#Corey comes second in Animated

[unicomix]

❤💜🖤All Hail Lord Megatron🖤💜❤

[wherescody]

back marks

Cody Rhodes stood in front of the mirror in his locker room, rolling his shoulders and wincing slightly. His back was a patchwork of faint red marks, standing out against the usual bruises from training and matches. He smirked to himself. If only the WWE Universe knew the real reason behind them.

"Yo, Cody, you ready?" a voice called from the hallway.

"Yeah, be right there!" he replied, shaking his head as he grabbed his ring jacket.

Just then, YN peeked into the room, her eyes immediately locking onto his back. Her face turned pink. "Oh my gosh… Cody."

He turned with an amused expression. "What?"

She rushed in, grabbing his arm and turning him toward her. "What? Look at you! Your back looks like you wrestled a wild animal!"

Cody chuckled. "Technically, I did—and I lost." He winked, making her groan and bury her face in her hands.

"This is so embarrassing," she muttered.

Cody gently pulled her hands away, grinning. "Hey, don’t be shy now. You weren’t exactly holding back last night."

YN swatted at his chest. "Stop!"

He laughed, leaning in. "I kinda like it, you know."

She blinked. "The marks?"

Cody nodded. "Yeah. They’re proof that you’re my toughest opponent." His voice was teasing but warm.

YN groaned, hiding her face again. "You’re gonna be the end of me."

Cody pressed a quick kiss to the top of her head. "Nah. But you are gonna be the reason I wrestle tonight with some extra battle scars."

Before she could protest, the PA system blared: "Cody Rhodes, to gorilla position. You're up next!"

Cody slung his weight belt over his shoulder, starting toward the door but pausing to glance back at her. She was still standing there, chewing her lip, looking equal parts flustered and guilty.

He smirked. "Don’t worry, babe. I’ll handle my opponent… and later, you can help me recover."

And with that, he walked out, leaving YN standing there, heart racing and face burning.

Yeah… she was definitely in trouble.

YN paced Cody's locker room, nervously biting her nail as the Monday Night Raw main event played on the monitor. Every slap, every suplex, every brutal landing made her wince.

Especially when Seth Rollins, ever the opportunist, noticed Cody’s back.

"Ohhh, what happened there?" Corey Graves' voice rang out on commentary. "Looks like Cody went through a war before he even stepped in the ring!"

YN nearly died on the spot.

"Oh my gosh," she whispered.

As if things couldn’t get worse, Seth pointed at Cody’s back mid-match and smirked. Then, in classic Rollins fashion, he dramatically ran his fingers across the scratches.

Cody let out a grunt of pain but powered through, eventually hitting Cross Rhodes for the win. The second the bell rang, YN rushed toward the curtain, ready to check on him.

When he finally stepped through, sweaty and exhausted, she was already fussing. "Are you okay?! Did that hurt?!"

Cody blinked at her, then laughed. "That? Babe, I get hit with steel steps for a living. A few love taps aren’t gonna break me."

She groaned. "Cody, they talked about your back on commentary."

He smirked. "Oh, I heard."

YN’s face burned. "I hate you."

He chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist. "No, you don’t. But I do need a shower. Care to keep me company?"

She gasped, shoving him playfully. "You just wrestled a whole match. I’m not coming near you until you wash off all that sweat."

He smirked, leaning in. "That’s fine… but just so you know, once I do get cleaned up, I might just have to return the favor."

YN’s heart nearly stopped.

Cody winked, grabbed his towel, and headed toward the showers, leaving her standing there, flustered beyond belief.

She was so in trouble.

YN sat on the hotel bed, hugging a pillow to her chest as she replayed the events of the night over and over.

Cody’s scratched-up back on full display. Seth Rollins mocking him in the ring. The commentary team making it worse for millions to hear.

She groaned, burying her face in the pillow. "So embarrassing…"

Just then, the bathroom door swung open, and there stood Cody Rhodes—fresh out of the shower, towel slung low on his hips, steam rolling behind him. His damp blond hair curled slightly, and a knowing smirk played at his lips as he rubbed his neck.

"So, wanna tell me why you’re pouting?"

YN peeked at him, still mortified. "Because I basically exposed you to the entire WWE Universe!"

Cody chuckled, crossing his arms. "Babe, it’s not that deep." He took a step closer, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "If anything, I think it’s kinda funny."

YN groaned. "Cody, Seth Rollins saw them. Corey Graves saw them! The entire world saw them!"

Cody sat down beside her, leaning in. "And? Now everyone knows I have the toughest manager around."

YN’s breath caught in her throat.

Before she could respond, Cody gently took the pillow from her hands and tossed it aside. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he tilted her chin up.

"Though," he murmured, lips just inches from hers, "I think it’s only fair I win this round."

Her stomach flipped. "Cody…"

"What’s wrong, sweetheart?" he teased, brushing his nose against hers. "Shy now?"

Her heart pounded as he lightly tapped her nose with his finger, smirking.

"You left scratches," he whispered. "So maybe I should leave a little reminder, too."

YN let out a shaky breath, knowing full well she was so in for it.

And by the time the sun rose, she had a feeling Cody Rhodes would get his revenge.

[pandora-writes-one-piece]

The Meet Cute - Law's Story - 3

Source for pic

The Great Pretender 3

Word Count: 3599

Tags For The Whole Story: Fem!Reader; Law is a soft dom; you have bratty tendencies (not all the time); voice kink; praise kink; cursing; very suggestive behaviour and innuendo from the start; sexual tension; teasing; so much flirting; romance; slow-burn; fluff; slight angst; mature audiences (though explicit NSFW moments will be properly tagged on the chapter); possessive Law; protective Law; soft Law; teasing Law; manipulative Doflamingo; inappropriate Doflamingo; fake relationship trope; only one-bed trope; reader has some anxiety issues; reader is a control freak and perfectionist; modern day AU

Special Warning: English is not my first language, I apologise for any possible spelling or grammar mistakes.

Summary: After moving away from the hustle and bustle of Grand Line City to help your father around the property following a horse-riding accident - and in the hopes of healing your broken heart after your asshole ex-fiancé cheated - you settle into the country calmness of the Calm Belt. You and Law (your father's doctor) start to build a flirty friendship because of your father’s procedure. So much so that when he’s invited to Baby 5’s wedding (his cousin), he asks you to be his date. His uncle Doflamingo - who is filthy rich - is very adamant on finding a suitable wife for him. Seeing as he wants to avoid that, he asks you to pretend to be his girlfriend for the weekend.

Notes: Chapter 3 is now up! Let's enjoy these simple interactions before everything becomes fun complicated, shall we?

Tag List: @rosidaze @beachaddict48 @armiliadawn @jintaka-hane @sprinkklz @baby5555 @hopelesslover06

Masterlist

|Chapter 2| | |Chapter 4|

You barely sleep all night. Every moan or noise coming from your father wakes you up. If he grunts in pain, you are by his side in a second. You keep checking to see if he’s feverish, cold, asleep or awake, struggling or sleeping soundly…

You are even more exhausted than yesterday.

When the morning nurse comes to check on him, you excuse yourself to get some breakfast and to go to the property to check on the animals or see if Ace needs any help. You gulp down a huge cup of coffee before leaving, though, hoping that it gives you enough energy to handle the rest of the day.

When you get home, Ace tells you he has everything under control and you should just go rest. You don’t rest, but you take a well-deserved shower, change clothes, have breakfast, drink another big cup of coffee and go back to the hospital. You have this day off work as well and then it’s the weekend so you can stay by your father’s side the whole day. 

As you reach the hospital, you have another coffee and this time you feel it kick in as exhaustion is pushed to the back of your mind and you feel a bit more ready to tackle the day. 

“Hey, dad. I’m back.” You say as you enter the room and sit by the chair. “How do you feel?”

He grins. “Much better. The nurse bathed me.”

Your smile quickly turns into a frown. “Are you serious?” 

“Yeah, bug. And then she gave me some more drugs because my back was throbbing like hell, and now I’m suuuuuper fine.”

You want to keep giving him an annoyed look, but you can’t help but chuckle at his silliness. “You’re incorrigible dad.”

He nods and grabs the remote, leaving it on some news channel. “Bug, you look like shit.”

The frown is back on your face in the blink of an eye. “Dad!”

“Sorry, but you do! Have you slept?” His gaze leaves the TV to settle on you again.

“I… I… a bit!” You stammer. “But I drank coffee, I’m fine!”

“Your eye bags say otherwise.” He shrugs. “Lean back, bug. Sleep a little bit. Or go home. I’m fine.”

You shake your head, cross your arms and stare at the uninteresting show with the highlights of some football game. “I’m not sleepy.”

“How many coffees have you had?” His voice is stern so you avoid his gaze.

“Some.”

“Bug…”

“Three! I’m fine!” Then you fish a book from your purse and open it, clearly putting an end to the conversation. “Let me read.”

Shanks doesn’t press and you actually manage to read a few chapters uninterrupted. For about an hour before you’re overcome by yawns. Looking at the time, you decide to try and take a quick nap before Law comes over to check on your father. Just a quick shut-eye.

You close your book and are about to get comfortable when the door opens and Law comes in, effectively chasing away all semblance of sleep left. 

“Law!” Your dad exclaims, clearly still under the happy effect of the drugs. The doctor nods at him as he greets both of you and enters the room. His eyes linger on you, a slight crinkle between them as he takes in your state. 

Your dad said you look like shit and he's not the most attentive person on earth so… you really must be looking terrible. Dreadful enough for the handsome doctor to notice. 

“How are you both feeling today?” Shanks grins and gives him an enthusiastic thumbs up. Then Law says your name and you shrug, forcing a tired smile to form on your lips and mumbling a weak ‘fine’. “Maybe you should be resting. You know your father is fine and he's got the best care team looking out for him.”

Sighing, your smile turns real. “I know. But I need to be here for him. I need to know everything that’s going on and if I'm home alone, I'll just go crazy!”

That sly smirk tugs at his lips and he nods slowly. “It's a control thing, right? You just can't let go.” Your chest constricts and your breath hitches, the way he speaks those words… they bring such promises attached to them, it makes you want to let go, to surrender. But to what? 

To him? 

He keeps holding your stare. A piercing amber gaze that seems to bore straight into your soul, leaving your secrets bare and open for him to find and read them. 

“Let's check you out, shall we, Mr. S.?”

And as he examines your father, you excuse yourself to go to the bathroom and splash some water on your flaming cheeks. 

-*-

By the time you get back, Law is finished and the nurses are bringing lunch for your dad. Your stomach growls as it smells food - even though it's hospital food - and you wonder if you should eat a sandwich from the machine or at the hospital bar. 

Law says goodbye to your dad and intercepts you at the door. “Have lunch with me.” It's not a request. It's basically a command, the way he carries his low voice, a slight slur to the words. You want to say yes immediately, but you're frightened - and intrigued - by the hold this man has over you, so you shake your head. 

“I shouldn't.” But you don't elaborate. Because why shouldn't you? You like speaking with Law and he's not your doctor. He's your father's doctor, so there’s nothing inappropriate about a simple lunch. 

And he immediately sees through your facade. 

“You shouldn't, but you want to.” Fuck. “We'll just grab a quick bite. You need to eat. I'm alone, you're alone. It's perfect.”

It really is. 

“Go with him, bug!” Your dad sing-songs from his bed as the nurse helps him eat. 

“Butt out, dad! And eat the food by yourself! You're perfectly capable of doing it with one arm! You've been doing that practically my whole life.”

Law purses his lips but you can see the amusement in his eyes before he raises his eyebrows. “Come with me.” He says and you let out a big sigh. 

“Fine. Let me get my purse.” Entering the room, you glare at Shanks who keeps being fed by the nurse and tell him you won't be long. As you cross the mirror peeking at you from inside the bathroom, you frown and tell Law you'll meet him in five by the hospital entrance. Then you try your best to look presentable by combing your hair and fixing your clothes. It will have to do. 

