#basically it should be longer and fluffier

[thr0athugs]

Bringing back one of my best girls, Ruby!

[mya-valentine]

I loved what you did for ‘Witchcraft-quirk Classmate’! And I’m back to request a part two of sorts: Could I get a fic covering what happened during the “wolf incident”. Basically the shenanigans the reader and the class got into during the week they were wolves. Maybe the reader has to lowkey guide them through wolfhood due to the others not being used to animal transformations and the instincts that may came with it. (Aizawa is probably so tired of the chaos his class causes despite how much he loves them.)

The Wolf Within

A/N: Based off this headcanon

It started like any other evening in the dorms of Class 1-A. Everyone was relaxing after another grueling day of hero training. You sat cross-legged on the floor of your room, tail flicking behind you as you meticulously arranged a small assortment of crystals and bones around a glowing sigil. This spell wasn’t supposed to be anything major, just a little boost for your classmates during combat training.

“Enhance the instincts, sharpen reflexes,” you murmured, your fingers trailing over the runes you’d carefully carved into the wax of a candle.

The spell was nearly complete when your tail twitched—a telltale sign of nerves. Something felt… off. The energies weren’t aligning quite the way they should, but you brushed it off. It was just a minor spell, after all. What was the worst that could happen?

The answer came at precisely 12:03 a.m., when a deafening howl shattered the silence of Heights Alliance.

You awoke to chaos.

“WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!” Bakugo’s unmistakable voice boomed, though it carried an odd growling undertone.

Blinking groggily, you stumbled out of bed and nearly tripped over your own tail. Except… it wasn’t your tail. It was longer, fluffier, and far more expressive than before.

“Oh no,” you muttered, stumbling to the mirror. Staring back at you was a full-fledged wolf with fur matching your natural hair color.

Panic set in as you bolted into the common room, where the rest of the class had gathered—or rather, the rest of the pack.

Kirishima’s bright red fur bristled as he paced the room, his tail wagging despite the situation. Mina had already claimed the couch, her pink-and-white coat making her look like a cotton candy wolf. Midoriya stood frozen near the stairs, staring at his reflection in a nearby window.

“Deku, stop freaking out and do something useful!” Bakugo snarled, his claws scraping against the floor as he paced back and forth.

“It wasn’t me this time!” Midoriya yelped, green fur standing on end.

Everyone turned to you.

“What… did you do?” Shoto asked calmly, though the subtle twitch of his tail betrayed his irritation.

You gulped, shrinking under their collective gazes. “Uh… it was supposed to be an instinct-boosting spell. For training purposes! But… I might have miscalculated.”

“A miscalculation?” Iida barked, his wolf form somehow maintaining his usual air of discipline. “You’ve turned us into wolves!”

“Don’t worry!” you said quickly, ears flattening in embarrassment. “I can fix it. I just… need some time.”

“How much time?” Jirou growled, her ears flicking in annoyance.

“A week,” you mumbled.

“A WEEK?!” Bakugo lunged at you, fangs bared.

You dodged, yelping as you scrambled away. “I’m sorry, okay?! Just… just calm down, everyone! We need to stick together and ride this out.”

The next day brought new challenges.

“Why do I keep chasing things?!” Iida cried as his legs carried him in a blur after Kaminari, who had found a squeaky toy someone had left behind in the common room.

“Because it’s fun!” Kaminari laughed, dodging a swipe from Jirou, who had been drawn into the chase.

You watched the chaos unfold from a safe distance, your tail wagging despite yourself. “Okay, guys, focus! We need to control our instincts, or this week is going to be a disaster.”

“Easy for you to say,” Bakugo growled, snapping at Kirishima, who was nosing through the fridge. “Why is he eating raw meat?!”

“It’s delicious!” Kirishima replied, wagging his tail.

Meanwhile, Shoto sat calmly by the window, his mismatched eyes watching the others with mild interest. “I think we should embrace it. Fighting these instincts will only make things harder.”

“That’s great advice, Todoroki,” you said, nodding. “But maybe try not to encourage them to destroy the dorm.”

By the third night, Aizawa had given up on trying to keep the class contained indoors.

“Go run it off,” he sighed, waving a hand toward the forest near the training grounds. His own wolf form—a sleek black coat that matched his scarf—looked particularly done with the situation.

The pack—your classmates—bounded into the forest with an energy you hadn’t seen during training. Mina and Kaminari led the charge, their playful howls echoing through the trees as they darted between the shadows.

“You’re supposed to be training, not playing tag!” you called after them, your own tail wagging despite your frustration.

“Lighten up, Alpha,” Bakugo sneered, leaping over a fallen log. “We’ve got all week to train.”

“That’s not my—stop calling me that!” you snapped, though your protests fell on deaf ears.

As the night wore on, you found yourself guiding the pack through the unfamiliar territory. Tokoyami stayed close, his dark fur blending seamlessly with the shadows, while Uraraka marveled at her heightened senses.

“It’s amazing,” she said, sniffing the air. “I can smell everything!”

“Yeah, including Kaminari’s awful sense of direction,” Jirou muttered, tugging him back toward the group.

By midweek, the pack had settled into a routine.

Mina and Kirishima were in charge of scouting the perimeter, their playful natures making them surprisingly effective. Iida took on the role of enforcer, ensuring no one strayed too far from the group.

Meanwhile, Bakugo and Shoto engaged in a constant battle for dominance, their growls and snarls echoing through the training grounds.

“Do they have to fight all the time?” Midoriya asked, watching the two wolves circle each other.

“Let them,” you said with a sigh. “It’s a dominance thing. They’ll tire out eventually.”

As the days passed, you found yourself growing closer to your classmates in unexpected ways. Whether it was teaching them how to properly wag their tails or guiding them through their first successful howl, the experience brought the class together in ways no training exercise ever had.

By the end of the week, you were ready to reverse the spell. The pack gathered in the common room, their fur ruffled and their eyes bright with anticipation.

“Are you sure this will work?” Uraraka asked, her ears flattening nervously.

“Positive,” you said, though your tail twitched with lingering doubt.

The spell unfolded in a brilliant flash of light, and when the dust settled, you found yourself surrounded by your human classmates once more.

“It worked!” Mina cheered, inspecting her hands.

“Finally,” Bakugo grumbled, though his hair was noticeably fluffier than usual.

As the class celebrated their return to normalcy, Aizawa appeared in the doorway, his tired eyes narrowing.

“You’re cleaning up the dorm,” he said, pointing at you.

“Yes, sir,” you mumbled, your tail—still present, though thankfully back to its normal length—drooping.

Despite the chaos, the week had brought the class closer together, and as you glanced around at their smiling faces, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. You might be an oddball, but you were their oddball—and that was more than enough.

Weeks later, Kaminari found a pair of wolf ears tucked away in the dorm’s lost-and-found. “Hey, [Name],” he called, grinning. “Wanna give it another shot?”

You groaned, throwing a pillow at him. “Not in a million years.”

.

.

.

Masterlist

[frostbitepandaaaaa]

I like how that writing game doesn't specify how many questions you can pick; therefore, I'm gonna be greedy and ask about 23, 33, 34, 37 and 49 (yeah, I'm nosy 😁)

Happy birthday again! 🤍

LOL i am so fine with that!! it's what i asked for, anyway. thank you so much, dear annis!! <333

23. What’s a trope, AU, or concept you’ve never written, but would like to?

i am super intersted in writing a grittier, more film noir/crime drama type modern AU (or even historical, who knows). all of my modern Aus have been fluffier/skew to the rom-com-- which i like, of course, because i usually treat them as retreats from my more serious/complex cannon-verse stories... but a jaunt down a more serious path in a modern context would be immensely enjoyable and fun, i think. ala life through a scope by @guineapiggie (I will be returning to that, btw. so sorry my friend-- life kind of got distracting)

i'd also like to attempt a historical AU as well, but i think i've talked about the folly of that before-- i am afraid of getting lost in the sauce (detail and research) and never getting the damn thing off the ground.

33. If you write chaptered fics, what’s your ideal chapter length to write? Is it different from your ideal chapter length to read?

lol. uh. well. my chapter lengths vary widly. i break my chapters according to when i feel like they should end? i don't know? based on rising and falling action, basically. i feel like the longer the fic, the longer my chapters get with each subsequent one. but, generally speaking, i try my best to not exceed 12k words. which i know is fucking ridiculous, but sometimes it's just how it works out!!! don't look at me, i'm jsut the author!! i don't have control over this shit!!

as to my preffered length to read? i don't really care, tbh, but i do find short chapters (especially if it's not a prologue or whatever) to be very obnoxious. and i'm talking under 1-2k words. anything above that is tolerable.

34. What aspects of your writing are inspired by/taken from your real life?

well, to be completly frank: a lot of the smut lmao. i have been with my husband for a long time so we know each other really well in that aspect and i think (THINK) that's helped me with my smut writing. there's also certain non-sexual things in my modern AUs (across fandoms) that have been inspired by my husband and i's relationship (as long as it's in character, of course). also, if you've read any of my modern AUs, you'll probably notice that music plays a huge role in it (i mean, i also quote song lyrics in almost all of my fic too, so...). i am a huge music lover and it is immensely important in my life. also the amount of alcohol, cigarettes and other substances abused... i like to party what can i say?

37. Promote one of your own “deep cut” fics (an underrated one, or one that never got as much traction as you think it deserves!). What do you like about it?

ooooo!! wow! well... i honestly don't know, tbh. this sound corny as shit but i feel like any amount of comments, kudos, and hits on any of my works is enough.

that being said, lol, i am very proud of Sometimes the Wolf-- the whumptober fic of mine that got the least amount of kudos. i like my setting descriptions and just, like, the imagery and i think i set up a nice action set piece. it's a simple story and set up, but yeah. i guess considering all my other fics have almsot double the amount of kudos, i guess i do find that a bit weird.

49. What are you currently working on? Share a few lines if you’re up for it!

well, my dear friend, i am working on Ch. 3 of The Beacon. going has been slow since work and life has been a bit wild for me, but i am hoping to update before i go on vacation the 11th!

Earlier, over their too-salty soup with a dusty facsimile etching of a storm between them, she’d shared more of herself with him than she had with another being since she’d crawled out of that bunker on Tamsye Prime. It’d been a simple exchange of currency, then— she hated feeling indebted and Cassian had freely offered far more information than she had anticipated or even asked for. But this? This is a sharp-edge swath of her, his for the taking. Laid in his hand to haft or to hone, to do with what he will. Cassian’s eyes dart over her face, searching but not obtrusive. They are black and depthless in the shrouded light. He looks back to her hands. His forefinger and thumb close over the rowdy pulse in her wrist. The callous of his fingers scrapes over the delicate web of veins and it feels vital. Real. The blood within her rushes to meet it. It’s an acknowledgment and they both let it loom between them, dim and silent, like a phosphene.

thank you oh so much for the ask, my friend!!

ask me anything!

[punkbakerchristine]

so, because my specialty is babka, an enriched bread bordering on cake (i.e., the recipe calls for two eggs), I started thinking about substitutes, should I ever come to the point of being unable to buy eggs because they’re way too expensive.

I found a forum discussing substitutes for eggs in enriched bread (dated last year, too, so I’m putting it here because nothing on the internet lasts forever; write these down!), and these were the ones that caught my eye:

Mayonnaise. I use mayo in my “souls of black”/double chocolate muffins, and it makes them really fluffy and moist (pleasantly tangy, too!) on top of the two eggs it calls for, so can confirm right away. It’s 1 1/2 tablespoons of mayo for every egg.

Greek yogurt, preferably the plain kind. The forum as well as America’s Test Kitchen, The Kitchn, and several others swear up and down with this one; I think the next time I make a babka, I’ll try it. 1/4 cup = 1 egg. an offshoot of this: yogurt or buttermilk with baking soda. OP doesn’t say, but I’ll make an educated guess and say the conversion rate is 1/4 cup of yogurt or buttermilk + 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Does bubkes for leavening, but I guess it makes bread fluffier than a cloud.

Potato, preferably white or Russet potatoes, or potato starch, which I’ve seen in the baking aisle next to the almond and arrowroot flours. Yes. Yes, of all things. I was taken aback, too, but potatoes are starchy and not very glutinous so it keeps the crumb fine and soft and adds some moisture. 2 tablespoons of starch for 1 egg.

The “tangzhong” method, used in Japanese milk bread, where you cook a bit of flour and a bit of the water/milk in a saucepan. This is another one I want to try out, simply because of the way it makes milk bread so airy and tender—makes bread last longer, too! The basic method is 1 part flour to 5 parts liquid, by weight: I don’t know if this could work in my babka because you want hydration to be 75% of the flour, and my babka calls for 275 grams of flour with 50 milliliters of milk (or 50 grams, for those keeping score at home). Although I think it could work because eggs account for moisture as well as binding and leavening? Definitely an experiment.

Flaxseeds and water. I see things like… this will add a nuttiness or a grassiness to the bread (less than ideal for a babka, which is supposed to be warm and sweet) but it works. Hit and miss, so use this one with caution, but it does work. 1 tablespoon of flax with 3 tablespoons of water until you have a slurry thing going.

Water, baking powder, and veggie oil. The Kitchn absolutely swears by this one, like you would never guess there’s no eggs in there. The one difference is it might make the top a little darker than usual. I think this + the Greek yogurt will be my go-to egg replacements. 2 tablespoons water + 2 teaspoons baking powder + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil = 1 egg

Carbonated water/seltzer water. Another one from the Kitchn: mind, I couldn’t read the whole bullet point because the page crashed on me, but it received a 10/10 rating, though. I did see it was 1/4 cup = 1 egg.

