#NO SHOW REMINDS ME OF THAT SO HARD AS TUTU

[chiiyuuvv]

&team when you pass your exam!

can be bff or bf!&team x fem!reader 0.7k words requested!

▸ 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺?

Despite kei being the oldest, I think his response to you acing your exam would be more energetic than the rest. He’d be sitting on the couch, all calm and collected while watching tv or scrolling through his phone, when you pop into the room and announce the news. He would go, “what.. What?.. WHAT??” with each time getting louder and louder until he starts bouncing off the walls.. literally. He kind of reminds me of High School Musical’s “What Time Is It?”, in the beginning when the clock finally ticks summer time and Chad gets so excited that he jumps up and kisses the teacher's cheek. I feel like kei would do that, but more dramatic.

Fuma would turn so soft and fussy when you tell him the news. It’s just like some button turned on and now he’s all touchy and lovely. “I knew you could do it,” he’d say in a soft whisper while stroking your cheek with the pad of his thumb, giving you all sorts of affirmations because he knew how stressed out you were. Then he’d look into your eyes with this very sweet gaze, before slowly connecting your lips for a kiss.

You don’t even have the opportunity to finish your sentence because nicholas is grabbing your wrist and dragging you to some karaoke. He just wants you to let loose and scream your heart out. Doesn’t care if your voice cracks because he will happily join you, butchering the song lyrics and almost choking on his spit but who cares?? You’re having fun!!

Oh, did someone say spa day? As soon as euijoo hears the news, you are immediately swept off your feet and sat in your comfiest chair, being fed your favorite fruits and/or drinks. No matter what you say, euijoo ensures that you’ll never ever lay your fingertips on anything else because he will do anything for you. You want to watch some television? He’s already grabbing the remote and turning on your favorite show. Your muscles feel tense? He’s grabbing your favorite scented lotion so he can massage your poor body. He’s your personal maid for the rest of the week.. And there's nothing you can do about it :p 

I feel like yuma would do your skincare routine, but with those silly face masks and random, colorful rubber bands in your hair. Has fun taking photos of you but almost panics when you want to do the same thing to him. Just a few moments later, you turned him into your favorite baby girl. Two big, pink pigtails with a little tiara to set it off. But wait, where’s his tutu?? 

Jo already knew you’d pass your exam (because you’re so smart ^^) so to celebrate, he would stay home and spend the day with you. Honestly, he doesn’t want to do much activity because he wants you to wind down and relax, but he’d happily join you on your adventures if you have the energy!! Lays down on your bed as he engulfs you in his arms, pressing a kiss on your forehead because he’s just so proud of you, his little star :(( 

The day you pass your exam so happens to be a wonderful day outside :D Harua decides to take you out for a lovely walk around the park accompanied with some refreshing ice cream because he knows how much you love the combo. Well.. until you accidentally drop your ice cream cone. Stiffles back a laugh because he knows you’d whack him with no hesitation, and offers you his ice cream because he’s on a diet anyway :/ After you’re done with your frozen treat, he’d take you to the swings and push you hard enough, you’d be convinced you could fly!

Because taki doesn’t like seeing you happy (it’s his love language okay?), he’d be sarcastic. “Oh really? Who did you cheat off of?” He’d say, but his grin would ruin his facade. Opens you with welcomed arms, “good job, I’m so proud of you,” he’d say as he’d hold you tight, kissing  your forehead.

I think maki’s would turn into a shouting rant. Does that make sense? It’s not like an argument in any way, you’d see your results and start shouting to maki with excitement, and he’d return the energy by shouting back. It’s like two besties, is what I'm trying to say. “MAKI, I GOT AN A ON THE TEST!!” / “YOU GOT A WHAT??” / “I GOT AN A ON THE TEST!!” / “YOU GOT AN A ON THE TEST??” / “I GOT AN A ON THE TEST!!!” and then you’d hold hands as you jump around in place with beaming eyes.

︴bonus! its been a while since I last posted smth.. hehe hi guys

▸ taglist 📬 @hyvelxve , @starryriize , @rizzkisworld , @cherrycolaberry , @kehnarii , @wtfisgoingright

🎬 navi

@chiiyuuvv on tumblr . do not steal works/headers/line dividers

[unsleepingtales]

Finale Time!!! This is a LONG one containing many emotions. Thank you for bearing with me through all of these reaction posts lol. See you next season. <3

Ooh only episode of the season to have the content warning in the episode not just in the description

They all look so cool!!

Return of stupendous stoats :)

Siobhan <3

The time you have left is such an ominous way to put that thanks!

Yayyyyyy

That’s just gonna be an existential crisis every time they say it

This is fun. They’re besties

Brennan is really hitting the murder bits

This is old Tutu coming back lol

Actually???

This radio bit is unhinged and I love it

I love her

Oh fuck shit pants motherfuck

He’s leaning SO hard into the contrast between the desire for peace and the murderous bloodlust

I do not believe her. I don’t think that’s how people work.

DAMN. That impression is actually really good

I love how you can see the astonishment go from Aabria-as-Tara being impressed to all of them legitimately being impressed

He said the name of the thinggggg

Okay but actually Brennan saying “that’s a pro” probably meant So much to jwc because he’s such a fan of D20 and I’m emotional thinking about it

I have lost track of what’s happening. I’m keeping up with what’s important! But the bits and jokes are so simultaneously interwoven and distracting that I am a bit lost.

(Group laughs at this motivational speech turned threat)

Oh good lord

Is that the map?

Real Pinocchio pole dancing on his nose vibes

DO THEY HAVE THE FORCE???

Yeah it makes sense that if the stoats have magic the humans do too. Or maybe this is Phoebe from inside Wenabocker.

ONE HUNDRED FEET???

The least energetic singing of grease 😂

Oh god

He’s hot 😭

Why did they have to make Wenabocker hot guys.

HELLO?????

What the fuck bitch

Oh my god that is the worst thing I have ever seen.

Well. He’s not hot anymore.

Carlos 😭

Oh my god. Aabria warned us not to eat dinner during the show but jesus

Awww the mini upgrades <3

That’s so sick actually

Brennan is pulling no punches for the finale

Humans don’t have a dick bone but they’re about to! (group laughs at the threat of dick bone violence) Do you have a dick bone inside you? Would you like to??

Oh god Brennan

What does that mean. Aabria. Aabria what does that mean.

Okay. Okay.

There are seams in the mini that remind me of MeatWolf. Does this fucking thing do the ship of theseus thing too. Because I will lose my goddamn mind.

The stroke vibes ARE so real right now Aabria you’re so correct.

I’m so stressed

LUKAS’S HAT

FIFTY DAMAGE BITCH

The art team is knocking it out of the fucking park with the spell effects

Oh right. Guns.

Oh god ouch.

Nice

Aaaaaaaaaaaaa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY?????

Please

Oh no oh no oh no

The only thought you’ve ever had

JESUS

Aabria came for pvp and she is getting it

What the fuck

I’m

upset

About this

HOW is he still up tbh

Oh god

Oh thank god but oh no

The most hollowed out a person has ever been. Oh my god

This is soul crushing.

Aabriaaaaaaaa

Uh oh!

Izzy I think you’re on the right track with the MeatWolf comparison. The mini having seams makes me nervous

Sorry I think Brennan not being able to perform that is actually gonna haunt me more than if he had. Here is this brilliant actor and improviser whom I admire so much and even he is so troubled by this that he cannot fathom how to portray it.

This is fine

Siobhan you’re brilliant actually

Get roasted

Aaaaaaaaa

Why would you provoke him

WHAT

Okay but that bullet is not as small as they’re miming. A bullet from that gun is like the size of a stoat’s hand, minimum

Erika Ishii your mind <3

ONE HUNDRED AND NINE DAMAGE TO. THE GROUND.

Hm. Troubling.

Oh damn okay.

Why the ny accent lmao

Noooooooooooo

Rules lawyers <3

Send the kids to camp!

Ey

Lair action????

Jasper that was the funniest thing I’ve seen in my goddamn life

This fucking map I’m losing it

This is all so upsetting Izzy you’re right.

Fucking shitting fuck Siobhan you’re right.

Siobhan just smiling sadly at Brennan. Augh.

This is all so deeply bad.

Yeah boiiiiii

Aabria asking are you okay. Babe what do you think??

Holy SHIT Rashawn

So many numbers

It would be completely fine if we did crack right now :)

Holy fucking shit what the fuck oh my god he’ll cook in forty minutes oh my god Rashawn Nadine Scott you’re incredible

I would believe that she can use a human gun

OH she’s actually letting her shoot a human gun that’s wild

ANOTHER ONE?

Erika is gonna cry

The dimensional dome I don’t think I’ve ever heard that but I love it so much

This is fucking incredible

WHAT

Viola just fucking killed two humans in one turn and hasn’t even taken her bonus action yet

You ARE so hot.

Ooh Aabria finally gets to do the remaining hit point reveal

YES BITCH KILL THEM ALL

The little sticking of the post it to her forehead <3

(Group applauds Rashawn as they should)

Erika legitimately is near tears god

Oh god

Oh

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Oh no

Uh oh?

Uh oh

UH OH

The suicidal ideation is real with this one folks. This is. Bad!

Oh FUCK

Brennan I’m gonna cry

Joining Erika and Jasper in the near tears club

“It’s not obligation. It’s believing that you can put your head up, and look for a day where you won’t be so tired anymore.”

I’ll be honest, I fully paused the episode and cried for a few minutes after that line. I don’t talk about my mental health a ton on here because this is a d&d blog. But that really hit me so hard.

Okay. Going back to rewatch the couple minutes preceding. We’re gonna finish the episode and it’s gonna be fine.

Everyone’s just fucking recovering from that Jesus.

It actually was his birthday??

Okay. Okay okay.

I do not have immense faith in the humans tbh but ok

Jasper

Jasper please

Ooh ok

The WORLD?

Oh good god okay. There’s no way that could go wrong. Yeah okay.

They’re just. Giving it to them? Ok! Cool!

Awww

Aaaaaaaaaa

Sobbing actually

Eyyyyyyyy ok not sobbing anymore

Back in her ho days! Do that lil dance you do!

Blood for the blood gods 😭

Hell yeah Ava. Fix the system.

Hell yeah baby

What

Just straight up. Incredible

(Cast loses it over Jaysohn the Sport Stoat)

THIRTY ONE

They go to the fucking Olympics

BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN SWIFTER THAN THE WIND

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

What a fantastic season. Aabria, thank you for being such an incredible GM. You have once again blown me away. <3

[coulsons-fullmetal-cellist]

Dieter: Certified DILF

(Dieter x horror loving female)

Words: 833

Summary: Dieter gets a new label in his dad era

Warnings: lots and lots of adorable fluffy goodness, some dirty talk because it is Dieter we’re talking about

Check out masterlist here

If anyone tried to interact with Dieter Bravo several years ago, one would be met with a curt, grumpy reply if lucky. Now, you couldn’t get him to shut up.

His daughter, Clara, was the absolute light of his life, and he would talk to anyone about her, whether they wanted to or not. Everyone got the news when she started crawling, when she could stand one her own and her first steps. Her first words were very important news to anyone and everyone. Her joyous laugher was his ringtone. People would be subjected to watching any video he recently took and the millions of pictures on his phone. Seriously, every conversation seemed to steer towards his baby girl. It would be annoying if Dieter didn’t look so adorably happy as a proud father. The change from sullen grouch to smiling goofball was a welcome change.

