#I have a few favorites that I haven’t shown off yet!

[rosicheeks]

Can we see the painting you did? 😊

Not the one from tonight but here’s a few I did the other day 🥰

[lillified]

love love love ur artstyle, just wondering if you have any designs that you haven’t shown off yet/ haven’t shown in a while. Any excuse to see more of ur art lmao

thank you so much for the kind words!

i have designs i haven't shown off yet, but I'll make dedicated posts for those when theyre done :)

in the meantime, here's a few we haven't seen in a while!

Knockout:

Lockdown's defacto favorite apprentice!

Tarn:

a gladiator, and Megatron's former friend! Well, they were kind of friends. The kind of friends what wish for eachother's downfalls, anyway. You take what you can get!

Speaking of gladiators:

Overlord:

This one's probably the weirdest! Overlord was a famous adversary of Megatron's, who the latter disgraced in combat by sparing. Held a grudge ever since!

Thrust:

Nobody too important. Just a garden variety conehead!

Megaempress:

The true and rightful ruler of the Decepticons, according to some people.

Arcee:

This design isn't canon, but I like the idea. I might tweak it a bit and bring it back!

Optimus Prime:

He doesn't need an introduction. He might be due for an update soon, though--his design is a little outdated

And lastly, but not leastly:

Shockwave...?:

something is missing here...

[mapiforpresident]

Our Little Family pt. 2

Here is Part 1

Alexia x reader x Mapi

Warnings: none

Summary: Your baby Hugo's first 24 hours are filled with love.

~~~

"Sleep, amor; we have Hugo, and we will be right here when you wake up," Mapi said to you as you started to drift off. Alexia was sitting next to you in bed, cradling Hugo, rocking him back and forth, and cooing at him. It was the most adorable sight you had ever seen. You had given birth less than an hour ago, and you were truly exhausted, so you fully closed your eyes and let sleep consume you, knowing your wives were looking after your son.

"I want to hold him now," Mapi whined to Alexia.

"No, I just got him," Alexia replied, not looking up from her son's eyes as he gurgled at her. "You can have him in twenty minutes."

"But I want to hold him now, he is just so cute. Look at his tiny little fingers." Mapi moved around to sit on the edge of the bed next to Alexia. She reached out to stroke Hugo’s tiny fingers. He reached out, looking up at his mama, and gripped her pointer finger.

“You’ve got a strong grip, don't you, mi amor.”

“I can’t believe we are actually mothers now. Y/n did so amazing, and she gave us such a beautiful baby boy,” Alexia said as she glanced over at you.

“We should practice swaddling him; I haven’t done it before,” Mapi said as she got a fresh blanket. Alexia shifted Hugo so she could unwrap the current blanket and then gently lay him on the blanket that Lucy and Ona gifted them with a little Barça crest.

“Alright, we got this,” Alexia said, excited for the new experience. Mapi started the process the nurse had shown them earlier but got lost halfway through.

“No, amor, fold the left then the right,” Alexia said, moving to help. “Your mama might need a few more tries, huh Hugo,” Alexia cooed as she leaned down and kissed his cheek once he was fully swaddled.

“Gracias, Ale,” Mapi said as she leaned down to kiss Hugo’s other cheek and then Alexia’s as she cradled Hugo close to her body. As they admired their handiwork and cooed at Hugo, you stirred from your sleep, slowly opening your eyes to see your wives and your newborn. A warm feeling of contentment washed over you as you took in the sight before you.

“How are my favorite people doing?” you asked softly, your voice laced with sleepiness.

“We’re doing great, cariño,” Mapi said, turning to you with a bright smile. “And look at Hugo, he’s just perfect. He did so well for us when we swaddled him.”

“He really is,” you agreed, feeling a rush of love as you looked at your son. “Thank you both for being here for me and being such amazing wives.”

“Of course, amor,” Alexia said, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to your forehead and then one to your lips. “We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

“Do you want to hold him now?” Mapi asked. You eagerly nodded your head, wanting to be as close to your son as possible.

~~~

As the day continued to unfold, the three of you basked in the joy of becoming parents. The hospital room became a hub of activity as family started to arrive to visit. Mapi’s parents arrived first with a bouquet of flowers for you and gifts for Hugo. Your parents arrived shortly after, incredibly excited to be grandparents and spoil Hugo. Eli and Alba arrived next. Eli brought a homemade meal for the three of you to enjoy together, and Alba was so excited to meet her nephew.

“Where is he? I want to hold him,” Alba said as she practically ran over to Alexia, who was currently holding him after just changing his diaper.

“Slow down and don’t be so loud; you are going to scare my son, and he just stopped crying. Go wash your hands, please, before you come anywhere near him.” Alba grumbled at her sister but did as she was told. On her way to the sink, she came and kissed you on your head and hugged Mapi.

“Congrats, Y/n, you have such a beautiful son. Good luck raising him with Alexia; I’m surprised she doesn’t have him wrapped in bubble wrap yet.” You and Mapi both chuckled at this as Alexia grumbled about how she could hear you.

Alexia’s mom and sister each took a turn holding and cooing at the adorable newborn. Hugo was the center of attention with his little yawns and baby noises. You especially loved it when he scrunched his little face up.

Alba and Eli, like the other families, only stayed about thirty minutes, not wanting to overwhelm you or the baby and wanting the three of you to be in your own bubble for a little bit.