-*-

“So you entered university two years earlier. You're a prodigy.” A smirk leaves your lips as you nibble your food. Conversation has been flowing smoothly between you both and you've learned that he lived with his uncles since he was ten until he entered university, because his parents passed - he didn't share how and you didn't press. He just added that information when you shared you were a child of divorce and were reconnecting with your father. 

You've been sharing professional and educational experiences and turns out Kaya was right. The man is a freaking genius. And you realise that that fact just turns his sexy points up by one thousand. You're so doomed. 

As he's about to answer you, his phone rings. He excuses himself and takes a look, then a frown and a deep scowl etch upon his face but he quickly dismisses it and sets the phone aside. Just for it to start ringing again. 

He sighs. “Sorry, I can't mute it because of the hospital and the clinic, but this is a bothersome call that I would rather not take.” Another sigh as the caller tries one more time. He excuses himself but doesn't get up to answer it. “I'm busy.” It's all he says, but you can sense him tense up, the mask of perfect control he usually holds crumbling slightly as he clenches his jaw with stress and tension. “Yes, I RSVP'd, didn’t I?” His throat bobs up and down and you try to focus on something else because you don't want to pry. “I don't know yet. Bye.

Law locks the phone with a grunt and sighs. “Sorry about that. It was my uncle.” You smile and nod. Could it have been Doflamingo? You noticed the way he talked about his uncle Rosinante - Cora - with a fondness in his words and kindness in his eyes, but he didn't elaborate on his relationship with the eldest uncle so it strikes you as somewhat strained. “Where were we?” He continues where you left off and you keep talking and getting acquainted. 

-*-

Lunch went by in the blink of an eye and, once again, you realise how simple and nice it is to speak with Law. He's very profound in many subjects, intelligent, clever, witty and with an odd sense of humour. The only thing you barely got a read on, was his emotions. He seems to guard the way he feels about things behind a well-crafted mask of control and assertion. And you have yet to take a peek behind it. 

Though his uncle calling him certainly got a rise out of him and they barely exchanged three sentences. 

Law walks you to the hospital and stops. He had said earlier that he was returning to the clinic for some appointments and then had surgery to perform before dinnertime. He promised to visit your dad before heading home, to see how he was doing. 

You start to feel exhaustion settling into your bones again, so you sip your coffee while nodding. 

“You can't fight exhaustion with coffee for too long. Get some rest. Your father’s fine. This is an order. A doctor's order.” He adds with a slight smirk. 

“I told you I don't follow all manner of instructions, Law.” He hums low and your knees tremble.

“I can see that.” He uses your name sternly and your eyes glint with amusement and desire. “We're still getting to know each other, but I'm sure you'll soon find out that following my instructions can be quite… rewarding.”

You can feel your pulse quicken as his amber gaze pierces, once again, so deep that it almost reaches your soul. 

“I'll think about it.” You say meekly and the semblance of a smirk he had before transforms into a deep grin. 

“Good.” He drags the word and you're left craving for more. Good girl, that's all you wanted to hear from his lips. He said it once. It was meant as a joke but the sound still echoes in your brain. Fuck. 

You're so doomed. 

-*-

When the sun begins to set on the horizon, you try to fight sleep so you can be awake for Law's last check-up before he leaves. But he said he was going to be in surgery so maybe the surgery ran late because he should've appeared by now. 

Your dad is engrossed in another football match and you can't focus on the words of your book anymore. You try to browse through your socials but easily lose interest. Games don't help either, so you decide to just lay your weary head down for a moment. 

You cross your arms on your father's bed and lay your head on them, your back stretching a bit from your sitting position on the chair but you have been bent for a while so it's a welcome stretch. 

Closing your eyes, you sigh softly. You don't even notice when sleep claims you. 

-*-

Law removes his contaminated scrubs and washes his hands. His surgery took much longer than planned and he hated that. He should be used to it by now, surgeries very rarely take the time they were meant to. And he always adjusts his plans according to that. But this one ran three hours late. 

And he promised you he'd check on your dad before he left for the day. 

And as much as he likes being in control, he hates to break promises. 

So he rushed his after-surgery routine, hoping you'd still be there by your father's side, waiting for him. 

You have an inexplicable hold on him. He can, at the same time, understand you as if you were an open book and yet be left wanting to learn more about who you are. He suspects there are parts of yourself still hidden from your own knowledge. 

And Law thrives on knowledge so he's very eager to learn all there is to know about you.

By the time he reaches your father's room, the lights are already dim and dinner has been served. His own stomach grumbles to remind him he should eat something too, but he pushes his hunger to the back of his mind as he pushes the doors to the room open. 

He's about to start talking when Shanks shushes him with a finger to his lips and a whispered shh. His chest constricts as he sets his eyes on you. You're in a godawful position that is not doing your back any good, but you look adorable in your sleep. 

There's a strong feeling within him that urges him to protect and care for you and he doesn't really know how he can feel so strongly about someone he practically just met. 

Truth be told, you have spent some time together thanks to your father's appointments and exams, and you have claimed permanent residence in his brain, complete with zip code, mailbox, address, you name it! Still… 

He sighs as he sets down your father's patient chart. “That can't be comfortable. How long has she been in this position?” He whispers as he approaches. 

Shanks shrugs and pats your head softly. “Hours. She has been surviving on coffee for more than a day. She just blacked out.”

“Yeah, she didn't look her best earlier and I did tell her to rest. But her back is going to kill her tomorrow.” Law sighs once more as he removes your purse, book and jacket from the corner chair and presses the switch to recline it. Then he sets the pillow near the head and approaches you. 

This is the tricky part, how to move you without waking you up? 

Easily, it seems. You must've really been exhausted because he picks you up bridal style and lays you on the chair, setting you in the most comfortable way before using his doctor's coat to cover you up and you barely stir. 

He doesn't resist tucking your hair away from your face before turning to your father - who's watching him with slight amusement. 

“Well done, Law. She didn't even stir. Those surgeons' hands are very steady.”

Law chuckles as he begins his routine examination. “They have to be, Mr. S. People's lives depend on it. And your daughter is just a heavy sleeper.”

“Perhaps… but I've noticed the extra care.” He winks before a frown takes over his face. “She could really use the extra care…”

Law doesn't really want to press, though he's curious. He's pretty sure your father said that because of your cheating ex. And though he's itching to know what kind of special asshole is capable of cheating on you, he lets it slide, as he adjusts the drugs in the IV and checks if the incision in Shanks’ back is recovering nicely. 

Law and Shanks make small talk during the rest of the examination and Law can't resist tugging the coat a bit more snugly around you and making sure you're comfortable before heading towards the door. 

Shanks’ eyes are closed when he speaks, but the older man can't quite hide the grin that overcomes his face. “You know, having a doctor as a son-in-law is something I wouldn't mind.”

Law snickers as he says goodnight and closes the door. That's a thought that will wander through his mind tonight. 

-*-

You wake up to the sound of chatter in the room. The morning nurse is fussing over your father, giggling like a schoolgirl as Shanks cracks jokes filled with innuendo. You blink and take a while to adjust to your surroundings because you're quite sure you'd fallen asleep near your father's bed, in the uncomfortable chair. 

A familiar soothing scent overwhelms you and you smile, feeling relaxed and at peace. It's a musky scent with hints of pine and… disinfectant? 

Looking down you immediately find the source of the scent: it's Law's coat. The corner of your lips tugs upwards as you smile and remove the item from over you. He must've found you asleep when he came to see your father yesterday. Was he also the one who moved you? Couldn't have been Shanks. 

“Hey, sunshine! You're up.” Your father greets cheerily as the nurse tugs the sheets around his torso and gives him a sultry wave before leaving. 

“Dad. Stop flirting with the nurses.” You say sternly as you get up, stretch and fold the coat neatly before settling it back down on the chair. Then you saunter towards Shanks and give him a peck on the forehead. “How do you feel? What did Law say yesterday?”

“I don't flirt with the nurses, bug, they flirt with me. I'm irresistible.”

“Insufferable is the word you're looking for.” You correct him with a smirk. 

“Law said everything was recovering nicely and I might even go home earlier than expected.” You sigh in relief. You know there's still a fair amount of chance for infections or other problems to arise, but it seems your dad is on his way to recovery. At least he's in good spirits and that always helps. “You know what Law also did?”

The blush in your cheeks is faint but you still turn your face away. “I can put two and two together, dad.” You mumble as you fidget with your phone. 

Shanks smirks. “So can I, bug.” You stare at him deadpan as he raises his eyebrows suggestively. 

“Well, you seem to be feeling fine, so I'm heading home to check on the property.”

“Ace's got it, bug!”

“And to take a shower and change. Need anything?” You add as he shakes his head. So, gathering your stuff, you promise to come back later and repeat the routine from the day before. Except this time you pack a meagre lunch so you don't have to go out to eat. Law said he would visit your father but he had a very busy day at the clinic so he wasn't quite sure when he would appear. 

As you return to your father's side, you discover that Law had already come by - much to your chagrin. You weren't quite sure why you felt disappointed not seeing him for the whole day, so you brushed that thought aside as you made small talk with Shanks. 

-*-

The weekend ended pretty soon and Law said your father would be released by Monday at the end of the day, depending on how he was feeling by then. He had already been able to get up on his own, shower and use the bathroom without any help. His back was still swollen, as expected, but otherwise he was recovering fully. You had been sleeping at home since you really didn't see the need to be by his side all the time and you were fully rested. 

On Monday, almost at dinnertime, Law released your father from the hospital. He advised caution, rest, no heavy lifting or driving, and reminded him to take his pills. 

The follow-up consultation - back at the clinic instead of the hospital - was set for next week and you were already feeling a pang of longing from not seeing Law every day, like you've now grown accustomed to. 

“If you have any doubts, worries, or just want to talk about something,” Law's eyes glance at yours, “just call me. If I don't pick up immediately it is because I'm in surgery, but even then, if it's urgent just text, I usually have a nurse monitoring any urgent texts.”

“We would never disturb your surgery hours because of something small.” You mutter as his gaze rests on you again. 

“Fair enough. But if it's serious, just do that. Okay?” You nod and your dad thanks him. He walks you both to the hospital entrance and before you leave to get the car, he touches your arm. It's a very light touch, barely two fingers, but it manages to send a jolt of electricity up your arm, making you gasp as you turn to him, lips slightly parted at the intensity you just experienced. “Don't be a stranger.” He murmurs and you smile. 

“Well, remember I have the best coffee in town - second only to Sanji's - whenever you feel like drinking something other than hospital swill.” You smirk and he grins. 

“I might just take you up on that.”

“Please, do.” You notice how his pupils dilate and his lips purse as you say ‘please’. It nearly has the same effect on him as him saying ‘good girl’ to you. The tension between both of you is palpable. 

If only you were brave enough to glimpse inside the door you closed for yourself. No men. No relationships. No heartache. As simple as that. 

But it’s all so tempting.

“Bug, the car?”

“Right!” You answer, a bit dazed by the intensity of the situation. “See you soon, Law!” You exclaim before leaving to get the car so you and your father can both head home.

|Chapter 4|

[ririright]

“Freakout at the Fair”

Son! Sam Monroe x Mother Reader

You had one goal that Saturday: to give Sam a real day off.

No school. No grounding. No lectures. Just something fun, something normal—something that didn’t involve him holed up in his room, blasting music and pretending he wasn’t lonely.

So you bribed him. With sour candy. And the promise of “absolutely no stupid matching pictures, I swear.”

Now here you were—two wristbands in, surrounded by screaming kids, greasy air, and flashing lights. Sam looked like he’d rather crawl into a sewer and die.

“This is a war crime,” he muttered, pulling his hoodie strings over his mouth like a mask. “There are screaming clowns, Mom. Literal. Screaming. Clowns.”

“They’re just actors, baby.”

“No. They’re agents of chaos. That one just offered me a churro with eye contact. I’m filing a restraining order.”

You rolled your eyes and handed him a cold soda. “You’re being dramatic.”

“I was born dramatic.”

