#but dang it was so disappointing to see them get SO CLOSE to the point lol

[saint-ambrosef]

while im at it: the good place was doing such a good job pointing out the flaws of a materialism-based afterlife and came SO close to the Catholic conclusion of purgatory, then just like. gave up and decided on buddhist existentialism instead at the last minute.

[misguidedasgardian]

Wildcats (Part XXII)

XXII. The 97th hour

MASTERLIST

Summary: You were running on thin ice, regarding your arrival time in Alexandria. 

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Zombie apocalypse AU, living dead, zombies, guts, blood, guns, injures, kissing, longing, angst, fluff, heavy kissing, touch starved reader & Daryl, might miss some important warnings, but you know what this is about

+18, MINORS DNI

Notes: Alright, you are gonna be confused, so… questions at the end of the chapter please jiji

“His finger better not slip”, Alex mumbled close to your ear, as he was patching you up, a few feet away was Daryl, pointing his crossbow at him

“It never does”, you assured him with a soft smile

“How long have you two been together?”, he asked, you winced when the needle punctured your skin, but you put on a brave face

“Not long, a week or so”, you mumble

“Dang”, he mumbled, “how did that happen?”

“He is great, once you get to know him”, you said with a smile, a smile that weirdly pops up only when you think about the archer.

“Uuuffff”, he whistled, “he got you good, didn’t he?”, he teased

“Yeah”, you said happily

“All done”, he said, “I knew it was going to go straight out”, he said like he was proud of himself

“Ah great”, you said mockingly, he took time in placing bandages in your wound, his hands seemed to linger in your skin, you look at him weirdly, you saw him with a sneaky smile on his lips, at the same time Daryl adjusted his posture, tightening his arm, “you are doing it on purpose”, you whispered to him, “stop it”, he laughed

“It's just so funny, riling him up”, he said, he finished placing the bandage, he slapped your arm playfully and sent you on your way. 

“Now, new guy, before you get to Alexandria, let me walk you through the chain of command”, said Abraham, they spoke kind of the same language, being military men and all, so you left them to it. Daryl seemed to be relaxed now, so you exchanged looks with him and then you exited the room, and towards the stairs that led to the roof, you felt him following you, so you just kept walking until you were on the terrace. 

You looked at the dead city from above, not a light turned on, everything deadly quiet… it was gone… Washington DC was dead…

“What r’ya thinkin?”, you heard Daryl ask behind you

You could tell him, you could tell him that even though your mission was becoming a success that got you clothes, food, materials, weapons and a valuable addition to the club, you were disappointed. As you looked at the dead city, this was the capital of one of the most powerful countries in the world, and it was dead, completely dead, there was no stopping this, there was no hope, and that terrified you.

You never thought the world was going to go back to what it was but… at least… you had hope that maybe one day soon the dead were not going to rise again to eat you. That someone, somewhere, was trying to fix this, that everything wasn’t as lost as it looked.

But things were not looking up…

You could have said that, as you looked back to him, but you only smiled 

“Just wanted to see the city… if we could see some lights or something”, you mumbled. He looked uncomfortable now, looking everywhere but at you, “but there’s nothing”, you tried. You quickly realized you had so much to say, and he did look like he wanted to say things too, there was so much you wanted to ask him, that you wanted to talk to him about… but still… nothing…

You had to take that step… 

“Everything went well and I still think…”, you took a long breath, “we have medicine, guns, food, clothes, and I still feel disappointed”

“Why?”, he asked, and he seemed interested… truly 

“If there was any hope… of ending this… I really thought it was gonna be here”, you whispered, “there is no stopping this… I guess I always hold up hope, but… now I know for sure… we are on our own,” you said, with a lump in your throat

“Yeah”, he said, you turned back and watching him, “there is only us now”, he said softly, looking at you with his piercing eyes, so you smiled at him

“Are you ok with that?”, you asked him, because you were terrified. 

“Yeah”, he said, completely sure, he didn’t even think about it. You looked at him and then you understood it, he didn’t feel alone, or completely left out because he never felt “protected” in the first place, by anybody, or anything, it had always been him against the world. “How ‘bout ya?”, he asked 

“I’m scared”, you admitted, “but I know…”, you stopped your own words, it was so tiring to have to translate everything before you said it, “being with you all makes it better”, you tried, “I know that with you, I stand a chance, that together, we can fight this”, you tried to explain

You were completely terrified, but… he wrapped his arms around you anyways, at this point it felt like a need, to keep touching each other, the physical contact, was becoming like oxygen for you. It had been so long since you had arms wrapped around you protectively. And Daryl’s felt incredibly right, so good. you wrapped your arms around him too, breathing him in.

You still felt sore all over, your shoulder still burned, especially now with stitches in it, but it stopped suddenly when you felt Daryl’s warmth envelop you. 

You stood by his side in silence while he smoked a cigarette, you didn’t like it, neither the smell nor the act itself, but you stood there nonetheless, accompanying him. 

When you went back to Alex’s quarters, you heard them, Abraham and him were drinking Whiskey, while Rosita laughed at their occurrences, and Eugene was occupied with an electronic… thing… he found in the mall 

“So… Deanna is like the Queen, but Rick is like the prime minister”, he said weirdly

“Something like that”

“Wha’?”, asked Daryl. You only laughed while shaking your head. 

“Makes perfect sense”, you said with a laugh, you then turned to Daryl, “Deanna is like the Queen, she is the symbolic power, while Rick is the prime minister, he makes all the real decisions, but they cannot rule without the other”, you said simply.

