#streak evolution

[dailyprentiss]

Emily Prentiss in 16x10 ‘Dead End’

[cadere-art]

The belted scrub owlcat is the largest and most widespread of the lesser owlcats. It favors dryer, sparsely wooded areas such as brushland, scrubland, prairies, and fields. Its range encompasses most of the continent, from the deserts and brushlands to the North to the alpine scrubland of the Kantishian Mountains.

There are several subspecies of the belted owlcat with some variety in pattern and colour, but all are readily distinguished from other lesser owlcats by their distinctive dark belt and the lack of eyespots on their wings.

The belted scrub owlcat's range is not contiguous: changing topology due to evolving climates and competition by the banded lesser owlcat has created a discontinuity where the northern part of its range, encompassing the Atashir Desert, Zaroub, and Dedjallad mountains, not longer meets the southern part of its range, which covers the Kantishian Mountains and the Matar desert.

[sevengoodusesofacadaver]

No thoughts in my head other than Emily Prentiss using Duolingo

[doyouknowthemuffinmaam]

Well that was bullshit.

I’m going to say it. Jade Cargill cannot wrestle. She spends the majority of her match’s walking around flexing and posturing between the lift and toss that is her go to.

The quick fight spots and interruptions to build her up are good to watch but when in the ring it all sputters. All of her actual matches are slow, show momentum killers. I swear they had to make this a No Holds Barred match in order to keep interesting things going on and attention up.

I like Jade for the most part. She is a wildly impressive women and she is getting better from when she started, but Naomi has been sacrificed in this feud to prop up a Jade’s floundering star. And it is such a shame. Naomi is a multi time champion and her being so dominated and overpowered is just not even remotely believable. She deserves better.

[tobi-smp]

while we're talking about old fandom discourse, literally no brand of dream smp discourse was more useless than the "your character can't wear That because My Character is wearing that!!"

it's plainly ridiculous in all its forms, fighting over which little dollies are allowed to wear which dress while we smash em into each other.

but personally the most ridiculous to me is when wilburians got mad at inniters for putting tommy in wilbur's clothes, because 100% of the time inniters were doing that to show how much tommy loves and cares about and misses wilbur, Especially when depicting tommy like, actively Grieving for wilbur after his death (or a version of him, in ghostbur's case)

I love wilbur and I've shared many a meal with wilburians, but this truly elevated it from silly nonsense to Actually getting mad when other fans like and care about your blorbo

"inniters can't let wilbur have Anything !!!" and it's tommy wearing a tee shirt that says "I love wilbur he is my big brother" in comic sans

the little brother - big brother dynamic reigns eternal, well and truly

(before anybody comes at me, this is required reading for this particular topic: [Link])

[desalvar]

𝐌 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐌

GOD but she wants me dead!!

Ocean Vuong @ martyrian // Iain Thomas // @ alexanderpearce // Anna Crum, diary // Kate Elizabeth Russell, My Dark Vanessa // Jamie T, Tinfoil Boy // Ted Hughes, Letters from Ted Hughes to Sylvia Plath // Fatima Aamer Bilal, My body is a slaughterhouse @ ivynightshade // Yves Olade, Slaughterhouse // Love Song for two vampires, Dante Émile @ orpheuslament // Jenny Holzer // The love of the wolf, Hélène Cixous

[cocoabubbelle-newblog]

[clueless1995]

i have a single grey hair and i love and cherish it and hope it multiplies but i also shed a lot of hair and every time i brush/comb my hair im like. this is it this is the day i’ll lose my one grey hair

[missmitchieg]

going through Kirsten's IG posts and did she cut her hair? It's not as long as her hair was during s16 of evolution

I think she did. Maybe they're doing a "new season, new look" thing? Though Evolution kinda was that with her wearing more pastel or dark, muted colors and black instead of brighter, more saturated colors and no cute colorful streaks in her hair. I mean, it was a pretty big departure in my opinion. Look at the difference.

Old Penelope:

New weird, irresponsible, mean, hypocritical Penelope because the old one was clearly abducted by aliens and this new one is a (bad) imposter:

Why does every post about Evolution from me always turn into complaining?

[ponyisle]

Evolution of the Flora Paw. i dont have a joke for this one shes just awesome

the scuffs and scars are from her work at the animal sanctuary. She gets fluffier over time and the elements make the white streaks in her hair more prominent

[ultragamerz]

Dogecoin: The OG Meme Coin - Still The Most Relevant in the Evolving Cryptosphere

New Post has been published on https://www.ultragamerz.com/dogecoin-the-og-meme-coin-still-the-most-relevant-in-the-evolving-cryptosphere/

Dogecoin: The OG Meme Coin - Still The Most Relevant in the Evolving Cryptosphere

Dogecoin: The OG Meme Coin – Still The Most Relevant in the Evolving Cryptosphere

Dogecoin (DOGE), the undisputed granddaddy of meme coins, needs no introduction. Its iconic Shiba Inu mascot has become synonymous with the entire meme coin movement. Launched in 2013 as a lighthearted parody of Bitcoin, Dogecoin defied expectations by capturing the public imagination and experiencing explosive growth in 2021. But with the meme coin craze seemingly fading in 2024, a crucial question arises: Does Dogecoin still hold relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency?

