#however small and short-lived and underrated

[nitrateglow]

Favorite films discovered in 2024

This year, I focused more on rewatching films I hadn't seen in a long time rather than racking up new titles. However, I still encountered plenty of new faves, many of them movies that have been on my watchlist for years. Here are the top twenty.

But first, some interesting patterns in this year's list...

Most represented decade: 1960s

Earliest film represented: 1932

Newest film represented: 1999

Creatives who show up more than once: Robert Mulligan, Walter Matthau, Boris Karloff

The Window (dir. Ted Tetzlaff, 1949)

A young boy (Bobby Driscoll) living in a squalid NYC apartment building witnesses his neighbors (Paul Stewart and Ruth Roman) committing a murder. Unfortunately, the kid's penchant for tall tales prevent anyone from believing him-- except for the killers, eager to alleviate themselves of an inconvenient witness.

Precious few thrillers earn the moniker “Hitchcockian” as well as this intense little gem from RKO. The Hitchcock vibes make sense when you consider Hitchcock’s cinematographer from Notorious was in the director’s chair and the source material was written by Cornell Woolrich, also responsible for the short story behind Rear Window. Augmented by on-location photography of New York City and a grimy, desolate sense of urban decay, The Window is both a great suspense yarn and classic film noir. Despite having a kid for a lead character, the film pulls no punches: both its small-time crook villains and the city setting feel palpably dangerous.

My Neighbors the Yamadas (dir. Isao Takahata, 1999)

The Yamadas, an average middle-class Japanese family, navigate the perils of sharing a television set, a kid going missing during a shopping trip, awkward wedding speeches, and other misadventures.

Between the original Studio Ghibli directorial duo of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Miyazaki will always be the more popular filmmaker, but I think Takahata’s films are more intellectually and emotionally rewarding. This is not meant as a hit on Miyazaki’s undeniable greatness, but Takahata’s movies are far more challenging. That being said, My Neighbors the Yamadas is a lighter entry in his filmography, a slice of life comedy about the eponymous family and their shenanigans in modern Japan. However, beneath the whimsical humor runs an undercurrent of melancholy, an awareness of the transience of life in both its lovely and absurd moments. To date, it gets my vote for the most underrated Ghibli film.

A New Leaf (dir. Elaine May, 1971)

After squandering his ample inheritance, a middle-aged New York layabout (Walter Matthau) decides to marry an eccentric botanist (Elaine May) for her money then murder her ASAP.

Elaine May only directed a few films, but the two I’ve seen—this and the long-maligned Ishtar—were a lot of fun. A New Leaf is the better film though, far more focused and consistently funny. I don't usually belly laugh when watching a movie at home alone, but I did several times here. Even just thinking about some of the things that happen in this film can make me start laughing again. I understand the existing version was not May’s preferred cut and she felt it was butchered by the studio. Even so, this is a great movie regardless of that and one I really want to rewatch soon.

Cash on Demand (dir. Quentin Lawrence, 1961)

Uptight, unpleasant bank manager Harry Fordyce (Peter Cushing) is the boss from hell to his employees, but to criminal extraordinaire Gore Hepburn (Andre Morrel), he's the key to a successful heist. Posing as an insurance representative to get access to Fordyce's office, Hepburn tells the manager he's holding his wife and child, whose lives will be forfeit if he doesn't help him relieve the bank of ninety thousand pounds.

Ho, ho, ho, guess who's got a new Christmas classic to enjoy every year? Cash on Demand is not only a strangely enervating riff on A Christmas Carol's basic set-up (a miserable man is spiritually redeemed through an encounter with ghosts-- or in this case, bank robbers), but it's one of the best, tightest one-location thrillers I have ever seen. I genuinely had no idea where the story was going and found myself in absolute agony as the noose grew tighter around our protagonist's neck. It's a testament to both the writing and Peter Cushing's detailed, very human performance that this film is the emotionally powerful piece of work that it is, and not just a fun, clockwork heist yarn.

Letter from an Unknown Woman (dir. Max Ophuls, 1948)

While trying to evade a duel, an aging playboy (Louis Jordan) receives a letter from a dying woman (Joan Fontaine) who claims he was the love of her life. The letter recounts the details of their love affair, which was the centerpiece of this woman's life and only a mere erotic interlude in his.

The best way to describe this movie is lush romantic melodrama married to a bitter, emotionally brutal tale of a life wasted. The movie is heartbreaking but beautifully shot and performed. I’m not always the biggest fan of Fontaine, but she is fantastic here. Also, I need to watch more Max Ophuls.

Sudden Fear (dir. David Miller, 1952)

A middle-aged playwright (Joan Crawford) thinks she’s found love with a would-be matinee idol (Jack Palance)—instead she realizes she’s being targeted by her new hubby, who only wants her wealth. But he mistakes her emotional vulnerability for a lack of discernment—and a lack of desire to get even.

I like my women-in-peril thrillers when they feature clever heroines driven to survive whatever nightmare their antagonists throw at them and Sudden Fear is amazing in this regard. I know everyone loves Joan Crawford best in Mildred Pierce, but I was floored by her performance here, especially in the dialogue-free scenes. There are campy moments (which I adore), but the story is emotionally compelling and I not only wanted Joan's character to survive, but to thrive post-shitty marriage.

Thieves Like Us (dir. Robert Altman, 1974)

Young lovers Bowie (Keith Carradine) and Keechie (Shelley Duvall) yearn for a white picket fence, a quiet porch, and a case of Cokes (probably because that's all they drink in this film). Too bad Bowie is an escaped convict tied up with bank robbers. Too bad it's the Great Depression. At least there's plenty Coke. Want a Coke?

Most films set in the past do not as painstakingly recreate bygone worlds as strongly as Thieves Like Us. Set in Depression era Mississippi, this film captures the harsh, bleak reality and romantic, consumerist fantasies of its star-cross’d leads, played with sensuous naivete by Keith Carradine and the late, great Shelley Duvall. This is more than just yet another Bonnie and Clyde riff—it’s a tragedy about the elusive American Dream, with snippets of radio music, programs, and ads acting as a Greek chorus in a truly inspired touch. Robert Altman can be an acquired taste, but this is easily my favorite of his films to date.

Targets (dir. Peter Bogdanovich, 1968)

The paths of an aging horror star (Boris Karloff) and a psychotic mass shooter (Tim O'Kelly) cross at a drive-in theater.

Targets was not what I expected: it's a threeway character study between the disheartened horror star, the psychotic shooter, and 1960s America itself. To be honest, you could remake this movie now with a former ‘80s slasher star making the same musings and it would still seem credible—but then of course, you wouldn’t have Karloff in one of the best performances of his career. Targets is rendered even more chilling by its docudrama style. The violence shown isn’t sensationalistic, but presented in clinical detail, making it feel more authentic. Gorier films haven’t frightened me as much as this slow-burn character study.

Losing Ground (dir. Kathleen Collins, 1982)

Despite finding pleasure in research and theory, philosophy professor Sara Rogers (Seret Scott) envies the escatic nature of her painter husband, Victor (Bill Gunn). Their difference in temperaments and Victor's adulterous straying also strain the marriage. However, once Sara takes a job performing a sensuous, emotional role in a student film to get in touch with her own artistic side, Victor grows suspicious and jealous in turn.

Losing Ground was sold to me as a film about a crumbling marriage, but it's more than that. It might be more accurate to call it a portrait of self-discovery, a woman extending beyond her comfort zone to live more fully. I found myself strongly relating to Sara-- like her, I have a creative side I've often been timid to share, being more comfortable with the mind than the body. Being an independent film, it eschews the Hollywood histrionics and melodrama that would normally accompany this subject matter and it's paced perfectly at 90 minutes. Though filmed in the early '80s, the film only played the film festival circuit and never enjoyed a proper theatrical release. Only in 2015 was it rediscovered and then released on home video. The director Kathleen Collins died young, but this film stands a testament to her passion and talent.

Cactus Flower (dir. Gene Saks, 1969)

A middle-aged dentist (Walter Matthau) who poses as a married man to fend off romantic commitment decides to buckle down and wed his much younger girlfriend (Goldie Hawn, looking like a mod Tinker Bell). However, when she insists on speaking with his made-up wife, he recruits his no-nonsense nurse (Ingrid Bergman) into the charade.

Cactus Flower is what I often call a transitional film: released in the late ‘60s, it has one foot in the classical style of Old Hollywood and another in the more liberated counterculture that was shooting out hits like Easy Rider and The Graduate. Directed with unexciting competence by Gene Saks, Cactus Flower’s success largely comes from Ingrid Bergman, Goldie Hawn, and Jack Weston. Bergman I could watch in anything, so I’m biased perhaps, but she walks the fine line between funny and touching as the lonely woman who finds emotional liberation through her roleplaying. The scene where she gets groovy on the dance floor is a highlight of her entire screen career and no, I AM NOT KIDDING.

The Black Room (dir. Roy William Neill, 1935)

Two aristocratic brothers (both Boris Karloff) are at odds over the love of a young woman (Marian Marsh) and an ancient prophecy forecasting the end of their bloodline.

Boris Karloff dives into a double role in this deliciously gothic melodrama. Columbia pulled out all the stops for this one: it drips with sumptuous set design and expressionistic lighting. I was particularly taken by this film’s slightly tongue-in-cheek approach to a more 18th century mode of gothic terror. It goes for full-blooded melodrama with its innocent maidens, secret dungeons, lecherous villain, and ancient curses. It’s as close to a 1930s Castle of Otranto adaptation as we’ve got and by God, I'm grateful for its existence.

Freud: The Secret Passion (dir. John Huston, 1962)

In the late 1880s, young psychiatrist Sigmund Freud (Montgomery Clift) probes into the inner lives of his "hysterical" patients to discover the roots of their mental illnesses. However, these journeys into the subconscious worlds of others bring him into uncomfortable contact with his own demons.

Listening to a podcast episode on John Houston’s Key Largo led me to works of his I hadn’t heard of, such as Freud. I was initially skeptical it could be good. Biopics are my least favorite genre, but this film isn’t so much a biopic as a psychological drama in which Freud is the protagonist and some of his ideas are illustrated through his interactions with the other characters. Instead of wasting time being some melodrama ABOUT Freud the man (the route most biopics go regarding their subjects), it’s about his theories and philosophy, which is a far more interesting approach. The result is a probing, intellectual work. I’m not sure how close Montgomery Clift’s characterization is to the real Freud, but the real star of the show is Houston’s direction, a resurrection of German expressionist aesthetics blended with stark realism.

Paris is Burning (dir. Jennie Livingston, 1990)

This documentary covers 1980s NYC ball culture, where Black and Latino members of the LGBT+ community vogue and perform.

Documentaries are not usually my thing, but Paris is Burning was a longtime resident of my watchlist and I am glad I finally got around to seeing it. It has a time capsule quality, capturing a long-vanished 1980s New York City and the LGBT+ community living there at the time. Obviously, there is a lot of meditation on gender identity, sexuality, and the importance of community in a world hostile to your very existence, but I was also interested by the film's presentation of the materialism and consumption of the Reagan era.

Candyman (dir. Bernard Rose, 1992)

A graduate student (Virginia Madsen) studying urban myths unwittingly summons the Candyman (Tony Todd), the hook-handed ghost of a Black painter who was lynched decades ago.

I expected fun slasher nonsense and instead got a gorgeous, unsettling, modern gothic masterpiece that only occasionally dips its toes into schlock. Candyman is ethereal in all the right ways despite being suffused with despairing urban gloom. I was not surprised to find the script was adapted from a Clive Barker story—like Barker’s The Hellbound Heart (adapted into the Hellraiser films), Candyman is chilling yet eerily beautiful. The moment I finished watching it, I knew this was one I would be itching to revisit. There’s just so much going on regarding race, class, and memory in America. Also, Tony Todd’s voice is a damn treasure.

Merrily We Go to Hell (dir. Dorothy Arzner, 1932)

An alcoholic playwright (Frederic March) and his long-suffering wife (Sylvia Sidney) decide to have an open marriage. It doesn't work out well for either of them.

Merrily We Go to Hell is a sneaky piece of work. Reading the synopsis, one expects the usual salacious pre-code melodrama. The first scenes even resemble your usual romantic comedy, with our central couple having a meet-cute. The actual movie is much more complicated. It's about a married couple thinking love is enough to make their union work despite the husband's alcoholism. However, this idea proves erroneous and attempts to numb the pain through hedonism and extramarital vengeance just pour gasoline on the fire. The emotional honesty here is astonishing and even the "happy ending" isn't so uncomplicated when you think about it. So far, this is my favorite film of director Dorothy Arzner.

Up the Down Staircase (dir. Robert Mulligan, 1967)

An idealistic young teacher (Sandy Dennis) gets her first position at an inner-city high school. However, she finds her enthusiasm worn down by the school system's bureaucracy and the many psychological troubles of her students and fellow faculty.

Ever since I watched Four Seasons a few years ago, I’ve been intrigued by Sandy Dennis. No matter the role, I find her eccentric yet vulnerable screen presence compelling. Up the Down Staircase was Dennis’ first starring vehicle and an unsentimental look at the teaching profession. Having worked as a teacher and in similar jobs in the past, I related strongly to the main character’s compassion fatigue and her frustrated desire to help make her community a better place. While not a cheery film, it is ultimately an optimistic one, even if that optimism is cautious. And of course, Dennis is damn great as always, whetting my appetite for more of her work.

They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (dir. Sydney Pollack, 1969)

In the thick of the Great Depression, a group of desperate contestants sign up for a grueling dance marathon with a hefty cash prize. Greed, sexual exploitation, health problems, and crushing despair eventually complicate the exhibition.

This movie is so bleak you’ll be just as exhausted as the characters by the tragic finish. I know that doesn’t sound like much of a recommendation, but this is powerful stuff. It does what a great tragedy should do: make you emphasize with the characters and go out into the world more empathetic toward the people around you and more critical of a society in which such awful conditions could be permitted. And like Targets, it’s depressing that this movie’s themes remain relevant to American culture.

Flash Gordon (dir. Frederick Stephani and Ray Taylor, 1936)

A himbo polo player (Buster Crabbe), a middle-aged scientist in hot pants (Frank Shannon), and an ingenue in a blonde wig (Jean Rogers) must save the Earth from a galactic emperor.

Yes, I’m counting a film serial as a single unit on this list. In this corny, breathless saga can be found the seeds of so many modern blockbuster spectacles. The old school space opera aesthetic is always a joy and I love seeing what George Lucas borrowed from the comic book plot and fantastic images for his Star Wars films. Also, the serial is surprisingly horny for a product released after the death knell of the pre-code era, so that’s fascinating too. I watched the episodes, one a night, usually before a feature film, to recreate at least in part the conditions in which old serials were viewed. I highly recommend that approach if you're interested in watching these kind of films-- NEVER binge them.

Silkwood (dir. Mike Nichols, 1983)

Karen Silkwood (Meryl Streep), a union activist and metallurgy worker at a plutonium processing plant, discovers both she and many of her co-workers have been contaminated with high levels of radiation due to blatant safety violations. Rather than remedy the problem, her employers are determined to keep her quiet, but Karen refuses to back down.

Meryl Streep's performance in Silkwood finally showed me what all the hype around her is about. What an astonishing, natural performance-- I forgot I was watching an actor every moment. As for the overall film, it's one of the stronger docudramas out there (as this film was based on a true story). It isn't just a preachy message piece and it allows Silkwood to be both a heroic figure and a flesh and blood human being with flaws like anyone. The domestic drama involving her lover (Kurt Russell) and lesbian roommate (Cher, who also gives an incredible performance) is almost as compelling as the main story. Though released in the early '80s, it feels like a late manifestation of the paranoia thriller genre of the decade before.

Love with the Proper Stranger (dir. Robert Mulligan, 1963)

When a one-night stand with a jazz musician (Steve McQueen) leaves her pregnant and at risk of upsetting her very Catholic family, an innocent sales clerk (Natalie Wood) tracks down her lover and demands he help her get an abortion.

Love with the Proper Stranger is such a unique piece of work that I can forgive the elements that dissatisfy me (like the ending). Wood and McQueen's romance starts out acidic and slowly becomes tender over the course of their bizarre misadventure, and the film itself shifts through several moods. Sometimes it feels like an urban drama, other times a romantic comedy. But it somehow holds together, perhaps because of the chemistry between the lead actors.

What were your favorite film discoveries in 2024?

[raving-with-ghosts]

why you should vote mercudust in the crk rarepair poll

a decisive post by me

poll by @fishytim-cookie

Dedicated creators

Planet Mercury (term coined by @anoddworld) has a small but thriving community with dedicated creators such as the aforementioned Odd and myself. We are frequently releasing content of this ship and both these characters.

Both characters are underrated

Stardust is the more popular of the two, yes, but compared to characters like Black Sapphire or Shadow Milk? Live feed of his tags. We don't talk about how barren Mercurial's tag is either.

(As of this post, he has 163 fics on Ao3. 3 are mine, only 4 have him as an actual focus and not a background character.)

Trauma

HEAVY ON THIS ONE. Stardust was abandoned by his creators and left to float in the vast void of distant space. We'd all be fucked up by that, and he never really got proper care for it. Mercurial Knight, on the other hand, sacrificed everything for his "oath", which is already shady as hell, watched his king die in front of him, and was given ZERO time to grieve because of Shadow Milk's escape. You cannot tell me that didn't fuck him up in ANY way.

Loyalty

Stardust and Mercurial Knight both have one thing in common with their personalities: LOYALTY. Stardust was willing to enter a dark vortex to save Space Doughnut, who he met less than a day ago, as well as a whole TRAIN full of passengers! THAT'S LOYALTY!!!! Mercurial Knight has been the Commander of the Silver Knights for what could be HUNDREDS OF YEARS. HUNDREDS OF YEARS LOYAL TO THE SILVER KINGDOM, AND LOYAL EVEN AFTER ELDER FAERIE FUCKING DIES!!!! THESE TWO WOULD KILL FOR ONE ANOTHER!

