the sink before he emerges from the kitchen with a steaming teacup in hand.

he places the cup on the living room table, taking the TV remote in hand before sitting next to me. he's quick to turn the TV on. he switches between the channels a bit before settling for one of his typical British movies - surprisingly, it was not a Harry Potter movie.

"does it bother you?"

"hmm?" i glance up at him. "the TV dear" then he just points towards my book, waiting for my response.

"oh, no, don't worry!"

nodding, he turns his attention back on the movie.

ignoring the TV in the background, comfortable silence falls over us.

*

i finally finish the book. closing it, my eyes linger a bit on it's now dust-free cover as i try to process the ending - kinda disappointing, not gonna lie. he said goodbye after promising not to do so. it really hurt my little heart - such a shame.

anyway- at least i won't feel guilty for putting it off for too long anymore! i place it on the table and stretch myself once again.

my attention is now on whatever William's watching, but it doesn't really intrigue me. eyes are still glued on the screen, i just don't bother to pay attention to what's happening.

Will shifts a bit in his seat, and just by doing so, he manages to somehow get my full attention without even trying. i end up admiring his profile.

'he's so pretty-' a small smile appears on my face

he's so focused on the movie, i just can't-

his eyebrows are a bit frowned as he follows the plot, mouth slightly pouting, his arms crossed over his chest. overall, he looks so serious.

it's simply adorable-

"wot is it?"

oh shit- he must have noticed my not so very subtle staring. he doesn't even turn to face me.

"nothing"

i don't take my eyes away from him and his beautiful ass face, nope. i keep on staring, smile only growing bigger as time passes... that sounds pretty creepy, i know! but it's nothing like that.

he is trying to ignore my piercing gaze... and he's failing miserably - he's so tensed up in his seat.

'why not see how much he can keep going like this?' a smirk is gracefully making a small appearance on my face as i keep staring respectfully. his leg starts to bounce a bit. i am not even sure for how long i've been staring.

...

ok, ok- i think i had enough fun for today, i will spare him.

... or maybe not so fast-

"you know" i begin as i bring my knees close to my chest, warping my arms around them, my eyes finally drifting away from him "i have been thinking-"

"well, that's definitely a starter-"

"hey!" i can hear the smirk in his voice. he just laughs in response. can this man get any more precious than he already is? aaaahhh-

i clear my throat "anyway, as i was saying before i was rudely interrupted-" i eye him playfully "i have been thinking and i am pretty sure i discovered a way to hold the whole world into ma tiny two hands!" excited, i show him my hands, wiggling my fingers.

"i take back what i said."

"wha- why?"

"darling" his British ass accent might have as well just killed me-

"the whole world?" he shakes his head - oh no! he's trying to make me sound 'schewpid', isn't he? i pout at him. "how do you even plan to do that, luv?"

"i can actually show you i am able to do that!" i state determinated, as i move closer to him.

"please do, then."

without wasting a moment, my hands find their way on his cheeks - they're so soft! i gently caress them with my thumbs, smiling sweetly at him.

they turn hot under my touch quite quickly, a reddish colour painting them as well.

i could die right here and right now-

his eyes widen, still processing what's happening. he's adorable-

slowly he places his hands on top of mine, pinkies up. he's so gentle as if he thinks i am going to break under his touch. the surprised expression is quickly melting into a soft, love-struck one.

he has actual hearts in his eyes-

i can't control myself anymore - i pull him closer and start peppering his pretty face with kisses. with each kiss i pull him closer and closer into me, until i lay on the couch, having him on my chest. i giggle as his face becomes even redder if that's possible at this point.

brushing a strand of hair behind his ear, i place a very small and quick peck on his lips. the flustered expression he has can't really hide the disappointment he feels because i did not kiss him properly. he pouts in my hands.

'gonna tease him just a bit more-'

i start leaving small kisses on his neck, up to his jaw, going for the cheek. as soon as i reach the corner of his mouth i pull apart. i mimic a specific shit-eating grin at the flustered mess i have in front of me.

i love him so much-

feeling satisfied, i decide to actually give him a proper kiss this time.

running my fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp lightly, i lean in while closing my eyes. a small squeal leaves his mouth as my lips finally touch his. he must have thought i was gonna tease him again - how cute.

he froze up at first but was quick to melt into it. cold hands cup my cheeks to depend on the kiss. his lips are a bit chapped, but nonetheless perfect.

as i pull apart for air, he quickly leans in for a final peck. i chuckle at his expression - he has that weird cat grin on. reaching my hand out to ruffle his hair a bit, it is stopped midway by William's grip. guiding it to rest on his cheek, he takes my other hand and does the same thing.

his usual cold eyes are now full of warmth as i gently hold his face, rubbing small circles with my thumbs over his his rosy cheeks.

"you're adorable-"

the words barely leave my mouth, and he is already hiding his face into my chest, groaning.

smiling at his behaviour, i start running one hand through his hair, the other one drawing random patterns on his back.

"told ya i can hold it!"

"oh shut it-" he says in annoyance, but i can feel him smiling against my skin.

-------------------------------------------------------------

ok, this time i tried not to rush it as i did with my first one-shot, and i think it came out pretty nice :D

still, instead of feeling it's rushed, i have the impression that i made it way too long with way too many unnecessary details-

ahh, such is the struggle :'D

also :0 being written in first-person point of view, i am aware that i have to use the "i", "my" and "me" quite a lot, but at some point it becomes annoying, i guess.

was it like that? a bit annoying to read those pronouns over and over again, or where they kinda balanced in the one-shot? :0

since i am the one who wrote it, i am way more critical about this little thing, and i feel like it's making the fic harder to enjoy :'D

[randomnameless]

Oh!

Are you playing with the JP voices? I remember hearing Judith scream when Ignatz died, it was... something!

and inoue does a banger job as Rhea especially in this route

Apparently Rhea being in Faerghus means Cornelia can't pull the shit she does in the other routes, so Dimitri has both of his eyes, his friends and would be in a pretty good situation if someone didn't wake up and decided to Make Adrestia Great Again.

Easy, Agarthans can give her shinies and "war assets" (Hanneman in an explore convo, I think?, mentions how Demonic Beasts are still used as "war assets", but we don't use them as the BESF, and that's a damn shame because I wonder how they could have implemented their mechanics), when the Church is BaD and led by a monster and a inhuman creature masquerading as a human.

Well about the lack of progress... While I can see Cornelia not being able to do Cornelia things since Rhea is here could explain why her war is slower - but then, she still has the largest and most powerful (if only by sheer numbers!) army on the continent. Having only managed to conquer a city in a mountain and not having managed to breah through the Kingdom or the Alliance is kind of super meh... especially as 3 Hopes shows that she could have moved (at least in the Alliance?) faster. But yeah, if that point was supposed to be cute because "she loves you and is so obsessed with you that she forgot her war!", it sort of missed its mark?

I love Bernie's comment here - because while the game wants to make you feel very sad (tm) for dicing students, technically, your characters only spent around 1 year with the students who aren't from their house, and they were never seen talking/speaking to each other (bar some cross houses supports), so yes, Bernie being "who?" about Claude is oddly fitting - she never met or talked to him before!

Rhea has many reasons for snapping in this route, even as early as now (her sort-of grandkid became Nemesis 2.0 and is out for her blood and bones, working with Agarthan backed up Hresvelgs...)

Edel's questions... are something, but yep, it's ultimately a huge sunk-cost fallacy explanation, if you're going to fight, fight until you die - but does this mean Edel makes no war prisoners or offers no mercy to defeated soldiers? If they fought, they should fight to death? It's not that well developed and only food for thought...

Caspar's brother is worried about Randolph, but also about Capsar taking his position... but then we enter in weird nonsensical Adrestian mechanics - Caspar's dad (Leopold!) is both the Minister of War and the Head of House Bergliez (the head of that house is always minister of war?). So if Caspar's brother is the Head of the House, is he worried about Caspar stealing his title as head or the house, or becoming Minister of War when Leopold will retire?