From Humble Beginnings to Viral Sensation:

Dogecoin’s journey began as a playful jab at the seriousness of the early crypto scene. However, its lightheartedness resonated with a growing online community, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and humor. This unique social aspect propelled Dogecoin into mainstream consciousness, aided by celebrity endorsements from Elon Musk and others. By 2021, Dogecoin’s price skyrocketed, briefly surpassing even established altcoins in market cap.

Beyond the Hype: Exploring Dogecoin’s Evolution:

While the initial frenzy may have subsided, Dogecoin hasn’t simply faded into obscurity. The project continues to explore ways to enhance its utility and appeal. Here are some notable developments:

Focus on Developer Activity: The Dogecoin development team remains active, working on scalability improvements and network upgrades.

Integration with Businesses: Some merchants have begun accepting Dogecoin as a form of payment, demonstrating its potential for real-world use cases.

Charitable Endeavors: The Dogecoin community has a strong philanthropic streak, supporting various charitable causes throughout its history.

Dogecoin’s March Madness: A Potential 9x-13x Price Surge in 2024?

March 2024 could be a pivotal month for Dogecoin (DOGE), the meme coin that captured the world’s imagination. While the broader cryptocurrency market remains uncertain, several factors converge that might propel DOGE to a staggering 9x to 13x increase in price. Here’s why March might be the month for a Dogecoin “March Madness”:

1. The Dogefather’s Endorsement: Elon Musk, the self-proclaimed “Dogefather” and a major influencer in the crypto space, has a history of sending DOGE prices soaring with his tweets. With key developments happening at Tesla and SpaceX in March, a well-timed tweet mentioning Dogecoin could reignite investor interest and trigger a buying frenzy.

2. Retail Investor FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Retail investors, a major force in the crypto market, are known for their enthusiasm and responsiveness to trends. If Dogecoin experiences a significant price jump in March, a wave of FOMO could ensue, pushing the price even higher. Social media buzz and news coverage could further amplify this effect, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

3. Scheduled Doge-related Events: March might witness significant events within the Dogecoin community. Hackathons, meetups, or charitable initiatives could reignite the community spirit and attract new investors. Increased community engagement and positive news surrounding Dogecoin could lead to a renewed sense of purpose and value for the coin.

4. Integration with Payment Platforms: The growing adoption of Dogecoin by online merchants for payments could see a significant acceleration in March. If major retailers or service providers announce Dogecoin integration, it would signal real-world utility for the meme coin, potentially boosting its price.

5. Technical Chart Signals (Disclaimer): While technical analysis should never be the sole factor in investment decisions, some analysts see bullish signals in Dogecoin’s price chart for March. A potential breakout from key resistance levels could trigger a buying spree and propel the price upwards. However, it’s crucial to remember that technical analysis is not a foolproof science, and past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

A Word of Caution:

Investing in cryptocurrency, especially meme coins known for volatility, carries inherent risks. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct thorough research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Dogecoin’s Position in the Crypto Market:

Despite these developments, Dogecoin faces significant challenges. Critics argue that its lack of a defined use case beyond speculation hinders its long-term viability. Additionally, the meme coin market itself has become saturated, with newer projects competing for attention.

The Future of Dogecoin:

Dogecoin’s future depends on its ability to adapt and innovate. Can it evolve from a pure meme coin into something more? The answer remains uncertain. However, Dogecoin’s engaged community, coupled with ongoing development efforts, suggests there’s still a fight in the old dog yet.

Investing in Dogecoin: A Word of Caution

Dogecoin’s past volatility makes it a high-risk investment. While its potential for future growth shouldn’t be entirely dismissed, thorough research and a cautious approach are essential before making any investment decisions.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

[kxsagi]

Heyy😜

Can we have a hc of blue lock guys (itoshi bros, goatsagi, shidou, aiku, karasu+ whoever you want to add) with a s/o who refuses to hug them after winning a game b/c they're sweaty. It's not that they don't want to hug them it's just that they hate the feeling of it (sweat) yk? I love my boys but I don't want to hug their sweaty ahh😔🙏

“𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐭”

a/n: i love my bf (fiance) too much, isagi still gets a hug even if he’s all sweaty

ft. itoshi rin, itoshi sae, isagi yoichi, shidou ryusei, aiku oliver, karasu tabito, nagi seishiro, kaiser michael

itoshi rin

you know rin has no chill, but when he sees you cheering from the sidelines, he finally looks like he’s about to cry from joy. he scored. they won. you’re here. 

he jogs over, breathless, and opens his arms like he’s in a drama. there’s literal slow-mo happening in his head. background music. sparkles. 

 you don’t move. in fact, you take a step back. 