But, Cass, Mercurial Knight has no personality!

WRONG! He's shown to be, as mentioned, insanely loyal, humourless, and devoted to the very end. In his 3A quote, he insists his life on its own has little meaning! He's also shown to be hesitant to discuss what he was like before the oath; he hesitates before telling Pure Vanilla that such is pointless to think about. His Wiki page also says he will go to any length for peace. ANY. That alone shows that not only is he caring, it goes above just those he knows. His Wish Tree quote also has him hesitating when making a wish, even saying what he desires "isn't for him".

Some other quotes to note are the following: "I cannot be swayed by trivial emotions." (level up) and "It is my fault." (when defeated). He clearly feels things; these two alone show conflict over his feelings, and guilt at the loss.

Back to Planet Mercury

"I cannot forgive Cookies who seek evil."

A quote said by Mercurial Knight, pretty standard. This might be brought up as a point against them. However, let's revisit Stardust's introduction in Chapter 18. What does he do? After a short conversation with his sister, declares he must wipe the City to free himself and Moonlight of their sorrows. Even if the City was abandoned (which can be debated, seeing Sugar Glass Cookie, Blueberry Pie, and the drones that reside there), such an act could be considered evil. Something Mercurial Knight says he cannot forgive.

But Stardust Cookie was not seeking evil. He was full of sorrow, to the point of ending his own life! Mercurial Knight wouldn't hate him for what he did.

Cool Ship Name

Planet Mercury is a cool as fuck ship name and you cannot tell me otherwise. Smart, too.

THE CREATIONS

LOOK AT THE ART OF THIS SHIP IT'S GLORIOUS IT'S BEAUTIFUL

(art by @anoddworld)

(art by me)

END POST. PLEASE VOTE THEM!!!!

[melodic-haze]

heyy, may i request some natasha content? she's so underrated i swear 😩😩

☆ — SONG TITLE: Acts of service

☆ — PAIRINGS: Natasha x Reader

☆ — TYPE: Fluff, SFW

☆ — CONTENT WARNINGS: None

☆ — NOTES: No NSFW for this one cuz I've been doing a lotta that 🫶 hope you don't mind!!! Also idk what colour to give her :(

☆ — WORD COUNT: 1,609 words

Visiting Natasha became something of a routine for you. Despite everything that you did in the day, you never failed to visit the doctor—it was usually during the afternoon, around the time you had lunch, because then you asked her to have a bite with her every time, to which she always agreed to.

Half of the reason why was because you had wanted to spend time with Wildfire's true leader as.. well, not Wildfire's leader. You wanted to get to know Natasha, nobody else, at first.. but then it went from getting to know her to having each other's presence become something of a constant in both your lives, and then to something even more.

The other half of the reason, though, was because you were concerned.

She was the Underworld's best doctor, so naturally everyone relied on her. While she did have a massively good reputation, unfortunately that came at the cost of a decrease in the time for her to relax.

Such a thing was evident to see when it was moments like these—you had just stepped into her clinic and already you are witnessing the blue-gray-haired woman rush back and forth, patient to patient. After all, you had waited for.. what was essentially an hour before you decided to just stop waiting and to go to her yourself to see what was happening.

You had to take your time in actually approaching her, worried that you might somehow disturb her flow, and only actually decide to try to gain her attention when she seems to have slowed down.

Gently placing a hand on her shoulder, you softly called out to her, "Natasha?"

You hear her sigh the slightest bit, tired and weary, but when she turns her head and sees you she pushes herself upright on her desk as if startled. She quickly downplays her surprise with a laugh, however, "Oh! Dear, you gave me a quite a shock. What are you here for? Are you sick?"

"No, no," you shook your head, "I'm not on death's door or anything like that. Seems like you've got your hands full of the people that are, though."

She let out a small yet exhausted laugh, the lines on her eyes particularly evident today, "I suppose I am, aren't I? ..Though not to be hasty, and I do love to see you and your face, but if you aren't here to get treated, then is there another reason why you're here?"

The clinic was so particularly hectic today that she forgot.

"..Nat."

"Yes?"

"We were supposed to meet up a bit more than an hour ago."

You see her take her phone out of her pocket to check the time and--

"Oh."

Her eyes widen at the realisation before darting back to you with furrowed brows, "I hadn't realised... Were you waiting this whole time?"

You shrugged with a sheepish grin, "I didn't really want to leave in case you were just late. I see that you're really busy, though."

You see her sigh out and look at you apologetically, "Dear, you should've called me. I didn't mean to lose track--"

"Hey, no, I'm not mad or anything, don't worry about it." You reach for her hands to hold them tenderly as you got a little closer to her, "I can see that you're absolutely swamped with work, I get it. I wouldn't have signed myself up for dating you if I didn't accept it."

"Be that as it may, this is practically routine for the both of us."

"Yeah, but this is still your job." You gave her a light shrug and a reassuring smile, "Don't worry about it, yeah? We can just postphone it for when you go off the clock."

She huffs out gently with a small shake of her head, "A doctor never fully gets off the clock."

"Even when the Stellaron's gone?"

"Mhm. Not only that, but some of the others have caught an illness so we're short-staffed and I've been scrambling left and right. I'm afraid I had no time to think about anything else... Or, well," she draws a hand back from your grasp to cup your cheek with such a soft, affectionate look, "until you came along. Now I feel like I can't seem to think of--"

"Natasha?" The both of you turn to look at the nurse calling out to your lover, her touch on you breaking away at the disturbance, "Sorry to disturb you but, um, we need you here."

Natasha fully lets go of you now, easily getting herself back into work mode, "He's woken up?" And when the nurse nods, she answers swiftly, "Alright. I'll be there in a second."

Then she turns back to you, work mode off for a brief moment. While her affectionate look is still there, you could easily see how much today's exhaustion's getting to her, "I'm sorry that I'll have to leave you like this. I don't think I really have time to spare so.. I'll meet you when I'm done?"

"Mm." You briefly go to squeeze her hand and press a quick peck on her cheek, "Good luck with work, yeah? I'll be waiting."

She nods, and then she turns to make a beeline over to the waiting patient, leaving you alone in the middle of the clinic. You supposed that you should probably go so you make your way over to the door...

But when you put a hand on the doorknob, suddenly you're hit with a revelation.

You rush back over to her (the desk she owns, specifically) and wait for until she's finished with her current charge. It takes a while, but eventually she turns to walk over to said desk, to which she sees you and makes a confused yet amused expression, "I don't believe I'm off the clock yet, darling. Anything you need?"

"No, actually." You shook your head at her, "On the contrary, I think I have a little solution to your problem."

She crossed her arms as she hummed in curiosity, "Hmm? And whatever may that be?"

"I can help. Like, as some sort of assistant."

"..Go on."

"I know I'm not necessarily trained to be a doctor like you, or a nurse, or anyone in the professional health field, but I can do the other stuff like book-keeping and supply pick-ups. And maybe fetching stuff for you," you shrugged, "but I can't promise that I'll know what they look like."

You had expected her to accept the help—you have to use whatever resource you have in the Underworld, even when the passage between here and the overworld has been opened up. However, instead you see her shaking her head with slightly furrowed brows, "I'm afraid I can't let you do that."

"Why not?"

"I can't ask that of you. I wouldn't want you to sacrifice your day to help me with my job..." She looks to the side, pensive, "And I'm afraid I can't pay you either; I don't want to monopolise you just because we share a close bond.

You waved off her concerns, "Don't worry about that. One, I already get paid by spending time with you. And two, you're not monopolising anything—I'm offering to help. So let me?"

She looks at you, looks back towards the patients behind her, and then looks back at you again, her face showing clear contemplation. She's silent for a while and the lack of an answer plays with your nerves, but she eventually gives you a small, teasing smile, "It will probably take up the entire rest of your day. Are you sure you can hold out for that long here?"

"Ah, but you underestimate me—I can do anything when you're with me."

She laughs, and it's the most beautiful sight you've ever witnessed, "We'll have to see, won't we?"

You both get straight into work after that; Natasha tends to the patients with the other nurses as you dutifully do exactly as you said, taking care of most of the documentations and fetching the needed supplies for her and everyone else (without touching the chemicals in case you mess something up, of course). The amount of work was, quite frankly, insane for such a small clinic but you supposed that all places had their busiest days, medical locations included.

It was tough, and it sure as hell was exhausting, but eventually you pulled through the day and finally you were off the clock. You left a little earlier per your girlfriend's request, waiting outside for her to come out instead. And once she walks out the door, you two walk back home in companiable silence.

It's only when you reach your house when she speaks up, guilt tinging her tone, "I'm sorry we didn't end up having lunch as per usual, dear."

"I told you so many times, Nat, I seriously don't mind. I wanted to help!"

"Not that I'm ungrateful, and I know you offered, but are you sure you were okay to help? Treating people and helping them recover is something I love to do, but you could have done something else."

"I could have," you paused in your steps, opting Natasha go do the same. "But I wanna spend more time with you. Plus, hospital intern dates aren't exactly the worst dates ever."

She laughs again, and you can't get enough of it, "I suppose it isn't. Now come," she nudges her head towards your house's direction, "I'll make up for the whole of today, starting with a delightful meal. Care to join me, Y/N?"

Yes. Yes, you'd very much like to.

[asher-agere]

Hello, Ash. First of all, I want to say that you have a very pleasant blog, I mean it's so lively and at the same time warm. It's always nice to see how people can express their thoughts or even ideas as openly as you do (it takes some courage for me, and I even admire it in a way and to some extent). Again, once I wanted to come several times with several questions or even requests, but I couldn't get my hands on it, and then you posted the bsd version of the chart. It seems that this is fate and a sign for me, since some of my questions coincide with your version. Ahem, so that's what you think about Arthur Rimbaud as cg? Are there any ideas and thoughts, maybe even headc on this? Also, thanks for reading and nice to meet you.

AHH I FINALLY GOT TO THIS. HI THIS IS THE SWEETEST THING EVER?? To the anon who requested this I need you to know that I’ve reread this almost every single day whenever I’ve needed a mood boost. Got me rolling in bed and kicking my feet and everything omg… ALSO IT’S FOR AN UNDERRATED CHARACTER???? Best request ever…

Caregiver Rimbaud

༘⋆ ❅ ･:*:｡ ❆

𖦹 Every single night is a movie night. He just makes a giant pile of blankets and pillows and doesn’t want to move the entire night. He definitely needs a little one that runs cold so they can tolerate the sheer amount of blankets he insists on using. Plus heating systems. He’ll lay out heating pads, then pillows, snuggle up with his little one and drown them both in blankets! A lot of the time his little one ends up running around with minimal clothes on just to handle the amount of layers he piles onto them, socks are nonexistent, shirtless or a crop top, no pants or only shorts. When it comes to layers he’s setting the accommodations or he’ll be shivering bad enough he can’t do anything

𖦹 I don’t see him as a very active caregiver, he likes activities that allow him to stay stationary! For example coloring and drawing, movie watching like I mentioned earlier, puzzles, activity books. He’s truly very open minded with games to play and such! He just doesn’t like moving around… If his little one can get him up and moving it would honestly be good for him! He just. Doesn’t want to… So a bit of a bossy little one could do him some good! He’s very loose with rules, he’s pretty much incapable of telling his little one no

𖦹 Baking! The feeling of baking something and the oven making the entire house extra warm… He loves it! He’s also a firm believer that things are best fresh out of the oven, which is true obviously. But he’ll go to the extent of halving recipes so that everything can be eaten fresh. He’d prefer to bake small batches on multiple occasions rather than bake one big batch! This also helps with cutting off a little ones sugar intake because he’d not just telling them to no, there’s literally no more for them to have. Because again- He’s definitely not gonna yell at his baby. He’s only vaguely familiar with the word no

𖦹 Absolutely loves bottle feeding a baby! He just loves the intimate feeling of cradling his baby to his chest and holding the bottle for them to help them drink. And… Ok yeah it also kind of helps that he gets to hold a really warm bottle of milk. But he likes the intimate parts of it too! (˶˃⤙˂˶) It’s not just holding the warm bottle that he likes, however that is most definitely a large part of it

𖦹 So many cute matching clothes! He’ll buy stuff that matches and buy extra thick layers so he has an easy excuse to want to put it on! Like he’s freezing? Uhhh yeah no he just wants to change so they can match. Not at all because he’s cold nope! Also he definitely wears onesies with his little one. And footsies specifically! Wdym there’s clothes that cover your feet too and that’s only for kids? Absolutely not. It’s the best idea ever and he plans to make full use out of it, he’ll take 10. So lots of cute matching onesies!

𖦹 He usually wants to stay inside, because there he knows it’s warm! He can have heating and blankets at the ready! During the winter he practically refuses to go outside. Plus he gets nervous that being outside will lead to a bad experience for his little one, because people can be awfully close minded and rude. However while it’s summertime and with plenty of reassurance from his little one and the safety net of being in a fenced in backyard… He would actually love to be outside. He’d like helping his little one grow a garden and play on swings or slides, he’d enjoy coloring under the sun having picnics and watching the animals. He’d love it! It just takes a lot to get him to agree to it in the first place

𖦹 He’s fiercely loyal, so I think he’d only want one little one to look after? He’s wouldn’t be very good watching multiple little ones at once, if his kiddo wants to have a play date then their friend needs to bring their own caregiver because Rimbaud will be a total mess with this new child he’s unfamiliar with. It’s not like he’d resent or neglect them! He just wouldn’t know what to do- He’d end up being too pushy trying to make sure he’s doing everything right or not doing enough because he’s terrified of messing up. He knows how to handle his baby perfectly. Someone else though? Please help this man

𖦹 He values kids so much! So all of his little one’s opinions are gonna be the must important thing in the entire world to him! Even if they’re nonverbal he’ll highly prioritize finding a way for them to communicate! I think he’d really like using speech cards, but drawing is another good lesson! Plus he puts in a lot of effort to just be able to read his baby. To just read their body language, know how they’re feeling and what they need. It’s incredibly important to him!

༘⋆ ❅ ･:*:｡ ❆

I get to bake tomorrow! Well technically it’s no-bake. But I’m making cheesecake and I’m so excited!

[DNI ID: A white box with a black border. Rimbaud to the right and a pair of white earmuffs near the bottom left. Black text reads “DNI if your blog isn’t child safe. I will block NSFW accounts” End ID]

[postarie]

i rarely see people talk about this series, so i would like to recommend IDOL×IDOL STORY! to those who enjoy yuri and love idols!

this manga follows the story of mimi nagisa, a twenty-two year old former idol.

having grown up loving singing and dancing, mimi pursued her dream of becoming an idol. however, after working as one for a short time, she eventually realized she wasn't cut out for it.

abandoning everything, mimi now works as a cashier in a convenience store and secretly attends the lives of her favorite idol in secret.

one day and after a live, mimi decides to get a picture with her oshi. but to her surprise, her favorite idol recognizes mimi as a lead member of an old idol group. mimi runs away, wondering why her favorite, ibuki nanakusa, knew who she was.

mimi ends up bumping into ibuki some time later on her shift. when she reveals to ibuki that she has given up being an idol, ibuki begins to cry and leaves.

that night, mimi has a dream. she recalls that ibuki had been a young fan of hers when she had been active as an idol. does that mean she had been ibuki's oshi at one point? mimi is astonished.

the next day, mimi bumps into ibuki again and they decide to go on a run together. ibuki reveals afterwards that she is leaving her idol group. mimi tries to dissuade her, only for ibuki to say that she isn't quitting being an idol. she wants to attend an audition that will uplift her career as one. she then asks mimi to join her.

mimi is conflicted. can she really become an idol again? she doesn't believe she is talented enough.

she spends some time thinking things over. eventually and after some encouragement from her little sister, mimi leaves to find ibuki and tell her how she feels.

ibuki is quickly located on the street and preparing to sing her final song for a small crowd. mimi joins in and remembers just how happy singing makes her. she then tells a delighted ibuki that she wants to join her in the audition.

together, they are determined to pass the audition and become professional idols. but can they overcome the competition set out before them? mimi must prevail over sixteen other participants in a long elimination-based challenge.

girls will drop out one by one, but also grow closer together. the assortment of personalities and backgrounds are vibrant and exciting.

will mimi and ibuki manage to achieve their dreams and become idols together? read to find out!

IDOL×IDOL STORY! is sold in the yuri aisle in manga stores. and given that the mangaka's previous work is NEW GAME! i'm confident in saying that this series is not subtext. it's likely there is a couple in it out there for you to enjoy!

please give IDOL×IDOL STORY! a chance! it's super underrated, but such an entertaining and wonderful manga.

[x-0ophelia0-x]

Home isn’t a place, it‘s a feeling.

pairing: Fem!Reader x Ezra Bridger

warnings: none, there’s fluff at the end

word count: 2,7k

summary: Home. Such a simple word and it still was so hard to describe. Since Ezra disappeared from your lives, you didn’t really acknowledge the building you lived in as your home. It all changed though when an unauthorized imperial shuttle caught your attention.

authors note: Finally! I started writing this one last week 😭

however, we were ROBBED of Heras and Ezras hug, literally robbed. anyway, here’s another ff dedicated to our underrated spaceboy c:

enjoy <3

Home.

Such a simple word.

And it still was so hard to describe.

Most people would say that it’s the place where you grew up.

Your house, your room or your Planet.

It’s meaning being completely forgotten. 

To you it was more of an emotion then a place.

Memories and people that defined who you are today. 

People that grew very important to you.

People that managed to work together, as a family.

People that made you feel safe. 

How long has it been now?

10 years?

10 years since you last saw him?

10 years since you kept your hopes up for the best?

10 unimaginable long years that seemed to never have a happy ending for you?

10 years of living with the fear of not knowing if he survived or not?

If you knew better back then you wouldn’t have let Ezra go this easy as you did.