Even with his miserable expression, it was hard not to laugh. He looked completely out of place—six-foot-two in beat-up Chucks, black eyeliner smudging in the heat, silver jewelry catching every neon light. Kids were running around in balloon hats and face paint, and here was Sam, glaring at a cotton candy stand like it had personally wronged him.

The final straw was the porta-potties.

You only glanced at them, but Sam caught it. “No. No way. I’m not peeing in a plastic coffin. I’d rather explode. I will explode.”

“Okay, okay,” you said, gently steering him back toward the games. “Noted. No porta-potties. No clowns. What do you want to do?”

He sulked.

You gave him a moment. Watched him fidget with the studded bracelet on his wrist. Hoodie sleeves tugged over his palms. He was still wound up—shoulders tight, breathing shallow, twitchy the way he got when the world felt too loud.

So you tried a different tactic.

“Wanna play that dumb ring toss game you always complain about?”

He looked at you suspiciously. “The one that’s a scam?”

You shrugged. “You can talk crap about it while I lose.”

“…You’ll buy me something if I win?”

“Depends. How bad are you gonna pout if you don’t?”

He didn’t answer, just dragged you toward the stand with a muttered “Don’t touch anything. It’s all probably sticky.”

The game was a mess—plastic rings bouncing off glass bottles, everything rigged just enough to be impossible. Sam missed twice, got frustrated, swore under his breath. The carny gave him a side-eye. You pretended not to hear when he hissed “Scam-ass bottle pyramid,” and handed him another ring.

Then—somehow—he made one.

It landed with a rattle, perfectly looped around the neck of a bottle. The carny raised an eyebrow. “Well, damn. Pick your prize, Dracula.”

Sam froze. “What.”

“You won. Grab a toy.”

Sam looked like he didn’t trust it.

You nudged him. “Come on, before he changes his mind.”

He slowly stepped forward, eyes scanning the wall of stuffed animals. Everything was obnoxious—bright, glittery, pink, or googly-eyed. Until he spotted something on the bottom row.

A black plush bat. Soft velvet. Tiny wings. A little silver hoop in one felt ear.

Sam pointed. “That one.”

The carny shrugged and tossed it to him. Sam caught it. Didn’t say anything. Just stared at it for a second too long, then stuffed it under his arm like he didn’t care at all.

“It’s dumb,” he said quickly. “I’m giving it to Corey. Or setting it on fire.”

“Of course,” you said, smiling. “I’m sure you’ll hate it.”

“I do.” He clutched it tighter.

You walked through the fair a little longer, letting him lead this time. He didn’t talk much. Just kept holding that bat and muttering insults at everything around him.

“This funnel cake smells like it’s been deep-fried in someone’s dreams and also their armpit.”

“Why is that kid yelling? What’s he got to scream about? He’s, like, seven.”

“That balloon animal looks like it’s dying.”

But he wasn’t twitching anymore.

He wasn’t gagging at smells or darting glances over his shoulder. He was just—Sam. Whiny. Bratty. Comfortably pissed off.

And at some point, without realizing, he grabbed your hand.

Didn’t say a word about it. Just latched on like he used to when he was little. Like it grounded him. Like he needed it.

You didn’t say anything either.

When you got back to the car, he slumped into the passenger seat and tossed the plush bat into his lap. He stared at it a second. Ran his thumb over the ear piercing.

“…What do you think I should name it?” he mumbled.

You smiled, pulling out of the parking lot. “Something edgy, obviously.”

“Yeah. Like… ‘Rot.’ Or ‘Bat Bastard.’”

“How about ‘Churro’? In memory of the clown.”

“Go to hell.”

But he was laughing when he said it.

And that night—hours later, long after you thought he was asleep—you passed by his door and peeked in.

Sam was curled up under his hoodie, one arm around his pillow.

The bat was nestled in the crook of his chest, tucked under the covers with him.

You didn’t say a word. Just closed the door quietly, heart soft.

He’d deny it forever, but the fair had been exactly what he needed.

Even if he’d spent the entire day screaming about it.

[megamagimugi]

Hey there, my twin! 👋🏻❤️

I've been meaning to send you this ask for a while! I know that Onward is your favorite Pixar movie, and it's an absolutely AMAZING film 😍 My second favorite as you know! So, would you like to go on and tell us in detail what are the things that you love most about it? The animation, the characters, the story... Feel free to write an entire essay if you're down for it hehe, you know that I'll read every single word no matter how long or short it is 😁

And of course, take all the time you need 🥰❤️💚

What's up, my twin, nice to see you here again👋💚

Ah, Onward, my beloved. Come to think of it, I'd love to rewatch it with you someday, Zahra (your favorite/my second favorite, Coco, as well!). Buckle up, I'm gonna yap a little bit😊

Well, where do I even begin? Perhaps the characters as they're certainly one of my favorite parts of this movie. I love how none of them is annoying or useless, and there's no actual "bad guy" - like, everyone's motivations and feelings are clear and understandable in their own way.

The Lightfoot brothers, the main character Ian and his big brother Barley, are both really fun, endearing and relatable in their own ways - though for me, Barley especially so😃 Favorite Pixar character for sure. I love how good of a brother he is to Ian throughout the movie, how he is never jealous of his little bro's magic abilities but instead is very proud of him and eager to teach him what he knows. How he loves fun and adventure while not being dumb or completely irresponsible as Ian seems to think of him to some degree at first. Ian is a bit of that classic nerdy and socially awkward teenager trope, but still feels authentic and not one-dimentional. I absolutely love how he sacrifices his main motivation throughout the movie: to meet his father, so that Barley can properly say goodbye🥲

Their mother Laurel is also a great character and I adore how such a mundane thing as working out at home at the beginning of the movie comes back later as something she uses to help her sons in the climactic battle. I love how proactive she is, looking for her boys, finding help and then actually helping them. She's also a very sweet mom to their children, understanding their different personalities and needs, and willing to speak their language.

Corey is mayyyybe borderline annoying but not quite, and she's a fun companion to Laurel at least. Colt Bronco, Laurel's boyfriend, might seem a little uptight and too exasperated with Barley's antics at first, but it's easy to see he's generally a good guy and he thankfully loosens up a bit by the end of the film. As for the dad... it's fascinating how much personality they could give disembodied legs, all things considered. I find his role in the story and the little ways he manages to connect to his sons as, y'know, JUST A PAIR OF LEGS, very unique.

And, well... I always tend to gravitate towards stories about brothers as you know. They're interesting and in most cases touch me really deeply. Barley and Ian's relationship evolves so beautifully in the movie, with Ian coming to understand his brother and his true role in his life🥹 It hits me so hard and genuinely hurts me to hear him call Barely a screwup, but the following scene where he realizes that everything he's wanted to do with his father he's already done with Barley is so darn beautiful🥲❤️ It's always very satisfying to see them hug after Barley spends that short moment with their dad, and perhaps even more so to see them get along so well at the end of the movie🥰

The story itself is also really cool in my opinion. The adventure being based on a D&D-like quest is quite a unique and very fun concept. Admittedly, at first I wasn't sure if I was going to like the premise of them trying to bring back their dead father but only managing to do so with his lower half. However, it actually really worked well! I also love how the ending is somewhat bittersweet when Ian doesn't get to meet their dad after all, and Barley only gets a short moment with him. Also, it's amazing how Barley's van Guinevere is almost a character of its own and how the scene where Barley sacrifices it is somehow sad and hilarious at the same time. And also... I honestly love how the director Dan Scanlon's own life experience is such a big inspiration for the story🥺

Another thing I love is the worldbuilding! A typically medieval fantasy world blended with the modern world we all know today is, I think, a great idea - and quite well executed too. The types of creatures you can see and how some of them have been affected by the technological progress, the magic system, including the way the curse works... I think it all works very well and creates a pretty fun setting for this story😄

The art, animation, music and voice acting are also very good. It was thanks to Chris Pratt's role as Barley that I believed he could do well enough as Mario in the Super Mario Bros. Movie😁 Another protective and caring older brother... who also gets shrunk to a miniature size and his voice becomes cute and comically high-pitched🤔 Hmm...

In any case, I hope this answer satisfies you😌 Love, love, LOVE this movie, and I'm pretty sure I could talk about it even longer🤭 I mean, look, I even own the art book:

Thank you so much for the ask, I had fun answering it😊❤️💚

[alfredstvthoughts]

Grojband - Hear Us, Rock! (Episode 26; 12 April 2015)

Today is the 10th anniversary since the final episode of Canadian animated series Grojband aired in 2015. The show, which was about the titular garage band led by teenager Corey Riffin made itself unique from the crowd with it's extremely fun plots and unique, quirky characters, topped off with some utterly amazing musical numbers which ended each segment.

This final episode, one of two full length episodes along with Dreamreaver earlier in the season is a fitting end to the series showcasing all the show's best qualities one last time. Twins Kin and Kon inform Corey that the world is ending due to today being the last day in the calendar of an ancient South American tribe (a clear parody of the end of world predictions of 21 December 2012 due to the Mayan calendar cycle ending on that day).

Despite guitarist Laney and Corey's sister Trina not believing that the world will end, Corey decides to give one last performance before the world ends. When word of the world ending spreads around town, most of the residents end up fighting amongst themselves in post-apocalyptic style and it takes Grojband's performance to finally bring the town back together again.

The second part of the episode begins with the world having not ended, but the relief doesn't last long as the Orb Experience, a rival alien rock band who previously appeared in Space Jammin' are steering a world ending meteor towards Earth in revenge for Grojband defeating them in their previous encounter.

The only hope for Earth now is for Grojband to go into space, defeat the Orb Experience in another Battle of the Bands and somehow stop the meteor...

As far as series finales go, this is definitely one that ends the show on a high and the world-ending stakes feel suitably dramatic for the finale. Yet, there's still plenty of room for the show's unique humour to shine one last time including a few more 'Wicked Cool Transitions' between scenes which are always so much fun.

The show's characters also remain as loveable and interesting as they always are, with the interactions between the members of Grojband still in particular being interesting to see, particularly those of Corey and Laney, with Laney attempting one last time to express her love for Corey. The relationship between selfish Trina and her much-abused 'BFF' Mina also gets an extremely satisfying ending as Mina finally comes to terms with what Trina truly thinks of her.

Finally, the show's musical numbers were always another highlight of each segment with the vast majority of the show's musical numbers being excellent songs and this episode doesn't disappoint in this department either with 2 final excellent songs. If the World is Ending, an upbeat number about making the most of the remaining time before the world ends concludes the first part of the episode while I'm Giving It All, which plays as Grojband attempt to save the Earth from the asteroid is a highly fitting final musical number for the show as Grojband truly gives it their all before the possible end of the world.

Overall, Hear Us, Rock! is a perfect end to an amazing animated series that ends Grojband on a high. 10 years later after the show, ended, Grojband is still a much missed show for me, it had potential to continue beyond it's solitary season in my opinion, but it was still a really fun show while it lasted.

[hail-dondus]

🪓 Nerdy Prudes Must Die - Some Thoughts 🪓

I decided to rewatch NPMD (second day in a row 🙈) and wanted to write down some random thoughts and reactions because why the fuck not 😌

‼️ SPOILERS FOR NPMD BELOW ‼️

I loved this show from the second it started omg I love things about murder 🤭

“Riiiiichie… Riiiiiichie…” — kind of gave off IT vibes ngl

They really killed off Jon Matteson’s nerd character in the first 35 seconds 💀

“They twisted his nipples off 🤣” - WHY WAS HE SO HAPPY ABOUT IT

THE PROJECTION OF THE TITLE IN THE VICTIM’S BLOOD, STARKID HAD HELLA BUDGET FOR THIS SHOW 🙌🏻

“🎵I’m dead…the blood is arbitrating from my head🎵” needs to become a trending TikTok sound or something oh my fucking gOD

LAUREN YOU QUEEN 🙌🏻👏🏻 also living for that fucking wig

MARIAHHHHHHH 🎵❤️

Definitely felt the “High School is Killin’ Me” “I’m so fucking dead” in my soul even though I’m a full ass adult now

“I was deep in a Twitter fight about a problematic puppy” ROFL OMFG

Joey as Peter Spankoffski 😭👏🏻

ANGELA AS GRACE CHASITY HELL FUCKIN YEAH SHE IS EATING THIS PART UP

We all knew someone at school who snitched to the teachers lbh 💀

“So you don’t wanna be bullied?” “No, I wanna be invisible.” “…then why do you come to public school dressed in suspenders and a fucking bow tie?” - PLEAAAASE 💀🤣

MICRO-PETER 😂💀

Joey taking off his glasses and going “oh god” under his breath, “IT’S NOT ACTUALLY A MICROPENIS”… oh he ATE the role, R*bert who?!?