[hideevee]

Hello! Back again with another drawing, this time a pokemon.

This is a regional version of Rockruff from a region I'm making. Its fur is thicker and fluffier, the stones on its neck are now ice, the tail is no longer curled and has ice on its tips. I haven't decided its type yet, it's either a rock type, an ice/rock type or an ice type.

I was not originally going to make a region for it, but I decided an old oc I'm remaking needed a regional dayform lycanroc, and now I'm making a region for it I guess.

I have also made the nightform lycanroc for it.

Its front legs are covered in thick ice and its hair has iced tips as well, same with its ears. It's blue instead of red, its fur is thicker and longer, it's got mascara around its eyes, basically it looks more emo and has ice. It's an ice/dark type as well.

I'm not entirely happy with its hair, but it works, also it was suppose to have shading, and its ice was suppose to look more like ice, but then I realized I still don't know how to do shading, also I'm lazy so…

I haven't done the dayform yet, so, you know, I haven't done the thing I started all of this for, but it’ll happen, sometime.

Although I did make the nightforms shiny

I can't decide if I should keep its ice blue or make it red though..

[unfoldingmoments]

Information vs. Knowledge

Information Definition: Information refers to raw data, facts, or details that are unprocessed and presented in a basic form. It doesn’t yet have context or deeper meaning by itself. In this form, it simply provides instructions, figures, or facts that need further understanding to be applied or used effectively.

Example of Information in a Recipe Book: Ingredients: "200g flour, 100g sugar, 2 eggs" Instructions: "Preheat oven to 180°C, mix flour and sugar, add eggs." These are factual details presented in a recipe. They tell you what you need and the basic steps to follow. However, they don’t provide deeper insight into why these steps matter or how to make adjustments if something doesn’t go as planned.

Knowledge Definition: Knowledge is what you gain from understanding, processing, and applying information in context. It is built through experience, analysis, and insight. Knowledge allows you to make sense of information and use it effectively in different situations, making decisions or solving problems based on what you’ve learned.

Example of Applying the Knowledge in a Recipe Context: Knowledge is knowing that "If I want a fluffier cake, I need to beat the eggs longer" or "If I’m baking at a higher altitude, I should adjust the baking time."Another example of knowledge is knowing "If I don’t have baking powder, I can substitute it with a mix of baking soda and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar."

This shows you’ve gone beyond just following the steps from the recipe (information) and now understand how baking works. You’re able to adapt the recipe, troubleshoot issues, or improve the final result by applying your knowledge. Complete Comparison in a Recipe Book Example: Information: "Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder."

This is a basic, factual instruction from the recipe. It tells you exactly what to do, but doesn’t explain why or what to do if you don’t have baking powder.Knowledge: "If I don’t have baking powder, I can substitute it with a mix of baking soda and an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) to achieve a similar result."This represents knowledge. You’re applying your understanding of how baking powder works to make a substitution when you don’t have it, ensuring the cake still rises properly.

In summary, information is like the ingredients and instructions in a recipe—raw facts. Knowledge is the deeper understanding of how to use that information effectively, like knowing how to make adjustments based on experience.

My daily life struggle I've been struggling with the difference between information and knowledge. I have this deep curiosity, but it often fades quickly, especially when I get bored. Sometimes, I find myself indulging in a gluttony of information just to stay informed, but it leaves me feeling overwhelmed, even though I try to filter what I consume daily. The problem is that I tend to absorb everything as just information, rarely applying it in a practical, meaningful way.

What's even more frustrating is that after consuming information, I forget what I’ve just read very quickly. It feels like my effort is useless because I realize I need a lot of repetition and exposure to really grasp and retain what I've learned.

Taking action on what I’ve learned is really tough, and it's frustrating. My daily routines feel loosely scheduled, without a clear purpose, and I find it hard to stay on track. I also have a hard time following instructions, which sometimes makes me a poor listener. For instance, during PT sessions, I struggle to follow cues, and my mind tends to wander off.

I don’t want to label myself, but I often feel tempted to think there's something mentally off that's holding me back. I know labeling can be dangerous, though. People can become biased toward you, blaming you or seeing everything through that label, rather than understanding the deeper issue or offering support. It’s something I want to avoid, but it still weighs heavily on me.

It's bothering me, and I can’t seem to move forward. I know it will take patience and perseverance, but I hope I can find the clarity to push through. May God help me find my focus, regain my sense of purpose, and guide me toward turning what I’ve learned into meaningful action. - morning reflection , 2024年10月18日, アニタ ヤン

[irabale]

Classic Eyelash Extensions

Classic Eyelash Extensions South Yarra are 1:1 lash application and provide a very natural look. They are available in different diameters, lengths and curls.

Your lash artist will choose the ideal extension length and strength for your look by measuring the width of each natural eyelash. Lashes should never be longer than the natural lashes.

1. They Instantly Make You Feel Good About Yourself

Getting eyelash extensions can feel like a huge investment, but the truth is that they are worth it. These beautiful lashes will make your eyes look bigger and brighter, and they will help you to feel confident and put together without having to wear makeup.

Classic eyelash extensions are popular because they offer a natural lash line that frames your eyes beautifully. They can also create a dramatic, wide-eyed look if they are used on the outer corners of your eyes.

Remember that you should show up to your lash extension appointment with clean lashes and the area around them. It is important to avoid wearing mascara and other types of eye makeup before your appointment so that the glue can dry properly. You should also avoid showering, swimming or working out for the first 48 hours after your treatment.

2. They Will Feel Natural On You

The classic eyelash extensions are made of a silk or mink material that looks extremely natural and are available in various lengths. They are also light on the natural lashes, unlike hybrid and volume lash extensions, which is why many people prefer them.

Your lash artist will ask you what kind of look you’re going for so they can choose the right extension length and curl strength. They will also use a lash extender to elongate your lashes horizontally, which creates the "Cat Eye" effect.

To maintain the look of your classic eyelash extensions, avoid rubbing or pulling at them and gently brush them with a clean mascara wand every day to keep them from tangling or clumping. You should also steer clear of oil-based makeup and products, and try not to sleep or shower with them on.

3. They Are Long-Lasting

Typically, eyelash extensions last up to eight weeks before they need to be refilled. However, this largely depends on your own lash cycle and how you take care of your lashes after the appointment.

You will want to avoid mascara, waterproof eye makeup, oily skincare, and any other products that could interfere with the glue. Also, make sure you show up to your appointment with clean skin.

The lash artist will start by cleansing your natural lashes and removing any makeup residue. Next, they will isolate each individual natural lash using tweezers. Then, they will add a single extension on to each one. The lashes come in different lengths, thicknesses and colours so you can customize your look to suit you. With proper aftercare, you will have full lashes for weeks!

4. They Save You A Lot Of Time Getting Pretty

Classic eyelash extensions are the most basic and common type of lash extension. They are applied in a one-to-one ratio and provide a subtle look that is perfect for everyday wear.

If you’re looking for something more dramatic, you can opt for volume lashes. These have a fan-like shape and are much fluffier than classic lashes. They’re also great for enhancing your eyes. They come in a variety of lengths, thicknesses, and curls. You can use them to add a tapered effect on Asian eyes, a fuller look on hooded or rounded eyes, and much more.

When you have a full set of eyelash extensions, you’ll save a lot of time on your morning routine. All you need to do is brush them before going to bed or showering and you’ll be ready to go!

5. They Are Semi-Permanent

Classic eyelash extensions are semi-permanent and, when applied correctly, do not damage your natural lashes. However, they must be brushed and cleaned twice daily with oil-free and alcohol-free lash cleaners to maintain a healthy appearance.

If you're considering eyelash extensions, it's important to find a reputable lash stylist with plenty of experience. Your lash technician will start the process by asking you what kind of look you're going for and will choose an extension length and curl strength that will suit your needs.

You should also avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can cause your extensions to come out early. And, it's a good idea to stop using any products that contain retinol before your appointment, as this can increase the sensitivity of your skin.

[rafescoke]

Never sent a request idk if I do this right. Been to lazy and not good lately and honestly I just need a good fluff. The basic plot where he is in a bad mood like angry and then he turns to his lover etc etc. Do your thing I just need some comfort and love!

Cupcake ; Rafe Cameron

masterlist

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x reader

Summary: Maybe making cupcakes with a girl he likes won’t be a bad thing

Warnings: Slight angst on the earlier part, cursing, substance, extreme fluff, adorable Rafe Cameron

A/N: I hope you're doing good, sending all my love and hugs @ you <33 remember to rest!!! @asimpwriter

p.s; you know the drill - send any requests!

"Fuck off," Rafe sighed, shutting his eyes against the bright chandelier above the dinner table. Since when did it got so bright? The last time he checked, it was dimmed. "I swear Sarah, say one more word and I'll fucking kill you."

"Rafe," Ward sighed, placing his cutleries down onto the expensive wooden table. "It's family time. Excuse your sister."

"She's hanging around with those stupid pogues, dad!" he groaned, not wanting to believe that his dad was on her side. Not that he was ever on his, but he thought his father would have the same mindset as him towards this topic.

"Let. It. Go."

"They're my friends," she breathed, and Ward closed his eyes again, knowing the screaming that was about to occur. "I'm sorry you're stuck with Topper-"

"Didn't you cheat on him?" he laughed, and turned to look at his dad. He mouthed at him with an amused expression, "She cheated on him."

"I didn't, and we broke up 2 weeks ago. I'm sorry he couldn't move on from me," Sarah shrugged, and Rafe watched as she put aside her green beans and offered some of the mashed potatoes to Wheezie.

How could she act so normal about this?

"Oh, and-" Sarah turned to Ward, and Rafe waited impatiently for the lies that was about to slip from her mouth. "Do you know that he does drugs?"

"Sarah!" Rose yelled, furrowing her eyebrows as Rafe laughed out loud, clapping his hands loudly that the sound echoed throughout the huge house. "It's a family dinner!"

"I don't give a fuck about this family," Sarah said, removing the napkin from her lap and quickly standing up to get out of the house. Ward didn't say anything, neither did Rose, and after a few seconds, he let out a sigh.

"This is getting out of hand," he started, clasping his hands. "Rafe, I'm no longer letting you take over my business."

Rafe stopped his movements, looking at his father with widened eyes. After all those time he spent at college, trying to make his father proud and to take over the business, only for this?

"Dad, you can't. She's lying, dad, I haven't been using drugs."

"I saw the stash, Rafe," he sighed, and Rafe thought about the space under his bed. He closed his eyes, muttering a ‘fuck’ when he finally remembered the empty space. He didn't think much about it earlier, thinking about how he must have used up all of the powder.

"Until you get your life back on track, or nothing at all."

"Dad-"

"Go find your sister, and bring her home."

"Dad, please-"

"Go find Sarah."

"Okay," he sighed, standing up immediately and letting the chair scraped the polished floor. Wheezie shifted uncomfortably at the sound, and Rafe had an urge to do it again, just for the sake of riling his father's anger.

He cursed silently, walking away towards the table and to the porch, all while thinking about the joy if he could destroy the Pogues' life for making his hard.

The drive from Figure 8 to The Cut took him 30 minutes at high speed and being fully caffeinated, and when he arrived at the Chateau, all riled up from the quarrel with his father that he had before, he didn't try to see if his sister was even in there before barging into the small home.

"Yo, what the fuck?"

"Where's Sarah?" he muttered, giving Kie his side glance and continued searching for her. "Where the fuck is she?"

"Yo, bro, this land is off to the kooks," JJ stepped in, eye to eye as he leveled up to Rafe's height. He was only an inch shorter, but the difference was apparent. He continued to place his hands against his chest, whispering slowly. "Especially to crackheads like you."

Rafe laughed, tilting his head to the back to release the tension building up in his body. He was so, so close to give the blonde boy the consequences of his words, but was halted when Sarah entered the room, hand in hand with John B.

"What are you doing here?" she groaned, walking forward and standing in front of him. "God, can't you leave me alone?"

"Oh, trust me, I rather do that more than anything especially-" his eyes trailed to John B, "When you're fucking with a trash."

"JJ-" Kie stepped up, pulling JJ's shirt to stop him from doing anything. She sighed, knowing that this was bound to happen anytime soon, and she had told John B about this before, but he didn't listen. Now it was like her job to protect her friends from Rafe.

"Leave," Sarah stated, her lips pulled into a tight grimace. "Leave before I'll tell dad about this."

"I'm just trying to protect you," he ran his fingers through his hair, making it more messier than ever. Why couldn't she get that? All he was doing - it was all to protect her, so that his father could see him for what he's worth.

"You know what?" he sighed, wrapping his face with his large hands and turning towards the exit. "You wanna be one of them? Go. Don't ever come back home. You're just another trash, anyways."

He wasn't sure if he meant them, or if it came from the heat of the moment. All he could think about was to run away, to hide and to never come out and face his father or the judgement put by everyone else. He felt an uneasy feeling rising in the pit of her stomach, but he was too proud to say sorry.

“That was useless," he thought, leaning over his motorcycle and blinking his eyes against the lights by the side of the road. He couldn't go back now, not when his father had just ordered him to bring Sarah home and he had failed to do so, and he couldn't go to Barry's; his dad could find him there if he search for him the next day.

