#But that also means everyone is working quite a lot. So how they managed free time and work?

[mrsrileywrites]

Oh well, it seems like my brain was feeling functional today...

Here's part two of this Simon Riley x pregnant reader ask

Enjoy everyone and as always any and all sorts of interaction is highly appreciated 🫶

Side note: I'm still new here so I don't know how to add links and be like "this" and you press the word and boom there's the link, also I do all this from my phone so bare with my millennial old ass 😅

1001 words

"Explain what?" He shouts turning around and walking towards you again, your hands fly to your belly instinctively, protective. You lower your head, eyes glued to the floor, ashamed.

Simon sees your reaction, the fear on your eyes, and he steps back taking a minute to collect himself, to come to terms with this discovery, he runs his hand over his face and hair.

"I'm sorry Si, I was-" you speak softly, your tone apologetic but he cuts you off, "You are not, I didn't want this, you knew damn well I didn't want this" he shouts again and you shrink yourself wanting to crawl out of your skin and not deal with this, not right now at least, your shoulders slump like a child being scolded. "Why didn't you tell me? You had plenty of chances."

"I didn't know how" you pout looking up at him searching his eyes for reassurance that everything would be okay but he is relentless, you see the rage and something else in his eyes, something you can't quite identify. "You didn't know how? Are you fucking kidding me right now? How about, uh oh by the way you are going to be a dad?" He sighs pacing back and forth like an encaged animal.

"I was afraid" you blink away the tears that have been threatening to spill since he walked through the door, your heart is beating so fast you think you may pass out any second. And he sees you, the fear, the vulnerability, the uncertainty and it hits him like a train, you are afraid too and you've been dealing with this for the past two months on your own, he stands in front of you.

"Afraid of what? Of me?" His voice is much softer now and he moves a strand of hair behind your ear, his calloused fingers lingering on your cheek and you nod speaking softly like you always do, because you are nothing like him, you are sweet and soft around the edges "of your reaction, of loosing you, but I get it now... you don't have to do this, it's okay really... I can manage on my own".

His hands cup your face and your fingers curl around his wrists, the look on your face pulls at the strings of his heart and he knows he would never be able to leave you even if he tried, even if that meant to face his biggest fears and become a father, the father he wish he had. "You'll never lose me love, you're stuck with me... We'll do this together, yeah?"

"Mhm" you agree and bury your face on his chest letting the tears run free, Simon rubs soothing circles on your back and apologizes over and over, he said he didn't mean to yell, he wasn't mad he was just shocked and scared shitless and you apologize too.

____________________________________________

From that on Simon was really involved in your pregnancy as much as he could, he even talked to Price and he agreed to send him on not-so-dangerous and not-so-long missions, he even got to do all of his paperwork in his little office at home and go with you to all your doctors appointments, he was holding your hand when he saw the baby for the first time, black and white blob staring at him through the screen, he asked the nurse if he could have one of the ultrasound pictures to show the lads back at base and she give him a bunch, he chose his favorite and put it in his wallet, he tried, in vain, to hide his tears the first time he heard the baby's heartbeat, he didn't complained when he noticed his favorite ice cream running out a lot faster while yours remained untouched, you blamed it on the pregnancy cravings.

 

He held your hair and rubbed soothing circles on your back every morning while you hugged the toilet bowl emptying your stomach courtesy of the morning sickness and he reassured you every time you felt too overly conscious of the changes in your body, he rubbed lotion on your belly and spoke to the bump every night after you showered and got ready for bed, he cried his eyes out the first time he felt the baby kick while he laid on the couch with his head on your lap and you ran your fingers through his hair.

One night you both laid in bed, in the moon lite bedroom, you were at the 36 weeks mark and your doctor had told you the baby could be born any time now. You and Simon (Simon more than you) had put the nursery together while you boss him around. Simon laid behind you, his burly arms wrapped around you while his hand rubbed different shapes on your belly, he gasped every time the baby kicked.

"I'm scared" you mumbled so low you thought he didn't hear you. "Scared of what, love?" he spoke in a drowsy tone his mouth against your neck.

"Giving birth..." He chuckled and you smacked his hand. "You can't escape that part, baby, can you?".

"I know, I just... You are so big and the baby is big for his gestational age too... I don't know if I'll be able to do this" you sighed. "It's too late to think about that now baby" he chuckled again and you smacked his hand again.

"Simon, this is serious" you scolded him and he squeezed you a little tighter, his voice a low murmur against your neck. "I know it is, but you got this... You've come this far and you've been so brave you are going to be just fine, plus I'll be right next to you... and they'll give you something for the pain, I'll make sure you are as comfortable as possible, yeah?".

"Yeah" you agreed sinking further into his warm embrace and you knew no matter how scary it could be Simon would always be there being your biggest supporter and a great father.

@zlunia

[blueepink07]

Yuno: her struggling relationship with autonomy

(character analysis)

One aspect I have always loved about media characters is their attempt to be perceived as mature, despite their young age. Some succeed, others struggle to hide what they see as their childish side.

Yuno is no different in this context and I'm surprised that people don't talk about it enough.

Beginning with her age 18, it's truly a controversial age, if I may say. It's a confusing age, because you are technically considered an adult, but, at the same time, your mind is not fully developed to actually be one. In the end, you are still a child at heart and mind, despite the fact that you are legally an adult.

We don't know much of her home life and honestly I don't think it would do any good for me to make assumptions, since it's pointless in the long run and it would just lose credibility. However, one thing it's for sure based on Yuno's actions. She desires autonomy.

Yuno: Despite that, you arbitrarily assumed things about me and sympathized with me. Even though all I did was make a rational decision of my own free will.

I'm the one who chose, let you and you and you all in ~🎵

She highlights quite a lot with these phrases… She chose for herself, she is an adult who willingly decided to partake in compensated dating. Being called naive or innocent, two words that usually are used to describe little children, surely infuriated her… and she shows it.

It's funny now that I think about it. Fuuta also has the same problem, but his reactions are more childish, in the end, not doing him any justice. However, Yuno is no different. Of course, she does it in a more subtle manner, but she really does get worked up quite a lot when it comes to her being perceived more as a teenager than an adult. Her whole song it's literally about this idea. Yuno being infuriated that she is infantilized by the audience, making a sad backstory for her so they can dismiss the idea that there wasn't necessarily a big factor that provoked her to partake in compensated dating, but it's only her own free will.

I might add that the compensated dating itself is a way for Yuno to feel that she has more autonomy and she no longer needs to be treated as a child.

"An adult is a human or other animal that has reached full growth.[1] The biological definition of the word means an animal reaching sexual maturity and thus capable of reproduction." ~ wikipedia

Moreover, even the media promotes the fact that sexual content should strictly be watched by adults. And Yuno does end up having sex during some of these dates…

And if this idea isn't convincing enough… I think that Yuno likes to partake in compensated dating, because she knows the clients don't consider her a child. They are interested in her, in a way that makes Yuno feel satisfied with herself (at least, for a short period of time, when she is in their presence) she feels grown up and mature. She also receives money for her services, providing her with enough financial resources for Yuno to consider that she finally managed to complete one of the first steps of adulthood, to be financially stable.

Doing something that is not really socially accepted, again, can be considered as autonomy, because you do not follow the same rules that the society obligs. Yuno knows how compensated dating is perceived, but she still does it, because she thinks this action provides her "warmth".

The "warmth" that Yuno speaks about is a vague term to describe her desires. Based on her interactions, I would like to think that this term refers to genuineness and mutual understanding. Yuno, in the first VD, describes the society as being a place where "everyone eats each other". People need to point fingers at others who made a mistake, who did something that's not socially accepted to make themselves feel better.

Yuno: That’s right. You know those people who just wanna convince themselves, so they intrude in other people’s affairs even though it’s not their place—I despise them. That’s what I was saying. They only do that to make themselves feel better, don’t they? Those people don’t actually end up doing anything.

And you know what is interesting? The fact that Yuno finds more closure being in the company of some murderers. Why? Because they can also be considered some outcasts of the society that she pretty much dislikes.

Es: However, it also explains why you’ve given up. About yourself, human beings, even the whole of society, you’ve realised everything—that’s why your expression is so cold.

Teenagers usually have little power in our society. They can achieve great things, but have to go through more hardships due to the limited freedom. They need an adult to actually help them. That’s just how society is built.

Yuno's distaste for the society can explain why she has grown so fast, or, at least, thinks that she has matured enough. She was tired of the society inflicting on her rules that she, as a simple teenager, had to oblige. So, going into Milgram, starting to hear people crafting a sob backstory for Yuno, treating her like a child, despite the fact she has already done a few steps in order to sustain herself financially and emotionally as a young adult, it's truly insulting.

Es: This is just popular belief, but the law is also something the people have decided. There’s nothing, which can satisfy every single human being, now is there?

Yuno: That’s right.

However, even after all these, that doesn't mean she doesn't actually struggle with this new found autonomy that she craves.

I actually think that this autonomy is the cause of most of her suffering.

As I stated before, compensated dating is something that she decided to partake in, in order to prove her independence. She thinks that what she has chosen for herself is healing, helping her. But, if it's that the case, then why do we have these scenes?

It's difficult to admit that one of your decisions was actually… Quite wrong. Especially, when it's one of your first one's as an official adult, in the very first stage of your life when you finally have enough independence.

“Cognitive dissonance is what we feel when the self-concept — I’m smart, I’m kind, I’m convinced this belief is true — is threatened by evidence that we did something that wasn’t smart, that we did something that hurt another person, that the belief isn’t true,” said Carol Tavris, a co-author of the book “Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me).”

She added that cognitive dissonance threatened our sense of self.

To reduce dissonance, we have to modify the self-concept or accept the evidence,” Ms. Tavris said. “Guess which route people prefer?”

So which one does Yuno prefer? To convince herself that what she is doing makes her happy.

Yuno: Despite that, you arbitrarily assumed things about me and sympathized with me. Even though all I did was make a rational decision of my own free will.

Yuno: I’m not pitiable. My family gets along super well. And I’m not particularly struggling for money. I decided, of my own free will, to do it because I felt that it was necessary for me.

Sometimes, considering how many times she mentions it, for me it feels like Yuno tries to convince herself that what she is doing is good for her.

But you know what is funny to me?

She is good at making herself enjoyable for others as well as giving somewhat good advice:

Mahiru: My birthday…… the day I was born……But was there really any reason for me being born? Lately I’ve started to wonder that. Do you ever think about stuff like that, Yuno-chan?

Yuno: Eh? Not really. I mean, Mahiru-san, you’re really the romantic type, right? Not that I have anything against that. But isn’t it a bit much to think that everything in life has a meaning? If it makes you happy to think like that then go ahead, but if it doesn’t, then isn’t that in itself meaningless?

Mahiru: : ……you might be right. I’ve always just lived my life like this, so I don’t really know.

Yuno: We’ve all just gone through a bunch of things in life that happened to lead us here. It’s nothing more than a coincidence. Definitely not fate or anything. Probably. Even if there isn’t a meaning, you can still be happy that it’s your birthday. That sort of thing’s all you need in life really. So happy birthday, Mahiru-san.

Mahiru: ……no, I’m fine. As long as I don’t move too much I don’t even feel any pain. Sorry for making you worry.

Yuno: Oh, really? That’s good then. Mahiru-san, if there’s anything you want then just ask. It’s not like it’s a huge burden, I can just ask for it along with my own stuff.

Mahiru: Ok…… I’m fine for now. Sorry, for making you worry. Ah, Yuno-chan…… Today’s your birthday, right? Happy birthday.

Yuno: …Haha, thanks. Thank you, but y’know. Is it really ok for you to be saying that to me when you’re in that situation?... you really aren’t suited for Milgram, huh, Mahiru-san.

Amane: What is it… Kashiki Yuno. Don’t sit so close to me. Go away.

Yuno: Sorry for barging in when you’re getting into your worldview thing. But Mahiru-san’s finally managed to get to sleep. Humour me with some small talk while I take a break. By the way, Amane. Have you ever wished you were never born? I’ve thankfully lived a pretty fun life so far, so haven’t really. But you seem to be struggling with something. So I kinda wondered if you thought like that.

Amane: ……I don’t think that. Being born into this world is the first miracle any person experiences, and is something to celebrate. Even if after birth I was put through trial after trial, the value of that will never disappear.

Yuno: Hmm. Ok…happy birthday, then. It’s good that you were brought into the world, I guess.

But Yuno has a big, and I mean a BIG tendency to self-destruct, not intentionally.

Wanting to be independent comes with its own downfalls. At the beginning of the trial, Jackalope states that Yuno has distanced herself from social interactions. So much so, that we have never seen her actually confiding to someone else, in any of the portal timeline translations. She might have her reasons, either minimizing her problems, and using her energy to help the ones she deems to have worse than her, or, this is simply her nature to bottle up her own sadness. This again might also be the cause of her wanting autonomy and proving to herself and others that she is mature enough to manage her emotions.

Not confiding in someone else for a long time can cause depression. Something that Yuno might be struggling with during trial 3 or she is already struggling with it a bit.

Furthermore, it's interesting that Yuno admits disliking behaviors that she deems childish. For example, she doesn't like the way Haruka and Muu behave, because they are ignorant of the problems in prison and have a really childish way of thinking. Amane's hate towards Shidou, might be often wrongly interpreted as a simple child's tantrum. Kotoko's actions, responding with violence to violence, it's again, an aspect often deemed as childish and immature.

Yuno: Really? If you ask me, Kotoko is someone I would never want to make my friend, though. She’s the type who picks a conclusion from the very beginning and won’t actually talk with you.