“Whatever”, he grumbled, he took a seat in the corner of the room, you wanted to join him, but… Rosita joined in with the guys, taking a glass and sipping on some scotch, and you joined in as well… Eugene took out a deck of cards, and you started playing, and drinking… then the instant ramens came out and it was the greatest thing ever. Daryl watched from the corner, staying at the margin, and even though you insisted he joined you, the only thing he did was sit by your side, he didn’t take a drink, he didn’t play cards, but he was there, right by your side. 

The very next day, at the crack of dawn, you were ecstatic to return home, but so hungover you could barely keep a thought together. Abraham and Alexander were making an inventory, and loading all of his… guns… including two RPG’s and like three rockets for each… in the trailer of the HUMVEE. 

You ransacked the entirety of Alexander’s quarters, everything he had, which were very important things, they all fit in the truck

“I don’t think we should have this ones in Alexandria”, you whispered, your felt Daryl’s gaze on you

“Why?”, he asked

“What if something goes wrong?”, you ask him back. Alex looked at you and nodded

“like what?”, he asked

“Any emergency, we are attacked by another group, or we are forced out by the Alexandrians, or… I don’t know… a hostile takeover happens… anything”

“I know exactly what we should do”, Alexander said with a smile. 

“This is bananas”, you mumbled, as you drove the three vehicles to the mall, and used plastic from the hardware store, to wrap the guns, rifles and all, and put them on the bottom of the tanker, it was risky, but at least it was something until you could get them in a safer place. You left one rifle and one of the RPG’s out, because it would be odd if you showed up with Alexander and no arms at all. 

You grabbed everything you could carry, all of it, a couple of months worth of food, supplies, medicine, clothes. You grabbed the things you scavenged for yourself… and a little thing you grabbed for Daryl, it was noon when you were done and ready to get back. you passed the 96th hour mark, and that concerned you, are they going to be worried? you could bet on it. 

You got inside the passenger seat of the HUMVEE, your shoulder hurts, bad, especially with all the movement, you refused to stand back and you helped carry anything you could get your hands on, the price was that you had to blink away tears because of the sharp pain. But it was worth it, you were lifting your weight, in the mission you requested. 

You didn’t even know how you managed to land in this sitting arrangement, you wanted to drive, Alexander said no, but you wanted to ride the HUMVEE, and Daryl was quick to jump in the back seat.

Abraham was driving the tanker, and Rosita the truck, she led the caravan, you were next, and then Abraham in the back. 

You were finally going back home, the mission was becoming a success. 

With a couple of hours of setback, but… You hoped they would understand why, I mean, only four days was a crime in itself… You barely scraped the surface of the city. You watch the Washington memorial disappear in the rearview mirror, and you hoped you could return soon to keep scavenging

“Well, like I said, the Joint Base Andrews was the last bastion of hope for the military, but soon it was evacuated with the rest, and then, it become overrun, till this day is just… a walking graveyard”, he said, and you nodded shamefully, you were lucky enough to not go there, who knows what could have happened if you did. “Unless you know how to drive a F-22’s I don’t know if it would be worth it…”

“I don’t know how to pilot a war plane, no”, you laughed. You picked up a familiar song through the low-volume radio working on CD’S, “uuuhhh I love this song!”.

“Mee too!”, laughed Alexander

“Girl! It’s been a long time since we’ve been apart! Much too long for a man who needs love, I MISS YOU SINCE I’VE BEEN AWAY!”, you really wanted to sing it, even though you could barely sing happy birthday, but your voice carried and Alexander started singing with you, “Babe, it wasn’t easy to leave alone, It’s getting harder each time that I go… If I HAD TO CHOOSE I WOULD STAY!”, this was one of your favorite tunes, classic rock, passionate lyrics, you looked back and looked at Daryl while you sang, he looked like he could kill someone, but as he caught you staring, and singing, his face completely softened. 

“SING IT WITH ME!”, cheered Alexander

“THERE’S NO ONE LIKE YOU! I can't wait for the nights with you! I imagine the things we’ll do! I just want to be loved by you!”, you became incredibly embarrassed because of his confused and blushed face, and looked away, because you couldn’t believe how relatable the song was. Well, Daryl wasn’t a girl but… the rest? It was incredibly similar. But still, he was going to think you were some sort of freak for singing that to him like that….

Oh gods. You kept singing in a low voice, trying to get smaller in the big chair. What was the matter with you? Why were you so horny? since you got to Alexandria, managed to land three meals a day and water and a comfortable bed you were so horny someone could fry an egg over you. Well, being with Daryl didn’t help either, you wanted to be with him…. and you did spend much of your day imagining the things you’d do. He did say that when you were home you could get more personal, you really hoped so.

You shook your head, and started to look away, beyond the vehicle… The setting started to look familiar, trees on both sides of the road, the road dirtier, nature taking over. So you knew you were near home. 

“Wow wow”, muttered Alexander and you looked forwards and you saw Rosita slowing down. 

“What the hell?”, you muttered, there were people on the road… bikers more like it, a bunch of bikers blocking the road. Your hand went straight for the door handle when you saw Rosita jumping out of the truck with her hands in the air. 

“Dixon…”, Alex said, “they can’t see you from here”, but you were spotted as some guy pointed at you to get out, “Are these friends of yours?”, Alex asked, his hands in the air

“No”. You answered, Daryl understood what he meant, he hid behind the seat, and you exited the vehicle as Abraham did behind you, and walked until you were at the front.

“Why don’t you come out, join us in the road?”, asked the leader of them. “That’s great! it's going well right off the gate!”, you already hated this prick. But you didn’t say it outloud, as he and his friends were all armed to the teeth, guns pointed at you. ”Now, step two, hand over your weapons”, he said

“Why?”, asked Abraham

“Well, they're not yours”, he said, and your hand was tickling because of how much you wanted to grab your ax, that you left in the car. 