And yes, Caspar calls Randolf his uncle in other routes, when you make them fight!

It seems as if Edel advocates for a certain meritocracy - thus someone's "desires" shouldn't be a factor in who gets the title, only merits count... but then, comes the problematic question of what are those merits ? IIRC, in the non CF routes, when Randolph charges against GM, he does it because it will bolster his reputation (make a name for himself?), so is he thinking he has to have some "achievments" to get the title, or what?

I could go in details about the localisation in this routes (or in this game in general) regarding Edel's aversion to, uh, non-humans, especially Nabateans, but a good part of her rhetoric, at this point, targeted at "Rhea and her family" is all about how "non human" they are, as beings, regardless of their actions. Which is why this point is, hm, still heavily discussed around some places.

Good find with the Uchiha Tablet of Bullsthi lol. I won't go in details here - but if the First Emperor (Willy) was alive after the War of Heroes, he must have witnessed Macuil (the giant bird!) fuck away from Fodlan, Flayn falling in her restorative coma, and Seteth leaving to watch over her - so how the fuck were they "ruling" over Fodlan if they weren't there/removed themselves from the World?

But you know who got control of Fodlan after the War of Heroes? The Empire, Adrestia!

Methinks the Adrestia Tablet of Bullshit was tweaked by Agarthans - or Adrestian themselves, who are still salty about the entire "Church accepted Faerghus's independence".

Linhardt's take is even stupider when you consider that his crest, Flayn's Crest, boosts his healing magic. So sure, it can be used on battlefield, but also, to heal random people who suffer from random accidents, like, idk, NPC #55 falling down her roof, or something like that. But I guess Lin doesn't find healing useful?

Claude's reaction make a bit more sense when you consider Nader's motto which seems to be a general Almyran MO : people run away instead of dying - but here, in this case, Hilda who would have been the epitome of running away to avoid danger (at least on a shallow first reading) wants to, instead, protect him even if it costs her life, something he comes to understand too late (yes, in this route, he is beloved by the people of the Alliance, but only realises it too late).

Nader reappears in a paralogue - but that's his gimmick, he's called the Undefeated, but only because he runs away and never fights to death (which isn't a bad strategy, even if in this Derdriu map, he let his Crown Prince/Future King die).

Second chapter of CF down. Bye, Claude <3

I powered through yet another month of boring monastery stuff with the single thought of seeing Claude again (and killing him <3). If nothing else, this route is much more amusing than SS because I can see characters I care about doing stuff... as the enemy... but they're there!

Which really just highlights again how much of a missed opportunity Academy phase really is. They have all your future enemy units in the same place with you and then do basically nothing to make you care about them. It's all left onto replay or presuming they have off-screen relationships.

Aside from that, Edelgard's narrative about the Relics, human superiority and anti-dragon people is... hm. Well, it sure is a thing! Given how blatantly misconstrued some of the stuff she's saying gets (eg, about the Relics), the writers had to have been intentionally writing her as being utterly misguided, and I get that you're buying into her coolaid in the CF route. But the fact that you can't ever confront her about it in other routes despite all the "if only we could have understood each other :(" is just so.... sigh. It's unsatisfying to put it mildly.

Live blogging:

Hubert and Ferdie B: Hubert goes against Edelgard's explicit orders for something.

Felix says he's killed tons of people for the empire in the last five years and has the same look in his eyes now as Dimitri. lol

Dimitri with both eyes <3

Hubert's pre-Bridge conversation is hilarious. We need to cooperate with the Agarthans (presented as Arundel's subordinates) because we need to topple the Church! This is a very painful decision for Edelgard because you see they used her father as a puppet and killed her siblings :( Why are we more opposed to the church than these assholes? Well, because, I guess.

Bridge mission - nothing interesting. We do fight Judith, who has a unique model but is never playable. She's holding the bridge because Acheron is useless. He shows up as a horse guy (I'm pretty sure he was a mage in another route?) and then ditches after only one turn.

Afterwards, everyone makes fun of Edelgard for doing a bad job running the war until now because she's been too into Byleth. I've heard this angle before, but I think the actual difference is kind of mixed. They made less progress in the Kingdom, but that was all on Cornelia anyway, so it comes down more to Rhea not getting captured, presumably because she didn't have Byleth weighing her down. And the Alliance situation was never a real invasion in the five year gap to begin with. SS did have Lorenz siding with the Empire, but the exact in and out is kinda... hard to track.

Anyway, now we're in the Claude killing month!

Talk about how Claude has been acting as intermediary between those that oppose the Empire and those who support it, keeping them from fighting each other. Since everyone is compromising to keep the Alliance united for now, no one has openly sided with the Empire either.

But now he's scheming something, as we know because people have been stopped from entering or leaving Derdriu.

Everyone else: Claude is a smart, tough opponent. Bernie: Who's Claude

Ladislava is tasked with managing the supply lines and keeping the Goneril territories under control.

Being betrayed by Byleth made Rhea crack. "She started laughing as if she was possessed and spouting complete gibberish..."

Edelgard: Why can't people admit defeat without fighting back first? If they're going to surrender after I crush them under my boot, why not surrender without fighting? (Logically collolary: If you choose to fight, die fighting and never surrender. Explains why she's Like That in Azure Moon: sunk cost fallacy)

Edie is "not disinterested" in romance lol

Caspar family drama: His older brother is lazy, greedy and skates by relying on his position as heir. Their grandfather was really obsessed with his second wife, Randolph's mom. And she really wanted Randolph to become the heir, but the grandfather had to step down "earlier than expected," so Caspar's dad took over the title. With all this, Caspar's brother is really worried about the possibility of I guess Randolph taking over as heir instead.

This has.... interesting implications, I guess.

First, this makes Randolph Caspar's uncle, lmao

Second, I really, really wonder if Randolph was the grandpa's biological child. His mom explicitly married in after he was already born, but she could just as easily have been the grandpa's mistress. Either way, we get a very funny inheritance situation because Randolph does not have a crest, we can see that in his battle stats. So either crest ownership just doesn't matter in this case (lol Edie), or even wilder, you can just pass on your title to a completely unrelated child. Even if they ARE related, that's likely unprovable without a crest. (lol Edie extra hard)

Third, I wonder what the exact timeline here is? Because if Caspar's dad took over recently enough, he might not have been the lord who took part in the Insurrection. That might explain why he's inexplicably so chill about helping Edie take the throne and gain a whole ton of military power.

Edie, of course, turns this around as "this is the price of taking your own desires into account when choosing an heir" and this is why "the concept of nobility is decaying" but isn't Edie opposed to nobility in the first place? And she doesn't plan to institute a democracy anyway, so isn't everyone just going to be choosing their heirs based on "their own desires"?

She goes on to say that she wants a world where the best rise to the top and succeed, "regardless of bloodline," but uuuuuh this entire situation is about how the grandpa did not follow bloodline properly...? And all this also means that Caspar's bro can absolutely be removed from his position as heir, regardless of his bloodline...?

Caspar is like "ok, so you're saying nothing would change for me in your world, right?" L M A O

The way Edie presents the history of the Relics is so... "Relics were created by the hands of mankind" imo I wouldn't really count the Agarthans as particularly human anymore, and also this wasn't exactly something triumphant. "Seiros manipulated the people of the world and defeated the all-powerful King Nemesis" Nemesis was indeed tough, but you don't need to lick his boots quite that much. "Should the one leading the people of the world by someone with humanity or a creature that can merely masquerade as a human at will?" Given that you turn into an inhuman monster when you feel like it, which side of this binary do you fall on, Edie? I personally feel that Flayn, Seteth and Rhea have plenty of humanity even if they aren't human...

"The Immaculate One and her family"... dang, this phrasing is really...

This knowledge is passed down from emperor to emperor, huh. I know this kind of thing! Naruto taught me all about it! I remember that Uchiha tablet full of bullshit!