Yuno: Well, I guess it’s arbitrary who one gets along with. But Mahiru-san in particular is something. I think both her body and mind are at their limits. Also, Mikoto-san was also attacked but apparently it ended up in something of a draw. That guy was strong, huh—how unexpected. Also Haruka and Muu-chan have become kind of bothersome. And additionally, Amane-chan and Shidou-san too, huh.

Lastly, her second MV also shows her desire of autonomy in Milgram, not only through lyrics, but through visuals too.

Beginning with her door, it looks a lot like a medieval castle door.

Her room, the way it is designed, especially the bed and the chair, also resemble a princess' room.

However:

Despite the important role that princesses played in courtly life, they had limited personal freedom. They were often kept under close guard and were rarely allowed to leave the palace or castle where they lived. This was done to protect them from danger and to prevent them from engaging in political activities that might undermine the authority of the king or prince.

Medieval princesses had little to no autonomy most of the time. Their life was dictated from the start, having the only purpose to be betrothed and give birth to children.

That’s why the design choice is intentional. Yuno feels like a princess trapped in her pretty room (the MV is quite claustrophobic, the only outside elements being a few memories), exposed to the world (the many windows imply this), the voices that keep demonizing her.

That’s why the scene where she starts breaking things in her room is so important. It serves as a sign of rebellion, to show that she is not the perfect, helpless princess that people like to portray her as. She is an adult who makes bad or good decisions, who thinks for herself. She is proud of her autonomy and is tired of constantly proving to others that she is not capable of taking care of herself.

[queenofallimagines]

Needy Embarrassing sex with Sae

A/N: Daydreaming about this mans dick what else is new🙄😒 imagining he’s in charge of helping the new manager get accustomed to the team and he can’t help but let his eyes wander

EDIT: MDNI but here’s an audio reference for y’all who not picking up what I’m putting down💕 twitter link 🥰

Sae:

- this one gave me butterflies Ngl

- Bc I can hear his voice

- Like I said he’s a lot more Tame than Rin so he does have an occasional soft spot

- ESPECIALLY for cute little things who can’t even remember the name of half the teammates they’re managing

- Since he’s the best of the best coach obviously tells him to whip you into shape

- “Try not to scare this one off”

- “Not my fault you signed off on someone who can’t even fill a water bottle”

- The coach is praying for you fr

- Surprised that you take the initiative to approach him first to ask him about things

- “I mean you ARE the star midfielder right? You probably have a good read on everyone and how they work so asking you would be my best bet.”

- Okay he loves a go getter

- Pleasantly surprised that you’re asking good questions

- “I’m trying to get as much info as possible so this becomes second nature.”

- Gives you a through rundown of the schedule and what time they take breaks

- Obviously he’s a diva so he’s the most demanding

- Giving you a tour around the facilities

- “That’s the locker room. Wouldn’t recommend walking by here between the hours of 4:45 and 6pm”

- “…..I’ll keep that in mind.”

- Finds showing you around not annoying

- Once you get to the dorms he’s listing off everyone’s sleeping habits

- “He won’t wake up before 8:30 am so if you can manage that congratulations”

- He’s been eyeing you this entire time but he can’t help it!

- He’s a hard worker so anyone putting in honest effort into anything especially when it pertains to him catches his eye

- Not his fault you look good taking notes and analyzing your surroundings

- Stands back when showing you the rooms so he can sneak a peek at your ass

- You feel him glaring holes into your back but it’s not for the reason you think

- He’s infamous for being kinda a spoiled brat but he produces amazing results so who’s gunna say something to him??

- Lmao not I said the cat

- You don’t even peep his heated gaze until you bump into him walking backwards

- Turning around quickly to apologize before he can catch an attitude his eyes are quite literally undressing you

- This man’s whole life is sports so ofc he’s gunna find a track suit sexy

- Will play it off like he’s not embarrassed for getting caught

- “Cat got your tongue? Don’t tell me you’re just now getting star struck.”

- Mans is giggly asf in the back of his head

- He fr ain’t seen someone catch his eye like this in a while

- Logically getting his dick wet right now would be nice

- But also with the new manager on the first day??

- weighing the options in his head and the way you look up at him and go

- “What about you? What do you want from your manager?”

- He threw caution to the wind

- Everyone else is busy with practice and he can make up some lukewarm ass excuse as to why you guys took so long

- Testing the waters by letting one of his hands rest on your lower back

- Mamma ain’t raise no bitch so he’s relieved you immediately return his energy

- He’s not wasting anymore time and pulls you in for a kiss

- Mans is STARVED for intimacy like this so he’s definitely a little more vulnerable

- Like that’s definitely the reason your lips fit so well against his

- Why your body curves into his so nicely when he carries you to his bed

- Yeah that’s definitely it

- Feeling himself get embarrassingly hard so fast he’s feverishly tugging at your sweatpants

- “Let me make you feel good, there you go.”

- The quiver in his voice isn’t missed

- You have a once in a lifetime free pass to tease THE Itoshi Sae

- PLEASE TAKE IT!!

- Grind your hips into his while tugging at the hair at the nape of his neck and he will let out some of the sweetest moans for you

- It really has been a while the way his hands are shaking to pull off his own clothes

- Pull him down to kiss you, distracting him from his current task

- He’s weak for being pushed around a little

- Throws your legs over his shoulders without warning

- The way he’s got your legs spread wide for him and he’s eye level with what he wants has you avoiding eye contact at all costs

- Moving his head between your thighs he’s damn near moaning with his mouth all over you

- Holds your trembling thighs still right beside his ears as he shamelessly moans into your cunt

- “You taste so fucking good, gonna use my fingers.”

- This man has not had pussy I’m so long he’s acting FOOLISH

- If he even took a moment to BREATHE he would be giving you heart eyes

- The way he’s singing praises while sucking your clit and angling his fingers to hit your g-spot all at once

- Man is filthy, and he’s not at all ashamed like he’s grown

- Spitting on your clit before he starts rubbing it with his thumb

- While his mouth and other hand are busy getting as much of your taste as possible

- The type of man to need to lay a towel down no matter WHAT your doing in bed

- Very “wait I didn’t shave” “did I ask all that??” Energy imo

- He’s gunna have you cumming on his sheets anyway so what do all that matter??

- Looks up and sees you covering your face trying to keep your noises down and that shit don’t fly w him

- “Keep covering your face and I’ll tie your hands to the bed.”

- And he’s dead serious too

- Comes up to kiss you not caring if you taste yourself because he wants to feel your lips THAT bad

- The way he refuses to break eye contact only serves to make you more shy because they’re glossed over with desire

- making sure you can’t squirm away from him has he has you cumming on his fingers

- “Feel good?… Yeah? like how i stretch you out? Let me feel you come undone then.”

- Whew IK he talks you through it😫

- “Keep your eyes open.”

- “S-sae I can’t-“

- “You can and you will, pretty thing.”

- Feels your nails digging into your wrists as you clench around his fingers

- “Ah. Almost there? Make a mess f’me.”

- Almost came in his pants watching your eyes roll back

- Since he IS shameless he’ll lick his fingers clean as you’re forced to watch him

- Dramatic as fuck the way he groans about you tasting good

- “Let me watch you play with it.”

- Watching your small fingers curl inside your pussy as you mewl in embarrassment almost has him intoxicated

- Throwing his damn clothes anywhere

- He’s not too stupid to not tease you a little tho

- “If you’re that shy turn around and hide your face in the pillows”

- Nothing is EVER that easy with him

- Cursing and grunting under his breath as he slips it in

- “How about you set the pace. Fuck me how you want”

- Chuckles as you hide your face in the pillows while fucking back into him

- He knows how to put on a performance before all else too

- “Use my cock cmon, make me proud and fuck me good pretty.”

- He’s moaning like a whole ass pornstar head thrown back and everything

- Trying not to move because this is your “punishment” for being all shy

- Can’t help it when you look back at him face clearly burning and whimpering at how embarrassing this is

- Praising you which makes it even MORE embarrassing

- “There you go” “fuck me till I come cmon” “you can do it”

- Like bro SHUT UP😭

- However the way you’re squeezing him tells otherwise

- When he feels you come around him he grits his teeth and says a small sorry in his head before he shoves your face into the mattress

- Feeling you wrapped about him had him fr loosing his mind

- Might skip all of practice just to keep doing this

- “Mhm, you can cum on this dick.. i wanna see it messy."

- Stretches out his words and talks all slow

- He is an Itoshi though unfortunately

- “W-wait Sae, 's too much, you're too fucking big."

- Has you seeing stars like never before

- Clit pincher🗣️ hair puller🗣️

- “Sayin’ it's too much but whining for more? Can't make up your then mind I’ll decide for you.”

- Pushing you deeper into the mattress with his whole body weight

- Grunts and moans RIGHT into your damn ear because you’re squeezing him so might tighter shouldn’t he tell you how good you’re making him feel?

- “At least your cunt knows what she wants, pretty pussy sucking me in and won’t let go. Want me to fill you up that damn bad?”

- Failed to take into account that all he wants to do now is lay down and spoon you while you cockwarm him

- But alas this is the shared dorm and NOT his apartment

- And he has no clue how long y’all been at it

- Helps you clean up while wobbling slightly

- Makes sure there’s no trace of what yall did but the sheets to his bed being in the washing machine

- Nobody thinks nothing bc he’s an upper class brat who needs things to be pristine

- Some people get suspicious when it happens like 5 times a week though….

- He does all his laundry separate so there’s no one to see how your underwear accidentally falls out the pocket of one of his jackets

- Everyone congratulates you on somehow going above and beyond so well that The Sae Itoshi acknowledged you!

- He didn’t think after the first time that looking at your ass you’d be enough to make him embarrassingly hard in public but oh well

- “Continue in my absence I’m going to check if the manager has the new schedule.”

- A few people see red scratches peeking out his jersey but meh probably just the imagination

[outisgivingpac]

Pick-a-card: What kind of lover you are attracting?

Hello everyone, I'm back (kind of?) to deliver my first love reading ever! 👀🔥 This PAC will look into what kind of romantic (but also platonic) relationship you are inviting to your life with your current energy. Basically, we will see what personality traits you like about each other and what makes your relationship work. Be mindful that your energy changes over time, and with this collective reading, only take what resonates 🍀✨

If you want to book a personal reading with me, check out my pinned post. There you will also find the masterlist of all my free PAC! Enjoy~ 🌞

🐱Pick a pile/image you feel most drawn to🐱

Pile 1. Pile 2. Pile 3.

Pile 1: Queen of Swords, 6 of Pentacles, 4 of Swords

First of all, the kind of lover you're attracting are drawn to you by your sharp wits, as well as your fierce and independent nature. Where others find your rough exterior difficult to deal with, this person finds charm and wisdom. They like how argumentive and opinionated you are, like you won't be afraid to speak up for the underdogs and can be real protective around your loved ones. In turn, you might like this person for their generous and forgiving nature. Though their ways of living might trigger your protective instinct at first, like how could someone be so comfortable laying their heart bare? What if someone take advantages of them?? (Lol) But soon enough, you will learn their kindness didn't come from naivety, but their rich life experiences; they are someone emotionally mature and capable to give and receive love from a healthy headspace. As someone who had to navigate through life with careful calculation and always on alert, you will grow to trust this person to mean what they say and be genuine with you throughout your relationship. Fundamentally, you both see each other as a sanctuary. You know the other got your back in the end of the day, and got to "recharge" just by spending time together. Platonic or romantic, this seems to be a wholesome connection that helps you stay grounded during turbulent time.

Pile 2: 4 of Cups reversed, Page of Swords, The Moon reversed

The first thing came up when I read your cards is how it feels like you guys meet/interact with each other in a highly specific environment. Meaning, you don't neccessarily have access to each other's personal life or have constant communication, but just expect to see each other at particular time and space. You could easily be classmate or colleagues, or are sharing a mutual friend. I hear some of you would refer to each other to a third person with a really specific nickname, for example "that guy who takes double expresso" or sth like that. You like this person because they're a social-butterfly with a lotta energy. They often poke fun with you and are fairly successful. On their side, they find you interesting, despite the first impression of you being quite standoffish. You managed to take them aback several times with some witty/funny remarks. They think you have a lot to offer, long as others put effort to help break the ice. This relationship seems to be of a casual and light-hearted nature. It sounds strange but, it just works when neither parties know where they are going, nor do they try too hard to stir the boat somewhere specific. It's the kind loose committal relationship that deepen slowly overtime, like the sediment at the bottom of a river.

Pile 3: 2 of Swords, Strength, Temperance reversed

The person you're attracting seems to be someone you would usually consider as "out of your league". Unlike you who always strike for a harmony in a group, this person has a strong and upfront personality, though I won't describe them as unkind or selfish. Quite the opposite, they are incredibly wise and have a big heart of an advocate. In your eyes, they have accomplished a lot of admirable goals with their talent second to their tenacity and hard work. Comparing to them, you might find yourself too indecisive and easily flustered to step out of your comfort zone. On the other hand, they see you as someone with many contradictions and complex inner world. In conversation with you, they can tell how you have many different interests and potentials, yet more often than not surrender your choices to the circumstances or other people. On the surface, it seems like a "I can fix them" kind of attraction, but at the same time I don't sense a strong desire to force themselves in your life from this person. In other words, they are not someone who would force others to change in order to match them. But they will wait and see if you will break out of the comfort zone, or from the harmony of "how things should be", with your own conviction. If anything, they want to be one of your conscious choice, not an convenient option due to the circumstances.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

On the language debate, I personally headcanon that the main language spoken at NRC is a common one. (?) (Like how English is the business language, or like how generally Native Americans had a common language that they spoke when trading with other tribes.) And Crowley or the Mirror used magic so that You was temporary fluent in that language.