“Oh no? who’s are they?”, asked Alex, as you were becoming angry. This guy, who looks like he could work as a comic book salesman, got serious all of a sudden

“Your property now belongs to Negan”, he said simply, “and if you can get your hands on that plentiful bounty, you're people our person wants to know”, this bastard looked like payday had arrived, wanting all the things you scavenged. “So let's get those sidearms, shall we?”, he walked right at you, the guys behind him, like this? you couldn’t take them down, if you only had the RPG on hand, but at least, Daryl was in the back. You released the silencer from your gun before you handed him, not after giving the angriest look you could muster, he pretended to be scared, and you believed you had never wanted to punch someone in the face as much as him. “Thank you”, he said mockingly. 

Alexander held onto his gun when he pretended to give it to him, which pissed this guy off quickly, but he released it with an amused glint. Alex wanted to kill this guy, you could tell and you didn’t even know him. but this guy thanked him too. 

Then he went to Abraham, who didn’t even acknowledge him, he just kept looking forwards

“Look if you have to eat shit, best not to nibble. Bite, chew, swallow, repeat. It goes quicker”, Abraham finally gave him his gun, although didn’t bother to say anything. Eugene still had his hand raised in the air, and he was shaking like a leaf, he didn’t have anything on him, and you could tell by his loose clothes. 

“Who are you people?”, asked Rosita

“I get the curiosity, but we have questions ourselves. And we'll be the ones asking them while we drive you back to wherever it is you call home. Take a gander at where you hang your hats”, you laughed like he had said the most funny thing, these guys looked back at you like they wanted to kill you, and they probably did.

“Like hell we will”, you grunted, he only looked at you like you had told him the joke of the century, but then just kept going”

“First, though, your shit. What have you got for us? Much for what I can see”. He said, he couldn’t hide his excitement, “a fruitful trip to DC, I gathered?”

“Yeah, why don’t you guys take a trip too?”, Alex said. 

“Come on. I mean, can we not, okay?”, he said, “You’ll give me your shit, and then, you will take us to the place you call home”

“Who's Negan?”, asked Abraham. This guy did not appreciate you not taking him seriously.

“Ding, dong. Hell's bells”, he said pathetically, “You see, usually we introduce ourselves by just popping one of you right off the bat”, you shifted on your feet, as Eugene whimpered, “but you seem like reasonable people. I mean, you're sportin' military clothes, for Christ's sake”, said looking at Alex, “and, like I said, we're gonna drive you back to where you were. I mean, do you know how awkward it is carpooling with someone whose friend or friends you've just killed?”, he hissed theatrically. 

“Well… we are not taking you anywhere, so”, you said angrily. 

“Well then”, he said, he raised his own guns back at you. All his men who had relaxed their stance did so too. “It will have to do with the shit you already have here, right? it’s plenty, and badass trucks too”

“Wait!”, said Eugene, “we can work this out”

“SHUT UP EUGENE!”, Rosita and you screamed at the same time

“It’s Alexandria! IT’S ALEXANDRIA!”, he screamed, shaking violently, “down the road where it connects with…”

“SHUT UP!”, said Abraham, “hold onto your nutsack for once!”, said Abraham

“Good!”, exclaimed the guy, “the one with cars on the outside and big walls? oh yeah, we had our eye on you for a while now”, he said happily, lowering his guns. “See? wasn’t that hard, but you see? the lot of you don’t seem to have the right disposition”, he said 

“Let the ladies go, and you and I can go take a ride”, said Alex, but his face looked so intimidating he didn't even make it a joke. “What do you say?”, the leader of the fuckers just chuckled.

“I don't want you to get the wrong impression of me”, he said, placing his hand on his chest, “And I already said that I was gonna waste you… so”, he raised his guns again, as did their men

“Great, just great!”, you said, “I can’t believe we survived the fall of cities… the walking dead, cannibals, and rapists, TO BE TAKEN DOWN BY THE SONS OF ANARCHY TRIBUTE GROUP!”, you said angrily

He was going to shoot you and this time you were not going to survive it.

And then, from one second to the next you were ejected backwards by an explosion.

You landed on the floor as the heat hit you hard. Making you cough and protect your face

The bastards had blown up. You didn't understand what was going on, and then Daryl showed up by the side, in his hands, the RPG. You moaned when you saw him, adrenaline making you feel like you were on fire and your man showing up like this… Sleeveless, showing his powerful arms, on his hands a rocket propelled grenade launcher… All sweaty and bothered…

And he just saved your life

“What a bunch of assholes”, he said, dropping the weapon and coming straight for you, helping you off the floor. 

“That was awesome”, laughed Alex, “you saved your ases”, he said, as he and Daryl shook hands in a sign of camaraderie

“That’s what we do”, he said

“Nibble on that!”, said Abraham. 

“We are going in”, said Rick, placing a map of DC on top of the table, “the 97th hour is now, and they are not back yet, I want cars all going on on different routes in case we miss them”

“We have to give them a little time, is still early, even if they left Washington, at this hour, they still going to take a bit longer to get here”, said Michonne, who seemed entertained, “I bet they are making the best of the day to scavenge”

“Or they are trapped in a horde”, said Rick. He looked at the new man in the community, who was standing across from him on the table, “what do you think?”, the man seemed surprised, placing a hand on his chest

“Me?”, he asked

“Well, you told us you were from Washington”, he said, “have you been there since this whole thing got worse?”