He groaned, feeling the cold air nipping at his skin until the final thought occurred to him. He laughed then, not sure as to why he hadn't been thinking of that sooner, and soon he was in front of the mini apartment.

He rapped on the door and waited patiently, his heartbeat quickening. He looked at his watch, checking if his arrival was too late. He groaned, noticing the time, but it would be embarrassing for him to turn now.

(Y/N) was trying to figure out what colour should she put into the frosting mixture, her hands on her waist when she heard the knock.

Her head instinctively looked at the clock, frowning when she read the time. It was not that late, only around 10 p.m., but she was not ready for any guests or her friends to come over.

Had she been too loud that the cranky neighbor next door who sleeps early everyday had come to tell her off?

She sighed, lowering the music coming from the radio before making her way to the door. She was in nothing but her ribbed top and a pair of sweatpants, and her hair was messier than ever.

"I'm sorry, Jerry," she sighed, opening the door to greet the old man. But standing in front of her was not the grey-haired man with furrowed eyebrows, ready to scold her, but it was the boy she had been crushing on since forever instead.

"Rafe?" she exclaimed, and she couldn't deny the shock spreading through her veins at the sight of him. He was sweaty, like he had just been in a fight, and his shirt was sticking to his body. "What are you doing here?"

"Hey, I'm sorry, can I come in?"

The smell of freshly baked cupcakes wafted into his nostrils, and he noticed the drool in his mouth. He didn't eat dinner that much, being forced to chase after his sister, and all he wanted was to enjoy some good food and get a good sleep for the night.

"I'm not. . . we can't. . . I'm not prepared for anything-"

"It's okay, I didn't come for sex," he bit his lips, trying to contain her amused laughter at her statement. "We're friends, (Y/N), aren't we?"

"Yeah," she raised a brow, not grasping at the way he was playing his words. She allowed him in, asking him to sit by the kitchen counter and checking her porch outside to see if there was any cameras in case he was trying to prank her.

Rafe Cameron never contacted her for anything if it wasn't for sex.

"What are you making?" he pointed at the mess on the kitchen, and (Y/N) tried to hide her red face as she quickly tried to put the stained bowls and cutleries into the sink.

"Uh, cupcakes."

"Yum," he chuckled, liking the way she was so nervous around him. The truth with (Y/N), she was extremely wild in bed but also very shy outside. It was like a complete two different person, but he was always intrigued by this.

The first time they had done the deed, he was shocked when she got into control, and he would lie if he said he didn't enjoy it. That night was one of Rafe’s best nights, the starting point to the many after.

"Relax, (Y/N)," he laughed, watching as she tilted a cup and placing his hand under the table to catch it before it could break. (Y/N) yelped, struck to her position, and let out the biggest relief when Rafe put it back to its previous place, safe as ever.

"Why are you so jumpy?" he whispered, sneaking beside her to help with whatever she was doing. He hadn't got a clue about this whole baking thing, only watching Cake Wars for the drama, but he wanted to help the girl beside him if it means he got to spend time with her.

"What are you doing?" she muttered, glancing at Rafe's hands as he whisked the fluffy frosting. "Rafe, you're going to get it more clumpy."

"No, I won't."

"Rafe, I swear," she groaned, reaching over to grab the whisk only for him to turn around, laughing while she struggled to get him.

"I'm just making it more fluffier," he smiled, continuing to whisk the mixture without even looking at the white colloid. He was too busy looking at her, and he wondered if she knew about the small amount of flour powder that had gotten on the top of her nose.

"Was the coke good?"

"Huh?" she tilted her head, confused, and still angry at the way he was not listening to her.

"The nose. Was the coke good?"

(Y/N) gave him a look before going to the corner to stare at herself in the mirror, letting out a yelp when she saw the powdery stain on her nose. She quickly dusted them off, stalking back to the still-whisking boy, and she wondered about the amount of energy he had in him and how he was still not tired.

"Rafe! It's all clumped!" she sighed, finally having a hold on the large bowl. She took her a finger and tipped it into the mixture, pulling out before slipping the finger into her mouth. Her face scrunched up, and she reached for the glass of water by her side.

"What? It's more prettier. More texture-ish. If we're in Cake Wars, we'll be the winner."

"That's not how it works," she groaned, pouring the failed mixture into the sink and letting the water cleansed them off. "Now my cupcake's going to be naked."

"You know what can be naked too?"

She held up her middle finger, placing the wet bowl onto the counter and using the clean cloth to wipe it dry. "And I'm not giving these to the children's home naked. You have to help me, Rafe."

Rafe felt a smile tugging on his lips at the mention of 'children’s home', and he thought about how perfect could she be. She’s the epitome of the girl everyone wants to be - she's good in school, never using anyone's money for her, good at baking, and has a big heart?

He thought about how she's good in bed too, but he tired to shake the childish thought away.

"What can I do? Should I go to the store and get any Betty Crocker's frosting?" he offered, his hands in his pocket to reach for his keys. He watched as her shoulder slumped, and he felt bad for ruining her cake. He touched her shoulder, "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't know it would actually be clumped. I thought it would get even more fluffier."

"You don't think, Rafe, that's why," she sighed, "But that's alright. Do you think you can help me make another one?"

"Are you sure? I don't want to ruin anything," he backed away, glancing at the sink and thinking about the clumped mixture making their way to the sewer.

"Yes. Can you reach for that sugar? That's flour, Rafe, god, yes, yes, okay, c'mere," she rolled her eyes, taking the container from him and dumping the content into the dried bowl. "Now, what do we do?"

"Put water?"

(Y/N) laughed, tilting her head to one side, trying to clutch her stomach from hurting. "Yeah, if you want the kids to get sick."

"Okay, Gordon, what should we do next?" he grunted, but he liked the lightness in the air. How the conversation flowed easily, and how quick he regained her trust to help her make whatever this is.

It was like she didn't care about the Rafe Cameron that gets into fights with the pogues or snorts coke when he's stressed. He felt like staying in this moment forever, wanting to help her bake whatever and watching her smile.

(Y/N) handed him the butter, muttering something along the words of 'dump them in', 'use the mixture', 'you're going to break your arms' and 'watch while it's whisking'.

He didn't care about the many orders she was giving him - he enjoyed it. He truly liked how his night was ending after a long day of bullshit, starting with his college sending him a letter for the vandalism he had caused outside of the Dean's office, Kelce and Topper going on a road trip without him and giving him the explanation of 'we asked you, and you said no'.

In truth, he didn't even remember anything about meeting them. His memory was starting to fade, and he shuddered at the thought of not knowing anyone when he reaches Ward's age.

"Okay, that's enough," she groaned, switching the button off. Rafe apologized quickly, being so caught up with his own thoughts, and waited for her next order.

"Choose the colour," she exclaimed happily, pointing out two different food dyes. "I can't choose!"

Rafe skimmed over the label that said 'blue' and 'pink', and made a face. "Are you going to give the blue ones to the boys and the pinks to the girls or something?"

"What? No?"

"Okay. . . why can't we just use both?"

"And make purple?"

"Yeah? Hey, look, I'm wearing blue and you're wearing pink!"

(Y/N) looked down to the ribbed top, noticing the colour, and her face turned into a red shade. Now everything's going to be awkward.

"Okay, purple it is," she rolled her eyes, giving him the blue bottle and taking the pink one for herself. "Three drops together. Are you ready?"

"Mhm."

"1."

Rafe licked his lips, so eager to watch the colour forming.

"2," she looked at him, and back to the frosting. "Rafe!"

"What?" he raised a brow, following her gaze and watching the blue dots on the frosting. He put his hand over his mouth, too stunned to say anything. "Oh my god, I'm so-"

(Y/N) laughed out loud, this time with her hands gripping onto the kitchen counter to stabilize herself, her mind rewinding back to his expression when he found out what he just did.

"Ha-ha, now you're just being an asshole," he rolled his eyes, but he was glad he had made her laugh. Instinctively, her laugh had made him feel better, and all of his worries dissipated into the air.

After a while, she tried to get ahold of herself to put the pink drops in, but failing to do so as his face kept appearing in her mind. Rafe groaned, having to wait for a few minutes now, and pulled her to feet. He pushed her against the counter, her back against his front as he trapped her.

"Don't laugh."

(Y/N) bit her lips, being in this position but not for what they usually do, and concentrated on dropping 3 drops of pink into the bowl. She cheered when she was done, pulling his hand away to move to the other side. The back of her neck was still hot, and she could still feel his arms around her.

"Mix it," Rafe smiled, leaning against the counter to watch as the mixer whisked the frosting, turning the pearly white colloid to a beautiful dark purple.

"It's dark!" she groaned, but she thought about how it still looked good, though it wasn't her expectation. Her job was almost finished now, and she could hear her bed calling.

"Now, the fun part," she smiled, taking her icing materials and placing them before his eyes. She watched as he laughed, being so excited as if he was a toddler seeing a playground for the first time.

"They used these in Cake Wars," he said proudly, showing her a nozzle.

"Stop with your Cake Wars," she mumbled, preparing the icing bag and giving Rafe one. "Put some frosting- not yet, Rafe, God, do you ever wait? Don't fill the bags too much, just in the middle, yes, just like that, and, wait, let me do mine."

She showed him how to do the perfect icing, practicing on a clean plate and asking him to do the same. He scoffed at her, saying how he got this, but what appeared was nothing more than a crooked line.

"That's nice," she muttered, sighing. "For a coming-out party."

Rafe groaned, trying to copy her artwork, and by the time it was 12.03 a.m., he had managed a copy of hers. Not literal, but there was a hint of hers in his.

"Okay. Now, Rafe, we'll make this quick. I do 80 cupcakes, and you do 20. Is that okay?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said, concentrating on his piping bag. He watched as she did the first cupcake, ending her icing perfectly and exclaiming happily as she put it aside. She looked at him, waiting.

"Don't look at me, you're making me nervous," he mumbled, and leaned to decorate the cupcake. It took him a total of 2 minutes, stopping at times and getting a yell from (Y/N), saying how he should not stop, and the result was impressive. At least to him.

"This will probably be in the rejected part of a bakery, you know, that they'll sell with a discount."

"Not everyone can do arts, (Y/N)," he rolled his eyes, but he truly enjoyed the joke.

It was nearing one in the morning when Rafe saw her sighing in relief, placing the last cupcake into the pastry box and safely storing them in the refrigerator. Her hair was in a bun, he had helped her put them up, and when she refused to let him help her, he gave her a poke.

"What? It's not like it's my first time putting your hair up."

"God, Rafe, you're impossible."

His eyes were almost shut, being so tired after being a cake decorator, and all he wished for was to pull her into her bed and sleep until the morning greets them. He waited until she was done cleaning all of the utensils, walking tiredly towards to him to wake him up.

"Get change, Rafe, I'm not letting you sleep in my bed with that shirt and that sweatpants."

"It's not a problem before," he mumbled, allowing himself to be pulled by her to the bedroom. He removed his shirt weakly, pulling off his sweatpants and jumping into the bed as soon as she closed the light. (Y/N) giggled lightly, noticing how adorable he was being, and she pinched his cheeks before she could stop herself.

"Take off your clothes."

"I'm not going to take off my clothes," she laughed, pulling down her shorts and getting into the bed beside him. She finally laid her back against the mattress, letting out the biggest relief ever as she tried to get comfortable.

He pulled her close towards him, breathing into her scent. She smelled like cupcakes, and he loved it.

"I'm going to the children's home with you."

"What?" she pulled a face, because she wasn't sure if she had heard him right. There was no way Rafe Cameron would ever step his foot into a children's home, what more to give out dark purple cupcakes.

"I'm going to the children's home with you. To give them cupcakes."

(Y/N) smiled and kissed his cheeks. "Okay."

"And we should do this again."

"Okay."

"Okay."

"Goodnight, Rafe," she laughed lightly, placing another peck before closing her eyes.

He placed a long kiss fully on her lips, feeling the butterflies soaring in his stomach. "Goodnight, (Y/N)."

-

taglist is close atm until i figure out wtf is up with tumblr :(

@okayshoto @joselyn001 @onceuponateenagetrash @dyingsleep @im19yearsold @iwannabeapogue @meaganjm @rafesobxs @flossy2929 @drewstarkeyluver @unfortunatekiwitrash @Mellifluouszayn @hhishho @hvrcruxes @scottybitch @asimpwriter @starxqt @amaya124 @Made212 @adriee16 @eggirl @tommy-tommo @thatshithurted8 @beyatch012 @fallincindy @marvelwhor3 @rafeswh0ree @kookap @supernaturallydc-blog @blank-velvet @alaniskauany @lumzs @kiiim8 @witchywrter @kaitlyn2907 @heyimflo @overcookedpastasause @tsukkiswifeey @spidey-d00d @anonymousobxfan @gotmeinloveagain @chicagoblackhawkslover96 @lexi-writes @Emmalvei_03 @classydragonthingknight @belongtoyou-u

[noxiatoxia]

talk to me about hanimor

hanimor.

okay, fr tho, hanimori is SO funny. absolutely hilarious. they've been doing the incest shtick longer and louder than the hitachiins for god's sake. like with hikakao you can be like, WELL it's just an act...maybe they arent actually Like That...(they are, but that's besides the point). but hanimori? these dudes are in a committed 24/7 ddlg roleplay/hj like it's so obvious....