He told you that he’d be alright, that he’d be careful. 

But when the purrgils took off with the Chimarea, jumping into hyperspace, somewhere into the unknown, you couldn’t help but feel helpless.

Helpless because you weren’t able to stop him.

Because you couldn’t do anything more then to watch him go.

That the last ‚I love you‘ he ever heard from you was from your filtered voice trough his comm link.

He was gone and nobody believed in his return, at least not the ones who’d have the resources to bring him back.

Only Hera, Sabine, Ahsoka and you were determined to find him. 

When Ahsoka found a map, leading to a unknown galaxy, your hopes of finding him again went up. A feeling of excitement made it’s way back to you, a feeling you didn’t feel for a long time now. 

There was still hope.

And when Hera told you that Ahsoka and Sabine made their way to possibly find Ezra, you couldn’t help but feel the most excited you ever felt during the last decade.

Little did you know that today was the day.

-

„I have a strange feeling about something..“

You, Chopper and Jacen were sitting on the ghosts couch, talking about different things. 

Jacen often wanted to hear you tell him stories about the rebellion, about your missions, his father, his mother and ‚that guy‘ named Ezra. 

He never met him, how could he?

Hearing you all talk about him most of the time confused Jacen, so he decided to take the things into his own hands and try to understand why everyone was so fond of him by hearing your stories about Ezra. 

„About what?“

You asked the younger boy while you tried to pick the next story you wanted to tell him.

He just shrugged, looking around and then returning his gaze to you.

„I don’t know.. something just felt off earlier“

Just before you could answer anything to him you heard Heras voice calling out for you.

„y/n! I need you on the main hangar now, an unauthorized shuttle requested to land here“

She said, somehow stressed? But why? That wasn’t something new after all.

„Isn’t this something.. I don’t know… common?“

It was a small shuttle after all?

„It belongs to the empire“

Her voice was stern now, hiding something more important.

The empire? This whole thing just got more interesting. 

„… and?“

„The shuttles ID is kinda old..“

This caught your full interest now.

„How old exactly?“

„…“

„Hera?“

„I don’t know how but..“

There was a short break before she continued to speak.

Trying to understand what was happening herself.

„The ID… is registered under Thrawns flagship..“

You expected everything, everything but this.

Your eyes widened at the news, you felt your heart starting to beat faster.

„The Chimaera…?“

„Yes.. this shuttle… somehow managed to return“

Jacen noticed the shift in your behavior, you seemed to be lost in your thoughts.

"Are you still there?"

He heard his mother ask you.

"y/n?"

Knowing that it was some star destroyer that 'took' Ezra away from you, he came to a conclusion of his own.

"That ship.."

He finally catched your Attention, you turned around, looking at him while he tried to find the right words.

"The Chimarea.. was this the ship that... uhmm.."

"Yes"

There was a silent moment between the three of you until Hera decided to speak up again. 

„We don’t know who’s flying the shuttle right now but… You may want to find this out so I guess that you should start and make your way to the hangar“

„Okay“

„Take your blasters with you, just in case“

-

You made your way to the hangar. A lot of people were here, everyone holding his blasters tight, waiting for the shuttle to finally land. 

Hera stood next to, both of you having your eyes trained on the unexpected visitor. 

„Don’t shoot unless they try something stupid and Jacen, you stay behind“

Commanded Hera.

The shuttle now finally touched the hangars floor. The sound of the ramp opening now echoing freely around this place. 

It took some seconds for the person to walk out but you soon recognized the stormtroopers armor. It was pretty worn, had a lot of scratches, even some fabric strips holding some parts together. Compared to the other imps, this was the dirtiest armor you’ve ever seen.

The person stepped put of the shuttle, his hands up, signaling that he didn’t want to start a fight.

Everyone including you and Hera raised his blasters, the trooper on gunpoint.

However, something about all of this felt off. Something was familiar to you but you didn’t know what exactly. 

Whenever you looked at the armored person in front of you, you couldn’t help but think that it’s presence was familiar. 

Not only that, but you felt the person staring at you trough his or hers visor.

Despite not being force sensitive at all, it almost felt like as if the force was trying to tell you something.

The way how the person was walking seemed familiar, even the way how they raised their hands.

Chopper seemed to recognize something though, not much time after the person left the shuttle, he started to roll towards him, you assumed that it was a man.

„Chopper!“

Hera was just as confused as everyone. The droid didn’t hesitate to roll up to this stranger, letting him even pat his head while he gave happy beeps from him for everyone to hear. 

Was this really a stranger? Chopper recognized Someone so dear to him to even let him pat his stubborn head. 

The first started to murmur, not knowing what to do. You at the other hand tried to solve this mystery. 

The shuttle belonged to the Chimaera, the trooper seemed familiar to you and Chopper didn’t waste a second after realizing something you now tried to realize too. 

Chimaera.. Chopper…. Stormtrooper.

Wait, this was a Stormtrooper… a Stormtroopers armor.

„Oh my..“

You gasped at the realization, your eyes wide as you let your blasters fall down. 

„y/n..?“

Hera was even more confused by now. First her war criminal of a droid starts to warm up to some random stormtrooper who was supposed to be dead and now you seem to see something that she still can’t muster.

„This can’t be..“

You continued.

„I can’t believe this..“

Tears started to form at your eyes, threatening to spill over as you started to walk towards the said ‚trooper‘.

He never really moved his gaze away from you and as you started to walk towards him, he gave Chopper a last head pat before starting to make his way to you too. 

„y/n..! What in the force are you doing?“

Hera wanted to go after you but she was stopped by her son.

„Stay back.. and watch“

He said, seeming to also know who the person behind that mask was. 

„Tell me.. who is this?“

„You’ll soon find out“

You now just stood inches away from him. 

He lowered his hands, standing still, seeming to be overwhelmed by something. 

And you knew what that something was, depending if your guess of him was right. 

„I can’t believe this..“

You started, looking up to him to where you assumed where his eyes.

„After 10 years…“

You trailed off, moving your hands up to his face, placing them on the helmet as you tears started to spill over.

„You came back…“

There was a shiver in your voice when you managed to break the lock, slowly taking of his helmet.

„Please.. please let it be you“

You removed the helmet as gently as you could, holding it while you found yourself mesmerized once again.

Vibrant blue eyes were looking straight to your eyes. The same loving look you used to see on a daily basis a decade ago. 

His hair had grown since the last time you saw him, his curls pressed because of the helmet. He even had a beard.

You were at a loss of words, it was him. Ezra.

Your Ezra.

„Hey y/n… it’s me.. it’s really me..“

He said, his eyes never leaving yours as you let the helmet fall.

As if you were acting by some hidden instinct, you threw your arms around him, taking him into the most heartfelt embrace you’ve ever given to anyone in your whole life.

Your tears had no barriers now as you let them stream down freely. 

„Don’t you ever dare to do this again..!“

Was all you managed to say between your sobs. 

Ezra didn’t waste any second, wrapping you tight in his arms while you two fell down to your knees, holding each other close.

„Ezra..“

Hera was shocked, speechless, not knowing what the hell was happening right now. Jacen at the other hand smiled, sensing the relief in her. Something he didn’t sense in her for a long time now.

„Given them a moment.. I have a feeling that they need it“

He then said, looking back to the reunited couple.

„I missed you so much“

You heard him say, the shakiest you’ve ever heard his voice. 

„The thought of you was the only thing that kept me sane..“

He said while you nuzzled your head in his neck, not wanting to ever let go of him again.

„Knowing that this day would come“

You felt something wet drip on your cheek, you raised your head from where it was resting on his shoulder to look at him.

His eyes were filled with tears. He seemed to be happy, relieved… at peace.

Nobody except him knew what he had to face until he was finally back.

What horrors he had to endure while he was stranded somewhere alone.

Something in his eyes told you that he didn’t care about anything that had happened in the past 10 years, instead they seemed to tell you something else.

Something that the both of you knew.

Everything that mattered right now was that he was back, back by your side.. back to the people that cared for him.

„You’re an idiot.. do you know that?“

You somehow managed to chuckle while you looked at his loving eyes.

And there it was, there was the smirk he used to give you whenever he tried to be romantic.

„I‘m your idiot“

„That’s correct“

The last time you heard his voice was when he used the force to talk to you all for one last time before he disappeared. 

It also reminded you that the last time he heard your voice was through the filtered comm link.

„I love you“

You moved your hand to cup his cheek, the once which still held his prominent scars.

And he did it too, he placed his hand on the lower side of your face, his other still wrapped tightly around your body.

„I love you too“

Your faces moved closer and when they were close enough, you connected your lips, sharing a long kiss. 

It somehow replaced everything you both could’ve said to each other.

You both didn’t say a word, deepening the kiss while you didn’t let go of each other.

As of you were both scared that the other would vanish the second you’d loose the grip on the other. 

Chopper started to beep in a teasing way, catching you both off guard as he managed to get a chuckle from Ezra.

You pulled apart and, while you both still held each other close, you also felt a warm feeling inside you. Safety.

A few seconds passed and the sound of boots walking closer to you got louder.

Ezra looked over your shoulder and his eyes widened again.

„Welcome home.. Ezra“

Hera stood in front of them, fighting against her own tears as she looked at her, technically, ‚adopted son‘. 

She knelt down to be on the same level as you two.

„Can I..?“

She asked and you two instantly pulled her closer into your hug.

Let’s just say that it was a very heartwarming reunion.

-

A week passed now since Ezra’s arrival.

You invited him to live with you in your apartment, even offering him the other side of your bed.

Which indeed was an act of true love for you since your most treasured furniture was your bed. 

Your sleep being the only thing that you enjoyed. 

Considering this, letting him have the other half was indeed something very important to you.

However, there was something different now.

For 10 years you somehow developed a feeling that didn’t seem right.

This was the place where you lived, the place where you spent day and night.

But you never felt complete here.

No matter how much you‘d add there, be it any kind of furniture or decoration, there was something missing.

Something or better.. someone. 

With Ezra being back, the building that most of the people would call home, was finally complete.

It’s crazy that you lived here for many years now but you never felt that it was your home. Not until he was again right by your side. 

You were cuddled up against him, resting your head on his chest.

It was early in the morning and he was still sleeping.

You at the other hand were already awake, nuzzling your face against him.

The effect he had on you was crazy.

And he made you realize something.

No matter where you were, where you lived or where you stayed.

No matter the conditions.

Wherever you were.. wherever he was with you..

That’d be the place you’d call your home.

Because even if you lived here for many years, you never really felt at home.

But since the moment he returned, this warm feeling of knowing that you had somewhere to go.. the word ‚home‘ instantly regained its meaning for you.

He made you feel safe, loved and cared for.

He was your safe space.

Your everything.

Deep in your heart you knew the answer to the question you used to ask yourself in the past years.

He was your home.

And you were his.

He didn’t tell this to you but when he was back in Perridea, he of corse didn’t feel at home at all.

Not only because he was trapped in another galaxy. No. 

He even had his own ‚home‘ when he travelled with his new friends.

He spent 10 years of his life there and not one of those years, not even for a second, he was able to somehow feel as if he had a home there.

Because you weren’t there.

And when he came back, when he walked off that Shuttle.

When he finally looked into your eyes.

He instantly felt something that literal buildings didn’t manage to do.

He felt at home.

In his case, his home wasn’t just a lifeless building… instead it was something bigger… a Person.

The Person he wanted to spend his entire life with. 

You.

[leoguarbike]

Foldable Electric Bikes Explained: Are They Worth It?

The Short Answer

For many people, the answer is yes. If you take a train or bus to work, or live in a small city apartment, a foldable electric bike can change everything. However, they are a special tool, not perfect for everyone. Their amazing convenience comes with real problems in performance and handling. This article breaks down exactly who they are perfect for, who might be better served by a standard e-bike, and what to look for if you decide a folder is right for your daily use.

The Pros of Folding

A Leoguar foldable e-bike can change how you move through your day. The benefits are real and solve common city problems.

Ultimate Portability for the "Last Mile": Commuting often involves the "last mile problem"—the gap between a public transit stop and where you need to go. A foldable e-bike perfectly bridges this gap. It turns a 20-minute walk from the train station into a 5-minute ride, making your entire trip faster and easier.

The Space-Saving Champion: This is the most obvious advantage. A standard bike needs significant floor or wall space. A folded e-bike can be tucked under a desk at work, stored in a small apartment closet, or placed in a car trunk without needing a bike rack. This opens up cycling to those who previously lacked the space.

Easy, Sweat-Free Commuting: The "e-bike" part is crucial for daily use. The electric motor flattens hills and fights headwinds, allowing you to arrive at your destination fresh and clean, not needing a shower. It makes biking to work a practical reality for more people, in more climates.

Better Security: This is perhaps the most underrated benefit. We can't overstate the peace of mind that comes from never having to leave your investment locked up outside. High-value e-bikes are prime targets for theft. With a folder, you simply fold it up and bring it inside with you—at home, at the office, or even at a coffee shop. That constant worry about your bike's safety disappears.

A Reality Check

While the benefits sound great, it's important to understand the problems. Marketing materials often hide the inconvenient truths of using a foldable e-bike every day.

Weight is Not Just a Number: The typical weight range for a foldable e-bike is 50-70 lbs (22-32 kg). To put that into a real-world scenario, imagine carrying a 60lb suitcase upstairs every day. This is the reality for many apartment dwellers without an elevator. As experts note, many models are often heavier than you might think, a critical factor if you must lift the bike frequently.

Ride Quality and Performance: The design that enables folding also creates problems. Smaller wheels, typically 16 or 20 inches, are more affected by potholes and can feel less stable at higher speeds compared to the 26 or 28-inch wheels on a standard bike. The folding frame, hinges, and telescoping stems can introduce flex, leading to a ride that feels less solid and sometimes more "twitchy" than a solid-frame bike.

The Daily Fold-Down: While the folding process on a good model is quick, doing it twice a day, every day, can become a chore. It can be an awkward, sometimes greasy process, especially when you're in a rush or caught in bad weather.

The Price of Convenience: You pay extra for the engineering that goes into a reliable folding mechanism. For the same price, a non-folding e-bike will almost always offer you better parts, a larger battery with more range, and a more comfortable ride. You are specifically investing in the feature of portability.

Choosing Your Bike

If you've decided a folder fits your life, focus on these key factors to make a smart purchase.

Focus on the Folding Mechanism: They are not all created equal. For daily use, you need a mechanism that is fast, easy, and secure. As shown by rigorous testing of the folding process, a difficult mechanism can quickly turn a convenient feature into a daily frustration.

Battery Range vs. Reality: Don't just look at the manufacturer's advertised range. Pay attention to the battery's capacity, measured in Watt-hours (Wh). For daily commuting, we recommend a battery of at least 400Wh. Remember that the real-world range is often only 60-70% of the advertised maximum, depending on terrain, rider weight, and assist level.

Weight vs. Power: This is the main trade-off. A lighter bike (under 45 lbs) is much easier to carry but will likely have a smaller motor and battery, limiting its power and range. A more powerful bike (over 60 lbs) will conquer hills but will be hard to lift. Decide which is more important for your specific daily routine.

Daily-Use Essentials: For a daily commuter, certain features are not luxuries—they are necessities. Insist on a model with integrated lights for visibility, fenders to keep you clean in wet weather, and a rear rack for carrying essentials.

The Final Verdict

Foldable electric bikes are absolutely worth it, but for a specific user: the space-conscious, multi-modal urban commuter. The ideal owner is someone who values ultimate portability and security above all else and is willing to accept the problems in ride comfort, weight, and price.

If you have a long commute, never need to carry your bike up stairs, have plenty of storage space, or are on a tight budget seeking maximum performance-per-dollar, a standard non-folding commuter e-bike is likely a better choice. By understanding these trade-offs, you can confidently decide if a foldable e-bike is the key to unlocking a smarter, more flexible daily commute for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to fold and unfold a foldable electric bike?

A: Most quality foldable e-bikes can be folded or unfolded in 30-60 seconds once you get used to the process. However, this can feel longer when you're rushing or dealing with bad weather. Practice makes the process much smoother.

Q: Can I take a folded electric bike on public transportation?

A: Most transit systems allow folded bikes, but rules vary by location and operator. Check your local transit authority's specific requirements for folded bike dimensions and weight limits. Some systems may have restrictions during peak hours.

Q: How much does a good foldable electric bike cost?

A: Quality foldable electric bikes typically range from $1,500 to $4,000. You'll generally pay 20-30% more than a comparable non-folding e-bike due to the specialized folding mechanism and compact design engineering.

Q: Are foldable electric bikes safe to ride?

A: Yes, when properly maintained and from reputable manufacturers. However, the smaller wheels can make them feel less stable than full-size bikes, especially at higher speeds or on rough surfaces. Always check that all folding mechanisms are properly locked before riding.

Q: What's the typical range of a foldable electric bike?

A: Most foldable e-bikes offer 20-40 miles of range on a single charge, depending on battery size, terrain, rider weight, and assist level used. Real-world range is usually 60-70% of manufacturer claims, so plan accordingly for your daily commute needs.

[digitalgyantech]

The Best Social Media Platforms for Businesses in 2025

In 2025, social media continues to be a powerful tool for businesses to engage with their audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales. However, with numerous platforms available, choosing the right one can make or break a company’s digital marketing success. Below, we explore the best social media platforms for businesses in 2025 and how they can be leveraged for maximum impact.

1. Facebook: The Evergreen Business Giant

Despite being one of the oldest social media platforms, Facebook remains a powerhouse for businesses in 2025. With over 3 billion active users, it provides brands with an enormous audience base.

Why Businesses Should Use Facebook

Facebook Ads: Advanced targeting capabilities for reaching specific demographics.

Facebook Groups: A great way to build community engagement.

Facebook Marketplace: Ideal for small businesses selling products locally.

Meta AI Integration: Enhanced chatbots and automated responses improve customer service.