“No, not really I have been scavenging in smaller places with Laura and Gary”, he said, rubbing his beard, “How many are they?”, he asked

“Five”, Rick said, “they are… strong, they have decent firepower with them…”, he was concerned, truly concerned, if they lost them, he would have lost his right hand man, his brother, Rosita and Abraham, and his canary…

“I say we go”, said Carl, “(y/n) told us exactly where they were gonna go”, he said, pointing at the plan map, “we should go and get them”

“Carl…”

“I bet he agrees, Smith?”, he asked, looking at the man in question, just like Rick

“Look, kid, I’m new here, alright?”, he said, “Don’t make me the odd man out”, he said with a chuckle, “I say we give them till the end of the day, if they don’t come back by then, we go early in the morning, your best guys and gals, lots of firepower”, he said simply. Rick mumbled something positive under his breath

“Rick…”, called Deanna, “we can’t use that many people, they knew the risks…”

“I’m not abandoning them”, siad Rick, “I’ll go myself”

“Good!”, said Carl, “me too”

“No! you will stay here”, Maggie placed a comforting hand in Carl’s shoulder

“They took our best fighters”, said Maggie, “Daryl, Abraham and Rosita”, she said, worried

“I’ll go”, said Tyresse, but Rick wasn’t convinced, Tyresse was a pacifist, he needed muscle. He needed nerves of steel.

“I’ll go”, said Michonne, and Rick then nodded.

“And me”, said Negan, or rather, the name he was going by… Smith. Rick doubted, but he nodded. Negan got out of Deanna’s house with a smirk on his face, that of course he saved for when he was alone, and met his saviors that were with him

“What happened?”, asked Laura

“Five of their guys are missing”, he said, “I convinced them to wait until tomorrow, but they are going in trough route 633”

“Bud’s territory”, said Laura with a soft smile

“Indeed, this will weaken them considerably”, said Negan, “After that, there is only Prick RIck, the chick with the sword… and maybe a couple of others”

Laura and Gary smiled

“I’ll go tomorrow, to make sure they don’t return”, he said, “Then we take the momentum to bring everyone in”

“So soon?”, asked Gary

“Before they can regroup”, said Negan, “we only need to figure out where they keep the guns, it could get messy”, he said.

They were interrupted, when he heard horns outside the gates. Rick came out running out of the house

“IT'S THEM!”, screamed Glenn excitedly, from the gate, and the gates opened to reveal the truck, the box filled to the brim with things, then the HUMVEE, with the cart, and then, the huge tanker.

Rick laughed, laughed in relief when he saw his family coming out of the vehicles.

They all ran to receive you, all of them who were in Deanna’s house and those near.

“WE MADE IT!”, you screamed happily with open arms. Carl beat his dad and came in and hugged you tightly. This is something nice you had gotten accustomed to doing, hug your people goodbye, or hello… because you never knew if you were going to see them again. Michonne hugged you next, and you saw Deanna’s and Rick’s faces, looking at all the things you had brought. 

Rick turned to you and hugged you tightly

“See all the stuff we got?”. you asked

“I don’t give a shit, I’m glad you are all back”, he mumbled against your neck, his hand on the back of your head.

The greeting were finally over, so they all turned to the odd man out, Alexander

“Who’s this?”, asked Rick, he looked back at Deanna who was… admiring… Alex

“You must be Deanna”, said Alex, almost bowing to the woman, he grabbed her hand and kissed it, you thought it was too much. “I’m Alexander Price, Sergeant of the US military”, he said quickly, “and you must be Rick”, he said, shooking the hand of your leader, “Your teammates brought me from DC, because they saw in me abilities that could service you as a community, and I could really use a community as well, I’d like to submit myself to whatever test you deem fit to let me be a part of this place”, he said, with a charming smile, you and Daryl shared entertained looks

“Of course Sargeant”, said Deanna, who made you chuckle at the attitude she’s got, like a blushing teenager in front of her crush. She led him towards her house. As Alexander admired everything

“Who's that?”, Rick grabbed your shoulder and you hissed in pain. You were using a V neck, so it was easy for him to spot the wound, “what the hell happened?”

“She got shot”, said Daryl, and they exchanged looks, “Alexander did it”

“WHAT?”, he said, outraged

“We didn’t know him yet!”, you explained. 

“We need to talk”, he said, looking at the lot of you.

“We will unload as we do an inventory”, said Glenn, and Rosita and Abraham nodded. 

“Yes Sir”, you said then, looking at Rick, and you and Daryl walked back towards your house, in the way… you saw three strange figures

“Looks like the mission is off”, said Rick to the three newbies. 

“Your people came back! great!”, this was… an odd looking man, sharp hazel eyes, salt and pepper beard, hair combed back, leather jacket. “My pleasure, my lady, gentlemen”, he said, “My name is Smith, and these are Laura and Gary”, he presented.

You decided you didn’t like them right then and there, it was a hunch, a feeling, that you needed to keep away from them, you didn’t know why

Daryl only nodded, and you just went in your way… You felt his eyes on you as you walked away, but you were probably just imagining things. 

“Who the hell is that guy?”, grumbled Daryl, as you three looked back at the new guy walking with such a stance he thought himself to be the owner of the place.

“He and two others approached Glenn and Nicholas while they were out there, they looked pretty roughed up”, he said, “I don’t like this, but Deanna let them in, couldn’t do anything about it”, he said, “but there’s three of them, and a bunch of us, so…”, you left it at that, as you filled Rick in everything that happened, including your recent encounter with those men. He begrudgingly accepted Alex in the community, especially when you told him you had doubled the number of guns, with the handguns from the pentagon and the weapons from Alex, and he also agreed that was going to be kept within you seven, the DC Team and him, and you were going to hide the guns out there. 

He also had news… but those were coming the next day, when he could gather everyone again and you six had your rest  He insisted…

So you tried your best to have your rest, but after a dinner in your honor, where they spoiled the six of you, you had managed to get your archer in your bed, laying over the covers. Expecting your surprise.