After the ceremony, Yuu has to learn the common language and picks it up really fast (as one would in such a situation). Therefore, Yuu can still speak it when away from NRC.

(I also headcanon English as an ancient language akin to Latin, because I heard that Arabic was canonically an ancient language.)

[Referencing this post!]

I’d buy that everyone at NRC speaks the common language to some level of proficiency; it’s like how international students typically need to speak the language of whichever country they hope to study in and need to prove their fluency in an exam beforehand. As I said in the original post, the light novel does mention a translation spell over the school, so maybe that’s part of the “magic” that helps Yuu to understand what the others are saying.

Now, it’s theoretically possible for Yuu to learn the common language of Twisted Wonderland in a year, but I don’t think immersion alone would cut it (especially since the main story is only up to like 2/4 to 3/4 of a year so far) . They’d probably have to put in significant effort outside of everyday conversations to pick up its rules (because remember that language isn’t just vocabulary but also grammar, syntax, and social conventions). Yuu would also need consistent feedback from people since that’s how one usually “fixes” their incorrect language use. It’s similar to how adults would correct a child learning their first language; ie a kid says “wadur” instead of “water”.)

One site I looked at suggested that, depending on the language categorization (I, II, III, of IV), it can take 24-92 weeks’ worth of time to become an “advanced” speaker. Realistically, just getting to the basic conversational level could be hundreds or thousands (700-2500+) of hours on its own—and Yuu has to do this on their own time between homework, going to classes, and managing all the issues that Crowley doesn’t 💀 To me, that doesn’t sound like a lot of free time. Counterpoint to my own point though, we also have to consider that Yuu is... well, technically Yuu can be any age you want, but most Yuus are implied or portrayed to be 16-18. The critical window for language acquisition is theorized to be anywhere from the first three years of life up to as late as 17-18 years. After this critical window, the ability for language development tapers off. So, thinking about that, Yuu's brain could still be very pliable and able to absorb new language (though they'd have to work quite intensely to pack in as much as they can before this ability starts to decline).

Something that I feel would be difficult for Yuu is that the characters often use slang (Cater, Floyd, Idia, etc.) and/or uncommon words (like Vil’s “pulchritude”). The former may not follow the standardized rules of a language or may be idioms (other non-literal meanings for common words), which could make it hard for a non-native speaker to understand. The latter would not be used that often, so Yuu would be forced to guesstimate what the word means. I’d imagine this would make fluency challenging, because as immersed as Yuu is in Twisted Wonderland, less frequently used words are harder to grasp.

Maybe Crowley cast a translation spell ON Yuu so that they can still converse with people in the common tongue whenever they leave NRC? Or, since the events basically occur in an AU, more than a year has passed so it has allowed Yuu more time to absorb the language. Language in TWST and how it works… It’s really interesting to think about!

[13thdoctorposts]

At some point 13 fans needs to actually put the numbers to paper on the era's audience numbers, because my recollection is that they're perfectly on par and at times even better than Capaldi's and several of the latest specials. I'm tired of haters whining about 'everyone hated it' when they mean misogynists targeted it and boycotted it from the very instance of a rumour that 13 would be a woman.

Peter Nolan from Blogtor Who did a post on the numbers after the airing of Power of the Doctor, in one section of the post he compares the Whittaker and Capaldi eras…

“It’s remarkable then, that the Whittaker era of Doctor Who is overall on course not only to retain the audience it was given, but actually very slightly grow it. The average Thirteenth Doctor was watched by 4.67m viewers, up 0.12m (2.6%) on the 4.55m average of the Twelfth Doctor. It’s median viewing figure of 4.21m, meanwhile, is 0.34m (7.4%) lower than Capaldi’s, representing the boost Whittaker’s average is given by the large audiences for her first series. But overall, we haven’t seen Doctor Who just do a respectable job all things considered. Rather, it actually got ratings that would be good a decade ago.”

You can check out the whole article here https://www.blogtorwho.com/doctor-who-power-of-the-doctor-viewing-figures/?amp=1

As you can see the Whittier era did quite well especially when considering it had to fight to get through the Pandemic, which people seem to like to act like isn’t a big deal with their revisionist history of how difficult that time actually was. Not only were millions dying and getting sick, people were losing their jobs and lock downs were keeping people at home and a number of parents learnt how hard it was to home school your child even with a teacher on zoom, some while also having to work full time at home. This isn’t to mention the ridiculous amount of restrictions on how they could make the show and keep everyone safe. Sadly they also just didn’t have budget, it was why they needed Disney to come in. In the Who Corner to Corner podcast Chibs talks about how he wanted to do a new years special after Flux but was told there was no budget and he couldn’t do it but he wanted there to be a new year special so he ask if he used monster from the cupboard (a couple daleks they had sitting there) a warehouse and only 2 guest stars could he do it and they still told him they didn’t think so but he told them they were doing it and then we got Eve of the Daleks, one of my fav episodes of the run.

This goes to show the show was struggling to afford to make episodes it had no real money for marketing. If series 12 and Flux got the marketing series 11 did of course we would have seen even bigger numbers but Chibs stated in his Radio Free Skaro podcast from Gally One in 2023 that the only marketing budget they had after series 11 was marketing that could be done on the BBC that’s extremely limiting. They also didn’t have a brand manager unlike all previous eras. If you can afford a brand manager you’re not going to choose to not have one and having one probably would have also help quite a bit.

It’s not 2008 anymore, even Tennent couldn’t pull his 2008 numbers and that was with the big Disney budget to make the show and market the show, and they had a year to market the show and the most well known Doctor, so considering that vs what Chibs had to work with the Whittaker era is a solid era of Doctor Who. It just came at a time when the Budget was struggling, and the TV landscape was changing along with a campaign to try and destroy it before it began simply because they chose a Woman to be the Doctor, as demonstrated by the fact the BBC had to release a press statement backing Whittakers casting and the change to a Female Doctor. And that did have a snow ball effect of people picking everything apart to an insane level they do not do with any of the episodes from the male Doctors episodes a lot of which could be seen as far more problematic.

All this to say could the numbers had been better? Yes, if they had budget to market the show the way it needs to be marketed in a landscape with a million competing shows on far more streaming services than there were regular channels back in the day. But did the show do well with the limited resources it had. Also Yes.

[ntj2pj]

reallyyyy lazy ref on my new atp soldat :D

a flee response as atp soldat oc lmao. Man with fastest reaction (enough to catch falling colleague before they break their bones, or pull them away from bullets. He does it quite often.) Feel free to doodle my guy or draw them interacting with your ocs i guess. more info:

a nervous touchy animal who'll just run away if he is being yelled at or insulted too hard (being yelled at by allies and superiors feels much worse for guy than any loud noise or gunfire. poor thing) And even breaks windows to jump away from any height and floor. He really doesn't care and ABSOLUTELY ain't afraid of height. Luckily manages to survive. Fucking gymnast-acrobat. But how annoying he is. TO WORK WITH. You just stand close. sneeze at him not gently enough and HE DISAPPEARS. He gets along with colleagues pretty well... Well, by my AAHW metrics. He isn't popular or favorite, but he gets along with others pretty well and nobody avoids him. He is seen as very non-threating and weak. Or cute. However they call it. He is also pretty tactile (may occasionally try to hold hands or hug someone) and gentle in general, friendly fella. Gets along with mags pretty well and tried to comfort one when saw first time. Extremely good at chasing. Somehow manages to bounce around busy roadways and not become a pancake in the road, getting in windows, getting out, survive and not die on missions. Can do tricks on bicycles cooler than many bikers on motorcycles and usually steals any transport of that kind (but gentle enough to put it back after using). Very expercienced as someone who is being chased. Flee just runs out of AAHW casually without even any plan if triggered, breaks any shit on his way on impulse. And then gets back because Flee doesn't really know how he would survive, doesn't have a plan, and really don't want to leave job. Or, well, gets captured by agents and not even getting so far. His hair was torn out by other soldat who tried to capture him at first attempt to run away, but got kicked (Dan). They're becoming bffs later. Why he got such a weird reaction? Well. In my au every atp gets +- unique programs and modifications which makes them extremely mentally ill useful in different ways lol. ATPs gets their brain messed up and minmaxed in worst and unnatural ways, that's why many scared of it. Amnesia also isn't a good part. Flee was created in AAHW, and his modification ruined his fear-response, too much training created steel reflexes like unavoidable instincts, and messed ability to recognize threats. Guy is very fearless about combats, heights, insane tricks, absolutely doesn't care about risks of breaking any bone or dying (still will do a lot so colleagues won't), but will shit himself from fear and overwhelm if you just say smth mean to him loudly. If it would be done by few grunts he will get nightmares and flashbacks even. Because his sense of being punished and shame is also messed up. For the good of AAHW, of course. At first he was threatened and insulted a lot for this defect, because everyone was confused, then he was used on a trainings because damn he's like a cockroach. And then he was given a little safe place to run in it and not just out of aahw on the streets. aka personal space lmao, until they find out to fix it. But many coworkers find doing little pranks and scaring him funnier because the reaction is just too funny with all that jumping on highest surface in room, or running on all walls and then comedically hit head and FALL. Aaand he doesn't beat them up for it, he just runs as first reaction. Can even bump right into the agent who did it, like an NPC trying to run in a wall, pushing the poor guy like a fucking box in a videogame. Extremely funny idiot. So yeah he gets a lot of occasional jokes for not being aggressive enough. Not to coworkers. :D

[wilsons-three-legged-siamese]

MY OCS BACKSTORY AND JUST INFO DUMP ON HIMM!!

Feel free to send me anything i can add!!

My oc:

Art by the wonderful @lefthandedspaghetti !! Joon you're so talented.

Info on him:

Name: Dr. Sydney Forrest.

Full name: Sydney Will-Knox Forrest-Gösta

Age: 24

Nationality/ethnicity: born in England, raised in the us. British, swedish and french.

Accent: british with a hint of french, he cant say certain words.

Languages: english, swedish and french

Gender: male, cis

Sexuality: questioning gay

Hair colour: light, light blonde

Eye colour(s): green & brown

Hair type: short, fluffy, not styled/messy.

Physicality: quite skinny, around 5'9", always on his tip toes so probably 5'5", flamboyant look.

Personality type: INTP

Personality: awkward, intoverted, oddly polite to strangers, sarcastic, caring, sympathetic - cant do empathy.

Disorders/conditions: depression, ptsd, slight autism, svt (supraventricular tachycardia), horrid anxiety. He also have chronic backpain and once in a while borrows houses vicodin, but usually just has wilson massage it (i have chronic backpain and used to have svt.. 😁).

Voice claim!!

Voice: (Steven Patrick) Morrissey. (This but with a hint of french, but oretty accurate.)

Backstory: tw; sui, sh, @buse

Syd was born on the 2nd of june to his parents, Delilah Gösta and William Forrest. Deliah was a banker, and William was a doctor, a very good one at that. Syd didn't get much attention when little, no hugs, no pet names - no normal kid things. He was mainly left to his own devices. He got a proper education, but got bullied a lot for his looks and unusual placement at home. He isn't very confident at all, being extremely shy as his self esteem is very low. At the age of 9, his mum had left for another guy. William was broken, so he quit his job and started to drink, quickly becoming abusive. Syd couldn't deal with it, so he turned to sh and attempts. Non of them worked. At 14, he was placed in hospitalization because of one of the attempts, wilson being his doctor. Wilson noticed how awful his life was, and actually fostered Syd for a year until Syd managed to get into hopkins, getting a dorm at 15. He graduated at 18, started working at ppth and formed a good relationship with house, as well as wilson. Syd told house all about william, them having flings in college. Syd became cardio head at 20, even house is impressed. He sees wilson as a father.

Random facts/hcs!:

He ships house and wilson so much hes actually managed to make them kiss.

House taught him how to play piano.

Hes never had a love interest, but tends to swoon over random strangers.

He enjoys petnames and being held, in a platonic way, probably from childhood issues.

He has pictues of his dad and house from their college days.

His hair is extremely soft, people love touching it, and he loves people touching it (by people i mean house and wilson.)

He has a comfort object !! Its a rose gold stethoscope*

He absolutely sucks ass at saying tounge twisters because of his fucked accent.

He really enjoys cracking his knuckles, annoys the hell out of everyone.

Hes got a wonderful singing voice.

He collects really pretty rocks.

He steals wilsons clothes all the time, literally every time he vists.

Hes basically blind without the glasses.

Hes always on his tiptoes (same, i had casts for 6months when i was like 7 [didn't do anything])

* the stethoscope 🩺 ‼️

He has a dog!!