“My titties are tenderised” - I MEAN SAME BUT-?!?

“I didn’t know you were funny.” “Neither did I.” “I like funny guys.” — I AM SORRY BUT IM ALREADY SHIPPING HARD

Actually obsessed with Richie’s hair and outfit like I can’t explain it other than I’m obsessed

IT’S MAX JÄGERMAN

“Ohh well there’s a difference between intent and impact - I learnt that at an anti bullying assembly last month, FUCK NUGGET” took me off guard tbh like I know I’m tired and easily surprised but still 🤭

GRACE CHASITY PROTESTING THE CO-ED HOMECOMING DANCE I CANNOT-

Jägerman is literally the archetype of the school bully jock who peaked in high school like omg but also he’s into Grace?!?!

“I run laps in the gym and I don’t want to slip on any SPUNK” - FUCKING HELL

“Can I carry your books for you?” “Carry my books? 🤢 I don’t think either of us are ready for that, I mean we’re only 18!”

“My little dirty girl.” — 😳😲😮‍💨

“I am only one man’s girl, Max, and his name is Jesus Christ!” — IM FUCKING HOWLING ANGELA KILLED THE DELIVERY OF THAT LINE I CANT-

“I’m a literal monster!” - oh so Max is self aware then 🤔

“This is politics, Stephanie 🙄 learn to multitask!”

I love that Starkid keep casting Corey as Mariah’s dad?!?

Stephanie is apparently her father’s “October surprise”… so her birthday is in October, like Hannah Foster’s? 🤔

“Stephanie, please, I’d like to have an intelligent conversation with you - in other words, shut up” - DAMN WHAT A BURN

NOOO NOT HER PHONE 😰 (I am also addicted to my phone so I get it lol)

NOT STEPHANIE THROWING HER HAND BETWEEN HER PHONE AND THE HAMMER OMFG (same though)

Mayor Lauter really said “I don’t give a shit if you lie, steal or cheat to get your grades up, just don’t get caught” - spoken like a true politician

“How am I supposed to study without listening to Spotify?!?” probably should not have resonated with me like it did 🤭

Peter trying to make a joke and Richie and Ruth not getting it is so relatable tbh

I’m obsessed with Ruth’s mushroom jumper tbh

“I just want someone to touch me… anyone, PLEASE” — ROFL (same girl)

“What was it like when she touched your arm?… DID YOU CUM?!?” — 💀💀💀💀

“You and Steph, it’s a fantasy - like a boy and his anime love pillows. It’s a beautiful dream, but I’ll never hold the real Rei or Asuka in my arms.” — I AM PISSING MYSELF LAUGHING JESUS FUCKING CHRIST

“I’m such a loser, telemarketers hang up on me” 💀😭

DID RICHIE JUST FUCKING SAY “NANI!” JESUS FUCKING CHRIST I CANT DEAL WITH THIS SHOW 🤣

Richie and Ruth climbing Pete like a tree and demanding to know what Stephanie is saying is so ridiculously funny 😆

“Really, Ruth? A Star Wars analogy? Need I go into why Attack on Titan is superior in every possible way?” — STARKID UNDERSTAND THE NERDS I LOVE IT

“You’re telling me I gotta be funny again?!? I didn’t do it on purpose the first time!”

“Pete, you’ve been given a once in a lifetime opportunity - someone’s willing to tolerate your presence for a whole evening! This may never happen again!” — damn wish that would happen to me 😭🙈

Not Pete getting a boner during “Cool as I think I am” 🙈

Nooooo not Max finding Pete before he could go into the restaurant to meet Stephanie 😭

“I’m sick of your ssshhhhit!” — YES PETEY STAND UP TO HIM

The fact Max said “Rendezvous” as “Randay-Voose” 💀

The way it transitioned from “say your prayers” to the Chasity family going “AMEN” was PERFECTION

Grace’s father referring to his wife as “mother” is…something 💀

“He came up to me in the hallway and he asked if he could carry my books.” “Oh, Mark - I didn’t know that sort of thing happened at Hatchetfield High! Do you think you should call the boy’s father?” — ?!?!?!

“Mom, will you pass the butt stuff? The butter. Butter. Will you pass the butter? (Chuckles nervously) I just want some head and butter. BREAD! Bread! Bread and butt-sex to go with this big shaft of meat I’m gonna choke down. Oh boy…oh criminy!” - THE SCREECH I GAVE WAS UNHOLY

“I’ve just got some butterflies in my tummy; and they’re flying REAL low today” 😭💀🙈

GRACE FANTASISING ABOUT MAX IN THE BATH I CANNOT DEAL WITH THIS

“Brewing up a big ol’ pot of dirty girl soup” - ABSOLUTELY NOT 💀

HES FUCKING SHIRTLESS WHAT THE FUCK-

“Everyone’s got their secrets, and this one’s mine. I love… Jesus! 😃” - this was when I definitely knew she was fantasising because ain’t no fucking way-

WAS THE DIRTY GIRL SONG SUPPOSED TO BE VIEWED AS HOT BECAUSE I AM VERY FLUSTERED AND CONFUSED AND TOTALLY VIBING WITH THE TUNE

🎵 DIRTY DIRTY GIRL WON’T YOU PRAY FOR ME🎵

You see, if Christian parents didn’t repress their teenager’s hormones and sexuality then MAYBE their teenagers wouldn’t resort to murder 🙃

Grace’s dad saying he’s going to get the plunger when she said she was doing a big poop 😭💀

Grace really thinks that impure thoughts only happen after marriage and I almost envy her innocence

“Money isn’t everything… looks are.” - yeah no that about sums people up in this day and age 😑

“We thought you were waifu material, but you’re just a bully” — NOT WAIFU MATERIAL 💀

PETE’S BLACK EYE NOOOO 😭🥺

Grace is kind of a psychopath and I’m loving that for her tbh

“I’m not comfortable with the plan if it involves that kind of language” but she’s comfortable with filming someone getting terrified and pissing their pants 💀

The “the place is not structurally sound” comment was DEFINITELY foreshadowing

“I get pus in my pits!” Jesus ☠️

🎵🤌🏻we’re gonna bully the bully🤌🏻🎵

“We’re gonna cut off his nips!” - what is with the obsession with n!pples in this show 😳

I’M SORRY BUT THIS IS ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT WHEN THEY TALKED ABOUT KEEPING THE BEANS COOL

“You’re like super nice to me 😀” “…not really. I’m just doing the bare minimum here.” “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” “Oh, that’s sad!” — 😂😅🤣

“Okay, Richie, be honest… Am I reading as ghost or Lin Manuel Miranda” — OH FUCKING GOD IM CACKLING

“You kinda look like that homeless guy from downtown” 💀 FOURTH WALL BREAK?!?

Max must be VERY drunk because ain’t no way he thought Pete was a ghost or Ruth was actually a skeleton 💀

“Grace, we gotta abort the plan, it’s not working!” “It’s working for me, he’s so violent! 😍”

Not Max actually being touched by them putting this whole thing together for him 💀 very much giving off himbo vibes and I love him for that

MAX FELL THREE STOREYS

Oh my GOD THE FUCKING MAKE UP ON MAX FOR HIS DEATH SCENE HOLY SHIT

“NERDY! PRUDES! MUST! DIE!” — oh hey it’s the name of the show! 😃 And also it was written on the wall in… oh 😳

“I did get a lot of incriminating footage of us luring him here with malicious intent!” - uh oh

“My god! We’re going to jail! And with my luck, no one will even bother making me their bitch!” — PLEASE 💀

“It wasn’t murder, and it wasn’t an accident… it was an act of God! 😇” - Grace is UNHINGED

“No more tickling in our mommy spots!” - OUR WHAT SPOTS?!?

“🎵🤌🏻 We’re gonna bury the body! 🤌🏻🎵”

“Oh no she’s snapping again”

“I just cut off his nips 😌” - again with the nips?!?

DAN AND DONNA 😃😃😃

“Two weeks of heartache” - cut to all of his classmates happy without his influence 💀

STEPH PASSED THE TEST! 😃

“Ya know, this is really your C+.” “Oh Steph… you can keep it. It’d really bring down my GPA.”

Steph asking Pete out to the football game 🥹😁 we love to see it!

GO GO NIGHTHAWKS! 😃🦅 (I know it’s an eagle emoji there’s no hawk emoji 🙈)

“N, I-G, H-T… *squawk squawk* Ks!” 👏🏻🙌🏻

Richie is the team mascot and they wanted/needed him in the huddle 🥹

They apologised for bullying him 😭👏🏻

“And we’d like to apologise in advance for if Max ever comes back, ‘cause we’ll probably go right back to doing it”

“Fuck Clivesdale! Fuck ‘em straight to hell! Assholes!” — AGREED! 👏🏻

I’m 90% sure Jon actually struggled with taking that mascot top off but it worked well with the scene so 😌

“I love being alive! 😃” — oh he’s so about to fucking die, isn’t he?

IT’S MAX CALLING FOR RICHIE HES BACK FROM THE DEAD

MAX’S COSTUME/MAKE UP IS AMAZING OH MY GOD 😌💅🏻

“Should’ve joined the smoke club you nerdy prude” — ANOTHER SMOKE CLUB REFERENCE

Every song on this soundtrack fucking slaps I LOVE IT

There’s not very many men that can pull off being absolutely absolutely fucking terrifying while dancing and singing across the stage but Will Branner managed it so kudos to him

The bit where Richie was repeating what Max said (“who will pray for me? When I’m gone?”) was INSANELY GOOD

“What did they find? You don’t say…you don’t say!” “What’d they find, dad?” “They didn’t say” - 💀

“Oh heck… I’m so hecking fudged”

“*relieved* Oh well we don’t know anything about that one!” “Or ANY one!”

“Maybe it’s a coincidence. People tell me to die every day!” — Okay why is Ruth kind of me 😭

THE FUCKING CAMEOS IN “HATCHET TOWN” ASDFGHJKL?!?! ZIGGY?! MAN IN A HURRY?!? GERALD MONROE?!?

“Ohhh I remember before the lockdown” - yeah me too 😅

THE BARBECUE MONOLOGUES GOT ME HOLLERING 💀

Ruth walking onto the stage and into the spotlight 🥺 literally she was me this whole scene omg I relate so hard to most of what she said ASDFGHJKL

Lauren ATE that song up by the way

MAX KILLED HER BY WEDGIE-ING HER IN TWO AND THEN PUT THE PANTS OVER HER HEAD WHAT THE FUCK MAX 😭

Him telling her to “project” so those in the back row could hear her triggered me so bad as an actor omg 😳

Grace really accusing the entirety of Clivesdale 💀

As soon as the WWJD bracelet was brought up I KNEW what was going on 😭

“Who’s plan was it, Grace?” “It was God’s plan! And now he’s leaving me out to dry! Do something, you son of a bitch!” 💀😅🤣

Grace has lost her fucking SHIT and I fully support that for her

“Show Me Your Hands” musical refrain?!

BEANIES?!? PAUL AND EMMA?!? 😭😭😭 ITS FUCKING PAUL AND EMMA I CANNOT-

“Cup of roasted coffee” refrain too?!?