2. Instagram: The Visual Marketing King

Instagram, owned by Meta, is still a top platform for businesses due to its visually driven content strategy. It is particularly beneficial for brands in fashion, beauty, travel, and eCommerce.

Key Features for Businesses

Instagram Reels: Short-form videos with high engagement rates.

Shoppable Posts: Direct product tagging for seamless shopping.

Instagram Stories & Highlights: Great for promotions and time-sensitive content.

AI-Powered Personalization: Improved content recommendations and targeting.

3. LinkedIn: The Ultimate B2B Network

For B2B businesses, service providers, and professionals, LinkedIn is the best platform in 2025 to establish authority and generate leads.

How Businesses Can Benefit

LinkedIn Ads: Targeted advertising for professionals and companies.

LinkedIn Articles: Great for thought leadership and content marketing.

Networking & Outreach: A must-have platform for building industry connections.

AI-Enhanced Job Listings: Finding the right talent is easier than ever.

4. TikTok: The Future of Short-Form Content

TikTok continues to dominate short-form video content with its engaging, algorithm-driven feed. It’s a must-have for businesses targeting Gen Z and Millennials.

Why Businesses Love TikTok

TikTok Ads: Cost-effective and highly engaging.

Influencer Collaborations: Partner with content creators for better reach.

Hashtag Challenges: Drive brand engagement through viral campaigns.

TikTok Shopping: Direct eCommerce integration boosts sales.

5. YouTube: The King of Video Marketing

YouTube remains the top video-sharing platform and is essential for long-form content, tutorials, and brand storytelling.

Top Features for Businesses

YouTube Shorts: Competes with TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Monetization Opportunities: Businesses can earn through ads and partnerships.

SEO Benefits: YouTube videos rank well on Google search.

YouTube Live: Real-time engagement with audiences.

6. X (Formerly Twitter): The Real-Time Engagement Hub

In 2025, X (formerly Twitter) continues to be a key player for real-time updates, customer service, and trend analysis.

Why Businesses Use X

Trending Topics & Hashtags: Helps brands stay relevant.

Customer Support: Quick responses boost customer satisfaction.

X Ads & Subscription Services: More monetization opportunities for businesses.

AI-Generated Content Summaries: Helps businesses stay on top of industry news.

7. Pinterest: The Visual Search Engine for Shopping

Pinterest is an underrated goldmine for businesses, especially those in home decor, fashion, beauty, and DIY niches.

Key Benefits

Pinterest Shopping: Seamless product discovery and purchasing.

Rich Pins: Enhanced product details for better conversions.

SEO-Friendly: Pinterest content ranks well on search engines.

Long Content Lifespan: Pins continue to drive traffic for months.

8. Snapchat: The Gen Z Engagement Hub

Snapchat remains a powerful tool for brands targeting younger audiences with engaging, ephemeral content.

Why Snapchat Still Matters

Snap Ads: Effective for mobile-first users.

Augmented Reality (AR) Filters: Interactive brand engagement.

Spotlight Feature: Short-form content similar to TikTok.

Location-Based Marketing: Geofilters help local businesses.

9. Reddit: The Community-Driven Platform

Reddit is a highly trusted platform for businesses that want to engage in niche discussions and gain organic visibility.

How to Utilize Reddit for Business

Sponsored Posts: Native advertising with high engagement.

AMA (Ask Me Anything) Sessions: Great for building brand authority.

Subreddit Communities: Connect with highly targeted audiences.

Organic Traffic Boost: Reddit discussions rank well on Google.

10. WhatsApp & Telegram: The Messaging Powerhouses

Private messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have become essential for customer support, direct marketing, and community building.

How Businesses Can Leverage These Platforms

WhatsApp Business API: Automated responses and catalog integration.

Telegram Channels: Direct updates to thousands of subscribers.

End-to-End Encryption: Ensures secure customer communication.

Chatbots & AI Assistants: Enhances response efficiency.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, social media is more dynamic and powerful than ever. Businesses must strategically choose platforms that align with their audience and objectives. By leveraging the right channels, brands can maximize engagement, increase sales, and build lasting customer relationships.

https://digitalgyantech.ae/digital-marketing-agency-in-dubai/

[yoursome1-rbwebb]

Caught In Haze

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Chapter 26

I had done very little to get ready for my outing with Riley, throwing on a T-shirt and denim shorts. I did however run a comb through my curly brown hair, taming the frizziness with some product before plopping down onto my bed and watching the live stream Noah sent me for his club friendly.

He didn’t get the start which I thought was a mistake from his manager but he is young and untested so I understand the hesitation. He was eventually subbed on in the 60th minute and I let out a small cheer paired with a fist into the air when his number was held up on the board.

Noah made an impact immediately. His ability to dictate the flow of the game from his position in the midfield is so underrated. He can somehow see passes that most wouldn’t and play the ball perfectly to his teammates feet.

His ability to move with the ball is incredible too. The way he moves and gets by defenders reminds me of another player I’ve watched play over the last two weeks.

A knock on my door sounded fourteen minutes after one was meant to and I rolled my eyes already expecting the tardiness but still allowing myself to be annoyed by it anyway.

I put my phone down on my bed and walked over to my door, pulling it open to reveal exactly the person I thought it would be. I didn’t so much as glance at the older girl before walking back towards my phone without a word.

“Hey Lee.” Riley chirped, sounding happier than usual as she followed me into my room without an invitation.

I ignored her and grabbed my small black satchel from my desk that held my car keys and wallet. 

“Whatcha watchin’?” She asked me, picking my phone up from my bed to examine it.

I really don’t know how Noah feels about having his estranged sister watch his match so I quickly yanked the phone from her hands before she got a chance to really see anything.

“None of your business.” I replied before moving past her to stand in the open door frame so she’d get the hint that I didn’t want to chat with her.

“Someone seems a little grumpy.” She commented under her breath before walking by me out of the room. 

I huffed and locked my door before whipping around to face the aggravating woman.

“You’d be upset if I woke you up too.” I flung my frustration at the girl with no hesitation.

If she asked me the real reason I was upset, I wouldn’t be able to tell her though. There are so many factors that go into my frustrations and 90% of them have to do with her though. That’s why I don’t feel any remorse whatsoever in being a little cold towards the dark haired girl.

The only thing I do know for sure is that I just want to get this little tour over with. 

The less time I spend with the other Haze the better.

“Depends on what you are waking me up for.” Riley responded cheekily, making my anger flare once again.

“Fuck off Riley.” I spat, pushing past her and made my way down the hall and into the stairwell.

I made it down a flight of stairs before a hand was on my arm pulling me back in a very similar way to the way I pulled her yesterday.

“Hey.” Riley spoke softly, to get my attention.

I turned to face her, ready to let all my annoyance from the last week out on her but stopped the moment I saw her face.

Her golden eyes were flicking back and forth between mine full of concern and confusion. It made my body feel light and heavy at the same time. Like it was trying to decide whether to float away or sink into the ground.

“Why are you so upset? This can’t just be over me waking you up.” She said, stepping closer to me as if that would help her get a better look inside my brain.

“I-I-” Suddenly my words failed me.

Riley moved her hand down my arm to my hand and held it in her own, encouraging me to continue. 

The butterflies that burst into my chest were almost too much to handle. Why does her touch do that to me?

I pulled away from her immediately and turned away from her before I could be sucked into her any farther. I need to focus and Riley has a weird way of making that task impossible. 

I need to give her a real answer that doesn’t reveal too much of my personal dilemmas. Keeping Riley at a distance will help me out in the long run.

“I can’t keep doing this.” I said, letting my shoulders sag in defeat. 

Riley walked around me and stood in front of me, letting the concern in her face wash over me. It had the same effect as last time, only this time it was more comforting than before. 

It’s nice to know she might actually care.

“Doing what?” She asked in a hushed voice, furrowing her eyebrows together in confusion.

I have to tell her something. I have to make all this weird tension stop.

“Doing this.” I gestured between us. “I can’t keep being a joke to you Riley.”

I said the first thing I could think of that wasn't ‘I can’t keep thinking about you in ways I shouldn’t.’

“I need you to stop messing with me. I want to be taken seriously. It’s all just been too much! I don’t know whether you are trying to be my friend, ruin my life or get into my pants and it’s exhausting!” I concluded before letting out a sigh with my frustrations.

Riley stared at me for a moment longer, studying my face for any other clues  she might find to why I am in such a state of unease before dropping her eyes to the floor. 

“You're not a joke to me Charlie.” She said just above a whisper. “I’m sorry I made you feel so uncomfortable.” She added while shaking her head in remorse.

Now this was a turn of events I did not see coming today. I never expected Riley to be the type of girl to own up to her mistakes without a little bit of pushback.

It made me respect the girl even more which is confusing in its own right.

“It’s fine.” I huffed out as a default response and tried to step by her and put some distance between me and my own personal supply of confusion.

Suddenly, she stopped me with two hands on my shoulders and a fire in her eyes.

“No. It’s not fine. Don’t say it is when it isn’t.” She said angrily.

I was too shocked to say anything. What just happened? Where did that come from? Why is she upset now?

“Never ever let anyone think it’s fine to push past your boundaries Charlie. Not me, not Noah, not anyone. It’s not fine.” She said, dropping her hands from my shoulders and turning to walk down the stairs.

What the hell was that? Why does she suddenly care so much about boundaries when she has been pushing mine since the moment we met? 

Is she upset that she got called out or is she truly mad at herself for making me uncomfortable?

Either way I can’t let her walk away when she looks so upset. Something in me can’t stand seeing her usual playful happy self be so torn up.

“Riley. Hey!” I called, grabbing her hand this time, making her stop in her tracks. She didn’t turn to face me though. She just let her head hang, looking down the stairs with her jaw clenched tightly.

“I know how to take care of myself. I promise.” I said, tugging her hand in hopes that she would just look at me.

She finally looked back at me after what felt like forever with a mixture of emotions in her eyes that I couldn’t explain. What I can explain is how vulnerable she looks. Her whole heart is on her sleeve right now and holy fuck she is so breathtakingly beautiful.

Sometimes I forget that fact because it’s overshadowed by her never ending pursuit of aggravating me in one way or another.

“You’ve said that before.” She quipped, letting a small smile break through all those other emotions. The small crack in her shell only amplified the beauty that was already overwhelming me.

I couldn’t even attempt to stop myself from smiling back at her.

“Fuck Riley.” I sighed and moved away from her so I could regain a normal train of thought. “Can we just start over? Just forget everything else and do a do over?” I asked.

“A do over?” Riley repeated with a light chuckle.

I mean I’m not really asking for a lot. We do barely know each other at the end of the day. 

Riley studied me with an apprehensive look though that made me question myself for even asking. Did she not want to forget?

Suddenly, all that vulnerability from her face cleared and was replaced by her usual signature smirking attire. 

She dropped my hand and held her own out between us.

“I’m Riley.” She grinned.

The relief I felt surged through my body and propelled my arm forward to take her hand in mine. Once again another tense unguarded moment with Riley ended abruptly only this time, it didn’t leave me reeling in angst and confusion. 

I quickly shook her hand before letting out a small giggle at the silly idea of reintroducing ourselves to each other after everything that just happened.

“Charlie.” I replied with a grin of my own.

“Right.” She replied, dropping my hand and clapping hers together. “Let’s get this show on the road.” 

She took off down the stairs and I was left alone wallowing in what just happened.

I really hope Riley leaving me flabbergasted in the stairwell doesn’t become the new norm because I don’t think I’ll survive the next time it happens. 

Riley suddenly stopped on the next landing and looked back up at me with her eyebrows furrowed.

“Oh and Lee?”

“Yes?” I asked, beginning my trek down the stairs towards her.

“If I had to choose between being your friend, ruining your life or getting in your pants, I’d choose gett…”

I scoffed loudly, stomping down the stairs past her before she could finish her sentence.

I could hear Riley’s laughter from the stairs before she followed me into the hall. A warmth washed over my body the moment I heard it. It’s a sound that could make the unhappiest person giddy. Her laugh is a new guilty pleasure to add to the collection.

“I was going to say I’d choose getting to know you.” She chuckled as she caught up to me.

I rolled my eyes at her but couldn’t wipe the silly grin from my face. Usually a joke like that from her would leave me with a look of disdain and a vendetta to get her back but now… Now joking with Riley is kind of fun. 

Riley led me out to her sports car that matches her brothers. The grin on my face dropped the moment I saw it.

We shook on forgetting…

But I can’t just forget Noah and his feelings. I can’t just forget that he holds a grudge against her. I can’t forget that I chose him.  I can’t forget that she is off limits.

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[therecordconnection]

Ranting and Raving: "With a Little Luck" by Wings

If Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, and Denny Laine each got a nickel for every time their band, Wings, was reduced to just the three of them, they’d each have two nickels. Not a lot (only thirty cents to share between them), but wild that it happened twice. Even more wild is that both times, it was a lead guitarist and drummer that left them. The first time was right before making their 1973 album Band on the Run and the second time was right before 1978’s London Town appeared.

Wings was no stranger to lineup changes, but after the lineup of the McCartneys, Laine, guitarist Jimmy McColloch, and drummer Joe English was solidified in 1975, it looked like Paul might have finally found his band that was gonna last... it didn’t, but it was the lineup that lasted the longest, so Paul had every reason to think this was gonna be the one.

The making of London Town didn’t go initially as planned. Paul had planned for 1977 to be another big year after Wings had back-to-back successes with Wings At the Speed of Sound and a massive world tour (captured on the Wings Over America live album) the year before. A new album, a new tour, a combo meal with all the fixins. Plans for another Wings tour were immediately off the table when Linda found out she was pregnant with her and Paul’s third child. London Town was initially being recorded at Abbey Road Studios, but now that plans for touring were off and they had all the time in the world, Paul decided that Abbey Road was too boring, too expected. So, because Paul can’t seem to do anything without gettin’ weird with it, he decides the band should take a month to play and record songs in a studio installed on a yacht in the Virgin Islands. Sure! Why the hell not?

They kept working on the album but they halted production as Linda’s pregnancy progressed, eventually returning to it towards the end of the year. That big year Paul had planned for Wings didn’t exactly happen, but they did manage to release a single in November that did really well (it was “Mull of Kintyre,” which for a time was the biggest selling single in U.K. Chart history until Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas” dethroned it in 1984).

That victory was short-lived due to 2/5ths of the band leaving with no warning.

Jimmy McColloch hightailed it, ditching Wings to join up with the newly reformed Small Faces and Joe English, growing homesick for America, also disappeared. Both of them can still be heard on a lot of the songs on London Town, however, McColloch is definitely not here and English might be (keyword: “might”) present for “With a Little Luck,” one of the best songs on the album, an underrated gem from Wings’ later years, and our subject today.

Before we get into the song proper, let’s clear one thing up. I said Joe English might be here only because nothing I could find really gave me a straight answer on whether he was still around for this song or not. The liner notes credit him as the drummer on the album... but Paul is also credited as the drummer on the album, so that was no help. A fansite called “The Paul McCartney Project”––a pretty good place to go if you’re looking for info regarding specific dates and sessions and all that stuff––couldn’t seem to decide either, putting a “(?)” next to both of their names when crediting drums for the song. Gun to my head, I’d tell you Paul probably did it and this was a song that got started when Wings was five members, but definitely finished when Paul, Linda, and Denny became a trio again. Several songs on the album like “Cafe on the Left Bank” and “I’ve Had Enough” sound like a full band, “With a Little Luck” does not.

“With a Little Luck” was the lead single for London Town and became their fifth number one hit in the U.S. Out of every song on the album, it’s admittedly an odd choice to lead with, but one that ultimately proved to be the right move. Prior to the song hitting number one in late May 1978, the U.S. had been enduring a chart chokehold from the Bee Gees, who were enjoying a successful run not seen since the Beatles landed in 1964 (when “With a Little Luck” came out, five songs on the Hot 100 were written by Barry Gibb and involved him in some way). With that little fact in mind, it’s funny that a Beatle was the one that dethroned the disco kings. But what’s also interesting is that it was “With a Little Luck” of all songs that did it. Part of it is probably due to the fact that Wings had been flying high and doing so well for the last few years that anything they did after a break would’ve gotten attention. It could also be that while the U.S. was knee-deep in the disco craze, Paul was offering something completely against the trends of the day. It was even stranger in the U.K., where this song came out amidst the excitement of the new wave and the energetic anger of the punk scene, both of which were thriving and taking control of the airwaves. So when you look at what was going on around the time of this song’s release, it doesn’t really fit snugly in too many places. It’s a strange one, which is probably one reason why it sticks out to me so much. It doesn’t really fit into anything going on at the moment and it doesn’t even sound like the rest of Wings’ big hits. 

Musically, it’s a breezy soft-rock song that’s made up almost entirely of synthesizers and keyboards. Against the rock songs and the more acoustic numbers on London Town (songs like “I’m Carrying”, “Famous Groupies”, and “Deliver Your Children”) “With a Little Luck” almost feels like a final experiment that was tacked on near the end of the album’s production. It’s a song that feels like it was designed to try and prove that the McCartneys and Laine only needed each other in order to make a hit. Jimmy McColloch’s lead guitar has been fully replaced with keyboards and the drum track is so basic, so muted, and so low in the mix that it feels non-existent at points. It almost sounds like it could be a drum machine, that’s how basic it is, but I’m almost certain that’s Paul playing and not Joe English. Paul was never really a great drummer (he’s passable) and it sounds pretty amateurish when compared with the work English did for Wings. I’ll die on the hill that it’s Paul playing here.