His name is Sawyer and is basically just a dog version of himself, why he loves him so much

(Not my photo)

Tagging! @sillyhyperfixator

[anystalker707]

take a look at my girlfriend

Pairing: Nefertari Vivi x [gender-neutral] Reader Summary: SFW and NSFW headcanons about dating Vivi! Tags: very sweet ! / she's so lovely / vague but i can write oneshots if requested

requested by anon ["Could I request a Vivi relationship headcannon both sfw and nsfw for a male S/O Please and thank you"]

MASTERLIST

• Vivi is naturally overly protected, so it takes a while until her family finally accepts you and lets you go around without keeping an eye on you 24/7. She tries her best to reassure you it’s okay; she loves you so much and doesn’t want to see you get scared away just because of it, but you already knew that when you decided to date a princess

• Everyone (Cobra, Chaka, Pell, etc.) asks you a thousand questions, narrowing their eyes at you or side-eyeing you, but it’s just before they treat you like family as well. It also includes getting Karoo’s approval, of course. She’s a little nervous and awkward about it in the beginning, but she ends up getting annoyed after some point because they just don’t seem to accept you’re safe (even if she understands their point)

• Vivi’s a busy person, of course, but that doesn’t mean she won’t try to make time for you—she will make sure to keep free time in her schedule for dates or simply hanging out with you, sharing a meal in the castle, or resting together. She loves sweet dates like going for a walk while holding hands or picnics, so she isn’t exchanging that for anything

• Even if she can’t manage some free time for you, she will make sure to take you with her everywhere (being her partner is a full-time job), whether it’s for emotional support, help, or just to be there with her in general

• It also means you need to know how to fight or just improve what you already know (you need to protect yourself and Vivi), so you’ll have to train hard. It’s tiring and takes a lot of effort, but it’s needed and very rewarding. Vivi will always be waiting for you at the end of the day to say how she’s proud of you, cupping your face and kissing your lips. Sometimes, she lets you know that without saying it—curling up in your arms when she is apprehensive or glancing at you at the slightest risk of danger, showing how much she trusts your protection and cares about you, of course

• Vivi is extremely loving. She will always make sure she is giving you enough attention and love, always give you pecks on the cheek and hugs, even if she’s in a rush for something else because a little second with her partner is never lost

• She is the type to talk problems out, but you have to work for that. She won’t admit things in the beginning, just trying to bottle up feelings and push through the problems, but she will eventually learn how to deal with things better later on because she wants the relationship to be as healthy as possible

• Absolutely loves it when you praise her. Vivi will be all proud and mushy when you compliment her speech or even how nice she looked in some public event. She also loves knowing you enjoy her cuddles and the way she plays with your hair and takes care of you. It makes her proud of herself for being able to care for you in the right way

• Long night talks with Vivi when she finally returns to her bedroom. She will sit on her bed and let you brush her hair or rub her back while she tells you about her day or reasons with you about an ongoing problem

• She just loves the quality time in general, whether it be working alongside each other or playing with her hair while she reads. Either way, she is always melting in your arms whenever she gets the opportunity, clinging to you or sitting on your lap with her arms around your neck

• Matching jewelry with you. She will ask to have jewelry crafted with your initials engraved on the golden surface or keep lockets with pictures of you two inside it

• Vivi is quite possessive, as well. If she spots someone else flirting with you, she knows you won’t give them any attention, but it doesn’t avoid the inconvenience. She will be grabbing your hand and quickly introducing herself as your girlfriend, sticking to your side the whole time. She will be all proud when you wrap an arm around her waist and accept her actions

• Vivi might find it cute when you’re jealous, but seeing you jealous is a rare sight because she just doesn’t give you reasons to feel like that. Someone’s flirting with her? She will either dismiss them or rush to your side

• Vivi will always wear the stuff you give her, whether it is a new pen, a ring, or a hijab (also stick to your opinion about what she should wear). She demonstrates how much she values you by also valuing everything you give her, and also the things that are important to you (catch her making sure she can be there for you in your special moments no matter the appointment she has scheduled for the same time, and she will also ask the others to provide the best things for your needs or your hobbies)

• Supportive girlfriend 100%. Will be there for you no matter what

• Don’t try to decide things for her or anything—Vivi is very independent, and she will learn how to ask for help when she needs to, but the trick is not to make her feel like she isn’t self-sufficient. The mutual respect and recognition are some of the things she values the most

• Either way, Vivi will need support once in a while. She will get in a quieter mood, with a sad or longing expression on her face, and all she will need is long hugs and a comforting presence, not even words. Just looking after her will be just right for Vivi, helping her with whatever she is going through

• She’s not shy to admit she wishes to marry you as it becomes a more frequent subject in the castle, since she’s getting older and is the only heir to the crown. Of course, you’ll get a few side-eyes at first, but it’ll be acceptable; you’re part of the family already, anyway, they trust you

.𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟.

NSFW hcs

• You two probably have your first time with each other, having known each other since you were younger. The first times were laced with nervousness and insecurity, but you learn how to please each other. She’s all shy at first, but once she gets the hang of it…

• Sex with her either is all sweet and passionate love-making or deep into a kink. Vivi is usually the one who brings up new stuff that she is curious about and wants to try, and her favorite stuff usually involves bondage. There’s something about being tied up and to your mercy that turns Vivi on so much. Hands tied to the headboard as you please her or tied behind her back as her face presses to the mattress—she loves all of it

• Balance of dominance between you two, unless you’re doing something that requires the unbalance

• She likes being praised and worshiped, having your hands run along her skin while you bathe her in praises, giving love to each inch of her skin. It makes her melt as her heart flutters, but also makes pride swell in her chest as she offers herself more to you. Kiss her hands, her collarbones, her breasts, her stomach, her thighs, calves, shoulders. Everywhere.

• Vivi enjoys giving as much as she receives, always ensuring you’re okay. If she can, she will pull you down for passionate kisses that aren’t just due to the urgency and seeking pleasure, but just wanting to touch you in general, to express her love through the slow make-out session

• Sometimes all Vivi needs after a long day dealing with Alabasta’s stuff is a relaxing shower and good sleep, but other times, what she really needs is your head between her legs: she also loves receiving and giving oral—she will play with your hair while you eat her out, praising you between moans, making sure to let you know how well you’re doing on pleasing her like that. The most delicious moans will come from her as she arches her back and rolls her hips on your tongue when you’re with her thighs over your shoulders, feasting on her. Sometimes, on the other hand, she will be pulling you with her into empty rooms in the castle to give you a little treat, wide eyes looking up at you as she wraps her lips around you and brushes a strand of hair behind her ear

.𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟.

[cattimeswithjellie]

Stream Recap, ZombieCleo, 6/12/24

((These recaps go out very lightly proofread, FYI. Feel free to comment with anything egregious that needs to be corrected, but they're not gonna be perfect. They just take too long, lol.))

0:00 Cleo opens the stream by calling the chat to awaken and feel her pain. Or don’t, because not doing that is cool too. She welcomes everyone to the stream and points out that she is not in her base. Whose base is she in? She asks the chat to guess; they correctly guess Joel. Joel wants to commission statue work. He wants a statue that represents his friendship with Jimmy. Cleo’s willing but not quite sure how to go about it. She asks Chat for suggestions. If Chat had to make a Jimmy and Joel statue, what would they do? Cleo’s immediate thought is Jimmy in a little cowboy hat and Joel puppeting him on strings, or possibly Jimmy and Joel as Bad Boys, doing Bad Boy things. Joel might appreciate them on motorbikes. Chat’s suggestions include Jimmy and Joel holding hands under a rainbow, Tiny Jimmy on Joel’s shoulders, and Joel with his arm around Jimmy.

3:10 Cleo points out that Joel and Jimmy’s relationship does not really seem to be one of two bros hanging out and being affectionate with one another. They are more about two bros hanging out and taking the piss. She also doesn’t want to do Tiny Jimmy because she knows them from the Life Series. She’s leaning towards Bad Boys and motorbikes. She thanks subs and donos. A chatter says “Armor stand time?” Cleo is not sure if it’s armor stand time yet, because they need to finish their own base and to come up with some kind of motorbike design. Chat suggests “Joel on a motorbike and Jimmy on a tricycle” and “Joel and Jimmy on motorbikes but Jimmy is a little bit smaller.” Cleo thinks if she can get their Bad Boy skins she can do it with no problem. Chat suggests motorbikes with TNT minecarts strapped to the back.

5:30 Cleo arrives back at her own base and shows Chat what she’s been up to. She’s blocked off the elevator temporarily because it won’t be ready by tomorrow and is hoping to finish the tower room she’s been decorating. She does not elaborate on what the Thursday thing is that she is preparing for. A chatter plays an explosion noise. She calls them rude but doesn’t mean it. A chatter asks if they can put Cleo in a Hermitcraft poem. Cleo says sure, that doesn’t affect them at all. The problem with a floor made of trap doors is that it is hard to stack up on to reach the ceiling, but Cleo manages and shows off some potential hanging shelf designs. They’ve got a lot of stuff to decorate, including smithing templates and potsherds, and want to make a demon with a moving jaw in the summoning circle. That is the plan.

10:00 There is one blank spot on a wall that Cleo doesn’t know what to do with. She asks the chat for thoughts. Chat suggests stained glass window. Cleo shows that the exterior wall is not big enough for a window. Chat suggests banners or a mural. Cleo reiterates how much they are looking forward to the new paintings. They look through their smithing templates to decide which ones to display and what sort of plinth to use. There will be fire coming up from the floor as well. A chatter shares a pride message, Cleo wishes everyone happy pride.

13:00 Cleo needs gold and doesn’t have any. She goes to find some and makes some gold pressure plates. Armor stand work begins! A chatter plays sour jellybean. A chatter asks what Cleo is making. They say “a mess.” Cleo says hello to Cub when he signs in. A chatter asks about the music or lack thereof, Cleo reminds Chat that the music was a once-off because having music affects the ability to monetize a VOD.

17:30 More armor stand work. The gold plinth is completed and locked. Cleo puts the Silence trim on it because it has an attractive dusting of skulk. She has so much stuff to put away before tomorrow! She thanks subs and donos. Impulse raids into the stream. Cleo says they are definitely not summoning demons and tells chat to be cool, okay? Pearl raids into the stream as well. Chat helps Cleo figure out how to successfully copy the smithing template. Chat thinks it is funny that Pearl streamed so long ((six hours)) that Impulse started and finished his whole stream during it.

23:00 Cleo confirms that Pearl is crazy. They are complimenting Pearl’s redstone skills when Pearl herself appears, protesting being called crazy while absolutely exuding 5am Pearl vibes. Cleo points out they were literally saying “Pearl is crazy and awesome.” Pearl admits she didn’t hear the awesome part. Cleo sings the Happy Birthday song, using the “you look like a monkey” variant. Pearl protests being called crazy and like a monkey. Cleo points out that she does have a sword in her head. ((Pearl is wearing her new Mission Possible reward: the hat that looks like a sword through the head.)) Pearl asks her to pull it out. Cleo slaps her a couple times, but it does not help. Cleo tells her she needs the true king of England to pull the sword out of her brain. Pearl asks if she pulls it out herself, is she the true queen? Cleo says sure, that seems right. Magically, the sword disappears from Pearl’s head and a diamond sword appears in her hand. Cleo says they will follow Pearl. Pearl puts the sword back in her head for safekeeping.

25:00 Today is Pearl’s birthday, technically, depending on timezones. Cleo says she is not sure if she should tell Pearl to sleep or to go out and do stuff. Pearl says it’s still dark out ((It is 5:30am Pearl time and she has just completed a six-hour streaming session)) but she will go out and run around the neighborhood like a crazy lady if Cleo wants her to. Cleo says go to sleep. Pearl asks what if she just wants to do redstone? Gem appears and smashes Pearl with a sword, setting her on fire, which does seem to be the best possible answer to that question. Gem shouts that she needs to kill Pearl for her birthday, it’s important! Pearl shrieks and flies away, still on fire. Cleo asks if birthday murder is a thing, Gem insists that it is and flies off after Pearl. Cleo sets up a respawn bed for Pearl, who is dopplering in and out of chat overhead. Gem lands and talks with Cleo about how crazy Pearl is because she never sleeps. The chase continues.

27:20 Pearl lands on Gem’s roof and claims it is a safe space. Gem points out that she can get up there. Pearl says she can fly away. Gem reiterates the importance of birthday murder and points out that it only took 20 days for Pearl to catch up to her in age. Cleo understands that this is some sort of thing that the Kids These Days are doing and she can safely stop trying to understand. Gem continues trying to give Pearl her birthday present, which is murder. She begins scaffolding onto the roof. Pearl says she wants a jar of pickles instead and demands to know where her pickles are. ((Gem has the sea pickle permit, and Pearl has been buying her out consistently, partly for tree decorations and partly because it makes Gem crazy.)) She begins breaking the scaffolding as Gem tries to climb up. Cleo, at a safe distance, says this is like Looney Tunes but she’s not sure which one is Wile E. Coyote.

28:30 Gem says, apparently straightfaced, that she would never do anything violent at Cleo’s base. Cleo points out the whole stabbing Pearl already thing. Gem plays Scar’s “Don’t Put That in My Mouth” horn. Pearl demands to know how that was contextual. Gem admits she just hasn’t used it in awhile. She flies up to the roof and spooks Pearl, who falls off the roof, catches herself, flies away and loops around the wizard tower before landing again. Cleo admires Gem’s ability to scare Pearl without doing anything. Gem appreciates this and begins punching Cleo ((Gem’s primary means of showing affection.)) Pearl is dismayed by this turn of events. “Oh no, Cleo,” she cries, leading to a discussion of the excellent way that Australian people pronounce “Cleo.”

29:50 The chase resumes. Cleo reminds Pearl she should sleep. Pearl refuses and asks what Cleo plans to do about it. Cleo does not plan on doing anything. Pearl suggests that maybe Cleo should stop worrying about Pearl and start worrying about stopping Gem doing what she’s doing to Cleo. Gem has disappeared over the roofline. Cleo tells Gem to stop flipping up the trapdoors, there’s a tour tomorrow! Gem does not know about any tours, she’s been gone for days and is trying to make up on her quota of being annoying. Cleo assures her that she is succeeding, then tells her that the Hermit meeting tomorrow is canceled and they are doing base tours instead. Neither Pearl nor Gem know if they’ll be able to come, since meeting time is not good for them. Pearl insists that they have to promise to play the word game. Cleo asks if she wants them to play the game now, and says they have never played Wordle. Pearl demands to know why so many people have not played Wordle. Pearl tries to explain Wordle while Gem makes halfhearted attempts to murder her, including baiting her with Cleo’s sea pickles. They decide to go play Wordle.