PAUL GAVE EMMA HIS NUMBER 😭❤️

PAUL + EMMA IN EVERY SINGLE TIMELINE, EVERY SINGLE UNIVERSE-

“EXCUSE ME I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR WHAT FEELS LIKE FIVE FUCKING YEARS AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECIEVED MY GODDAMN HOT CHOCOLATE” 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀😂😂😂😂😂 I FUCKKING CANT IM DONE

🎵”Don’t need a lover boy need a lover man / sure I’m a sapiosexual and you’re intellectual but I’ll cut my lover losses when I can” 🎵 — this song goes so hard omg

Grace pushing between them and shouting “leave room for Jesus!” 💀

“Do we need to get ahold of Ruth?” “Good luck getting ahold of her. Does your phone pls cover calls to hell?” “…Hell?” “She’s bisexual and dead, where else would she be?!?” — 💀

Grace whipping out the gun and telling Steph to cool her beans was so iconic of her

“(Canadian accent) ‘Cause if I’m going down, you hosers comin’ with me, eh” — OH MY FUCKING GOD

Doesn’t shock me a cop would arrest Paul for zero fucking reason, fuck the police 💀

“All I wanted was to be a regular girl with no sexual desire until she was safely married 😭” the FUCK-

“Don’t comfort her, she’s fuckin’ weird” 💀

“I don’t give a shit who you kill - but you just had to go and do it in that house, didn’t you?” — Mayor Lauter really said “murder is fine but NOT in that specific house, you fucking idiots”

THE LORDS IN BLACK?!? 😃 WIGGLY AND BLINKY AND POKEY AND NIBBLY AND TINKY?!?!? FUCK YEAAAAHH

“She gave me head in her car - check it out!” *throws Miss Tessburger’s head onstage* — BRO THE FUCK

WELP I GUESS MAYOR LAUTER IS DEAD THEN?!?

“Detective Shapiro, are you a woman of faith?” “Catholic.” “I’ll take that as a no” — THE FUCK GRACE 😑

They’re really about to summon five otherworldly entities who are evil I’m-

The Summoning screams CRACK and I’m living for it

“Hello Fwendy-Wends” - SCREAMING LITERALLY FUCKING SCREAMING

“WE DON’T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT YOUR PHONE” TOOK ME OUT ASDFGHJKL

SHE CHERISHES PETE 😭

“Pay the price or fuck off” 💀

Can I just say that I need would love a show specifically just about the Lords in Black fucking about and it’s Jon the whole time as Wiggly exactly as he was during the Summoning scene because that was AMAZING IM SHAKING-

The fact Pete cherishes Steph and she cherishes him oh my hEART 😭

“Hey Steph, if things were different, would you wanna come to homecoming with me?” “I’d like that, Pete. I’d really like that.” - SHUT THE FUCK UP NO 😭😭😭

Not Max saving Pete from being shot 💀

“So you do know the Bible!” — GRACE OMG IM SCREECHING HELP

“But Jesus never threw a football like you, Max” - WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING

Max being confused about what dirty girl soup is and then being turned on when she explains 😭💀

“Take me, Max, right here on the 50 yard line!” — oh dear gOD

Max’s struggle over whether to kill Steph and Pete or whether to bang Grace omfg 😭😅

THE NOISES OFF STAGE OMFG WTAF 😭💀😂😅🤣

Grace got Max kicking his feet, twirling his hair, after one shag, just like a teenage girl 💀 I’m crying so hard with laughter I can’t cope with it-

GRACE GAVE HIM HER CHASTITY AND SACRIFICED WHAT SHE CHERISHED MOST ASDFGHJKL

PETE AND STEPHANIE AT HOMECOMING TOGETHER ASDFGHJKL ✨T H E M ✨

Grace choosing not to get the dance cancelled and she brought a date?!? That’s character development! 😀

She let Jason walk her home?!? O_o and then asked him to kiss her?!?!

“That was… absolutely disgusting! Really, Jason?!? Kissing on the first date?!?” Oh noooo 💀

“You’re a dirty perv, Jason”

SHES GOT THE FUCKING BLACK BOOK IS SHE SUMMONING THEM AGAIN

🎵DIRTY DUDES MUST DIE🎵

Well thIS TOOK A FUCKING TURN DAMN

Anyway, 11/10, immaculate, amazing, incredible, show-stopping, would recommend to everyone of course and will definitely be rewatching it a LOT 🪓

[suc1d3-1z-th3-0nly-3sc4p3]

List of favorite blorbo of mine from each fandom i participate in (because why not)

Slipknot:

Corey Taylor

• i love my baby girl, like he was the first one i learned when i got into to band. like the second i saw him he stole my heart, protect my baby. he’s just like me fr

Korn:

Munky/James

•i mean cmon, look at him. silly silliest silly boy. love him. “BUT JON UR NAME IS JON WHY ISNT IT JONATHAN DAVIS-“ BAH BAH BAH BAH!!!!

Ghost:

Primo/Papa Emeritus I

•UNDERRATED BABYGIRL!!!!!! LOVE HIM. ABSOLUTELY- BAH BAH ABH

Attack On Titan:

Hange Zöe

•… yes, I love them, PLEASE I CRIED WHEN THEY DIED IN SEASON 4 FINALE SPAKJAHAUWJWBSHA

Demon Slayer:

Kokushibo/Michikatsu Tsugikuni

• he was SOOOO FUCKING COOL IN THE MANGA IM SO EXCITED TO SEE HIM ANIMATED LIKE HELP- anyways yes

The Promised Neverland:

Sonju

• he was so SICK I LOCE HIM, UNDERRATED AS FUCK WHAT THE HELL

Breaking Bad:

Jesse Pinkman

• least annoying + actually like able to me

Fast And Furious:

Han Lue

• i mean COME ON!!!!!!

GTA IV:

Brucie Kibbutz

•because i can

A Hat In Time:

The Conductor

• not as annoying as DJ Grooves

Pokemon:

Valerie

• i like butterflies :)

(will be updated later idk im lazy PFFFFFF)

[ageingfangirl]

Man's Best Friend (Heechul) Super Junior

Y/N

It was another beautiful morning in Seoul. The morning was always your favourite time of day because there were no crowds. Only the locals were out right now walking, running or heading to work. You'd moved here two years ago and considered yourself a local and everyone had kind of accepted you.

You'd always loved animals, especially dogs. Until you could find a job that paid well you helped out locals by walking dogs morning and evening and had quite a following. So today you were walking three dogs which you considered a light morning when usually you'd walk five or six of all various breeds and sizes.

There was Corey the Dalmatian, Kyle the Bulldog, and the rowdy Harry who was a golden retriever who liked to play up. You had Corey and Kyle's leashes in one hand and Harry in the other because you never knew what he was going to do.

Just then a cyclist comes by really fast making you jump out of the way. You manage to hold onto Corey and Kyle, but in a split second Harry's leash slips from your hand and he dashes across the park.

'Oh shit,' you curse, 'Harry get back here!' you shout, running after the energetic dog.

There was a guy walking through the park and Harry ran up to him barking playfully, dancing around his feet until he stumbled and fell onto the grass. Harry starts jumping on the poor guy and you can't stand back and watch because it was your fault.

'Harry, get off him right now!' you shout sternly, stopping in front of the scene.

Harry ignores you and continues playing around. Luckily the guy didn't seem angry, instead, he played back with Harry showering him with attention.

'Oh my god I'm so sorry, a cyclist came at me and I let go of his leash,' you speak quite flustered.

'No problem,' he replies laughing and gets up from the grass, keeping a hold of Harry.

Your eyes widen realising who Harry had tackled, it was Heechul from Super Junior. You saw him from time to time on your walks, more so over the past couple of weeks but never dared to approach him.

'You're that dog-walking girl, I'm Heechul by the way. I see you walking quite often.'

He extends his free hand which you shake and smile, 'You can call me y/n. I'm so sorry about Harry, he loves attention.'

Heechul chuckles nervously, 'This is going to sound dumb but I've been looking for an excuse to talk to you. I see you when I'm on the way to the studio to record.'

I shake my head, 'I wouldn't want to get in the way of your group, Heechul. Maybe Harry here knows something we don't.'

On cue, Harry barks and Heechul rubs his head, 'Thank you, Harry. Would you maybe like to get a coffee sometime y/n?'

You blush and bite your lip, 'I would like that a lot. Do you want my number?'

He nods, 'That would be great, here's my phone.'

He hands you his phone and you type your number in and next to your name you put a puppy emoji for laughs.

'Well, I'll be waiting for your message Heechul. But I really should get these guys home.'

'Here's your dog back. And I will message you before someone else does,' he replies, handing Harry back to you.

You watch him walk off in the opposite direction, so you quickly leave the park and continue your walk, giving Harry a treat for bagging you a date with a cute guy.

~NIGHT~

You are sitting in front of the TV in a pair of sweats and a loose tank relaxing when your phone vibrates on the arm of the sofa. You pick it up and squeal seeing a message from Heechul, just like he promised.

HEECHUL: Hello dog girl I told you I'd get in touch. How about coffee tomorrow afternoon?

Y/N: Hello idol guy I would love to get coffee. I'll send you my address

HEECHUL: See you tomorrow

Okay now, your evening was complete. Maybe you'd continue dog walking if it got you this kind of attention.

[swiftiephobe]

books read in 2024

royal assassin by robin hobb (02/01, epic fantasy) ★★★★★

assassin's quest by robin hobb (06/01, epic fantasy) ★★★★★

my sweet audrina by vc andrews (10/01, gothic horror) ★★★★★

this ragged grace by octavia bright (12/01, memoir) ★★½

nightbirds by kate j armstrong (14/01, historical fantasy) ★★★½

the priory of the orange tree by samantha shannon (21/01, epic fantasy) ★★★★★

a day of fallen night by samantha shannon (02/02, epic fantasy) ★★★★

nothing more to tell by karen m mcmanus (04/02, mystery thriller) ★★★

death in her hands by ottessa moshfegh (06/02, psychological fiction) ★★

a pale view of hills by kazuo ishiguro (07/02, psychological fiction) ★★★★★

before the coffee gets cold by toshikazu kawaguchi (11/02, magical realism) ★★★★

tales from the cafe by toshikazu kawaguchi (20/02, magical realism) ★★★½

before your memory fades by toshikazu kawaguchi (12/03, magical realism) ★★★

before we say goodbye by toshikazu kawaguchi (14/03, magical realism) ★★★½

dune by frank herbert (30/03, planetary romance) ★★★★

one of us is lying by karen m mcmanus (01/04, mystery thriller) ★★★★

one of us is next by karen m mcmanus (03/04, mystery thriller) ★★★

one of us is back by karen m mcmanus (08/04, mystery thriller) ★★★★

leviathan wakes by james sa corey (14/04, space opera) ★★★★

the butcher of anderson station by james sa corey (15/04, space opera) ★★★★

caliban's war by james sa corey (04/05, space opera) ★★★

drive by james sa corey (04/05, space opera) ★★★

gods of risk by james sa corey (04/05, space opera ★★★★

abaddon's gate by james sa corey (18/05, space opera) ★★★★

the last murder at the end of the world by stuart turton (18/06, supernatural mystery) ★★

the churn by james sa corey (21/06, space opera) ★★★★

piranesi by susanna clarke (31/07, magical realism) ★★★★★

the hating game by sally thorne (24/08, contemporary romance) ★★

second first impressions by sally thorne (12/09, contemporary romance) ★

cibola burn by james sa corey (14/09, space opera) ★★★

holes by louis sachar (15/09, adventure) ★★★★★

the stolen throne by david gaider (04/10, epic fantasy) ★★★

prophet song by paul lynch (08/10, dystopian) ★

nocturnal animals by austin wright (18/10, psychological thriller) ★★★★★

blue sisters by coco mellors (02/11, contemporary family drama) ★★★★

la belle sauvage by philip pullman (26/11, high fantasy) ★★★

a language of limbs by dylin hardcastle (07/12, lgbtq+ historical) ★★★

nemesis games by james sa corey (16/12, space opera) ★★★½

down sand mountain by steve watkins (28/12, historical coming-of-age) ★★★½

murmur by will eaves (31/12, psychological fiction) ★★★★

[werehale]

If I may share my teen wolf dream from last night

Hayden, Tracy, Josh (who looked nothing like Josh, but he was supposed to be Josh), Corey (who looked more like Nolan, but he was supposed to be Corey), and Stiles were going to go to the mall. And they drove into the wrong parking garage and went to take the elevator that would bring them directly to the mall.