I think it's also a ship with a lot of possibilities?? just bcuz hani and mori are very different people. like, they officially "got" together probably because of hani, because i'd think mori would see it as a violation of his "duty" of protecting hani to be in a relationship with him. i think in general mori would have a slight bit of relationship guilt, which hani can help him work thru...

if youre a fan of darker concepts though, mori's dedication to hani means it would probably be easy for hani to manipulate him, intentionally or not. basically forcing him into a relationship. while mori is known for putting his foot down when it comes to hani's health and safety, would he do it for his own? even at the expense of hani's happiness?

but for a more fluffier concept, i do think they are just a stable, happy couple. if anybody has relationship issues, they go to hani and mori for advice. im sure kaoru came to them once or twice in regards to him and hikaru. and it's hilarious bc nobody says anything?? all outsiders think they're just...a man with his younger brother, younger cousin, maybe even his son??? nobody would guess hani is older, or that they're dating.

however i think MORI is sometimes the one who goes to others for help, because while his relationship with hani is steady, he often feels he cannot show his love well enough...hani constantly expresses his love for mori verbally, physically, with gifts, but the most mori does is just. hang around him 24/7 to show he likes him, too. and he feels kind of bad about that. so he goes and asks the other hosts what he should do to show hani he loves him better.

mori is bad with his words, kind of an anxious wreck, so talking is out the window. the idea of saying "i love you" to hani's face makes him feel like he's gonna pass out with stress so he goes for other methods. he gives hani gifts, mostly food items. he does little things for hani that he didn't ask for, like grabbing his coat for him or reaching something on a high shelf (lol).

hani is extremely perceptive, so he catches on quite quickly why mori is suddenly doing these things for him. and he says, while he appreciates it a lot, mori doesn't NEED to do these things to show that he loves him, hani already knows mori loves him, and he loves him too <3

also, hani loves going on "dates" with mori. he thinks they're very fun. it's mostly mundane (well, mundane for a rich person), going out and doing activities. his favorite tho is cake nights where he eats a bunch of cake with mori and usa-chan. he also likes watching movies with mori bc it gives him an excuse to cuddle with him.

i just think it's funny how OPEN they are about their relationship and nobody says anything...then again, it's like, what even CAN they say to some of the most powerful martial artists in the world.

[prep4tomoro]

The Many Surprising Uses for Household (White) Vinegar:

People have been using vinegar for thousands of years for everything from food preservation to sanitation! There have even been traces of vinegar found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating as far back as 3000 B.C.! Discover how this one simple household staple is worth more than gold. Learn its many uses and how to make your own. Here are some of the many reasons why you should never be without vinegar. 1. Disinfect wood cutting boards. 2. Soothe a sore throat; use 1 tsp of vinegar per glass of water, then gargle. 3. Fight dandruff; after shampooing, rinse hair with vinegar and 2 cups of warm water. 4. Remove warts; apply daily a 50/50 solution of cider vinegar and glycerin until they’re gone. 5. Cure an upset stomach; drink 2 tsp apple cider vinegar in one cup of water. 6. Polish chrome. 7. Keep boiled eggs from cracking; add 2 tbsp to water before boiling. 8. Clean deposits from fish tanks. 9. Remove urine stains from carpet. 10. Keep fleas off dogs; add a little vinegar to the dog’s drinking water. 11. Keep car windows from frosting up; use a solution of 3 oz. vinegar to 1 oz. water. 12. Clean dentures; soak overnight in vinegar and then brush. 13. Get rid of lint in clothes; add 0.5 cup vinegar to rinse cycle. 14. Remove grease from suede. 15. Kill grass on sidewalks and driveways. 16. Make wool blankets softer; add 2 cups distilled vinegar to rinse cycle. 17. Remove skunk odor from a dog; rub fur with full strength vinegar and rinse. 18. Freshen wilted vegetables; soak them in 1 tbsp vinegar and a cup of water. 19. Dissolve mineral deposits in drip coffee makers, water related appliances and water pipes descaling (video) 20. Deodorize drains; pour a cup down the drain once a week, let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse. 21. Use as a replacement for a lemon; 0.25 tsp vinegar substitutes for 1 tsp of lemon juice. 22. Make rice fluffier; add 1 tsp of vinegar to water once it begins to boil. 23. Prevent grease build-up in ovens; wipe oven with cleaning rag soaked in distilled vinegar and water. 24. Kill germs; mix a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. 25. Clean a clogged shower head.; pour vinegar into a zip-lock bag and hang it around the shower head. let it soak overnight to remove any mineral deposits. 26. Shine patent leather. 27. Remove the moldy smell from laundry that has been left in the washer too long; pour 1 cup of vinegar in with the load and rewash it. 28. Make propane lantern wicks burn longer/brighter; soak them in vinegar for 3 hours, let dry. 29. Act as an air freshener. 30. Soften paint brushes; soak in hot vinegar then rinse with soapy water. 31. Remove old, outdated, or unwanted bumper stickers and decals; simply cover them with vinegar-soaked cloth for several minutes. 32. Prolong the life of fresh-cut flowers; use 2 tbsp of vinegar and 3 tbsp of sugar per quart of warm water 33. Prevent Mildew; Wipe down shower walls with a vinegar solution. 34. Soften calloused feet; soak your feet in a mixture 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water for 30 minutes then scrub them with a pumice stone. The dead skin should slough off easily. 35. Treat Acne; start with a solution of organic apple cider vinegar and water at a ratio of 1:8, apply the toner to blemishes and leave on a minimum of 2 minutes. 36. Fertilizer 37. Fixative for dying clothing and DIY Ink. 38. Removes Body Odor Make/Grow Your Own Vinegar Anything that will ferment (turns to alcohol) will, eventually, turn to vinegar. Make a punch from anything containing sugar (berries, apples, grapes, etc.). Let it ferment, then leave it in the open air for a few weeks and it will turn to vinegar. Resources: Uses and Science of Vinegar [Reference Link]

[11-Cs Basic Emergency Kit] [14-Point Emergency Preps Checklist] [Immediate Steps to Take When Disaster Strikes] [Learn to be More Self-Sufficient] [The Ultimate Preparation] [P4T Main Menu]

This blog is partially funded by Affiliate Program Links and Private Donations. Thank you for your support.

[moodyfoxes]

AFTG Fanfic Recs! #6

November 2021

Getting back into doing these, lets see how long it will last!

The Manny by orphan_account [Completed]

Problem #1: Neil accidentally becomes the nanny of two adorable kids.

Problem #2: Neil somehow manages to fall in love with their father.

Fuck.

I will continue to reread this fic forever and no one can stop me! Basically what it says on the tin, except a lot fluffier than you would probably imagine. Andrew and Neil are soft I’ve actually recced this to people before but not in these posts so I’m reccing it again!

Two worlds collide by pandaseek [Ongoing]

A waiter showed another couple to the table beside them; Neil was grateful that the interruption seemed to remind his date to lower her voice with the tables being so close. He looked up when the man diagonally from him failed to sit when his date did. The blond man from the bar stood behind the seat staring openly at Neil and ignoring his dates nervous gesture to sit. Up close, he was far shorter than Neil had given him credit for across the bar. Well-groomed and confident enough to draw the attention of everyone in the room. Neil deliberately averted his gaze, hoping the guy would understand that he had no intention of dealing with people ogling at his scars.

Miranda went quiet watching the man out of the corner of her eyes, uncomfortable with the obvious attention that he was paying them. The man sat down but didn’t stop his staring as his date tried to reclaim his attention. Neil tried to shake it off, but his limited patience was already being pushed.

“Do I know you?” Neil snapped at him when he could no longer bite his tongue.

The blonde looked him in the eyes blandly, unimpressed with his outburst. “I don’t know, do you?”

One of my current favourite fics, and not only in this fandom! What would happen if Neil went into WITSEC after being raised in the Nest? Open this fic and find out!

The Continuing Adventures of the Nine-Nine Series by gluupor [Completed]

“So Neil seems interesting,” Renee ventured.

Andrew snorted. “His entire life is garbage. I can’t believe I’m gonna sleep with him.”

“Well,” said Renee diplomatically, “you don’t have to-”

“No,” said Andrew, cutting her off. “I’m gonna.”

Pretty much just TFC characters inserted into the Brooklyn Nine-Nine plot! I personally enjoy this series quite a lot but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The last work in this series has more original storyline stuff than the rest so you might wanna give that a go all on it’s own!

FoxTail Cafe Series by Baekhanded [Ongoing]

Andrew has a coping mechanism that makes him a general menace to most businesses. Neil needs the beauty in his life

FLUFF FLUFF FLUFF!!! This series is the softest for real. I always love rereading this when I want a bit of cute foxes content.

Dizzy by GoonMiracles [Completed]

Neil is used to being told that what he has with Andrew means nothing. However on one particular night it hurts more than it should.

A very short and not so sweet oneshot! This is angst with a happy ending to the max and I enjoy every second of it. May or not be on my reread list for eternity.

All of my recs can be found in my bookmarks on AO3!

[enviedear]

Hi there! I'm a new writer on tumblr and i had a couple of questions about just random stuff if that is alright :)

• is there any advice for new writers? i'm a very shy writer so i was wondering if you had any ways of being more confident in my writing. any advice would be helpful! :)

•This is just a random one but, how did you do the thing where you can click on the thing under your name and send you a question like this? idk how to explain it sorry lol. I can't find a setting for it :/

and that's it. i really enjoy your writing and i hope you can shed some light on a couple of my questions lolol. hope you're doing well! :)

hi love, i'm so excited that you're going to start writing on here! i'd love to answer your questions, and thank you for trusting me with this topic <3

for your first question, i have tons of advice and tips!

you say you're a shy writer? then write what feels the most comfortable— whether that means writing things that are longer or shorter or only writing fluff. take your first few fics and just have fun with them! sometimes when i start to feel self-conscious about my work, i go back to basics. i really like doing shorter and fluffier things when i get this way because writing that way is what i feel i do best <3

never stress about your fics! i know sometimes i worry that if i don't finish one soon or if i haven't gotten much traction on a fic i'll feel like it's horrible. don't do that! sometimes we put too much worth on others' perceptions of things when we don't need to. i think it's best to just always write for your enjoyment and not let yourself stress so much.

as a new writer i think you should write as much as you can! post your work as much as you want and really get it out there. i recommend this so that you can both grow a following or (if you'd want) start getting requests.

find yourself some mutuals so that you can have a nice network of people to keep you motivated! my mutuals are wonderful and the love they give to me when i post my work is out of this world. it makes this site so much easier when you have moots because there are always things to interact with. i suggest finding moots organically though because forcing a relationship isn't the best way to go about it.

once you start getting comfortable with writing i'd suggest branching out and trying new styles or ideas! this helps you stay motivated on your blog as well. i have hundreds of wips that are different from what i normally do and when i get in a rut i turn to them to inspire me.

this isn't so much about writing as it is about organization, but, once you get a hang of writing and posting i'd suggest creating a navigation. a navigation is basically a way for people to come on your blog to easily access your main things. if you look at my navigation i have my about me, masterlist, wips, blurbs, taglist, and etc linked. don't feel the need to do all of that— just whatever you think people should be able to see easily. also making sure to have your age, pronouns, and dni criteria somewhere obvious where people can see is also important. a lot of people on tumblr like to know someone's age, especially because forming moots is kind of dependent on it. a lot of blogs have a basic age limit for their mutuals as a boundary.

last thing i think is important is that you should practice and find what works best for you as a writer. i'm still changing the way i write in small ways and i think that looking for improvement is something that makes your work stand out <3

for your second question— i believe that it's on every blog automatically! i can't see mine but i see everyone elses' so i know i and you have it as well !

i hope this helped you out! thank you for your kind words, i can't wait for you work to start coming out! and if you have any more questions, feel free to send them my way <3

[dying-artist-yes]

A Temporary Parting

So my friends decided to do nice things for me and I have decided to do nice things back. I will be doing these for 6 characters and this is the first character; Remi. Let’s gooooo.