Throughout the entire day, both of your wives were also very attentive to you. They took turns helping you to the bathroom, changing ice packs, making sure you weren’t in too much discomfort, etc.

~~~

“How are you feeling now, amor?” Mapi asked you. Alexia had been awake for practically 24 hours now, and you had finally made her go rest in the recliner. She was reluctant at first, but you told her that she couldn’t help you if she didn’t take care of herself, and she was snoring lightly a couple of minutes later. Hugo was asleep in the little crib that was attached to the bed, looking peaceful after he had just breastfed.

“It's not super painful right now, just really uncomfortable,” you replied, leaning your head on Mapi’s shoulder.

“Do you want to try taking a few steps, amor? I can help hold you up. The nurse said you can try to walk whenever you feel ready.” You nodded, thinking that it might help you feel a little better to move around because you had been laying down, or in a wheelchair, for over a day now.

Mapi slowly helped you up so you were standing up. You stood there for a minute using her arms to stabilize.

“How does that feel, amor? Are you ok to continue?” Mapi said, letting you adjust for a minute.

“I think I’m ok; let me take a step,” you replied as Mapi took a step backward so you could start to walk forward more.

After a full lap around the room, Hugo woke up crying. He must have realized his moms left his side for a minute. This immediately woke Alexia up, and since you couldn’t get to him very fast and Mapi was helping to hold you up, Ale grabbed him from the crib and sat back down in the chair, rocking him against her chest.

Yours and Mapi’s hearts swooned as Alexia started whispering, singing a little Spanish lullaby to your son.

“We better record this; no one will believe Ale would ever sing a lullaby,” you whispered to Mapi. She nodded in agreement and helped you sit on the bed before grabbing her phone to record the sweet moment between mother and son. Once Alexia stopped singing as Hugo calmed down, gurgling contently staring up at his mother, she noticed Mapi had been recording.

“No, absolutely not bebé, you are not allowed to share that with another soul,” Alexia warned Mapi.

“Too late, amor, I already sent it to the team group chat and to your mom and sister.”

[harrywavycurly]

Fake Husband Eddie Part 2: Meeting Someone?

Part 1: here

Part 3: here

Tag List: @alana4610 @fluentmoviequoter @alicentswife @vivalasv3gan @goth-cowgirl-03 @yujyujj @slowgabinaburninroom @zaddyskye69

TW: Cursing and drinking

A/N: Before you all come for me don’t worry there is a part 3 and it’s the final part of this little trilogy lol also idk why I added in Frank and the Hideout backstory it was just something that was sitting in the back of my mind and it fit. Anywayyyy enjoy!!✨

You smooth out the front of your shirt as you sit down on one of the worn out barstools at the back of the Hideout. It’s been exactly a week since you met Eddie and it only felt right that the two of you have your first official date at the bar you met at. Over the span of a week you two have gotten to know each other quite well, you learned that Eddie would much rather FaceTime you than text you because he likes to hear your voice, especially your laugh he loves how it sounds even through the phone. You also learned that he loves his job, he works at the garage in town and he’s always got his head under someone’s hood fixing a transmission or tinkering with a stubborn fuel line.

Eddie has learned things about you as well, he knows that you like to read before bed and he doesn’t know why but it shocked him a bit to learn the two of you have a few books in common on your bookshelves. He notices things like how you try to hide your face when you’re smiling and he just assumes that’s something you’ve always done but he’s made a mental note to try to remind you how pretty you are when you smile because it’s really one of his favorite things to see. You go on little rants about things that have bothered you during the day and he loves how passionate you get because your arms go everywhere and you also always end it with “you know what I mean?” and even if he has no clue he can’t help but smile and just nod and reassure you that yes he knows what you mean.

The two of you have grown close over the past several days and you’ve started to develop a rather large crush on the long haired metal head. Luckily for you though Eddie made his feelings known the night he drove you home from the hideout.

“You know what?” You turn your head and look at Eddie who’s smiling at you as he watches you reach for the handle of the passenger side door of his van.

“What?” Eddie leans over his middle console so he can tuck a few stay hairs behind your ear making you blush as you feel his hand brush against your cheek.

“I think I like you.” You raise an eyebrow at him as you playfully glare at him making him laugh.

“You think?” You tease as Eddie reaches for your hand that has his skull ring on it, you smile as you watch him twirl it around your finger since it’s a little too big for you but you like how it feels so you haven’t taken it off.

“Sorry sweetheart.” He looks up at you as you find yourself leaning into him. “I know I like you.” He adds right before he places a kiss to your lips making you smile as he pulls away.

The sound of a glass being set down in front of you jolts you out of your daydream as you blink a few times before looking around to see if Eddie has shown up yet. You look at your phone and see it’s only ten minutes past six, the time you both agreed to meet so you just brush it off to him being a little late and look up to see the bartender cleaning a few glasses in front of you.

“What can I get ya?” Frank the bartender and half owner of the Hideout asks as he gives you a smile. “I make a mean martini.” He jokes as he shoots you a playful wink making you laugh.

“Uh I’ll just have a vodka tonic please.” He nods and starts making your drink. “Have you worked here a while?” You ask trying to make small talk to help the time pass before Eddie shows up and this is only the second time you’ve ever been here so might as well get to know the bartenders.

“You could say that.” Frank answers as he slides your drink in front of you. “I’m Frank and I may not look it but I’m one of the Hideout's original customers.” You just nod your head encouraging him to continue as you take a sip of your drink, Frank is an older gentleman with long gray hair he has tucked into a low pony on the back of his neck and a few tattoos scattered around his forearms that are only visible because he has his flannel rolled up to his elbows. “I helped them name this place because we used to meet here back in the day when it wasn’t actually a bar, to hideout from people we didn’t want to see or nagging wives we were avoiding so when they wanted to turn it into a bar I said why not just call it the Hideout?” Frank explained and you couldn’t help but giggle at the mention of avoiding nagging wives.

“It’s a great name.” You watch him smile as he looks around the bar to see if anyone needs anything.

“Meeting someone?” Frank asks as he glances down at the giant skull ring on your ring finger.

“Uh yeah.” You’re not sure how to answer his question so you just go with your gut. “My husband actually.” Frank just smiles and nods as he goes back to cleaning glasses as you slowly sip on your drink as you anxiously look at your phone again and let out a sigh when you see it’s now six thirty.

Eddie is elbows deep in a minivan’s engine that is just refusing to let him get his fingers in the correct place to install a new part. He lets out a frustrated groan as he takes a step back from the van and places his grease covered hands on his hips and closes his eyes and looks up towards the ceiling of the garage. He wonders for a moment what you’re going to wear on your date with him tonight, he’s had tonight circled on his calendar all week and he’d be lying if he didn’t say he even added little hearts to it and everything.

“Why do all minivans have to be so damn stubborn?” He mumbles as he opens his eyes and takes a step closer to the van. “I’m just trying to help you.” He explains as he uses his wrist to wipe some sweat off his brow, as he drops it back down to his side he feels his whole world begin to move in slow motion when he catches the time on his watch. “Oh fuck fuck fuck.” He drops the wrench in his left hand and heads for the break room of the garage.

“Eddie?” Greg the parts guy asks as Eddie rushes past him so he can grab his stuff from his locker.

“I’m late!” Eddie shouts over his shoulder as he heads for the door. He quickly jumps into his van and starts the engine as he digs around in his bag for his phone. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding.” He groans when he sees his phone is on 10% battery because he forgot to put it on the charger after falling asleep on FaceTime with you last night. He looks at the clock and silently prays to whoever it is that might be listening to let you still be waiting for him even though it’s well after eight at night and he was supposed to meet you at six.

“Shit shit.” He presses your name in his phone and it rings once before his whole screen goes black meaning his phone is dead. “Fuck!” Eddie feels like his heart is in his stomach as he pulls out of the parking lot of his work and heads straight for the Hideout.

He doesn’t look for your car in the bar’s parking lot because he knows you planned to get dropped off so he could just take you home. He not so gently snatches his keys from the ignition after putting it in park and slams his door closed as he exits the van. He ignores the looks he’s getting form the men outside smoking as he rushes into the bar, he’s sure he looks like he’s lost with his work overalls on tied around his waist and his hair in a messy bun and grease stains everywhere. Frank turns when he hears the door open and he raises an eyebrow at Eddie when he lets out a sigh at all the empty seats in the back of the bar, exactly where you told him you’d be so he could meet you.

“Looking for your wife?” Eddie looks at the bartender and nods his head because you’d been jokingly calling yourself his wife all week so of course you’d tell the bartender you were waiting for your husband. Frank tosses something at Eddie and when he catches it and sees what it is he feels his heart break a bit. “Left about an hour ago.” He adds as Eddie stares at the skull ring that’s sitting in the palm of his hand.

“Oh no.” And with that Eddie turns on his heels and runs straight back out to the parking lot towards his van because no way is he letting him being an idiot be the reason you two end things.

[aftgficrec]

Favorite Neil/Jean or Neil&Jean fics?

In the aftermath of the publication of The Sunshine Court the relationship between Neil and Jean has been put under the spotlight a little more (no spoilers here though!), but there have always been authors who have shown this combo the attention it deserves. In addition, many fics under our raven!neil tag feature friendships or relationships between Neil and Jean. - S

Previously recommended:

Neil Josten & Jean Moreau:

close friends Neil & Jean here

BFFs Jean & Neil here

Neil/Jean tumblr fics and headcanons here

‘Afterthoughts Chapter 68’, ‘Jean, Neil, and Kevin hanging out’ here (plus some more Neil & Jean under previous recs)

‘not very good at this’ here

Neil Josten/Jean Moreau:

Neil/Jean fics here (you can also find a link to our Neil/Jean tag here)

More Jean/Neil fics here

‘we’ll survive, you and i’, ‘Heart on Your Sleeve, Eyes on the Street (the Heart-Eyes Remix)’, and ‘Doves & Ravens’  here

Some of our favourites from previous posts:

Your humble and silky life by moonix [Rated G, 3582 words, complete, 2019, locked]

Jean’s life these days is quiet, uneventful. His best friend has a hopeless crush on the unattainable Minyard, Jean’s colleague at the botanical garden. Jean has a standing appointment every week with the most beautiful woman in the world, who is happily married to someone else��but that’s okay. There’s still Jeremy the waiter, whose smile is the highlight of Jean’s week.

tw: animal death

Black As Is The Raven, He’ll Get A Partner by nekojita [Rated E, 644156 words, complete, 2018]

When Wymack, Kevin and Andrew came to recruit Neil Josten in Millport, Neil decided to say 'no' instead of 'yes' to joining the Foxes and does what he does best, which is run. Unfortunately, that brings him to the attention of the Moriyamas, who return him to his 'rightful' place. Now Neil has to learn how to survive at the Nest with his only ally another 'asset' long kept under Riko's heel.

tw: violence, tw: rape/noncon, tw: dubcon, tw: blood, tw: panic attacks, tw: drug use, tw: alcohol, tw: minor character death, tw: homophobia, tw: involuntary outing

Apart from Your World (A Part of Mine) by ApprenticedMagician [Rated T, 17647 words, complete, Aftg Big Bang 2018, locked]

David is shipping him off to the Isle of Anglesey and, frankly, Neil could use the time and distance away from an ugly break-up that still hasn't smoothed over. The problem is, if he isn't being reminded of his ex (courtesy of working alongside his identical twin brother), then he's being reminded of the mother who abandoned him (courtesy of their assigned patient who suffers the same affliction she once did). All around, it's shaping up to be anything but the trip he signed up for.

tw: references to past abuse

NB: find art for this fic by @llheji here

So Keep Your Heart On Your Sleeve (And Keep Your Eyes On The Streets) by CasTheButler [Rated T, 4162 words, complete, Aftg Winter Exchange 2018]

Cause it's a God damn long drive fall, Back to normality. Jean starts at a new school on a new soccer team, makes some friends, and spends the whole time falling in love with a punk. Written for the 2018 AFTG Winter Exchange.

tw: panic attacks

And here are some fics we haven’t rec’ed yet:

Neil Josten & Jean Moreau:

Je crois en la chance de rejoindre la mer by Elyant [Rated T, 2007 words, complete, 2021, locked]

Part 4 of The Devil Makes Three

Jean has chosen the café whose tables were closest to the large windows overlooking the tarmac. After spending so many years underground and under the harsh fluorescent light of the Nest, he doesn't think he will ever have enough of the natural warmth of the sun. A duffle bag of clothes that are too new to feel like his, the tin of home-baked cookies Renee thrusted into his hands before he left, and a small package wrapped in kraft paper are his only baggage.  He's waiting for a plane from London to land because of a phone call he received a few nights before. He is therefore purposefully two hours too early for the flight that will take him to South California, to meet the team in crimson and gold that will become his family, even if he doesn't know it yet.

tw: implied/referenced abuse

from rain by ratbandaid [Rated T, 62807 words, complete, 2023]

Over time, Jean grew unsure as to why he'd been so intent on running from the mafia. He barely took care of himself and could hardly call whatever he was doing living. After all, he knew that one day, he'll be caught and dragged back, kicking and screaming, to be killed or worse: put back in the hands of Riko Moriyama. But when a snot-nosed, cocky brat, Neil, stumbles into his life, Jean slowly realizes what he's running for.

tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: violence, tw: nightmares

based on this art by @estavs

NB: This one contains slight spoilers for The Sunshine Court:

epic understatement by LadyTimelessness [Rated T, 335 words, complete, 2024]

he's pissed off that jean had to go through this. they're basically nothing to each other, but damn it, neil wants to crack grayson's skull open that second. faith in the world finally burns out in the fire of disillusionment.

tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced murder

Neil Josten/Jean Moreau:

Skip the Last Dance For Me (the Trojan Horse remix) by justadreamfox [Rated T, 3572 words, complete, Aftg Remix 2020]

Neil and Jean are free of the Nest, and wearing the Trojan red and gold, but they've still got "normal" life to navigate and friendships (past and present) to juggle. Really, sometimes you just want to be alone with your boyfriend.  Ft. Exy, pizza, and Steven Spielberg.

Nothing Mattered Until You by Lostintheuniverseslies [Rated M, 22497 words, complete, 2023]