“… don’t hug me.” 

 “what.” 

“you’re sweaty.” 

he literally just stands there like a sim who got cancelled mid-interaction. music cuts out. sparkles gone. 

“i just won. for you.” 

“i know, and i’m so proud, but i don’t want to feel your back sweat.” 

rin turns around and storms off, muttering things like: “i hate this stupid sport.” “why do humans even sweat. this is evolution’s fault.” “i’m gonna buy a new girlfriend on amazon.” 

refuses to speak to you until you let him smush his post-shower wet hair on your cheek. 

still texts you later like: "u rlly chose sweat over love." 

itoshi sae

sae walks off the field like a cover model in a gatorade commercial – sweat glistening, hair pushed back, that half-lidded “i’m too good for this” expression. 

everyone’s cheering, but he only has eyes for you. 

… he doesn’t go for a hug, though. because he knows. he’s lived this. 

“let me guess,” he says flatly, “i’m gross and you hate me.” 

“i love you,” you smile sweetly. “i just hate your… moistness.” 

“you act like i rolled in sewage.” 

“sae, there’s a visible streak of salt down your temple.” 

he tugs his towel off and mimes dabbing himself dramatically, like: “is this better, your highness?” 

you give him a thumbs up. 

he scoffs and mutters “fake fan,” but the next day on his story he posts a pic of you and captions it: “she supports me until i’m damp.” (he puts the 🧂 emoji too.) 

isagi yoichi

isagi is literally jogging toward you like a golden retriever in a romcom. huge smile. arms wide. tears in his eyes. 

you love him. you really do. but his jersey is clinging to his body like plastic wrap. 

“don’t touch me.” 

he STOPS. mid-step. like someone paused the game. 

“huh?? why??” 

“yoichi, your entire chest is glistening.” 

“but that’s because i worked hard for us!! i even scored for you!!” 

you hold up your hands like a traffic cop. 

“i love the goal. i love you. but you’re currently leaking. i can’t do it.” 

he frowns like you just told him santa isn’t real. 

pouts the entire time during interviews. 

tells reporters, “i played well, but my girlfriend hates me.” 

later, after showering, he wraps himself around you like a blanket burrito and says: “i’m dry now. do you love me again?” 

you kiss him. 

he goes, “thank god. i almost cried.” 

shidou ryusei

shidou is sprinting full speed toward you with the most evil look in his eye. 

his jersey is already off. he throws it in the air. 

“GET READY, BABY, I’M GONNA TACKLE YOU WITH LOVE–” 

“NO YOU’RE NOT.” 

you turn and book it like you’re running from the cops. 

he chases you across the turf like it’s tag in hell. 

“shidou, i’m begging you, you smell like hot dog water–” 

“LOVE HAS NO NOSE, SWEETHEART.” 

when he finally catches you, you scream like it’s a horror film. he wraps his arms around you, face pressed into your hair. 

“ew ew ew ew–” 

“mmmm you feel so nice. so clean. so dry. i love you so much, my squeaky lil love sponge.” 

“you’re disgusting.” 

“you like it.” 

you don’t. 

he licks your cheek. 

you punt him into a water cooler. 

aiku oliver

aiku just finished playing like his life depended on it, hair dripping with sweat, jersey clinging to his body in all the right (and wrong) places. he’s grinning like he just won the lottery. 

“babe,” he breathes, walking over, “get over here and give your man some love–” 

you take one look at him and take a full step back. “absolutely not.” 

he blinks. “what.” 

“you’re literally glistening.” 

“exactly.” 

“no, oliver. you look like a glazed ham.” 

he gasps like you just slapped him across the face with a sock. 

“i just gave my all for this team. i am dripping with effort. and you’re rejecting me?” 

“you’re dripping with back sweat, oliver. you’re stewing in your own broth.” 

“my broth is sexy.” 

“your broth smells like damp socks and overconfidence.” 

he places a hand on his heart and stumbles backwards like he’s been shot. 

later, after he’s showered, cologned, and moisturized like a VS angel, you finally open your arms and he collapses into them with a dramatic sigh. 

“i missed you so much. my post-game trauma is your fault.” 

“you’ll live.” 