“I have something for you”, you said shyly, he accommodated on the bed and looked at you through his wild hair

“Wha’?”, you smiled

“Promise me you won’t be mad, it’s something I found while I was on our run”, you said softly, “and don’t take this the wrong way, I just saw it and I thought of you”, you said, you revealed a pajama wrapped in a single bow.

“For me?”, he asked, he seemed truly surprised, receiving the gift

“Yeah”, you said, “it was so soft… so I thought of you”, you said softly

“Thanks”, he said, he looked truly touched, and you smiled

“I got something else”, you said, arching one of your eyebrows 

“Wha’?”, he asked, laying down again, you grabbed your hoodie, and opened the zipper slowly, revealing to your partner the little lingerie set that you had scavenged with Rosita.

You could already hear Daryl getting angry because you would think about things like that, but no matter, you had a couple of wine glasses for liquid courage, or else you wouldn’t have the bravery to show yourself like this to him. 

“Did you really scavenge tha’?”, he asked incredulously, you looked down and you saw your breasts dressed in… well… cheap lace, but lace at least, “instead of…?”

“I’m returning it then”, you said dangerously and he shook his head with a smile, “if it's of any consolation I took one for each of the girls too, so everyone is getting lucky tonight”, you said with a wide smile, “Michonne, Maggie, Rosita, even Tara, I see it as a way to boost morale, very important”

“Come ‘er”, he said, reaching for you, you disposed of your cotton pants revealing the bottom part and you laughed when you heard him growl. You walked slowly to the bed, teasingly, and then you straddled him. 

Oh this was it! you were finally going to…, he grabbed you softly and placed you on your side, not in your injured side 

“Ya r’injured”, he mumbled, grabbing your thick bedcover and placing it over you.

“Hey but…”, you protested 

“nother time”, you felt your cheeks heated and your nose started to tingle, meaning tears were coming… You actually put on freaking lingerie on yourself to please him and he barely even looked at you, he rejected you. 

You felt so stupid, and even more stupid to feel like that, but you did.

You wanted to cry

“Ok”, your voice cracked, you hoped he didn’t notice.

But of course he did

“Hey”, he called, but you hid your face from him, “Don’t be upset”, he said gently. You actually threw the bed covers away and jumped off the bed, “hey”, he called softly.

“I can’t sleep on this, the wire is crushing my ribs, and the lace is rubbing in all the wrong ways”, you explained as you walked towards the bathroom. You heard him sigh. 

“Why’d you put it on then?”, he asked through the wood of the door. You shook your head as you wiped your tears, and winced in pain when you had to use your injured shoulder to get out of the ensemble, but you wouldn’t ask him for help... You shook your head and grabbed your pajama, put it on quickly, it wasn’t flattering in any way shape or form, it was comfortable as hell though, long sleeve and leg. You then went back to the room and you almost gasped when you found Daryl, wearing the pajama you got for him. It was a black cotton henley, with long leg bottoms, with a tartan in black, green, blue, yellow and red. 

“You’right”, he mumbled with a soft smile, “these are comfortable as hell!”, you smiled sadly, and again you walked towards him, he grabbed you in his arms and placed back into the bed, hugging you tightly, “damn”, he grumbled, “is like we are both on clouds”, he whispered. 

You had to admit it felt great, so soft, especially when he grabbed you and cuddled deep into you, his leg around yours, his arms wrapped around you like you were a teddy bear. Your head on his chest.

“I don’t think I had pajamas since I as a kid”, he admitted, whispering in your ear

“Really?”, you asked softly

“Mmm”, he grumbled, “before my mom turned to booze”, he whispered, “I can actually remember some nice years, didn’t last long though”

“I’m sorry”, you whispered. You caressed his back, and as in his chest, you could feel ridges… scars… deep ones… you hugged onto him tightly. You wanted to protect him, to prevent anything else from happening to him. He didn’t deserve it, what happened to him.

Now you feel like an asshole. 

He wasn’t ready. You kissed his chest, above his neckline, and hugged more into him. 

PCN: SURPRISEEEE! Are you surprised? are you? hehehehe If you are… i’m only going to say this… he is still the Negan we love or the one we love to hate… Also, I’m gonna try to write longer chapters… because I’m finally at the point of the story I wanted to get to hehe, sorry I know I should built this better, but c’mon, I’m not a pro… ALSO, yeah poor reader and poor Daryl… but I’m exploring his character and they have a bit more development to go through until they can… be truly together, and Daryl is just starting to open up to us… so…. good things are coming.

taglist! @crazyunsexycool @capricxnt

[janus-cadet]

So, I've been watching Hazbin Hotel, and Helluva Boss.

Loved it. Therefore, obviously, to none of my friends' surprise, I added the fandom in that nonsensical tarot project of mine- and it starts with Lucifer, the short king himself, as the Five of Cups.

(The Devil was already taken, which both caused me immense amont of dismay, and just as much relief, because that version of Lucifer does NOT fit the Devil card as much as he could.)

Now, under the cut (only for the braves who can handle a long post spoken in broken english), the mandatory explanation for the choice of the card and the composition.

A joyous card, isn't it! Ahah? Totally. Let's get right into it.

The Five of Cups, Upright, often appears in a reading when a situation hasn't turned out the way you expected, leaving you sad, regretful and disappointed. I mean, you just gave one (1) apple to humanity, just to give them free will, and look what they did with it! What the hell, literally! You are blaming yourself, and instead of moving on with your life (despite the small inconvenience of being banished to an endless pit of evil and horror), you ar choosing to wallow in your self-pity. All you can focus on right now is what went wrong and how you failed. You're stuck in the past, and you can't let go; old wounds you never closed are keeping you from trying to create some positive changes. Which is why the card is here: to help you forgive. Forgiveness, to others and to yourself, is the only way you'll be able to release yourself from your sadness and disappointment. Remember that foresight and wisdom in the present moments comes from mistakes of the past: reflect on what led you to this point, and try to find something positive by reflecting on the lessons learned. You can rebuilt, you still can challenge an unfair system, despite everything! New possibilities are waiting for you, as shown by your daughter. You just have to be ready to accept it. Shift your mindset and focus on what can go right from this point forward.