On the docks in Marseille, Neil fell in love. But his mother ripped him away and for years he never dared hope to see Jean again. He believed that he would die before ever getting the chance. But when recuperating with his uncle after his father is killed, Neil's chance comes. Unfortunately, he isn't the only one who went through some horrible things over the years. Despite their horrible pasts, they decide to try for a future together. Going to college and even making some friends along the way. But Riko has other plans and wants back what he considers his.

tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: implied/referenced domestic violence, tw: stalking, tw: harassment,  tw: dissociation

It's Friday, I'm in love by Greenfallleaves [Rated T, 5834 words, complete, 2023, locked]

The day Neil had found himself pushed into the strong chest of their school’s new student Jean Moreau had been one of his luckiest in hindsight.

Hold my breath in your hands by Greenfallleaves [Rated G, 2154 words, complete, 2023, locked]

Adapting to the world outside the nest hadn’t been easy for either Jean or Neil but now that they had had a few years to get used to it, they got to complain about (i.e. enjoy) spending quality time with their friends.

sleep notes by nanatsuyu [Rated T, 2928 words, complete, 2024, locked]

Neil smokes a joint and discusses the possibility that Kevin is an honest to God vampire.

tw: recreational drug use, tw: implied/referenced abuse

A kiss while someone watches by @stabbyfoxandrew [tumblr, 2024]

Nathaniel never really saw the point of kissing until he was brought to the nest. Or rather, until the first time Jean Moreau backed him up against the wall of their shared dorm during an argument.

Art

Jean & Neil by @ziegenkind094

Raven!neil au - napping by @dawnatlas 

Raven!neil au - partners by @dawnatlas

‘Stitch by stitch, tape and gauze…’ by @dawnatlas

two by @02511213942

Neil and Jean find an empty pool at night by @aminiyard

i believe in jean moreau supremacy by @caraleadraws 

secret santa gift for @nekojitachan by @aminiyard

Hello sunshine court by @estavs

[colie-nne]

Scruffy?!

pairings: formula 1 grid x fem driver!oc

warnings: none

a/n: sorry for being inactive, the hunt for a new apt isn't going well. should've done this weeks ago, but i'm back at it with another part of my driver series hope you like this as much as my other ones!!😌

“Lando!” Valentina screams his name for the second time since her stream had started.

Rushed steps are heard from the hallway leading to her room, “What is it?” He asks, hair disheveled making it clear to the viewers he just got up from where ever he was just a minute ago.

“There you are, well if you’ve been answering your phone in the past minute you should know what I was asking for,” she grumble before pulling Lando by the shirt.

“You’re streaming?” Asking as he takes in her current desk set up. “Yup, I mean a cancelled race wasn’t on my to-do list today so why not make an appearance, yeah?” Val answers before showing her phone to him.

Giving her a confused look, he takes the phone only for him to stand there silent. “What am I supposed to do with this?” Lando gesturing to the app shown on screen. “And why the hell are you sitting like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re about to jump off of the chair.”

“Ok ok, first of all, I was cross sitting for quite a while before you came in,” she said as a matter of factly before sitting up properly. “And last of all, I need your help for the address.”

Holding back a laugh, “You need help with what?.”

“No, don’t laugh. I forgot ok, it’s too much for me to be able to remember that shit,” reasoning out, she looks up at him, who by the way is clearly entertained.

“Valentina, you’ve been living here for about two years now and you still don’t know the address?” His tone changes into a somewhat disapproving yet shocked one.

“Yeah but it’s not like I write my address all the time.”

User why is forgetting their address a very Val thing to do User my favorite pair is back!!! User  now we know why lando has to pick val up from literally everywhere.

After the subtle confession, the room turned silent. The two drivers staring at each others expression, one who’s clearly entertained while one is quite the opposite.

Val slowly points her finger to Lando, as if threatening him would stop the high pitched laugh that’s now escaping his mouth. Covering the lower half of his face he slowly tumbles out of frame. 

“Lando, come on. I need it now, like asap, right now, like immediately,” she said pulling him back before making him sit on the bean bag next to her.

“Fine, fine. But you’re still not pardon you shrimp.”

“Shrimp my ass, your comebacks are the reason you haven’t gone through puberty yet” she says pushing his face to the side as he began typing on the phone. Looking back to her screen, she read a few comments from her viewers.

User hi val!! User VAL WHEN WILL YOU RETURN TO MALLORCA?

“Hello chat! Sorry for the wait, I was having some difficulty a while ago. That is if you just came in and you don’t know.” Waving to the camera before leaning in closer to the camera.

Lando’s ass subscribed

Her laugh rung out suddenly, making Lando flinch beside her, “What the hell, mate.”

She leans back on her chair before pointing at the latest subscription, “Landoooo” exaggerating, “I didn’t know your flat ass liked me that much.”

“Mate, none of me likes your bottom.” He teases her before passing back the phone.

“Oh, thank you!” She says softly, before reaching out for something behind her.

“You’re good,” he whispers back. Focusing on the stream who’s now screaming out his name in the chat.

User LANDOOOOOOOO User What does Valentina think of the beard User ARGENTINA SAYS HI User I LOVE YOUR MIAMI HELMET

“Hey, someone asking what you think of my lovely beard,” he touches the hair on his chin as soon as she turns to look.

“ I mean it isn’t that bad, it-“

“Bad? You just told me it looks good a couple hours ago,” Lando places his hand on top of her head, forcing her attention to him.

Huffing out a breathe she turns her head to read some messages before turning back to him. Reaching up to poke his chin, Val pulls some of the hair before smirking.

“What I mean, is that it isn’t that bad for someone who’s just starting puberty. It honestly looks like you have a scruffy little thing on your chin. Don’t you agree chat?” She grins to the camera, happy that some in the chat agrees with her.

User Yeah User it looks fine, honestly User lando growing facial hair was not on my ’23 bucket list but I’ll take it User I like vali’s way of thinking, it feels like I’ll have hundreds of ideas to share everyday

“Oi! do you know what else it looks like?” Mischievously she gesture him to come closer. The brit slowly tilts his head in order for her to whisper it to him. Widening his eyes he shakes his head in disbelief as Val once again falls back on her chair, laughing her ass off.

“Mate! No, you little!” he grabs her by the shoulder before jokingly putting her in a headlock. Val, who’s still having a laughing fit was now resting her head on his shoulder as she tries to escape his grip. Even though it was light, she can’t seem to move.

The chat goes crazy in curiosity about what their one and only favorite female driver had said that made Lando man-handle her. Knowing that their banter would take sometime before it tames down, all they can do is watch as the scene unfolds in front of them, like usual.

[stevetonyweekly]

SteveTony Weekly - July 21 - Week 29

Welcome back, friends! I’ve got some fun recs for you this week but first--tomorrow kicks off @cap-ironman Rec Week! If you haven’t seen the prompt list, it’s HERE and you should 100% be following along and making recs over the next week. I’m gonna try to post a title or two every day for rec week, if my schedule allows. 

Ok, now this week’s recs! Enjoy and be sure to let your authors know how much you liked their stories! 

~

Tony Stark in Grocery Lists by dizzydreamer

Tony Stark is all busy and bright and future, and Steve Rogers is still shaking, still tired.

There is still water in his lungs, and they rattle when he yells, "big man in a suit of armor. Take that off and what are you."

Steve hasn’t quite figured that out yet.

So he keeps a list. '101 things that make Tony Stark tick.'

Only, he guesses he ought to change it. These days '1000 Reasons I'm in Love with Tony Stark' has a much better ring to it.

Or, Steve is confused about the future. He figures Tony Stark is a good place to start.

my thoughts: oh my god. I had to stop reading and sit with this several times throughout and it was so short?? It’s gorgeous, and the way that Steve falls in love is just so gentle and right. 

the groundwork of disapprobation by haemodye

Steve and Tony don't touch skin to skin until their first handshake at Bethesda Fountain. There, in front of Bruce and SHIELD and everyone, they discover that they're soulmates.

Neither of them quite know how to feel about this development.

my thoughts: ok, so i read this entire series and you should too. It’s built on miscommunication and the differences in dynamics between the 40s and when Steve is revived, and it’s just super well done--and Steve is so very gone on Tony, I just cannot. 

Administrative Access Only by FrankTheSnek

Ever since Tony had called him to the workshop and shown off his shiny new suit with all its pretty gold panels and fancy new features, Steve couldn't stop thinking about it. Being attracted to the Iron Man armor was nothing new to Steve. It was a fantasy he kept in his back pocket for when he was alone and horny and desperate to come. But he had never acted on it... until now.

my thoughts: armor fucker Steve Rogers will never not be my jam. That’s all this is--pure filth and Steve indulging in his favorite kink. 

Catching Lightning in a Bottle by sabrecmc 

College student Tony meets janitor Steve at MIT and they fall blissfully in love, until Howard happens and things fall apart. One divorce paperwork snafu courtesy of the ever-helpful Jarvis, and ten years later, Tony has to get re-divorced from Steve.

This does not go as he imagines.

Or, the Sweet Home Alabama AU that no one--well, okay, a few of you--asked for.

Fanart included.

my thoughts: i’ve read this before, of course, but it’s been a while. I adore how utterly committed Tony is when he realizes there’s even a tiny bit of hope. Plus, the Jameses are perfection--I love it. 

a final dream of bells by haemodye

Steve never thought he'd get to have domestic bliss like this. He has a family, a job he loves, and a strong bond to an alpha who adores him.

If only it wasn't all built on a lie.

my thoughts: i really loved the way that haemodye played with dynamics and expectations, and also it was just filthy and hot. 

[twistedtummies2]

Top 10 Appearances of Disney's Evil Queen

Not so long ago, Disney released the teaser trailer for an upcoming live-action remake of its first great animated feature, “Snow White,” scheduled for release in Spring of 2025. When I saw the teaser, two thoughts immediately sprung to mind. The first was, “May God have mercy on their souls for this stupidity.” The second was…while the trailer largely did not impress me, I was genuinely intrigued by the first looks at Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Ever since her casting was announced, she was the one part I was genuinely interested in seeing, and for all the problems the trailer presented, I remain hopeful that she, at least, will turn in a worthy performance. This got me thinking of all the past times the Evil Queen has shown up in Disney properties since her debut in their premiere animated motion picture. I’ve done similar lists in the past for two other Disney Villains - Maleficent and Scar - and I decided it would be fun, in light of this news, to give the Queen a look-see, too. Now, a few key rules must be established: first of all, I’m only talking about DISNEY’S Evil Queen. Other versions of the fairy-tale icon aren’t counted here at all; I made a separate list of my favorite versions of the character in general a while back. Second, and slightly tied to that, I am NOT including the characters of Regina from “Once Upon a Time” and Queen Ravenna from “Snow White and the Huntsman.” This is because I feel, while each certainly has been influenced by the Queen from the original Disney movie, they really stand as their own versions of the character. I’m only talking about the original Disney Queen and her reappearances. Third and finally, I can obviously only count appearances I’m actually fairly familiar with; for example, there’s a somewhat famous Disney comic series called ‘The Return of Snow White” which I’ve heard is very, VERY good…but I sadly haven’t read it yet, so I don’t think it’s right to include it here. With that said…“dip the apple in the brew, let the sleeping death seep through!” These are My Top 10 Appearances of Disney’s Evil Queen!

10. Kingdom Hearts.

“Kingdom Hearts” is one of my favorite video game series of all time, and a big part of why is the appearances of the Disney Villains. From Maleficent to Hades, from Pete to Ursula, it’s great to see all of these famous baddies show up, and - when the chance arises - to battle them in delightfully crazed combat. HOWEVER, not every villain is a knockout antagonist. I think partially because, as time has gone on, the series has focused more and more on its own original lore and characters than on mingling the Disney worlds INTO that lore, the villains seem to be taking a step back with every other installment. Case in point: the Evil Queen. While by no means the worst of the Disney Villains in this universe, I’ve personally always felt slightly disappointed with the Queen’s appearances in KH. She’s kept perfectly in character, and her times onscreen do lead to some great moments, but she has very little to do with the overarching plot of games like “Birth By Sleep” and it feels like there was more that could have been done with the character than ultimately was. However, it was great to see her, and her presence did lead to possibly my favorite boss fight (at least for the Disney characters) in all of KH history. End of the day, I’d be remiss to leave this off the running entirely. I really just wish we'd gotten more of her.

9. Villains Tonight!

This now-retired spooky spoof was a tongue-in-cheek musical farce originally performed on Disney Cruise Lines. The main character of the show is Hades, who - at the start of the play - is trying to reform…not because he actually desires redemption or feels genuinely repentant, but simply because he is so sick and tired of being foiled time and time again by Hercules, he’s had enough. However, things change when the Fates inform Hades that he needs an upgrade in evil-ness, otherwise he’ll lose control of the Underworld (and, really, that’s all Hades has left). So, the God of the Dead decides to summon some of his fellow villains to his lair, hoping their collective wickedness can help him out. While most of the villains in the show are essentially cameo appearances - showing up for a single "spotlight moment" musical number, and then departing till the end of the show, a-la “CATS” - the Evil Queen actually plays a fairly sizeable role in the story. Hades sends out Pain and Panic with physical invitations for both the Queen and Maleficent. It’s revealed that the two arch-villainesses are not only rivals, but also old flames (har har) of the Lord of the Underworld. Their competitive spirit nearly gets the better of them, but later in the show, they put their differences aside to spoil the day (they’re certainly not SAVING it), and help Hades get back into the evil groove. This is by far the silliest of all the Queen’s appearances on this list, but it’s a lot of fun; the back and forth between herself and Maleficent is so delightfully catty, and it’s cool seeing these two end up being the…ah…“heroes” that help Hades in the end.

8. Disney’s Villains’ Revenge.