You were on your way home with some interesting news to report to him. You opened the door to quiet in the living room. Normally, you got home in time to find them both having a nap. He’d be lying on the couch while Clara would be cuddled up on top of him. You didn’t blame her; he was very pillow-like. You had one too many photos of them both softly snoring away. You crept towards her bedroom, slowly peering through the door. Your husband and daughter were having a tea party. Seated with them were her Winnie the Pooh and Abby the dinosaur. Dieter was wearing his usual pyjama themed attire along with a pink tutu and sparkly tiara. You secretly took a photo of the adorable tableau as it was too cute not to take one. Clara noticed your arrival and waddled up to you, “Mummy!”

“Hi pumpkin!” you knelt down to greet her in a hug.

“Mummy make monsters?”

“Mummy made lots of monsters today.” You noticed she was equally decked out in her own tutu, green this time, as well as her favourite skeleton onesie. “Are you a skeleton today?”

She nodded her little head, “Daddy princess!”

Said princess followed in a curtsy to greet you home. You ruffled the top of her head. She had her father’s mop of crazy curls, so it was hard to tell if it had been brushed today.

“I should probably get started on dinner.”

“No, I’ll do it, honey cakes,” he kissed the top of your head, “We’ve got enough stuff in the fridge for me to make my Leftovers Enchiladas.”

“La das?” Clara was keen, “We have la das?”

“You don’t mind?”

“You had an early start and cupcake wants mummy time.” Her tight hugs were proof of that, so you left him to it.

“What did you have for lunch today?”

“Dino nuggies!”

“And vegetables,” Dieter intercepted poking his head back, “We had a very balanced meal.”

Clara regaled to you about her day with daddy while you helped her tidy up from her tea party until dinner was ready. You managed to convince her to change out of her skeleton onesie so it wouldn’t get dirty. And you had to remind her that ghosts don’t eat so she couldn’t wear her ghost costume and ghosts wouldn’t want to get enchilada sauce on them as well.

 She wanted a monster story at bedtime, so you read to her and then Dieter sang her bedtime song. It was after all that excitement that you remembered you had something to show your husband. “I have to show you this.” You handed him a magazine Debbie gave you at work. Dieter looked confused as he read the cover.

“Dieter Bravo: former bad-boy, now certified DILF. What’s a DILF?”

“You don’t know?” He shook his head, “It stands for Dad I’d like to…your favourite night-time activity.”

“Really?” he opened the magazine to read further, “Wait, this was when I went to the park. Did they take pictures of our baby?”

“Thankfully not, it’s just you with the pram, or I would’ve gone Predator mode.”

“So I get this new label because I’m now a dad?” you nodded, “Why do they have to add a sex label for everything?”

You took the magazine from him a put it on the bedside table. “I don’t know. Society likes labelling people.”

“Do they do this with every parent?”

“Just the sexy ones.”

“You’re sexy, you’re an M I’d definitely like to…” and then he kissed you, “Because you’re the mother of my child,” he stammered and he kept rambling, “Not because you’re some random mother, I don’t have a mother kink. At all!”

You kissed him to reassure that you understood, and he continued, this time in a sultry tone, “Do you want to go through the rest of the alphabet?” but then he startled, “Oh no. Have I turned the alphabet into dirty talk?”

“I think you have.”

“Damn.”

“But we could do K for kissing?”

“I’d like that. And then after K, I’d like to get down to C.”

Lovingly tagging @boliv-jenta @simpingcowboy @ellenmunn @o-sacra-virgo-laudes-tibi @brilliantopposite187 @chaithetics @myloveistoolittle @cevans-is-classic

[gentlebliss]

finished princess tutu just recently and started watching it because of your account. this year has been a really rough one for me (mostly due to heartbreak, having broken up with my first partner ever), and the show resonated with me in certain ways which i needed. your gentle and positive posts about recovery also helped me get through really rough times. fakir will forever remain a really important character to me, for it reminds me of both a beautiful show and of you, a kind stranger

'm real sorry to hear that you've been having a hard year. Mine has been hard on me, too. I hope that you never forget that its gotten better before, and it will again, someday soon, at a less miserable time.

I know relationships can often be really hard, and I'm sorry that you've had your heart broken. I have felt the same way, and it hurts unbearably for awhile, but it will not hurt for forever. The worst pains I've felt barely hurt at all later on, once I've had time to heal and leave the past behind. Even if you don't know me personally or very well, I'm always here for you if you need someone to talk to, and I hope you'll take very good care of yourself for me. 'm sorry things didn't work out for your relationship, but this won't be the end.

Anyhow, I'm really glad that you enjoyed Princess Tutu, it makes me so happy to know that! And that is such a sweet sentiment, hehe. I'll carry your kindness in my heart for forever, and I hope you'll keep thinking of me later. 🤍

[nocturnal-impala]

Ok so I will warn you that I'm a MAJOR ANIMATION NERD and I'll point out anything that reminds me certain animators...so the way that the girls are drawn here gives me some MAJOR Irv Spence vibes...and maybe a bit of Laverne Harding...

Again I'm sorry for all this...y animation nerd side just to spill out once in a while lol

Hello!

It's fine to be an animation nerd :) We're all here because we love animations.

OK, interesting to hear. I don't know who Irv Spence or Laverne Harding are. American animators? ( I could google them but nahh...)

I'm making an anime and my inspiration and models are the Japanese animators/artists (in fact I don't know a single western animator aside from Disney and Don Bluth).

In Zwei I'm mimicing the original style of Princess Tutu and my artistic models are Ikuko Itoh's works. Sometimes I use other anime for example as well. This particular scene I remember drawing from memory to match the expressions and dynamics we see on these characters in PT. But I can't memorise everything so I always keep the character art and screenshots near :)

I've said many times I'm trying to keep my fananime as authentic as possible and that includes the style of art and animation as well, so I'm sure the familarity rises when you watch it.

With the new story and enviroment something new is added too (and my personal touch and interpretation) but it's still a pretty generic anime I'm making. I'm sure there are plenty of stuff that reminds watchers of other magical girl/anime shows ;D

[ribbonstrawberrysurprise]

More Like Version Down

(TMM New Spoilers)

So, as expected, the final episode of New included both Ribbon Aqua Drops and Ribbon Strawberry Check Surprise, which means we saw the New versions of the Mew Aqua Rod and StrawBell Bell Version Up. And... I'm unimpressed.

To get it out of the way, the Mew Aqua Rod is... fine. (The animation quality, though, not great. Off model immediately. What is consistent prop size?)

I think all the other versions of the Mew Aqua Rod (manga, anime/toy, ReTurn) are better, but it's not a terrible design, and I like the idea of each girl getting a personalized version. Not quite sure anyone thought too hard about how the bow/candy is placed on the tutu-like part when viewed from any other angle, though, but it was already clear there's no intent to make toys/models of these new wands... Maybe a little gachapon charm if they release another round of the Mew items.

I do think removing the little Mew Aqua bottle shape at the top was a mistake, and I think it'd look way better with slightly altered colors. Why so low contrast with the crystal vs the heart around it???

As a caveat, if it turns out this is the design instead of Mint's design, I'm going to be much harsher in hindsight.

-----

And now for the real doozy.

To start out with, I really like the TMM item designs, even the manga originals. (A hot take???) The originals didn't have that much in common with one another design-wise, but I think each one was striking in its simplicity. That being said, it's super obvious why they were changed for the anime (and later chapters of the manga), and the anime/toy versions look stylish and consistent with the overall style. The choice to model each one off an instrument is also cute, and poses a fun design challenge for OCs. This isn't really a surprise; obviously Takara already had experience designing and producing magical girl-type toys. The New versions of these designs haven't been changed enough to really comment.

(I do maintain they should have changed the color scheme on the StrawBell Bell to match Ichigo's more reddish palette but were trapped by not wanting to differ from the design used for the 20th anniversary prop, but other than that...)

The original version(s) of the StrawBell Bell Version Up is one of the coolest magical girl weapons to me, just because it's so unique. It almost comes across as more of a thing Ichigo wears/rides in instead of a thing she holds. (Also it can maybe fly???) There's an immediate reason for Ichigo to not break it out at the start (beyond everyone else being left defenseless): it's big and unwieldy enough she needs the Chimera Anima to be stunned and ready to be Check Surprise'd because any other kind of fighting is impossible. She can jump around and melee a little with the normal StrawBell Bell, but if she breaks out the Version Up, she's committing to a big finisher.

It's not an especially subtle design; it's literally a combination of all the Mews' weapons, dyed Ichigo's color scheme. But somehow it really comes together and looks cohesive. This holds true for the PS game version, too. Since the game adopts the anime designs, it's no longer a direct combo of the weapons, but the intent is still clear.

In contrast, the New version is... just a wand. That's already disappointing enough, but as a magical girl fan, I do like wands. But the design lacks any cohesion, and the ties to the other girls are tenuous. Frankly, it reminds me most of a parody wand that might appear in a fake magical girl show within another anime.

To start off with, it doesn't really look like a TMM weapon. Aside from the StrawBell Bell stuck haphazardly on top, it lacks the signature bow-heart motif, and introduces multiple new motifs. The bottom is a star, presumably for the 5 girls, but the emblem below the StrawBell Bell is a 5-petaled flower. Why not pick one? The curved shapes on the side at least vaguely resemble things we've seen before (e.g., the curves on the PudRing Ring, the shapes found in the Mew Marks), but why are there also Xs? Why six wings, with Ichigo getting 2 in her color? Why the heart with a 4-arched crown in the middle? It's criminally overdesigned, which is saying something coming from me, someone who loves adding unnecessary detail!

Speaking of the design details, some of the girls clearly get shortchanged. The StrawBell Bell in it's entirely is perched on top, looking way out of place, like you just kind of duct taped it to a pole. The MinTone Arrow is represented by... glowing rainbow wings? That pop in at the last minute. Again, why 6, why Ichigo twice? The LettuceTanets are represented by a strange looking ribbon. I guess you could sort of also draw a connection to how Lettuce's antennae things defy gravity, but, oops, that was her old design. The New ribbon doesn't really do that. The PudRing Rings must be the swirly things, I guess, despite New depicting them as undetailed hoops most of the time. And the ZaCross Whip similarly must be the weird crisscross pattern on the rod part. Why does she only get a vague pattern, not an actual piece? It looks way too busy while still shortchanging half the Mews...

If I were to try and fix this, I'd just use the PS game design, maybe altering it slightly to incorporate more of the anime/New-version weapon designs. Palette-wise, I did a pink + gold version and a more pastel rainbow version.

But if I were forced to make it a wand, here's two options, again in two color schemes:

I based the overall shape shape on a caduceus* since it was convenient with wings + winding ribbon, and Mew powers have always kind of been associated with healing. (Plus, you know, Strawberry Check Healing, even if New cut it...) The one on the right is more the classic caduceus shape, but I do like having the wings in a more Mew Berry Rod position on the left, so 🤷‍♀️ The ribbons on both also look like a DNA double helix. 🧬

As for incorporating elements from each girl, I tried to be more generous/balanced. I hope it's obvious, but just in case: The StrawBell Bell is still on top, but I tried to make it look more connected to the design as a whole, instead of stuck on there. The MinTone Arrow is the wings. The LettuceTanet gets both the castanet part and the ribbon above, with the ribbon melding into the ZaCross Whip wrapped around the rod part. The flute holes/horizontal cross bar part also appears. The PudRing Ring is alternatively at the bottom or floating around the heart on top, if you want to keep it looking more magical. Either way, the bells from the smaller ring appear at the ends of the ribbon. (The bottom on the right design is kind of Mew Aqua Rod style, and the 5 colored hearts up and down the rod are also inspired by that.)