“barely.” 

karasu tabito

karasu sprints toward you like a man on a mission. he’s covered in sweat, grinning like a maniac, already reaching out for a hug like it’s a reflex. 

you dodge. he skids to a stop. 

“whoa wait. where you going?” 

“away from the damp zone.” 

“damp zone?? this is the zone of victory!” 

you hold out your arms to block him like you’re directing traffic. 

“tabi baby, i swear, if you hug me like that, i’ll feel your sweat soaking through my shirt and i’ll pass out.” 

“so dramatic.” he crosses his arms, sweat literally flying off. “sweat is just spicy water. it’s the seasoning of success.” 

“you smell like a gym sock that fought for its life.” 

he mock collapses onto the field, arms splayed. “and yet i’m still unloved… betrayed in my moment of need…” 

eventually, after he’s showered and put on deodorant, he sneaks up behind you and whispers, “guess who’s fresh, dry, and emotionally needy~” 

you give him a hug. he dramatically whispers, “finally… redemption…” 

nagi seishiro

nagi walks off the field like he just finished a 9-to-5 shift at a coal mine. sweat-soaked, hair sticking to his forehead, jersey sticking to his chest like wet paper. 

he stares at you blankly. “hug.” 

“no.” 

“… why.” 

“you’re sweaty.” 

he looks down at himself like he just now realized he’s moist and miserable. “… gross.” 

“you’re the one trying to hug me while marinating in your own salt.” 

he sighs so hard you think his soul leaves his body. “but i scored and everything. i’m so tired. you’re supposed to reward me…” 

“you can have a reward after you stop being a walking puddle.” 

he flops face-down into the grass like he’s giving up on life. “wake me up when i’m clean.” 

later, he drags himself to the showers, returns with his hoodie on and wet hair slicked back. 

crawls into your lap like a koala. “i’m dry now. gimme love.” 

you finally hug him and he mumbles, “worth the suffering.” 

kaiser michael

kaiser is living for the win. arms raised. soaking in the spotlight. shirt off. hair drenched. 

he’s practically gliding toward you like a greek god with an ego problem. 

“liebling~” he croons, “come give your champion his prize.” 

you point at him like a teacher scolding a child. 

“no.” 

his smile falters. “no?” 

“you’re wet, michael.” 

“yes, with glory.” 

“no, with moisture.” 

he looks personally offended. “this is what peak physical performance looks like!” 

“you look like someone dumped a water bottle on a talking ken doll.” 

he gasps. like actually gasps. 

“how dare you insult me when i’m positively radiant with victory juice?” 

“you smell like the inside of a cleat.” 

he flips his wet hair like a diva and dramatically spins away from you. 

later, after he’s cleaned up and sprayed himself with luxury cologne, he dramatically re-enters your personal space. 

“behold: the sanitized version of your dreams.” 

you finally hug him. 

“hmpf. you don’t deserve me,” he mumbles into your shoulder, “but i’ll allow this.” 

© 𝐤𝐱𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐢

[nasa]

Observations from both NASA’s James Webb and Hubble space telescopes created this colorful image of galaxy cluster MACS0416. The colors of different galaxies indicate distances, with bluer galaxies being closer and redder galaxies being more distant or dusty. Some galaxies appear as streaks due to gravitational lensing — a warping effect caused by large masses gravitationally bending the space that light travels through.

Like Taylor Swift, Our Universe Has Gone Through Many Different Eras

While Taylor's Eras Tour explores decades of music, our universe’s eras set the stage for life to exist today. By unraveling cosmic history, scientists can investigate how it happened, from the universe’s origin and evolution to its possible fate.

This infographic outlines the history of the universe.

0 SECONDS | In the beginning, the universe debuted extremely small, hot, and dense

Scientists aren’t sure what exactly existed at the very beginning of the universe, but they think there wasn’t any normal matter or physics. Things probably didn’t behave like we expect them to today.

Artist's interpretation of the beginning of the universe, with representations of the early cosmos and its expansion.

10^-32 SECONDS | The universe rapidly, fearless-ly inflated

When the universe debuted, it almost immediately became unstable. Space expanded faster than the speed of light during a very brief period known as inflation. Scientists are still exploring what drove this exponential expansion.

1 MICROSECOND | Inflation’s end started the story of us: we wouldn’t be here if inflation continued

When inflation ended, the universe continued to expand, but much slower. All the energy that previously drove the rapid expansion went into light and matter — normal stuff! Small subatomic particles — protons, neutrons, and electrons — now floated around, though the universe was too hot for them to combine and form atoms.

The particles gravitated together, especially in clumpy spots. The push and pull between gravity and the particles’ inability to stick together created oscillations, or sound waves.