I only recently rediscovered this PC game from my youth. While not everything in it still holds up in my adult years, I’d generally say it’s still a pretty interesting title! Made as a sort of promotional method to advertise some of Disney’s older films (which were being either released or re-released to video en masse at the time), this game features four of Disney’s resident rogues: Captain Hook, the Queen of Hearts, the Ringmaster from Dumbo (...okay, that’s the odd one out…), and - of course - the Evil Queen. The plot begins when Jiminy Cricket (in an uncharacteristic show of abject stupidity) decides to meddle with a magical storybook, tearing out the last page from four of the tales contained within (you can guess which ones). Because of this, the villains are able to rewrite their stories the way they want to, twisting things around and coming up with the “unhappy endings” they want most. With help from the Blue Fairy, Jiminy and the Player thus travel into each story to set things right again. In the Snow White section of the game, the Evil Queen has written the Prince out of existence. She tricks Snow White into eating a poisoned apple, and then - just for good measure - she begins to force each of the Seven Dwarfs to take an apple as well, putting them to sleep one by one. Jiminy and the Player need to work fast to find a way to bring the Prince back from the proverbial void before all of the Dwarfs are knocked out. Later, at the climax of the game, the Queen joins in the final battle with the other villains. Instead of being killed, her punishment for her evil deeds is to be forced to remain in her hideous old crone form for the rest of her life. Serves her right, I’d say!

7. Fantasmic!

This nighttime spectacular - an extravaganza of stunts, dance routines, and special effects, all tied together by a loose plot - is generally considered one of the greatest shows ever put on at the Disney Parks. While the exact size of the Queen’s role in the story has changed a couple times through different evolutions and interpretations, she has always been an integral figure in the proceedings. The story - what little there is - begins with Mickey Mouse taking the audience on a tour through his own dreamworld, “where beauty and love will always survive.” The Queen’s arrival is a major turning point: she’s having none of this happiness and harmony rubbish, thank you very much! So, with the help of the Magic Mirror, the Queen summons some of the other Disney Villains to help her “turn that little mouse’s dream into a Nightmare Fantasmic!” (Hence the title.) Although Maleficent is ultimately the final obstacle Mickey must overcome to save his dreamland, it’s the Evil Queen who spearheads the conflict and is the true leader of the villains in the show. Through every change and iteration of Fantasmic, this has remained fairly constant; whatever alterations the nightly spectacle goes through, it’s a fair bet she won’t be leaving Mickey’s dreams alone anytime soon.

6. Kingdom Keepers.

It took me a bit of time to warm up to the Evil Queen in this book series, but once I did, I found she was more than worthy of praise. The “Kingdom Keepers” series is a sort of “Night at the Museum”-esque series of novels, with the premise being that, every night, all of the rides and attractions at the Disney Parks come to life…and so do a great many Disney characters. Not all of these characters are good guys, of course, and a number of them - mostly Villains, naturally - have banded together to form an organization called “The Overtakers.” You can guess what their evil scheme is based on that name alone. While the main leaders of the Overtakers are Chernabog and Maleficent, the Queen plays a notable role in the latter half of the initial series of novels: first, she takes charge as the main antagonist of the fourth book, “Power Play,” leading the Overtakers in a scheme to release the imprisoned Dark Fairy and Black God. The Queen remains a prominent character for the next couple books, and once again takes command in the final novel of the series, “The Insider,” after the main protagonist of the series - Finn Whitman - succeeds in slaying Maleficent. While I personally feel that, in “Power Play,” the character felt like a sort of “Diet Maleficent” - the two characters just have a lot in common in general - the Queen really came into her own as the series progressed, and we saw her interact with other characters more and more. Part of the fun throughout the books was her interactions with her main henchperson: Cruella DeVil. The Queen and Cruella made for a truly odd couple of baddies, since, while Maleficent and the Queen have a lot in common, Cruella and Her Majesty are almost polar opposites. I haven’t read the sequel series to the original seven books, but I can only hope the self-proclaimed Fairest in the Land is just as good (bad?) there.

5. Snow White’s Scary Adventures.

As far as the Parks go, I would argue this ride…USED to be the Queen’s magnum opus. Originally simply called “Snow White’s Adventures” in past iterations, the ride was later more appropriately titled in light of the fact it REALLY leaned on the darker, more macabre elements of the story, with the Queen - seen primarily in her Witch form - basically being the star of the show. Throughout the ride she menaces the riders, tempting them with her Poisoned Apple and cackling with glee, popping up at unexpected intervals as the guests navigate their way through her dungeons and the spooky woods beyond. It was widely regarded as one of the best of Disney’s film-themed dark rides, and when I visited Disneyland (a whole twelve years ago, jeeze I feel old…), it was probably my second favorite after “Peter Pan’s Flight.” UNFORTUNATELY, this ride basically doesn’t exist anymore, at least not at the American Parks: at Walt Disney World, it was replaced with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster, and the Witch has almost nothing to do for that one. (Though her one brief appearance near the end IS done with a VERY impressive animatronic.) As for Disneyland, the ride was recently refurbished as “Snow White’s Enchanted Wish,” which effectively neutered the original ride and, in my opinion, lacks the emotional impact the original, much darker attraction had. It’s truly sad how some of the best things must always remain in the past.

4. Mirror, Mirror.

This was the sixth of the “Twisted Tales” series of books released by Disney, and it is the first one I ever got to read. The series, created by author Liz Braswell, works off a very simple formula: take a random “What If?” question about a Disney movie, and then create either an alternate universe or a sequel or even a prequel out of that concept. While Braswell spearheaded the series and wrote the vast majority of the books, she was not the only author involved; a few other creators also joined in to handle various subjects and stories. Enter Jen Calonita, whose first entry into the books was this one. As the byline on the book’s cover indicates, the concept is based on the idea that, instead of using the Poisoned Apple to kill Snow White right off the bat, the Queen instead tricks the Prince. However, there’s a bit more to the story than that: while the Queen is still utterly despicable, the book gives her a sympathetic leaning, with a backstory that explains more of her wicked actions, while still keeping it clear that her deeds are reprehensible. The twist to the plot also allows Snow White herself to take a more proactive role in the story, as she goes from a humble and sweethearted young lady like in the film to the one who has to face the Queen to save the kingdom. It’s an interesting turnaround that takes the classic fairy-tale and turns into a more complex and action-oriented story, and while I don’t think it’s the best book of the Twisted Tales series, it’s nevertheless a personal favorite.

3. Snow White Live!

Nowadays, we take Disney’s stage musicals somewhat for granted. From Beauty and the Beast, to The Lion King, to Mary Poppins, and more, it’s almost more surprising when an especially popular Disney movie DOESN’T have some kind of staged version out there, be it Broadway or some other avenue. (I mean, by God, they have a stage version of “The Aristocats,” for crying out loud!) However, this was not always the case: the very first attempt at doing a full-length stage musical treatment of a Disney film came in the late 70s/early 80s, as part of a plan to save the prestigious Radio City Music Hall. And what better movie was there to choose than “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”: the first animated feature film Disney made would also be their first foray onto the New York stage scene. This production has gone by several titles, some longer than others, but I’ve always known it by the colloquial name “Snow White Live!” in reference to NBC’s fairly recent live TV musicals. This production was, in fact, recorded and aired on TV and in video release at its height of popularity…but since it has never been re-staged, to my knowledge, and has never received a DVD or Blu-ray release, it’s largely fallen into obscurity. This is a shame, because it’s really a very good production! Part of its appeal, of course, comes from the villain: the Evil Queen is played by two different actors in the show. In her radiant, Queenly form, she is played by Anne Francine; most well-known onstage for her work in the musicals “Mame” and “Anything Goes,” and recognizable to film audiences for her appearance in the movie “Crocodile Dundee.” As the Witch, the character was played by a male actor, Charles Hall, who also voiced the Magic Mirror. Hall would go on to be a constant presence at Radio City, playing the role of Santa Claus for many years in a row during their famous Christmas Spectacular. Both do a great job putting their own spin on the character’s dual identities, and I love them almost as much as the original Queen from the movie! If you haven’t seen this show before, you can easily find it on YouTube; definitely go and check it out.

2. Vil Schoenheit, from Twisted Wonderland.

Well, if you know me, you should have known this guy was coming. In case you haven’t been paying attention to or just didn’t know about my frankly unhealthy addiction to this mobile game, let me give you the basic summation: “Twisted Wonderland” is a gacha-style game, wherein the player gets transported to a parallel universe, and begins life staying at a School of Dark Magic. This school has apparently been inspired by “The Great Seven” - seven of the most infamous Disney Villains - and throughout the game’s story you encounter different figures based on the Great Seven, as well as other Disney characters (mostly villains). The Evil Queen is one of the Great Seven, and while she, herself, has virtually no bearing on the game at all, the analogous character to her is this lad: Vil Schoenheit. Vil is the resident celebrity of Night Raven College, the school in question: he is a professional actor, dancer, singer, and model, who also dabbles in directing, costume design, photography, and even commercial fashion. He is vain, domineering, and carries himself with an icy, sometimes deadpan authority, and is highly persnickety about personal appearances. His Unique Magic allows him to place a poisonous curse on anything he touches, and he is, in fact, a very skilled potion maker and poisons expert: it was this knowledge that allowed him to become the leader of Pomefiore, the house inspired by the Queen. Admittedly, when the game was first released, Vil was actually one of the characters I was LEAST interested in…but as time has gone on, and we’ve seen more of him and learned more about him, he’s become more and more of a favorite of mine. He wouldn’t likely be in too many other people’s top three, but he’s certainly in mine.

1. Fairest of All.

As much as I love Vil, you really can’t beat the original Evil Queen. And as far as other works beyond the film go, I don’t think anything has ever beaten this story. This was the first - and, in my opinion, the best - of Serena Valentino’s book series collectively entitled “Villains.” The series explores the origins of different famous Disney antagonists, and shows their own side of the story for their respective films. As the series went on, it began to build its own lore and a broader universe, which I’ve always had mixed feelings about. “Fairest of All,” however, as the first book, doesn’t have any of the issues this budding lore presents in other novels of the series: it stays with its subject, not really deviating from it, presenting simply the story of how the Evil Queen became so evil. Even more than the later “Mirror, Mirror,” this book makes you sympathize with the Queen, and explains her origins and motives in a way that is both tragic and disturbing. At the start of the story, she actually tries hard to be a good mother to dear Snow White, and a worthy bride to her husband, the King. However, as time goes on, personal insecurities and the pressure of her power begin to twist her heart and mind, ultimately transforming her into the villainess we all recognize. There have been many sympathetic takes on the Evil Queen, both by Disney and by others, but this may very well be my favorite take: it inspired me a lot when I was working on my own twist to the plot…but that’s another story (literally). Bottom line, for somehow being both beautifully simple and wonderfully complex, “Fairest of All” is, in my opinion, the best appearance of Disney’s Evil Queen.

HONORABLE MENTIONS INCLUDE…

House of Mouse.

The Queen had multiple small appearances throughout this show, but nothing super substantial. Still, it was fun to see her pop up and all the shenanigans she’d get up to. I think my favorite was the time she sold Pete a poisoned apple like a used car saleswoman. XD

Once Upon a Halloween.

A Halloween special in tribute to the Disney Villains, where the Evil Queen consults not the Magic Mirror, but rather the Black Cauldron, in a plan to - what else? - take over the world. At the end of the special, the power of the Cauldron overwhelms the Queen…though thankfully, her end is much less horrifying than the Horned King’s.

Snow White: An Enchanting Musical.

This was a stage show at Disneyland that was a reimagining of the original Disney film, with some minor changes to the plot and new dialogue. It featured a pre-recorded Patrick Stewart as the Magic Mirror. Fun show, but I find the other appearances more noteworthy of interest.

Disney’s Golden Anniversary of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.

An EXTREMELY weird (and very, VERY cheesy) 1987 TV special made in tribute to the film’s 50th anniversary. Jane Curtin played the Queen, seeking revenge on the Seven Dwarfs, with the help of…uh…Sherman Hemsley. (pauses) Weird choice for the face of the Magic Mirror, that one…

[rambheem-is-real]

Gold Rings and Black Roses Pt 2

pairing: Radha Rama x Aadhya

warning: siblings!Deva and Aadhya

Pt 1 here

-

Aadhya comes back, fresh from her shower, and is shown to the seat at the opposite end of the table to where Radha Rama was already sitting. A female guard had handed Aadhya a new cotton top and pair of jeans for her to wear, and she could see that Radha Rama had also changed into a yellow saree. The table was laden with various dishes, and both of their plates were already filled with a sampling of each dish. After a silent look from the older woman, all of the guards bow their heads and leave the room. Obullamma also leaves, not before giving Aadhya a look that’s half confusion and half jealousy. 

I don’t know what’s going on either! Don’t look at me like I stole your favorite toy! Aadhya wants to yell at her, but figures that would not be good for her life. 

Finally, Radha Rama turns her gaze to Aadhya, who can’t help but squirm. 

Why the hell was this woman so hot??

She tilts her face, studying Aadhya for a few seconds. Aadhya hopes she won’t take long to decide whatever it was she was deciding, because she hadn’t had actual good food in days. 

Radha Rama finally speaks. She gestures to Aadhya’s plate. “Eat.”

Aadhya hesitantly mixes some pappu with some rice, and brings the hand to her mouth to take a bite. Swallowing, she tries to be polite. “The food is really good.”

Radha Rama keeps looking at her coolly. “I know. I have some of the best chefs in the country working for me.”

Interesting, Aadhya thinks. The words were not meant as a boast, but as a mere fact. Of course Radha Rama, whoever this woman was, would have incredible private chefs. 

She nods, and keeps eating, trying not to show her embarrassment on her face. What would it take for this woman to be impressed? A few seconds later, Aadhya realizes Radha Rama hadn’t eaten anything yet, and her heart skips a beat. Silently praying that the food wasn’t poisoned or something, she tries conversation again. “You should eat too.” And because apparently her mouth has no filter, she can’t help but joke. “You’re missing out on some great dal.”