Alternatively, for fun, I made a design that's still a musical instrument. Maybe making it a shamisen** was a little mean to Ichigo 😅 The references to each girl's weapon are a little more stylized, but I think they're still clear enough!

Ichigo would probably hold it like the instrument to cast Check Surprise, but also I think she could hold it like a battleaxe and slam into Chimera like an edgy rock star destroying a guitar. It’s what she deserves. 

*Caduceus = winged rod with snakes winding around it. You've probably seen it in logos for hospitals and other medical-related businesses. Now, I know, I know. It's the rod of Asclepius, with one snake, that's the actual medical symbol. The caduceus with 2 snakes intertwined is Hermes' symbol. But they've been so confused and interchanged so much in modern times that I don't think it's worth arguing over. I did consider having the ribbon twist in one direction, but I liked the DNA connection too much.

**The shamisen is a traditional Japanese 3-string instrument. It's also traditionally made with cat skin...

[thewritersaddictions]

Request: The Adults: Eddie Munson- Birthday Boy

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Chrissy Cunningham

Pov; Chrissy Cunningham/Eddie Munson

Warnings: It's Eddie's birthday, romance, fluff, toddler girl (Eddie and Chrissy are aged up), fluff, cuteness, Not a part of the Stranger Things Timeline season 4, a cute father/daughter moment between Eddie and Charlotte (Char).

Summary: It's Eddie's birthday and whats better than pancakes and glitter!

A/n- Firefly-Graphics for dividers

WC- 2.2k

Request Master List // Stranger Things Master List // The Adults Master List // Chronicles of Eddie M. & Chrissy C. Master List

The sun has just started to come up through the sky shining sun rays into the bedroom window. Eddie is still asleep, snoring lightly as his black curls are thrown across the pillow. He’s turning in his sleep and causing his fluff of hair to make a bad rat’s nest. I turn in the bed and make my way toward the bathroom. Before I get our daughter up and ready for the day, I was in desperate need of a shower. I look over my shoulder, the sleeping body next to me is half-naked. His belly is showing, and I can see each individual breaths that he takes. 

My body aches, as  I get up from the bed. My inner thighs ache as I walk toward the bathroom. Eddie has been relentless last night, I had lightly suggested an early birthday present. He had taken me to bed the second that Charlotte fell asleep, he scooped her up and laid her down in her bed. Afterward, he grabbed me by the hips and dragged me all the way toward our bedroom. 

I shuffled to the bathroom making haste, I was thankful that Eddie was a deep sleeper. I had learned that nothing truly woke him up, not even the screaming and hollering of a newborn baby. He slept like a rock most nights, but he slept a fucking baby after hard and deep fucking. The type that left your legs sores for days afterward.  Where your heart beats in your chest, in your ears, and you can feel it everywhere. 

My shower was quickly ended when I heard the little stomps of our young daughter Charlotte come into the bathroom. Her hair is dark like Ed’s and in just as bad a rat’s nest as Ed’s. She pokes her head in behind the shower curtain. “Mommy?” She questions even though she knows it’s me, but still, she asks. Her voice is high-pitched and a little dry. Regardless she still manages to get my attention, “Good morning sweetie.” I don’t try and shield her from my body instead I turn off the shower and grab the towel from the rack. 

“How’d you sleep, sweet girl?” I ask Charlotte, she sits looking up at me from the sink counter. “Sleep okay mommy,” she says with a thick yawn interrupting her. I continue to get ready. Getting dressed for the day in some winter boots jeans, and an old sweatshirt from Eddie. From years of smoking the scent has bonded with the sweatshirt, but so has the smell of his cologne and oil from his job. 

The next task is to get Char ready for the day. Sneaking out from behind the bathroom door. To hear the snores of Eddies haven’t stopped I pick up our daughter and put her on my hip. walking the both of us out of the bedroom and into her bedroom. Toys are still nicely put away but her bed is in shambles from moving around in her sleep. I laugh at the sight as it reminds me of Eddie and my own bed. Sheets were messed about, and everything was thrown around. I set her down on the side of her princess bed. “Do you know what you want to wear today sweetie?” I ask her as he sits on my knees in front of her. She hums, and then her face contorts. As if she’s changing her mind like there’s a movie going on behind her eyes. 

“Mommy, can you pick me… pick my clothes out instead?” She questions me, “Of course honey.” I turn on my knees and walked towards her closet. The clothes are all hung up and on display for her to see. She ends up eyeing a sparkling pink tutu, and a white shirt that has a unicorn on it. She beams with excitement as I dress her up and get to work on her hair. The tangles give soon after some detangler. To keep her hair in place I snap a few hair clips into her hair. Keeping stray strains out of her eyes, she looks adoring herself in the mirror. 

“I look so beuitful mommy. Tank you.” She says softly into her ear before kissing my cheek. I turn to look down at my daughter. I have to remind her that it’s Daddy’s birthday before Eddie wakes up to no card from his daughter. “I have something important to tell you, baby.” Charlotte looked at me intently, her eyes just as dark as Eddies. “You gonna tell me secrets?” She questions, her eyes growing big in anticipation. 

I ponder momentarily about how to frame my next words but fall into the trap of Charlotte’s words. “Yeah, I’ve got to tell you secrets about daddy though. Can you keep my secret?” I ask her. We haven’t left her bedroom yet and the floors are yet creaking from Eddie’s footsteps. 

So I remind our daughter that Eddie (daddy) is having a birthday today. “Char, today is the biggest day for daddy all year long.” She longs for my next words leaning into me practically. “Today is daddy’s birthday, so I think that you have to make him a birthday card?” I suggest. Her eyes grow wider than before, “Daddy’s birthday today? I can make him a card?” Everything that Charlotte says is more like a question but that’s just fine with me. 

I shake my head and let her continue before sadly I have to interrupt her. “Why don’t you and I go out to the living room and grab some of your art supplies you can make daddy a card, and mommy can make her special pancakes.” I offer to Char. Beaming with excitement she nearly pushes me to the floor. She turns quickly, before trying to leave her bedroom. “Can I use sparkles?” Always so polite, I smile and shake my head before getting up to follow behind her to the living room. The walk to the living room is quick, and Char makes her spot at the dinner table. “ mommy can I use the table? So I don’t make a mess.” Char asks, I grab her art supplies from under the tv stand and make my way towards where char, as called domain to her drawing and Arts place. 

“Of course, you can sit here sweet girl” with that I set out her glitters, pens, canyons, and colored paper. Char almost daily asked to go to the craft store. She always wanted more art supplies. And that was probably because Eddie was always letting her color in his tattoos and teaching her all the connect terms for certain brushes or techniques.  

“Where is my stickers? Daddy won't have a good birthday card if he can't see my stickers.” that was the first thing said when I was finished putting all her things out. I was sure I grabbed it but went to check anyways. So, back to the tv stand I went looking A little harder I found her stickers lodged between the wood paneling of the stand. Carefully I pulled them out, animals and heart stickers. Char looked at me with relief in her eyes. In tiny words, she spoke a quick thank you, mommy. 

With that, I left Char at the dining room table and went on to the kitchen. My stomach was calling out to me to get some sort of food in my belly. And so was Char apparently because all I heard was yelling from the other room. “mommy my tummy is spicy!” I laughed and yelled back a little softer, “I'm working on it, Dove.” with that the room and most of the house returned to utter and complete silence. 

The silence let me work with my hands to get the batter ready and anything else we would need for breakfast. The smell of pancakes wanted around the house, and the smell of burning bacon filled my head with a dizzying feeling I felt like I was on cloud nine. I was in my world, cooking and making sure that my pancakes came out perfectly so that I didn’t hear the footsteps of Eddie or the little giggles that happened between the two sitting in the dining room. 

—------------ 

“Daddy, you awake now!” Eddie hears as he enters the dining room. His daughter’s face is lite up with joy, and happiness. Her smile is wide, with tiny teeth making her smile a little crooked here and there. The kid will end up needing braces when she gets older. Eddie had woken up to the bed empty, but the bathroom light was left on, and the smell of food had wafted its way into their bedroom. Eddie’s mind clicked and sent him to walk toward the kitchen. That was before he got the biggest smile from his daughter, “Hello sweet baby, what are you doing?” I ask Charlotte, her face beamed with excitement and she blew what looks like sparkles across the dining room table. “For you!” Shoving it into my chest, Char’s little fingers held onto the glue, crayon, and glitter card. “Now what is this sweet girl?” I asked her, she rolled her eyes at me, sass dripping from her. Definitely Eddies kid. “It’s a card for you daddy, mommy said it’s your birthday and that I needed to make you sompthing.” Charlotte rambled on. “Well can I see what my sweet baby girl wrote for me inside the card?” I pointed down at the card between the two of us. She shook her head with such vigor and eyed me the entire time. 

Glitter transferred to my skin almost automatically, and the smell of glue entered my head. Opening the card more glitter fell to the floor, but that’s a mess to clean later. In the card was shitty kids writing not too far from Ed’s own writing. 

“To DADDY HAPPY BERATDAY! I LOVE YOU!” In big and small letters that were slanted in a downward motion, regardless Eddie loved it with all of his heart. Word misspelled, but he didn’t give a shit all he cared about was that his dear sweet daughter had written him a card. Made it with her ‘own’ two little hands and gifted it to him for his birthday. Eddie was on the verge of tears when he looks down at his daughter. Charlotte was smiling the widest and happiest smile he’d ever seen. “Do you wike it daddy?” He asked her eyes huge with anticipation. Without a single missed beat he threw the card down onto the dining room table, and picked his daughter up into his arms.

 The two of the swing around the space, giggles getting the both of them. Tummies hurt from how much they were laughing. “Thank you so much, sweet girl. Daddy loves it so much. I could just kiss you all day long.” With that, he gave a few quick smooches on her forehead. Charlottes was just a beaming light of sunshine, and her mother Chrissy was just as bright. The two of them were the light of his world, made it worth getting up and dealing with bullshit people in town, or going to his daily job to deal with more assholes. When he knew that he was coming home to his sweet girls. Just waiting for him to get home. 

“Did you see the picture I drew of you and mommy inside with me?” Char says in Ed’s ear. He can’t help the way his eyebrows twitch and he puts his daughter on his hip. Picking up the card again he opens it to find that there is indeed a picture of the three of them. Eddie is on the right with Charlotte on the inside, and Chrissy is on the left of Charlotte. The stick figures are good for how old Char is. He turns to looks at his daughter. “Has mommy seen this yet?” Eddie questions Charlotte. She only shakes her head, “But mommy said she was making her special pancakes.” Charlotte says her signature smile lifting on her face.��

Chrissy has been watching her husband and daughter intract for the past few moments having gotten a second to breathe from the kitchen when she heard the giggles between the two. When she pops her head around the corner of the kitchen wall, Eddie and Charlotte are laughing deep belly laughs and she realizes that Eds is tickling their daughter. She can just barely see Char’s face but the red blotches on her cheeks and arms give notice of just how hard she’s truly laughing. 

Chrissy watches with happiness growing inside her heart. She wonder’s about having another little one that Eddie can be just as in love with. She wants to sit there for the next eternity and watch how her husband and daughter make each other laugh. She wants to see how Eddie tells his stories to their daughter, she wants to see how their daughter reacts and has the same facial expression as Eddie. 

She just falls more in love with her family of two.

They spend the rest of Eddie’s birthday together munching on food and watching movies of course Charlotte gets to pick the first movie. Chrissy lays next to her husband her head resting on his shoulder. “Happy birthday Eds. I love you, baby.” Chrissy whispers to him, and a blush grows on his cheeks. “Thank you, angel. I love you too.” With that Eddie kisses her gently on the lips all while their daughter in tranced by the Disney VHS playing on the tv. 