Reversed, the card suggests that you might look at yourself specifically as a failure. You are stuck in a loop of self-loathing, and can't bring yourself to open up to others about those feelings. The reversed Five of Cups card is here to encourage you to open up: people around you may not see how much pain you're in right now, so don't be afraid to ask for help or talk to someone you trust.

You cannot undo the past, and just as Lucifer at the end of the first season, you are starting to accept that. You are slowly discovering how to be open to the new opportunities and ideas shown to you; you are finally starting to be more hopeful anout the future. You may not be fully okay again, you might still be in pain, but you are taking the first step: the card encourage you to keep doing so. Focus on the bright side. Not all is lost!

Lot of talks already, so I'll quickly go over those. The cups (that I spend too long on for such a small detail in the whole piece agh agh) are, as I drew them, a symbols of the regrets and the remorses felt. The regrets are the titled, broken cups: Lucifer's marriage, his relation with his daughter, and the dreams he had as an angel. Three things that feels like they are lost, damaged beyond repairs- but that are, in fact, still within reach. The content hasn't even spill yet. The remorses are the acts that can't be undone, and the effect on the vision he has of himself- the bitten apple, and the beastly devil that can't be trust. Those are te things he keeps blaming himself for, and the source of the self-loathing he's stuck into. But! He's turning his back on them, as a way to show he is not as linked to those things as he thinks he is. One is a thing of the past, the other is merely a shadow of who he is- what's important is what lays in front of him.

And that's it for today! You're still here? Dang, you're resilient. Thank you very much, hope you enjoyed this. And you're just in time for a little ending poll!

See, I started two other WIPs while drawing Lucifer. Therefore...

[maisha133]

ACFTL was disappointing

Okay so it is currently 1:41 AM and I have finished reading A Curse for True Love and I have been let down and just wanted to get my thoughts out

Jacks characterization was the biggest down fall; The book is basically about Evangeline pinning for Jack but I wished it was the other way around; Jacks finds out Evangeline lost her memories and avoids him because she believes he is dangerous and he gets pissed off and desperately tries to get her back. I think this change in story telling would have allowed so much character growth for Jacks considering the fact he is so cold and calculating and having him grow desperate to have Evangeline by his side shows how much she had affected him and also showcase his humanity/vulnerability in his desperation to have her by his side as opposed to being cold and indifferent which leads me to the next point

JACKS BEING AN ASSHOLE-Literally every Evakjacks scene starts like this Jacks says a sassy/asshole dialogue>save Evangeline>Evangeline swoons>Jacks goes back to being an asshole again. Now I get Jacks often puts out a cold front because he doesn't want to be too close to Evangeline and hurt her. But we are three books in and it is established that Jacks loves her. So I don't understand the unnecessary rudeness like ie coming in the middle of the night tossing clothes at her face as she is waking up and almost knocking her off the bridge (yes I am well aware he was never going to let Evangeline fall) but dang does he have to be rude all the time???? I wanted Evangeline to tell him off, all she needed to say was something like "Jacks stop being such a jerk and wasting my time " and he would have stopped. But no. Evangeline is constantly talking about how angelic his face is and how blonde his hair is. Jacks treat your girl better pls????

Evangeline and damsel in distress x 1000000 -damn my girl cannot catch a break literally everyone is trying to kill her. Now I am a firm believer that strong female characters don't have to be physical fighters and I am ok with Eva not being a fighter. However, I wish she would have gotten herself out of danger at times maybe just by using her wits or having a strategy? I got tired of seeing Jacks saving her. Yes he did teach her self defense but not much came out of that?

SO MANY MISSING PLOT POINTS- The bite of on Evangeline's wrist-does she owe Jacks a debt anymore? Luc? What about Evangeline's parents, what about her family's shop-does she not want to go back to Valenda?? Probably more I cannot think of right now.

Evangeline is not the first fox? Major disappointment in that. The first two books heavily implied that Evangeline was the first fox and there were so many hints regarding that ie Chaos telling Evangeline she looked like the first fox in TBONA and Jacks having volumes of the archer and the fox in his office (clearly he is not over the fox girl either) Also the fact he is over Donatella just like that?? Didn't she cause him so much heartbreak? Atleast having them talk it out would have helped to bring closure. Also are we never going to figure out who the first fox girl was? If not Evangeline? IDK it takes away the true love/soul mates aspect that drawn me to Evajacks in the first place imo

TOO MUCH APOLLO. I don't know why we got so many chapters of him, I rather had more chapters of Jacks and EvaJacks moments. Especially when it was established that he is the antagonist so I do not know why he was a main character when it really showed have been more about Evangeline and Jacks

No evajacks wedding-I am super bitter that we don't get to see Jacks and Evangeline having their wedding like in her dream

Overall, I think TBONA was 100/10, definitely the best book in the series. I still love this series to death and I am grateful for Stephanie for sharing her story with us. I just feel so underwhelmed from the ending, it sooo could have been better. I think the biggest problem is that the story was too complicated. Stephanie should have kept it straightforward>Evangeline is the reincarnation of Jack's true love and the first fox, Apollo is the bad guy, Jacks fights to be with Evangeline, they win and get married. Not everything has to be sophisticated. It’s okay if stories are predicatable, they just need to be good.

3.5/5

[fragmentedlegends]

Sometimes I accidentally RP on Discord. This excerpt with @mightiestbanana is one of those times. Enjoy~

—

Kohga: what. Is. WRONG. With. YOU!