Radha Rama looks taken aback, then the side of her lip curls up. “...You’re right.” 

Aadhya watches as the older woman, almost like she forgot how to, slowly mixes her own rice and pappu, and tastes it. Her eyes close, and she slowly chews, like she’s experiencing the taste for the first time. Abruptly, Radha Rama opens her eyes like she just realized she’s being watched, and Aadhya can’t hide her wide-eyed look in time. 

Radha Rama chuckles at her, but it’s not mean this time. “I pretended to be insane and incapable of doing anything on my own for seven years. It’s why Obullamma was so surprised that I could stand, and it’s why I haven’t eaten by myself in so long.”

Aadhya… digests that information. She doesn’t want to pry, whatever would make a person do all that would probably be upsetting, so she continues eating. 

They spend some time in silence, and Aadhya is aware that Radha Rama is letting her watch the woman enjoy her food, but what the end game is there Aadhya has no idea. Eventually her curiosity gets too much for her to stay quiet. 

“So why am I here?” 

Radha finishes chewing before answering. “I want your brother here.” She frowns. “The original plan was for him to rescue you from Rinda. He would have broken the seal, and he and that lover of his-” The word ‘lover’ is spat with a sneer. “-would’ve fought to the death. Even he has to abide by the Nibandhanam. One of them would live, and whoever survived I could easily pick off. That is, if they hadn’t mutually destroyed each other.” She shrugs. “But he didn’t do what I expected him to, so I just had Vedha send him a message about your parentage. Now he’ll show up, take you away, and Rinda can go cry to his dear karta that your brother broke the seal.”

Aadhya has so many questions she doesn’t even know where to start. 

“Ok,” she says, trying to process. “Ok, even before I ask who the hell my brother is supposed to be, or what the hell a nibandhanam is, you could have still killed me and sent him a message about that. Then he could’ve come to get revenge or something, breaking the seal by killing Rinda. That was Obullamma’s plan, right? So why am I here?”

Radha Rama studies her, like she’s unsure of whether she should say what she’s thinking of. Finally, she answers. “You remind me of myself.”

“Thank you?” It comes out as more of a question than Aadhya wants it to be. “How so?”

“You were willing to do anything for your father. And brave enough to stand up to the people that kidnapped you, making a deal with them. I was that way, once.” Radha Rama, having finished eating, uses her glass to wash her hands in her plate, and stands up. She slowly makes her way over to Aadhya, who’s sitting frozen. Radha Rama puts her hands on either side of Aadhya’s corner of the table, and leans into her space. 

Aadhya can see now that Radha Rama had taken her time freshening up in the time before lunch. The kajal had been reapplied to her waterline, her hair was neatly braided down her back, and the faded bottu had been replaced by a striking red one. Was that.. perfume? Aadhya can smell a faint floral scent, something expensive. Up close, she can see how much she had underestimated the older woman’s beauty. Even at her age, which Aadhya estimates to be around fifteen years older than herself, Radha Rama is regal and commanding, eyes piercing through Aadhya’s very soul. 

“I was once like that,” Radha Rama repeats herself. “I was going to be the next karta, did you know that? After my dear father’s reign ended. I would have ruled, as I was told since I was a child. I grew up with no votes, no power, no friends, because everyone assumed I would get my fifteen and a kingdom as soon as the time was right.” Aadhya has no idea what a karta is but she believes it, can see this woman on a throne. 

“I sacrificed so much for that throne,” Radha Rama continues, voice dropping into an intimate whisper that does things to Aadhya’s stomach, and she can’t help but glance at the older woman’s dark lips as she talks. “I married a man I didn’t love. I played watchdog for my idiot brother and that boytoy of his, fought for a ceasefire for that ungrateful bastard child, and for what? To be betrayed, to be cast aside like I was nothing.” She focuses back on Aadhya. “Us both, sisters of men who have never cared about anything other than their own self interest, daughters of men who we’ve been separated from, and daughters of dead mothers.” 

Radha Rama leans back, smirking at Aadhya who slowly lets out the breath she had been holding, wiping her hand on a nearby napkin to conceal the way it had been shaking. “That’s what I see in you.” 

Aadhya, for once in her life, practices great restraint to not immediately suggest for this woman to meet with a therapist. She has no idea what Radha Rama was talking about but she knows this speech was seven years overdue. 

She also has to practice great restraint to not jump this woman’s bones. 

Aadhya is saved from her thoughts from the servants that come to take her plate, and she smiles at them. “Thank you,” she tells them in English. 

Once the plates are gone, she looks over to see Radha Rama, now lounging in her chair. 

“I’m sorry that happened to you,” she offers. Radha Rama raises an eyebrow.

“You had no idea what I was talking about, don’t lie.” 

Aadhya shrugs. “No. But as a fellow woman, I’m still sorry that happened to you.” She sees it again, that flicker of surprise in Radha Rama’s face. She presses her luck. “So who’s this brother of mine? Why haven’t I ever seen or heard of him before?”

Radha Rama just laughs again, and Aadhya tries not to instinctively smile along with it. The laughter is sharp and melodic, and goddamn Aadhya stop acting like you have a school crush-

“You spent the last few days with him and your birth mother, actually,” she says. Aadhya stares at her, then the realization hits. 

The momentary elation of learning she has more family members disappears when she remembers the last time she saw who was apparently her biological mother. Of course Aadhya had known she was adopted her whole life, her parents had never shied away from that fact. Aadhya just had never bothered looking for her biological parents. Now, thinking about Amma’s accusing glare, about Deva’s complete indifference to her safety, she wishes she never found out. Aadhya doesn’t know how much Deva knew about her adoption, but there was no way Amma didn’t know Aadhya was her own family when she realized she was Krishnakanth’s daughter. And she still let them take me away.

Radha Rama watches with confusion, as Aadhya’s face falls. “You didn’t like them?” she asks incredulously. 

“More like they didn’t like me,” Aadhya chuckles wetly.

Radha Rama frowns. “Why the hell not? What’s wrong with you?”

Aadhya wants to laugh again. How come this stranger, the woman who had kidnapped her, was treating her better than her own family? 

“Well, it doesn't matter. Either he’ll come to rescue you once he finds out you’re his sister, or…” Aadhya looks up to see a glint in the older woman’s eyes. “Or Obullamma will get her wish.”

A chill runs down Aadhya’s spine. Stupid, she thinks. She had completely forgotten about the fact that there wasn’t much stopping Radha Rama from killing her, that the woman was very much capable of killing her if her stories of ruling were to be believed, and went and started crushing on her. 

Radha Rama smirks at her visible fear, before calling for a guard to escort Aadhya back to her room. 

It takes a while for Aadhya to fall asleep, but when she does, she dreams of Obullamma taking a knife to her face, gleefully slicing it open. In the background, she can see Deva watching it happen, face blank and body unmoving. The dream suddenly shifts, and she’s now on her back, she can’t move- why can’t I move?? and she hears the voice of a young boy in the background. She can’t make out the words for some reason but he sounds distressed, pleading. The dream finally shifts once more to the hospital room she stayed in for days. Aadhya notices her mother, lying on the hospital bed but not hooked up to any of the machines. She’s dressed in one of her regular chudidars, the pink one with dancing figures around the border, not the patient gowns Aadhya had last seen her in. 

Her mother lifts a hand up to caress Aadhya’s face. 

“Naa bangaru thalli [my golden daughter],” she says, her smile radiating joy. “You were the best gift I ever got.”

Aadhya smiles back, wishing she could stay in this moment forever.

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tags: @recentinterest @theimmortalprince @nini9224 @just-a-lazy-person @alezangona @omgdontlookatmeuniverse @greatkittykoala @sinistergooseberries @inveter and ofc all the server besties

[sadgrrly02]

Infdev to Modern, Post 1

So, this is something I’ve been meaning to do in some form since December or so of last year, and now it is finally happening! The concept is fairly straightforward in nature. I am going to play Minecraft (specifically Java Edition) from the earliest version that allows you to carry a world forward to the present day, and then do that! I intend to play from Java Edition Infdev 20100327 to whatever the current version of Minecraft is when I get there. (This concept is heavily, heavily derivative of bugmancx’s series Minecraft: The Journey. As such I highly recommend checking it out! It’s a nice watch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmAF1bThqRw&list=PL0qwyBj5XSpZG35qFvy2Z9VbezZ1t4cGt )

So, Java Edition Infdev 20100327. After several versions of development to figure out infinite world generation, the game has finally metastasized back into a playable form. As of now, and it will be until quite a long time from now before this changes, the only game mode is survival. Despite being over a decade old, a large amount of the basic gameplay is already established. You chop down trees and mine minerals to create tools to allow you to mine and chop down more trees. 

The big additions and changes in this version of the game are as follows.

The level format has been changed from the indev level format to the alpha level format (This is what allows us to use this version as our starting point!).

The title screen and menu have been changed.

Testing and debug items from previous builds of infdev have been removed from the player’s starting inventory.

With the preamble sorted, let’s get to playing Minecraft!

Upon spawning in, I am greeted by two things. A quaint little valley, and some pretty nasty lighting errors!

The other end of the valley, featuring more lighting errors.

Well, those lighting errors will solve themselves at some point, so I decided not to worry about it, and get to working on more immediate concerns.

I get to work chopping down a tree, and then I remember to do something that I always need to get taken care of while playing older versions of the game

In the older versions of Minecraft, the inventory key is mapped to I. This makes some sense, but in the modern game, this is mapped to E, which is much more ergonomic.

As something worth noting, you’ll notice that in the above photo my skin hasn’t shown up, and the default is visible. I’m unsure of the exact cause of this particular issue, but it will be fixed by the end of infdev. While we’re here though…

A silly pic of the old walk cycle where the player character would flail their arms around wildly. Anyway, back to the game.

I scaled the sides of the valley, and chopped down a few more trees, eager to ensure I have enough wood to obtain the torches and tools I’ll need for my upcoming projects. I crafted the bare minimum of wooden tools, and then got to work on mining the coal out of the mountainside.

Eventually; however, night began to fall, so I dug myself into an alcove and started working on a shelter for myself.

You may notice I blocked myself off with a single block of dirt here. This isn’t just because dirt is more practical than a door at this state in the playthrough - doors hadn’t been added to the game yet! Once I was sure I’d securely sealed myself away, it got straight to my favorite activity: digging long stone hallways! Other than this, it was an uneventful night.

I haven’t noticed any monsters spawning, despite the game being on normal, so I think I'm going to update to the next version and see if that fixes that particular issue.

See y’all later!

-Ciel

[lazybutsmexy]

Bird hunting

Ghost x fem!reader x Soap

Chapter 2: The Alert

Ch. 1 < Series masterlist > Ch. 3

Warnings: kidnapping, mention of death.

Summary: The team finds out that Canary is missing. Price calls a friend for a favor.

Do not read if you're under 18. This work contains mature and triggering themes.

Word count: 2300~

November 18th

Captain John Price fiddled with the keys in his pocket absent-mindedly. He claimed not to have favorites in his team, but he couldn’t deny that, from the moment he woke up, he had been lurking close to the front section of base where he had the gates in clear view,  with his coffee mug and his cigar, waiting for Canary to show up. 

He hadn’t had time to feel bored during her medical leave, but it was no surprise that base seemed a bit duller without her - and the boys - around. He genuinely missed having her half-asleep at the cafeteria, at least fifteen minutes before the actual morning call, sipping on a cup of coffee and munching on some toast while staring at nothing, only to have her bouncing off the walls in training less than thirty minutes later. 

When his thoughts were interrupted by the medic radioing him that Canary hadn’t yet shown up for her last checkup to get the medical clearance to get back on duty, an acid feeling settled at the bottom of his throat. He knew it was his instinct screaming at him that something was wrong. Price radioed the gate, asking the guard if Canary had ever reported to base. After a few seconds, he received the negative, and alarm bells began ringing in his head. Something was definitely wrong. 

Price knew that Canary was eager - giddy even - to get back on duty. The last week of her rest in the infirmary she had been nearly climbing the walls, definitely hungry for some action despite her injuries, and anxious about Ghost and Soap leaving on a mission without her. 

Therefore, he knew that she was definitely not going to avoid reporting back on duty. 

The thought of her oversleeping crossed her mind, and although it didn’t seem feasible - as she had never overslept before -, there was always a first time for everything. Still, he walked back to his office and retrieved his phone from his drawer, looking for her contact info and pressing the ‘call’ button. 

The monotone tune went uninterrupted for several seconds, until her voice piped up. 

“Hi! If you called this number you know who I am, but I can’t reach the phone now, so leave a message and I might call you later, bye~!”

Price sighed and stared at his phone with a frown, not bothering to leave a message before hanging up. He didn’t like this one bit. He tried ringing her two more times, but gave up when he reached the answering machine every time. 

He put the phone in his pocket this time, and pondered what to do next, as he heard a knock on the door. He looked up to Gaz as he stood at the doorway, his knuckles still raised against the open door and a worried frown in his features. 

“Captain, am I interrupting?,” he asked, and Price shook his head. 

“Not really, I actually may need your help with something. But is there something you need?”

“Well, just wanted to ask about Canary,” Gaz walked into the office, “haven’t seen her at all today, she wasn’t in the infirmary or her barracks, and she was supposed to be here by now.” 

“Yeah, that’s what I need help with,” Price groaned, scratching his sideburn thoughtfully, “I tried calling her, but no answer. I was planning on going to her apartment to see if everything’s alright, but you can go instead.” He reached into the same drawer his phone was in, and searched around for a couple of keys held in a keychain with a yellow feather. He handed Gaz the keys. “The big one is for the gate of her apartment, and the small one is for the door. Call me as soon as you learn something.”

Gaz nodded and took the keys, turning around and heading straight to the parking lot. Price let out a throaty sigh and stared at his half-burnt cigar. 

Suddenly, he didn’t feel like smoking anymore.