Completed on: 03/22/23

Posted on: 03/29/23

The Adults- @yourfavdummy @borhapgirlforlife19

[emiliosandozsequence]

do you have anime recs for someone who has seen like.. three. :)

I DO!!!!

here are some of my favs :3

aldnoah zero (scifi mecha in space; it has a lot of wasted potential, but i really love it anyway; mainly bc the mech is cool and the score is amazing)

86 (scifi mecha on earth; please watch this one; it's truly the most well shot anime i've ever seen; and the score is fucking amazing)

deadman wonderland (horror psychological; this one has a much better manga than anime, but i thought the anime was good; it should've just gone on longer)

mobile suit gundam: the witch from mercury (scifi mecha in space; contrary to popular belief, this is pretty easy to understand without having seen the rest of the gundam series; make sure you watch the prologue too!!)

eureka seven (scifi mecha on earth; the mech in this one is ALSO really cool and the characters are so lovable <3)

mawaru penguindrum (magical girl slice of life with penguins; kinda sexual for literally no reason, but i think the story is really sweet)

elfen lied (scifi psychological horror; this is the first anime i ever watched all the way through, but it's so amazing; it is also sexual for no reason, but it has a very special place in my heart)

fullmetal alchemist: brotherhood (you've probably heard of this one, but it really is as good as everyone says)

kiznaiver (scifi psychological; this one reminds me of kagepro mixed with dmwl; it was the show that got me back into watching anime)

princess tutu (magical girl fantasy with ducks and swans; it's a story of the swan princess and it's done so well; definitely made for kids, but the meaning can definitely reach adults too <3)

shigatsu wa kimi no uso/your lie in april (depressing slice of life; i watched this originally because the mc is a violinist like i am and it broke my heart <3)

koe no katachi/a silent voice (sad slice of life; i watched this with one of my best friends because she's deaf and i'm hard of hearing, so we connected with this one a lot; i really love the animation also)

bubble (scifi romance; this was such a cute movie omg; i absolutely adored it and the score is to die for)

there is a lot more than this that i like, but this is everything that came to mind right away!! please let me know what you think if you watch any of these anon!! 🥰

[alt-ctrl]

The Quiet Revolution: Understated Elegance Makes a Comeback

In a world where louder often seems better, a whisper can sometimes be more powerful than a shout. This paradox is playing out in the fashion world, where understated elegance is staging a quiet revolution against the cacophony of modern excess. It's as if Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly have stepped out of their black-and-white films and into our technicolor world, reminding us that true style speaks volumes without raising its voice.

The Art of Sartorial Subtlety

Imagine, if you will, a red carpet event where celebrities arrive dressed as their favorite kitchen appliances. While the toaster dress and blender suit might grab headlines, they'd hardly be remembered as timeless classics. Yet, this isn't far from the reality of many modern award shows, where outfits seem to scream, "Look at me!" louder than a car alarm at 3 AM.

Enter the understated elegance movement, sashaying in like a breath of fresh air in a room full of air fresheners. It's not about blending into the wallpaper; it's about standing out by not trying so hard to stand out. Think of it as the fashion equivalent of the cool kid in high school who never needed to announce their coolness – they just were.

The Paradox of Less is More

Here's a brain-teaser for you: How can wearing less make you more noticeable? It's not about showing more skin, but rather about showing more skill in your style choices. The classic little black dress, popularized by our style guru Audrey Hepburn, is the perfect example. It's the sartorial equivalent of a Swiss Army knife – versatile, reliable, and always in style.

But don't mistake simplicity for simplistic. Creating an understated yet elegant look is like trying to write a haiku about quantum physics – it requires precision, depth, and a whole lot of thought. It's about curating a wardrobe where each piece plays well with others, like a well-orchestrated symphony rather than a freestyle jazz improvisation gone wrong.

The Taste Test

Good taste in fashion is like good taste in wine – it's subjective, but there are some generally agreed-upon principles. And just as a sommelier can discern notes of oak and hints of blackberry in a glass of red, a fashion connoisseur can appreciate the subtle details of a well-crafted garment.

Take Grace Kelly's wedding dress, for instance. It wasn't adorned with LED lights or made from recycled soda cans. Instead, it was a masterpiece of intricate lace detailing and modest design. It's the kind of dress that makes you say "Wow" in a reverent whisper rather than a loud exclamation.

The Sustainable Style Revolution

Here's where things get really interesting. This return to classic style isn't just about looking good – it's also about doing good. In a world where fast fashion is filling landfills faster than you can say "last season's trends," embracing timeless pieces is like giving Mother Earth a stylish hug.

Think about it: If you invest in a classic trench coat that you'll wear for years rather than a trendy jacket that'll be passé by next Tuesday, you're not just saving money in the long run – you're also reducing your fashion footprint. It's like the capsule wardrobe is the new capsule hotel – compact, efficient, and surprisingly satisfying.

The Simplicity Paradox

Now, let's address the elephant in the room (hopefully not wearing a tutu): Isn't simplicity, well, boring? Au contraire, mon frère! Simplicity in fashion is like a blank canvas – it allows your personality to shine through without competing for attention.

Imagine trying to have a deep conversation with someone wearing a hat that doubles as a working ferris wheel. The hat might be impressive, but it's hardly conducive to meaningful interaction. Similarly, when your outfit isn't shouting for attention, people are more likely to notice you – your smile, your wit, your charming habit of snorting when you laugh.

The Challenge of Understated Elegance

Here's a challenge for you: Try dressing in a way that makes people remember you, not your clothes. It's harder than it sounds, isn't it? It requires a keen understanding of cut, fabric, and fit. It demands an eye for subtle details and an appreciation for quality over quantity.

But the rewards are worth it. When you embrace understated elegance, you're not just following a trend – you're embracing a lifestyle. It's about valuing longevity over novelty, quality over quantity, and personal style over fleeting fashions.

In conclusion, as we navigate the noisy landscape of modern fashion, perhaps it's time to turn down the volume and tune into the quiet power of understated elegance. After all, in a world where everyone is trying to make a statement, sometimes the most powerful statement is one that doesn't need to be shouted. So here's to the quiet revolutionaries of style – may your whispers of elegance echo louder than any fashion scream.

[thescrapbookingscientist]

Biweekly Media Roundup

- The Sandman (TV) - I suppose Sandman was a bit of a grower for me, as while I did enjoy my first watch quite a bit, it was only a few weeks later after engaging in some fan content and revisiting it that I really appreciated it. I standby that it’s not flawless but I was less bothered by expectations the second time around and was able to appreciate the cinematography and overall themes a lot more. Dream is a great character in both concept and portrayal, so easy to root for and simultaneously so fun to bully. I do really hope Netflix doesn’t screw it over and actually greenlights a season 2 soon, I’m really interested in seeing how the rest of the Endless are portrayed given how interesting the ones we got were. Anyway Episode 6 deserves all the awards, we love Death and Hob here.

- Do Revenge (Movie) - Honestly, I’m a bit disappointed with this one - I heard quite a bit of people hyping it up as a fun callback to 90′s and 00′s teen comedies, but I can’t say I found it particularly interesting or funny.  I wanted to like it- I was getting Jennifer’s Body vibes at first - but there were just too many extraneous characters, not enough comedy, and too little impactful or memorable moments overall. I don’t know, I don’t want to be too mean as I don’t think it was completely inept, there were some interesting costume designs and plot twists, but I can’t say I got much out of watching it or would ever be interested in seeing it again.

- Holes (Movie) - Yearly rewatch of Holes with my sister, man is this movie so good, just textbook clever writing in how well it ties everything together and makes every little detail meaningful. Also, what a unique concept and setting.

- Shadow’s House (Anime) - So we come to a close on Shadow’s House season 2 and man, do I hope the Japanese viewership was high enough to warrant a season 3 because this show is so underrated and underappreciated here in the west. I do kind of get why - the genre mixing of an engaging horror mystery and slower paced slice-of-life esque shenanigans make it hard to recommend to fans of one or the other, as the horror fans will likely find the occasional slow of pacing for interpersonal stuff annoying to the pace of the mystery while cutesy fans could definitely be turned off by some of the more horrific imagery and concepts. I don’t mind as much personally as I find both the characters and their relationships charming as well as the mystery and horror elements super well done, but even I felt the pacing drag a bit between each major revelation. It reminds me a lot of Princess Tutu - a genuinely great anime full of both whimsy and dark elements that is super creative in concept but quite hard to sell people on thanks to it’s child friendly slow buildup. I might wait a bit to see if a season 3 will be announced before reading the manga, but I absolutely will be returning to the series at some point, as I cannot stress enough how impressed I am with the concept and execution of the mystery and the slow reveal of the Shadow Family.

- Mob Psycho 100 (Anime) - Yup yup. Congrats to Reigen for sweeping all those twitter polls btw. The Tumblr Sexyman Poll will go down in history forever.

- Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure (Anime) - They Yassified Dio. Also I know all Jojo outfits are ridiculous but seriously, wtf is pink boy wearing. 

- Star Trek: Lower Decks (TV) - Hey Lower Decks is back sweet! Still love the whole cast as well as just the concept of a show about the lives of the one-off/lower ranking background crew members rather than the higher ranking officers. The show can get pretty creative with it’s episode ideas and settings which I definitely appreciate, but to be honest I’ll never get tired of seeing the cast watch some crazy alien shit go down only to casually respond with “ugg not this shit again” and then cutting to them having to deal with the collateral after someone else fixed the issue. Not that the cast doesn’t get plenty of heroic  moments to shine, there’s just a great comedy in seeing them treat cursed mind controlling death masks and killer robot outbreaks with the same level of concern as a typical tax accountant filing a report. 

- Made in Abyss (Anime) - Okay we are 6 episodes into the 3rd season and it’s gotten a little better, more focus on lore and plot rather than. the other stuff it was doing. Hope it can stick to that so I don’t feel weird about watching it. 

- Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint (Webnovel) - Rather than binging this I’m slowly making my way through the audiobook. Honestly my attention kinda waned during a fairly early arc due to it’s reliance on the audience being familiar with korean history but now that that’s through it’s starting to get pretty engaging again. It will probably be awhile before I’m finished but I’m glad to have it.

Listening to: Right Where You Left Me by Taylor Swift, House of Memories by Panic! At The Disco, Know Your Name by Mary Lambert, Cut To The Feeling by Carly Rae Jepsen, Reprobate Romance by Blacklisted Me, The Bones by Maren Morris and Hozier, When He Sees Me by Kimiko Glenn, Unholy by Sam Smith, People Watching by Conan Gray, Meet Me In The Woods by Lord Huron

[keyofjetwolf]

STORYTIME

Episode 19, let’s go, let’s see what you’ve got for me!

Once upon a time, there was a maiden in love. “I want to tell my beloved how I feel, but my love might be over the moment I say it.” Every day she suffered, agonizing in this way. She took no meals, and she was unable even to sleep. And finally, she died without ever having been able to communicate her feelings. But the man she loved married another woman and lived happily ever after, without even knowing the maiden had existed.

Sometimes I just have to laugh, these are so fucking savage.

By not saying it, the end result happens anyway, as far as this specific facet of the maiden’s life is concerned (which appears to be the full extent of it per this story snippet). So what would she realistically have had to lose by saying something? Fuck all, it sounds, so job well done, she wasted everything by staying silent. Was it worth it? I’D GUESS NO

This seems, on the surface, to be about Ahiru, what with her whole “I love Mytho but if I tell him I’ll die/vanish/never exist” thing. Is it, though? Ahiru has a whole lot going on outside of Mytho (for which I am thankful), and I’d heavily argue against her doing nothing but withering away in silent agony.