Byleth has been compared to Nemesis now. Hm.

Claude scene <3 He's upset about Judith dying, and that many more people will die following his orders. But of course he also talks himself up "do you have any idea how much of the Alliance adores me and believes in in me?" How much? Hm... about half? I remember SS and Lorenz leading the other half.

Anyway, Nader is also here.

Linhardt stupid take: "It's as if Crests were designed to be used only in times of war." How can you use them in peace-time? My dude...

There are three gates that connect Derdriu proper to its naval port. It looks like the naval port is a reinforced, walled area where the ships must dock before any goods or people can move into the city itself.

Killed Lysithea with Caspar, but I still get the prompt to spare her. I don't like these, it's too easy!

lol Claude keeps being upset that people are too stubborn to retreat even though he tells them to. My man, this is what happens when the Alliance adores you, it's called ride or die for a reason

The Almyran King fighting on the front lines... as expected.

Nader has been a soldier for 30-odd years. Incidentally, he retreats rather than outright being killed like Judith and Hilda... and Claude. It seems he has no dialogue for if Claude is killed first. Too bad!

[aliasimagines]

operation fools in love//luke patterson

requested by a lovely anon

word count: 3333(!!!)

a/n: i still don’t know how to write endings

The corridor was noisy with loud chatter, quietly whispered gossip and the sound of rushing students' shoes hitting against the floor. 

You hummed  'edge of great' as you started fishing out the books you need for class from your locker. It has been stuck in your head since yesterday evening when the guys played it for you and Flynn at band practice. 

You were about to close your locker when he poofed next to you. 

“Hi, y/n!”

“AAHHH” you screamed, earning a few side looks from passing by students. 

“Ahh, I accidentally kicked my locker, haha…”you started explaining yourself before turning back to your open locker. You sent a glare in Luke’s way.

“What did Julie and I say to you? Do not teleport randomly to us at school!”

He chuckled.

“Yeah, rules, rules, I don’t care. I just wanted to drop in and say hi!” he smiled at you with his signature Luke smile.

“Well, you did. That’s all? I kinda need to go to class.” you spot Julie in the corner of your eyes as you walk over to her locker. You quickly wave at her and soon after she comes over so you can talk to Luke without looking crazy. 

Luke mumbles something under his breath and goes to scratch the back of his head.

“No! Uhm..Hi Jules… So y/n I also kinda wanted to ask if you would come to our gig tonight? You know, we are playing not far from that food place you like? "

You smiled, appreciating that he remembered your favorite food place. 

"Well,erm.. I guess? I want to but I might have dance practice, so I am not sure." you say, wishing you'd know for sure but you won't find out till the end of your classes. 

Luke's lips formed an 'o' before his gaze fell down on his shoes. 

"Oh well.. I-okay. Bye?" he says in an unsure tone before disappearing, leaving you to face Julie. 

"Well, wasn't that adorable?"  she asks with a smug grin. 

"What? What are you talkin' bout Jules?" you ask honestly confused. She laughs and puts her hand on your shoulder. 

"Sweetheart, you two are just oblivious to each other!" 

"I don't… What?" 

"You like him. He likes you. It's not that confusing. Really it is obvious." 

"Shhh, quiet!" you shh-ed her, quickly making sure if Luke was 100 percent gone. "I.. I don't like him." 

It was unnecessary, you couldn't even fool yourself and especially not Julie. 

"Y/N, come on girl, I know you do. And he does like you too! I mean I am writing songs with him, do you know how many lovesick lyrics he has written lately? It is making me sick." she laughed. 

"Well, he might have written them about someone else. Maybe you? You two have amazing chemistry."

Julie sighed and grabbed both of your shoulders so she could look at you. 

"Y/N, honey. Believe me when I say he is head over heels for you. Why else would he want you to be at our gig so much?”

„Luke is literally so passionate about music? Of course he wants to share it with me, cause he wants to share it with everyone.”

„Ahg, girl you need glasses cuz you can't see shit. Look, if  prove he likes you too will you believe me?”

„Sure. I mean you can’t prove something that is not true but, sure go ahead, ’prove it’.” 

Julie rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to respond but luckily for you the bell rang.

“See you later, alligator!” and with that you were off to class, leaving Julie alone to work on her master plan. 

She knew she had to pull this off because the mutual pinning was unbearable but she also knew she couldn't do it alone. She'll need all the help she can get and that includes Flynn and the rest of her ghost band. 

You changed into your leggings and sweatshirt before heading into the gym where the dance practice took place. You were quite bumped. Don't get me wrong dancing is everything to you but.. You really did want to see the guys perform. 

You and the other kids were warming up, waiting for your teacher to start showing the choreography. But neither of you expected what she did next. Much to your surprise Reggie and Alex appeared next to her and started messing with her water bottle before you could even open your mouth.

For a moment no one acknowledged what was going on. Some were too busy chatting and warming up and Ms Janett was too busy with her phone. The two ghosts seemed to have noticed that and after exchanging a knowing smirk they grabbed the phone out of your teachers hands. She perked up, a mixture of anger and confusion on her face. And then… she saw her own phone floating in tin air.

“Stop!!” you whisper shouted  in the boys direction but they only gave you a smirk before Reggie started searching for the music player application. Alex pointed over Reggie’s shoulder.

“Uuu, play that one.” 

And as soon as the Lady Gaga song started playing Ms Janett let out a scream causing everyone to look up. You saw the boys dancing with the phone and the pompoms in their hand (although you have no idea where Alex got those pompoms) but everyone else just saw those items moving by themselves.

“GHOOOST!!! Everybody RUUUUUUN!” 

Some people followed the teacher, some stayed behind to take a closer look only to be scared away by a flying pompom. 

“What the heck are you two doing?” you turned to them,being  rather angry,  once you were the only living person in the gym. Seriously, what were they thinking?

“We cleared your afternooon! You can come to our concert!” Reggie exclaimed and put down the phone. 

“Do you think I would go after this fiasco you just pulled??” you were definitely angry now.

“Oh come on, if not for us then for Julie..and for Luke.”

You snapped your head in Alex's direction at the mention of Luke’s name.

“What do...No. Don’t try to divert the topic. What you did was incredebly stupid! What if.. What if someone connects the dots and figures out that Julie’s hologram band is actually a ghost band? There will be scientist and ghost busters and-”

“Shh, Y/N jeez, calm down. it will be okay. We’ll see you at the show.” 

And they poofed away. They simply left  you alone with your thoughts. You need to come up with some kind of explanation for the dance class but right now you need to go home and change. The boys were right, even if they kinda (really) caused a mess here you still like them and don’t want to miss seeing them live ((Winky face)).

Meanwhile you were sorting through your dresses and outfit options. Julie and the band arrived at the venue for rehearsal.

Usually it was Luke who hyped Julie up before shows but right now the roles were switched because Luke looked like a kicked puppy ever since he learned you wouldn’t be able to make it to their gig. Of course Julie knew you will be here, as she was the one to send the boys to scare away your teacher. It was all part of her little plan.

Like mentioned Luke wrote half a dozen songs, all centered around his feelings for you. He stated to Jules that he will definitely not play them for you because there is just no way you like him back, but now Luke thinks you won’t be there so Julie is on the next step of her genius plan. Convince Luke to play one of his love songs.

“Luke, Lukey-poo, my man.” she started getting more and more cringy. “I thought we could close with Hero and Heroine? I know you said you don’t want to play it but it is such a great song, you definitely shouldn’t let it be just another forgotten song that stays on a piece of paper. Plus it is perfect for closing, think about it!”

“Julie...I-I told you I don’t wanna play it.”

“You told me you don’t wanna play it in front of Y/N, which would be the whole point of writing love songs to her but that's besides the point right now. Pleeassee?”

Luke took a deep breath and looked at his ghost mates for...What for? Support? Advice? He is not sure. He does want to play the song, pour out his emotions through the song but the question is..should he? He knows you can’t be here which both makes him wanna play the song and not at the same time.