32:30 Pearl leads the way to the flower shop, mostly coasting because she has forgotten to restock her rockets. She shows them the rulebook, but Cleo and Gem both refuse to read today. Cleo does insist on paying a diamond to play. Chat accepts that Hermits don’t actually know how to read. Pearl explains the rules and mechanics of Dyeduction, her redstone Wordle game. It is very similar to Wordle except that four consonants are excluded from the game and repeated letters are not allowed.

36:45 Cleo and Gem need to pick a five letter starting word. Gem immediately tries “PEARL.” Gem is having some real trouble spelling Pearl today. She takes the letters off the item frames and puts them in the dropper, which causes Pearl incredible distress. Cleo presses the Confirm Guess button. They have E and L correct, but in the wrong place.

39:00 Cleo thinks about a second word. She thinks about Melon, but that has the E in the same place. Gem doesn’t know any five letter words. Pearl cheerfully tells them that hard mode will add a timer. Neither Cleo nor Gem can think of any words with E and L in them. They argue about strategy. Cleo accuses Pearl of schadenfreude and asks why she is like this. Pearl points out that they wanted to play. They decide to try “SLICE.” They get another connect letter, I, but nothing in the right place.

44:50 Pearl leaves them to ruminate and goes AFK. Gem and Cleo try to remember what their words are. Gem wants Pearl to place a sign they can use to take notes. Pearl suggests a pencil and paper. Cleo’s mod brings chat back from emote mode, having blacklisted the answer so no one can say it. They decide to try “LIKED” and begin pulling letters for the attempt. Some of them take a moment to find. Gem declares she found the D. Pearl mutters a “that’s what she said.” Gem shouts at her. Of all the people in the room, Gem thinks Pearl is least likely to have made that joke. Cleo thinks it is very funny. Chat agrees wholeheartedly. They test the word and have two in the right spot and all but one letter. They are making it harder on themselves by both grabbing letters from the chests.

50:00 Time to find another word. Pearl is yawning. Gem insists that she warned Pearl that she was dumb and Pearl insisted anyway. Pearl says she really is entertained. Cleo suggests “FIELD.” They set up for a test with Pearl egging them on. The word is correct, they get the win condition. Everyone celebrates! Pearl tells them that 20 minutes and four guesses is about average so far, though Skizz did ten minutes and three guesses. Pearl hands out prizes to both of them. She tells them that in the future she will be adding flower crowns but plans to set them as a reward for hard mode. Cleo demands to know why Pearl hates her when Cleo has shown her nothing but love. Pearl points out that everyone is succeeding, so the game needs to be harder. Gem promises that if she plays alone, she will definitely fail. Pearl shows them how to put away and reset the game.

54:10 Cleo is very impressed by all Pearl’s work on the game. Pearl shows off her randomizer. Cleo and Gem now know who to come to for all their redstoning need. Gem cheers that she doesn’t need to bother Impulse anymore. Pearl demurs that she’s not really so good, Cleo points out that she build Wordle in eight hours. Pearl says it was more than 8 all things considered. Cleo says she needs Pearl to stick around so she’s available every time Cleo wants to play. Pearl says she can’t be around all the time, Cleo points out that Pearl basically _is_ around all the time. Gem can’t believe that Pearl made the joke about the letter D. Pearl’s really grown up now that she’s 28. Cleo says she is too mature for this and insists that she never swears. Gem mentions seeing a Tiktok where Cleo said the F word twice at MCC. Cleo admits this is true. She says if they want her to swear she can swear, but they don’t want her to swear. Gem enjoys it when Cleo swears, and chat wholeheartedly agrees. Pearl admits some Hermits swear and thinks nobody will be surprised. Cleo tells them that back in Season 2 they swore a lot more in their videos and Xisuma asked them to consider going PG. This was in the days before the Algorithm. Swearing is actually not as important to the algorithm anymore, but Cleo tries to keep it clean out of respect for the server’s PG streamers.

58:00 Pearl calls out “She’s in my noodles!” “Excuse you?” Cleo asks. Gem has climbed into Pearl’s redstone and is poking around. Pearl asks what’s wrong with her noodles. Cleo hums and says it sounds euphemistic. Pearl is outraged and demands to know how it could be possible that she would have multiple noodles that Gem would be rifling around in. Cleo clears their throat. “You’re making it worse,” Gem tells her. It wasn’t that bad, and then Pearl just kept talking. Cleo is laughing really hard by now. Chat is too. Cleo wishes everyone happy pride month. Gem is punching again. She builds a wood structure to contain Cleo and calls it a makeshift closet. Cleo chops it down and insists that Gem cannot put them back into the closet, that’s not allowed. Getting out of the closet took a long time and was very traumatic the first time! “Least it was quicker this time ‘round,” Pearl observes philosophically.

1:00:00 Everyone takes a moment to breathe. Gem observes that she and Pearl are putting Cleo through it today. Cleo says they are fine, they had to deal with Joe this morning and this is comparatively fine. Xisuma plays the “Awooooo!” horn from upstairs and then comes down to join them. Gem demands to know if Xisuma really made a horn of himself howling, then demands to know what is _wrong_ with this server. He plays Cleo’s howling horn as well, then asks if Pearl or Gem has a wool permit, because if so they can get in on the horn action. Gem figures out that it’s a Wolves of Wool Street bit.

1:01:20 Xisuma notices that Pearl has a sword in her head and slaps her trying to help get it out, just like everyone else. Cleo jokes that the sword’s probably not actually touching Pearl’s brain because there’s a lot of room in there. Pearl is fake-mortally affronted and pretends to leave. Cleo calls “Happy birthday!” after her. Pearl stomps back and says she was about to make that joke but Cleo is definitely not allowed. Cleo says they do it because they care. They demand a better Awoo from Pearl. Pearl does a few Awoos. Xisuma says she should practice before he clips it into a horn. Gem says she’s starting to understand why people question what they do for work. She plays the “Oh My God” horn. Cleo grabs out her own horn box and plays Grian’s “I’m eating a curly-whirly right now but it’s nice to see Xisuma” horn. Xisuma says playing on this server just gets more confusing. Gem plays Scar’s “Don’t put that in my mouth” horn.

1:03:10 Xisuma catches sight of the Wordle game and gets very excited. He says the game is amazing. Pearl and Cleo both play Gem’s “That’s amazing!” horn. Gem says she is definitely not that loud. Pearl suggests X should play, but X says he’s very bad at word games. Pearl says she needs someone to fail for testing purposes. X asks if she can’t just fail deliberately, but Pearl insists it is not the same. Xisuma is having some voice chat trouble. Gem is bored and punching people. Pearl suggests she could change the world and the other three can work as a team to solve it. Xisuma tries to remember the rules to Wordle, Pearl helps him.

1:06:20 Xisuma thinks about a first word, decides on “SHEAR.” Pearl has not reset the word, so apparently the others will only be providing moral support. He gets the E in the right place and no other letters right. Cleo gives him gameplay advice but no word-choice advice. Gem points out he’s already doing better than they did. Xisuma recommends texturing the letters, Pearl says she’s been thinking about it. While Xisuma thinks, Cleo thanks her subs and donos. In the background, Xisuma is asking Pearl how to spell “field.” Pearl spells it for him. Xisuma wins on the second guess. Cleo insists that the fix is in. Pearl reminds him that he said he was bad at word games. Xisuma says he didn’t play it like a word game, but a game of deduction, eliminating letters. He gets a prize bundle. Xisuma wants to look at the redstone, but Pearl makes him reset the game first. He resets without reading the sign and has to do it twice. He breaks the game a little in doing so. Pearl fixes it up while Gem messes with the trapdoors. Pearl accuses Gem and Cleo of messing with the game. Cleo claims innocence, but Gem tells them they are guilty by association. Cleo agrees it’s a fair cop. Xisuma has disappeared, presumably into the noodles.

1:13:50 Pearl explains the redstone of the game to Xisuma. They talk redstone. Cleo wanders around, eventually leaving the game and going back into the unfurnished flower shop. Gem is visible in the background, flipping trapdoors. Cleo begins to help flipping trapdoors. Xisuma compliments Pearl’s redstone prowess and assumes she must have done other projects before this. Pearl says nope. Xisuma finds that hard to believe, since she’s put together so many different logical system. Cleo and Gem suggest that maybe redstone’s just not that difficult after all. Xisuma threatens to teach them redstone. Pearl says she got a lot of help from her chat, but Cleo insists that doesn’t mean Pearl didn’t do the bulk of the work. Pearl does feel like she knows a lot more about redstone now. X tells her that her redstone is so impressive and he hopes they’ll be seeing a lot more redstone from her. This is just the beginning. It’s very wholesome except Cleo and Gem are still flipping trapdoors.

1:18:00 Cleo and Gem do not want to make redstone games or to learn redstone. Cleo hated teaching electronics when they were a teacher. They understand enough to do it but they don’t enjoy it and don’t want to do math on their day off. X and Pearl agree that’s understandable. Gem says she doesn’t like games with too much intensive problem solving, but she knows those are the ones Pearl loves. Pearl thanks X for playing the game. Chat gives Cleo the idea for a redstone game involving a random chance of dropping TNT on people. Cleo likes the idea. The group talks briefly about Zelda. Someone makes a very weird noise. X and Cleo are confused and Cleo thinks it’s a horn, but Gem correctly identifies the sounds as the noises Pearl makes when she’s stretching. Cleo says she really needs to do the stuff she needs to do before tomorrow. X confirms he will be there tomorrow and says he came over in the first place to find Cleo. Pearl complains that everyone goes crazy around her, Cleo points out that makes Pearl the common denominator. X is dismayed by Gem’s trapdoor shenanigans. Cleo tells Pearl she is wonderful and amazing, and Cleo will never tell her that when it is not her birthday. Xisuma tries to tell Cleo that it is also his birthday, but his birthday was last week. Cleo suddenly remembers that they missed False’s birthday and apologizes in chat. False is confused, and Cleo is unintentionally threatening about it. Xisuma makes it worse. False is now concerned.

1:24:15 Gem sees Jevin’s prank on the Death Scar for the first time. Taking off for a week means one misses a lot. Xisuma doesn’t know if Scar’s going to have the energy to undo that prank, especially with his surgery and recovery coming up. It could be a Death Emoji for the rest of the season. Cleo points out that Jev will take it down if Scar asks, because Jev does clean up his pranks. Cleo protests that she needs to go do her work, even as she doesn’t leave. Everyone whines about it. Someone attracts phantoms. Gem sets Cleo on fire while fighting them. Cleo complains about that too, then tells Pearl to go to bed. Gem suggests that is Cleo is sick of them, they should go bug Tango. They can make Tango guess the word! Cleo gives Pearl some rockets so she and Gem can bug Tango. They leave. Cleo sends Tango an apology in chat.

1:28:00 With the youngsters gone, Xisuma admits that he came over in the first place to raid Cleo, but that was like 30 minutes ago. It was a pleasant distraction though. He is going to wrap up his stream and send the chat to them. Cleo says it’s time for more armor stands. Tango is confused in chat. Cleo heads home for more armor stand work. Chat says Gem and Pearl are so precious. Cleo says that’s one way to put it. Chat says they were both great additions to Hermitcraft. Cleo says there are some moments when they wonder how they ever did it without them, and then are “Oh yeah, I know!” They get back to work on placing the smithing template.

1:30:00 Xisuma raids into the stream. Cleo greets the raid and gets jumpscared by a chatter playing a scary noise. Some of X’s emotes set off the automod because they are all caps. Cleo completes the first summoning stone and needs four more. They choose another template and goes to copy more. They explain to new chatters that they are summoning demons, but good demons, demons they control. Grian signs on and wants everyone to know he is back from badminton. ((Read Impulse’s 6/12 stream recap for context on that.)) He leaves again. Gem asks why he is this way, Cleo says it’s mostly having too much time on his hands.

1:34:30 A chatter asks if anyone on the server is normal. Cleo refutes that idea hastily, saying that nobody on the server wants to be normal, being normal would make everything take so much longer. Mod Cam thinks Joe is the closest to normal. “Jesus, that’s a statement,” says Cleo. A chatter says normal is boring. Cleo says yeah, but it can be nice. Also an affliction. Chat is arguing about who the most normal Hermit is. There is no consensus. Cleo places the armor stands that will mark the spots for the other summoning stones.

1:37:20 A chatter asks what mod Cleo uses for armor stands, they namedrop Armor Poser. A chatter asks if Cleo is bi, they say yes and joke “for my sins. And your sins!” Another chatter says it should’ve been obvious based on all the closet jokes earlier. Cleo says that asking is fine and polite, assuming things is not. A chatter plays Giant Zombie. Cleo continues working on the summoning stones, which are going fast now that they have the plan. A chatter asks if Cleo is going to TwitchCon, they say no.

A chatter asks if they are summoning Ren, they say no, they are summoning things that will have calibrated skulk sensors for faces.

1:43:00 A chatter plays emote-only mode. Cleo finishes the plinths and says they would love it if the Armor Poser interface was smaller on the screen. They wonder if they can change that. Xisuma makes a winky face in chat. Cleo says this is the most sinister thing. Something is about to happen and they won’t know what it is until the dust settles. A chatter asks about the zombie hands and Cleo explains all the hand emotes. They begin putting the smithing template “waystones” onto the plinths and say they’re looking forward to showing this off tomorrow. A chatter plays sour jellybean. A chatter asks if Cleo has read Discworld; Cleo says they lived off Discworld when they were younger. A chatter asks about candles, candles don’t go well with armor stand work because they are not appropriately 3D. A chatter threatens Cleo with more beans, Cleo is not interested in more beans. A chatter suggests a candle flame might be usable if combined with a cake hidden in the floor. Cleo thinks that might be possible.