So if Ahiru is the opposite of this tale, whatever common thread, should we take from this that she doesn’t need to remain silent? That she’s defied the rest of this, and so will defy that too?

Or is this not about Ahiru at all? There’s some lovely imagery in this story. I especially love this image:

The letters unsent, the pool of spilled ink soaking everything, the shadow crossbeams of the window panes, the used and discarded black feather quill. GOOD SHIT HERE. Which doesn’t tie into anything I was saying, I just really like it. This one though:

The swan sword, the raven’s eyes filling the sky, the blade thrusting in one direction but OOPS SURPRISE coming for the killing blow in another.

Are we not talking about Ahiru, then? Are we talking about Fakir? He’s who we first think of with the sword. And he’s certainly taciturn enough to keep every feeling he’s ever had hidden in the depths of his glorious mane. Or is this perhaps Rue/CawCaw? If anyone at this point could be said to be agonizing and trapped, I’d say it’s her.

Once again with this show, what’s meant is dependent on who we cast in the roles, and for something that appears on the surface to be so definitively saying who goes where, it leaves me CONSTANTLY QUESTIONING.

(I’m completely unspoiled for Princess Tutu and watching it for the first time. Please don’t confirm or deny anything in this post, give me hints or cautions or suggestions about future episodes, or try to explain anything going on. That includes if I should’ve been able to figure it out from previous episodes, or if it’s cultural, or if there’s no answer at all. Spoiling the experience only ruins things for everyone!)

[dorotharry]

tiny dancer ; prologue

Pairing: 40s!bucky barnes x fem!reader

Next Chapter

Word count: 2.3k

Warnings: kinda long for a prologue, fluff, not really much but please let me know if anything in this upsets you. 

Summary: After being drafted for the war in 1942, Bucky goes to the ballet a week before having to leave with his best friend Steve. There he becomes infatuated you with the prima ballerina of the show, and he just has to meet you before his last week in Brooklyn is up. He hopes one day you would meet again; little does it know it will be 72 years later.

A/N: This is my first Bucky fic, I thought of it last night and I was kind of excited to write it. Sorry if any of the information is wrong as well my knowledge of Ballet and Brooklyn/NY are limited. I’m not sure if there are any similar story types but feel is so please let me know and I’ll tag them for people to read in the next chapter. I hope you enjoy :) Feel free to let me know if you want to be tagged in the next chapter. 

Before everything - 1942

“Oh, come on Steve, come to the Ballet with me!” Bucky spoke enthusiastically, his arms pressed again the frame of Steve’s front door. “It’s my last week before I go.”

“And you couldn’t have just chose to go to a bar like any other normal man would a week before going to the war?” Steve responded looking sceptically at his best friend. Someone who he had never known to be interested in ballet.

“Because going to a bar filled with soldiers would be a bright choice for you,” sighed Bucky, “I’d rather not have to get into another fight…” Steve rolled his eyes and pursed his lips waiting for Bucky to continue. “Everyone in New York is talking about the Ballet! Don’t you want to feel cultured?” Bucky exclaimed moving away from the door frame. “Plus!, I got us pretty good seats if I do say so myself, what row was it again…?” He trailed off looking smugly at Steve. “…Oh, that’s right! Row three.”

“Too bad you couldn’t score front row,” responded Steve mimicking Bucky’s cocky attitude. Bucky huffed at his friend’s response. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” laughed Steve, “Fine if the ballet is where you want to go a week before you go, then the ballet is where we’re going, I guess.”

Bucky’s eyes lit up at his friends’ words. “Yes! This is going to be great, a night on the town, just two gentlemen going to see the ballet.” He grinned, Steve noting how happy he seemed to be going to the ballet; he wasn’t sure why. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 6pm”, Bucky spoke turning away from his still sceptical best friend.

“Okay then,” responded Steve watching him walk off.

Just as he’d said, Bucky had picked Steve up the next day, driving them to the theatre and making it there for 6:30. They wandered the foyer looking at all of the people dressed up to watch the performance like them. Many had already been a few times and were raving about what they were most excited for again. For Bucky and Steve though, this is new territory. Both of them glad though that they were doing something new. They made their way into the theatre finding their seats, as everyone began to pile in, ready for the show.

“I’ve heard that the lead female ballet dancer is meant to be very good”, whispered Bucky to Steve as the lights began to dim.

“You mean the Prima Ballerina?” Whispered back Steve correcting him.

Bucky looked at Steve with an amused look. “For someone who didn’t want to come you sure know a lot about ballet”, chuckled Bucky placing his focus back towards the stage.

Steve sighed and looked back at him, “I don’t know a lot of ballet, that’s just common knowled—” He was shushed by Bucky as he tapped him on the shoulder multiple times in order to tell him to be quiet. Steve looked towards the stage again as the orchestra began playing.

Bucky watched as the curtains opened, the stage filled with ballet dancers.

Not long into the performance you would enter, nervous side stage as your friends reminded you of how brilliant you would be. This wasn’t your first time performing but every time was just as nerve-wracking as the last. This was your passion of course, and you wanted nothing more than to be perfect.  You looked down at your tutu, a bright red tutu, a colour that stood out amongst the rest of the cast who were dressed in whites and greens. Even the male lead was only dressed in white. You particularly like your pointe shoes the best; they were a stunning bright red to match the rest of your costume.

Shaken from your thoughts you heard the beginning of your entrance within the music, jumping up and down briefly before getting into position to enter. Then you did, getting into character instantly.

Bucky gasped as his eyes followed you as you entered the stage so gracefully. He had heard you were a magnificent dancer, but he didn’t know you were so beautiful. Composing himself in his seat he watched as you were so engrossed in the music and the dance. It was obvious you loved what you did.

As the ballet continued his eyes never lost focus from you. He even thought there was one time when you had looked at him in the audience, but he knew that couldn’t be true, someone so perfect would never draw their focus from their work to look at him.

Even during the interval Bucky was in his own world as he thought about how captivating you had been. Barely listening but nodding as Steve spoke to him about his thoughts of the show.

When the show finally ended the crowd stood up applauding the performance. Eagerly so did Bucky, Steve following. As you bowed many people threw roses and he mentally cursed himself for not bringing any himself. The curtains closed and the theatre lights slowly came back on.

“Well I must say I did enjoy that,” spoke Steve as they exited the theatre, breaking the silence and pulling Bucky from his thoughts, he stopped walked and looked at Steve.

“Steve, call me crazy but I have to meet her, I have to know her name.”

Steve looked at Bucky and sighed knowing he wasn’t going to take no for an answer. “Alright pal, why don’t we wait near the door the cast exit from?”

Bucky practically jumped up and down as he followed his friend, who somehow knew where the cast door was, although it wasn’t a hard guess. Just down the alleyway next to the theatre.

-     

After the performance, adrenaline was running through you like crazy. You loved this feeling. Tonight’s audience was marvellous, and they held nothing back when applauding you all for your performance.

When you performed you couldn’t see much of the audience due to the stage lights, but you could see up to around the 4th row. While you had stopped at the end one of your solos in the first act your eyes had briefly stumbled upon a very handsome man with brunette hair. But you didn’t get a great look because as soon as one song ended the next one started.

You had removed your costume and let your hair out of its bun brushing it out and attempting to make it look as presentable as you could. You got into a nice dress which you had arrived in, keeping your makeup on along with your bright red lipstick. Grabbing your bag, you said goodbye to your fellow colleagues as you exited the backstage area and entered the alleyway.

As you got to where the alleyway ended, and the city sidewalk started you were met with the same brunette you had noticed during the show. “Miss, I’m terribly sorry to bother you after your show but I just had to introduce myself to such a beautiful and talented woman.” Rambled Bucky.

You blushed and looked down as your dress, “Why thank you…” you trailed off waiting for the handsome stranger to tell you, his name. He seemed a bit distractedd looking at your eyes that he didn’t catch on though, causing his smaller blonde friend next to him to nudge him.

“Oh, sorry my names Bucky,” he replied letting out a nervous chuckle, “and this is Steve,” gesturing to his best friend.

Steve raised his arm to shake your hand, “Sorry miss but what was your name again? Bucky here forgot to tell me.”

You raised your arm and shook his hand, letting out a giggle over the two men in front of you, “My names y/n”.

You looked back over at Bucky who seemed to be going over something in his brain. “I wanted to know if you wanted to get a drink or some food or something with me?” What Bucky thought would be a confident question turned more into a rambling mess. Gosh he thought you were pretty.

You blushed, “How am I to know you’re not a murderer?” Raising an eyebrow at the nervous man in front of you.

Steve interjected this time, “I can confirm y/n, he’s not a murderer. Honestly, he’s usually a lot better at flirting than this, I’ve never seen him look so nervous.”

Bucky sent a death glare at Steve before looking back at you. You laughed again, grinning ear to ear, “Well I am pretty hungry, so I won’t say no, especially when a ladies’ man is so nervous to talk to me.” You smirked.

Now it was Bucky’s turn to grin, “great!” He responded. “I just have to drop Steve home and then we’re all set… Did you have a car?” He asked.

“Nope,” you spoke back, “so… do you think you’d be able to drop me home afterwards?” you asked, “You know considering I’m being so nice to a stranger.”

“I was going to offer anyway,” he replied signalling you to follow. You chatted with the two men as you walked to the car, when you got there, you insisted Steve sit in the front considering he was being dropped home. Then once you arrived at his, you both said your goodbyes to Steve. “I hope to see you again soon,” you yelled from the car as you sat in the front waving.

Steve waved back, as Bucky drove off to one of his favourite bars/restaurants beeping his horn at Steve as he left.

The rest of the night went smoothly, you both ate and chatted for hours, feeling like time barely existed with one another. It may sound cheesy but both of you felt like you were meant to meet one another. The only downside was that Bucky had told you he would be leaving for the war at the end of week, so you both knew it could never be anything more until at least the war ended.

It wasn’t until you realised the time that you knew you needed to get home, being Prima Ballerina wasn’t an easy job and it required getting at least some sleep. Bucky understood and drove you home continuing to talk about everything together. He even confessed he wished he had of gotten you some roses, to which you responded that how would he have known to do that. Of course, Bucky being a gentleman he still was disappointed he didn’t, even if you didn’t mind.

When you got home you thanked him for the wonderful night. “I’m going to see you again before I go,” he said from in the car, as you stood by the passenger window.

“I hoped you’d say that” you replied, “Good night Bucky,” you blew him a kiss, and his cheeks turned a bright pink.

“Goodnight y/n” he replied, grinning like a fool. He watched you walk into your apartment to make sure you got in safe before driving off. Gosh you were perfect.

-   

It was finally the day he left.

Just like he promised you did see him again. After each show through the week, he would bring you a rose. Each time making you blush.

Most days he just drove you home and you chatted in the car, but a couple of times you got dinner again and made the most of the time you had with your new friend. You wished he didn’t have to go; you wished every time you saw him you could kiss him. But that felt like it would complicate things, you hadn’t known him long enough to put yourself through that kind of heart ache.

You and Steve were at the train station saying goodbye to Bucky. It was hard for Steve, he wanted nothing more than to go with his best friend and fight for his country, but he couldn’t. They didn’t want him.

For you though, you had only known Bucky a week, you had grown so comfortable with him, so it was hard seeing him leave, not knowing if he’d come back. He knew more about you than some of your closest friends that you had known for years, he was just that kind of guy, someone you could trust.

Bucky wanted nothing more than to just grab you and kiss you, but he didn’t know if that’s what you wanted. Steve had told him the day before to just go for it, but he was unsure. He didn’t want to put you through the heart ache. As he picked up his bags, Steve gave him a giant hug, you stepped forward and did the same hoping you wouldn’t have to let him go.