Halfway through, the elevator stops and a woman's voice comes over the PA and says "Being stuck in the elevator could have catastrophic consequences" and starts listing these consequences. All I remember her saying is "spontaneous combustion, or worse you could turn into Jerry Seinfeld." So everyone is freaking out trying to figure out how to get out of the glass elevator. Most people have their priorities straight, but Hayden is most worried about spontaneous combustion. She suggests they just break the glass while the guys want to parkour out of there.

Finally Stiles suggests they break the glass and jump out and land on the stuffed animal kiosk in the middle of the mall, since the drop to the floor is too far I guess. But they have to be careful because they could get in trouble if they drop from the second floor and land safely on the kiosk. The guys go first and Josh and Corey book it out of there. Tracy found a suddenly appearing staircase from the elevator and walks out.

Realizing they've been caught, Stiles, Tracy, and Hayden need to run from the teenager running the kiosk. They decide the most effective way to do this is by holding hands as they run. Tracy is in the middle and is falling behind.

They get far enough ahead, but the people chasing after them are catching up. They quickly decide to throw Corey at the guys as a distraction. And then I woke up.

[magicvet]

|| Valentine & Corey ||

In his office, seated behind the desk, Corey tapped a pen against a page of the book he’d been reading, something on applied anatomy of the canine for vet techs, nurses and students, reviewing the specialized literature for the few veterinary residents in practice at the clinic. It was a productive way to pass time in between patients and shelter rounds. A bowl of mixed berry Fruity Raisin Snacks sat within reach on his desk, the animal doctor occasionally glancing away from the book and over the rim of his glasses to dip his fingers into the bowl and idly pop a few pieces into his mouth.

Many of the owners of his patients would sometimes drop by to gift him with little tokens of appreciation and gratitude, usually in form of a bottle of decent wine or whiskey although Corey did not drink - those were either forwarded to family members or passed further as a second-hand gift for a holiday or other occasion - or fancy coffee and even homemade baked goods and dishes. But Corey always liked what he would call ‘granny snacks’ - cinnamon tea cookies that came in tin boxes, hard mint candy and plain tastes people usually avoided.

Just about to reach for another bite, the door to his office opened and the reception lady announced someone in. Corey’s lips spread into a lazy, genuinely happy smile. “Val, what a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect you today. Come on in.” He rose, in case his friend would like a greeting hug, knowing the other was fond of being affectionate and that just a handshake might simply not be enough.

@valentine--dupont

[sunaleisocial]

Engineers turn the body’s goo into new glue

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/engineers-turn-the-bodys-goo-into-new-glue/

Engineers turn the body’s goo into new glue

Within the animal kingdom, mussels are masters of underwater adhesion. The marine molluscs cluster atop rocks and along the bottoms of ships, and hold fast against the ocean’s waves thanks to a gluey plaque they secrete through their foot. These tenacious adhesive structures have prompted scientists in recent years to design similar bioinspired, waterproof adhesives.

Now engineers from MIT and Freie Universität Berlin have developed a new type of glue that combines the waterproof stickiness of the mussels’ plaques with the germ-proof properties of another natural material: mucus.

Every surface in our bodies not covered in skin is lined with a protective layer of mucus — a slimy network of proteins that acts as a physical barrier against bacteria and other infectious agents. In their new work, the engineers combined sticky, mussel-inspired polymers with mucus-derived proteins, or mucins, to form a gel that strongly adheres to surfaces.

The new mucus-derived glue prevented the buildup of bacteria while keeping its sticky hold, even on wet surfaces. The researchers envision that once the glue’s properties are optimized, it could be applied as a liquid by injection or spray, which would then solidify into a sticky gel. The material might be used to coat medical implants, for example, to prevent infection and bacteria buildup.

The team’s new glue-making approach could also be adjusted to incorporate other natural materials, such as keratin — a fibrous substance found in feathers and hair, with certain chemical features resembling those of mucus.

“The applications of our materials design approach will depend on the specific precursor materials,” says George Degen, a postdoc in MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. “For example, mucus-derived or mucus-inspired materials might be used as multifunctional biomedical adhesives that also prevent infections. Alternatively, applying our approach to keratin might enable development of sustainable packaging materials.”

A paper detailing the team’s results appears this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Degen’s MIT co-authors include Corey Stevens, Gerardo Cárcamo-Oyarce, Jake Song, Katharina Ribbeck, and Gareth McKinley, along with Raju Bej, Peng Tang, and Rainer Haag of Freie Universität Berlin.

A sticky combination

Before coming to MIT, Degen was a graduate student at the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he worked in a research group that studied the adhesive mechanisms of mussels.

“Mussels are able to deposit materials that adhere to wet surfaces in seconds to minutes,” Degen says. “These natural materials do better than existing commercialized adhesives, specifically at sticking to wet and underwater surfaces, which has been a longstanding technical challenge.”

To stick to a rock or a ship, mussels secrete a protein-rich fluid. Chemical bonds, or cross-links, act as connection points between proteins, enabling the secreted substance to simultaneously solidify into a gel and stick to a wet surface.

As it happens, similar cross-linking features are found in mucin — a large protein that is the primary non-water component of mucus. When Degen came to MIT, he worked with both McKinley, a professor of mechanical engineering and an expert in materials science and fluid flow, and Katharina Ribbeck, a professor of biological engineering and a leader in the study of mucus, to develop a cross-linking glue that would combine the adhesive qualities of mussel plaques with the bacteria-blocking properties of mucus.

Mixing links

The MIT researchers teamed up with Haag and colleagues in Berlin who specialize in synthesizing bioinspired materials. Haag and Ribbeck are members of a collaborative research group that develops dynamic hydrogels for biointerfaces. Haag’s group has made mussel-like adhesives, as well as mucus-inspired liquids by producing microscopic, fiber-like polymers that are similar in structure to the natural mucin proteins.

For their new work, the researchers focused on a chemical motif that appears in mussel adhesives: a bond between two chemical groups known as “catechols” and “thiols.” In the mussel’s natural glue, or plaque, these groups combine to form catechol–thiol cross-links that contribute to the cohesive strength of the plaque. Catechols also enhance a mussel’s adhesion by binding to surfaces such as rocks and ship hulls.

Interestingly, thiol groups are also prevalent in mucin proteins. Degen wondered whether mussel-inspired polymers could link with mucin thiols, enabling the mucins to quickly turn from a liquid to a sticky gel.

To test this idea, he combined solutions of natural mucin proteins with synthetic mussel-inspired polymers and observed how the resulting mixture solidified and stuck to surfaces over time.

“It’s like a two-part epoxy. You combine two liquids together, and chemistry starts to occur so that the liquid solifidies while the substance is simultaneously glueing itself to the surface,” Degen says. 

“Depending on how much cross-linking you have, we can control the speed at which the liquids gelate and adhere,” Haag adds. “We can do this all on wet surfaces, at room temperature, and under very mild conditions. This is what is quite unique.”

The team deposited a range of compositions between two surfaces and found that the resulting adhesive held the surfaces together, with forces comparable to the commercial medical adhesives used for bonding tissue. The researchers also tested the adhesive’s bacteria-blocking properties by depositing the gel onto glass surfaces and incubating them with bacteria overnight.

“We found if we had a bare glass surface without our coating, the bacteria formed a thick biofilm, whereas with our coating, biofilms were largely prevented,” Degen notes.

The team says that with a bit of tuning, they can further improve the adhesive’s hold. Then, the material could be a strong and protective alternative to existing medical adhesives.

“We are excited to have established a biomaterials design platform that gives us these desirable properties of gelation and adhesion, and as a starting point we’ve demonstrated some key biomedical applications,” Degen says. “We are now ready to expand into different synthetic and natural systems and target different applications.”

This research was funded, in part, by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the U.S. National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Army Research Office.

[adamwatchesmovies]

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time (2007)

Between 1994 and 2008, Walt Disney Pictures was making sequels to just about any of their movies. Mostly, you got stuff like Mulan II and The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. At best, they MIGHT appeal to young children who were die-hard fans of the originals. Before you dismiss all of them, however, take a look at Cinderella III: A Twist in Time. It may be the best of the direct-to-video sequels that came out of that era of Disney animated films.

After their wedding, Cinderella (voiced by Jennifer Hale) and Prince Philipp (voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes) are celebrating with The Fairy Godmother (voiced by Russi Taylor) when Anastasia Tremaine (Tress MacNeille) spots them. Realizing what the fairy must've done on the night at the ball, Lady Tremaine (Susan Blakeslee) steals the magic wand, uses it to turn The Fairy Godmother to stone and then alters the the past. Now, when the Grand Duke (Rob Paulsen) tried to put the glass slipper on Anastasia, it fit and Cinderella’s happily ever after is about to vanish.

I know you’re raising an eyebrow at the concept of a straight-to-DVD second sequel to a movie made 50+ years prior but hear me out. Firstly, this is a “true sequel” rather than a re-tread of the first. Lady Tremaine was so wicked and cruel when we met her. Don’t you think her hatred for Cinderella would keep going? She’s always wanted her daughters to be above Cinderella and now, she’s found a way to do it. Right away, you’ve got high stakes. Once Anastasia and the Prince marry, it’s over. Cinderella will never have an opportunity to live happily ever after and who knows what the kingdom will turn into with Lady Tremaine in the castle. Saving the day will be an uphill climb, as Cinderella will have to do everything on her own -no fairy will come to her rescue this time. At best, she can call upon her bird and mouse friends (Gus - voiced by Corey Burton - and Jaq - by Rob Paulsen - return). If those odds weren't steep enough, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella (Russi Taylor) all remember what happened before the timeline was altered. No one else does, including the Prince, whom they promptly mind-control using magic.

It may come as a disappointment that A Twist in Time doesn’t really acknowledge Cinderella II: Dreams Come True but it’s almost as if the people who worked on this film looked at the previous one and said, “You know what, I think we’re onto something here… can we try it again and give it our all this time?” Like its predecessor, Cinderella III spends a lot of time on Anastasia. She gets plenty of character growth as she begins questioning what her future will be like. She's about to marry a man who does not love her, all because her bully of a mother wants more power and (more importantly) to get revenge against someone who’s never done anything wrong to them. This anxiety leads to some tender moments between the King (Andre Stojka) as he confides with his future stepdaughter.

Overall, the quality of the animation, voice acting, humour, romance, drama and characters are consistent enough with the original (without ever matching it) that undiscerning viewers will be fooled into thinking the movies were made within a short period. The one area where there is a significant drop in quality are the songs. None of them are bad but neither are they any special or memorable. Another element to improve would be the film’s opening. Cinderella III= only lasts 70 minutes so the plot wastes no time getting started and it really could’ve used a bit more room to breathe. I won’t hold these flaws against it too harshly. In a perfect world, this film directed by Frank Nissen would’ve gotten a bigger budget and a theatrical release but no way was that going to happen. Ever. Who would buy tickets for a time-travel/alternate-universe version of a beloved classic made half a century later, particularly considering the reputation of Disney sequels? The fact is everyone working on this movie cared. They cared A LOT. They made the best movie they could with the resources available and they should be applauded for it.

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time is a good film. It’s an engaging sequel that brings the elements and characters you love back, tells an original story, and surmounts the obstacles placed in front of it spectacularly. It maintains the spirit of the original, down to the most “action-packed” scene of the film: a thrilling chase that’s a mirror-world opposite of Cinderella’s ride inside the pumpkin carriage on the night of the ball. I hope this movie finds the audience it deserves. Anyone who catches it should stay for the end credits to see a bonus scene halfway, along with several amusing gags and an epilogue as well. (May 28, 2021)

[magicvet]

“That early?” Corey marveled with a generous dose of genuine amazement. He could relate to this, he himself knew that he wanted to take care of animals ever since he could name most of them. “Well sounds like you have some pretty impressive shoes to fill! I never for one second assumed that you were pressured into it or anything alike.” All he really saw was that Avery and apparently his whole family as well were very passionate about what they did, which was also Corey’s experience, both personal and familial. He still fondly recalled his father, who’d been a wildlife photographer, taking them all out into the forest for camping and observing the wildlife there. Those were some of his fondest memories. 