1:53:00 Cleo flies to the food store and buys some expensive cake. They want to check if the idea will work before they buy out the shop. It does not work because another armor stand is in the way. Cleo cannot pick up the cake and try again, so she eats it instead. Chat has more ideas about runes and candles. The next step of the summoning circle is making the demon and that is tomorrow’s project, so Cleo turns her attention to the shelves. Chat is very interested in an eyeball in a jar. Cleo makes one for them. They talk with Chat about Etho in MCC. Etho has been getting sweaty on MCCI, apparently. A chatter plays Hydration Check. Cleo knows that Chat is thirsty. They get the eyeball into the jar. The blank wall is still blank and needs attention.

2:02:00 Cleo makes up some paintings just to have something on the wall. They talk with Chat about some of the finer points of Armor Poser. They put paintings on the wall but don’t like most of them. A chatter suggests one of the new 1.21 paintings. Cleo asks Chat if they can point out the slight problem with that. Three paintings make the wall look less blank, then Cleo puts up a desk made of trapdoors as well. Cleo makes armor stand work look very easy. They place some additional bookshelves in the corner, then a few lecterns as well. As they go, they flip back Gem’s trapdoors, acknowledging that this is probably karma for their antics at Beef’s base.

2:10:00 Cleo finishes up the décor and decides to wrap up the stream. They need to sleep and feed the cats. She raids into Tango and ends her stream.

[indiaalphawhiskey]

Hi, I want to work through something because I want to be able to enjoy my time in this fandom and support Harry and Louis as they are now. Unfortunately, I can't help but be incredibly disappointed in the decisions that HL have made. Let me preface this by saying that I am aware of how entitled and selfish I sound but emotions sometimes override logic.

I had really big and unfair expectations of Harry and Louis. I honestly thought after One Direction they would come out and start their solo careers on an authentic and free foundation. They had the potential to be such an inspiring and important power couple in the industry and society in general. I pictured them being an amazing source of representation, attending charity events and talking about important issues. All the while staying intensely private. It's this wasted potential that I really struggle to accept. I also have a sneaking suspicion that the Harry and Louis from 2014/15 would be a bit disappointed in where they are now, not on the career front but having a fake son and still kissing supermodels.

As someone who doesn't place a great deal of value on things like career and ambition it's disappointed me how they've chosen that above all else. I believe there are more important things in life. Again, I know how all this sounds but no matter how hard I try I can't help how I feel. But I want to change because I want to be able to enjoy the people that HL are now. It's hard because I'm not here for their careers I'm here for them purely as people and as a couple.

Hi! So first, I’d like to say that I really appreciate the openness of your tone, even though we have quite different opinions. I’m going to strive to match that openness in my response, and if I fall short, I apologize in advance. It’s not at all my intention to come off as rude or aggressive, I just want to challenge your way of thinking about activism, authenticity, and the roles their careers play in that.

You say you’re not here for their careers. You’re here for them as people and as a couple. You don’t seem to see those two are directly interlinked.

The only reason we have access to them as people/as a couple, is because they both chose to continue their careers in the public. They both could have easily chosen to take a step back and work in the background (music production, management, etc.), which would mean no drama. Maybe would’ve meant a bigger chance for them to come out publicly.

But that would have also meant no content. No music, no pap pics, no articles (barring maybe one or two about a charity event, if what you imagined came true). That means no safe spaces at their concerts. No flag waving. No speeches about acceptance, and I need you, you need me, about your body, your choice, about helping people come out… No lyrics about all this time, and we could be lucky again, and you can throw a party full of everyone you know, and we’ll be alright…

No input, no… personality. So who would you be loving? Who would you be here for, exactly? Who would you be supporting? A snapshot of who they were as people/as a couple? The idealized fantasy of a power couple? The people you remember they were seven years ago?

Related to that, I understand that explicit activism is important to you. I understand that you understand that you’ve placed a lot of expectations on them that aren’t fair. Why you’ve done that could be for many reasons — maybe that’s how you personally choose to connect with the queer community, maybe you feel like if you had their platform and their resources, that’s what you would do, I don’t know.

But everything you’ve mentioned (“…come out and start their solo careers on an authentic and free foundation. They had the potential to be such an inspiring and important power couple in the industry and society in general. I pictured them being an amazing source of representation, attending charity events and talking about important issues…”)

Well… who’s to say this isn’t “authentically” who they are (while still working to preserve other things that are important to them, like the privacy of their relationship and their opportunity to make art), even without being “out” and “out together”? Who’s to say they aren’t currently an amazing source of representation? Who’s to say they aren’t talking about important issues?

Because, to me, they are. They may not be doing it at the helm of a pride parade in a rainbow mankini making out in front of news cameras.

But isn’t it equally as important to hold spaces for queer people to just gather and experience joy? Isn’t it equally as important to be verbal about challenging adversity and coming out on top? Isn’t it equally as important to make coming out to one’s parents a communal, celebratory fantastic memory instead of something that’s solitary and filled with fear? Isn’t equally important to prop up young musicians and show them someone with power will be kind, will be supportive, will open doors for them?

There’s value in pragmatic, maybe even implicit, forms of “activism”, too. There’s value in championing life and love and kindness and joy and upholding it for the people who can’t uphold it for themselves. (And it’s especially meaningful coming from two people in such a historically abusive, conservative, homophobic industry.) There’s value in using your time in the spotlight for the benefit of your actual fans.

TL;DR I guess what I’m saying is, we all seem to uphold this gold standard of activism to the letter, and assume that anything less than that isn’t activism, isn’t authenticity, isn’t representation. But having such a rigid definition of “doing good” for a community negates the constant and consistent representation and good they’ve both fought to be able to do.

You said a lot more in your anon, but this is really all I have energy to answer. If it doesn’t change your mind, that’s okay. If it’s still not enough for you, that’s okay too. It doesn’t, and won’t ever, negate everything they’ve done for me and for others.

Maybe one day you’ll find your way back, or maybe you’ll find a couple that represents you the way you need to be represented. Until then, all the best. 🤍

[nicole-timey-wimey-stuff]

I Choose Us Every Time

Daryl Dixon x Reader

Young Daryl Dixon x Fem reader

Synopsis- short story based on the song Carry you home by Alex Warren.

No apocalypse AU! Artistic surfer girl meets southern boy and over summer they fall in love.

Warnings- Daryl’s abusive past, trauma, readers parents are overbearing but not bad parents, small amount soft smut so 18+ please, some suggestive parts too, no use of y/n, reader is described as female with female parts, but there’s no physical description of what she looks like, hurt, arguments, small amount of angst but with a happy ending.

Word count - 3250 ( this is short for me! Ha!)

________________________________________

It’s a Saturday evening, golden hour is in full glow. A hazy orange light illuminating everything as you walk through the meadow. Poppies dancing in the warm summer breeze, the red flower looking even brighter as the sun begins to set. This meadow is your happy place, its peaceful and quite, with only the sound of nature around you. This is where you come to ease your mind, to contemplate your worries and troubles to find some kind of solution. It’s also where you come if you want to read in peace, without the sound of your mother’s constant demands.

You find a good spot within the poppies, lay out your blanket and plonk yourself down. You’d been coming here a lot recently, trying to work out your thoughts and feelings, It’s been wearisome to say the least. When you’re young people tell you that you’ll meet your person, fall in love, settle down. That you’ll find a nice house, with a white picket fence, and you will grow old with them. They don’t tell you how messy the whole thing can be, that when you meet the one it could be someone your whole family doesn’t approve of or won’t approve of if you build up the courage to tell them anyways.

No they just tell you the good points, not the arguments, or the fighting of one’s feelings when you know it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Nor do they tell you that it hurts! Love it can hurt so bad sometimes that it feels like the whole chest is caving in. But yet, you needed to make a decision.

You’d been offered an amazing opportunity, one your parents have put their whole worlds on hold for, they put you through college, let you live at home so you could afford to chase those dreams you’d always wanted. But what if they weren’t what you wanted anymore? Because when it came to reality it wasn’t what you thought it was, or that the person you love can’t follow you down this path, your parents would be so disappointed in you, and humiliated. They have boasted to everyone in this middle class, little seaside town. “Our daughter has been given the job! She’s going to be an Art client Manager in Paris!!!” The job is managing the company’s client base, and finding them the highest quality fine art pieces. The best perk about the job was that it was in Paris, that and the fact it’s incredibly well salaried.

But when you studied art and music in college you didn’t want to find talent for others, you just wanted to be able to paint and write music while living by the ocean, Surfing in between the two, or swimming at sunset, maybe buy a camper-van and travel the world too. You wanted adventures and peace, not one adventure into a high stress job, one that pays so well you’ll never feel like you can leave, that felt like being trapped, not free.

It would also mean leaving Daryl behind, the boy who had stolen your heart. He’d moved here last summer, from a small town in the Georgian mountains. You’d arrived home for the summer after completing college, and bumped into him during your early morning surf session. He had been attempting to surf himself and after watching him fail several times, you’d decided to offer him some pointers.

“Hey! You’re trying to pop up too soon” you kinda shout across the beach “Huh?” He responds not really hearing you over the sea breeze, picking up your board under your arm you run over to him, “I said your trying to pop up too soon, so the wave is catching you off guard when it hits you, because you’ve gone too soon, that’s why you’re flying off” you explain, he gives you a slight nod “Yer an expert or sumthin’?” He asks, and you notice the hint of sarcasm under his southern twang.

“No, I wouldn’t call myself a pro by any means, but I’ve been surfing since I was eight, so I have a general grasp” you say, trying to stay friendly, you’d had countless lessons as a kid, then spent many days down here with your friends riding the days away. But you’d never taken it any further, just enjoying it as a hobby, something to let off steam.

“Would you like me to show you?” You offer, nodding in the general direction of the waves, “Yer ok” he agreed, what did he really have to loose, he wanted to learn and he’s yet to meet anyone his age to hang out with. Since moving here Merle was out most days on drug runs a few towns over, and as thankful as he was to Merle for getting them away from their abusive father, he got quite lonely sometimes. It was Merle who bought him the second hand surfboard, told him that most the kids his age around here surfed, and ‘Ta go make sum friends n’ shit’.

You showed him when to pop up, how to feel when the wave was close, you showed him where to place his feet and when it was safe/un safe to surf. He was a quick study and caught on in no time, after a few weeks of giving him lessons he had it down. After that he became your frequent surf buddy, which turned into constant hang out buddy and soon you were both spending nearly everyday together.

He told you about his past, how his dad was abusive, and how Merle had moved them here to get away from it. He showed you his scars, spoke about all the trauma he’d been through, generally letting you in, allowing you to get to know the real him. You’d opened up to him too, wanting him to know everything about you, you didn’t have a lot to compare to though, although annoying your parents had been very loving and supportive your whole life. It’s just that they were also very middle class and expected a certain amount from you in return, sometimes they could be a little snobbish, but as a general rule when it came to you, they meant well.

________________________________________

Laying on the beach together watching the sunset had become a favourite between you both, talking about dreams and big plans for the future. You’d told him how you wanted to see the world, even if it meant living in a campervan. He told you he just wanted to stay in this peace forever, this was his dream, getting away from his dad, making friends and having a real life. “I’m happy fer once ya know, a life away from constant fear n’ pain, n’ a life with yer” he mumbles out the last part.

You smile to yourself before lifting your head up to meet his beautiful blue eyes, he looked so nervous, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth. “You going to kiss me then Dixon or what?” You grin. Sitting up he crashes his lips into yours in a somewhat clumsy kiss, but still it’s perfect to you. As you both lay back down, huge grins on your faces, you link your fingers together, taking his hand in your own, as you go back to watching the sun go down, while listening to the waves gently crashing onto the shore.

After that night you made it official, starting a real relationship, which was a first for both you and him. Nights were spent in his run down wooden beach shack, sweating under the sheets as you learnt each others bodies, and enjoying the pleasure that came with that. The feel of his hips flush with yours, the way he’d place his forehead against your own, fingers interlacing by your head as he picked up the pace, thrusting into you faster and harder as you both started to reach your peak. You were both learning what it meant to fall in love, to feel the rush, that passion which came from giving yourself to another completely.

Letting out breathless moans against your mouth, you knew he was close, his pace becoming sloppy, moving his hand down between you, he rubbed your little bundle of nerves causing you to whimper “Come on darlin’ yer so close I can feel ya, need yer to cum for me, shit! Please baby, need yer ta let go” he whines, the added friction and his words send you over the edge fluttering around him, he follows just behind painting your insides with his spend.

Pulling out and panting beside you he lets out a small giggle, it’s still a mystery to him how he got you. This amazing girl! You were so clever, funny, talented and so so beautiful. Yet somehow you chose him, he doesn’t understand it but he’s too happy to question it. Laying there in the afterglow those three words float around his mind, he knows he feels them but he’s never been good with words. “What you thinking about baby? I can hear your brain working from here” you tease, “I’m thinkin’ that I love yer” he admits. You smile at him before pulling him in for a soft kiss, “I love you too”.

________________________________________

That was almost a year ago now, you’d spent everyday together since. Falling deeper in love, getting to know each other inside and out. Even Merle began to like you, you’d made his brother happy and that was enough for him. Everything was going well, you’d found a part time job at your local craft store, which gave you 50% off all art supplies. You carried on playing the violin in your free time, and running small orchestras and music clubs with the local kids and teens.

You were finishing up practice when you noticed Daryl leaning against the door. You give him a small smile, before handing the kids their sheet music, telling them what to practice at home before your next meeting.