Releasing each other from your embrace, you both looked into each other’s eyes. Your eyes filled with water, and you could tell Bucky was holding back tears.

“Goodbye Steve, goodbye y/n” he spoke sadly as he began to walk towards the train.

Steve looked at you as if to say, ‘are you sure you don’t want to just go for it?’ and you sighed. He was right, what was there to lose? Bugger this you thought, “Bucky!” you yelled running towards him, “You forgot something!” He turned around confused only to be greeted by you grabbing his face and softly yet hungrily pressing your lips to his. He sighed into the kiss dropping his bags, he didn’t push you away instead he grabbed your waist and pulled you closer. 

This kiss was nothing like any of the kisses you had experienced before, if fact it made you feel the same way ballet did. It was the same for Bucky, none of the kisses he had ever shared with anyone felt like this.

You finally stopped and parted, resting your foreheads on one another’s.  

“Don’t worry doll, I’ll see you again.” He spoke softly to you.

You stepped back as a few tears fell down your face, nodding. He gave you a charming Bucky smile before picking his bags back up and turning away. You walked back to Steve giving him a hug, as he watched his best friend leave him for the first time in his life.

You wanted nothing more than to believe that you would see each other again.

Little did you know you would, only 72 years later.

Chapter One (next chapter)

[docholligay]

Are there, though? It’s Tutu that will disappear when she confesses her love, not you. The show is trying really hard, I think, to keep reminding us that you are just a duck. THat you don’t even have a human name. So you aren’t Tutu. Tutu may disappear, and I guess that means the magic you have would no longer be present but I actually don’t think you would disappear.

Please note I have never seen this and am watching spoiler-free! Please don’t confirm, deny, hint at, imply, or explain anything, even if it’s historical or cultural! Please don’t tell me to wait for an episode or a moment! Thank you! If you’d like to do spoilery talk with others, the Discord is right here!

[favoriteblogonthecitadel]

Sunday snippet: Clandestine

In which a young Shepard needs help controlling her emerging biotics, but does not care for the solution her friend has in mind.

“You’ve got to be shitting me” is, in Xiomara’s opinion, the only natural response to a pair of ballet shoes. She stares at them with a mix of disdain and concern, instantly regretting having come here.

“Fuck’s sake, get over yourself,” Ruby says with an eyeroll. Leaning against the wooden barre, she takes a puff of her cigarette, pointes hanging off her wrist.

“I told you I need to train.” Xo gestures towards the studio, all polished surfaces and mirrors. She sees a place made for sliding and bouncing about, looking at your own reflection. None of it looks made to stand a real workout. “How’s twirling in a little skirt supposed to help?”

That almost seems to touch a nerve. Her friend shoots her a sharp glare through the billowing smoke. Her body stays relaxed, uninterested in real confrontation, but her warning comes quick and earnest like a whip. “Watch it, Shepard.”

She scoffs at the sound of her last name. “Shut up. No one calls me that.”

“Stupid, then. That’s what you’re acting like.”

The teenager in Xo wants to take her up on the banter; to go at it, talk shit for a while as if everything is normal. But under makeshift bandages, her hands and forearms still pulse red with pain, a reminder of her latest episode. The headaches are bearable – it’s the blackouts that are driving her out of her mind. Waking up to scraps of things she cannot remember breaking. Losing control of her anger, the one thing that has kept her alive for sixteen years. Waiting for the day the Reds see it happen and start asking questions.

So she paces towards the dancer. Her step has a practiced swagger, as though she’s about to make a move on Ruby. They are comfortable near each other, and Xo does not stop until they’re face to face, inches away, her own hands resting on the barre next to her friend’s. Close enough that only she can possibly hear her. Even then, she takes a cautionary sweeping look at the studio. Checking for snoops is habitual, automatic.

When she talks, it’s in a whisper; and she hates hearing fear crack into her voice, making her stomach coil as she looks up. “It’s getting worse, Rue.”

Silence. Some thought passes through those steady hazel eyes that she cannot read, but she feels Ruby truly look at her then. Considering, though never softening, because their bond is built on a shared aversion to pity. She lets out a deep, patient sigh. “Have you hurt anyone?”

A quick shake of the head. “Busted Finch’s bike. You ask me, that counts as community service.”

There’s a huff of a laugh, raspy from amusement and from cigarette smoke. “Let me help you, then.”

“I’ll just break--”

“Shut up and listen.”

They look at each other for a moment, then another, two stubborn things waiting for the other one to yield. Xo shuffles on her feet, but says nothing, until she gives her opponent an irritated groan that seems to say, fine.

And Ruby lets the pause extend, as if double-checking that she’ll keep her mouth shut. She has a knack for using silence unlike anyone Xiomara knows. Finally, she nods with satisfaction.

“You tried getting it out of your system.” She states, matter-of-factly. Xo pretends she doesn’t sound like she's talking to her class of five-year-olds. “Didn’t work. You tried holding it in -- that was a shit show. Maybe… you need to let it flow for a change.”

An eyebrow raised. “Flow. Seriously.”

“You’re all about charging, Mari. Shotguns and sucker punches. Whatever this is, it’s too strong to just let it out at once. You need to have a say in how much energy your body uses, how hard it hits. You need control.”

“And you think I will find it in a tutu,” she deadpans, because her friend's words are too spot-on for comfort.

But instead of a retort, a feline promise of a smile presents itself on Ruby's lips. The twinkle of anticipation in her eyes sets several of Xiomara's instincts on alert.

The dancer simply puts out her smoke against the flat side of the barre, leaving a black, circular scar atop countless others. Then she hands Xiomara the pointes and walks towards the locker room, exuding authority like a gravitational pull that leaves no choice but to follow. “When I’m done with you, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.”

[georgiapeach30513]

OMG our precious conversation gave me this precious idea!

but WHAT IF… Story’s babies are actually all girls? Now, she just wanted one boy coz growing up, she saw how her Mama is with Bladey, and she wanted the same bond with a mini Carter so she’ll have herself a little mama’s boy? Oh it would be so cute! But let’s face it… Papa’s going to be the happiest coz he’ll have himself 5 little Stowy books again 😹

- aree <3

Could you imagine how happy that not only Papa would be, but Carter just to have all these mini Stowy books running around? I think sometimes people forget how captivated he was with her as a little girl, and that's why she crushed so hard on him. And you know that those girls would be the BIGGEST princesses! I'm still going to keep Otto as is. So all these sweet NEW babies will be Carter's biological children.  So here’s the names...in order of birth, and Story is also currently pregnant.

Faelynn Magnolia Isabeau Astrid Alora Jade Odette Viola

🖤🖤🖤🖤

Cute and Horny

Summary:  Story and Carter have a lot of little princesses

Pairings:  Carter Baizen X Story Baizen

Rating:  cute

Warnings: wee little girls everywhere, 18+ ONLY

Word Count:  1.4K

Desperate Lives AU Masterlist

What If...? Masterlist

Carter steps up behind his wife giving her a quick kiss, while she finishes up breakfast for her family.  His hands move down her stomach, and he cups the growing stretched belly of Story’s.  "Are you sure this is it?"

"Carter," she starts turning around, and making him move back because of the bump, "Number six, and number seven.  Yeah, I'm pretty sure this should be it," she gives him a quick peck before turning back around.  "Is Otto going to work with you today?"

"Yes.  Faelynn is going with Iris, Isabeau with James, Alora is going to be with Aster, and Odette is going to be with Papa and Mimi.  Her is a bit too little to be going to work,” Carter playfully says giving a quick cheek kiss to Odette.  “But Papa said he's putting her to work anyways.  You going to be okay, My Queen?" she nods her head, getting a tug on her leg from Isabeau.

"Hey, sweet Izzy girl, what is it?"

"I don't wanna go with James, can I stay with you?" while Story had thought she was going to get her a house full of daddy's girls, Izzy is most definitely a mama's girl.  She loves Carter, but she doesn't like to be too far from her mom.  "Please."

"Mommy is just going to the doctor."

"Why?  They're getting bigger.  The end," she jumps up on the stool and pouts up at her.  "Please."

"No.  You already told uncle James and uncle Beau you would keep Thorne and Arlo company, so that's what you're going to do.  And then, my sweetest little girl, mommy will come pick you up after my appointment, okay?" she throws her head back in defeat, blowing out a loud puff of air but agrees.  

Story and Carter finish getting the girls ready, making sure that everyone has their lunch, and he helps her load them in the car before taking off with their only boy.  Just the way Story wanted.  Rubbing along her stomach she takes a deep breath before dropping off her littlest girl with her parents.  Ransom holds Odette through the window, and she gives Story a sloppy kiss, "You be good Odie, don't let Papa tell you that daddy is yucky either."

"No kissy daddy.  Daddy yucky."

Story gives an angry glare at her father, "You shouldn't be kissing him so much."

"I'll stop kissing my husband when you stop, oh..." she lets a big puff of air out, and Ransom goes to ask if she's okay, "I'm fine.  Stop kissing mom, and that's when I'll stop kissing Carter."

Ransom turns to look at Odette, and she giggles at him.  "Mommy never quit kissy yucky daddy."

Next stop is dropping off Faelynn.  Her name fit her well.  Such a fairy princess, and reminding Carter so much of his own little princess growing up.  Always wearing a tutu, always wearing pink, but because she's going with aunt Iris, she wears a floral ensemble.  Making sure to show Icy when she jumps out.  "Story, you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, going in for a check up once I get everyone dropped off."

"She's picking me up afterwards!" Izzy screams up at her.

"Separation anxiety, huh?" Iris asks putting her hand on Story's stomach, "Ree."

"Braxton hicks.  Look at all these kids, and two have already went with someone else.  I know the difference.  Fae, be good for aunt Icy, okay Pixie Dust?" opening up the door she stands to give her mom a kiss, and then that big bump of hers.  "Love you baby."

"Alright, next stop the townhouse, and then Izzy it's me and you, until I get to the jobsite," her dramatic daughter throws her head back releasing a small growl, but Story just turns up the music, trying to drown her out.  She knows that the little girl is mostly feeling this way because there's going to be another baby.  Every baby after her, she gets more clingy.  Pulling into the townhouse, Aster runs out to meet her.

"Ah! Rory girl, come on sweet thing.  Uncle Beck is going to be with us today," Alora pulls herself out of her carseat and jumps up to the front to give Story a hug and kiss.  Leaving Story a bit breathless, and pushing on her stomach.  "Do I need to call Carter?"

"No.  I'm going to take Izzy to James and Beau, and then the doctor.  Love you!"

Aster doesn't listen.  Her phone already comes out and she's pressing it to her ear, to call her brother-in-law.  Story didn't look right.  

Story pulls into the jobsite, and has a short argument with her last daughter, "Izzy out of the car."

"No, I don't want to stay here."

"I'm getting you right after.  Out of the car."

"No!  I don't want to stay with two boys.  Let me go..." she stops when Story's head dips down.  As if knowing her phone goes off with Carter calling.  "Mommy?  Mommy, daddy is calling.  Are you not going to answer it."

"Izzy get James or Beau."

Isabeau jumps out of her seat and runs into the jobsite spotting Thorne and the little Arlo, "Jamey, B there's something wrong with mommy," her face gets blotchy, and James scoops up the little girl to carry out with him.

"Ree, Carter is calling," Story just keeps her head dipped down, taking in slow breaths.  "Ree, you okay?" she shakes her head no.  "I'm going to answer Carter's call."

"My Queen, what's going on?  Aster called me worried sick."