“I agree with Julie, dude.” Alex said, shrugging his shoulder like he knew of nothing. Reggie nodded along.

“Okay..If you all think I w-”

Julie stood up and clapped her hands together.

“Cool! It is settled. I’ll need to make a phone call, brb.”

“Barbeque?” asked Reggie confused. Which made Alex laugh.

“Brb actually means be right back. Willie told me.” the blond made his way over to Luke and gently punched his shoulder. “Really Luke, that song is great. And I know you think there is no way Y/N would like you back but I am sure if she could hear it-”

“I’m a ghost, Alex! I can’t just confess to her, how are we gonna date? We can’t even touch.”

“That is totally not the reason. You are afraid she would decline your affection, I get it, but believe me I have seen her look at you. That longing in her eyes when I mention your name. She likes you.”

Luke rolled his eyes.

“Not that it matters, she won't hear the song and that is my final say in this.”

As soon as Julie stepped out of the small, cigarette smelling backroom she dialed your number. You picked up after two rings.

“Hi, Jules.”

“Hi girl, I heard what the boys did, I am so, so sorry. You know they are idiots.”she said trying real hard not to laugh but she reminded herself of her plan and pulled on her poker face.”But..Are you coming to the show? Flynn could pick you up; she is about to get going.”

“Yeah I’ll come, tell the boys I will call my teacher and say it was a prank so they can thank me for saving their ghostbutts.”

Julie giggled and started playing with her hair.She walked up and down the small corridor that led to the stage from the backroom.

“I will, I better get back and warm up but you should call Flynn so she won’t leave without you.”

Of course Flynn wouldn’t leave without you. She was waiting in her car two blocks from your home waiting for your phone car.

She didn’t have to wait long, you called her and she pretended to not expect it. Flynn kinda became your and Julie’s driver ever since she got her driver's  license last month. 

By the time the two of you got to the venue the opening was playing their last song and the place was already packed with dancing teenagers. Flynn dragged you to the bar and asked for a cola for herself and a (favourite drink) for you. 

The two of you hung back and sipped your drinks until Julie appeared on the stage. Then you took Flynn by the hand and  started pulling her toward the stage. Only she held you back. 

"Hey, what's up? Don't we wanna go and watch them from closer?" 

"Oh, well, uhm...I'd rather hang back. The crowd kind of makes me anxious right now." Flynn said. You lifted an eyebrow at her. Flynn being anxious? In a crowd?? That did not convince you. But you didn’t argue. 

"Do you need to step outside a little or…" 

"Nah, it's good, let's just stay here in the back." 

So you did. You sang and danced along to the songs you both knew so well. You tried  your best not to stare at Luke too much but let’s be honest you failed miserably. Flynn occasionally wiggled her eyebrows at you when she caught you ‘drooling over him’ as she put it.

After they finished playing Stand Tall you expected them to bow and ‘disappear’ but much to your surprise Julie grabbed the mic and brought it to her lips.

“Hello, hello, helloo! Do y’all wanna hear one more song?” the audience erupted into a loud cheer. It was so heartwarming to watch. Julie doing what she was born to do, playing music and enchanting the crowd. Flynn seemed to have the same thought because she looked at her with such pride. You pulled her into a big hug and the two of you waited for the crowd to quiet down so Jules could go on.

“Allright, allright. Now this song will be a bit different but...I will let Luke here tell it.”

You just became more and more surprised when Luke stepped closer to the mic and spoke into it, looking kinda...nervous? 

“Ohm..Hello everyone! So uh..This song is dedicated to a special someone, the songs called-”

“What’s the special someone’s name?” your eyes travelled to Reggie who asked the question with a huge grin. Luke turned to look at the bassist. If looks could kill Reggie would be double dead. But before Luke could give a voice to his disapproval towards Reggie’s question Julie spoke up.

“Yeah! What’s the name?” she turned towards the crowd and started chanting. “What’s the name?”

Soon Reggie and Alex joined with smiles painted on their faces along with the audience. You were so freaking confused. You looked at Flynn for some explanation but how would she know about it. 

“OKAY, okay, stop!” Luke yelled before laughing a little. “All right I will tell you guys but you have to promise me you won’t tell anyone?”

All of a sudden you felt sick and wanted to get out of here. You were so not in the mood to hear Luke declare his love for someone. 

“This song is dedicated to..To Y/N. Unfortunately she wouldn't be here today but..she is an amazing person. Hope you all like the song.”

He...He couldn’t be talking about you, could he?

He started strumming his guitar and soon Reggie joined in with the bass and Alex with the drums. Jullie clapped her hands together and kept sending encouraging looks for the boy.

“It's too late baby, there's no turning around, I've got my hands in my pocket and my head in a cloud, this is how I do, when I think about you,I never thought that you could break me apart,I keep a sinister smile and a hole of my heart” he sang into the mic, his voice filling in the whole club “You want to get inside, then you can to get in line but not this time”

“'Cause you caught me off guard, now I'm running and screaming!” Julie joined in for the line“I feel like a hero and you're my heroine.”

“I won't try to philosophize, I'll just take a deep breath and I'll look in your eyes, this is how I feel and it's so so real I got a closet filled up to the brim with the ghosts of my past and the skeletons, and I don't know why, you'd even try but I won't lie” Luke sang and you finally realised what was going in. He wrote this song. For you. You looked over to Flynn who nodded towards the stage and mouthed ‘go’.

I feel like a hero and you are my heroine. Do you know that your love is the sweetest sin?

You started making your way towards the stage, slipped through the cracks between dancing people and singing fans. The further you got the harder it was to get through but you heard Luke’s voice and you kept going.

And I feel a weakness coming on, never felt so good to be so wrong. Had my heart on lock down and then you turned me around

And I’m feeling like a new born child..

You finally break through a few screaming girls and see him.

“-Every time I get a chance to see you smile. It’s not complicated, I’m so jaded.” Luke sings and looks at the audience and- He spots you. Looking up at him with eyes wide open and admiration on your face. His voice cracks because of the sudden surprise of your presence but you smile at him and that is all he needs to continue.

“And you caught me off guard...Now I’m running and screaming”

He sang the song with such passion that even if you weren’t before now you were absolutely sure this wasn’t just a simple crush. 

When they finished you didn’t waste a lot of time, you ran backstage, quickly waving your vip ticket.  You almost run into Julie on your way to the door of the backroom.

“Who- Y/N!”

“This was your doing, wasn’t it?” you smiled at her already knowing the answer. She flashed a toothy grin. 

“Well I had a great team behind me but yeah, Operation FiL was my idea.”

“Phil?” you ask back .

“No, no. F i L. Fools in Love. Now go get ‘im tiger!”

You shook your head and entered the backroom. Luke stood with his back facing you but as soon as he saw you in the mirror he spinned around. For a moment you forgot he was a ghost and ran to give him a hug. 

“Y/N, no-” he put his hands out so he could catch you, simply out of reflex but he didn’t expect to actually hold you in his arms. You both looked at each other with eyes as wide as a 6 lane highway. 

“How can I-”

“Do you care?”  you closed the little distance between the two of you and pressed your lips against his.  They were just as soft as you imagined oh, so many times before. He kissed back gently, afraid that this is just a dream. But this was definitely too real to be a dream. You unfortunately had to pull back to catch your breath but Luke looked leaned closer to press his forehead against yours.

“The song was so beautiful, I loved it.” you whisper. He just stared at you with a smile.

“If I knew you would kiss me, I would have played it a long time ago.” you giggled and brought your lips together for one more kiss. He let his hands wander this time but so did you. Your fingers ran through his brown hair, this being something you wanted to do for so long. He kept one hand on your waist and placed the other on the side of your face.

Your lips moved so in sync like you’ve been doing this all your lives. You were so drawn to each other, you felt like you couldn’t pull away in that moment even if you tried. Like this invisible magical force just glued the two of you to-

“Okay, that is enough! Get out I need to change!” Julie brusted in causing Luke to jump up and cling to you like Scooby Doo.