Anyway, most of the song sounds like Paul trying to do what 10cc’s “I’m Not in Love” achieved a few years prior. A soft-rock piece that uses keyboards to build atmosphere and deliver a great melody along with it. On top of that, he’s also very clearly dusting off some plays from the ol’ Beach Boys playbook for the bridge. The way the backing vocals enter after McCartney sings “There is no end to what we can do together” (together oooooh), the way the trio rise when they each repeat the line “there is no end”, and the way the backing vocals repeat “With a little luck, with a little luck / With a little luck, a little luck, a little luck” while Paul leaves “ballad singer” mode and starts getting a little soulful with it (“with a little luck, baby”). All those bits feel like things that would’ve perked Brian Wilson right up. This was around the point where you can tell Linda was comfortable as a singer in the band and I think she, Paul, and Denny always made a great vocal team. This whole song is a good example of that team on display.

What makes a strange little song like this work are all the little parts throughout that make up the sum, and there’s so many little parts here that are worth pointing out. Those quick four little notes that follow the first two held notes at the start. That little intro rules and it’s only ever played at the beginning. That little wave sound that very softly wooshes by and connects the verses to the bridge is super easy to miss (I didn’t hear it until really studying the song for this), but I think it’s a nice little touch and it adds something to find when doing repeated listens. That little keyboard solo three and a half minutes in (that only exists on the album version) that lasts for about five seconds is a cool little part. The instrumental break that starts off with a keyboard and the kick drum making a heartbeat, then builds back up for a minute and a half before Paul leads the band back into the verse one final time is great. There are certainly more electrifying and exciting Wings songs, but I think this one gets to enjoy being a bit laid back, a bit easy-listening, and let all the little moments add up to something satisfying. This is one of those songs where you’re taking it all in piece by piece as opposed to waiting for that one big moment. Contrast this song with something like “Live and Let Die” (another Wings song I wrote about, which you can find here... *wink wink, nudge nudge*) where the song’s “big moments” are the explosion of sound after he drops the title and the song randomly turning into a reggae song for a short bit. 

Lyrically, this is a simple song about unshakable optimism. It argues exactly what it says on the tin: With a little luck and a little love, we can persevere and do anything! It’s a song about keeping a positive, “can do!” attitude no matter what. It’s pure McCartney in that it’s him at his absolute corniest, but it’s a kind of corniness that he’s always been able to sell with sincerity and a big goofy smile attached. It’s a big part of the guy’s appeal and what makes him a lovable guy. The man who made a career for more than half a century being the “Silly Love Songs” dork has never struck me as being worried about his cool factor. As a major “a-Paul-ogist” (heh heh) I can forgive the sillier lyrics in Paul’s body of work, but I get why people would groan and roll their eyes at this one. If you tried selling lyrics like these today to a 2024 audience, you’d get ridiculed, roasted, and told nasty things that I can’t write without a warning attached. Especially now, since we’re in a time where cynicism seems to be the only mode people can operate on these days (some of it is very warranted, some of it just reveals that there are people who have never experienced even an ounce of joy). Here’s the bridge:

There is no end to what we can do together There is no end, there is no end The willow turns his back on inclement weather And if he can do it, we can do it

I’ll say this: Paul using a bird migrating for the winter as an analogy for maintaining optimism is admittedly silly, but Paul seems to have always had a thing for using birds in lyrics (examples include: “Blackbird” with the Beatles, “Bluebird” with Wings, “Long Tailed Winter Bird” from McCartney III). I think what prevents the song from being so corny that it veers into stupid, hippy-dippy bullshit is that I like that Paul genuinely believes what he’s saying. I love that part right before it gets to the instrumental break and Paul lets out, “We could shake it up, oh yeah, yeah.” It’s great! It’s fun! How are you gonna sit there and really get mad at this kind of message?

With a little luck we can help it out We can make this whole damn thing work out With a little love we can lay it down Can't you feel the town exploding? ... With a little push we could set it off We can send it rocketing skywards With a little love we could shake it up Don't you feel the comet exploding?

It’s a nice sentiment. Adding to the genuine belief of the vocal delivery, I love how the longer the song goes, the more passionate Paul’s vocals become. He goes from soft-spoken in the first verse to slowly gaining more and more grit and gravel as it goes, until he’s practically belting by the time the song reaches its last moments. I chuckle and enjoy any time Paul was able to insert a reference to flying or the band’s name in songs. There’s two of them in this: “We can bring it in for a landing” and “We could set it off, send it rocketing skywards.” Again, it’s the little parts that make up the sum of this song.

This isn’t one of Wings’ most beloved hits, but I continue to like this song simply because it’s a good, uplifting pick-me-up and sometimes you just need a song to do that for you. It’s a song that refuses to get bogged down in negativity. It refuses to dwell on the bad and it focuses on the bright side, which I think is needed sometimes, especially now that we’re faced with constant news of how bad everything is. If we can’t have any ounce of optimism in our lives or hope that things can get better, then what’s the fucking point of sticking around? This song is a good reminder that we need to keep our heads up and keep going. Plus, it taught me what the word “inclement” was when I first heard this as a kid, so you can add “educational” to its list of qualities.

I think the song’s attitude of dusting yourself off and keeping yourself going despite the odds is presented well because that’s exactly what the trio of the McCartneys and Denny were doing when this song became a hit. The big year they had planned didn’t go their way and two of their bandmates decided to cut and run. Now, granted, I imagine they were a bit more optimistic and okay with it than others would’ve been, considering it had happened before, but it’s never easy to bounce back from something like that. I think this song proves they dealt with that inclement weather in style and came out of it with a fun little song that proved they could still score a hit, with or without certain members. 

Paul sings, “We can make this whole damn thing work out” and they did. The band figured out how to adapt and keep going. If you want a sailing metaphor (which would fit, since parts of London Town were recorded on a yacht-turned-studio), the Wings ship was facing choppy seas, but the crew stood firm during the storm and rode it out until the waters calmed down and they could see the sun rising in the sky. It can be hard to find reasons to keep going sometimes, especially when things look really bleak and nothing seems to be going right, but sometimes, the only answer is to pick your head up and keep going, even if you’re not fully sure how to go about making it better. “With a Little Luck” suggests that with a little luck, a little love, and a little push, you can set it off and make something good happen.

After all, if they can do it, we can do it.

[mavshack1205]

Decoding the Most Common Myths about Women's Flat Sandals

Have you ever been to a shoe shop to shop for some fancy party shoes or those that are more casual and suitable for a trip or adventure? These are the two most common situations according to which we tend to categorize our shoe shopping and buy the perfect ones for the occasion. As the situations are common so are their solutions, which are a pair of heels and sneakers respectively. But, have you ever wondered about the most underrated pair of shoes i.e. flats? The blog aims to decode some of the most common myths about flats so that you buy women's sandals online that not only suit the trend but your style as well.

Common Myths about Women’s Flat Sandals 

Heels are a Must for a Dressier Look

Flats are easier to access thus we end up wearing them almost whenever we are lazy or in a rush. In the process, we do not even realize when we start associating wearing flats with being lazy and unstylish. However, no one could ever accuse you of being lazy if you wear a chic peep toe flat with a well-tailored blazer, watercolor silk top, and scalloped shorts. Such a combination of statement clothing pieces and shoes helps to create a polished look. 

Flats are Unfashionable

Today, flat shoes are not those grandma’s flats. Even celebrities and off-duty models are seen rocking ballet flats and brogues with flats shoes even starting to appear on runways. The key to these fashionable flats is being meticulous about small details such as buckles, piping, or faux snakeskin to keep things exciting and far from unfashionable.

Flats Make Short Girls Look Shorter

The mantra to fashion and elegance is being comfortable in your body. Wearing heels does not add up to your personality, however, wearing confidence does. If you want those elongated legs exercise to tone them down. Also, wear flats that add up to the elongated feet illusions. Shoes such as ballet flats or loafers that end an inch below my toes, paired with shorts or a dress that ends at mid-thigh, elongate your leg line without heels.   

Flats are Better than Heels

With all the warnings floating around about the dangers of wearing high heels, many women assume that wearing flats is the better option. This is true in some cases, but not always. Flats with no cushioning or arch support often cause the foot to roll inward, and they create strain on the leg muscles. Thus, the ideal shoes are the ones that have a small 1-inch heel to give your feet better support.

Buy Flat Shoes Online Now

Now that you have all the misconceptions sorted for flats, order a pair of flats and wear them with confidence for your next special event. If you are looking for a pair of women's flat sandals on sale, visit Mavshack liveshopping now. It is one of the best e-commerce websites that offers durable products at attractive discounts. So, do not wait and add both style and comfort to your wardrobe by shopping from Mavshack liveshopping now.

Author’s Bio

The blog is authored by the proactive team of Mavshack liveshopping. We are delighted to present to you an incredible online platform to fulfill your and your family’s fashion needs. We offer some of the most comfortable women's flat sandals and stylish flip-flop slippers for women.  Our business focuses on elevating your lifestyle by providing the best deals across industries including men’s fashion, women’s fashion, home and living appliances, health and beauty products, and mobile accessories. These are currently available at attractive discounts. So, do not wait anymore and order your essentials at Mavshack liveshopping now.

[bigcircle-smallworld]

The North

As many of you might know, I completed my year abroad in the Deep South of Italy– more specifically the city of Lecce in the beachy Puglia region. There are many stereotypes about Southern Italians– not just from snooty northerners but from global onlookers. This is conversation for another blog post, however. For now I’ll review a couple of my visits to cities in the north of Italy and brief the contrasts between the north and south. 

In general:

Architecture is much darker. Southern antique architecture is usually in light colored stone or white, leaning towards more baroque and romanesque styles, always with relatively short structure and large facades for an interior that was usually less grand. whereas most of the architecture I saw in the north was dark, often gothic or bricky, and reached up very tall. 

The weather is much colder/ rainy as to be expected.

People are less hospitable.

The cities have odd sewer smells.:(

In order of increasing size…. 

Bobbio

A village in the mountains of Emilia-Romagna. A population of about 3K. Despite the size, very historic. It rests next to the river Trebbia and hides an ancient and beautiful church/ monestary. Had some lovely farm bread and salumi with a Bobbio cake here. 

Crema

The small town in which a little movie by the name of Call Me By Your Name was filmed! This was a treat to see. With the help of a friends short term host mom we managed to finagle our way into the gardens of the CMBYN house itself. The center of the city was surprisingly quaint and filled with a duo of beautiful churches and kind people who were very proud of their city’s reputation. 

Piacenza

The city I stayed in for my ‘Settimana di Scambio’ (exchange week). A city of about 100K. While the dark brick architecture is lovely (another great church!) and it had the culture of a small city trying to rise (bi-weekly antique markets, bio-friendly food fairs, public parks, etc.), the city was not much to discuss. It was more spread out and less accessible by foot, and had an odd smell throughout the whole city.

Bologna 

One of THE MOST underrated cities for international visitors, however this is becoming less and less true every day. Bologna is built around one of the oldest and largest universities in continental Europe. The city is antique and concentrated but houses a spirit of youth and life coming from its student presence.  The large, dark architecture heavily spotted with greenery and art make it a lovely place to visit, and I could see myself living there.

Milan

Much to metropolitan for me. As an Italian city it lacks a real metro core, and seems like a small Italian town with one beautiful church dressing up in a suit and tie for business work. Everyones constantly in a rush to be somewhere and the city itself is dirty. Some small areas were quite nice and seemed livable but overall Ive seen many cities with more charming hearts. 

Florence

Perhaps my favorite looking city I visited. I was quite disappointed that I didn’t get to go back there after my  family trip was cancelled.  Il Duomo di Firenze is likely the most breathtaking work of architecture I have ever seen, and I would have loved to have time to see the inside or climb the clock tower. Firenze is also home to a vast array of legendary artwork and continues to expand its collection. Very very touristy and crowded. 

[chickensoup-4-mysoul]

herculean(drrr x f!reader) - chapter 1

chapter 1 - Warm Welcome

synopsis: (Y/N) Brigall. An aspiring fashion student far from home, visiting the rousing Ikebukuro to study the distinguished styles that the city has to offer. It's clear to those around her that she most definitely came to the wrong place. 

But unbeknownst to even herself, she's exactly where she's meant to be.

word count: 4,158

A/N: hello! this is actually a story that i have on ao3 under chickensoup4mysoul, i wanted to transfer it to this blog :) i’ll be posting individual/lumped chapters here, but you can find the rest over there!

warnings: minor violence, attempted kidnapping

"i got a taste of the good life, i was feelin' alright and i was in the backseat, it was a long day i was in a taxi on the cross island parkway,, good life - sammy rae & the friends

Despite it being well into the night, the subway was still pretty full. Many men and women returning from a tiring day at work, some preparing for a grueling night shift, others getting ready for a night on the town. Your grip on the pole tightens as everything suddenly skids to a stop, the doors of the small space opening. You are one of the first to leave, itching to free yourself from the tight confines of the train car. After all, you had been crammed into nothing but tight spaces for the past numerous hours; a plane, taxi, busses, and a couple of subway stations. While there had to be a quicker way to complete the journey to Ikebukuro, you didn't mind gaining experience in traveling. If you were going to be living here for a year, you needed to know how to get around!

        On the other hand, the presence of just as many people in the station didn't give you much more room to breathe. You know what? You'll get used to it. This is a city! An excited buzz seemed to overtake you at the reminder of where exactly you were. 

Ikebukuro. A big city as city-like as cities could get, yet still so underrated where you were from. You had only been familiar with the exact location for a short while before you actually moved there. 

        Weaving through the labyrinth of individuals, you became increasingly aware of how everyone seemed to blend together. A blur of beige skin tones varying in darkness and lightness, arrays of wardrobes combined into a muted color scheme. You briefly wondered how much you, a visitor, stood out. Perhaps your choice of dress didn't do much to help.

        Your platform sandals clicked against the tile of the subway station as you made a beeline for the exit. Of course, comfort was important when traveling, but not at the expense of style. A pair of striped culottes and an adorably lettuce-trimmed tank-top did the trick. A classic juxtaposition of a simply styled intricate pattern and an intricately styled, solid color. With some cute chunky jewelry as accessories, you had put together quite the ensemble for your first night in the bustling city.

        Despite the independent course of study you had taken, you couldn't doubt that you had quite the knack for fashion. A knack that you were sure could lead to a wonderful career. The plan was to attend university, solidify your studies, and gain some connections that would kickstart your profession as perhaps a consultant? Designer? However, you decided that before that, you should take a gap year to expand your horizons. After all, you had only explored the world of fashion available at your fingertips through magazines and the internet. Even with your affluence, your father had never found much use in petty vacationing.

Ah, father.

A smile of adoration overtook your face. Your beloved father. A wealthy man who took you under his wing when you were an infant and raised you singlehandedly. Even though his scientific studies greatly pre-occupied him, he always ensured that you were well-taken care of. Even now, as you are so far away, he's providing abundant financial support for your pursuit of your dreams. 

So loving, so generous. Your heart swells at the thought.

A pleasant chill racks your body as your skin meets the cool night air. Now this was the feeling that you were looking forward to. While still crowded with life, you now had the beautiful night sky, accentuated by the towering skyline. 

The journey to your apartment was a bit of a walk from the subway station. However, you'd be damned if you were going to run straight inside after being couped up for so many hours. Looking at the directions on your phone, you walk away from where it instructs, opting to follow the cluster of light that you hoped was some sort of shopping center.

In terms of cities that never sleep, Ikebukuro gave New York a run for its money. The plaza buzzed with the chatter of numerous conversations. Unlike the subway station, there was thankfully a bit more space as people passed you in different directions. You treat yourself to a short walk, figuring you deserved it. Peeking at different storefronts as you pass, you take note of the places that interest you. A cute bakery, a pet store, a gift shop, and--oooo you would definitely need to explore that clothing store!! 

You catch a glimpse of one of the mannequins and your heart has been won. You can already picture a million ways to style those pieces. Although, your wardrobe was extensive enough and you shouldn't waste father's funds...

Aw, what the heck. It was for your studies after all!

You are face to face with what feels like a wall of stone, scarcely cushioned by draping fabric.

"E-excuse me, I'm sorry!" You back up from the wall, looking up to profusely apologize to your victim.

"Is no problem! Place is full of people, best to watch where you are going." He smiles down at you. Far, far down.

Even with such a friendly disposition, there is an obvious aura of power surrounding him. However, any fear you would feel towards him is stifled by his adorable accent. Seems like you weren't the only foreigner after all.

"Of course, you're right. May I ask, would you happen to have been...er... born somewhere else?"

The dark-skinned man beams, seeming proud to answer such an awkward question. "Yes! I come from Russia. You are new face. Not from here either, I am correct?"

You laugh bashfully, discomforted by how seemingly obvious it was. "You caught me! This is my first time in Japan and I'm checking out the area."

"Ah, could not tell! Your Japanese, it is very good. Better than mine."

A sense of pride and relief washes over you. As part of the preparation process to move here, you obviously had to pick up some Japanese lessons. Luckily, you were assigned a great teacher that helped you understand the language. It was one of your main anxieties that you wouldn't be able to communicate with people, but it seems like you're doing better than you had anticipated! You beam gratefully at the man.

He catches you eyeing the flyers he's holding and immediately pushes one into your face. You take it from him, immediately taking note of the words "Russia's Sushi" written crudely in Japanese.

"You are by yourself, yes? I can assure that Russia's Sushi is the best place in town! Good when you are hungry, or when you need help with anything," his demeanor suddenly shifts, his gaze sobering in a matter of seconds, "Anything at all."

"O-oh, thank you! I will definitely visit the next time I'm in the area." You're put off by the abrupt change in atmosphere. 

"Soon, da?" Uuuuh, you feel threatened.

"Da! Soon, very soon!" You begin walking, deciding now was the time to continue on your way. "It was nice meeting you!"

It was only after you turned away from his kind smile and wave that you realized you didn't get his name, nor did you give him yours. You shrug it off, deciding not to worry about it. He's always gonna be at the sushi place, isn't he? You could find him later, no problem. 

Just a couple more minutes, you promise yourself, as you walk past one last strip of storefronts. As you approach the window of a comic book store, you're startled when the door swings open. Two walking stacks of manga emerge in front of you.