—

Astor: Why. Do. You. Care?

—

Kohga: Because I’m a nice, caring guy, you idiot! How do you think it looks on my part having the Yiga Clan’s very own prophet lookin’ like a malnourished rat?

—

Astor: *purses lips in a “fair point” gesture before waving the words away* Very well. When our goal is complete, I’ll reserve a bit more time for my own body. You needn’t burden your *caring* heart—though, Master Kohga, I must admit I’m a bit disappointed. There’s no need for all of that, you can be honest here. *Nice* and *caring* is not quite who you are, deep down.

—

Kohga: *quirks one thick brow as he crosses his arms over his chest, the gesture inherently defensive despite keeping it out of his tone* Oh, that so? What makes you think I’m anything but candid here? Alright then, go on, tell me, who do you think I am? Since you *know so much*.

—

Astor stands, steps echoing as he approaches him, circles him, hands held casually behind his back: I *know* you are not the *benevolent leader* your clan touts you to be. And you know it, too.

Oh, yes, you’ll give the off ripe banana—some clothes here and there—shelter—

What do you ask in return, Master Kohga? Hm? Loyalty? Love? *Blood*?

Tell me, *mighty Master Kohga*—if you had to choose between *you* or your *clan*, why do I think they would lose?

For all their loyalty…

All their love…

(He places a hand on his shoulder from behind and dips close to Kohga’s ear)

*To save your own life, you would take their blood and run. I know it. I’ve **seen** it.* One of many possible futures—*you leave them all to die.*

—

Kohga’s blood begins a slow simmer beneath his skin, and as Astor looms behind, that hand creeping over his shoulder, it’s already reached a boil.

"I’m *nothing* like you," Kohga miraculously keeps his tone level, not an ounce of the rage he feels bleeding through. "Unlike the Yiga’s origins, I don’t intend on building off a legacy of blood and backbones to stay afloat. That," in one abrupt movement Kohga turns, gloved fingers finding themselves wrapped around a skinny throat, squeezing, squeezing, *squeezing*, "Is where you’re sorely mistaken."

Kohga clamps tight only as long as it took him to swivel around before loosening his hold. The hand remains in place, however.

"You’re *cute*, thinkin’ you can get under my skin. Thinkin’ you know a dang teensy thing about me."

…and yet, Astor’s words have managed to seep under his flesh, curling through his veins and down the marrow. Kohga doesn’t think he’s going to sleep well tonight.

—

It’s easy to forget, with his lackadaisical attitude, that Master Kohga is strong, that there is power behind those hands—but Astor *never* forgets.

Indeed, he considers it to be the man’s most wasted piece of potential. All that strength and power, and *so little done with it.*

When that hand grasps his throat, a crushing jolt of pain and theft of breath, there is no gasp, no clutch of the palm. Merely the slightest narrowing of eyes that accompanied a slim smile.

And then that tightness is gone, allowing air once more, and Astor feels that shoot of disappointment once more—before him was a man who could have been a king, but always chose to loosen his grip far too soon.

“The path to Hell is paved in good *intentions,*” he says, and there’s almost a trace of *pity* in his tone. But was it fabricated or genuine? “But I suppose we shall see.”

—

*Sick fuck*, Kohga thinks as that serpentine smile tugs at each end of Astor’s hollowed face. Astor’s getting far more enjoyment out of this than need be, so Kohga isn’t finding it so fun anymore.

And though he’d like more than anything to strangle the life outta that scrawny neck, watch as Astor claws at Kohga’s hand and chokes for air he cannot have… Kohga knows it’s a risk he can’t take now, not with the Calamity’s full power looming large over the both of them. The prophet is too important a piece in this little game of theirs. And it’s the *only* reason he keeps Astor around.

With a sneer, Kohga releases the seer, patting his chest with an open palm before turning away on one heel, waving a lackadaisical hand behind him.

"Alright alright, enough joking around. I’m gettin’ sick of your bull. If I wanted my daily fortune, I’d have asked. So *can* it."

—

Astor: Aw. No kiss tonight?

—

Kohga: NO.

—

Astor:

[daresplaining]

Your thoughts on She-Hulk ep 8?

I loved pretty much everything!

Yes, so, I was finally able to watch the rest of She-Hulk (I lost access to Disney+ partway through, so it took some finagling) and I do have thoughts! First, as I've mentioned previously, I loved the show overall; I thought it stayed very true to the spirit of the She-Hulk runs I have read (though to be clear, I'm not a Shulkie completist), was really funny (the knockoff "Avongers" merch in that one episode got me. I was on the floor), delivered some sharp commentary on the rampant misogyny in fan spaces and towards media with female leads (often drawing from actual online responses to the show by Comicsgate-types, which was genius), and poked fun at superhero tropes in a way that felt-- again-- true to the character and also mostly in a spirit of love, which is very important. I wanted to start with this because one of the things that kind of drove me nuts while the show was airing was seeing people prioritize the various cameos over the actual fact that freaking Jen Walters, She-Hulk herself, had a TV show, and I loved that she actually broke the fourth wall to call people out on this at one point.

(I'm glad this screenshot now exists in the world, and I'm worried that I might have to pull it out again when Echo's show airs. But hopefully not...)

But the cameos were fun, and felt correct for a show dealing with superhero law and tropes-- you do need a whole bunch of superheroes and villains around for that sort of thing, and I like that they went for an eclectic mix of big names and more obscure characters. Anyone who follows my Iron Fist blog might have seen me freaking out about the surprise appearance of El Aguila, one of my favorite side characters from Power Man and Iron Fist volume 1 (more freaking out will be forthcoming; I'm going to write a post about him when I have two seconds to spare). His MCU counterpart was kind of a parody version of the character, but that was true for many of the D-listers in the show, and I'd never expected to get El Aguila in anything, so I was still pretty dang thrilled. He even had his mutant powers! Amazing! We got MCU El Aguila before, like, MCU Scott Summers.