“Wow, you are so brave.''you laughed rolling your eyes at. “Come on, let’s leave alone Julie. We’ll meet ya at the car?”

 Jules nodded and sent a wink in your way. You walked outside, both of you grinning like idiots. 

“So uhm...Does this make us, Us?”

“Yeah. I mean if that’s what you want too.” you look at your shoes and bite your lower lip waiting for his answer.

“There’s nothing I want more.” he said. “Oh well..maybe another kiss wouldn’t be so bad either..”

[the-starryknight]

Aftermath of an Accidental Bond

Rated: T | No Archive Warnings | 1k

For the 2021 Summer Writin’ Challenge: Week 4 (still time to join us!) Prompt: His hands, Trope: Accidental Bonding, Craft: 2nd POV, Characters/Objects: A shapeshifter poet Summary: When you took the Mungo's third shift, you knew there would be weird shit. You just didn't expect to find the most recognizable face in the Wizarding world shoved into a hospital cot beside Draco Malfoy. Thanks to @softlystarstruck for the fantastic beta on this, and to @onbeinganangel for holding my hand as an alpha. minor warning for mention of a character being ill -- nothing graphic!

“If they can’t break this, I’m going to have to kill you, Potter,” comes the posh voice in bay three. “Can’t spend my whole life tied to an idiot saviour.”

“—like to see you try.”

You ought to go see what caused that awful crashing noise, but you’ve been in their room three times already and you really don’t want to have to walk out in the middle of your shift.

“Would you shove over?”

You’ve got three problems. First: their collective chart claims that the marriage bond was broken three hours ago, but second: neither patient seems to be aware that they are both free to leave. The third problem is named Sylvan, the willowy werewolf on a bad wolfsbane dose from bay six. He wouldn’t be an issue if it he hadn't also taken an interest in the bickering pair in bay three.

It’s obvious from the start that the second shift didn’t tell them the bond was broken. If it weren’t half three in the morning, and if you weren’t dead bored with the rest of the caseload, you probably would have gone in and done your Healerly duty.

Instead, you murmur, “Just taking a new set of vitals,” as you conduct the familiar charms. Harry Potter’s pulse is jumpy, too high to be his resting, and he’s got a flush to his cheeks even though he’s not sick.

“Thank you so much,” Potter says to you, like he’s trying to ingratiate himself. It works less well when he’s shoved into a single hospital bed in a gown he doesn’t need to be wearing, touching Draco Malfoy from shoulder to calf. “I was wondering,” Potter continues, “what your opinion is on the proper ratio of coffee to cream and sugar.”

You stare at him.

“Don’t listen to him,” Malfoy snaps, rolling his eyes.

Malfoy hesitates as you move to cast the spell to record his blood pressure. In your years on the ward, you’ve seen more Dark Marks than you can count, and even though it doesn’t bother you anymore, you try to make the charms quick for him.

Harry's fingers flick against the back of his other hand. It's barely a reassurance, but it sends Malfoy's heart rate spiking anyway.

"Fucking bond," Malfoy mutters under his breath, turning somehow even pinker.

“Is it coffee you’re fighting about now?” you ask innocently. You’re well aware they’ve fought through every imaginable subject over the past three hours.

“No,” Potter answers, as Malfoy snaps, “Yes.”

“I summoned a cuppa for Potter and he was displeased with the amount of cream I added to it — a perfectly reasonable amount if I might add, which he claims is scanty. Scanty!” Malfoy rolls his eyes at Potter.

“If the coffee still looks like coffee, there’s not enough cream." The cup in question is sitting on Potter’s side table, horribly pale and still steaming away under a warming charm.

Can’t Potter see the affection in Malfoy’s gaze? It’s so obvious to you. They move like a matched pair of wands, like the bond between them is still true even though you’re certain it’s gone. Potter’s hand twitches when Malfoy’s moves; his eyes slip to Malfoy’s lips when he talks, like he wants to take everything but can't or won't.

“You know,” Malfoy says, and you’re starting to understand why nobody else wants to deal with them. “Potter here thought it was a good idea to start reading the spellbooks in my library out loud. Do you know better than to do that?”

“Sure,” you mutter, wondering if now’s a good time for a speedy exit.

“I wasn’t just reading it willy-nilly,” Potter snaps, and he looks genuinely hurt. “I was investigating Malfoy. He’s under watch for Possession of Dark Artifacts.”

Malfoy points at you. “Even our Healer knows what’s what. This is all your fault.”

You’re about to respond, but both their eyes slide past you and you know, you know that problem number three is at the door. Sylvan is willowy, with a melodic accent and sparkling brown eyes and it’s no wonder Potter’s noticed him.

And that means you’ve got a new problem, because Malfoy’s glaring at Potter staring at Sylvan, and Sylvan’s got his stupid notebook out and he’s going to start quoting his erotic poetry at them, isn’t he?

“Excuse me,” Malfoy complains loudly. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

You shove past Sylvan to grab a bucket, barely restraining a hip check on the way as he murmurs something about forbidden caresses and watchful moons.

Malfoy takes the offered pan from you, but sets it aside without looking; Potter's got his full attention.

“Watching you like that makes me sick,” Malfoy snaps. “The bond is making me sick.”

The nausea symptoms should have ended with the bond. Have they even bothered trying to stop touching?  Maybe it's easier to pretend their obvious connection is only magic.

“You shouldn’t watch, then,” Potter says.

If Sylvan had any tact he’d leave them be, but — and you catch the glint in his smile — maybe he’s as onto them as you are.

“Like a lover’s waltz, I’ll hold you through your quaking,” he’s going on in his lilting, stupidly attractive voice.

Potter’s hand brushes against Malfoy’s knuckles, so quick you almost miss it, but Malfoy snags his wrist and puts two fingers on Potter’s pulse point.

Sylvan finishes the poem with a flourish and a bow and leaves, nodding to you as he goes. The smolder between Malfoy and Potter is three times worse, so you follow Sylvan out. It's cooler even in the doorway, like there's more oxygen, like the force of their false bond is actually consuming the air in the room.

Malfoy mutters, “I hated that.”

“I know,” says Potter. “You're not really jealous, I get it.”

“Right.” Malfoy’s voice is horribly resigned. Can’t Harry tell he’s lying? “I’m tired.”

“Roll over then, we can both fit. I'll hold you.”

“Because of the bond?”

“Because of the bond.”

Read Aftermath of an Accidental Bond on Ao3!

Past weeks: I. Let it Come to Them (Fluff) | II. By Merlin’s Hand, Save Him (Action) | III. The Pleiades Were Watching Too (Angst/MCD)

[ienjoywallpaper]

Moving on from SDV Grandpa...

...and on to my farmer's parents! Another entry to the inktober prompt list by the excellent @buttonso, my farmer's parents met at the Stardew Valley Fair. My farmer's mother, Millie, is Chuck and Charlotte's daughter. Her father, Phil, is from the suburbs outside Zuzu City. This one's a long one (for me anyway), clocking in at nearly 4000 words. Enjoy, or don't... but I hope you do :)

Stardew Valley Fair

By: ienjoywallpaper Word Count: 3,966

"Millie, you go on and have some fun. I have to finish the grange display before Mayor Wilson goes and gives that hair-brained logger Durst a second look for his selection of honey… like his honey is better than Oakwood's… humph." Millie Lowell shook her head. Her father took the yearly fair’s grange display way too seriously. She left him to his grumbling and decided to look for her cousin, Clara. As she walked past the other grange displays, she waved to Marnie as she was helping her father. Marnie grinned and ran around the box to pull Millie into a big hug.

"Oh my goodness, please save me," she whispered, "I just wanna go home and sit with my cows." Millie giggled. Marnie pulled away and shot a playful frown at her friend, "I'm only here because Shaun refused to show. I blame you for running my little brother off by dumping him." Millie sighed.