Artist's interpretation of protons and neutrons colliding to form ionized deuterium — a hydrogen isotope with one proton and one neutron — and ionized helium — two protons and two neutrons.

THREE MINUTES | Protons and neutrons combined all too well

After about three minutes, the universe had expanded and cooled enough for protons and neutrons to stick together. This created the very first elements: hydrogen, helium, and very small amounts of lithium and beryllium.

But it was still too hot for electrons to combine with the protons and neutrons. These free electrons floated around in a hot foggy soup that scattered light and made the universe appear dark.

This animated artist’s concept begins by showing ionized atoms (red blobs), free electrons (green blobs), and photons of light (blue flashes). The ionized atoms scattered light until neutral atoms (shown as brown blobs) formed, clearing the way for light to travel farther through space.

380 THOUSAND YEARS | Neutral atoms formed and left a blank space for light

As the universe expanded and cooled further, electrons joined atoms and made them neutral. With the electron plasma out of the way, some light could travel much farther.

An image of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) across the entire sky, taken by ESA's (European Space Agency) Planck space telescope. The CMB is the oldest light we can observe in the universe. Frozen sound waves are visible as miniscule fluctuations in temperature, shown through blue (colder) and red (warmer) coloring.

As neutral atoms formed, the sound waves created by the push and pull between subatomic particles stopped. The waves froze, leaving ripples that were slightly denser than their surroundings. The excess matter attracted even more matter, both normal and “dark.” Dark matter has gravitational influence on its surroundings but is invisible and does not interact with light.

This animation illustrates the absorption of photons — light particles — by neutral hydrogen atoms.

ALSO 380 THOUSAND YEARS | The universe became dark — call it what you want, but scientists call this time period the Dark Ages 

Other than the cosmic microwave background, there wasn't much light during this era since stars hadn’t formed yet. And what light there was usually didn't make it very far since neutral hydrogen atoms are really good at absorbing light. This kicked off an era known as the cosmic dark ages.

This animation illustrates the beginning of star formation as gas begins to clump due to gravity. These protostars heat up as material compresses inside them and throw off material at high speeds, creating shockwaves shown here as expanding rings of light.

200 MILLION YEARS | Stars created daylight (that was still blocked by hydrogen atoms)

Over time, denser areas pulled in more and more matter, in some places becoming so heavy it triggered a collapse. When the matter fell inward, it became hot enough for nuclear fusion to start, marking the birth of the first stars!

A simulation of dark matter forming structure due to gravity.

400 MILLION YEARS | Dark matter acted like an invisible string tying galaxies together

As the universe expanded, the frozen sound waves created earlier — which now included stars, gas, dust, and more elements produced by stars — stretched and continued attracting more mass. Pulling material together eventually formed the first galaxies, galaxy clusters, and wide-scale, web-like structure. 

In this animation, ultraviolet light from stars ionizes hydrogen atoms by breaking off their electrons. Regions already ionized are blue and translucent, areas undergoing ionization are red and white, and regions of neutral gas are dark and opaque.

1 BILLION YEARS | Ultraviolet light from stars made the universe transparent for evermore

The first stars were massive and hot, meaning they burned their fuel supplies quickly and lived short lives. However, they gave off energetic ultraviolet light that helped break apart the neutral hydrogen around the stars and allowed light to travel farther.

Animation showing a graph of the universe’s expansion over time. While cosmic expansion slowed following the end of inflation, it began picking up the pace around 5 billion years ago. Scientists still aren't sure why.

SOMETIME AFTER 10 BILLION YEARS | Dark energy became dominant, accelerating cosmic expansion and creating a big question…?

By studying the universe’s expansion rate over time, scientists made the shocking discovery that it’s speeding up. They had thought eventually gravity should cause the matter to attract itself and slow down expansion. Some mysterious pressure, dubbed dark energy, seems to be accelerating cosmic expansion. About 10 billion years into the universe’s story, dark energy – whatever it may be – became dominant over matter.

An image of Earth rising in the Moon’s sky. Nicknamed “Earthrise,” Apollo 8 astronauts saw this sight during the first crewed mission to the Moon.

13.8 BILLION YEARS | The universe as we know it today: 359,785,714,285.7 fortnights from the beginning

We owe our universe today to each of its unique stages. However, scientists still have many questions about these eras.