“I am happy to hear that music helped you throughout your childhood and young adulthood and that it continues to help and be a spark of joy for you.” It was lovely to hear when young people found healthy, productive ways to go through the angstiest periods of their young lives. It was very sad and unfortunate when, without proper guidance, some failed to do so and strayed into delinquency or worse instead. Corey felt lucky that in his family they never had such a case to deal with. “So none of this sounds silly to me at all.” He reassured and since the werewolf refused medical aid once more, Corey dropped it entirely. After all, an animal clinic wasn’t exactly certified to provide medical care to people. Even a hospital wouldn’t be able to force a conscious person to get treated if they refused. 

Corey chuckled good-naturedly then, not entirely sure what ‘wolf stuff’ would encompass but he assumed that would be the consequences or symptoms of lycanthropy. “Truly, it’s fine. I believe it’s a very responsible thing to be aware that you may not be ready for a pet.” He tried to console the young man again, genuinely not harboring any judgment over this. “I am sure you will find a way to navigate all this just fine as time goes by and you get used to the town.” After all, Corey always had this calming aura around him that everything, despite all odds, will end up just fine and eventually sort itself out. 

“Don’t worry, we will keep you informed.” It seemed like this young man needed a lot of reassurance but Corey didn’t mind giving it. He fiddled about the front desk, making the computer print out papers needed to be signed - that much he knew how to do but the rest when it comes to payment and other formalities he’d leave up to their receptionist as soon as she was back to her post. Once fresh out of the printer, Corey gave the papers over to Avery along with a pen to fill out and sign his personal details with. “Take a seat anywhere in the waiting room and go through these, take all the time you need. I'm here if you got any questions.”

Avery smiles, he always loves talking about music, that is for sure the best way to get him to settle down and feel more at ease, he likes it som much he can talk anyone's ear off about it if they give then a second of attention. "Oh ever since I was too little to pick it up," the wolf chukles, shaking his head as he remembers his kid version seaking into his dad's music room to touch the guitars, "My dad is a musician, I kinda grew up with it, you know? it was hard not to fall for it because my dad, he's even wrose than me, he's very passionate about it! writes his own songs the whole deal, he's kinda like the star of the town back home," Avery smiles as all the memories come to mind, "Oh! it's not like he's one of those...making your kid follow your dreams type person, I just really loved it and bugged him until he taught me everything he knew," while the man was more than glad to teach him, he knew if he showed no interest that would be fine with his dad too, both if his dad just always wanted what was best for him "I would be around 11 or 12 when the interest really pick up, I think?" it felt like a life time ago, it would be a couple of years that Avery started to deal with his anger issues and music was there for him in a way nothing else could, "Haven't stopped ever since though I mostly play for myself and in a couple of bar shows with some friends, I'm happy with just being the guy behind the scene helping others bluid their songs, and It may sound silly but--went trough some stuff as a kid, I don't if I've come out of as well as I did if I didn't had my music to help me ground, y'know?" which was also true now with the wolf issues maybe it was a different kind of rage, one that was even more difficult to tame, but grabbing his guitar and distracting himself with it also seems to work at times, not as well as before but still. "Oh," he looks down as his arms, "It's okay really it's just superficial," he smiles gently,"Thank you, though." "Maybe that's it, I've been a little--all over the place," he runs a hand trough his hair, letting out a sigh, "You know, wolf stuff, so I also don't think I could care for a pet at the moment, you know?" he admits, there was also this, what if he shifted and scared the poor thing half to dea? again, It was best for Avery to sort his issues out before trying to care for anyone other than hismelf, it sounded a bit selfish, but how was he gonna care for a helpess animal when he couldn't keep himself out of trouble? "Yeah, that's why I never know--Like I don't wanna approach someone and ask what they are, that's just rude, but I'm also always a bit on the fence to say what I am to some poor sucker with no clue what's going on, ya know?" he chuckles, it seems the town doesn't have many of those, though you could never be too careful. "Okay," Avery nods, "Just as long as I'm told, I just wanna make the kitty is okay," he smiles. He feels responsable now, still think this was his fault. "Hey, no problem, I was always taught to own up to the shit I do, y'know? besides as much as you may like what you do this is still a business and it costs money," Avery understood that, while not someone who run a business of any kind, he also had to take in mind the costs of traveling, renting studios etc when he was woking with someone as sometimes as much as he loved what he did it just wasn't profitable enough. "Alright," The wolf nods with a smile as he began to head to where the vet gestured him to.

[its-monster-mash]

Didn’t Your Momma Ever Tell You Not To Talk To Strangers?

Bo Sinclair X Reader: Part Two

Warnings: Fem Reader, Allusions to Past Noncon(Not with The Reader), Bo’s violent thoughts, Smut(Consensual), Reader doesn’t know about the Atrocities yet

Part One Part Three

There’s a nervousness creeping up his spine now that it’s just you and him alone in his truck, headed back up to his place. He hates that you make him feel this way—all you’re doing is sitting there, your nails anxiously picking at the rough hem of your shorts, your jaw still tense from the falling out you just had with your stupid little friends—but all he can think of is how you might react when you get back to his house.

He knows what the tourists think about him—the way they judge the town at first glance—Hell, that Corey punk from your friend’s van was exactly the kind of person who usually has the honor of being his brother’s canvas, but it’s been so long since he actually brought a girl home that the same stupid anxieties he used to have when he was a dumb teenager are flaring to the surface in full force.

What if you take one look at his place and decide he’s not good enough for you?

Sure, he can always drag you down to his shop’s basement and take a different kind of pleasure from you, but he knows damn well that’s not what he wants.

You look at him—he’s looking at the road, but he sees you—you’re smiling at him, an awkward furrow to your brow. You have no idea the danger you’re in, but this isn’t exactly a comfortable situation for you.

Still, you’re not uncomfortable because of him—you’re smiling at him—bright and hopeful, as anxious about making a good impression as he is, with none of the assurances of homicide to fall back on if this doesn’t go well.

He wants to consume you—he wants to chew up all of your brightness and hope in his great slobbering maw until you’re reduced to little bits of mush that he can swallow and incorporate into his being.

Maybe then he’d be happy too.

“I really appreciate this,” you break the silence, and he hopes you don’t notice the way his knuckles go white against the steering wheel. “Not a lot of people are willing to take a stranger into their home.”

“Not a lot of people are willing to stand up for a stranger when their friends are being dicks.” He doubts you’d have been so quick to speak up on his behalf if you knew even half of what goes on in Ambrose.

Stupid.

He’s stupid for bringing you here.

What does he expect to accomplish? He can’t really think you’ll have any kind of feelings left for him when you find out what really goes on in this town. Even if a week was enough time to get you to fall in love with him, it would all go up in flames the second he shows you his true colors.

You like Bo, The Helpful Mechanic who sweeps you off your feet when he hugs you—Bo, The Serial Killer who keeps women in his basement, is a far cry from the man you think he is.

But God help him; he likes the way you smile at the other Bo—the way you cared enough about a stranger to make his little gas station a permanent stop on your road trip just to give him a little sugar.

He can pretend to be that Bo for a while, if it means getting to feel your skin against his. The animal inside of him aches at the thought of you, splayed out across his bed, wearing nothing but that same smile you’ve got on your face right now.

“Yeah? I don’t know as I’d call Corey a friend.” The sourness of your tone shakes him loose of his own head, and he’s honestly glad to hear it—maybe if he can drive a wedge between you and those friends of yours, a week can turn into more. Maybe if he can keep the wool over your eyes long enough to get you to tell your friends to fuck off and not come back it won’t be so hard to make you stay once you know the truth. As long as you know that no one is coming to save you…

“How’d you meet that prick anyway?” He tries to sound casual—keep the murder out of his tone—but the mean smirk you shoot him tells him that it wasn’t lost on you, and that you liked it.

“College—meet a whole lot of people who don’t mean much to you there.”

College.

Of course you had to be a College Girl—too smart for him, and yet dumb enough to end up in his truck. You probably think he’s exactly the same kind of Hick Yokel Corey does—you’re just too fucking polite not to be offended by the dickwad saying it outloud.

Lester should have gone to college—he’s got the smarts for it—but after Good Ol’ Pa lost his medical license all his Doctor Money went quick. Sure, there was food on the table, but there wasn’t shit left for any of the boys to even think of a higher education.

He can’t help hating you for it—for the opportunity you had that his brother didn’t. His lip curls up at the thought of taking that from you.

“What’re you going for?” It’s a polite question on the surface, but more than that, he’s building the version of you that lives in his head—the one he’ll use to pick you apart and learn exactly how to hurt you—how to beat you down until you’ve got no fight left to try and run away from him.

You laugh. “I’m not anymore,” you confess, scratching the back of your neck awkwardly. “I was going for Psychology and Forensics, but I had a nervous breakdown when I realized I’d never be able to afford to actually finish my degree—I dropped out about a year ago.”

He swallows thickly—fuck—all the mean shit he’d been thinking dies flat in his chest like wasps drawn into an old glass of soda someone left out on the porch. “Forensics, huh? You into dead bodies or somethin’?”

You crack a grin at that, and he wishes he could digest the butterflies in his stomach. “I’ve always been fascinated with death,” you admit, and the way your fingers almost tremble with excitement unnerves him. “Have you ever held a human heart in your hands?”

He shouldn’t answer that.

He only cracks a grin, letting out an awkward chuckle that comes off as more of a scoff. “Can’t say I have.” It isn’t really a lie—he can’t exactly tell you about it now, can he? ‘Course, maybe it’s a story for later, the way this conversation is going.

“Sorry,” you shrink, and annoyance bobs in his throat. “I’m being weird—That’s not the kind of shit I should be saying to you when you’re taking a chance on letting me crash here.” He hates the thought of anyone making you feel like you need to crush down the sick enthusiasm that makes you so fucking fascinating to him.

“Nah, Girl—that sounds cool as hell.” He offers you a smile, gift wrapped by his twinkling eyes. “When have you held a heart?”

Other than his in this moment, that is.

“My forensics class attended an Autopsy my first year—one of my classmates passed out when the Pathologist offered to let us hold it,” you giggle, trying to stifle the sound. “The corpse suffered from an acute cardiomegaly—if I remember the terms right.” He shrugs—Dad wasn’t a doctor for long after he and Vincent came around, so it’s not like he picked up a whole lot of shop talk from the old man. “The heart was huge—I’ll never forget the way it felt to hold it in my hands.”

“Well you’re officially the coolest damn girl I’ve ever talked to.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” he lets out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding in as he pulls off in front of the old house. “I like ‘em a little sick.”

He can’t help smiling at the way you laugh so openly—he’s almost excited by the prospect of letting you in on their little family secret. Either it’ll wipe that smile off of your face and show you what true horror really is, or—dare he hope—maybe, just maybe, you’ll fit right in after all.

“You wanna come inside?” He sucks his cheek between his teeth, trying to curb his enthusiasm as he looks you over—you’re looking at the house, and you don’t look comfortable.

Second thoughts, maybe?

What’s the matter, girl? Just now thinking about how stupid it was to come home with a strange man in a strange town?

“Yeah.” You nod. “Sorry, it’s just—I always feel awkward when I go into someone else’s house.”

He lets out a laugh that’s almost more of a snarl when he gets out of the truck, coming around the other side to help you out—he can be a gentleman when he wants to. “Good—nothin’ worse than houseguests who make themselves feel too at home.”

You grin when you take his hand, hopping down from the passenger seat. “Never heard that one before.” You’re a little off-balance when you land, and Bo takes the opportunity to help you steady yourself—pulling you into his chest like he’s not the one who tipped you over in the first place.