Wait, not manga. Their faces are obscured, but you can identify a woman in a long black dress and a man in a blue hoodie. They each seem to have put too many eggs in one basket, teetering back and forth to handle the weight of towers of books. 

"You sure this is all of them, Erika? We had to search every aisle of this place!" the presumed male asks.

"Of course, Yumacchi! All 50 copies of Super Tragic High School Life. Can't believe they tried to hide them."

You feel faintly guilty for eavesdropping on their conversation, but they're walking just ahead of you as you all head in the same direction. As they continue their chatter--sounded like there was some sort of special edition hidden in this series of books and they were deadset on finding it--you notice that their loads are becoming gradually harder to carry, swaying and tilting. Suddenly, the boy moves too sharply, upsetting the balance and causing his stack to tumble over.

Only a few steps behind, you scurry ahead to his side, reaching up and pushing the stack back into place before the damage is done. 

"Woah, thanks! That was a close one." The boy's face is still obscured as the he expresses his gratitude.

"No problem, it'd be painful to see so many books in mint-condition be ruined-woah!" You push back another unsteady book with your fingertips, barely reacting in time to catch it. "You wouldn't need help carrying those by any chance, would you?"

Even with their faces covered, the pair turn to each other and seem to engage in some sort of silent communication. After a moment, they turn back to you.

You follow them through the streets of Ikebukuro, having lightened a third of each of their loads. It was a wonder how they were able to find their way around; even with you helping, the stacks still reached the top of their heads.

"Took you guys long enough! And what are you doing with all that crap?" 

The presence of a new voice startles you. It was laidback and reminded you of a teenager's, not too different from the youthfulness of your companions'. You must have reached your destination. As Erika(?) explains how hard their escapade was, you hear the sound of a trunk opening before your stack is suddenly taken out of your hands. It was the man (Yumacchi?), who placed it next to the other two stacks they had stored in the back of a van.

Without any books in the way, you see that the man is blonde. It's hard to place how old he really is, his face carrying a youthful gleam, but not completely absent of mischief. His eyes are slanted and there seems to be a mystery as to what color they really are. 

"Wha-? Woah!!" As he turned back to face you, his face seemed to light up in surprise.

Nevermind, they are a lovely shade of amber. In a flash, you are face-to-face with the energetic duo. The girl, you notice, wore a black cap over dark, braided hair. Her dark eyes shined with the same excitement as her partner's. They were both cuties, you did admit, but you were more occupied with the invasion of your personal space.

"You're a foreigner!" they exclaim in unison. WOW OKAY was it THAT big of a deal?

"Hey hey, Yumacch! Doesn't she totally give off Michiko vibes?"

"You're absolutely right, Erika! Definitely the same exotic, fashionable vibe..."

You're not sure how you feel about being called "exotic", nor do you have any idea who this "Michiko" character is. Unsure of how to respond to their aggressive advances, you smile bashfully. Their faces are suddenly pulled away from you, a pair of heavy hands yanking them back by the shoulders.

"Hey, knock it off! Quit scarin' people with your crazy talk." Another new voice joins the fray. Gravelly and masculine, and honestly making you feel some type of way.

Your savior is a taller, tan-skinned man. He's dressed unobtrusively, his dark green jacket and jeans doing very little to catch the eye. A beanie cuts off some of his face, but you can still make out intense, dark eyes and a stern expression. Erika immediately whines at him for being no fun. Your ears perk at the name "Dotachin" and you wonder if it's some sort of nickname. A small distance behind him is another man, possibly the owner of the teenager's voice. His brown hair is long in length and he dons a swanky vest on top of a button-up. You muster up a sort of appreciation for his rustic sense of style.

"Sorry about those two. Judging from their pestering, doesn't seem like you’re a friend of theirs." 

“Nope! Just a random stranger off of the streets,” you jest, and relish in his apparent amusement at the statement, “I’m (Y/N)! If it hasn’t been made clear, I am visiting from out-of-town. Just arrived in Ikebukuro tonight. You’re...Dotachin, right?”

You are proud of yourself for not bursting out into laughter at the way his face contorts in a matter of seconds. The others do not extend the same courtesy, snickering at his annoyance. You can’t help but notice the glare that he sends Erika.

“Uh...no. Please. Never call me that. Kyohei‘s fine.” His eye seems to twitch for a moment and you feel a little bad. A little. “The two idiots are Walker and Erika. Guy over there is Saburo.”

Ah, so Yumacchi was a nickname as well. The two offenders are currently flipping through the manga, obviously too impatient to hold off their search. Sparing a glance at the blonde, you ponder the Western nature of his name. Erika, seeming to have calmed down, addresses you with a smile.

“So, it’s your first night here, huh? You’ve gotta be crazy to be walking around by yourself,” Erika comments, oblivious to the offensive implication of her words. You shrug, not really blaming her.

“I mean, it’s a big city, so I understand some risks but surely nothing could be any worse than what we deal with back home!” You intend to laugh it off, but the others don’t seem to share the same sentiment.

“You got color gangs back home? Kidnappings down the street?” Saburo remarks from his place against the van.

“A vicious slasher?” Erika chimes in.

“Full-out brawls in the plaza? Oooo, how about a headless rider?” Walker.

Nothing strikes you more than pure bewilderment. Of course, there was a fair share of activity where you grew up, but you were admittedly sheltered from all of it. Seems like there was a lot more to this city than you had initially thought.

“You seem like the kind of person that avoids trouble.” You feel a strong, warm hand on your shoulder and realize that it’s Kyohei’s. He seems to pull it away upon eye contact and you miss it immediately. “As long as you’re smart, you can probably steer clear of all of that.”

You smile and thank him, inwardly relieved that you had found people to tell you all of this.

“Well, I guess I should head home in that case. Wouldn’t wanna run into anything!”

“Where are you staying?” Kyohei asks. You unlock your phone to pull up the location of your apartment. However, you curse at the realization that you had gone very far off-route. Erika and Kyohei peek over your shoulder and notice your dilemma.

“We’ll give you a ride back!” Erika wasn’t offering, but outward stating. Kyohei nodded in agreement and Saburo was already starting the van up again, seemingly unbothered by the task. Welp, no reason to refuse at this point. Not like you were eager to trek back on your own, either.

“Let’s go then, and get out of this damn cold.” Kyohei gestures to the corduroy jacket you had tucked under your arm, “Don’t understand how you can just walk around carrying that jacket like an accessory. How are you not freezing your ass off?”

Compared to the van gang(that’s what you're calling them now, you’ve decided) you’re definitely more scarcely covered in your tank top and sandals. The weather had no bearing on you though, and whatever excruciating cold Kyohei was talking about was just a pleasant chill to you. 

Walker and Erika squeeze into the back, reaching back from their seats to search through more copies of the manga. You squeeze in with them, right behind Saburo in the driver's seat. The two otakus are preoccupied, leaving you to engage in small talk with the men in the front.

Kyohei is polite, asking you simple questions about how your traveling went, if you had made any other friends (You hide your grin at the word "other"), and what had brought you to Ikebukuro. You appreciate the effort, answering accordingly and avoiding oversharing. Saburo and Kyohei chuckle at the mention of a really burly, dark-skinned Russian man who, despite his open demeanor, couldn't help but be intimidating.

"Sounds like Simon, alright," Saburo comments.

"No need to worry about him. Dude hates violence. If anything, you'll want him on your side," Kyohei explains.

You hum, fiddling with the folded flier in your pocket. "Is the sushi any good?"

A huff. Probably his attempt at stifling a laugh, whatever it was, you're kind of charmed by it. "It's...good for what you pay for it."

Not exactly the most promising answer, but you'll take it. Price isn't necessarily something you need to worry about, but it seems like the place holds sentimental value. You decide that you would visit, especially if this group seems to frequent the place.

You continue giving Kyohei your life story, explaining your passion for fashion and how you came to Ikebukuro to explore the bold, nuanced styles of the city. You notice Kyohei quirk a brow at this and he even glances back at you.

"'Nuanced', huh? Why not somewhere cozier, like France? That's, like, a capital, right?"

A simper overtakes your lips at his attempt at understanding the topic. "France is overrated. I wanted somewhere where the fashion wasn't necessarily for the sake of fashion, y'know? Like, Saburo didn't wake up this morning and say: 'I'm gonna wear this snazzy vest today, because that's what Sedgwick would have wanted.' He probably just wore it because it was the first thing he spotted in his closet--and that's candid, and that's valid." 

"Um...thanks?"

"And that's what makes Ikebukuro such a fashion hotspot!!"

Your rant doesn't stop there, but Kyohei respectfully listens. It's nothing he hasn't experienced with Erika and Walker's manga obsessions or Saburo's Ruri Hijiribe fixation. Still, there was something about your sense of wonder, the many things you seemed to be looking forward to--in Ikebukuro, of all places--that rubbed him the wrong way.

...

"You seem smart, you can probably steer clear of all that." Kyohei grimaces at Erika's embarrassing attempt at an imitation of his voice. 

"How macho of you, Kyohei! Sounds like something the wounded warrior hero says to the girl that he secretly harbors feelings for, but doesn’t reveal them to keep her safe!” Even in the small space, Walker still finds a way to gesture in excitement, definitely almost hitting Erika in the face.

“Right?? Dotachin saw a lovely young damsel in distress and knew he had to protect her!”

“Shut up, willya?” 

As they drove away from (Y/N)’s dropoff point, the new visitor was still a topic of conversation. Mainly, how “macho hero” Kyohei was towards her. Granted, it wasn't unusual behavior for the man, but the pair of Otakus would not just ignore his acts of chivalry, towards a young woman, no less.

“Hey, Saburo.”

The driver hums, joining Kyohei in blatantly ignoring the foolishness occurring in the seats behind them.

“I’ve heard a lot of things about Ikebukuro, but nothing about it being a fashion hotspot.”

“Yeah, me neither. Sounds like bullshit to me.”

Kyohei stares at the rapidly moving passerby, deep in thought. Whatever this girl was here for, she certainly did not come to the right place. The idea of people so naive walking straight into the ticking time bomb that is Ikebukuro troubled him, and that wasn’t just regarding (Y/N).

He heaved a sigh, dismissing the unnecessarily convoluted thoughts about someone he had just met. It would be fine, he decided. It was just another random citizen, one who didn’t seem like the type to get wrapped up in the sort of trouble that plagues the city.

What’s the worst a fashion student could get sucked into?

...

Besides being stylish, your platform sandals were also the perfect level of comfort for a long day of travel. Even when you were walking for such a long time through the plaza, not once were you complaining about your feet being sore or tired.

Yeah, walking was great! Running? Not so much.

That was the main thought spiraling through your head as you all but sprinted through different alleyways.

You thanked your new friends one last time before sliding out of the vehicle. After they drove off, you turned to look up at your apartment building. However, you immediately noticed something strange. 

The structure in front of you was not nearly tall enough to be any sort of apartment. You checked the GPS on your phone and realized that you had gotten off on the wrong side of the street. Looking closer, you could catch a glimpse of a much taller building, a small distance behind the building in front of you. You heave a sigh as you realize how long it would take to reach it.

As you walk down the sidewalk, you notice an opening between two of the buildings. It turns out to be an alleyway, most likely leading to the other side of the street. You turn without hesitation or second-thought, distracted by the c onvenience of the shortcut. 

You quickly realize that the alley isn't a straight shoot to the other side and have to turn in a different direction. In an attempt to return to your intended route you turn again. And again. and again. 

So it turns out it wasn't just one building standing between you and sweet, sweet relaxation, but actually 2 or 3. Frustration begins to build as you only seem to get more and more lost. 

"This is ridiculous, I should be in bed by now! Just how late is it?" You think to yourself, taking a quick break to check the time on your phone.

"Not very smart to be wandering this late at night, is it, young lady?"

It was a wonder how you were able to dodge the bat that was swung in your direction. After that lucky break, you immediately tumbled in another direction, desperate to avoid your assailant. However, as soon as you thought you could shake him off, another man appeared in pursuit of you as well.

"Dammit, she's fast!" You hear from behind you, and you realize that a third has joined the fray.

Your sandals aren't comfortable, no, but they don't deter your speed. The different walls and turns become a blur to you as you sprint past, desperately trying to find a way out of the apparent labyrinth you've walked into. 

As you round another corner, you collide with someone else; one of the men that were chasing you. He crumbles to the ground as you stagger backwards, nursing the sting of your forehead. Your back comes in contact with another, small body and a pair of weak arms wrap around you.

"H-Here! She's here!"

The third musketeer appears and your victim, a stout, unkempt man, sluggishly picks himself up from the ground. They are all terribly out of breath, and its pretty obvious that they're out of shape. A tall, lanky man with glasses approaches you, the bat in his hand indicates that he was the one who threw the first blow.

He's seething, infuriated by the chase, his teeth grinding and eyes on fire. He raises the bat and your breath is caught in your throat. The weapon remains suspended in the air, ready to deal damage. After a moment, he deflates, a sinister chuckle seeming to rise from the deepest parts of him.

"You've caused us a lot of trouble, you know that?" The bat falls to his side, he holds out his other hand to the chubby man beside him. You twitch, noticing the quivering frailness of the arms that were locking you in place. The boy holding you couldn't have been much older than you were, of college age.

"Unluckily for you, we're not gonna end it for you so easily." He's been handed a cloth. After watching his friend douse it in liquid from a bottle, you don't want it anywhere near you. "With where you're going? You're gonna wish you'd died here..."

It's so dark now, you can't imagine how late it's gotten. All you can see now are the glints in his glasses, and the cloth descending upon you.

The glints of glasses. The feeling of helplessness. Shrinking under the eyes of someone who has no sympathy for you. Whatever happened to you, it didn't matter to them.

The corner of your mouth twitches. It feels familiar.

That's funny.

[thebeautyoffanfics]

*breathes* okay i saw you write for kny so 👁👁

may i request muichiro , genya and zenitsu with a s/o whos super touchy ??

Tysvm !!

muichiro tokito x gn!reader, genya shinazugawa x gn!reader, zenitsu agatsuma x gn!reader

a/n: of course!!! Aaah you requested 3 of my favorites :DD!!! One of which is my absolute favorite, Genya- really, he’s so underrated, I love himmm- ANYWAY! Thank you so much for requesting, and I hope these are alright!!!!

warnings: none <3

word count: collectively, 1,157

Muichiro Tokito <3

Honestly, he’s relatively unphased. Sure, he’s not huge on things like PDA or affection in general, but it’s not as if he doesn’t mind it. Plus, the warm feeling he gets when you hug or touch him is something he’s grown to find very nice.

The poor boy doesn’t feel many emotions, so the butterflies you sometimes give him even doing something as casual as patting his shoulder or hugging his arm are strangely appreciated. In return, he tries to be at least a little affectionate.

Muichiro’s attempts at being affectionate may not line up with others’ though- he considers headpats and leaning against you as his way of showing that he loves you. In return, you show him you love him.

The one time Muichiro won’t appreciate touchiness is in public, especially at the pillar meetings. He won’t mind as much if you’re necessarily touchy in front of a pillar, but the meetings have too serious of a feeling to them. That and, should (for some reason) the two of you be in Ubuyashiki’s presence outside of a meeting. No touchiness then, please. Ubuyashiki wouldn’t mind (he… can’t even see said touchiness-) but Muichiro does (and you probably do as well).

While he doesn’t typically go out of his way to get you to show him affection, nor voice his opinion on your affection (he assumes that, since he doesn’t complain, you’re aware that he doesn’t mind since he wouldn’t hold his tongue otherwise), he really enjoys it when you play with his hair. Braid it, brush it, just overall mess with it, he doesn’t mind. It’s honestly really comforting, and is a really easy way to make him feel really loved.

Playing with his hair is one, but he also really likes when you lean against him or rest your head on him. Be it placing your head on his shoulder, in his lap, or on his chest when he’s lying down. None of those acts are very bold or noticeable to him, but that’s just what he likes about them. It’s gentle but still caring. They still make him feel loved.

Genya Shinazugawa <3

SO FLUSTERED, MY POOR BOY-

(Y/N), you’ve broken him. You’ve gone and broken Genya, what are we gonna do- who’s gonna tell Sanemi???

Genuinely, even just having your arm brush his sends him into a slight panic mode- like, he’ll feel your arm and instantly be like “oh no, (Y/N)’s arm touched my arm, their arm touched mine, stay calm, don’t freak out, don’t be weird, it’s fine.” and he ends up standing there awkwardly looking exactly like that man standing emoji.

Before he grew up a bit and was in his “I hate everything I’m going to start fights” days, if you’d touch him, he’d probably not hesitate to punch you. HOWEVER, Genya’s a real sweetheart now. He would never dare lay a single finger on you, nor get angry with you. You’re too cute to get angry at-

You’re also too cute for him to handle you being so affectionate. He short circuits nearly every time, tensing up and kinda fidgeting as he sits there. No matter how small the act of affection may be, he’s got the same reaction. He’s like a deer in headlights, but make the deer shakey.

Despite his reactions, he doesn’t necessarily mind your touchiness. He just doesn’t know how to respond to it. He admires you so much, plus you’re actually interested in him, so he hopes that it’s normal that he gets so nervous.

He rarely has moments where he doesn’t react like that, but, when he does, it’s when he’s really sleepy or really injured. Heck, even when really injured, he’ll still get a bit flustered. However, it’s during those moments that he appreciates your affection the most. Genya dislikes the fact that he can’t even hold your hand without feeling as if his face is on fire and entire body is shutting down, so the moments where he’s actually able to calmly hold you are the moments he treasures most.

On the very rare occasion, if you approach Genya as if he’s a stray cat, he’ll have a calmer response to your touchiness. However, doing so is a bit of a pain, and his reactions are constantly priceless, so you may as well just continue on with flustering the poor boy.