Our upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will look back in time to explore cosmic mysteries like dark energy and dark matter – two poorly understood aspects of the universe that govern its evolution and ultimate fate.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Platonic Yandere Sea Monster

The ocean is a dangerous entity 

Known for her high waves, immeasurable depths, and eternal mysteries

She entices millions into her cold embrace every day

Many of whom are devoured by said mysteries leaving no trace

One of its greatest mysteries is a creature who’s been roaming beneath the surface of the earth for eons

So it truly is a special occasion that Maelstrom breaks this streak for a feast on a private yacht 

It’s far too easy how this new (to him) bipedal species gawks and helplessly flails while he sucks the bones out of their soft skin

He doesn’t care for the soft innards that the skin holds 

He does like how their screams gurgle and warble as he delights in their crunchy bones

So he makes it his mission to devour or turn into water 

And he’s sure that he’s done so with all of the little crunchy snack bags on the ship

Until he’s led into a cramped little closet with a tiny version of the springy boxes he’d found before

On it was a wailing babe—you

Now that he’s recognized 

Because for all the different species evolution has brought it a crying infant was a common denominator

And you were crying hard

Whether you were the sibling or offspring of some ill-thinking teen or an overworked employee of the crew the one who was going to care for you was gone

And Maelstorm knew that

On the account that he’s certain he’d still be hearing your incessant crying on the entirely silent yacht, he molds his water-like body into something more like the ‘human skin bags’ 

Letting his face bulge and bubble with the vague memory of his meal’s screaming faces until you stop crying

“There…there…my pearl.”

It’s been so long since he’s been awake to have a pet 

Surely it won’t be too hard

…right?

“Aaaaghh!”

“You’re not hungry, you’re not sleepy, you’ve already gone to the bathroom! WHAT IS IT!?”

He’s never been so stressed out 

Stressed out trying to stop your little face from contorting anymore as you empty your little lungs and exhaust your little vocal cords

He eventually decides he does need help and uses one of the less rotted bodies to go on land and learn among these skin bags so that he knows what to do

“Oh poor sir looks like they’re just hungry for some warm hugs.”

“Is that…really all?”

“Why of course! Babies really hinge on your emotions and attention.”

After he takes in the ‘nurse’s’ wisdom he begins to feel something new 

Something full of jealousy that has him snatching your swaddled form before giving a light pat that turns her into a puddle on the floor

Maelstorm easily finds another skin-bag with a nice face to take the body of 

Leaving with a skip in his step while the ‘skin-bags’ authorities baffled over the only remnant of a missing ‘nurse’

“I see now to avoid this awful feeling I must make sure all my affection is being given to my pearl.”

From there you can be sure that you’re entire life will be filled with Maelstorm learning about the negative emotions he can get as you grow

True there will be many positive feelings 

But he learns that to protect those precious new feelings 

Barricading you on abandoned ships and attacking all the skin-bags that come to keep it that way

And even when you grow into the adults he’d previously snacked on

He won’t completely leave humans alone

He pulls back on this snacking habit only because he sees more of you in them

But he’s not going to stop eating them 

Especially when he finds your attention drifting from him as you crave more socialization 

“As far as I’m concerned all we need is each other. Now do I have to eat this entire village or will you go back to our boat?”

[ephemeralp1eces]

You Don’t Have to Choose if No One Makes You - Part III

Summary: It’s the next day, and it feels, different. Like there was something you didn’t know. Things finally start coming to the surface - maybe you aren’t just close friends with both of them, maybe you want something more. And maybe they do too.

What to know: n/a, hinting at an upcoming throuple-type situation. Eee I’m so excited to write this - it’s gonna get sooo juicy

wc; 4,200

Part I | Part II

The McLaren motorhome had a rhythm to it. Everyone in sync, everyone busy, all the little paddock dances choreographed down to the second.

Except, apparently, for me, and Lando, and Oscar.

Not that we were out of sync. Not exactly. But things had started to feel… different in a way that was hard to define. Like we were all in on a joke that hadn’t been written yet. It started during the Saturday morning media block, when Lando arrived late with his curls still damp and a granola bar half-crushed in one hand. He dropped into the seat next to mine with a sigh and leaned over.

“Do I smell like hotel shampoo?”

I tilted my head, pretending to consider it. “Like if ‘fresh linen’ and arrogance had a baby.”

He grinned. “So irresistible, then.”

Oscar looked up from the seat across from us. “You do realize the press are sitting five feet away, right?”

Lando raised a brow. “What, you worried they’re gonna quote me smelling nice?”

Oscar deadpanned, “No, I’m worried they’ll quote her calling you arrogant.”

“Oh, please. She’s said worse.”

I hid my smile behind my water bottle and tried to look like I wasn’t halfway to laughing. What had gotten into them? It’s like they were even closer than normal.

The PR manager cleared his throat, clearly ready to put both of them in a timeout. But Lando just tossed his granola wrapper in Oscar’s lap and leaned back with a smirk.

Oscar flicked it off, eyes briefly meeting mine like, you see what I deal with?

And I did. I liked it.