"Carter, it's me.  I'm going to take her to the hospital.  I'll call her mom and dad, and let them know, and they can pick up the kids.  Beau won't be able to watch them all and work.  Izzy, you're going to have to cooperate and stay with uncle B, okay?" she gives him a pout, but says okay.  Walking up on the porch she watches as James helps her mother into the passenger seat.  "Ree, how far apart are your contractions?"

"About three to five minutes," James starts to speed up trying to rush her to the hospital, "I don't want to die in this car."

"And I don't want to to deliver twins.  I don't want to see that.  I'll do it, but I don't wanna," he continues rushing, getting another call from Carter.  "What?"

"Story, you ok, honey?"

"Three minutes, Baizen.  I don't want to do this without you."

"Honey, I'm already at the hospital.  You want me to sing you a song," she whispers out a yes, and Carter's flat tone, but still so sweet voice starts singing, "Beautiful dreamer, Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me.  Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee; sounds of the rude world heard in the day, Lull'd by the moonlight have all passed away!  Where you at?"

"Pulling her in," Story looks to see her handsome husband who stands with a nurse and wheelchair, ready to get her admitted.  Opening up her door to help her out.  His eyes drift all over her face, checking to see if there’s any minor changes.  

Carter calmly rests his hand on her stomach, and he should have known.  She was taking too many breaks.  Stopping what she was saying just to breathe.  The nurse hooks her up almost immediately, letting them know the doctor would be here shortly, but the nurse never leaves.  When the doctor comes in, he takes a look at her with a smile.  "We don't have time for an epidural.  You're having these babies, right now, Story.  You ready?"

________________________________________________________________________________

Carter looks up from his son that lays sleeping on his naked chest, to look at Story in a similar position, August Blade Baizen nursing like a pro, while she smiles down at him wistfully.  "You sure, my Queen?"

"I think so," she whispers.  Her eyes never leaving Auggie.  "I do love this though," she looks over at her content husband and sleeping boy.  "But when is the stopping point if not now?"

"I'm just playing, honey.  Hugo James, you want to be a big brother?  Or are you okay with officially being our last?" when he lets out those sweet little squeaks, Story just gently giggles.  "I'll stop when you wanna stop."

"Four girls and three boys is an odd number.  But we just had these two handsome boys.  Let me get my gown back on, and cover my tits, and we can let the family meet them, okay."

"I really hate when you cover them though."

"Baizen, don't get cute and horny less than two hours after I pushed your sons out of my vagina."

Standing up he assists in getting her wrapped back up.  Giving a soft kiss to Auggie before, a long lingering one to Story, "I love you, Baizen."

"Love you too, my queen."

Masterlist

[unmaskedagain]

Marinette: Stone Cold

Ok so i love this prompt but it took forever to get to. And as soon as I did its like suddenly I was swamped with everything. So frustrating. But I finally finished it. And I love it. @vixen-uchiha​

              Marinette was six-years-old when her parents died in a car crash. She had been at school when the vice principle, Mrs. Valmontes, stopped by and pulled her out of class. The little black haired girl had known something was wrong instantly as Valmontes had smiled just a little hard at her and much more gently than what she was known for.

           Still, she had been really surprised to see Office Raincomprix, her classmate Sabrina’s dad, waiting for her in the principle. Marinette always thought he was really nice; always jolly and quick to lend a hand to the teacher at the end of the day if he got to class early to pick up Sabrina. However, he too, seemed rather despondent when Marinette entered the room. His partner, a rookie named Lorna, looked really sad too.

           They took her down to the station where she was led to one of the back offices. Sabrina’s dad waited with her there. And then woman name Susanna LeFlont, who Marinette would later learn was a grief counselor. Then they told her.

           Susanna held her as she cried and begged and called them liars, until she couldn’t cry anymore. And then they gave her a stuffed animal, and said they would try calling her relatives to pick her up.

           They came back an hour later, saying they got ahold of her parents’ emergency contact…

           Marinette’s Uncle Jareth Dupain.

           She had frowned when they said his name because to her he had never been Jareth Dupain. No, he was always her cool Uncle Jagged. So it took her a second to remember that his real name was Jareth Dupain-Stone, her father’s younger half-brother. Marinette even briefly remember her dad mentioning having to change their emergency contact after his mom, Gina, passed away a few ago.

           He was only 20 when Marinette born and he was always a budding Rockstar so he wasn’t around too much. And 6 years later he was the biggest rockstar in the world. Still, that didn’t stop him from rushing to the police station, Penny hot on his trail, and pulled his sweet niece into the biggest hug he could.

           Jagged took his niece to the hotel room to get her settled and had Penny go back to the bakery to get some of her things. He didn’t think it was a smart idea to take her there yet; not when the wounds were still so fresh.

           Still as the twenty-six year old Rockstar stared at the small form cuddled up to Fang, he realized for the first time that he was all Marinette had in the world; the only family she had left. The only family he had left.

           So he knew, despite the lawyers taking days to contact him regarding who Marinette’s guardian would be, that it was him. Jagged was the person Tom had entrusted to protect and watch the most precious thing he had the entire world; his daughter. And he wouldn’t let his brother down.

Tom had always been the best big brother anyone could have. And when Jagged’s own father, Tom’s Stepfather (as tom’s own father had suffered a heartache when Tom was a teen), had walked out, Tom had stepped up. He showed Jagged, who was still called Jareth at the time, how to be a man. He believed in Jagged’s rockstar dream when Jagged didn’t even believe in them himself.

Jagged would do right Tom, by Sabine; he would do what they would do if the situation was reversed and they were given Jagged’s kid to care for.

He would raise Marinette as he own. And though he knew would never come close to being the father that Tom Dupain had been…

Jagged would damn well try to be.

…

…

Jagged Stone, Shattered Roses, Nightmare’s Hail Mary, Unmasked Dragon, True Born Rejects, and Emancipated Mirrors were some of the biggest rock band in the world. Whenever, they went on tour together, they were the epitome of what people thought Rock Stars were. They were loud. They partied all night. Groupies hung around everywhere. To them, it was paradise. When all the bands were invited to go on the Kings of Neverland tour, with Jagged Stone headlining, they expected very much the same as they were used to. Jagged always had the most Rockin tour bus. His parties were legendary. They came to expect it.

However, when Neon Savage (front man of the Shattered Roses), Austin Knight (Leader of Unmasked dragon and lead Guitarist), and Niklaus Bane (Lead vocalist of True Born Rejects) showed up with beers and all other sorts of alcohol the day before their opening concert for the tour, they came across something very unexpected.

Or rather someone.

A little Asian girl with pigtails in her Blue hair, a tiara on her head, in a rainbow tutu paired with a black too large Guns N Roses shirt, her hand on her hips, no shoes, and a rather large crocodile next to her.

“What’s with the ballerina?” Austin asked. He had dyed silver hair done in a stereotypical emo style, grey eyes, and too many piercings. He was slim and tall.

           Niklaus sighed in relief, “Oh good, you see her too!” He had curly blond hair, dark brown eyes, and wore mostly black. He had ripped jeans and a red tie. The tie was as red as the whites of his looked. “Why is your hair blue?”

“Because Uncle said I could,” She answered and pointed a figure at them, “You’re not supposed to be here.”

Savage scoffed, “You got that twisted, kid.” He was a bulk guy, with long dark hair, and a severe expression on his face. His arms were covered in tattoos. He played in a metal band, and it was obvious. “Where’s your mommy?”

“Dead,” The little girl said bluntly. “I live with my Uncle Jagged now. This his tour bus, and you’re not supposed to be here.” She glared at them. “Fang, Stranger Danger!”

           What happened next was a bit of a blur. One minute they were fine, the next they were being chased around Jagged’s tour bus by a rather vicious crocodile while pint-sized twerp laughed.

           Lucky for them, their yells for help were overheard by Penny and Jagged who had been working in back, “What’s going on?” Penny asked as she ran in.

“Mates, what the h. e. double hockey sticks is going on?” Jagged asked right on his assistant’s tail.

           Austin, who had jumped on top one of the shelves, gave Jagged a confused look, “Better question; what the hell did you just say?”

“Ooohhhh! There’s five bucks for the swear jar!” The little girl taunted.

           Jagged glared at rockstar, “Watch it! A Kid’s in the room!”

           Savage glared at his longtime friend, “Who the fuck do you think set Fang on us?!” He cast a dark look at the crocodile. “Stranger danger my ass! I’ve known you sent you hatched, you overgrown cheap pair of boots.”

“That’s ten buck for the swear jar!” The girl said.

“Ten bucks?” Austin frowned. “Kinda of steep for just two swear words.”

“I swear to God-” Savage growled but was cut off.

“Chill, mate,” Jagged said. “This is my niece Marinette.” He gave her a loving smile. She beamed up at him brightly. He had been taking care of her for a year now. “I told ya about her.”

“You didn’t say she was Satan!” Austin whined. Fang had bitten him, the slowest of the three, quite a lot, and he had a giant hole in his jacket.

“I’m not Satan,” Marinette huffed. “I’m a ballerina, princess, Rockstar on my way to a tea party with Duchess Rosy Sparkles, of the Unicorn Fairies. And guess what, you’re not invited!”

“Oh that’s just mean,” Niklaus complained.

“She sicked a mini dinosaur on us,” Savaged hissed.

“Yeah, well, now she hurt my feelings.”

           Jagged sighed. The guys were some of his closest friends, and by the look up the “entertainment” they brought, they were ready to raze it up like always. But things had changed. Jagged couldn’t be that guy anymore. “Marinette’s staying with me from now on,” He reminded them. “No parties on the tour. She has a bedtime. And doesn’t need to see “us” at our finest, no matter how Rockin we are.” Jagged shrugged. “Spread the world, my bus is off limits.”

The rock stars grumbled a bit but didn’t leave. They could hang with Jagged without presence of booze, weed, loud music, and groupies. It would be a little weird but they’d managed. Jagged was their friend; they’d known him before any of them became famous and stayed close well after. They hadn’t been there for him as much as they wanted to after Tom died; too many commitments, too many required appearances in different countries that had taken them away. But they were there now. And if being there for one of their best friends meant regularly chilling with a six-year-old, then they’d deal.

Savage grunted, “Austin, get rid of the booze.”

“By ‘get rid of’, I assume you meant put back in my tour bus,” The silver haired guitarist corrected.

           Niklaus raised his hand like he was a student in class, “I get the whole no alcohol thing; that stuff will kill ya. But what your feelings on pot?”

           Jagged just sighed. It was going to be a long summer.

           The three musician, and even the other Rockers on tour, slowly but surely got used to the seemingly near constant presence of a six-year-old around Jagged or running around backstage. And the swear jar was a serious thing. It didn’t count when they were singing on stage but off it and anywhere near Marinette and they found themselves forking over five dollars for ever swear word. It added up a lot. And quickly.

           Jagged’s tour bus, instead of being the Party palace it used to be, now was the chill zone. It was also the cleanest of all the tour buses. No empty beer bottles everywhere. No one random passed out anywhere. No having to watch out for throw up. No rabid fans, as Jagged had increased his security to Tony Stark worthy levels.

           All they had to do was mind their manners and remember that Marinette was very impressionable at her age.

“OH screw you!!!!!!” Savage roared as he jumped up and frantically mashed buttons on his controller. “I’m not losing!”

           They had been babysitting Marinette all day while Jagged did an interview Buzzfeed.

           Austin snickered, “Says you.” His character raced past Savage’s. Only for something to hit him and send poor little Yoshi spinning out of control. “Did you- did you just blue shell me, bitch?” He hissed at Niklaus.