~~~~~~

Gaz arrived at the apartment complex a little after eight AM. He had visited Canary at her apartment before, so he already knew how to push the tricky gate. As he opened it, he climbed the stairs to the second floor two steps at a time. As he arrived at the correct hallway, he saw Canary’s elderly neighbor watering a plant at her front door while balancing herself with a cane. 

“Good morning, ma’am,” he tipped his cap at her, smiling when she looked up at him in recognition. 

“Oh, hello!” she grinned, accentuating the permanent wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, “you’re one of Birdy’s friends, right? I’m sorry I don't remember your name…” 

“You can call me Gaz, ma’am,” his smile was soft, finding her sheepishness adorable, and pointed at the door of Canary’s apartment, “have you met Canary today?”

“Well, no,” she tilted her head a little, leaving her watering can in the form of an elephant on the floor, slowly straightening herself and holding onto her cane with both hands, “I did see her yesterday when she went out on her run. She was excited to go back on base today, I thought she was going to flutter away,” she chuckled softly, but her smile fell a little when she noticed the worry in his eyes, “is everything okay, son?”

Gaz hummed and shrugged a little, trying to conceal his worry better. It wouldn’t do any good if the news of her disappearance started spreading like wildfire around the complex. “She may have overslept or something, I just came to check on her.”

“Oh, alright,” she nodded slowly, a worried frown adorning her features, “well, let me know if you need anything, alright?”

“Sure ma’am, thank you,” he nodded at her again and turned to open the door of the apartment. 

Once he was inside, he shut the door behind himself, taking in the place his friend called ‘home’. Her tactical boots and her military issued bag were by the entrance, packed and ready to work. The place was sparkling clean and eerily quiet. As he walked past the kitchen, he didn’t see any signs of breakfast having been made, and a pang of uneasiness settled in his chest. Slowly, he made his way to her bedroom and pushed the door open. The bed was made and empty, and looked as if no one had slept on it. Her uniform hung neatly from the door of the closet, ready to be worn. Her bathroom was also empty and dry - no signs of a morning shower, nor an evening one.

Gaz looked at his own reflection in the mirror on top of the sink, taking in his own features, wondering when was the last time Canary had looked at herself on it. 

With a groan, he pulled out his phone, clicking on Price’s contact, unsurprised when he picked up at the second ring. 

“Well?” his captain sounded uneasy, and Gaz regretted not having any better news to share with him.

“There are no signs of her in the apartment,” he began, “everything’s clean and in order, her bag and boots by the entrance, her uniform hanging on the closet door. Her neighbor told me she saw her go for a run yesterday, but didn’t see her again.”

Price didn’t like the sound of any of it. His frown deepened even more when he caught on the slightly rushed pace of Gaz’s talking - he was growing worried too. “Shut the apartment and come back for now, I have a few calls to make.” 

“Copy that, sir,” Gaz ended the call and walked out of the apartment, grateful that missus Marian was now inside her own apartment, as he rushed out of the complex. As he ran down the stairs, a cold chill settled at the base of his neck. 

~~~~~

Price searched through his contacts and found the name he was looking for. He pressed ‘call’ and listened to the three rings it took for the person on the other side to answer.

“Price?” the man grunted a little, “don’t tell me you want to suck me dry in poker again, ye bastard.”

If he had been in a better mood, Price would’ve barked a laugh at the answer, but he simply offered a sigh, which made the other perk up in curiosity. 

“Not this time, Timmy, I have a favor to ask.”

~~~~~

“Stop that, it’s annoying,” Ghost chastised, throwing a half-hearted glare at Soap, particularly at his shaking knee. 

“Oh shut it, ya dunce,” Soap playfully snapped back, “I can see you twiddlin’ your thumbs from here,” he smirked, as Ghost quickly put his hands in his pockets and looked away from him, “admit it, you’re just as eager to get out of here and find our Tweety-bird.”

Their plane had landed about twenty minutes earlier, at ten AM sharp. They half-expected Canary to meet them at the landing ground, but weren’t too surprised when she wasn’t there. She had just come out of medical leave, so there was a battery of tasks she’d have to complete to prove she was ready to get back to work. 

There was a warmth that washed over both of them at the prospect of seeing their girl after almost two months of no-contact. However, the post-mission briefing came first. And so they sat at the briefing room, waiting for Price and Gaz. 

After a few more minutes, Price walked through the doors with Gaz and a gentleman they didn’t recognise. 

Their captain greeted them with a grin and a nod, “Welcome back, and well done, boys, you got back in one piece too,” Soap grinned at him and nodded back.

“Very tricky in the beginning, got easier later on,” he started, but Price interrupted him. 

“The report can wait, we have more important matters at hand now.” his voice was suddenly firm and serious, and Ghost didn’t like it one bit. Since he knew Price, the man proved himself to be quite easy-going in his reactions and manners in general, so when his voice grew serious, it only meant very serious business. 

Ghost glanced at the strange gentleman, and Price followed his eyes before signaling to him with a hand, “This is detective Timothy Hartford,” he introduced him, “he is an old mate of mine, and he’s here to help us.” 

“Help us with what?,” Soap arched his eyebrow, then glanced at Gaz, who remained quiet, although there was a small frown in his brow and his lips. 

Ghost also noticed it, and stared at Price, “What happened, Captain?”

Price let out a long sigh he didn’t realize he was holding, and clenched his jaw, knowing his next words would shake both Ghost and Soap to the core. 

“Canary is missing, she didn’t report back for duty.”

~~~~~

“Do you see anything missing?” Detective Hartford questioned aloud, the question directed to both Ghost, who had been looking around the bedroom, and Soap, who had been searching in the kitchen for the past twenty minutes. It was decided it would be them who searched around the apartment, given the fact that they were the ones who spent the longest there, only second to Canary herself. 

“No breakfast was eaten,” Soap called back, “her sandwich is still in the fridge, probably prepared yesterday, and her coffee maker is sparkling clean.”

“Aside from her running shoes, leggings, and hoodie,” Ghost continued, “her gloves are missing.”

Soap perked up at his comment and peeked through the hallway where her bedroom was, just as Ghost walked out and locked eyes with him. 

~~~~~

“Didn’t know you’d like the gloves so much, Tweety-bird,” Johnny teased, watching her carry her grocery bags out of his car and towards the apartment.

Canary chuckled and threw him a wink over her shoulder, “well, it’s because you and Simon gave them to me, they’re my favorites!” Johnny felt his face grow warm as he followed her to the apartment, carrying a couple more bags inside. 