“Whoops, falling for me already?” He teases with a charming smile.

Your body against his—that’s what he’s waiting for. Gotta be patient though; he knows you want him too, and he wants to feel your hands run through his hair when he makes you see God.

“Sorry,” you squeak, a cute blush on your face as he allows you to sort yourself out. “Guess I kind of stumbled there.”

“No harm done,” he smiles as his hand finds the small of your back. “Come on, let’s get you inside.”

All the confidence he cultivated during the short ride to the house evaporates into thin air when you walk into his home—he hadn’t expected company, so the piles of laundry and dirty dishes are all still heaped up exactly as he’d left them.

Usually, he doesn’t even see the mess—it’s just home to him—but fuck if he isn’t hyper aware of it now. He doesn’t want to look at you; he doesn’t want to see the polite little smile people wear when they’re trying not to look disgusted.

“It’s uh—It’s laundry day tomorrow—I wasn’t really expecting to entertain,” he stammers, but when he finally hazards a peek at you, you’re not even looking at the mess—your eyes are fixed on a couple of wet specimens he’s got laying out on one of the end-tables.

At least a little of the tension leaves him when he sees how hard you’re trying not to make a beeline for them, and he can’t help thinking you’re damn cute.

Little fuckin’ weird—but you’re his kind of weird.

“Go ahead and check ‘em out.” His smile falls when you nearly trip over a pair of old barn boots that he just left right there in the middle of the damn floor. “Goddamn—I’m sorry—I should’a warned you this place is a hell of a mess.”

“No, Bo.” You turn to look at him—looking wide eyed and genuine. “Really—it doesn’t bother me a bit; not like I was expected.”

“Still, can’t be what you’re used to.” He awkwardly kicks the boots under the couch, hoping he remembers they’re under there when he goes looking for them again.

“Shit Bo, I grew up in a little trailer in the woods.” Your wide smile and the humor in your eyes makes him relax a little—you ain’t lyin’ to him. “Long as your back door is more than just some stapled up plastic and a blanket, and I’m not in danger of freezing to death in my sleep, this place may as well be a fuckin’ five star hotel.”

“Well, considerin’ it’s September in Louisiana, I don’t think ya gotta worry about freezin’.” He’s trying so hard not to look too excited—but knowing a little about how you grew up changes so much. He was so worried about you lookin’ at him like Redneck Trash, when the truth is that the shoe’s on the other foot. “But if you’re worried about it you can always cuddle up to me.”

Your fucking smile.

God help him.

Your fingers brush his, and he lets you lace your hands together—anything to keep you leaning into him the way you are right now. “I might have to take you up on that.”

Taking your hands with him, his thumbs come up to brush against your cheeks—he could look at your face like this forever—and he’s doing his damnedest to commit the adoring look in your eyes to memory.

For all he knows, his secrets could be out any second, and you may never look at him like this again.

He can’t remember if anyone ever has.

“Are you gonna kiss me?” There you go again, dragging him out of his thoughts when his mind starts drifting off to darker places.

“Oh, is that what you’re waiting for?” He teases, watching your eyes close as he leans in, but stopping just short of giving you what you want with a petulant grin on his face. “Maybe I will—if you ask me real nice.”

His lips ghost against yours as he speaks, and he relishes the look of amused frustration on your face when it registers that he’s not kissing you yet.

“Please Bo,” you indulge him, batting your eyelashes all pretty. “Please kiss me.”

He can practically feel the beast in his rib cage clawing at him, a soft growl nestled in his throat—spurring him on even as he wants to bask in the moment.

There’s no use denying it any longer—your breath against his lips is too intoxicating to resist—if he had wanted to tease you further, his plans are ruined, but he can’t find it in him to be irritated when the softness of your lips meets his, and the taste of your chapstick floods his senses.

Your fingers slip from his, coming to rest against his chest as his own hands weave into your hair, holding you tight against him as his lips move against yours like a man starved.

When was the last time he felt wanted?

He doesn’t care if it’s all fake. He doesn’t care if tomorrow you look at him like the monster he is.

At least for now, you’re clinging to him, snaking your arms around his neck like there’s any chance of him letting you go.

He’s startled by a harsh tap against the bottom of his boot, and a growl of genuine frustration cuts through his chest when you pull back with concern in your eyes.

“Something wrong?”

“Not a damn thing’s wrong at all.” He knows his voice is a little too loud when you tense—but it’s not you he’s really talking to.

He’d have given Vincent a little warning if he knew you’d be coming up, but fuck, he didn’t have the luxury of advanced notice.

He pulls you close again, his fingertips ghosting your arm in a way that makes you shiver deliciously as he leans into your ear. “Do you wanna go upstairs?”

“Yes,” you hiss, whimpering softly when his teeth catch your earlobe.

Your face falls when he pulls away from you, but the excitement quickly floods you when you see the damn near feral grin on Bo’s face. “Well go on then—” he gives your ass a sneaky pinch, making you yelp. “Git!”

He gives you all of three seconds to start running up the stairs—your manic laughter is music to his ears as he chases you. You’ve got no idea where you’re going, but it doesn’t matter. He’s faster than you, and he’s quick to scoop you into his arms and sling you over his shoulder.

It’s fun when you beat against his back—for once, he can tell it’s not in earnest—you’re laughing and smiling and having every bit as much fun as he is, and that feels good for a change.

He slaps you on the ass—hard—before he kicks open his bedroom door.

“BO!” You shout.

“Bo!” He mimics as he tosses you onto the unmade bed.

For a split second, the worry that it might smell crosses his mind, but that’s quickly dashed when in the same second you’re ripping your shirt off and hurling it at his face.

He’s on you in an instant—burying his face in your tits as you’re left in your shorts and push-up bra.

Like you fuckin’ need the damn thing—save some titty for everyone else, will ya?

He doesn’t care if your lips bruise—he kisses you hard as his hands go up your back to unhook your bra.

God fuckin’ damn it—you’re too good—arching your back all pretty to make it easier for him.

Dirty whore; you know exactly what you want from him.

Your bra goes flying across his room the second he pulls it off of you, and he’s grinning wildly at the sight of your naked tits.

“Like what you see?”

“I’m more of a hands on kind of guy.” His big hands envelope your breasts, and he can’t resist kneading them—god damn his pants are gettin’ tight.

“Me too,” you croon, and he chuckles when he feels you fumbling with his belt.

“Need a little help?” He leans back, grabbing your wrist and forcing your hand to cup the growing bulge in his pants.

He knows you’re impressed, and he relishes the quick flicker of concern in your eyes before you lick your lips and it gives way to lust.

He growls softly when you sit up on your heels, but he doesn’t stop you from unbuckling his belt and working his pants down his hips while he whips his shirts off to join the heaps of laundry on his bedroom floor.

And he definitely doesn’t stop you when he feels your tongue slide up the shaft of his cock from base to tip before you take him into your warm, wet, mouth.

“Fuck, girl,” he hisses, grabbing a fistful of your hair to pull you back and make you look at him, the head of his cock still bobbing against your lips. “Ain’t you an enthusiastic little thing?”

“It’s been a while,” you whine, kitten-licking his cock without breaking eye contact. “And I’ve been wanting you for a while.”

The quiet laugh he lets out is almost triumphant as he forces you to bob your head up and down on his cock. “Well damn, baby—you could’a just asked.” He growls when he feels you moan around his cock, one of your sneaky little hands moving to caress his balls. “Hurts my feelin’s a little knowin’ we could’a been doin’ this right along.”

You moan again as your response, and he shoves you further down on his cock as punishment, but fuck you take it like a champ. “Quit that, or I’m gonna bust before I get to feel that perfect little pussy quiverin’ around me.”

He relishes the way your thighs tense at his words, no doubt hoping to create a little friction. God he loves how responsive you are for him.

He yanks you off of his cock with a wet ‘Pop’, forcing you to look him in the eye when he thrusts a hand into your little denim shorts, his rough fingers finding your clit with startling ease.

“Bo!” You whine.

“Bo!” He whines back, rubbing you almost hard enough to tip the scale from pleasure to pain, but only straddling the edge.

He kisses you again, the hand wound into your hair keeping you right where he wants you as his teeth sink into your bottom lip. He almost wants to know what you’d do if he bit a little harder—hard enough to make you bleed for him—but for now your wanton mewls are enough.

Especially when you wrap your hand around his cock.

“Bo,” you beg, looking at him with pleading eyes. “I want you to fuck me, Bo.”

You whine when he slips his fingers easily into you, and he can’t help but groan at the fact that you’re already so wet for him—a perfect little slut for him, ready to be used.

“Say it nice,” he growls, pushing you back into his pillows. His hand comes up to squeeze your cheeks, watching your lips squish as he mocks you. “Pretty please, Bo.”

“Pretty please,” you beg—so sweet—as his hand slips around your throat. “Pretty Please fuck me.”

Wriggling your hips with his hand around your throat—fuck—but you are a nasty little whore.

His nasty little whore.

You gasp, sucking in a ragged breath when he lets you go—but it’s only for the moment—just long enough for him to hook the waistband of your shorts and panties to yank them both off in one desperate motion.

Desperate?

That’s how you make him feel.

It’s been a long time since he’s wanted to fuck someone so bad that it hurt.

He doesn’t give you any time to prepare—he hears you yelp when he impales you on his cock, but your little whimpers only spur him on, and soon his hand is back around your pretty throat as he’s rutting into you like the wild animal snarling and throwing itself against the inside of his body, like it will burst free of its prison if he doesn’t take it all out on you and your all too willing body.

It’s so sweet the way you try to moan without air, and he nearly fucking busts when the corners of your mouth turn up into a sick smile even as your eyes begin to roll back.

It would be so easy—all he’d have to do is choke you just a little longer and you’d be out cold—but he wants you awake—he wants you alive—so he lets go just in time to keep you conscious.

“Hey Sugarbabe,” he rasps, patting your cheek to keep your attention as he watches your world spin. “Stay with me now—wanna feel you cum around my cock.”

Your tits jiggle with his every thrust, and he’s not sure where to fucking look when your hand comes up to rub your clit, a downright devilish look on your face as your walls start squeezing around him.

“Fuck, Girl,” he grunts, burying his face in the crook of your neck to pepper little nips and kisses to the sweet skin there. “Keep fuckin’ doing that.”

You do, and soon enough he feels your pussy squeezing so hard on his cock it feels like it’s trying to suck him in. “Godfuckdamn.”

He fucks you harder, slamming his hips into yours as he grabs your wrists and pushes them violently into the mattress above your head as you scream his name. Your scream turns into a howl of pain when his teeth find your shoulder, and he can’t find it in him to care when he hears the sick pop of your flesh breaking, and he tastes iron on his tongue.

He’s buried deep inside you when he cums, and your greedy little cunt is milking him for all he’s got. The image of a little Him runnin’ ‘round Ambrose with his hand in yours flashes through his mind, and he thinks that’d be one way to keep you here, but he’s too gone to put much thought into anything right now—aside from collapsing overtop of you with his still-semi-hard cock buried within your twitching pussy.

“Fuck Bo.” Your voice is breathy—almost a laugh—and he leans up to follow your gaze to the bleeding impression his teeth left in your shoulder.

Honestly, he doesn’t give a fuck—if anything, he’s thrilled to leave such an obvious mark on you, but the way you have the nerve to grin at him makes his treacherous heart flutter. “That was intense.”

He pets your hair as he grins down at you, giving your throat just a light tease of a squeeze. “I didn’t hear you complaining.”

“I wasn’t.”

Fuck.

Your arms snake around his shoulders—resting tenderly around him as you press a sweet kiss to the corner of his mouth. He can still taste your blood. “You keep fucking me like that, Bo, and I’m not gonna want to go when the week is up.”

It almost hurts, the way you’re smiling so sweetly at him, the way you touch him so soft even after he left you bloody and gasping for air. He doesn’t trust himself to hope, but he’s in too deep to ever consider letting you go.

He can only hope you still look at him like that after the lies all fall down around your feet.