—

After media, the drivers went into back-to-back meetings. I took my laptop out onto the deck of the motorhome to steal a few quiet minutes in the sun.

Oscar found me there, sunglasses on, coffee in hand. He didn’t say anything at first, just sat in the chair beside mine and let out a low exhale like he hadn’t been able to breathe in hours.

“I forgot you even existed when you’re not herding us around,” he said.

I glanced over. “I try to be mysterious.”

“You succeed. Lando thought you left.”

“Where would I go?”

“His words were, and I quote, ‘she probably ditched us for someone interesting.’”

I snorted. “His insecurity is adorable.”

Oscar smirked. “You say that like he’s not completely in love with himself.”

“I’ve known him too long to be impressed.”

That wasn’t strictly true, but Oscar didn’t call me out on it. He just sat back and let the quiet settle again. Then, after a moment: “You really do calm him down, you know.”

I raised a brow. “What makes you say that?”

“He hasn’t pranked anyone in four days.”

I blinked. “Is that… a record?”

“Possibly. Should we alert the FIA?”

That got a real laugh out of me, and Oscar’s smile twitched like he was proud of himself for earning it. It was small, but somehow more satisfying than Lando’s louder, messier charm. Oscar wasn’t flashy. He was sharp and subtle and never said more than he needed to. Which made moments like this casual, quiet, feel rare. But Lando always had a way of breaking those silences.

He reappeared not ten minutes later, leaned over the railing, and said, “Are you two gossiping without me?”

“You were busy,” I said.

“I’m never too busy for slander.”

Oscar raised an eyebrow. “She was actually defending your honor.”

Lando looked visibly betrayed. “Why would you ruin the streak?”

“Because I need her in a good mood before qualifying.”

Lando gave me a mock pout. “So he gets your soft side and I get bullied?”

“You love it.”

He grinned. “Yeah, I really do.”

—

Qualifying was chaos, as usual. Cars barely made it out of Q1 with seconds to spare, and track evolution was a nightmare. Lando kept asking for traffic updates on the radio like his entire weekend depended on our answer. Oscar, meanwhile, quietly nailed his lap times, no drama, no fuss. Classic. When the session ended, they both landed inside the top ten, Oscar slightly ahead. Not bad, but not great for McLaren overall. Lando stomped out of his car, helmet under one arm, mouth pressed into a tight line. I met him halfway to the briefing room.

“That bad?” I asked.

“No, just annoying.”

Oscar passed us with a nod and a subtle smirk.

Lando muttered under his breath, “I’m gonna kill him.”

I grinned. “That’s team spirit.”

He glanced at me, then rolled his eyes and huffed out a laugh. “God, don’t praise him.”

“I’m not praising. I’m... observing.”

He squinted at me like he didn’t trust that answer at all. “You’ve been spending a lot of time observing lately.”

I tilted my head. “Jealous?”

He gave me a look. “Of Oscar?”

Which was not a no.

—

The debrief room after qualifying always had a certain edge to it. Everyone keyed up, trying to focus while pretending not to be irritated about the hundred things that went wrong. Lando kept tapping his pen against the table. Oscar gave him one look, and the pen mysteriously stopped moving. I sat at the back, flipping through notes on my laptop, but I didn’t miss the way they both glanced toward me, at different times, for different reasons.

Lando when he was bored or distracted.

Oscar when he thought no one was watching.

And the thing was… I noticed them both. More than I probably should’ve.

—

Dinner that night was low-key. A few of us found a quiet place away from the usual team spots. No cameras. No press. Just a dimly lit patio and enough wine to keep everyone from checking their phones. Oscar sat across from me, Lando to my right. The three of us ended up in a conversation about favorite cities on the calendar, which quickly devolved into Lando accusing Oscar of being too boring to enjoy Vegas properly.

“I enjoy it fine,” Oscar insisted.

“You went to sleep at ten.”

“I was tired.”

“You’re twenty-three!”

Oscar shrugged. “And wise beyond my years.”

I leaned in. “You do give off tired-grandpa energy sometimes.”

Lando nearly choked on his drink. “Thank you!”

Oscar just looked at me, completely deadpan. “And yet you still keep talking to me.”

“Because you’re weirdly addictive.”

Lando turned his head. “Okay, and what the hell does that mean?”

I blinked innocently. “Don’t worry about it.”

He narrowed his eyes. “I worry a lot, actually.”

Oscar smirked and refilled my wine.

Lando leaned closer. “You know, if you’re playing some kind of psychological game with us, you’re doing a very good job.”

I smiled over my glass. “Who says it’s a game?”

That shut him up. But not for long.

—

Back at the hotel, I parted ways with them at the elevator, Oscar heading to the gym (of course), Lando trailing behind me toward the rooms. We walked in silence for a few steps until he nudged my elbow with his.