Mum, I’m sorry for how this starts off. I promise it gets fluffier later okay? @alyssoujo​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How long had it been since she’d left him? Since God had so cruelly torn his beloved away from him? Lucifer still remembered it clearly as if it had happened yesterday. He remembered it often. He would replay it over and over until she returned. He had been in his office, working away at the latest stack of paperwork dropped onto him. With Barbatos gone, he and Diavolo were having to cover for him as well and so, their normal paperwork was doubled. He had been frustrated and irritated for at least 3 days now. Not primarily because of work but because he had an argument with Remi. Yes, they’ve bickered before but it was just that; bickering. Never had she raised her voice with him like that. Through their pact, he knew she had regretted it almost immediately but not once did she call in the 3 days that had followed. He hadn’t reached out to her for the first few hours, thinking they both needed time to cool off so they could talk about what had just happened and reconcile but a message never came from her. He sent her so very many but she didn’t even see them. He grew frustrated, thinking she was ignoring him still due to their argument and stopped texting and attempting to call her after a while of being ignored. He just concluded that when she’d had enough of ignoring him, she’d call him. Yet that never came. It had been 3 days and not so much as a peep from her. She hadn’t even been online in the past 3 days. This made Lucifer worried but, of course, he was basically bound to his desk until he finished working. That’s part of what had been frustrating him; his inability to check up on his wife and see if she was alright. To be able to see for himself that she was just ignoring him longer than usual because he had been insensitive towards her two male friends.  Seems he need not wait any longer. He could feel a tug, a very strong one, pulling on the back of his right hand, where his pact mark with Remi rested. ‘Finally...’ He thought to himself with a soft sigh before responding to the summon, expecting to be hugged by his wife or something of the sort but what greeted him made his entire world come crashing down. He was in a dark room he didn’t recognize, far from Paris as far as he could tell. When he first appeared, Lucifer’s thoughts were ‘Why would she come to a place like this?’ His question was answered all too soon as the moment he looked in front of him, he was greeted by the dying form of his wife.  “REMI!”  Panicked took ahold of him as he picked up her bloodied form, cradling her in his arms. He muttered every healing spell he knew, anything that could keep his wife from leaving him. She was sickly pale, a hole in the middle of her chest as though someone had ripped something out, and had been soaking in a pool of her own blood. “H-Hang on...! You will be fine...!” His voice broke as he said this but he didn’t care. All he cared about was making sure she would see the light of day. That his light wouldn’t leave his side. Why was she here? Who did this? All these questions ran through his head but were brought to a halt when he felt his wife’s cold hand on his cheek.  “Luci...fer... It’s... too late...” Came her weak voice and his eyes widened as he heard her words. Why didn’t he check sooner? Why didn’t he keep trying to reach out to her? He could’ve gone to Paris to visit her. He should’ve gone to talk to her. “I... am sor...ry... I...” She was struggling just to speak and Lucifer shook his head, letting the tears fall as he gently brought her head up to press his forehead against hers. “Shhh... I should be the one who’s sorry... I should have come to check on you... I should have come to you...” He mumbled as the tears kept falling. Remi weakly tried to wipe them away as she shook her head to the best of her abilities. “I... should ha...ve... summon...ed... y-you... sooner...” She got out weakly and with every breath she took, Lucifer could feel more life leave her. She was dying in his arms and he was helpless just as he had been the past 3 times. She was slipping out of his grasp and he couldn’t do anything. He was too late to save the woman he loved above all else. The woman who became his world. “Remi please... D-Don’t leave me too... Please...” He was begging. He wouldn’t do this but if it meant she lived, he would beg anyone, even his Father he despised above all else. He couldn’t lose her too. He couldn’t lose her like he had lost Lilith.  “I-I’m... sorry... about... our argu...ment... I-I was... too harsh... I-I had... so much... to tell... you...” She too was crying now as her death approached her. “P-Please... G-Grant this one wish... of mine...” She said weakly as Lucifer looked at her desperately. The tears wouldn’t stop it no matter how much he wanted them to and once again he found himself cursing his pride. Had he just reached out to her when he felt her regret and sorrow, perhaps this could have been avoided. “What... What is it dearest wife...?” He got out weakly. “P-Please... F-Find me again... I-I know... i-it is sel...fish... b-but... p-please... wait for... me... a-and f-find me... l-like you promised...” She said, whimpering quietly as more tears flowed down her cheeks. “Of course... You forget who you have for a husband... You are mine for all eternity, just as I am yours... So no matter how long it takes, I will find you once again... I will find you as many times as needed... We shall be together in every life given to you...” He said softly, placing her hand against his cheek.  She gave him a weak yet fond smile as she weakly caressed his cheek. He leaned into her cold touch. “Thank.. you... I love you...” She said, barely above a whisper before she fell limp. It took him a moment to register that she had truly left him. However... “This is just a temporary parting... I will ensure it...” He said softly as he held her lifeless body in his arms. He had remained like this for a while until Diavolo had appeared behind him. Upon seeing his friend grieving like this, the prince’s heart broke. “Lucifer...” “I am fine Diavolo.” He said as he stood up with Remi in his arms. Even in death, she looked serene and beautiful to him. Even if she had been torn away from him in this life, he’d ensure no one could do so in the next. 

He sighed, opening his eyes. He remembered the concerned looks his brothers had given him. He remembered throwing himself into work. Even if he knew she would return somehow, it still hurt. There was still a hole in his heart. He still felt incomplete. He would read her letters. He would look at the small figurine she had gotten him. Listen to the song she’d made for him. Everything she’d given him, he would look over because they were little parts of her he still had with himself.  Of course, he hadn’t forgotten the promise he’d made with her. He’d spent the last 600 years searching for her but to no avail. What was Father doing with her soul for the past 600 years? Keeping it hostage? He let out a frustrated sigh and hid his face in his hands. He needed tea. He needed to calm down so he could focus on work again. However, before he could even get up to brew the tea, the doors to his office burst open to reveal everyone’s favorite neighborhood angel; Simeon. 

Lucifer pulled his face out of his hands and normally would have glared at him for barging in like this but he noticed the urgent look on his face. He raised a brow in a questioning manner and the angel just took a moment to catch his breath. “I... I have something. For you.” Simeon got out in between his many pants. Lucifer didn’t quite understand what could warrant this reaction out of the normally calm and collected Simeon but he nodded and gestured for Simeon to bring whatever it was he had found. Simeon gestured for a Little D to come in and Lucifer’s eyes widened. “Is that...” “A bouquet of blue roses? Yes. Someone left it at the Angel’s Halo along with a letter addressed to you.” Simeon said as he searched through his pockets before pulling out a baby blue envelope from his pocket.

Lucifer swiftly took the letter but was very careful in opening it. The first thing he saw had almost made him feel as though his breath had been caught in his throat. It was a picture. A picture of a young woman smiling with a bouquet of blue and red roses. Straight black hair, unlike her previously half and half black on the left and white on the right hair, and straight bangs. It was still waist length, just less wavy. Her skin tone was more towards porcelain now than pale ivory but the one thing that hadn’t been altered about her, left untouched completely, were her eyes. Her striking blue eyes he remembered peering into only to see love and adoration for himself. The eyes that would shine whenever they saw him. The eyes that belonged to his wife. 

There were various pictures like this. About 10. Whoever took the pictures seems close with her. He then pulled out the letter and opened it to read the contents of it. The letter read;

“Hello Lucifer,

It has been 600 years since you’ve seen the lovely young lady in the picture, yes? Well~ She was finally reborn~ She’s a lovely young demon born in Canada. I made sure her parents named her Remi so you don’t have to get used to another name. You would think that being reborn would mean she has no memories of her past life and yet your influence has not left her in the slightest.

Every birthday she has had the past... what? 121 years now? she has only asked for one thing; blue roses. The gift you got her on her birthday all those years ago. I am certain if you go check, those are blooming again. Each and every blue rose she has received, she cherishes with her life until it wilts. She is also very fond of the color red and the color blue. Hm... I wonder why? She’s also very fond of making spicy food and warm desserts despite not liking them. Once again, I wonder why? Oh! And also, she has turned down everyone that’s ever tried to hit on her. She threatens them with a description of a man that matches yours. When I asked her where she got it from, she said she dreamt of this person and even if she was not sure whether or not he was real, the love she saw in this person’s eyes made her feel whole and so if needed, she’d spend her entire life looking for him. She’ll only accept you.

Anyways. You are probably curious as to why you haven’t bee able to find her if she’s been alive for 121 years now. Well, that would be because of your Father. Well, more Michael really. He has made sure every time you’ve come across her, she didn’t see you and you didn’t see her. I really don’t understand why but it is what it is.

I, however, do no take orders from Michael so while he is kept busy, I am ensuring you find Remi. Her memories are not gone. God did not keep her soul for 479 years for no reason. She spent all that time bargaining to keep her memories. To be born anything but a human so she would not have to leave your side again. After much insistence, He allowed it on the condition that she would only remember once reunited with you. Apparently Michael had a problem with that. Since I’m the one doing it though, he can suck it because he can’t punish me. 

She is currently visiting England, London to be specific, the last picture I sent is proof of that. That’s why I sent the bouquet of blue roses to Simeon with this letter because I knew he’d get it to you. 

Come and get your wife before Michael sticks his nose in where it doesn’t belong again.”

He didn’t need to be told twice. “Simeon-” “I’m ready to accommodate you Lucifer. You helped me when I needed to find Celes, this is the least I can do to repay that debt.” He said with a soft smile before opening his arms up. “Hug?” “... Just this once.” Lucifer said with a soft sigh before getting up and hugging Simeon, who happily hugged back. He’d finally be reunited with her again. He’d make sure she stayed this time. “Let us get going... I’ve made her wait long enough.” He said, pulling away from the hug as Simeon grinned and nodded. The two of them made their way to the human world so the Avatar of Pride’s bride could return to him, so she could return home.

Despite his many protests, Simeon insisted Lucifer stay with him and Celestina. In a way, he was glad Simeon was so stubborn. It was nice to be surrounded by Simeon’s sunny family. Before, it hurt to be around anyone’s family because all he could see was Remi but now... with her about to return, rather than seeing their family as a fleeting dream, he saw it as something he would make a reality. He would not allow anything to get in-between them this time, especially not Michael. So looking at Simeon’s sunny family and playing with his kids... it reminded him of what he will soon have.

While Simeon oversaw his kids taking care of the Angel’s Halo, Lucifer would go to scour London in order to find Remi. She was close, he could feel it. As he made his way around, a garden caught his eye. It reminded him of the garden outside of the Mausoleum where he would lay down on her lap while she ran her fingers through his hair as Cerberus played with one of his many toys. The last memory he had of that was after she’d returned from her human world trip. She noticed he had been stressed so she took him to see Cerberus. Then, when they reached the park, she had him lay his head down on her lap while she ran her fingers through his hair and sang for him.

He inhaled as he closed his eyes, remembering that scene. ‘We can make many more this time.’ He thought to himself before opening his eyes again. He was just about to continue walking when he heard soft singing coming from the garden he had previously thought empty. 

“... A ring on my finger and a promise of eternity...~ The one promise I refuse to fail to keep...~”

‘That’s...’ He recognized those lyrics. He quickly rushed into the garden and frantically looked around for the source of the singing. That’s when he saw her by the fountain in the middle of the garden, looking down at her lap which had a sketchbook on it.

“Every moment I spend with you~ My heart hammers away~ Screaming at me “Never let him go!” Oh I know, I know~ The kind of happiness I have with him~ No other could compare~ I love you I love you I love you~” “I love you~ I love you~ I love you so~”

Remi looked up from her sketchbook and towards the person who completed the chorus to the song and blinked when she saw him. She stood up, sketchbook in hand, and started walking towards him. Lucifer, in return, started walking towards her and met her at about halfway. “You’re... real, right?” Were the first words from her. Even her voice was the same. “Yes, I am real.” He responded with a smirk. “Would you like to check should you not believe me?” He asked with a raised brow. Remi hesitantly placed a hand on his cheek and immediately winced, placing her hand on her temple as she wobbled a little. Lucifer immediately wrapped his arm around her waist to steady her. “Remi...! Are you alright...?” He asked, worry settling in. Maybe he shouldn’t have come in contact with her. What if he accidentally triggered something that would end her life? What if- 

“I-I’m fine... M-My dearest Avatar of Pride...” She said smiling up at him through the pain. Lucifer could feel relief wash over him and for the first time in 600 years, he felt happy. “Just... remembering things... I would hate to not have any memories of you...” She said, leaning into his arms and resting her head against his chest. “You’re home now...” He said softly as he rubbed soothing circles on her back. “Yes... I’m home again...

... You found me.”

[toasty-eggque]

Gender-swap of team 7.

Not sure if it’s obvious, but Sarada is basically teen Sasuke plus glasses and “neater” hair (the back of the hair still looks like duck’s butt though)

Boruto‘s hair should be fluffier, but OTL

Mitsuki is the same, but he has longer hair

[kumeko]

A/N: For the  @truekindalovezine, I got to write some PearlRose. I decided to do a bit of an knight/queen AU (I know, I know, that basically reality, but shh). I had an extra 2.5k here that couldn’t make it into the zine.

Summary: Pearl had worked very hard to become Captain of the Queen’s Guard, to make sure no one could say she got there because she was the Queen’s consort. She’s not going to let a little injury prevent her from taking her rightful spot. Fortunately, Rose is there to make sure she takes it easy.

…

…

…

…

Pearl rolled her shoulders back, straightening her posture. She was as diligent as they came, but four hours of guard duty took its toll on even the strongest of people. Especially since she was standing in the throne room. While the throne’s platform was clear of everyone but Pearl and the queen, the foot of the stairs was another issue. Dozens of petitioners had come with requests, a long line winding through the room and out the doors. An even larger crowd stood at the sides of the room, watching the proceedings. There were too many people to keep track of, too many threats to be wary for. All it took was a hidden arrow to change everything forever.

 “You can rest, you know.” Rose giggled softly.

 Her expression softened automatically as Pearl glanced beside her, at her queen, draped in layers and layers of fabric as she sat on her regal golden throne. Even her hair looked fluffier than usual and Pearl tried not to think about the times Rose’s strands had tangled in her fingers or how they looked splayed on a pillow.

That was inappropriate. She was at work.

 Clearing her throat, Pearl shook her head. “I am the head guard. I can’t leave you.” It was a position she held with pride, having clawed her way to the top of the ranks. The medals that weighed heavy on her chest reminded her of the effort she’d put in and the duty she carried.

 “I am not asking you to leave.” Rose glanced at the petitioners that came hoping she’d settle their disputes. They had been in here for hours. They’d be in here for hours longer. Gesturing at the empty throne beside her, she suggested, “You can sit here.”

 “Sit there?” Pearl’s jaw dropped at the suggestion. At the very, very bold suggestion. Quickly, she glanced at the guards at the foot of the throne guiding away the last petitioner and bringing forth the next one. It didn’t look like anyone had heard her. Rose’s voice had been low enough and the people were loud. Breathing a sigh of relief, she shook her head quickly. “I can’t do that! That throne represents your partner!”