I feel as though Genya, like Muichiro, enjoys when you play with his hair! It’s not like he’s got as much hair as the previous boy, but it’s still really calming. Other than that, he also loves simple hand-holding. It’s easier for him to feel less embarrassed over, and casual.

Zenitsu Agatsuma <3

Similar to Genya, he gets absolutely, completely flustered. Unlike Genya, though he also forgets how to function properly, Zenitsu is able to react to the touchiness. His reaction is, as expected, loads and loads of compliments and such. Screaming as well. High-pitched, girly squeals- it’s… something you’ll have to learn to love about him.

Out of the three, I feel like Zenitsu both appreciates and reciprocates your touchiness the most. Even if you weren’t, Zenitsu would already be a touchy boyfriend- he considers himself extra blessed to have a s/o that is as touchy as he is.

Between the two of you, I feel like the others will quickly get bored of so much… affection. Zenitsu won’t get bored of it though! Every time, no matter who initiates it, he’ll blush like crazy, and squeeze you a bit, squealing compliments like a schoolgirl in love. And he lives for it, because he’s just!! So happy!!! He feels so loved!!!! He loves you so much!!!!!

Similarly to Genya once again, he’ll be a lot calmer when he’s sleepy or injured. Even still, if you give him a hug/kiss/hold his hand in those moments, he’ll get a little blush on his face. No matter how badly he feels or how sleepy he is, those acts of affection will always be reminders that you’re there for him. That’s another thing about it that just… makes him unbelievably happy.

If someone were to ask him what kind of affection he preferred, he’d have to say he couldn’t answer!! Honestly, he enjoys every bit of it! From your arm linking with his, to little kisses pressed to his face, he can’t limit himself to one favorite!!! His favorite is (Y/N), and that’s simply that!

But actually, he does favor two things a tiiiiiiny bit over the others- hugs and kisses. Hugs are so comforting, so warm. so safe, it feels like nothing can get either of you! And kisses are the only thing that the two of you can exchange that you can’t exchange with other people. Hugs, hand holding, hair ruffling- it’s affection, but it’s affection that can be shared between friends. He doesn’t know of any friends that kiss each other, it’s a couple-y thing to do!! :)))

[testingcheats0n]

Massive Dream SMP Fic Rec!!

Hey- Hi, I just feel like there are a ton of fanfiction that's really underrated in this fandom- so I'm going to dump it on your dash!!! Most of it is going to be Tommy-centric or SBI-centric, but they are very good!

Source: Me

Finished Fanfics:

Multi-chaptered Fanfics:

that's, like, a hundred miles by No_one_you_know

Dream would kill him. Dream was going to kill him- he was going to- no, he wouldn’t. Dream was his friend- friends don’t hit each other- Dream was supposed to take care of him- Dream /was/ taking care of him.

It hurt to breathe. It hurt to think. He couldn’t clear his thoughts as he stumbled to the family computer, pulling up a tab on google and frantically typing the name into the search bar.

The words Technoblade Watson stared back at him, the little black bar at the end of the letters blinking slowly, mocking him.

Why, of all people, did it have to be Technoblade?

in short: the one where dream sucks as a parental figure, tommy runs away, and visits his least favorite family member technoblade

Hard-hitting, but has a happy ending, though I recommend reading the prequel (in the same series) first, otherwise, it's lowkey depressing.

MORE RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW THE CUT!!

you’ll rise above (crowned by an overture bold and beyond) by azvremoon

Tommy is not sixteen. He has faced too many open wounds, dripping ichor onto blood-stained warzones, to be just a child. He is Blood and War and needless Death, an all-in-one special of everything that can ruin reality.

(Tommy is the blood god. No one should know, but this server can't stop pushing him over the edge.)

+2 more Works that were Inspired by this one

Tommy is a BAMF and Dream, Technblade, and Phil get fucked it is what it is.

Responsible Forever by SilverWing15

“You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.” /////

“So,” Techoblade says, slow and deliberate, his face shows clearly just how unbelievable he finds all of this, “you saw a boy last night, in the middle of the night, living with raccoons and eating our garbage?”

“I know how insane it sounds,” Phil says, “but I know what I saw. We need to help him, who knows how long he’s been out here?”

“Okay,” Wilbur interrupts, “let’s say that raccoon-boy is real. What is it you want us to do? We can’t go searching the woods for specific bunch of raccoons, I don’t know if you’ve noticed Phil but there are a lot of them out there.”

“Going out and hunting him isn’t going to get us anywhere,” Techno says, “we have to let the raccoon-boy come to us. He’s already come once, you know how tenacious raccoons are. If they came to the garbage pit once, they’ll come again. We just have to set a trap.”

“Those raccoons aren’t gonna know what fucking hit them,” Wilbur mutters.

Or: RaccoonInnit taken well beyond its logical conclusion

Tommyinnit is a Raccoon boi that lives with other Raccoons

Protecting the Traumatised Youth by spookyserpent

Sam blinks. “What?”

Even behind the mask, Sam has the distinct impression that Dream is grinning at him. “A week and he was begging for my attention, even after I stole and burnt his armour, even after the beatings. He couldn’t stand me leaving him because I was the only one to show up, to pay him attention. It was hilarious.”

Sam is going to be sick.

Or, Sam decides to ask Dream about his intentions and ends up becoming a big brother to Tommy and Tubbo. All the while, Dream and George fight, Niki and Jack plan child murder and Ranboo is slowly getting adopted into the SBI.

Awesamdad written back when it was possible... ahhh

Chaos In a Bottle by Lovetribable

After a realization, Tommy leaves the pillar, but instead of going to Techno. He just disappears, leaving everyone to think he's gone.

It takes a war to bring him back.

+2 Sequels and an Alternative Ending

Dadinnit!! + A Sympathetic Dream

Absolutely Anything For Them by Numanum

“There’s a lot you don’t understand, Tubbo,” Dream sighs, meeting his eyes cooly. Tubbo, back against a tree, shudders at his tone, at the look on his face.

The sword at his neck skims across his skin as Dream shifts his grip on it, and he flinches back into the rough bark behind him. Dream smiles at his reaction, seeming pleased- like the cat that’s been toying with a mouse that always tries to run no matter how many times it’s caught. And, despite this being his first encounter alone with the man, he thinks that the comparison is fairly accurate; Tubbo has never felt smaller than he does now. There’s supposed to be a buddy system to prevent things like this- he shouldn’t be alone here, stuck in this situation.

Or: Tubbo becomes a traitor to save everyone and has to struggle with his choices

Traitor Tubbo, but it has the happiest ending possible since it follows the rest of the story.

Where Did You Come From, Kit? by KadeAK (zacixn)

Hybrids are an ancient species of humans crossed with animals, blessed with the favour of nature. They used to live in peace on the SMP’s land, but ever since the dawn of humanity’s modern culture, they have become ostracised and hunted by their once-brethren. Now, the once-thriving subspecies of hybrids have been reduced to ashes, the majority of their peoples struggling to survive in a city capital that can't stand their presence.

To the members of L’Manburg, General Wilbur Soot is just another mildly prejudiced human being, stuck with a hybrid fox kit for an adopted child. However, that assumption could not be farther from the truth. As it turns out, there's a reason why he is the man he is today.

This fic is entirely pre-L’Manburg.

Part of a series, very good.

Take It Easy by sweet_magnolias

Five times Techno scared Michael, one time Michael scared him, and the resolution of those fears.

AKA - Techno learns how to be an uncle.

Technoblade's POV, so expect some Tubbo bashing on the margins of all that Michael fluff.

I suppose it’s never my time to die, is it? by Birb_Whale

The first time it happens, he barely remembers. The second time is when he realized. The third... Twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern

“It’s not your time to die yet, Tommy”

Messed up, but not unrealistic. Purely for the Hurt/Comfort lovers.

This Wasn't Planned, But It'll Work Out by Anonymous

Dream isn't sure what to think when he finds a kid on his doorstep, but he can't just leave him there, now can he?

(He doesn't know what he's getting into, or what he's gotten the kid into, either)

Long, and angsty, with a bittersweet ending Imo.

let's play a game by Aria_Cinabun

Tommy was once a slave. That's gone now - shoved in his past with the memories of blood and gore and death. He wants to forget who he was; what he has to do to survive. Of course, the Elementalists will always come back to haunt him. They aren't the ones who killed his mother, but they're close enough. And now he and his brother have been dragged into the mess, as Elementalists with their own, separate covens, to find the Pit - the place where he'd lived and killed and hurt for the first twelve years of his life. His coven can't know. Can't know who he really is, what he can really do. Can't know anything about his past. He doesn't want a coven full of Elementalists who don't trust him; one of whom he's pretty sure despises him. He doesn't want that life. He wants the life of a pickpocket, on the streets, because nobody questions street kids, and nobody comes asking about his past and pushes him to tell his secrets that he holds closest inside. Tubbo tries to tell him to trust people. But trust is how you die.

Good fantasy AU, has SBI, and is thus fluffy.

Turn of the Tide by SilverWing15

Tommy’s fins twitch at the mention of Dream’s ancestors. Dream talks about them a lot, how they made their fortune hunting down mer pods, how they were cruel and greedy. Nothing like Dream is. They’ve both overcome their roots he says.

Tommy is nothing like the wild mer out in the ocean, who spend their lives scraping by just to survive, who kicked him out of the pod when he was a baby because he was too small. He’s also better than the pit mer, who can’t overcome their wild instincts and know nothing but fighting.

He’s different from them, he’s better than them. He’s Dream’s. //// OR: Change is like the tide, when it comes, you can only sink or swim. You would think that a mer would be better at keeping afloat.

Mermaid AU Pooog. Part of a series.

One-Shots:

Snapped by AmberRunnel

“You don’t know what I went through in that prison cell.”

Jack burst out laughing, blinded with rage and the overwhelming urge to hurt Tommy, to give him everything he deserved. “Oh, is the poor child traumatized? You want pity now?” He twisted his blade, and Tommy’s axe was sent clattering to the ground.

“If the prison was so awful, why don’t I send you back there?”

-|-

Jack doesn't handle Tommy's revival well. There's a simple solution, though. Kill Tommy, and Dream revives him right back into that cell. Problem solved, kid dealt with.

It takes a few confrontations for Jack to realize he's an asshole.

It's fucked up, but god does it hurt in a good way.

the sky is coming down blue by salinesolution

An imagining of New Milo's perspective throughout the Skyblock Randomizer adventure. What did he think of the world he found himself in, and how did Wilbur's feelings and actions change things for him? Here's my way of answering those questions.

He made the fish think, funniest shit I've seen.

You told me to be a hero (so let me die like one) by spiromachia

"You told me to die like a hero," the blond interrupted, spinning on his heel to face the others, holding his arms wide open, "So why not fulfil the ending that was always meant to be."

Across the battle field, through the chaos and destruction, a tree burned.

Even the sound of explosions and cries and bloodshed felt distant enough for the world to become silent for a few moments, each individual slowly coming to the same conclusion, each of their bodies tensing.

Tommy's face broke out into a grin as he lowered his head, glowering at the people around him, and Philza's face flashed with recognition.

"Kill me."

Or... In the middle of Doomsday, Tommy decides to ask Technoblade to be the Lycomedes to his Theseus.

Heavy and dark, but at least Dream gets it.

tomorrow night by meridies

Tommy is desperately searching for his missing brother. Techno is the reluctant psychic who unfortunately got dragged along.

or, two people, more alike than different, learn what it is to have a family at their side.

It's cute what can I say :]

maple syrup by itisjosh

"We could run," Tubbo stares at the sun. "We've got everything we've ever wanted right here. We could run."

"Yeah," Tommy agrees, feeling his head swim. "We could."

(or, tommy and tubbo run away together)

Children get away from toxic adults :)

Why’d it have to be so sunny? (The sun shouldn’t shine without you.) by AToZRainToBe

‘A realisation hits Phil in the face like a truck. “Wi- Ghostbur,” Phil says, turning to his grey-scale, translucent, actually-dead son. “You definitely told Tubbo that Tommy’s alive, right?”’

To get away from Dream, Tommy agrees to fake his death, going with the cover story that he jumped from the pillar in Logstedshire. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell Tubbo.

Misunderstandings are one of my favorite tropes.

sugar and ice by princedemeter for Aenqa

“He is my son,” Philza says. “Mortal or not, I would see him grow strong.”

Technoblade looks down on earth, at the tiny, angry bundle of cloth and pinking, wrinkled skin. This mortal child, he thinks, lungs filled with breath from the king of gods himself, will not grow strong.

It's mostly centered around Technoblade and Wilbur with Phil being a shitty dad. Pog Gods AU.

a matter of time by meridies

Tommy is twelve years old when his wings first appear, and he is twelve years old when Phil tells him, "All it takes is time and patience, Tommy, and soon you'll be flying even better than me."

or, Tommy grows up feeling like a failure, and it takes him a while to figure out where he's happiest.

Tommy is just finding his place in the world. Powers AU.

That Time a Baby Decided to Raise a Baby by Scitrust

Tubbo wasn't good at making excuses, so when Schlatt asked him why he was leaving in the night, he made something up on the spot. That had been months ago.

At least he sort of had an alibi for that, now.

Or, in which Tubbo finds a baby in the woods on his way to see Tommy, and promptly adopts it.

Part of a collection!! Read it all.

spider lily by blue000jay

Wilbur has a body.

The freckle on the base of his left pinky finger (shared with Techno). The scar on his chin from when he was twelve and over ambitious, diving into too-shallow water. The scar on his throat from the final control room, and the puckered skin on his shoulder from the poisoned arrow that killed him next. Various other nicks and things that litter his skin from years of rebellion and living wild, a kid thrown into a vicious world with too little self-preservation.

(Resurrection AU, for when/if Wilbur comes back.)

The author knows how it's like to live with chronic pain, and it shows :(

Hands tied loose by rabiddog

"Let's run away, Tubbo." Tommy breathed; a wide grin split across his face as his hope grew. "Let's get out of here – far away. We can go anywhere, can't we? Let's just go, you and me right here, right now."

-

Tommy needs to leave. He has to get out of L'Manburg, he has to leave the Dream SMP for his own sanity, and he wants Tubbo to come with him.

But Tubbo has a family now, a better life - something that he can't give up... not even for his best friend.

Unhappy ending :(

The serpent underneath by rabiddog

Tommy and Techno sit at the memory-filled bench and talk. Technoblade reminisces, he talks, he admits his pent-up feelings, he cries. And Tommy? Tommy listens. (That's all he can do.)

-

“I’m sorry for everything, you know? For all of it. I’m so sorry about... about the first war, about the withers and the fighting, about...” Technoblade's fingers began to curl around Tommy’s blonde locks. “About Wilbur and everything after. I'm so, so sorry.”

:((((((((

Damning choices by rabiddog

Ranboo would have never expected to find himself in a horrifying situation such as that one - quite literally sandwiched between a rock and a hard place, with three lives dangling over his head and the answer on the tip of his tongue.

Tubbo, Michael, Tommy.

It's his choice. He chooses who lives, and who dies. His new family, or his first friend. But Ranboo... Ranboo already knows.

-

"Ranboo," He hissed out, voice cracking and somewhat staticky, "It's not your fault. It's not. You had no other choice; I know that, okay? I- I know that- I know- I know..."

:(((((((((((((((((((((((((((

Jealousy is a disease by rabiddog

Tommyinnit isn't new to the idea of jealousy. He understands it completely. He understands the way it runs rampage through his body each time he catches even a glimpse of Tubbo and Ranboo's new relationship, he understands that the emotion makes his heart clench uncomfortably from time to time. He sees it, feels it, and yet he doesn't care.

He doesn't care at all.

-

"You took Tubbo away from me. You took him away. You took my best friend, and now he's- now he's not my best friend anymore, and I-!"

:)

Word of Honour by rabiddog

Tommy could only stand and stare as Technoblade agreed to hand him over to Dream - as his brother traded him off like he was nothing. Like Tommy wasn't important.

-

Technoblade was a man of honour. He was a man of pride and sticking to his word. He knew that he owed Dream a favour, and no matter what that favour might be, he'd be compliant with it. Nothing would change his mind. (Not even Tommy.)

Almost canon. F.

Sweet Repentance by rabiddog

Perhaps Tommy should have told Phil about his arguably life-threatening injury the minute his father had opened the door. But of course, Tommy being Tommy, did not.

Dying seemed like a nice enough option as long as he was with his family.

-

Tommy just wanted acceptance, forgiveness, and peace. He wanted to close his eyes for the last time and finally be able to let go.

Tommy dies painfully.

A White Tulip by astervoid

He picked the white tulip from the bottom of the stem, standing up carefully as he held it pinched between his fingers. It would die now, inevitably, but Tommy relented and held the flower to his chest. What a silly, stupid thing to ground him. He almost hated that it made his breaths come easier and his steps feel lighter. Almost.

Tommy & Ranbooo chill on the bench.

lying to the authorities (again) by touchgrass

"Please tell me that my right-hand-man, my soon-to-be vice president, one of the people I trust the most on this godforsaken server, did not lie straight to my face and tell me he was twenty-fucking-years-old.”

Tommy opened his mouth to protest, but then closes it shut at the furious look on Wilbur's face. Oops.

~

It is the day of the elections and Wilbur Soot could not have chosen a worser time to realize that half his staff is underage.

The ONLY fic with this premise I've seen on Ao3.

Dear Theseus by rabiddog

Tommy had thought that they'd won - thought that they'd finally beaten Dream, and that everything would be okay. As it turns out, however, apparently Dream had called in that favour from Technoblade after all.

-

“Please,” Tommy whispered after a beat, quivering hands edged upwards to hesitantly press against the tip of the sword striking through his chest. Why, why, why? Why him? Why now?

Tommy almost wins.

A Shifting World by AplusIsRoman

How was Wilbur supposed to know it would end like this?

The smoke hung in the air and soot clung to his skin. His brother - adopted, but older by two minutes - stood back-to-back with him. The chilling cries of people and the calls of the withers rang through the air above the chasm that was once his home.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

How could he have known this would happen?