“Besides,” she continued, and looked at him with a tender expression that left him all breathless, “when I wear them, no matter where we are in the world, I imagine it’s you and Simon holding my hands.”

~~~~~

The frown in Soap’s brow didn’t go unnoticed to Ghost, who could imagine what he was thinking about. As the detective excused himself to answer his phone in the living room, he inched closer to him, uncovering his hand to brush his knuckle against his bicep. When Soap’s eyes met him again, Ghost nodded - a reassurance. 

We’ll find her. 

Soap let out a breath he wasn’t aware he was holding, and looked around the apartment, suppressing a shiver. Without her, it was so cold. 

His eyes landed on a framed photo on her wall. He recognized it immediately, as he had taken it himself. It was a photo of Canary in full tactical gear, belly flat on the floor as she looked through the scope of her rifle. On her back sat a magpie all too comfortable, enjoying the rise and fall of her breathing. 

“You lookin’ like a proper Disney princess there,” he had teased her when he snapped the shot. 

Seeing it in a frame on her wall tenderized him, a small voice in the back of his head pondering whether he would only see her again in photos like that. 

“Right, thanks,” Hartford ended his call and turned to the group of four, who looked at him expectantly. There was a sour look in the detective’s face, as he couldn’t help but empathize with the men around him. “I need one of you to come with me.” 

“What for?” Price spoke up, a tense silence falling into the apartment, so thick and heavy they could almost taste it in their lungs. 

“...Identification,” Hartford pressed his lips together, “a body was found under the bridge near the forest.”

A/N: I'm...so sorry.

Taglist: @died-in-a-field-of-flowers @ragingbookdragon @rafaelacallinybbay @namenotimportant1373

To be added to the taglist, comment on the series' masterlist post above 🫶♥️

[jungle-angel]

Charming Devil, Silver Tongue (Admiral!Bob Floyd x Reader)

Summary: Bob will never let anybody talk shit about the love of his life and if they do? Watch out

Tagging: @sebsxphia​ @rhettabbotts​ @nobody7102​

Honolulu, Hawaii

It still seemed strange to you how Bob had managed to become one of the youngest Admirals in the Navy and all the privileges that had come with it. That, on top of marrying into an old money ranching family, was still strange to you as well. 

Yet you and Bob never lost sight of what was important. 

Bob put his inheritance to good use not just for the two of you, but for others and the things that were near and dear to the both of you. Every year, you donated part of it to the military hospitals as a way to say thank you to those who Bob was closest to. St. Jude’s had been another, due in part to the premature birth of your son August, who was now a thriving seven year old as well as ones that aided first responders and their families. 

The one time that Bob really outdid himself was when you both had bought your home in Hawaii. It was a beautiful Victorian that had been there since the 1870s, encircled by palm trees, banyans and heady green shrubs, while just a few steps down a hidden walk was Waikiki Beach where you and Bob had shared many romantic walks during the first weeks of your marriage. Now it was there where your children all played, August, Patrick, Deidre and the others in your ever growing family. 

“Ready my love?” Bob asked, taking you on his arm. 

“Ready as ever good sir,” you said, placing a kiss on his lips. 

Auggie and Patrick both kept close to you, a little bit nervous seeing as this was their very first grown-up event and Bob had warned the both of them to be on their best behavior. 

He could hardly take his eyes off of you in that green velvet dress and your black heels, reminiscent of the same dress a young Rose Clooney had once worn in his favorite holiday film. The night was warm and breezy, the heavy smells of plumeria, jasmine and hibiscus hanging about while not far off was the roar of the ocean. You yourself could hardly take your eyes off of Bob in his Navy dress blacks and the sword at his belt. You were all too glad that you had done a set of black and white portraits for Irene and Joe back home and sent them, elsewise they’d be somewhere only you could find. 

Into the house you both went, your friends and close Navy cohorts all gathered in one place while a guest had been seated at the piano, playing away. The entire Dagger Squad had shown up at the behest of Admiral Simpson, some with kids of their own and others with their grandkids. 

“There. They. Are!” Beau greeted happily. “My two favorite people in the Navy.” 

You and Bob laughed, shaking his hand before June, his wife, came to greet you both. “How are you, (y/n)?” June asked as the two of you hugged. “It’s been too long.” 

“Busy,” you answered. “The kids have us running every which way but across the islands and ever since school let out for the year, they’re running feral across the property.” 

“Well come and bring them down here!” June exclaimed laughingly. “I told you, any time you need to pawn the kids off for a while.....” 

“Excuse me baby,” Bob whispered in your ear. “I’m gonna go and carouse with the rest of the wolf pack. I’ll be back.” 

“Take your time,” you said, kissing his cheek before you shooed Auggie and Patrick out to the garden to go and play with the other children. 

You and June scooted off to go and cavort with the other Navy wives, all of them practically screeching with excitement to see you. 

“Where have you been?” enquired Ruth Kahananui. “We haven’t seen you and Bob in ages!” 

“I was just telling June, they’re running wild all over the place,” you laughed. “Oh but they’re doing great though. Auggie just wrapped up first grade and Patrick’s going into first grade at the Waldorf school on the base.” 

“Oh my gosh!” Ruth exclaimed. “Leilani will probably be in his class.”

 You reveled in the chatter between you and the six other women who had become your closest friends outside of the Dagger Squad. All of you went back and forth about how the kids were doing, how much the little ones were growing and all of the things that they were doing in and out of school while the men flitted in between to check in on their wives. 

“Oh, (y/n,” said June. “I want you to meet someone, this is Lydia Atkinson. She’s the wife of Captain Atkinson.” 

“Lovely to meet you Lydia,” you said, shaking her hand. 

“Likewise,” the woman said, returning the gesture. “I was going to come and introduce myself earlier but didn’t want to intrude.” 

You and Lydia exchanged a few polite remarks before the conversation took a different turn altogether. 

“So I hear you’re the Captain’s wife?” you enquired. 

“Oh yes but that’s not really all that important,” Lydia answered with a wave of her hand. “He does his own thing and I do mine which is all the better for us.” 

“Do you have a job on base?” 

“I work as a broker for a firm,” Lydia answered. “Everyone will tell you it’s stressful, but to be honest, I eat it for breakfast.”

The two of you laughed a little at the remark. “And what do you do?” Lydia asked. 

“I’m a homemaker,” you answered. 

You were about to say something else when you noticed the somewhat disgusted look on Lydia’s face before she turned and walked away. You and the other wives whispered back and forth about what had just happened when all of a sudden, something reached your ears, a familiar voice that only moments ago had spoken directly to your face. 

“......And spend all my precious time chasing after a bunch of bratty kids? Hell no! I wanna do something with my life. I couldn’t believe when she told me that. Can you believe it? Little miss fifties housewife who sits in that house all day giving her husband kid after kid.....” 

You clamped a hand over your mouth at all the remarks that were spilling out of Lydia’s mouth, the color draining from your face. You had been about to march over and say something when the sound of firmer footsteps approached. 

“Baby?” Bob whispered.

You motioned towards Lydia and right then, Bob’s eyes flared like blue fire, his usually gentle features becoming set and hard with determination. You felt his hand clench around yours as he took you over.

“Miss Lydia,” Bob greeted, clearing his throat. “Good to see you.” 

Lydia’s face went white as a sheet when she turned around and saw Bob standing before her. “Admiral Floyd,” she said nervously. “What a coincidence.” 

“I’ll say,” Bob replied, seeing straight through the woman’s nervous demeanor. “I see you’ve met my lovely wife (Y/n)?” 

“Oh oh....yes, well, I um.....yes we have.” 

“Now did I hear it correctly that you may or may not have said a few things pertaining to my wife?” 

Lydia was utterly speechless, the fear evident on her face. 

“So you have?” Bob said, raising his eyebrows.

“No, no I....I was just.....” 

“Well let me remind you then that your husband is only a Captain,” Bob remarked. “See the two stars here? It means I can have him reassigned wherever I damn well please....and you with him.” 

You tried painfully hard not to let it slip that you were enjoying watching her squirm, the discomfort clear as day on Lydia’s face. 

“And just remember Miss Lydia,” Bob reminded her, taking you, his gorgeous wife on his arm. “We in our circle have a special word for ladies like yourself. Unfortunately, it isn’t used outside of a dog kennel.” 

You and Bob turned away, shooting Lydia a victoriously snobby look as Bob led you away, the other husbands not too far off and each one of them fully aware of Lydia’s screw up, giving the bitch a taste of her own medicine. 

“I’m surprised you knew what that was from,” you chuckled as you and Bob shared a dance. 

“I couldn’t resist,” Bob explained. “I heard what she said and thought she’d need a taste of her own medicine.” 

You pressed a sweet kiss to his lips, grateful for the husband and family you had. “Thank you my love,” you whispered in his ear.

“And don’t worry sweet pea,” Bob said. “I know who her nephew is. I’ve got permission to smoke Mr. Ivy League and make his life a living hell for however long his Navy career is.” 

You laughed as you rested your head on your husband’s shoulder, breathing in the barely noticeable smell of Irish Spring that followed him everywhere and reveling in the closeness that made the two of you stronger than ever. 

[bibbityboppitybillyharvgrove]

The New Day - S.Rogers

Summary - Steve has few fears but one of them is love, it’s one of the fears he’s never faced. It takes a song about love to make him understand that love is a need and nobody is greedy for wanting love.

Word Count- 884

Author’s Note - Day 16! It’s a bit late again, sorry about that, it’s been a busy day and I’ve been exhausted. It’s another Greta song fic! If you’ve never listened to it, I highly recommend you do, it’s such a beautiful song with fantastic lyrics. I hope you enjoy!

Warnings - Use of Y/N, female reader, not proofread, kissing

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not my gif

Steve Rogers was a man who wouldn’t admit to fears, he was a man that would face these fears head on. However, there was one fear he had, one that he had yet to face head on and that fear was love. He had loved before, his last love being Peggy Carter before he was frozen in time. Since waking up in 2011, he had refused to entertain dating with the fear of potentially falling in love and hurting the person he loved as he had hurt Peggy.

That had all changed after a team holiday movie night, he had been sitting beside a long-time friend and teammate, Y/N. She was the first person to treat him like he was just another guy, not Captain America, not a super soldier, just Steve from Brooklyn. They had formed a connection almost immediately, Steve knew he had feelings but he suppressed them as much as possible. She was well aware of his fear of love and she was more than willing to wait for him. 

The rest of the team had gone off to bed after the last holiday movie had ended, it was just Steve and Y/N sitting on the couch as the credits rolled. She had decided it was a perfect time to show him some new music. “You remember me showing you that band I really like? Greta Van Fleet?” She asked him.

“That’s the one with the short singer, right? Didn’t I go with you to one of their concerts?” Steve replied.

“Yes! Here’s one I haven’t shown you yet, it’s about love, how it’s a need and not something to fear or feel guilty about. It’s one of my favorites,” She rambled on before pulling it up on the TV to start the song. As the song started, he listened to her singing along more than he did to the song itself and watched as she danced around the room. She held out her hands to him, he grabbed her hands, standing up and danced along with her.

Love isn’t greed it’s a need that goes unspoken/Love doesn't leave when you fade away/Pain isn't vain if it means your heart's been broken/Pain is the same as a means to heal

As the song came to an end, the two stopped their dancing and just stood in the middle of the room, hands still linked together. “What do you think? Did you like it?” She asked, a smile gracing her face.

“It was a beautiful song. I can see why it’s one of your favorites,” Steve replied genuinely. He watched as her smile widened causing his own smile to spread over his lips. 

“It reminds me of you, that’s why I wanted to show you the song.”

“Why does it remind you of me?”