"I keep telling everyone I'm sorry, but it just wasn't working out..." Marnie rubbed Millie's arm and shook her head.

"I'm teasing, obviously. You're way too good for him. As great as it would have been to be sisters-in-law, I wouldn't wish his gloomy ass on anyone - least of all you. You need to get out more. There's no one young enough left in this town. Except Willy, and he’s not interested unless you’re part fish." Marnie let out a hearty laugh.

"I don't know if I'm ready to get back out there yet." Millie confessed, "Not that I'm pining over Shaun, but I think I need some time, you know?" Marnie nodded.

"Understandable. You should enjoy your 20's." Millie laughed.

"You're only 30, Marnie. You talk like you're some old woman." Marnie flipped her thick braid over her shoulder.

"29. But, I'm an old soul." She joked. Marnie's eye caught on her father lifting a heavy crate of eggs. "I should go help my dad before he throws his back out again." She leaned in for another quick hug.

"Oh, hey, before you go, have you seen Clara?" Marnie frowned.

"Yeah, about half an hour ago." She cringed. "I'm sorry Mils, she ran off with… what was it you called him? Grimey Mc-something?" Millie rolled her eyes.

"Greasy McSkip." She let out a frustrated groan. "Will that girl ever learn?"

"Not everyone can be as level headed about relationships as you are, Millie." Marnie watched her father take a faltering step with the egg crate. "I really gotta go. Enjoy the fair, don't worry about Clara, and remind me to let Shaun know he owes me big time." She winked at Millie and turned away to help her father.

####

Phil Peterson hopped out of his buddy, Andy's car, and bounced in place while he waited for him to come around to join him. Andy groaned.

"Dude, why are you even so excited to come here? It's the Stardew Valley Fair, not a theme park." Phil clapped Andy on the back and grinned.

"I can't explain it man, I'm just so excited to be here this year. I woke up this morning and just knew it was gonna be a good day." Phil took an exaggerated deep-breath in and let it out with an audible "ahhh." "Do you smell that, Andy? Do you know what that smell is?"

"Cow shit and fried butter?"

"Maybe. But also, screw you, that's the smell of opportunity! I'm determined to have a good time today! What do you have against the fair anyway? And if you don't like it, why'd you come with me?" Andy rolled his eyes.

"I only came to try and get one of those mysterious 'stardrop' things I've heard about. And besides, someone has to keep your unrelenting optimism in check." Phil laughed at Andy and shook his head as they walked on into the fair. Vendors were set up under a large banner proclaiming "Grange Displays." It was an interesting selection of local artisan goods and crop yields. He considered meandering through the area until Andy pulled him toward the games.

"We'll start with the shooting booth. It seems the easiest place to rack up tokens. I need 2,000 to get that stardrop." Phil allowed himself to be pulled, but stopped short when he saw a gorgeous brunette making her way toward the Smashing Stone game.

"Hey man, you go on ahead. I'll catch up with you later."

"Whatever, Phil. Just remember, 2,000 tokens!" Andy called as he single-mindedly headed to the shooting booth. Phil never took his eyes off the woman. She held herself gracefully, with a timid confidence that was both alluring and intimidating. It made no sense to Phil why exactly it was intimidating, but suddenly his mouth was dry and his palms were getting moist. He walked toward the game, watching a man ahead of her lift a large hammer and bring it down forcefully on a pad, launching a small rock toward a bell. He thought it looked easy enough, so he swallowed and approached her.

"Excuse me, do you care if I join you?" She looked at him, seeming confused by his request.

"Um… this is kind of a one-person-at-a-time sort of deal." She replied. Phil cleared his throat, feeling like if he opened his mouth right now, his nerves would produce only a tight squeak.

"I realize that, but you see, I'm not from around here. You seem like you know your way around, I could, perhaps, join you for the afternoon and get properly acquainted with the attractions." She blinked back at him, nonplussed by his forwardness. He had to admit, he was surprised he made it through his suggestion without his voice cracking like a teenager, he was so nervous. The girl regained her composure and looked skeptically back at Phil.

"How do you know I'm even from around here?"

"Are you?" Phil attempted a flirtatious tone… but he probably just sounded cocky. She crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"What if I said no?" She raised her eyebrow ever so slightly.

"Then I would have to join you simply to learn a thing or two about confidence and looking effortlessly comfortable with myself - because you seem so at ease in a place you don't live, I must know your secret." A pretty blush colored her cheeks and Phil fell just a little bit more. "I'm Phil Peterson, by the way." He offered his hand for her to shake. She considered it for a moment and took it. Her hand was surprisingly rough, but Phil found he rather liked the feeling of it in his.

"Millie Lowell. It's nice to meet you, Phil" Millie looked toward the Smashing Stone game and back at Phil.

"Well, if you are going to join me, and since you are a visitor, it would be rude if I didn't let you try first." She motioned to the hammer. A wide grin spread across Phil's face. He knew this was going to be a good day. He approached the game and the attendant called out to him.

"STEP RIGHT UP! TEST YOUR STRENGTH!" He felt Millie's presence behind him and only slightly wavered in his confidence. He felt an overwhelming need to impress her as he put his hands around the hammer and lifted. He nearly staggered as he realized the hammer itself was much, much heavier than he anticipated. Trying to hide his embarrassment, he awkwardly hefted the hammer over his shoulder and brought it back down with as much strength as he could muster… Unfortunately, he failed to aim properly and it glanced off the edge of the pad instead of hitting it in the center. The stone barely moved, and heat rose from Phil's collar bones straight up to his hair. The attendant held back a chuckle.

"Wow. Zero strength. I'm actually impressed with how weak you are. Here's a star token." He flipped a small silver star in Phil's direction. Phil caught it, and hesitantly turned back to Millie, his cheeks still burning. He could tell she was resisting peals of laughter, her blue eyes bright with humor. He rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled.

"So much for trying to impress you." Millie finally laughed in earnest - a glorious, happy sound that seemed to brighten their surroundings.

"Actually, it takes skill to get that rock to barely wiggle. Color me impressed." She took the hammer from Phil's hands and walked up to the pad. Effortlessly, she brought the hammer up above her head and literally smashed the pad as she brought it down. The rock soared up and dinged the bell. The attendant smiled.

"HA! Now that's what I like to see! Have a star token." Millie took the token from the attendant and turned back to Phil. His cheeks burned and he felt the desire to crawl under a rock for a few years.

"Now that was impressive." He held his hand up to offer a high-five. Millie giggled and slapped it.

"I guess that's what happens when you work on a farm." She handed the token to Phil. "Here, I don't need this. Besides, part of your tour requires you to play all of the games and then use your tokens to buy some prizes, so you can just add this to your total." He looked a moment at the token, feeling just a little overwhelmed Millie decided to stay with him. He gave her a lopsided smile.

"Let's hope I do better at the other games than I did with this one."

####

He did not. Millie watched with amusement as he failed over, and over, and over again. If he weren't so embarrassed after each failure of the games, she would have thought it was some sort of backwards way of flirting. As it was, each failure was endearing, because she saw how determined he was to win - so even if it was flirting, she had to admit it was working. They stood together next to the fishing booth counting up his tokens. Phil sighed in defeat.

"300 tokens. Can you even get anything with 300 tokens?" Millie thought briefly.

"Um, do you like sunflowers? I think you can buy some dried sunflowers for 100."

"Do you like sunflowers?" Phil asked with such sincerity, Millie was touched.

"Um, actually, I do. They're my favorites." Phil nodded.

"Then with my meager winnings, I will buy you all of the dried sunflowers." Millie blushed.

"You don't want to try to get something for yourself?" Phil cocked his head.

"Why would I want to do that?" Millie shrugged.

"You know, to remember your time today?"

"Oh, believe me, there's absolutely no way I'm gonna forget today. Today's the day I met you." Millie blushed.