“You’re different lately,” he said.

I gave him a side glance. “That sounds ominous.”

“Not bad different. Just… different.”

I stopped outside my door. “Maybe you’re just finally paying attention.”

He looked at me for a long second. Like he had a hundred things he wanted to say but didn’t want to sound like he meant any of them too much.

“Well,” he said, “I’m glad I am.”

Then he winked and kept walking.

Oscar passed him in the hallway a minute later, he probably forgot his water or something. I heard their voices float back down the corridor. Lando saying something under his breath, Oscar replying too quietly for me to catch.

I didn’t need to hear it.

I knew what was happening.

They knew, too.

And no one was stopping it.

[captonite]

Mud Monster in the Sink

Baby chubs covered in mud after she plays in the puddle outside of Bobby's house, so the boys gave her a bath and hair wash in the sink…. Bobby's sink…. Bobby can't even be mad because his house finally feels warm from Chubs' smiles and giggles, and the boys are too (Setting: Bobby’s house, early days — baby Chubs, around age 3–4)

The screen door slammed.

Bobby looked up from his stack of lore books, a sharp bark of “What the hell—” already forming on his lips. But it never quite made it out, because barreling through the door and tracking muddy little footprints across his kitchen floor was a whirlwind of giggles and sloshing boots.

Chubs. Absolutely caked in mud. Like some kind of adorable swamp creature.

“Sam!” Dean’s shout echoed from the yard. “She’s in the house! The mud monster’s in the house!”

Bobby pinched the bridge of his nose. “God help me.”

Dean stormed in a second later, Sam right behind him, both looking winded from chasing after her. Chubs stood there beaming, face smudged with streaks of wet dirt, hair stuck in wild tendrils around her chubby cheeks, and boots squelching with every step she took.

“I found a puddle,” she announced proudly.

Dean stared at her, mouth twitching like he couldn’t decide whether to scold or melt. “You dived into the puddle, sweetheart.”

“I was swimming!”

“In two inches of mud?” Sam asked, trying not to laugh.

Chubs just nodded solemnly like this was a scientific fact.

Dean knelt down and poked at one of her muddy pigtails with two fingers. “Okay, swamp demon. Let’s get you cleaned up before you haunt Bobby’s plumbing system.”

“I’ll get towels,” Sam sighed.

“No, no,” Dean said, sweeping Chubs up into his arms despite her state. “We’re doing this the old-fashioned way.”

Bobby looked horrified. “Dean. Don’t you dare put that kid in my—”

Too late. Dean was already hauling her toward the kitchen sink.

Chubs squealed, arms flailing, little giggles bouncing off the walls as Dean plopped her in the big farmhouse sink and turned on the warm water.

“I am gonna salt and burn you if she clogs the drain,” Bobby muttered, though his lips twitched at the sound of Chubs’ high-pitched laugh.

---

“Okay, head back,” Dean said, gently shielding her eyes with one hand while Sam poured water over her curls. She sat there, covered in soap suds, kicking her tiny feet against the porcelain, skin turning pink from the warm water. Dean was wet. Sam was wetter.

“Bubbles!” Chubs cried, trying to catch the foam in her fists. “I’m a mermaid now.”

Dean huffed. “You were just a mud monster five minutes ago.”

“I evolved.”

Sam laughed, reaching for the baby shampoo. “Gonna need a second evolution to deal with this bird’s nest,” he muttered, untangling leaves from her hair.

Dean’s hands never stopped moving—rinsing her arms, washing behind her ears, careful and precise like she was something breakable. She leaned her head against his chest while Sam gently massaged shampoo into her scalp.

The room was warm. The air smelled like lavender soap. Chubs hummed tunelessly, half asleep in the sink.

Bobby walked in, took one look at the chaos, the bubbles on his floor, the wet footprints and the way both boys looked ten years younger as they fussed over the kid—and didn’t say a word.

Didn’t need to.

His house finally felt warm again.

---

Later that night, after Chubs had been toweled off and stuffed into a fresh oversized t-shirt, her curls still damp and fluffy, she toddled into Bobby’s lap with a cookie in one hand and a blanket dragging behind her.

“You’re not mad, right Bobby?”

He grunted, arms coming around her like it was second nature. “Course not, kid. But next time you turn my yard into a slip-n-slide, I’m handing you the mop.��

She nodded seriously. “Deal.”

Dean threw a towel at her head. “That’s my girl.”

Sam just smiled and handed her a juice box.

Bobby looked around at the three of them—his boys and this muddy little storm that somehow blew in and filled the empty spaces they didn’t know they had.

And for once, he didn’t mind the mess.

Not one bit.