 Rose leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially, “I’m pretty sure they’re all aware you’re my paramour.”

 Pearl flushed, her cheeks burning a bright red. Rose was teasing again. That had to be it. There was a playful lit to her voice and she was teasing because there was no way she was serious, no way she wanted to marry a commoner like Pearl. “Your highness!”

 Unfortunately, her reprimand got cut short as the next petitioner stepped forward. She was a behemoth, a tall, bulky woman with an angry glare on her face and a large, ragged cloak around her body. She didn’t kneel as she approached the foot of the stairs. “Rose,” she growled.

 The hairs on the back of Pearl’s neck rose at that rude address. Something was wrong. Her hand rested on her sword.

 “Yes?” Gone was Rose’s easy-going smile and in its place was the stern expression of a leader. Her eyes narrowed. “You are?”

 “Your death,” the woman snarled, whipping her cape off and revealing a large broadsword. She sprinted forward, knocking away the guards.

 What happened next felt like it was happening in slow motion. Pearl leaped in front of Rose, drawing her rapier to parry the giant’s incoming strike. Sparks flew in the air and the giant took a step back, surprised. Taking advantage of her momentum, Pearl thrust forward. The stranger was nimbler than she’d expected, retreating just out of reach before slashing back.

 Behind her, Pearl could hear Rose breathing heavily. Her queen. Her love. This was her duty, her desire: to protect. Dimly, she was aware of other guards running up the stairs. Good. The stranger swiped, her side exposed, and Pearl stabbed her belly. Blood dripped down her blade and the intruder grunted. As she fell to her knees, the guards surrounded her.

 “This isn’t the last you’ll hear of me,” she screamed, face contorted with rage and pain. She struggled to get to her feet, but the injury was too deep. She could only fall forward, flat on her face.

 “Take her to the dungeons,” Rose ordered coldly, getting up. Her robes rustled and she stepped forward. “Now!”

 Rose was fine. The intruder was gone. Pearl took a deep breath. Everything was as it should be except for the world that kept swaying.

 “Pearl?” Rose hurried next to her, concern colouring her voice. “Get a doctor! Now!”

 Everything was as it should be except for the pain on her side and—oh, Pearl spotted the blood on the abandoned broadsword and glanced at her right side. Blood soaked her pristine white uniform and that stain would be almost impossible to remove.

 She was injured.

 Whoops-daisy.

 -x-

“Pearl.”

Lying on a cloud, Pearl heard a familiar voice.

 “Pearl, please wake up.”

 There was an edge of desperation laced in the voice. Something warm squeezed her hand. She gripped it tightly.

 “Pearl?”

 Slowly, Pearl stirred, waking up to a canopy ceiling. She stared at it blearily, blinking once, twice, before looking to her right side. Rose sat next to the bed, clutching Pearl’s hand like it was a lifeline. “Rose?” she croaked.

 “Pearl!” Rose lifted her head, revealing smeared make-up and a watery smile. Leaning forward, she brushed Pearl’s sweaty hair out of her face. “How’re you feeling?”

 Sore. Pearl’s right side felt like it was on fire. She squeezed her eyes shut, taking a deep breath before forcing a smile. “Good.” Leaning on her left, she tried to sit up and bit her lip as the pain shot through her. “The intruder—is it over? Are you okay?”

 “Always worrying about me, even when you’re so badly injured.” Rose laughed weakly, affection in her voice. Placing her hands on Pearl’s shoulders, she gently guided her back to a supine position. “You need to rest.”

 “I have to protect you,” Pearl argued, feebly struggling against her queen’s firm hands. “I need to—”

 Rose shook her head. “You need to rest, love.” She leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss against her forehead. “If not for yourself, do it for me.”

 Pearl could never argue against Rose, not when she said that. Reluctantly, she sank into the bed. The extremely soft, fluffy bed. Her eyes widened as she realized she was in the queen’s chambers, on the queen’s bed, under the queen’s comforters. “I should go—”

 “You can rest here,” Rose interrupted, pushing Pearl back down.

 “But it’s your room!” Pearl protested. She should have recognized it earlier.

 “Our room,” Rose corrected slyly, an alluring smile on her face. She leaned closer, her lips brushing Pearl’s ear. “Considering how many times you’ve been here, that’s only fair, right?”

 Her heartrate skyrocketed and a shiver ran through Pearl’s spine as Rose’s warm breath hit her ear. If her injury didn’t kill her, this would. “I…”

 Satisfied, Rose sat back and laughed. Playfully, she pointed out, “Besides, the bed’s big enough for two.”

 “Y-yes,” Pearl stuttered, unable to compose herself. God, was she feeling hot right now. Maybe she had a fever, from the injury. “B-but, my duty…” she trailed off helplessly.

 “While I wish otherwise, your duty remains yours,” Rose confirmed, holding Pearl’s hand again. She gently rubbed her thumbs over Pearl’s palm in a comforting manner. “You’re just taking a small, well-deserved break.” Biting her lip, she batted her eyes at Pearl. “I want to take care of you, like you’ve always taken care of me.”

 The queen? Taking care of her? Pearl almost fainted at the thought. “You’re the queen!”

 Rose frowned, her expression growing sad. “I know. But you’re my love. Can’t we just be like that in here, two ordinary lovers helping one another?” She lowered her eyes. “Just for this short while?”

 It was a terrible idea. A horrible idea. No matter how she felt (and Pearl felt so much, too much, for this woman, her heart was always fit to burst), there were stations in life. A queen and her knight. In the secret gardens and midnight trysts and the staircase shadows, it was fine for Rose to kiss her, to touch her, to give her a wink and teasing smile.

 Here, in broad daylight, where everyone could see, everyone could know? It was beyond scandalous.

 “Yes,” Pearl found herself saying despite all that. “Yes.”

 The smile Rose gave, Pearl would take that to the grave.

 -x-

 “Ta-dah!” Rose announced cheerfully, carrying a tray to the bed. Pearl had to resist the urge to leap up and help steady the precariously balanced platter. The pain at her side reduced her to gnawing her lip worriedly as the tray tilted left and right.

 “Do you need help?” Pearl asked anxiously, unable to stop herself.

 “No need.” Reaching her side, Rose gently set the tray on Pearl’s lap before sitting down herself. “I made lunch.”

 Pearl nodded. “Thank you—” Finally processing Rose’s statement, Pearl almost jumped out of the bed. “You what?”

 “Made you lunch.” Elbows on the bed, Rose rested her head on her hands and watched her expectantly. “What do you think?”

 “You made this?” If the wound didn’t kill her, this would. Her queen. In the kitchens. Looking like a scullery maid. And not for bedroom fun, but for real. Pearl tried to remember to breath. “By yourself?”

 “With a little help. I did want you to eat the result,” Rose joked, a teasing smile on her lips. “Now come on, eat.” Her eyes lit up and her expression turned seductive. “Or do you want me to help?”

 “No, no, no, that’s fine.” Pearl shook her head, fighting back the blush that threatened to colour her cheeks. If she added the queen feeding her to all of her other offenses, Pearl was going to have to banish herself. Looking down at the plate, she took in its contents finally: a chicken sandwich, several slightly blackened potatoes, a bowl of boiled corn.

 “It’s simple, I know, but I can’t be too ambitious in the kitchen,” Rose admitted regretfully.

 “No, no, it’s…” Pearl swallowed, taking a bite from the sandwich. The bread was hard and the chicken was rubbery and every piece was something she knew Rose had tried hard at. She tried not to cry. “It’s perfect, really.”

 -x-

 Pearl watched as Rose sat at her desk, flipping through yet another document. She’d been at it for hours, though the pile on her left and right seemed just as high and low as they’d been when she’d started. “Rose?”

 “Hmm?” Rose chewed a strand of her hair absentmindedly as she looked up. “Yes, love?”

 If there was one good thing about her extended stay, Pearl had heard love enough times that her cheeks didn’t blush every single time Rose uttered it. “You should get some rest. It’s been hours since the sun set.”

 “It has?” Rose blinked. She glanced at her candle, which was now almost a stub, and then at the window. Outside, the sky was dark, the sliver of light from the crescent moon barely revealing anything. “It can’t—” She yawned, her body betraying her. “Oh.”

 “It has,” Pearl confirmed, patting the bed beside her. “You should sleep and finish your work tomorrow. You’re too exhausted to work properly.”

 “I’ll be fine.” Rose stretched her arms behind her, her thin, pink nightgown rising with the motion. “I have to finish this before the morning assembly.” Cracking her neck left and right, she looked a little more awake. “You should rest, though. No need to wait up for me.”

 Easier said than done. Pearl had known that Rose took her position seriously; as head guard she was with her for most of her public and private functions. Whether it was hobnobbing with the nobles, sorting common disputes, or planning for the future, Rose was always busy one way or the other. Pearl had always thought that at least Rose’s room was a place of peace.

 It had been, at least, the few times Pearl had come, but admittedly they were always too busy with each other then to care about work.

 Pearl glanced at the empty spot next to her. It wasn’t right, for her queen to labour alone. Gritting her teeth, she swung her legs off the bed. “I’ll help.”

 “What?” Rose dropped her papers and rushed over to her side. “No, I can handle this on my own.”

 “I can’t let you do this alone!” Pearl argued back. “I can’t do the papers but I can do something else. Organizing, cleaning, something.”

 “No, but…” Rose’s cheeks puffed. Running a hand through her hair, she glanced at her desk before giving a frustrated sigh. “No, you’re right. I’ll rest.”

 “I can—”

 “No, it’s fine. It can wait till tomorrow and I will be in a better mind to tackle it in the morning.” Rose squeezed Pearl’s shoulder, a soft smile on her face. “You’re right. Thanks.”

 She flushed slightly. “It’s nothing.” Pearl watched as Rose walked around to her side of the bed. To her side—they were sharing a bed. Oops. She’d almost forgotten that little detail, considering how often she had fallen asleep before Rose had come back from her daily duties. And for once, they weren’t doing anything to distract Pearl from the fact that they were sharing a bed. That Rose was sliding in next to her, her body soft and round and arm reaching out to pull Pearl a little closer. Just until her head rested in the crook of Rose’s neck, just until her body sank into Rose’s.

 “I’ve always wanted to do this,” Rose confessed softly, her voice no more than a whisper.

 Me too, Pearl didn’t admit. She closed her eyes, trying to relax.

 -x-

 Pearl pulled off the blankets, watching as Rose set down several long bandages, a pair of scissors, and several jars of ointment on the bed. “Are you sure we shouldn’t get the doctor?”

 “She said it’ll be fine as long as I’m careful.” Rose answered, counting the supplies silently before nodding. Turning back to her, she rested her hands on the hem of Pearl’s shirt. “Are you okay with me doing it?”

 Pearl stared at her eager expression before glancing at the supplies. Well, at least the bandages were here in case something happened. And the doctor said it’d be fine. So it had to be fine, right? Perfectly fine. “S-sure,” she answered, raising her hands.

 “Great.” Rose pulled off her shirt, a familiar feeling. One that didn’t have that too urgent lust, for once.

 Not that it stopped her skin from turning red as Rose examined her bare chest. Pearl had to fight the urge to hug herself, hiding her exposed skin from her lover’s roving gaze. Fortunately, for once, Rose was entirely serious, her concentration mostly on the bandages wrapped around Pearl’s torso. Her fingers lightly pressed and prodded the area. “No blood,” she murmured.

 “It doesn’t hurt as much either,” Pearl added. Small jolts of pain came when Rose’s hand strayed dangerously close to the wound, but other than that, it didn’t hurt nearly as much as it had when she’d first gotten injured.

 Rose’s shoulders dropped, her tension gone. “That’s good. You’re recovering.” Tenderly, she unwrapped the bandages, her fingers slow and thoughtful as she skimmed Pearl’s body. “Doesn’t look green or anything at all like what the doctor warned.”

 So no infections, then, or other bad things. Good. Good. That was a relief. Pearl closed her eyes. She was safe, then. Something cool pressed against her flesh and she opened her eyes with a jolt. Looking down, she watched as Rose spread ointment on the healing cut, the pink, raw flesh now covered in a layer of white cream. New skin covered the wound.

 That was really good. Maybe in a few days she could go back to her old position. “So almost healed, then.”

 “Almost,” Rose admitted reluctantly. “But not entirely yet. So you’re still here.”

 Pearl tried not to laugh. “Yes.”

“Good.” Rose tightly wrapped fresh bandages around her. “I’ll miss this.”

 Pearl blinked at the sudden confession. “My wound?”

 Guffawing, Rose shook her head. “No, silly. You being here. Me taking care of you. All of this.”

 As much as Pearl didn’t want to admit it, she would miss it too. Even if it was just a while, they didn’t feel like a queen and her knight, not in this room. Quietly, she mumbled, “Me too.”

 “Really?” Rose looked up eagerly.  

 Not trusting her voice, Pearl nodded.

 Rose tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, pleased. “I’m glad.” She paused, before adding, “Though, I guess I wouldn’t miss it if you married me.”

 Her skin flushed a bright red and Pearl admonished, “Rose!” It was terrible for her heart when Rose teased her like this. One of these days, the shock was going to kill her. “Stop joking.”

 Rose frowned. “I’m not.”

 “Rose,” Pearl repeated sternly, wishing she could cross her arms.

 “I’m not,” Rose insisted, returning to the bandages. “But I’ll stop for now.” She tugged the bandage tight before pinning it. “There. Done.”