Walking up to you after the last kid leaves he wraps his arms around your waist “Yer good with those kids, yer shud be a teacher or sumin’” he says into your neck, placing a sweet kiss just below your ear. “You think?” You respond, wrapping your arms around his. “Yah most definitely” he murmurs placing more kisses down your neck, “Merles out tonight, think yer shud come back to mine” you laugh at his antics, “Oh really?” You tease, “ummhmm” he mumbles, “Ok come on then” you laugh, pulling him out the door.

You’d yet to tell your parents that you and Daryl were an item, the main reason was how much they disapproved of your friendship with him. They knew you spent a lot of time together, but they believed the two of you were still just friends. There had been a lot of talk in the town about the Dixons, and your mother loved to listen to gossip. They knew what Merle did for money, they had presumed Daryl sold drugs too, but after seeing the two of you together all the time, or him at the beach everyday, never doing anything suspicious, they soon realised that he was not.

Still, talk about the ‘red necks’ was a constant in this town, you always stood up for them of course, and as time went on Daryl had earned the respect of many. He had helped paint his elderly neighbours fence, not asking for anything in return. He’d helped fix your mums friend Mrs Franklins car when it broke down at the side of the road, again never asking for anything in return. So things were now a lot better than they used to be, still some people including your mother thought he was up to no good, or eventually he’d do something wrong or illegal.

It was no excuse though, you should have told your parents about him. You loved him for christ sake, you just didn’t want an argument with your parents. Basically you were being a coward and it was driving a wedge between you and Daryl. During the last argument you didn’t even try to defend yourself, you knew you were in the wrong, that he had every right to be upset with you.

And that led you to now, sitting in the poppies contemplating everything.

You got the call this afternoon informing you that you’d gotten the job. You were yet to tell Daryl, it was looming over you like a thick fog of poison gas, ready to choke the happiness out of you. You knew it would be another argument and you were tired, he’d tell you to go say it was too good of an opportunity to miss out on, but you didn’t want to go you didn’t want to live without him. The very thought was causing you so much pain, you didn’t ever think you would fall in love, now you were sat here too scared to loose it.

It then dawned on you, you needed to tell your parents about him, and you needed to do it now! Getting up you grab your blanket, screwing it up into some carry-able state and shoving it under your arm, before racing home.

The house is very quiet upon your arrival, still and peaceful in contrast to the havoc playing in your mind. Walking in to the kitchen you blurt out “Mum, Dad, Daryl and I are together, we’ve been in a romantic relationship for the past year and I should have told you sooner, but I was scared and now the only thing I’m scared of is loosing him. So I needed to tell you”. Your dad calmly places his newspaper down and looks at you, your mum stands there mouth open eyes wide.

“A year!! A year you’ve been involved with that redneck boy! And you didn’t think to tell us! My goodness child! Why him? He’s no good! He will ruin you!” Your mother rants, “Ruin me how?” You yell back, “Well what happens when you two become intimate huh? No one else will ever want you after that, you’ll ruin yourself for anyone else” she cries, “Mum it’s been a year” you deadpan, how can she even think you two haven’t been intimate. She just looks at you confused, “Mum that ship has long sailed” you laugh completely bewildered. “You’ve been…” she gestures with her hands “God mum, yes obviously it’s been a year and for the record I don’t want anyone else!” you sigh, completely embarrassed by the turn this conversation has taken.

“Look I love him, I really love him. You told me I’d find true love one day and I have. He means everything to me and all I’m asking is that you give him a chance.” You plead, looking towards your dad “Yeah ok sweetheart, we will give him a chance won’t we Judy” you dad says to your mum. She gapes at him in shock before storming out of the room “You just need to give her time kiddo, I’ve heard the good that boys done around here, and I'm willing to give him a chance” he explains, you rush to give him a tight hug “Ok thank you dad”.

________________________________________

Pulling up outside Daryl’s home you take in a deep breath, you needed to see him after all that, and you needed to give your mum a breather. Upon hearing your car he opens his front door, looking at you sadly.

“Hey” you whisper,

“Hey, look I dun wanna fight anymore” he pleads. You shake your head, “No me either, I umm…… I told mum and dad about us” you declare.

“Yeah? N’ how did they take tha?” He asks, “Dad took it well, said he’s happy for us and is gonna give it a chance, mum needs time to cool down but it went better than expected” you explain. He nods,

“Come ere’” he says opening his arms, you don’t waste anytime running into his comforting embrace, nuzzling your face into his neck as tears escape your eyes. Hearing your sniffles he comforts you “Hey hey, it’s ok, we’re fine, we will always be fine”.

“I have something else to tell you, I got a call today, I got a job offer in Paris as a Fine Art client manager, but before you tell me to go do it, I don’t want too” you sniffle, pulling back to meet his gaze, “I don’t, I want to be here with you, I don’t want to feel trapped in a busy city job the other side of the world, I want to have a home with you where I can paint, maybe be a music or art teacher?” You explain. “When did yer find out?” He asks, “About 4 hours ago, mums already told half the street!” You grumble, he huffs out a laugh, “Yer I can imagine tha” he smiles.

“I want you and us Daryl, no matter what I need you to know, in this and every life, I choose us every time” you admit.

He smiles pulling you in closer again, “Ok, just yer and me yah? I got a job today at the garage, I start in a few months when the other guy retires, is a few months enough time to travel?” He asks. “Wow baby that’s amazing! Well done, I’m so proud of you! Yes a few months is plenty of time” you grin. He crashes his lips against yours in a sweet, passionate kiss, you knew then that it would all work out.

6 Months Later

Since returning home from your travels a lot had changed, the best thing was that you and Daryl got married while away. Grabbing an elderly couple of friends to be witnesses, the two ladies were more than happy to support ‘young love’. It was the best day of your life, you wore a white cotton dress, rainbow shoes and you celebrated after with cheap diner burgers, milkshakes and cheesecake. Before making love camping under the stars.

Upon arriving home you told your parents the news, your dad was happy for you, your mother took some convincing, but things are better now. You’d managed to get a job as the music teacher at the local school, and so far it’s been amazing, they are very impressed with you and have offered you the role as art teacher too. Daryl is doing great at the motor shop and things for the first time are looking great, you’ve even bought your first house together, a little two bedroom house down the road from your parents, it’s not much but it’s your first home together and you’re both incredibly excited about that.

You’re currently getting ready for Christmas dinner at your parents house, your first big event as a couple, you will get to show off your new husband to the rest of your family and friends. “Babe, can you grab my red purse from the closet please?” You ask, “Yah sure” he says reaching up and grabbing it with ease, before presenting it to you.

“I can’t believe we are here, first formal dinner as husband and wife with my family. Who would have thought it a year ago hey?” You ask, teasing smile on your lips. “Nah, I always knew we’d be here, I knew you were it for me that first day on the beach”.

[heythetan]

thinking about Summer and Morty's sibling relationship....

teensy eensy spoilers for the new ep (wet kuat amortican summer)

idk just something about how it was portrayed in the latest episode felt so real. as an older sibling I relate hard to how Summer feels, how she sees Morty get everything seemingly for free. the way she's torn between being a good role model and support structure and feeling bitter because Morty is, quite frankly, a little shit sometimes. the fact that Morty IS a little shit because he thinks SUMMER has it better.

they're both jealous of each other, which is THE MOST older/younger sibling thing ever. Morty being spoiled because he's younger but also not getting the same amount of freedom or respect. Summer having to work a lot harder than Morty for things, but also being treated more like an equal. Obv it's a sci-fi comedy cartoon so these dynamics are stretched and exaggerated, yknow. to fit the fact that these family members murder aliens every other day. but at its core its just two siblings beefing it out over dumb shit.

What is compelling to me personally, as an older sibling who has had this exact argument (well, maybe not this EXACT argument) is the fact that Summer really, REALLY wants to be a good older sister to Morty. but she has to work harder than him, and it's so infinitely frustrating when your younger sibling can't or refuses to recognize that. it's not their fault, they don't have the scope or perspective necessary to fully understand those First Child Issues™, but it's annoying nonetheless. and it's the same the other way, too!! being the younger sibling sucks ass in unique ways.

and Morty has a SHITTON of other issues, with his parents but mostly with Rick (who is the person they're both competing over) that Summer just won't ever understand, because she doesn't have that very specific and very toxic relationship with Rick that Morty does. there's something to be said about the layers upon layers of codependency and abuse that is brought into the mix, complicating everyone's relationships to each other, but I just wanted to focus on specifically Morty and Summer, less their respective relationships with Rick. And I need to stop talking about that, cuz that's a whole other can of worms that I don't wanna get into rn cuz otherwise this post is gonna be 10x longer.

but anyways, what I find truly heartwarming is the way these two manage to come together and connect despite their disagreements. I think the first time it really stood out to me was when Summer wanted to leave in Rixty Minutes. MORTY was the person to go after her and make her stay with the whole "nobody exists on purpose" speech. it was one of the first major uses of that sort of optimistic nihilism/found family theme that this show is known for. Theres also a shitton of smaller examples, but the first one to come to mind is that moment in Morty's Mindblowers where, after Beth chooses Summer— Summer looks to Morty with such concern. Beth just looks sheepish. (i think about that moment a lot). the new episode was basically a sci-fi body horror rendition of the siblings being handcuffed together trope. their bond is honestly probably the strongest healthy relationship in the series.

it was good to see Summer finally relax in her role as "older sibling", because all she really needed was reassurance from Rick that just because he loves her differently doesn't mean he loves her less.

[kindheart525]

What are Nee and Dur’s adult lives like?

I’m so glad you asked, thank you so much! I previously joked that Nee and Dur were “in and out of jail and fleeing from the law” as adults, but that’s not exactly true. In reality they’re doing very well, no longer going on grandiose Mr. Frog-style rampages that make national news but now settled down and running a humble little laundromat. They’ve really turned themselves around.

That’s what the public sees, anyway. The real story is that their antics got them in a lot of trouble that only mounted as they got older. Their habit of biting people as children evolved into serious criminal offenses as they entered adulthood, in a lifestyle that was not sustainable. See, their childhood idol Mr. Frog can get away with such extreme violence because he’s a beloved TV star and former President of the United States, but ordinary citizens like Nee and Dur don’t enjoy such immunity. It eventually came to a point where the law caught up with them and they were facing life in prison, or even the death penalty.

They got out of it, of course. Daddy Pim had to blow his life savings on legal fees, but he managed to get their life-ruining sentences whittled down to 5 years + community service, because money fixes everything in this society. However, the experience made both Nee and Dur realize that they couldn’t carry on committing crimes in the open like this, because Daddy Pim was now dry on legal funds and next time they wouldn’t be so lucky. Knowing his boys needed help getting back on their feet, Pim suggested they establish a charity or business of sorts that serves the community in a positive way, much like the Smiling Friends company does. It would teach them how to care for their fellow citizens and grow as critters, he reasoned. 

So here they are running a laundromat, helping the community keep their clothes clean while keeping their images clean. It totally isn’t a money laundering front. I mean, laundromat, money laundering? That’s too on the nose. They aren’t that dumb. And so what if customers randomly disappear sometimes? They just operate in a bad neighborhood! It’s just a coincidence that everyone who’s disappeared had a particularly bad experience with the laundromat, or perhaps expressed unfounded suspicion about the business’s integrity. All of that has nothing to do with Nee and Dur. No, the Pimling Brothers are better than that. They’ve changed!

In all seriousness, Nee and Dur could never truly live a life free of crime. They would rather die than be deprived of the thrill of immorality. After Pim inadvertently planted the seed, it was Nee’s idea to establish the laundromat and he is also the one who interacts with the public the most. He has a certain charisma that easily deflects suspicion and makes folks believe he’s trustworthy and innocent. It’s how he got himself and his brother out of trouble with their dad, teachers, and other authority figures when they were young, and the skill is still serving him well now. You’ll often hear of Nee offering free laundry services for the local fire department or paying for dinners for the local hospital staff. In this way he’s spreading smiles like Daddy Pim wanted, and he does genuinely enjoy it. Not enough to quit crime, but it’s a nice bonus. While Nee came up with the idea, Dur is the muscle behind it, working behind the scenes to keep things running, including engaging in all the shady business deals that are the true reason this laundromat exists. He’s the Saul Goodman type, able to weasel his way into all the best deals and to keep the exorbitant amounts of money flowing no matter how much he’s screwing over others. 

While Nee’s people skills would not amount to much without Dur’s undercover dealings, Dur would be nowhere without Nee’s ingenious ideas and excellent deflection skills that allow him to do the work he does without trouble. It’s what makes them such a great team, knowing exactly what the other needs to succeed without even having to say so. It’s that twin intuition. And of course, when their work makes it necessary to kill (the definition of “necessary” being VERY loose), they’re both all in just like their childhood hero, just with better cover-up skills.

Does Daddy Pim know what’s really going on? Or their sisters? How would this affect the Smiling Friends if the truth came out? None of that matters because they won’t get in trouble. They’ve learned from last time. Plus, their family members know better than to ask questions. Sure, Pim might start to worry a little when he reads an article about the latest unsolved murder in town, but that could have been anything. He ought not to be so mistrusting of his darling boys. They wouldn’t do that anymore. But if they did, he can’t save them this time, so he’d rather not know.

[warabidakihime]

Lost in Paradise: Chapter 1

★ characters: uzui tengen x reader X sanemi shinazugawa | modern au ★ plot summary: what happens when two people are left alone in a deserted island with no way of communicating with the outside world? they fall in love, of course. ★ fic playlist: TBA ★ content warnings : smut, profanity, implied adultery/cheating, slightly graphic.

a/n: aaaand here's the first chapter! thank you so much for waiting and thank you for all the likes, reblogs and comments! they made me really happy. means a lot, so thank you thank you. <3 i am genuinely surprised that the prologue is doing well considering this is a pretty cliche plot lol but i will do my best!

as always, comments and feed backs are highly appreciated! &lt;3

-

Murmurs may be heard from a distance, but Sanemi couldn't comprehend what they were saying, let alone who was speaking. He generally has excellent hearing, but they all sound like they're chewing their words.