"Wow, that's a good line." She rubbed her arm awkwardly and couldn't quite meet Phil's gaze.

"It wasn't a line. I mean it. Millie Lowell," he stepped a little closer and tentatively reached for Millie's free hand. "I have a feeling you might just be the most memorable thing in my life from now on." Millie's heart gave a little thump as she locked eyes with Phil. His hazel eyes were intense, more determined than when he was playing the fair games. No one was able to lie that well - she could tell he meant exactly what he said. She blushed and smiled as she looked back down at her feet. A charged moment passed as he continued to hold her hand. She finally looked up and over in the direction of the park.

"Do… would you like to join me to get some food?" She looked back and smiled. A nervous smirk appeared on his face.

"I believe that's all part of the tour, right?" Millie giggled

"I guess so. Come on, we'll get some food before you spend your tokens." Hesitantly, Phil let go of her hand and motioned for her to lead the way.

"So, Millie, you said you work on a farm. What's that like?"

"Well, it's my father's farm, so it's like chores… except they last all day and usually involve shoveling animal poop, harvesting crops, and getting pecked by chickens…" She chuckled. "What about you? What do you do all day?"

"I work for the postal service." He grinned.

"That seems interesting, do you like it?"

"It's certainly rewarding. I like knowing I've been entrusted to deliver correspondence. It doesn't have to be important, or even personal, but knowing I've had a hand in connecting two people somehow, I consider it an honor." Millie smiled.

"Wow. That's a really wonderful way to look at it. It must be extremely satisfying being so happy with your work. " Phil nervously ran a hand through his sandy blonde hair and gave her another lopsided half-smile.

"You could say that. I always expected to be indifferent to my job. Growing up, you always hear someone talking about 'it's a means to an end' or 'it pays the bills', but, I just immediately loved it. You could say I haven't had to work since the day I started my job." Millie watched his eyes sparkle as he talked. "What about you? You must get some satisfaction from working the farm?" Millie frowned. It wasn't a subject she talked about a lot, but she sensed Phil was trustworthy - that maybe she could be completely honest and not be judged by him.

"Oakwood has been a wonderful place to live, and my parents were always great and hard working. But if I'm honest, it was always my father's dream to run the farm, not mine. I stayed around to help my dad after my mom died, and I feel awful saying it out loud - but, if I had my choice, I would leave Pelican Town and Oakwood and probably never look back." She looked around and blushed, suddenly very aware of their surroundings. They had finally reached the buffet and several locals were hanging around the area, chatting animatedly. Phil leaned slightly closer.

"I'm sorry about your mother." He pitched his voice a little lower, and she was internally grateful for him picking up on her discomfort.

"Thanks. It's been about 8 years now. I'm certain she's resting happily with Yoba and that gives me comfort." She shook the thought from her mind. "But enough about all that. It's time you experienced quite possibly my favorite part of the Fair." She smiled genuinely, "Fair food."

####

She was right. The food was amazing, but secretly, Phil was still convinced Millie was the best part of his day. Her eyes sparkled as they talked over their food and swapped stories about their different backgrounds. He felt like he could talk to her for hours and never get tired of listening to her giggles or watching her wide-eyed reactions. She excused herself after they ate, leaving Phil alone to consider his next move. He took their trash to a nearby bin when Andy appeared around a corner, looking like the cat that caught the canary.

"Dude, I am the man. I got my tokens, and then some. Here," he tossed a burlap bag that jingled when Phil caught it. "I got one, dude, one of those stardrop things. They're insane. They wouldn't let me get another one, some crap about 'only one per customer.' so there's another 2,000 tokens in there." Phil choked.

"How did you get 4,000 tokens so fast?!"

"What, like it's hard? You point the thing at the targets and shoot." Phil remembered it being a little more complicated than that, but he wasn't going to argue. "So… How has your day gone? You ready to leave yet?"

"Uh, no… I've got a couple more things I need to do. Have you eaten? We can catch back up after you eat…" Andy narrowed his eyes and smiled.

"Oh, you're still with that girl, aren't you? The one you ditched me for!" Phil rubbed the back of his neck and shot Andy an awkward grin. "Aw, man, I saw you two all the way at the other end of the shooting booth. Where is she? You ashamed for her to meet your best friend?"

"Andy, no…" he sighed, "Look, I just want a little more time with her. She's… she's different… and she doesn't need to be harassed by the likes of you." Andy playfully punched Phil's arm.

"Whatever man, leave me alone to rot away from boredom." he joked. Phil rolled his eyes.

"She's better company for me today than you would've been, asshole." He replied sarcastically. Andy laughed.

"Fine. I'm gonna stuff my face. Come find me when you're ready to go." Andy winked and walked toward the food tables. Phil chuckled to himself, then turned to see Millie approach.

"Sorry about that. Was that someone you know? Do you need to leave?" She asked lightly. Phil shook his head.

"Nah, that was a buddy of mine, he's going to eat and we'll meet up in a bit." Millie nodded and looked up at the changing sky. Sunset was closing in and Phil regretted that his time was running short. Millie looked back at him and smiled.

"Well, you have one item left on your tour, I'd hate for you to leave without experiencing the whole thing."

"By all means. Lead the way, m'lady." Phil bowed and waved her ahead. Millie giggled as she walked.

####

Millie hung back as they approached the seller's booth, wanting to give Phil space to make his own purchases. She sat down on the bench and looked out over the crowds. She was surprised they hadn't been approached by any locals yet, but thankful at the same time. Her father and Marnie were about the only ones in town not giving her a hard time about breaking up with Shaun, and to see her with a strange man all of a sudden would likely get the gossip mill running double-time. She decided that would be an issue for another day. For now, she smiled thinking about her day with Phil. He was cheerful, funny, and she felt so comfortable in his presence. He was so different from Shaun. That thought made her sad, but it was true. A shadow moved in front of her feet and she looked up at Phil carrying three large decorative vases full of dried sunflowers and a small paper bag. She couldn't help but smile as he handed the flowers to her and blushed.

"As payment for being such a wonderful tour guide on what might just be the best day I've ever had." Millie shook her head, her grin liable to crack her face in half.

"Are you always like this?" She asked. He stared back at her, a genuine, half-smile playing across his face.

"I guess you'll just have to find out." He held out the paper bag. "In a stroke of luck, I inherited some stray tokens from my buddy, so I got you this, too." She looked at the bag with curiosity. She wasn't sure what it could be, but she had the feeling she didn't want to open it in the middle of the town square. She stood up with up her flowers in one arm then held out her free hand.

"Follow me." She instructed. Phil smiled and took it, holding firmly.

"With pleasure." They walked together toward the river, away from the bustling crowds and Grange Displays. She stopped at the river's edge under a stately oak tree. She loved this tree and its bright orange foliage. She set the flowers down at the base of the tree and turned back to Phil to retrieve the bag. She noticed a slight blush on his cheeks as she took the bag from him.

"I have no idea if you'll even like this." He explained, "but I'm told it's pretty special." She opened the bag and peeked inside.

The contents were not unknown to Millie, but to say she was surprised when she pulled out a waxy purple stardrop was a gross understatement. She looked up at Phil, not entirely sure what to think. He was a visitor, he would have no idea the meaning behind his gift. Her throat grew tight with emotion.

"Phil… I-I don't think I can accept this." She whispered, lowering the fruit back into the bag. He frowned.

"Of course you can, I wanted to give it to you." Millie shook her head.

"Stardrops are very precious and personal. They're meant to be consumed by the person who found or purchased it. To be given as a gift…" she paused, "well, they're traditionally given to… a spouse." Phil's blush deepened.

"Oh, I see." He looked at Millie and she squeezed his hand just a little tighter.

"You had no way of knowing. It was very romantic, thank you. Enjoy your prize. I'm very happy with the flowers." His face softened, Millie recognized fondness in his expression.

"Ok, then." She held the bag out to him and he took it back. He let go of her hand and shuffled awkwardly on his feet. "Um, I do have one question, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Sure, what is it?" He took a breath.