 Pearl dropped her arms and rolled her aching shoulders. She was out of shape. A new training regime would be needed to get back into peak condition. “Thanks.”

 “You said it doesn’t hurt much, right?” Rose asked, clasping her hands behind her back and looking up at Pearl.

 “No…” Pearl trailed off, not sure where this was headed to.

 “Great.” Rose leaned close and pressed a soft kiss on Pearl’s lips. Her hands lightly stroked her side, careful to avoid the injury. “As fun as this was, I missed this.”

 A strangled Rose left Pearl’s lips but damnit, she’d missed it too. Giving up, she pulled Rose closer.

 At least she was already half-undressed.

 -x-

 Pearl peeked out the door, furtively glancing left and right. Good. The coast was clear. Quickly, she slipped out of Rose’s chambers. If there was one thing she hated about the last few weeks, it was that she’d been cooped up inside the entire time. And sure, as the queen, Rose’s chambers were vast, a complex composed of several different rooms. That didn’t make it any less ‘inside’.

 She was dying to have a breath of fresh air, to take a walk by herself, to feel the sunlight on her skin. Fortunately, the only part of her injury that hurt was when she stretched her new skin too much, and that was a minor thing. There was no need for her to stay with Rose anymore.

 She paused at the thought. Now there really was no excuse for her to stay at Rose’s quarters. Pearl would have to return to her own rooms now, and they’d return to what they’d been before this: a queen and her knight. A queen and her secret lover. Well, perhaps not-so-secret considering what had happened, but still. Part of her ached at the thought, but this was how it was meant to be. How it was supposed to be.

 Walking past the balcony overlooking the great hall, Pearl sneaked a look. Crowds of people milled the area, so it must be time for the queen’s daily audience. A line was forming at the base of the steps and double the guards were standing alert, ringing the queen. That was good—there was no way to know if that assassin was alone. Following the steps, Pearl smiled as her gaze landed on Rose.

 And on Garnet, standing next to Rose. Standing at the position that Pearl had worked so hard for. It was to be expected—another guard had to stand there, after all, and Garnet was the strongest fighter in the kingdom.

 It was to be expected but Pearl felt the breath knock out of her all the same. She hadn’t lost her spot, it was just a temporary thing. No matter how many times she told herself that, her heart plummeted all the same.

 “You know, it’s good to see the queen back,” a woman tittered further down the hallway. From the corner of her eye, Pearl spotted two maids carefully dusting the hallway decorations. “She’s healed from her wounds?”

 “She wasn’t wounded, silly,” the other maid admonished, rolling her eyes. “It was her personal knight that got hurt.”

 “Then why hasn’t she been around as much?” the other one asked, perplexed. “Aren’t these things daily?”

 “Well, she’s been taking care of her knight,” the second maid answered, giggling. “Skipping meetings, cancelling audiences, all so she can take care of her…” She paused, before dragging out the last word, “Lover.”

 Pearl’s face burned and she tried not to run as she rushed back to Rose’s room.

 Unaware of what was happening behind them, the maids sighed in sync, “How romantic.”

 -x-

 It had been a dream. Pearl scrambled to grab her things, strewn about as they were in Rose’s quarters. Fortunately, aside from several pairs of clothing, she didn’t have too much to carry. It was always meant to be a short stay, after all. Just until she healed.

 Well, she was healed now. She could handle the last bit herself and Rose wouldn’t have to miss her duties because of her. Wouldn’t have to be thought of as a bad queen or a terrible ruler or a lovesick idiot.

 Gods, what had Pearl thought, letting this go on for as long as it did? She should have refused the offer or left ages ago. They had been fine as they were. Pearl hadn’t needed more. All she’d really wanted was her spot next to the queen. Her spot as Rose’s final protector, her spot as Rose’s secret confidant.

 Her spot that wouldn’t change, even when Rose got married. Pearl stopped, blinking the tears out of her hot eyes.

 Her spot. Hers. That’s all she desired, in the end. That reassurance that she could be close to Rose, no matter where she went in life. And that, that she could still have—she just had to go and put on her armour and show that she was fine, she was healed, she could do her job.

 Pearl picked up her trunk and gave one last glance at Rose’s rooms before leaving.

 It had been a dream living here, but all dreams had to be woken up from.

 -x-

 Knock. Knock.

 Sitting by her desk, Pearl swiveled toward the door. Somehow, she was both expecting and surprised by the sound. For a moment, she considered pretending to be asleep, but knowing Rose, she would just keep knocking. She had never been good with decorum. Pearl had always admired her confidence until this point.

 Reflexively, Pearl ran a hand through her short hair and took a deep breath. Was Rose disappointed? Angry? Perhaps she’d finally realized what she should have realized all along: that this was impossible, that this was a fantasy they’d entertained for too long. Standing in front of the door, Pearl’s hand hovered over the handle, not ready yet to pop the bubble.

 Knock.

 But reality wouldn’t wait and she swung the door open. “Your Highness.”

 Wearing a brown shawl that did little to hide her thick, pink curls, Rose frowned. Considering that she was still wearing her dress from earlier, she must have rushed here after reaching her quarters, taking only the barest form of disguise. At least it was dark outside, the night hiding her figure adequately enough from unwanted eyes. She rested a hand on her hip. “Rose.”

 Pearl’s lips twitched. They’d argued a long time before settling a compromise: Pearl would call her Rose when they were alone and ‘Your Highness’ otherwise. Whatever happened after, it was relieving to see that not everything had to change. “Rose.”

 Rose smiled, relaxing slightly. “You weren’t in my room.”

 “I’m almost recovered.” Pearl rubbed her wrist uncomfortably. She’d never been good at lying, especially to Rose. “It’d be better if I just returned to my quarters.”

 “But you haven’t entirely—” she argued, stepping closer, her hand out to grab Pearl.

 Pearl stepped back, just out of reach, and shook her head. “It’s fine. I can handle myself here.”

 Rose’s eyes widened, and she stared at the distance between them, at her hand grasping nothing. It fell uselessly to her side and she looked crestfallen. “Is that so?”

 She hadn’t intended to make her look so sad, so forlorn. Pearl bit her lip. This was how it had to be. It was better this way, she’d always known that, but that didn’t make it any easier. “You need to return to your quarters, Rose.”

 Rose looked at her for a long moment. A calculated expression crossed her face before she looked over her shoulder. “There’s no one here,” she commented idly. Raising a hand, she cocked her head. “Will you not escort me? It could be dangerous.”

 They were in the heart of her kingdom. There was no danger here, not now when everyone was still on high alert after the previous attack. Even the lateness of the hour didn’t change that. It was nothing more than a superficial lie and Pearl knew that. Pearl knew that and she still stepped forward, offering Rose the crook of her arm. “Of course.”

 Rose smiled brightly, delicately curling her hand around Pearl’s arm. “Thank you.”

 Slowly, they strolled forward, and Pearl was aware of how soft Rose’s hand was, how warm it was. This might be the last time they were so close and she tried to memorize the feel of her lover’s hand, the sensation of their proximity. The sweet smell of her perfume.

 “A small detour,” Rose said when they’d reached the main staircase, gently tugging Pearl to continue down it.

 She was up to something. Pearl nodded as she allowed Rose to pull her along through the darkened hallways, with only small candles embedded in niches in the walls to light their way. The other servants were asleep by now, judging the silence that pervaded the castle. Only a handful of guards patrolled but their paths were outside and far away. It was like they were the only two people in the world.

 “In here.” Rose turned into the grand hall. Without the usual brightly lit chandlers or daylight streaming through the wall-length windows, the room felt like a big black void.

 “Rose, we should head back,” Pearl suggested. Her voice felt too loud, echoing in the vast chamber, and she dropped to a whisper. “We can’t see.”

 “That is true.” Rose agreed. She continued to walk forward, unafraid. “But tonight is a full moon.”

 “There are clouds—” As though they too obeyed the whims of the queen, the clouds drifted past the moon. It glowed brightly, giving just enough light that Pearl could now make out the thrones just ahead of them and the slightly mischievous smile on Rose’s face. “Oh.”

 “As I said, it is not a problem.” Rose leaned closer and pecked Pearl on the cheek.

 “Rose!” Pearl hissed, scandalized. She glanced around the empty room, afraid that someone might have seen that. This was supposed to be a last hurrah but as with everything, Rose wasn’t going to let it be that easy.

 “It’s fine, darling. No one will see.” Rose directed them up the steps to the throne. When they stood in front of the two thrones, she finally let go of Pearl. “Would you do me a favour?”

 “Yes,” Pearl answered immediately.

 “Could you sit there?” Rose pointed at the throne next to hers.

 “What?” Pearl stared at the throne, then back at Rose. “T-that’s your—”

 “Please?” Rose’s eyes never left her own. “I will never ask you for this again.”

 “I…” She should refuse. She should just drag Rose back to her room, call it a night, and then leave. But just like earlier, Pearl couldn’t find it in herself to refuse her, to say no. This was a final request, a final favour, she convinced herself. Nothing more, nothing less. “Just this once.”

 “That’s all I want.” Rose smiled.

 Pearl swallowed, turning back to the throne. Slowly, she approached it. This was the throne. The spouse’s throne. One day, a royal head would sit here. She stood in front of it, her hand hovering over the golden arms that cost more than her life. A once in a lifetime opportunity. As much as Pearl wanted to, she couldn’t deny that she wanted to sit here, to imagine that Rose sat next to her. A guard and a queen. What an idle, foolish fantasy. Before she could talk herself out of it, Pearl perched on the throne.

 There.

 She’d done it.

 And Rose was standing in front of her. Her hand rested on Pearl’s left one and she kneeled.

 “Rose?” Pearl’s eyes widened, but Rose was so close, too close, she couldn’t get up without kneeing her. “What are you doing—you’re the queen, you’re—”

 “I am Rose,” Rose replied, lifting Pearl’s hand and bringing it to her lips. Pressing a soft kiss, she continued, her lips moving against Pearl’s skin. “And you are my beloved Pearl.” Lifting her head, she gave a sad smile. “I know that your position is important to you. That you worked hard to become my head guard and so I have never asked you to quit, no matter how dangerous it was, no matter how I felt about it.” She tightened her grip on Pearl’s hand. “Even now, after this, I still won’t. Your position will always be yours, for as long as you want it.”

 “T-thank you,” Pearl stuttered, her skin heating up. How was she supposed to take this? How was she supposed to look? The queen was at her feet, kissing her hand like the knights that Pearl aspired to be, and this was wrong, this should be in reverse.  She still couldn’t get up.

 “However, I need you to know one thing.” Rose leaned closer, holding Pearl’s gaze firmly. “I have always seen you as my equal. My better. You ground me. Each and every one of my proposals have been serious and so is this one. Marry me.”

 “M-marry,” Pearl squeaked. It was a good thing she was sitting, her legs were gelatin now.

 “Please consider it seriously,” Rose continued, her expression gentle. “And if you ever agree, this throne is yours. My room is yours. This kingdom is yours.” She stood up now, backing away. “And if you don’t, this throne will remain empty. I want no other. No matter your choice, I am yours.”

 Rose was hers.

 Rose was hers.

 Pearl swallowed. Not even in her wildest dreams, had she imagined the words coming out of Rose’s mouth. A proposal from a queen.

 No, a proposal from her love.

 This was where she was supposed to back away, like she always did. Set the boundary between them, remind Rose exactly what their positions were.

 Pearl reached out, grabbing Rose’s hand before she could stop herself. “I…”

 And maybe she’d been lying to herself all this time, that she’d been content with where she was, with what they had. Could she have ever looked at another on this throne without envy? Without pain? Squeezing Rose’s hand, she stood up and looked at her lover’s eyes.

 Would there ever come a time she wouldn’t want to look into them?

 No, the answer was no. The answer was never.

 “I…” Pearl’s voice cracked. “I want to. But…I need a little time.”

 “Pearl!” Rose wrapped her arms around her, squeezing her tight. With a sloppy kiss, she lifted Pearl off her feet and twirled her around.

 Caught off guard, Pearl rested her hands on Rose’s shoulders. “Rose? Uh, did you hear what I said?”

 “Of course. I understand.” Rose nodded seriously. “Take as much time as you need.” She continued to spin around, going down the stairs until they were in the center of the wide, empty floor. “I can wait.”

 “Do you really understand?” Pearl asked, her feet now on the ground as Rose started to waltz her around the grand hall. She spun once, twice, before Rose pulled her back into her arms. “We have to consider our positions, and—”

 “A lot of very serious things, I know.” Rose grinned brightly, leaning close till their noses brushed. “But, you see, I’ve been waiting for this for ages. And we can handle those things together. This is a happy thing, we have to celebrate.”

 “Together,” Pearl echoed. And that was true—she didn’t have to handle it on her own. Rose would be with her, every step of the way. Her hand tucked in the crook of Pearl’s arm, her head resting on Pearl’s shoulder, her sunny smile and cheerful disposition ready to bounce back from whatever problem faced their way.

 They could do it together.

 Pearl tried not to say yes then and there.

[non-sequitura]

Non-sequitura Disney in-depth analysis (after making a tier list)

Warning: SUPER longform. If you don’t know a movie well, you should skip the summary. I tried to be light on spoilers, but they’re there.

I went chronologically from favorite to least favorite. So S tier is, in order from fave to least fave, The Incredibles, WALL-E, then Zootopia.

S tier (Something I consider high quality AND a movie I greatly enjoy. I would love more Disney movies be like this.)