“Because I know that you have a fear of loving someone and then hurting them unintentionally. But love is something everyone needs, it’s a basic need humans have and although you are superhuman, you are still a human. Just because you hurt Peggy unintentionally all those years ago doesn’t mean that it’ll happen again,” She explained to him, bringing a tear to Steve’s eye.

“It’s scary to love someone so deeply when I know they could get hurt or they can get a target put on their back because of who I am. I’m scared to admit that I love someone because I don’t want to see them hurt,” Steve told her, the tear falling down his cheek. She reached her hand up and gently wiped the tear away.

“It’s okay to be scared, Steve. You are only human and humans have fears. Tell me about this person you love, what makes you love them so much?”

“She’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful. She never sees me as Captain America, only Steve Rogers from Brooklyn. I can tell her anything without any judgment and she helps me understand things that used to confuse the crap out of me. She shows me songs about love and tells me they remind her of me. She told me that love is a basic human need and that it’s okay to be scared.”

“Steve-”

“It’s you that I love, Y/N. I’ve just been too scared to say something because I didn’t want you to get hurt or risk the potential of you getting hurt. You mean so much to me and the last thing I want to happen is-”

He was cut off by her lips meeting his, effectively shutting him up. He was quick to react, his hands cupping her cheeks and his lips moving in sync with hers. She had wrapped her arms around his neck, urging him to move his body closer, so he moved his hands down to rest on her lower back, pulling her body into his. Steve could’ve kept going all day but Y/N needed air so she reluctantly pulled away, panting as she rested her forehead against his. 

“I love you too, Steve. I wanted to jump in but you just kept talking so I kissed you. Was that too much?” She asked him breathlessly.

“It wasn’t too much. Shut me up like that more often, yeah?” He replied, causing her to let out a chuckle.

“You got it Cap.”

[cheesecakeluvrs]

-Why SaNa over LuNa and SanPu-

This post is not meant to start any fights because shipping wars are stupid but these are just my personal opinions on why I prefer Sana over Luna and Sanpu (or mostly why I don’t ship Luna and Sanpu because there isn’t a lot of Sana in here)

-LuNa

One main reason I don’t ship Luffy and Nami is because I could never see Luffy settling down. Him getting married or getting with someone I believe would be too restricting for him. Being bound to someone eternally just doesn’t seem like something Luffy would ever do.

The second main reason is just the simple fact of they haven’t shown romantic interest in each other at all. I am very picky when it comes to my ships and I don’t just choose two random friends, the one thing I need is for them to actually have feelings or the possibility of feelings. Even in friends to lovers stories when they were friends there was still a little bit of romantic tension, that is just something I don’t see with Luffy and Nami.

The third main reason and the smallest one is just more of my opinion but I don’t think that Oda is the kind of person to just have the male and female leads then put them together.

Ok finnaly I will be going over evidence Luna shippers use and why I don’t believe it.

Luffy and Nami wearing crown in color spreads

In my opinion this is probably the best evidence for Luna but I think it’s just that Luffy is yk obviously king like king of pirates and Nami is like his right hand girl or like the second captian. She is also seen wearing lots of crown because she loves money, plus if you want to use the king and queen thing then we should add Zoro into the mix because he’s “The king of hell”. Overall, pretty solid evidence but I think it’s just Nami being his right hand girl or also weather queen, I just don’t think this suggest anything romantic.

That is probably the one piece of Luna evidence I don’t find completely stupid so here is some other pieces of evidence ranked from stupid to super stupid. Warning: this is a lot of me just roasting luna

Nami wearing the straw hat. This one is just simple, other people have worn the straw hat too. Not even just Roger and Shanks. Like on the crew both Usopp and Robin have worn it so it’s not specific to Nami.

Nami calling out to Luffy and that’s why he awakens. What? This one is just weird plus Luna shippers always like to bring up how their ship is done dirty in the anime yet this was MUCH different in the manga.

Nami looking at Luffy ‘lovingly’. Uhm ok. The term ‘lovingly’ without any blushing or anything is a little much. I think it’s just simply her smiling and posing while looking off lol.

Luffy and Nami looking like parents here. For how weird this one is it is surprisingly brought up a lot. This one again is simple, just Luffy being the main character and Nami’s love for kids.

And finally my least favorite evidence of all. Nami being similar to Rouge or more specifically having flowers in her hair. Huh? First, Nami is nothing like Rouge, Rouge is very calm while Nami is very hot headed. Plus for mostly every character in One Piece looking like Nami and rouge definitely not looking anything like her I don’t think that’s the best piece of evidence. Don’t even get me started when it comes to the flower.

-Sanpu

This one will be shorter and more opinionated but even so in my opinion I think that luna is more likely to happen then sanpu.

There is one main reason why I don’t ship or think Sanpu is going to happen and I just think it wipes out any possibility of them being together. That one reason being Nami, Unless you have been watching/reading with your eyes closed then it is painfully obvious that Nami is Sanji’s #1. It’s honestly kinda sad watching people trying to debate this because it’s so clear. Just a few examples there is Sanji always calling Nami’s name first before any other women, Nami being the only person he uses the san honorific on, the only one he asks if she is in love with him and in fan requested cover pages he always adds Sanji simpin for Nami despite her not being in the request but he only adds other women if it is requested. Those of course are just a few examples but I even feel stupid just having to prove that. So if Oda did all to show that Nami is his #1 why would he just turn around and make him be with another women.

The second reason is just their relationship in wci didn’t feel romantic. You could also say I’m biased because around wci was when I started shipping Sanji and Nami so I was kinda just not caring about any other relationship with Sanji but still the scenes in wci didn’t feel romantic. Obviously Pudding had feelings for Sanji but unless I missed something a lot of the affection he was giving back to Pudding was him simping for her body. There wasn’t a lot of him actually complementing her for her, of course it was there but just not very much.

People also just use the fact that Pudding has feelings for Sanji as evidence of why they are going to be together and I think there has to be a little more to it then just her having feelings, I’ve also done some other things about Sanji not ‘actually’ loving other women but that’s a different topic.

-So why sana?

This one is going to be almost completely opinionated. So first I’ll just get out my opinion on ships. I love ships that have a nice amount of evidence to it so I can think about it for a long time but even if it’s canon it’s not canon until the end so I can make little theories about them and yell at my old enemies that I was right the whole time.

Sana is almost completely about the little things of the story, if you watch it not focusing that much then of course you’re not going to see why people ship them. Sana shippers love color spreads and little things in the background of the manga. Once again my preference but I LOVE THE LITTLE THINGS, sometimes of course it can be right in front of your face which again is why some of these things can feel a little out of place while they actually aren’t.

This isn’t meant to be like “If you don’t ship sana then you clearly just aren’t watching/reading hard enough” lol, shipping is all up to preference and you can ship whatever you want to ship. It is just always important to remember that shipping really isn’t that serious and even though I love them and love writing about them it’s not what One Piece is about. (Sorry for most of this just being me insulting Luna and not being about why I ship Sana lol)

[mudinyourshoes]

Favorite things about Novoland Eagle Flag so far:

-Asule. That's it that's the entire post (jk)

-The actor who plays Asule! Young teen Asule and young adult Asule are played by the same grown adult man, but I did not need to be told that Asule was a kid when we first met him. Unlike so many other drama’s where they have to remind the audience that this is a kid! Don’t forget! Even though they’re being played by an adult! I did not need that and the drama did not do it. The actor is just a that good. The actors transformation from terrified kid to a young adult growing in his confidence was MASTERFUL.

-Asule the character. The way he manages to hang on to his softness and gentleness through violence and trauma. My god. I think his bio dad and I are on the same team here and that team is: “I’ve had Asule for 5min but if anything happened to him, I’d kill everyone here and then myself.”

-Asule’s bravery. I’m a believer in the saying “you can’t be brave unless you were afraid”. Asule freezes when confronted with violence. He does this over and over again. He freezes, he tries to run. And then he puts himself between the violence and someone he wants to protect because he is incredibly brave.

-Asule relationship with his dad! The gradual shift from Asule hating his dad and wanting to kill him to trusting and loving him. Their affection for each other breaths off the screen. It hasn’t been an easy relationship and the drama does a beautiful job of conveying it in remarkably few scenes and dialogue, given the emotional depth of the relationship and how profoundly it changed over time.

-The budget. Sue me, I’m shallow. I love it when a show - especially a fantasy type show - does beautiful, sweeping world building with scenery, costumes, and sets. Lord of the Rings was the first visual media that gave me a taste of this when I was a kid and I’ve never gotten over it. Novoland is delivering in spades.

-The meet cute between our three main characters. Scrappy young man and scrappy young lady are so focused on each other and their own problems that I don’t think either of them properly noticed Asule and how AMAZINGLY he handled that entire situation. It was extremely humorous (which I always love) and I think it’s indicative of how many characters are going to treat Asule, which is to say, they are going to overlook and underestimate him because he’s mild and soft spoken.

-If you can’t tell already, I’m an Asule simp

-The way the drama quickly establishes that the three main characters come from radically different walks of life. When Asule is dreaming of home and the people he’s lost, scrappy young lady is stopped from drawing on his face because he starts crying and she says “but I haven’t even drawn anything yet!” Young lady, your drawing on his face wouldn’t even register compared to his other problems… They are worlds apart in term of life experience. Meanwhile, scrappy young man is shown to come from an impoverished and abusive home. When asked why he wants to learn to fight, he says it’s because he doesn’t want to die a “nobody”. What a contrast to Asule answer to the same question! It marks their differences and the reasons for these differences so clearly.

[amazon160]

THINGS I WANNA SEE IN THE FNAF MOVIIIEEE 😆

-Foxy running down the hall. Though they might have to use CGI for that. Tbh I don’t really care XD

-Power outage scene with Freddy

-Some sort of reference to Withered Bonnie or Bonnie losing his face.

-Mr. Cupcake’s own lil bit of screen time since he’s often overlooked in the game.

-I want this to be a campy horror movie, not some kind of horror masterpiece.

-I want a couple silly death scenes, a few more blood and gore death scenes.

-Mike vs Springtrap final boss fight.

-Cassidy parallel in Golden Freddy??

-Of course, the bite of 83 and the spring lock scene must be included.

-Edit: now that the bite of 83 will MOST LIKELY NOT be included, I am not disappointed. Maybe a little bit. But I’m not gonna complain. We don’t need this to go above and beyond for the fans, just give a simple movie based LOOSELY off fnaf :3

-There were two voice actors on IMDB for Puppet and Balloon Boy, so….

-The music box. Prize Corner exists in the pizzeria, I don’t see why Puppet can’t XD

-Maybe that’s why they were willing to show Springtrap/Springbonnie in the trailer. There are still surprises that haven’t been shown because we have yet to see anything of Puppet 🤭

-Balloon Boy laughing is a must. For gamers’ PTSD, of course.

-Bonnie SHREDDING that guitar 😝

-The trailer shows Bonnie getting a solo kill in the janitors closet which I am already OVER THE MOON OVER

-But.

-I want to leave that theater with Bonnie as my new favorite fnaf character so he better SLAY in his screen time XD

-THE VOICE ACTORS

-I FORGET THERES VOICE ACTORS FOR THE ANIMATRONICS

-HOLY FRECK I GOTTA HEAR BONNIE AND CHICAS VOICES

-ESPECIALLY BONNIE THO HE BETTER HAVE THAT AUSSIE ACCENT THE FANDOM KEEPS GIVING HIM 😂