"May I… may I write to you, Millie Lowell?" Millie was touched. From anyone else, it would seem to be a very strange question, but it seemed just right coming from this man.

"Only if I can write back to you, Phil Peterson." The grin that lit up his face could have powered the entire valley for a week, she was convinced. He reached out his other hand and Millie took it.

"I knew today was going to be great." He murmured, gazing fondly into her eyes.

####

2 years later…

Phil peeked around the corner at Millie. His wife. Her husband. He got butterflies thinking about those titles. They were still so new, but he'd been ready for them from day one. He watched as she removed her necklace and veil, then reached up to slowly remove the pins from her elegant up-do. Their eyes met in the mirror and she blushed.

"Hello Mrs. Peterson." He entered the room with his hands behind his back. He'd long ago laid aside the tux jacket and rolled up his sleeves. Millie was still wearing her wedding dress, but he was in no rush just yet.

"Hello, Mr. Peterson. To what do I owe the pleasure?" He chuckled.

"Well, you know, I hear there are some very odd traditions in the valley. Such as using shells to propose, and weird winter holidays that require you to decorate trees." Millie shook her head and laughed. "But someone told me once that when one spouse deeply loves the other, that one gives the other a special gift."

"Oh, really?" She put her hands on her hips and smirked. "And what exactly is this 'gift' and am I appropriately attired?" She replied flirtatiously. Phil grinned and began to move closer.

"You look astonishingly, beyond-any-of-my-wildest-dreams stunning. I'm in awe of your beauty, and your attire is impeccable." She raised an eyebrow.

"Phil, wha-"

"Close your eyes." He whispered, "And hold out your hands." She shook her head as she closed her eyes, deciding to amuse him, and held out her hands. Phil placed a small paper package in her palms. She opened her eyes and cocked her head to the side. "Millicent Harlowe Peterson, my wife, this is for you." Confused, she unwrapped the package and then broke out in laughter.

"Phillip Graham Peterson, my husband, you are a sentimental fool! Where on earth did you find another stardrop?!" Phil smirked.

"I have my ways." Millie set the package aside and pulled Phil into a kiss.

"Best day ever." She sighed.

"Since the day we met."

[alloftheimaginess]

Baby

Word count: 1172

Warnings: None

I need help deciding who should be the baby daddy. Literally anyone you want just respond below and I will decided from that.

"Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh. Tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff. He's Winnie the Pooh Winnie the Pooh Willy nilly silly old bear" I sing holding my arms out to Winston when he walks into the room.

"This again?" He asks sitting down beside me. "It's never going away because you love me and you love when I do it" I say hugging him.

"Antony" I say getting up and pulling my dress down to hug him.

"That's not how you say my name. But how are you?" He asks.

"Well that's how I say it and now that I'm here with you, I'm not good" I say laughing.

"Oh hush" he says.

"I had no clue who I was doing this interview with I came in blindly" I say laughing and sitting back down crossing my legs.

"Sebastian is the last and that's it" Winston says and I nod pulling my phone out and Sebastian walks in.

"Hey" I say and he looks up.

"Hey, how are you?" He asks.

"I'm amazing" I say looking to Anthony as I laugh.

"Oh so he gets amazing" Anthony says.

"Shut up" I say and my make up artist comes in.

"Oh look at miss fancy pants over here" Winston says and I flip him off.

"Just my lipstick" I say and she fixes it and brushes down my baby hairs and she walks off.

"Hi I'm Kevin" the interviewer says walking into the room.

"Hi, nice to meet you. I'm (y/n)" I say standing up and hugging him and he shakes the guys hands.

"So how many superheroes are in this movie?" He asks.

"125" Anthony blurts out.

"I thought it was 126 damn" Kevin says.

"125" Anthony says.

"No wait but did you ever really figure out how many people were in it?" He ask and I nod. "125" Anthony says again and I laugh shaking my head.

"I studied math in high school dog, 125" he says and I shake my head.

"We all studied math in high school Anthony" I say playfully rolling my eyes.

"So where did they put all these trailers?" He asks.

"On top of each other" I joke and Winston starts laughing.

"Yeah they had at least 5 stacked up. The tallest got the top and the shortest got the bottom" he says playing along.

"No but seriously some had to share trailers" I say laughing.

"Yeah a lot of people didn't have trailers and some had 15 trailers all to themselves" Sebastian says laughing.

"Robert" I cough and the interviewer points to me.

"Exposed" he says.

"And you" Anthony says.

"Shots fired" Winston says and I do finger guns

"Who else?" He asks.

"I'm just saying doctor strange" Sebastian says leaning forwards little.

"The temperature of this tea tho" I say and they all start laughing harder.

"I hear this ending scene just the last battle is crazy" he says.

"Stupendous" Anthony says and I laugh, feeling dizzy.

"Like goes on forever" he says and I feel a headache coming on and I zone out.

"That's not how you say that" Winston says and I tune into their conversation.

"Magnanimous" Anthony says.

"Well I'm black, shit I say it how I want" Anthony says and they all start talking over each other so I lean back listening.

"I wanna ask what it's like when you're all on a set with all these folks and everybody's working out what are your marvel muscles like and what's it like on the set when everyone's all like" he says doing a motion.

"Well some people focus on different things like Sebastian is really into his abs that's his thing" Anthony says.

"True" Sebastian says nodding.

"I'm really into my legs" he says rubbing his legs.

"Because when I go to the beach I wear speedos and I want you to see what I'm working with, and" he stops, pointing to Winston.

"M'baku" Sebastian says.

"M'baku" Anthony starts and Winston starts laughing and he starts laughing cutting himself off.

"M'baku over here" Anthony says.

"Works on his back" Winston says and everyone starts laughing and they start over talking each other again.

"Can I get a water?" I ask interrupting the conversation.

"Of course" Kevin says and someone comes over with a water and I take a few sips of it.

"Are you okay?" He asks and I nod.

"I'm okay, I just have a headache" I say quietly and they go right back to laughing and I pinch the bridge of my nose closing my eyes and I stand up.

"Excuse me" I say going over to my make up artist and she hands me some pills rubbing my back as I listen in on the interview.

"You okay?" She asks and I nod.

"Yeah" I say my attention still on them talking and I sit for a minute before I go back over. "Are you sure you're okay?" Kevin asks as soon as I sit down.

"I'm fine thank you" I say smiling at him.

"Well that was the last question I had, it was nice talking to you all" he says standing up and collecting his things and he walks out, everyone following him.

They turn to me "what?" I ask and a wave of nausea washes over me and I try to control my breathing so I won't throw up.

"What's wrong?" Winston asks and I shrug.

"I don't know what you're talking about" I say playing dumb.

"Oh come on, you're usually the loudest one" Sebastian says.

"And you're unusually quiet" Anthony says. "And you look like you're about to puke and pass out at the same time" Winston says and I sigh looking around leaning in and I take out the ultrasound and I show it to them.

"This isn't your baby" Anthony says.

"Yes it is" I say.

"Oh my god are you serious?" Winston asks standing up.

"Dead" I say.

"Who all knows?" Sebastian asks.

"You three and of course the dad" I say putting it back in my purse.

"So that means we'll finally meet this mystery man you are hiding from us?" Sebastian asks. "Sure if you're invited to the baby shower" I say laughing

"I'm so happy for you" Anthony says hugging me and I hug him back and Winston hugs me. "Winston is a good name" he says and I roll my eyes.

"For you, yeah" I say and Sebastian hugs me.

"You guys can't tell a soul" I say.

"Tell a soul what?" I hear and I look up to see the next interviewer coming in.

"Nothing" I say.

"I'm going to sit this one out I have a horrible headache" I say standing up and going over to the side grabbing a cup of coffee.

"Coffee doesn't help with headaches" Winston says giving me a look and I roll my eyes putting it down

"Whatever" I say sitting down on the comfortable chair as I watch them get interviewed by this lady.