The Incredibles - one of my favorite movies of all time, possibly THE favorite. Rockin social commentary, epic action scenes, memorable characters, not a minute of screentime wasted, great take on the Fantastic Four, hilarious parts for both adults and children, an interesting villain, etc. 

WALL-E - I love how social commentary was done here. Also skies above, what a beautiful love story. Really blazed a trail in non-verbal storytelling (especially given it was an animated kids film!) Robot animations are particularly delightful. 

Zootopia - another social message delivered excellently and entertainingly. I love Judy and her persistence, I love the expressiveness of the faces and the epic city setting. I love Judy and Nick's banter. This movie deserves to be remembered longer than it has been so far. Admittedly, not one of my fave villains, which makes it my least favorite of the Ss. 

A tier (either super high quality or something I greatly enjoy and deem of at least reasonably good quality)

Mulan - this movie did everything right. Truly feminist protagonist, an icon for strong Asian women, fairly culturally accurate (tho Mushu confuses me), GORGEOUS and iconic music. Lets a relatively natural romance develop. I frickin love the action scenes, I love the emporer. Sadly, this movie just didn't lodge its way in my heart as well as Pixar did. Pixar just has some magic, yo. 

Cinderella - my gosh what an underrated protagonist. Her family straight-up abuses her and she never loses sight of her goals for a better life. Iconic visuals helped bring Disney out of bankruptcy. A gorgeous alto singing voice. 

Wreck-it Ralph - alright alright ppl don’t crucify me for this. I honestly can’t think of much wrong with this movie. Vanellope and Ralph’s vitriolic best buds relationship is adorable, her forgiveness of him is heartwarming and (relatively) deserved, rockin’ Owl City song, epic visuals that mix together bc of all the different games. ALSO ONE OF THE BEST DISNEY VILLAINS NO CAP. One of the only twist villains I like. And we stan the romantic pairing. 

Tangled - I’ve talked about this a lot, but Rapunzel deserved the whole world after what she’s gone through. That being said, Gothel is not some shallow monster she needs to escape from, but an intelligent, well-defined monster with backstory. I could totally see this story happening if the world of Tangled existed. Epic love story, hilarious dialogue. Music is… good but much of it is less memorable to me. Visuals are good but not quite at the level/creativity of many other disney films. 

The Lion King - they really put Hamlet in Africa and pulled it off lol. But in all seriousness, no one took the premise of this film seriously at the time and it became sooo iconic. I love Scar and his eventual downfall, I love how Simba grows emotionally, I love the sad moments that don’t overpower the overall feeling of light goofiness. And music so memorable it was one of the first Disney musicals. 

Coco - not a super unique story premise. But an incredible culture to explore with such creativity and sensitivity. I love the themes of death not being the worst and music being so central to the story. Twist/twist villain was memorable and not expected. And yeah, it did make me cry, so props there. 

Ratatouille - the most recently watched of these films for me. This movie is soooo unique! Back when Pixar was truly super out there with their concepts. Super Parisian visuals and soundtrack. It somehow starts goofy (THE OLD LADY TRIES TO KILL REMY WITH A SHOTGUN WHILE WEARING A GAS MASK) but really drives home the message that you can truly do what you want regardless of who you are. Colette can get it. And the monologue by Ego at the end is one of my favorites in film. 

Frozen - Anna is one of my favorite Disney protagonists. She’s so resilient and loyal. Elsa ain’t bad either but she experiences… less character development. The film is a tad too pleased with its own self-awareness for my taste, but there’s no denying how iconic the music and visuals were. 

Inside Out - Alright, this movie hits home for me bc I tried to run away after moving. A super thoughtful, heartfelt depiction of (potentially depression? imo) with great moments of humor. Riley’s inner world is so creative and lovely. Also realistic depictions of Minnesota/California culture. 

Tarzan - Jane! is! smart! and! adorable! Her scientific curiosity makes her very endearing. it’s so cute to see her and Tarzan learn from each other. Also Tarzan’s “found mother” is epic. Solid score. Solid film all around. To quote Lily Orchard, “This film is what Pocahontas tried to be.” 

B tier (one of my favorites but has a few significant flaws that bring it down (or not quite as memorable to me, but consider good quality))

Peter Pan - Haven’t seen it in a hot sec, but I remember being super charmed by this as a kid. Just going out, having incredible adventures, and returning to a warm home at the end of the day. Tinker Bell is hilarious and beautifully drawn. Gets major negative points for the depiction of Native Americans tho. 

Big Hero 6 - I was super charmed by the protagonist, his family/friends, and the setting. The plot/villain’s motivations are a bit of a mess, though. 

Princess and the Frog - This movie has so much flavor to it! The visuals/music are lovely and unique. Tiana is incredible but it’s kinda annoying how EVERYONE keeps trying to shoehorn her into romance. The thing is, her goals are entirely reasonable. Focus on her restaurant, then look to settle down. But they’re like “nooo you’re ignoring the important things in life” smh. Also, epic villain, woohoo! The movie dragged significantly for me when they were in the bayou. Charlotte is delightful. 

Winnie the Pooh - don’t remember it super well, but I think it was charming and occasionally dark, which is an addictive concoction. 

The Little Mermaid - MAN ppl roast Ariel way more than she deserves. Visually, it was… fine. idk. This movie is good. I don’t have much else to say about it. 

Snow White - the one that started it all. Visually, super impressive. Musically, lovely. I find the romance a bit… off. Well, more than a bit. What is it with Disney and kissing sleeping people? 

Alice in Wonderland - a nerdy acid trip. Right up my alley! I also like films where ppl go on incredible adventures and return to the status quo, but THEY changed bc of it. Epic. SUUUUPER creative visual interpretation of Carroll’s book. Brave - gosh I loooove films where a parent and child learn to understand each other. Never got why ppl hated this movie so much. The Scottish flavor is present and fun. Merida made one mistake and made it up. The arrow scene is iconic. 

Cars - a fun ride! (hahaha puns.) We love seeing Paul Newman as a car. 

B-minus tier? (same as B, but problematic, or weaker story-wise.)

Hunchback - man… settings-wise, this film might be my favorite. I also love Esmeralda and Quasimodo as characters and as a duo (though the sexualized depiction of Romani ppl is not epic.) I also don’t find the discrimination against Esmeralda/Quasimodo jarring bc it matches the time period. Frollo is super interesting as a villain. The gargoyles are… def not necessary. Basically, this film doesn’t know what it’s doing with tone. 

Sleeping Beauty - Aurora was my favorite when I was younger because I thought she was the prettiest, and that still defines how i feel about this, basically. Visually lovely - everything is kind of elongated and gothic. Maleficent is spiteful and epic. I have no issue with the fluffier parts of the movie, like the music or the fairies. RIP for lack of consent being a plot point, though. 

Hercules - Megara is incredible. one of the only Disney “princesses” who acts like an adult and has cynicism as a major part of her personality. I love her and Herc’s progression where she learns to trust him (yes, he is genuinely that sincere, it’s not a front.) Muses are unique, whoever came up with them was high on something and I’m living for it. I just think the plot itself was somewhat unrealistic/ weirdly-paced. There are some memorable songs, some less-than-memorable songs. Art style is cool but I’m personally not a fan. EXTREMELY inaccurate depictions of the original Greek gods. 

C tier (entertaining, but I don't consider it a great movie)

Bolt - I watched this like 11 years ago. It was fun! A cool concept about those put on a pedestal learning their worth even without celebrity boosting them up. Animation was… fine I think. not super memorable to me. 

Frozen 2 - They really took any scrap of character development Elsa had in the first movie, threw it in the garbage and set it on fire. Anna deserved so much better. Songs are bombastic and impressive, have the occasional interesting lyric, but are really weirdly placed and none are quite as iconic as the first movie’s (except Aurora, she does great work here. Also the song Anna sings after she thinks Elsa died.) 

Not a big fan of the vaguely homeopathic theme. Not a big fan of Olaf’s WEIRD character development. Not a big fan of the suuuuuper awkward dialogue and the animations that imply not only that Kristoff is into his reindeer but that Elsa and Anna are into each other (if you’re questioning if they did that, yes, they did, I can find screenshots of some really weird expressions/moments. THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO PANDER TO YOUR WEIRD FANS, DISNEY.) 

The voice actors did great work, the animators did great work (look at the details on their clothes! Look at how Elsa’s posture changes to be more confident! look at how they're animated while they're singing!) Some weird costume/makeup choices that make Elsa look like an aging starlet, but she also has some gorgeous moments so eh. It’s a wash for me. 

They really did not know what to do with Kristoff this movie, huh. The only thing that happened to him was singing a cheesy 90s ballad and marrying Anna, both of which were admittedly epic. Also, the trolls got 0 appearances despite being literally psychic. Probably could have helped with a lot. I'm not a huge fan of lore/worldbuilding, and thee was a lot of it here. Overall neutral on it. 

Also a big theme in this movie I don’t love - **** TANGIBLE CONSEQUENCES TO OUR ACTIONS!!! The danger is Elsa’s death, the elements, colonialism, and Arendelle literally being destroyed. None of those end up playing out, so I was left at the end going “this film had literally no stakes.” 

Monsters U - same as above - entertaining at the time! Not super memorable. The ppl we were supposed to dislike kept switching. Doesn’t really match the canon of Monsters Inc (I thought they were supposed to have known each other since childhood so why did they meet in college?) 

Cars 3 - so apparently, everyone HATED this movie! Fun! I never watched Cars 2 (yes watched Cars 1 if you haven’t been paying attention to this list), but I didn’t think this movie was bad at all. Well-acted, some fun chase scenes, the scene where Lightning fails at driving in the simulation is genuinely hilarious, and some interesting perspectives on teachers getting the spotlight for their skills for once. 

Incredibles 2 - I liked this film at first, but then it was… just okay in retrospect. I love me some good family dynamics. The plot here makes not a lot of sense. THEY BUILT UP THE UNDERMINER FOR NOTHING AND THEN FORGOT ABOUT HIM. I was surprised by the villain swap, but it happened so last minute I never really understood their motivations even after they explained them. Tried to tackle waaaay too many messages. 

D tier (I didn't enjoy these or consider them mediocre)

Finding Dory - Maybe I should have put this higher? Like C tier at least. Ah well. Wasn’t a huge fan of the body/physical comedy (not my thing), but it was entertaining and awww finding family is heartwarming. 

Finding Nemo - I remember nothing about this movie. 

E tier (this film has significant problems)

Beauty and the Beast - *sigh*… I want to love this movie. The score is gorgeous. Visually, they could have made it more distinctly Rococo-era France but didn’t (why?) The voice actors did good work and I think Paige O’Hara is SUPER underrated here. 

The Beast is emotionally manipulative with an awful temper that (for MOST of the movie. He doesn’t change.) That’s the main reason this is in E tier. This movie shaped so many generations of people thinking they can change the behavior of someone who treats them badly through the power of love. But you can’t. She learns to “love” the beast under coercion. It’s not Stockholm syndrome - it’s a trashy romance novel. Big fan of Gaston as a villain. He’s an archetype ppl can recognize and it’s so satisfying to hate him.

F tier (I think this film actively harms the industry and would rather it not have been made. Both the one in E tier could be considered harmful to the industry, but I think they had significant enough artistic accomplishments to scrape above that. I'm also generally a fan of "lack of censorship bc it's better to teach what not to do.")

Pocahontas - this movie took real historical events and romanticized them AND sexualized one of the only Native princesses they’ve had. Boo. Nothing wrong with animation!Pocahontas as a character, it’s just people put her in a story that doesn’t represent history well at all (and these historical events, unlike those in say, 14th-century Germany, had super relevant effects on people alive today.) And they portrayed the Native Americans and colonial settlers as equally in the wrong. (though I like Governor Radcliffe as a potential villain and love the line “see how I glitter.” I can’t NOT laugh when I hear it.) Lovely music, though. Nice animation, but the colors are weirdly… muted? 

Bad Garbage (I don't wish this film had never been made, but I wish I never had to see it.)

Planes - this movie was ridiculous. I remember not much about it except that I kinda hated it and that it was super cheesy with tension one could see right through that immediately resolved itself via one twist or another. 

Haven’t seen tier: Recess, A Bug’s Life, A Goofy Movie, DuckTakes Movie, Lilo and Stitch, Pinocchio (actually i have seen this but I remember nothing about it), The Nightmare before Christmas, Toy Stories 1, 2, and 3, Up, 101 Dalmatians, The Great Mouse Detective, Cars 2, Moana, The Good Dinosaur, Pete’s Dragon, Fantasia, Peter Pan Return to Neverland, Fantasia 2000, The Black Cauldron (read the book, though!), Bambi (or I did and remember nothing about it), The Rescuersm, The Rescuers Down Under, Planes Fire and Rescue, Bambi 2, The Fox & the Found, Oliver and Company, Atlantis, Treasure Planet (I want to, though), Piglet’s Big Movie, The Jungle Book, the Emporer’s New Groove, The Jungle Book 2, Chicken Little, Brother Bear, The Three Caballeros, Pooh’s Heffalump Movie, Dumbo, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Aladdin (seen parts but never the whole thing), Strange Magic, The Sword in the Stone, James and the Giant Peach, Frankenweenie, Lady and the Tramp, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Doug’s 1st Movie, Monsters Inc. (want to, though), Meet the Robinsons, Dinosaur, The Aristocats, Robin Hood, The Tigger Movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, that pooh movie at the end without the title on it

-11/21/20