“Nooo!” Niklaus said sarcastically. “Hey!!! Not nice, brat!” He told Marinette after a banana caused him to slip off the ice.

           Marinette smiled easily, but there was a determined look in her eyes. Her hair was jelled into a faux-hawk courtesy of Ashley Crimson, from lead singer for Emancipated Mirrors, an all-girl punk rock band.

“Die, scumbag!” Ashley roared as her racer zoomed by. She was a vivacious redhead. Her and her bandmates got used to being some of the only girls around that weren’t either working for one of the rock stars or were scantily clad fangirls who do “anything” to get backstage.

“You’re going down, twerp!” Savage told Marinette.

“Bite me!” She snapped back just as Jagged and Penny walked into the tour bus.

           Jagged crossed his arms, “What did you morons do to my sweet little niece?”

“Nothing!” Niklaus, Ashley, Savage, and Austin chimed together.

“Savage taught me to throw a punch, and or kill a man.” Marinette smiled happily. “I helped Austin set up a glitter bomb in Nightmare’s Hail Mary tour bus. Niklaus and I are banned from Chuckie Cheese. Ashley and I spray painted her ex boyfriend’s car. Cleo and I got arrested. We disturbed the peace!!” Cleo was a pink haired girl who played drummer from Nightmare’s Hail Mary. She had to rush off for her own interview. “Oh and we’ve only been Playing Mario kart for an hour but they each owe like a hundred bucks to the swear jar.”

           There was silence as the words were processed.

“And not one of us taught her how to keep a freaking secret?” Ashley face palmed.

           Jagged just sighed.

…

…

           For the next few years that was Marinette’s life. Austin, Niklaus, Savage and Ashley became pseudo Uncles and Aunt to Marinette.

She spent most of her childhood on tour with her Uncle; going from to place, concert after concert. Marinette was homeschooled and didn’t mind it. Jagged went on tour with a bunch of different people over the years and she got to meet all sorts musicians; Clara Nightingale, Ed Sheeran, Adam Levine, Brendon Urie from Panic! At the Disco, Taylor Swift. Her favorite were the award shows though. Through them, she got to meet all her favorite actors. And was inspired to start designing on her own clothes after seeing so many fabulous looks. She got to model and do some acting. In her free time, she ran a very popular fashion blog/youtube channel.

The press had always loved her. To them, she was Marinette Stone (Jagged didn’t want her real name released to the media). She was always on the best dressed list, frequently seen with various celebrities, and could be found on the cover of various magazine.

However, when Marinette was eleven, she begged her Uncle to let her go to school with other kids. She was getting older and she wanted to have some type of normal childhood. It took him a year to agree. Her uncle Jagged had become quite protective over the years.

So Marinette went back to Paris. She cut her hair, used her given name of Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Her Uncle bought a grand penthouse not too far away from her new school, and whenever he was gone her bodyguard, a sweet woman named Harlow who was former CIA, was in charge of her. She started at her new school with a smile on her face.

Not long after, she became the hero Ladybug.

Everything was great. She had friends, a normal social life, went to school with other kids her age. She wasn’t constantly being followed around by paparazzi. She still ran her fashion blog and had frequently updates. It was perfect.

It took two years for it to go bust.

The reason’s name was Lila Rossi.

And she was the biggest liar Marinette had ever met. And Marinette had grown up in the entertainment industry.

Lila made wild claims that the other kids just ate up. A simple google search could refute all of them. The ones Marinette could stand was always about Jagged. Like her Uncle, or an airline, would be reckless enough to let a kid race on to an airport to save a cat; not that Jagged had ever own one. Fang was territorial.

Lila made her out to be a bully, and slowly Marinette lost all her friends. Her only one left was Adrien, her partner Chat Noir. The blond and Marinette had modeled together a few times and he had recognized Marinette despite her new looked but he kept it a secret. Because of their history, Marinette developed a crush on the other and Adrien was quick to lose his crush on Ladybug once he found out it was his dear friend behind the mask.

When Marinette was exiled to the back, Adrien was quick to join her (much to Lila’s fury) and nothing could change his mind. Mostly because he was sick of Lila always touching him despite his vocal protests, and Bustier not doing anything about it.

Soon Marinette things started being messed up or destroyed; her homework, her sketchbooks and pencils, her jacket. She was tripped and called rude names. Her cellphone, (Well one of her phones. She had two; one she used as Marinette Stone. One for Marinette Dupain-Cheng; a number only her classmates had.) was filled with mean texts.

Bustier caved to demands and had her excluded from class trips and events due to being a negative influence; again Adrien decided not to go either, and Lila was Akumatized once he said this. Marinette hadn’t been surprised. Bustier always ignored the bullying and harassment clearly happening in front of her. Still, Marinette decided to start recording her classes a hidden camera on her desk, on the corner of the celling and even on top of the whiteboard behind Bustier. It was just in case anything took a serious turn.

Still losing all her friends because of a few promises and dreams of glitz and glamour had been a wakeup call. Her Uncle had warned her. Her Aunt Penny, who Jagged had married with Marinette was ten, had warned her. So did Savage, Ashley, Cleo, Austin, Clara, and Niklaus. They told Marinette to watch out for fake friends and gold diggers, coattail clingers and desperate wannabes; people who would sell out every secret she had to the paparazzi behind her back just for five minutes in the spot light. So called friends who would do anything to get ahead, to get famous.

And it was clear that’s who most of her ex-friends were. Even Lila learned the hard way. When she told Alya about her mom meeting with some important celebrity about their Go Green initiative, this wasn’t a lie as it would turn out. However, the glasses-wearing girl posted it online, despite Lila legitimately asking her to keep it a secret. Lila got in big trouble with her mom apparently.

The teacher, Bustier, was awful but she always had been. Marinette ignored it in the past because at least she had her friends. But if that witch told Marinette to be a better example one more time, it was over.

           Everything came to a head after Marinette got expelled, granted she was brought back after evidence that it was impossible for her to have cheated surfaced, and the bluenette decided enough was enough. She finally gave in and told her Uncle everything.

           Jagged was pissed. He cursed up a storm; enough to fill the swear jar ten times over and buy Marinette a car.

           It took a while to get him to calm down. And to convince him that Marinette could handle it. She had a plan.

           Still, she remembered that Uncle was a wild card.

           Friday, during lunch, Marinette was eating in the cafeteria, when suddenly the lunchroom doors burst open, “Marinette,” Jagged called as he entered, trailed by a happy Penny and bodyguards “Where’s my favorite little fashion designer?”

           Marinette just sighed.

Adrien smirked at her; looking way too amused. The jerk must’ve known. She had thought it was strange that he wanted to eat in the cafeteria. The two rarely ate on the school grounds, opting and preferring to go to local restaurants rather than deal with terrible food and pesky classmates. Still Marinette didn’t mind as long as they away from her classmates. And they did.

Kagami, Aurore, and Claude gave her perplexed looks.

           The students in the cafeteria went wild. Girls and guys screamed, and tried to get pictures. Jagged ignored them and went straight to Marinette’s table, walking passed where Bustier’s student at lunch. Alya shook Lila’s shoulder and pointed at Jagged, and loudly asked if Lila could get her an interview. Lila looked horrified.

Jagged beamed when he reached Marinette, “There you are, you’ve been ignoring my texts,” He accused. Which to be fair, Marinette had been. Her Uncle had been coming up with way too many revenge plots to be healthy. “I decided I need a new look for the VMAs; something rockin, something tasteful, something to show remind the world the amazingness that the Rock Gods have blessed them with.”

“I’m at school,” Marinette told him.

           He smirked, “Then Learn to answer a text,” The Rock star shrugged. “But fine; we can talk later. How about at my concert, yeah. You and your friends” he motioned to the kids at Marinette’s table, “Can have backstage passes. We’ll talk then. But I really want you to wow me. Maybe get a matching hat for Fang too.”

“Fang?” Adrien asked innocently. Still Marinette could practically hear see the script he was reading off of.  “Is that your cat?”

           Jagged gasped as if insulted, “Cat? Do you think I’d ever own anything as ordinary as a cat? Me? Jagged Stone?! I should be insulted, mate. I hate cats, always have. Never owned one, never will. Fang’s a crocodile. Marinette’s knows. Fang loves her.”

“That is strange,” Kagami shot Marinette a smirk which caused Marinette to nearly hiss at the betrayal. Kagami knew too?! “Lila said you did.”

“Lila?” Jagged asked. “Who’s Lila? I don’t know a Lila.”

“Lila Rossi?” Aurore offered. “The Ladyblog practically swears in an interview that Lila Rossi saved your cat from being hit by a plane or something.”

           Jagged scoffed, “What a loud of bull! Any journalist that believes that is not worth the pen they write with.” Gasps were heard. “But I heard that rumor. Didn’t know where it was from. Thanks for letting me know who I should sue. This Ladyblog and Lila Rossi will be hearing from my lawyers.”

           It was a photo finish as to who fainted first; Alya or Lila.

           Lila went home right after that. This caused the reactions of the class to be split. Half the class still defended Lila; refusing to believe their golden ticket was lying. The other half was ready to burn her at the stake; they had carried her books, done her homework, wrote her notes, nearly everything for her.

           Marinette just sat back and watched with amused eyes. If they thought this was bad, they hadn’t seen anything yet.

           That weekend Marinette Stone released a video on her blog about bullying. She had been mentioning her own trouble with bullying for months and people had asked her for more information.

           The title of the video was:

           Bullying Stone: The Expose

           In it Marinette revealed that at her school she went by Marinette Dupain-Cheng, her real name, and had a new look. She told about how much she liked school at first. And they what changed; that it all started when a new girl arrived and started telling lies about celebrities about Marinette. She told the story of how she was expelled; and just how many procedures were broken when it happened.

           Marinette used the recordings she had of class, and even showed up the horrible texts she got.

“As you can see the teacher does nothing,” Marinette frowned. “It’s all happening right in front of her and she does nothing. In the next video, you’ll see someone being sexually harassed, in front of the teacher and she doing nothing about it. And then what victim blaming looks like. Again, as a reminder, all these videos and pictures are unedited.” She had offered to blur Adrien’s face but he declined, and even appeared in the video too and talked about his own experience.

           At the end of the video, Marinette looked straight at the camera, “Anyone can be bullied; famous or otherwise. If you’re being bullied; speak up. Tell your parents, your Aunts, your Uncles, your siblings, your cousins, teachers who you know will actually do something about it. I waited too long to tell someone. I regret that. They thought what they were doing was hurting me.  They thought I’d be miserable without them. They thought I’d cry and break and come crawling back to them. They thought wrong. You can bully Stone but it takes a hell of a lot more than that to break it.”

           The video went viral in an hour. And people were angry. The people who knew Marinette and loved her were beyond furious. Jagged, even more so, as he hadn’t seen the videos before, read the texts.

           Marinette Stone’s phone blew up with texts and calls. She was tweeted and retweeted thousands of times. And she got far too many, ‘You want me to kick their asses for you. I can kick their asses for you,” texts. But she had known she’d get them.

           The Ladyblog was ripped for lies by celebrities who been lied about on site and fans.

           Gabriel Agreste, Adrien told her, was pissed about what had been happening to Adrien, in front of a teacher no less. Lila Rossi fired. And if Lila ever had dreams about working in the fashion industry, they were over.

           Savage, after berating her for not kicking Lila’s ass, told her he and the gang (Austin, Cleo, Ashley, and And Niklaus) was coming over for some Mario Kart and artery clogging fast food.

           When the call disconnect, Marinette got a text from him.

Why did you sic Fang on them?

And that’s a five for the swear jar!

           Marinette couldn’t stop laughing.