-

Sequel to A Child's World

Age-swap AU. Has a prequel.

heart of the sea by RyDyKG

Here is the secret that he barely thinks about, a secret that he shoves deep and far down in himself:

Wilbur Soot is a siren, and he’s not exactly proud of that fact.

Wilbur-centric. Urban Fantasy AU.

He knows, ok? by Ralli

By some means, Techno has given his raccoon younger brother some cotton candy. It doesn’t end as well as either of them would like.

Very, very cute :)

that's it, it's split (it won't recover) by Jk_Kat

Tommy has always been the fighter.

He has never been the fought for, and he knows it, with every whisper Tubbo directs at Ranboo, with every glance thrown his way- Tommy knows, the way he wishes he didn't, that they think he's dead.

If they're so convinced he's still dead, maybe the one good thing left he can do for them is die.

---

Or, Tommy gets addicted to being dead and thinks that nobody cares about him. The people who very much do try to pull him back from the brink before Dream can't resurrect him anymore.

Messed up, but with a happy ending.

Hugs 'n PTSD by rabiddog

Ranboo knew from the start that the recovery process would be hard - that moving on from quite literally being beat to death would be something hugely difficult to step away from, and that's if Tommy could even manage it at all.

He knew that it would be stressful and arduous, demanding and tough... he just hadn't expected to be holding Tommy through a PTSD-induced panic attack only days after his release from Pandora's Vault.

-

Ranboo isn't typically an overbearingly protective person. But for Tommy? He just might be.

I love this author if you can't tell.

Big Men don't cry by Shiny22Snivy

The room is small and warm, almost stifling compared to the cool openness of the ravine. It’s cosy and candlelit, and a chest sits open in the corner, full of what looks to be burnt rags of a former smart suit. And sitting in rumpled blankets on a bed, cradling a mug of something steaming, sits Tubbo.

At first, Tommy forgets all about Niki’s vague warning. He’s just so happy to see his best friend again, alive and well and all in one piece. Tubbo’s okay. Tubbo’s okay, and in front of him, and suddenly everything bad in the world is gone, if only for just a moment.

“Tommy?”

And then Tubbo turns to look at him.

Clingyduo fluff.

sins of the father (i broke all my bones that day i found you) by ryter

The thing that hurt Wilbur most was when he saw Fundy tear down the walls of L'Manburg. After all, those walls had gone up to protect his son. But in this world, Fundy trusts his father just a little bit more, and it ruins him.

Or: there's only one way Wilbur never becomes the villain. It's unclear whether this was the better path.

SOME VIOLENCE WARNINGS/BLOOD MENTION. CHARACTER DEATH. SO MUCH ANGST.

Sad, but cathartic.

REVIVED TOMMY HEADCANNONS AHAHAHAHA by racooninnit

i’m dropping ALL the fucking revived tommy headcannons on you guys today get ready for some ANGST

this is different from what i usually post but it was fun

i don’t think there’s a lot i need to put warnings for, obviously there are mentions of the way tommy died and the aftermath of that (i.e. injuries and trauma), but if there’s anything that needs a warning please tell me!

What it says on the tin- not really a fic.

Unfinished Stories:

Ongoing (Less than a month since the last update):

Over the River Styx by CorpseArt

I feel like we should name him.

There’s a scuffle at the back of his mind as he rolls up, curling tight with a shiver despite the heat of the flames licking up his back.

I mean, he’s like – us, but like a worse version clearly because oh man, this is just weirdness. There’s a flare of a tangle of emotions, complicated and fearful, resentful and livid with anger. I can’t believe this is what I’ve been reduced to, stuck in the mind of this- this child.

He’s like your age, Tommy. Are you calling yourself a child?

I mean, I am one so fucking duh. Child murderer.

-

Or: trauma bonding in the most unconventional of senses.

Just- Read it. Show the writer your support, it's unique, it's amazing and there needs to be more of it.

If history is dead and gone by iregretallmydecisions

“Don’t come any fucking closer,” Tommy shouted, startling Phil into stepping back. Tommy was still looking around wildly, like a trapped animal “Don’t fucking do it.” ---- In which Tommy finds himself faced with his splintered family, while it was still mostly whole. The past is not an easy place to be when the future was not kind. His family is forced to deal with the fall out.

It's better than Rewind, but you didn't hear that from me.

Wilbur Soot's Redemption (OR Ghostbur's Retry) by luckykitty0523

Wilbur had many regrets in his life, being lost in his madness and the urge for revenge drowned leaving a shell of who he once was. It was only in his dying moments that he regained himself but it was already too late for him leaving him drowning in wishes and regrets. However waking up in another different universe where wilbur was never born and family soulmates exist, so when wilbur said he wanted to fix the mistakes he never expected this turn of events.

OR

In one world wilbur dies and he would return as a ghost missing his memory and trying to fix what he did in life but in this one wilbur dies and wakes up in another world where soulmates exist and the wilbur of that world was never born so wilbur/ghostbur takes his place and tries to make up his mistakes to the other version of his friends.

Wilbur adopts SBI + Fundy + Dream.

A Talk Long Overdue by penink

Tommy has his first therapy session with Puffy.

Tommy gets therapy.

Into the Night by Interjection

“Don’t touch me,” Tommy hisses, leaning against the railing. “I will - I will-”

They’re a hundred stories up. Wind lashes against Phil’s face. Next to him, Sam makes choked noise.

“But why?”

Tommy looks up to meet Phil’s eyes, terror struck so deep in those pale blue irises Phil thinks they must hold all the world’s fears within them.

“You’ll die,” he whispers. “And then I’ll die. But I’ll come back.”

“And I don’t want to come back.”

Others have the freedom to live. Tommy doesn’t even have the freedom to die.

But maybe they can teach him that living doesn’t have to be so bad.

---

(Superpowers AU where whenever someone touches Tommy, they both die. But Tommy will always come back to life eventually. He just wants it to end - but instead, he’s on the run, terrified of how his power will be exploited if he’s caught.

A few people reluctantly team up to save him.)

Funky SBI dynamics + a Sam that cares. Also a lot of angst.

[rattyoakenbitch]

youtubers: “don’t touch her” ₊˚ ⸝  corpse husband x reader

❝i don't wanna think about, think about you. drink up, drink up i'm so fucked up, all i want is you.❞

gif credit: n/a song: lykke li - sex money feelings die

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥

pairings: corpse husband x reader

warnings: angst, cursing, drinking, smoking, violent language, and minor mentions of anxiety.

summary: i can’t make summaries rn hhh just read it (:

“Sean, there is no way in hell I’m going!”

“Oh, come on, Y/N. It’ll be fun!”

“That’s what you always say!”

“Ugh, you and Corpse are so stubborn. At least I was able to convince him to show up! You know what you need? To get out of the house more often and come hang with us.”

“Uh huh, yeah, y’all have fun, I got some stuff to finish.”

“Yeah? Like what? Your ten hour nap?”

“HEY! Excuse me -”

“7PM, [club address], you’re showing up.”

“Sean - !”

With that, Sean hung up. You let out an exasperated huff, crossing your arms and pouting like a toddler who was just denied a toy. You were invited, or more accurrately forced to celebrate whatever the hell Sean and his friends achieved. With lives like theirs, it seemed like there was always something to celebrate. 

You, on the other hand.. Well, you were just little old you. You met Sean by mere chance. It’s a very long story, but you shared some things in common, like your love for video games. However, that was about the only thing you could relate to with Sean and his little friend circle. You were more passionate about writing, as well as reading short horror stories. 

Now, that’s where you clicked with Corpse Husband. 

He was an underrated YouTuber, whose main uploads were narration videos on creepypastas and horror stories. That’s until he blew up with his Among Us gameplays, collaborating with big names like PewDiePie, Jacksepticeye, and CrankGamePlays (EEF!!!).

You met over an Among Us stream with said YouTubers and immediately hit it off. You shared a dark sense of humor, love for horror, and music. You knew of Corpse before, but only then did you discover that he produced music, which you absolutely enjoyed (and blasted in your house for days on end).

When you found out you lived not even twenty minutes away from each other, you’d occasionally meet up, mostly at his house considering he only went out once in a blue moon. You’d sometimes even spend the night at his place, staying up late, gazing up at the stars, getting deep into conversation and opening up about things you never blurted out to people. But when you were with Corpse, everything just came naturally. You felt safe with him, and hopefully, he felt the same. 

Night approached, the clock striking 5PM. You figured you’d get ready since Sean was dead set on you coming to the party. You showered, did a minimalist glossy makeup look, and chose an outfit, which consisted of a half neon green and black skirt that stopped mid thigh, and an oversized distressed band tee which you tucked into your belt. You slipped on a pair of ripped, striped thigh-highs with mismatched colors, (white stripes on one and neon blue on the other), and your platform boots that made you look like a Bratz Doll. You didn’t bother with your tangled hair. You teased it with a brush but didn’t put any effort into styling it, since it’d get messy anyways. To finish your look, you clipped on a choker and dangled a couple of layered chains around your neck.

Corpse would tease you, saying you had a “dog collar”, but you knew he secretly liked it.

All dolled up and ready to go, you hopped into your car and followed the GPS to the address Sean sent you. Drunk couples stumbled out of the club, dates headed inside, and old wasted guys were thrown out. Oh boy, you were not ready for this.

You were the anxious, anti social type. Not because it was edgy or cool, but you simply didn’t know how to handle social situations. However, it comforted you to know Corpse would be there by your side so you didn’t need to chat and flirt with strangers. 

It’s not like you wanted to meet anybody new, anyways. Though nobody was aware of it, you had feelings for Corpse. Cliche, right? You knew you shouldn’t have, but you developed feelings for him. It made you feel strange and weird, considering you haven’t caught feelings in a while.

You came up with the bright idea of slowly drifting away from Corpse to maybe help de-escalate these feelings, but you were going to run into him at the club, so what the heck.

You headed inside, your eyes scanning the crowd and pushing through, searching for your friend group. You spent a couple minutes cluelessly looking around the club, but to no avail. Then, it was as if a light bulb clicked on over your head; you never thought to phone Sean.

“Ugh, I’m so stupid.” You reached into your purse to get ahold of your phone when a pair of strong, manly hands and cold metal which you assumed to be rings wrapped around your shoulders, gripping you tightly. 

“Boo!” 

You felt your heart stop and ran out of the man’s grasp, spinning around to look at who it was.

“Oh, did I scare you?” 

The man’s deep, monotone voice rumbled above the sound of the music and shouts. Then you recognized that unique and distinctive voice. 

“Corpse!! What the hell?”

His nose and jaw was covered by a black mask, with a print that looked like Frank from Donnie Darko, which was also Corpse’s signature look, seen in his channel art. 

Despite Corpse being a faceless YouTuber, only very few people have seen his face, including you and Glam&Gore who he featured in his narration videos. You thought he was very handsome, his baritone voice matching his appearance. You had to admit, you were a little disappointed he chose to wear a mask. You loved seeing his facial expressions, especially his precious smile that would light up the room when he’d let out little fits of laughter. But you got over it and respected the fact that he wanted to remain anonymous.

“You dickhead,” you scoffed, smacking Corpse lightly on the shoulder. Corpse towered over you, looking admittedly both intimidating and seductive. If you were a stranger, you’d probably be running off, but you weren’t scared of Corpse. He was a big softie and a teddy bear.

Corpse chuckled lowly, slinging his arm over your shoulder and leading you to Sean’s group. He was protective like that, even if you were just friends. Now you could see why Sean, at one point, speculated that you and Corpse had a thing going on. 

“So, Sean forced you to tag along, too?”

“Pfft, yeah, that’s Sean for you.”

“Hey, there’s my favorite couple,” Sean joked, patting your shoulder. You rolled your eyes at his drunk antics.

“Shut up, don’t make me choke you like I hate you,” you mocked in return, eliciting a fit of laughter from the group. 

“Remind me to never hang out with you losers again,” Corpse mumbled sarcastically under his breath.

The night went by in a flash. Sean, Thomas, Felix, and everyone else was blackout drunk. Luckily, Mark was there to assist them. Since Mark couldn’t drink, he would be the designated driver that night. Corpse hung out by himself, sometimes getting approached by women who he politely turned down.

You, on the other hand, were downing alcohol like your life depended on it. For you, it would take more than the average number of drinks for you to get wasted.

“Y/N, don’t you think you should slow down?” Corpse questioned cautiously, resting a hand on the small of your back.

“Does it really look like I’m thinking right now?” you drunkenly slurred, following with a giggle. You waved to the bartender, calling for another shot, which he slid over to you, but not without hesitating after noticing your state. You pushed Corpse off of you, probably more harshly than you intended, and took the shot. 

“Okay, Y/N, fuck this, I’m taking you to my place. We can’t stay here and you certainly can’t drive back home when you’re drunk,” Corpse scowled, stepping closer to you. Again, you shoved him back.

“No.. No..” You sighed, holding your pounding head in your hand. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what? Y/N, you’re drunk -”

“I’m not letting you of all people take me.”

Corpse blinked. “What does that mean?” He knew you were drunk, of course, and you were probably just blurting nonsense.

All of a sudden, tears escaped your eyes, racing down your blushy cheeks.

“No.. I’m so sorry. It’s my fault.” You began to shake and tremble as tears started to uncontrollably spill down your face. Corpse didn’t waste another second to take you in his arms, hushing you. “Your hugs are so warm.. I hate it. I hate feeling this way. It’s all my fault.”

“What did you do, sweetheart? You can tell me.”

Your heart ached when you heard his pet name for you.

“I think I may like you more than you like me.. I-I didn’t mean to! Please don’t leave me. You’re all I have,” you sobbed into his white tee, clinging onto him. “I love you so fucking much, it hurts. I shouldn’t have!”

Corpse stopped for a moment, processing your words.

You.. felt the same?

Corpse had to tell you. You were drunk, but he needed you to know. 

“Y/N, I -”

Suddenly, you had a moment of clarity. Realizing how close you were to Corpse, you backed away, wiping away the mascara tears under your eyes.

“I - I think I had too much to drink.. I just need a smoke..” 

Without giving Corpse the chance to protest, you ran off into the crowd, struggling your way through. 

Corpse began to get worried when you didn’t come back. He waited impatiently on the barstool where you left him, anxiously playing with his rings.

He was just about to get up and look for you, when he caught a glimpse of you stumbling out the exit with another man who guided you, gripping your arm tightly.

Corpse fumed, his face going red and heartbeat speeding up. He went after you, knowing damn well you didn’t know this man. 

The man took you to his car, placing you atop the trunk, your legs dangling over the edge. He stepped in between your legs, caressing your face. Everything was a blur. If your mind was clear, you wouldn’t be stupid enough to trust this random guy, who was probably ten years older than you. 

“You’re too pretty to be crying,” he whispered, leaning in closer to your face, until a yell stopped him from proceeding any further.

“Hey, asshole, she’s drunk! Don’t you fucking touch her!”

“C-Corpse?” You hiccuped, hopping off the trunk to get a look at the approaching figure. It was indeed Corpse. His eyebrows were pressed together angrily at the sight.

“You know this dude?” the man said loudly and smugly, just to get a reaction from Corpse. “Relax, my man, I’m just tryna take this pretty girl home.”

“Well this pretty girl happens to be mine, and I won’t let you take advantage of her,” Corpse growled. 

You stood by the stranger, clinging to him as you watched Corpse’s face twist into an expression of heartbreak when you didn’t budge. He then noticed the bruises around your arms and wrist, supposedly from the man’s strong grip. He was unbelievably furious. 

“Ha, doesn’t look like she’s your girl anymore.” The man’s lips twisted upwards into a devilish smirk, only pissing Corpse off some more. Oh boy, was he ready to snap. He reached into his pocket, when..

“Wait,” you managed to slur out, breaking up the argument. You reached out towards Corpse like a child. His facial expression immediately softened. He gave you a loving smile and immediately took you into his arms, holding you protectively. 

“Now, I suggest you get in your car and never come back,” Corpse threatened.

“Oh, yeah? Or what? I’ll kill you and take your girl, you motherfucker!”

Without hesitation, Corpse took out his switchblade, looking the man in his eyes.

“Say that again?”

You watched as the stranger’s whole tough act fell apart. Without another word, he ran to the driver’s side of his car, fumbling with his keys. 

“Yeah, that’s right,” Corpse mumbled, not taking his eyes off the man until he reached his own car. You held his hand the whole way, processing what had just happened. Corpse noticed your distant expression. You got into his car, shutting the door and slumping back into your seat. He tore off his mask, taking in deep breaths to calm himself. Then he looked back to you. 

“Princess?”

You looked to Corpse, your eyes teary. “Hey, Corpse.” You didn’t seem to be as drunk, your mind a lot clearer after the incident. “D-Did you mean anything you said back there? About the..”

“About you being my girl?” 

Corpse took your hand in his, squeezing it comfortingly. He leaned forward and cupped your face with his free hand. “Absolutely.” 

With that, you leaned towards him, hesitantly pressing your lips to his. Your lips tasted of alcohol, but Corpse didn’t care. He was admittedly taken back, his breath hitching, but he released the tension from his body and kissed you back, pulling you over to the driver’s seat atop him. There wasn’t much space, forcing you to press closer to Corpse, deepening the kiss. 

Still being a bit drunk, you were clumsy and kind of ‘out of it’. 

“I’d hold onto something if I were you,” Corpse mumbled, breaking the kiss momentarily to guide your hands to grip his shoulders. But you were impatient and reconnected your lips with his, no doubt causing him to blush even more than he already was.

You couldn’t help yourself and giggled into the kiss, causing Corpse to chuckle along with you, departing from the kiss again and resting his forehead against yours.

“I’m sorry, you’re just so fucking adorable when you giggle.” 

You hummed in response, offering Corpse an innocent grin as you pecked all over his face. 

“I’m so glad you’re mine.”