He could also feel great pain all throughout his body, as if he were being hurled around or slammed against a wall, but he couldn't quite express his discomfort; it's like there was tape plastered on his lips, preventing him from being able to speak.

This has been going on for, who knows, how long? It's as if he's imprisoned in a horrible sleep paralysis, and no matter how hard he tries to get free, he still can't break free.

"What did they say? "

"Nothing," Obanai shook his head, scorn on his face as he scrolled through his phone, "if they can't locate any more survivors in the next five days, they'll declare everyone else dead or MIA."

"No way..."

Mitsuri clenched her hands around her lips, tears streaming down her cheeks.

It's been a week since your plane crashed, and thankfully, Sanemi survived. He fell immediately into the water, but because he was wearing a life vest, he managed to live. He did, however, have a severe spinal injury as a result of how hard he fell. He was unconscious by the time the rescuers found him three days after the incident.

Even though your two best friends wanted to rejoice over your fiance's survival, they couldn't since you were still missing.

According to the news, the plane you were on had mechanical flaws that were not detected by the crew, so the pilot was unable to execute an emergency landing until you were well into your journey. He lost control of the plane, which ultimately exploded and plummeted in the middle of the ocean.

It's been a week since the catastrophe, and the rescuers have been working constantly, but they have yet to discover you and a few other passengers. In truth, there were far more victims than survivors.

Although the doctor indicated that he is presently in stable condition, he is not fully out of the woods because he will require additional tests once he finally wakes up. Given the severity of his fall, there is a good chance that he is fully paralyzed from the waist down to his feet. There's also the possibility  that he'll remain in a vegetative state, considering Sanemi suffered from severe brain damage as well.

Obanai isn't the kind of person who likes to openly display his emotions, but every time he looks at his best friend, tears well up in his eyes, and his chest tightens with tremendous grief and worry for his dear friend.

He finds it extra difficult to look at Sanemi since he isn't used to seeing him in this way. His friend has always been boisterous and outgoing, but now that he's in the hospital, he's nearly lifeless and barely recognizable due to several facial injuries, a fractured neck, and a shattered jaw.

And the thought of telling him that you did not survive the plane accident would always send him into a tailspin.

With a heavy and unsteady exhale, he shifted his gaze away from Sanemi and back to his lover, pulling her into a tight hug. And as they collided, Mitsuri could hear Obanai's shaky breathing, meaning he was going through another panic attack.

"They still have five days to find Y/N. Let's not assume they won't find her; instead, let's trust they will. And by the time she returns, Sanemi will have regained consciousness, and we will be by their side as they recuperate." Obanai told Mitsuri as he comforted her.

Every word he spoke was laced with a prayer, hoping that it would strengthen their wish and that you would be able to hear them and finally come back home safely.

-

“Y/N!!!”

You screamed as you bolted awake from your deep slumber

"Oh, you're finally awake." 

You jerked your head towards the unknown voice, but before you could see who it was, you felt a tremendous amount of sharpshooting pain all throughout your body. Thankfully, Tengen was fast to respond to you despite his own injuries.

"Be careful; your wounds haven't completely healed, and you have a fractured leg and hips."

Since you were so preoccupied with grasping practically everything, his words did nothing except fly over your head.

The last thing you recalled was sleeping on Sanemi's shoulder when you heard the pilot's announcement, followed by a thunderous explosion from the plane's tail, and now you're in the middle of nowhere with a stranger.

Tengen knelt at your level but kept his distance so as not to scare or overwhelm you because you're already taking in so much in such a short space of time.

"Given that we're stranded on an island with very few resources, I could only give you treatments that were plausible, but I think it's safe to say you're out of the woods. At least for now. You were lucky your injuries were only minor to moderate," the man in front of you explained softly as he fixed the makeshift splint he made for your right leg and hips.

"A-ahh—" you winced as you felt pain in your hips. Tengen peered at you with worried eyes.

"I'm sorry, but please bear with me for a while; I'm just adjusting the splint; nevertheless, please let me know if the discomfort is too intense."

"Where are we? A-and who are you?"

"I was one of the passengers on the plane. We were flying over the ocean when the aircraft malfunctioned and crashed. I somehow ended up being drifted by the current to this island. Unfortunately, I don't know where exactly we are, but two days after the incident, I saw you drifting near the shore. It's been five days since then," Tengen explained.

"Five days plus the other two days make it a week since the plane crash."

Panic began to loom over you as you remembered one crucial thing, and then you began to glance around for your fiance, only to be confronted with nothing but the ocean and a desolate island, and your heart sank.

"What about Sanemi? I-I mean, when you saw me drifting in the sea, were you able to find another passenger? His name is Sanemi; he's my fiancé; he has white hair and very prominent features, and as far as I can remember, we were really close when the plane exploded. P-Please tell me you were able to rescue him as well."

You were sobbing and yelling at the innocent man at this point, hoping and praying that Sanemi was also safe and sound.

"At the very least, tell me he's alive! He has to be!"

Tengen's pained expression deepened, as did his sadness for you, as he watched you spiral as you looked for your partner, as if he'd appear if you squinted harder.

To be honest, you were really fortunate to survive with only minor to moderate injuries. A catastrophe of such magnitude is almost certain to kill everyone involved in an instant or, at the very least, cause long-term complications.

"I checked the perimeter of the island to see if there were any more stray passengers, but sadly, you were the first and last one I spotted. I’m sorry"

“No… That can’t be.”

Despite being a doctor–a healthcare provider, Tengen's ability to comfort others was not his greatest strength; in fact, he had very weak communication skills. He normally relies on the nurses at the hospital where he works for assistance if one of his patients needs a shoulder to lean on.

Tengen sat there frozen, feeling dumb, as you sank further into your emotions, big tears streaming down your cheeks as you grieved for your lover.

"This is hardly good news, but hear me out: as long as we're both safe, we can still get out of this, and who knows, maybe your fiance is also safe; for sure, they're still performing rescue operations, and maybe your fiance was located and saved. Let's try our best to survive till help arrives, okay?"

While you processed his words, silence prevailed in the area. It's possible that Sanemi received help sooner and is already back home, most likely healing from his own injuries and trauma.

Maybe he's alive and well and is waiting for you to come home.

Or he's already sixty feet deep in the ocean, lifeless. 

"Ah, no–" You shook your intrusive thoughts away as fast as they came. You looked like a cartoon character as you did that.

Tengen was taken aback by the abrupt and out-of-character gesture (considering your current predicament). As he watched you and waited for you to process your emotions, a small voice resonated from his head.

Cute

And as quickly as the thought occurred to him, he slapped it away. You're bawling your eyes out, longing for your partner, and he's checking you out?

So not the time, and not to mention, you're both taken.

Just like you, he's already in a "committed" relationship with someone.

He was on his way to Rome to attend school for six months, as his father had commanded since they were aiming to grow their business. Being a doctor had never been his dream and was only forced onto him by his father since his family came from a clan of doctors, so naturally, he "should" follow suit. 

He was dreading the day he will leave for school, but one thing that enticed him was the fact that he will go alone and Makio will stay in Japan; then came the plane crash and your current situation.

Not that he loves his own wife in the same way you do your fiance, for he and Makio married for convenience and their parents' desires. It may sound so wrong and so morbid, but he feels slightly relieved that he was finally granted the space he has been yearning for.

It's as if he wished for the plane crash to happen just to get away from the people who continue to tether him to the ground with their selfish reasons.

You have finally managed to calm down. Albeit still feeling like shit, a small part of you feels a bit more optimistic.

"Sorry for lashing out on you like that."

Tengen smiled and said, "It's okay. Your feelings are valid."

After your (rightful) emotional outburst, you finally have it in you to properly face the kind stranger who helped you.

"My name's y/n, l/n y/n, and you are?"

"Uzui Tengen. I'm a doctor, by the way, so you're at least assured you're in good hands." Tengen said with a chuckle, "Thank you. I really appreciate your help."

"You're welcome. Now, let's get you situated. While you were still unconscious, I was trying to catch fish so that we could eat together. I've managed to catch a few; let me just start a fire so we can finally cook them. You’re still fairly injured, so just take it easy for now."

“Okay…”

Tengen was ready to go to work on the campfire when he turned around and extended his hand in your direction.

"What?" you said as you gazed up at him, perplexed.

"Nice to meet you, y/n," the man in front of you said as he initiated a handshake with you.

"Nice to meet you as well," you said sheepishly.

As you watched Tengen prepare the campfire and, basically, your turf that will be your home for god knows how long, your mind continued to wander.

Tears well up in your eyes as you think of Sanemi, even more so when your gaze lands on your engagement ring.

"Nemi..." you whimpered as you continued to stare at the vast ocean.

More tears came down your face as horror, worry, and loneliness continued to hit you relentlessly as you yearned heavily for the love of your life.

If you are truly safe and sound at home, please come rescue me as soon as possible, Sanemi.

-

Taglist: @sulli1361 @honey--blade@smileykiddie08 @i-simp-for-giyuu @babygirl-panda19 @hypnocountrymusicfunnyfan @exodarkwolf16 @qdreamueen @vesta-ro

[cosmerelists]

Ranking Vin’s Kills by Level of Awesome

[Major Spoilers for Mistborn Era 1--all books!]

Previously, I ranked Kaladin’s Dramatic Entrances, for he is a boy who loves himself a dramatic entrance. Let’s now turn to a different series and a different character: Vin. Vin may not love killing--despite Zane’s best efforts to the contrary--but she sure does kill a lot, and often quite dramatically. So let’s rank those moments of death by how awesome I found them!

#10: The Wolf Dog :( 

TenSoon may be awesome, and Soonie Pups may be adorable, but everyone’s favorite big fluffy wolfdog kandra had a dark beginning. Vin buys a big wolf dog at market, and then kills it so that TenSoon can have the body. It’s just a little bit sad, you know? Definitely not my favorite Vin murder.

#9: All of Keep Hasting

On the one hand, there is something darkly impressive about Zane and Vin simply mowing down the entirety of Keep Hasting while trying to get to Cett--all 300 people. But in the end, it turns out that Cett isn’t an allomancer at all and Zane was just trying to get Vin to love killing more. So in the end, it was just a lot of death to no good purpose (although I suppose Cett does withdraw...).

#8: Inquisitors with Koloss Armies 

At the end of Book 1, Kelsier has an epic fight against an Inquisitor, whom he barely manages to defeat. The Inquisitors are presented as basically unkillable, and it is shocking that Kelsier is able to defeat even one. But by Book 3, Elend and Vin are able to go toe to toe with inquisitors, killing them and then taking control of the Koloss armies they commanded on a pretty regular basis. It definitely shows how extremely powerful they’ve become.

#7:  A Koloss Army 

In the climax of Book 2, Luthadel is under attack by some twenty-thousand koloss. At this point, Vin’s power has not yet reached the “almost casually kill inquisitors with my husband” levels, and there is a definite sense of horrible inevitability as the koloss gradually kill, well, everyone. But then Vin arrives--just in time to save Sazed’s life. She then uses the entire city gate as a club and just smashes the entire courtyard clear of koloss. I mean, there is some fridge horror here as we later learn that the koloss are just people, but still. It’s quite an epic moment.

#6: Twelve Inquisitors, All At Once

In the climax of Book 3, Vin is attacked by twelve inquisitors and also by Marsh. There’s a gut-wrenching scene of Marsh torturing her by systematically breaking her bones until he is able to wrest back just enough control to rip out her earring, finally freeing her from Ruin’s control. And then Vin is infused by the mists and manages to just...demolish all of inquisitors (other than Marsh) with ease. 

#5: Shan Elariel

All of those fights are pretty impressive, but they tend to be against unnamed groups of people (and one wolf puppy 😞). For me, the one-on-one fights aginst named characters are the most awesome. So let’s move into those memorable fights! First up is Shan, Elend’s first fiancee. This is, I believe, one of Vin’s first fights against another Mistborn, and one who also possesses Atium. Vin manages to win by tricking Shan into thinking that her own Atium ran out by extinguishing it early, giving her an edge. 

#4: Zane

Speaking of Vin doing interesting things when her opponent has Atium...there’s the Zane fight. Zane has Atium and Vin doesn’t. Vin manages to get a little bit thanks to TenSoon’s help...but it isn’t enough. In the end, Zane is the only one burning Atium, which usually means the other person is toast. But Vin manages to, like, fake out the Atium so that Zane’s own foresight works against him. I don’t 100% understand how she does this, but it is undeniably awesome. 

#3: Straff Venture

Listen, Straff is the worst. This fight isn’t epic in turns of being an exciting, blow-by-blow, who-will-win sort of affair. It’s awesome because by this point, I really, REALLY wanted Straff Venture to die already. And then Vin cuts him in half with a giant koloss blade. I mean. 

(A shame about the horse, though. 😞 When will Vin stop killing innocent animals?)

#2: The Lord Ruler

It doesn’t get much more impressive than killing the immortal god-king who has been ruling untouched for centuries. But Vin does it. In Book One. After the Lord Ruler rips out her earring, she is able to call upon the mists. She rips out all of his feruchemical bracelets and then just...kills him with a wooden spear. 

#1: Ati

But there is one thing more impressive than killing the immortal god-king who has been ruling untouched for centuries. And that’s killing a god--or at least his vessel. Vin becomes god herself when she takes up the shard of Preservation, and then attacks Ruin in a self-sacrificing attack that cancels out their powers, killing them both. I suppose that, ala Kaladin, the only person who could kill Vin was, well, Vin.