He also appeared alongside Man-Bull, who is a wonderfully weird Daredevil villain who I also never expected to see adapted. The decision to use El Aguila rather than the more obvious Matador was a little surprising (though I didn't mind at all), but a friend told me that she thought she had heard that they weren't allowed to use the Matador...which is intriguing... Hopefully it's because he's going to be the Big Bad in Daredevil season 4. One thing I was fairly disappointed by was the fact that we didn't get an appearance from Trish Walker, whose modern-day comics counterpart Patsy Walker/Hellcat is very close friends with Jen. However, considering MCU Trish's current situation, I can see why they made that choice. Tonally, this wasn't the right place to continue her story. Fingers crossed, though, for future interactions. Someone needs to get her out of prison!

But anyway, on to the main focus of this post-- this guy:

They definitely made this Leap-Frog hype-up ad as a joke, because hahaha, who gets excited about Leap-Frog, right? Joke's on them: I get excited about Leap-Frog. I was losing my tiny Silver-Age-Daredevil-fan mind that entire night, even knowing that it would be a while before I'd actually be able to watch the episode. Do you know how amazing it is that we got Leap-Frog in this thing? Leap-Frog in a largely comics-accurate costume? Leap-Frog who was allowed to be Silver Age goofy? Leap-Frog with a CATCHPHRASE? (I'm largely allergic to MCU things being imported into the comics-- if I have to open a Daredevil issue and read "the Devil's of Hell's Kitchen" with my own two eyes ever again, it's going to be my supervillain origin), but if 616 Leap-Frog were to start saying "ribbit and rip it", it wouldn't bother me. In all honesty, I didn't think he quite lived up to the hype. He was essentially a different character, and wasn't tremendously Leap-Frog-y when you got right down to it. But seeing him bouncing around in that green rubber costume still filled me with joy, and gave me hope that this might open the door for other such characters. Other fun, wacky, classic Silver Age villains who are long (emphasis on long) overdue an MCU debut. Stilt-Man. I'm talking about Stilt-Man.

In any case, I hope that anyone who might not have checked out She-Hulk yet will give it a try. It's a fun ride.

Psyche. Okay, yes, I'm also going to talk about Daredevil.

To be brief: I really, really liked this cameo. My interest in MCU Daredevil pretty much died in 2018 with the Big Cancellation, and as many bolts of lightning as I shoot through it (or...Hand ninja I sacrifice for it? I guess that's more on-theme), I haven't managed to revive it yet. It was fun while it lasted, but it's not a version of the character that really appeals to me much in isolation, and at the end of the day, I'm a Daredevil fan because I like the comics.

I also have the same issues with Charlie Cox playing Matt Murdock that I think a lot of people have, though that's not something I really feel I need to go into in this post. On the most superficial and shallow level possible (sorry), he just doesn't look like Matt to me, which is something I was able to overcome in the Netflix shows because when you're watching something for thirteen hours straight, eventually your brain adapts. But getting this brief cameo after having not seen him for four years, it was extra jarring, and it actually threw me out of the story a few times. He walked into the courtroom in that one scene and said he was Matt Murdock, and I'm afraid my immediate reaction was, "Pfff, what? No, you're not." (Also...his American accent has not really improved, which was just something I'd assumed he would have been working on.)

But my longstanding quibbles about casting aside (and to be clear, I love that people like the asker above like him in the role! I think for many people who got into DD through the MCU, he is their Matt Murdock, and I fully respect that), this is the live action Daredevil content that I've been waiting for ever since it became clear that the Netflix show was wedded to its dark, tortured version of the character and would not be touching on many of the other attributes that make Matt interesting to me. If this had come out at least five years ago, I would have gone completely bonkers over it-- and even now, I had a thoroughly great time watching this cameo. I had hoped, but I'd never, ever imagined that we'd actually get the yellow suit--especially after the Netflix show picked the practical-but-boring Man Without Fear/"Trial of the Incredible Hulk" outfit as his origin costume. And you know what? It looked pretty good.

For a "grounded" live action take, I think they did a decent job of translating the feel of the yellow costume while being shackled to a certain expected MCU DD aesthetic as established by the Netflix show's version of the red suit. I particularly liked that...that...

No, I'm sorry. I can't do this. Let me just...

Okay, THERE we go.

As I was saying, I thought they did a solid job referencing this most classic of DD costumes, and I would love to see him wear it in more than just this cameo.

And with the yellow suit came-- my god-- the quippy, swashbuckly Matt I have been longing for. The fight with Leapfrog was fun! The banter with Jen was great! I don't know what else to say! Swashbuckly Matt = Happy Daresplaining. What a relief to finally see that side of his personality make an appearance in this universe, and from an in-character perspective, to see him finally finding that confidence and joy in his adventuring. I hope that the Daredevil show (if it ever actually happens at this rate...) pulls from this; that we didn't just get a lighthearted Matt because She-Hulk was a comedy show.

And the romance was a surprise, but I didn't mind it. It was handled with humor, and it's not a relationship that exists in the comics so it was a fun new concept to play around with. Plus, both 616 Jen and Matt are characters with pretty hefty love lives, so it fits. And even more to the point, as the third asker above mentions, it took a baffling 40 YEARS for Marvel's two most prominent superhero lawyers to even interact, finally facing off for the first time in Soule's She-Hulk run, so I cherish every new scene they have together in any medium because they're great together. I was a little--"worried" is too strong a word, but maybe "cautious"--about how this would be handled from Matt's end, since he's really not a one-night-stand kind of guy. He falls in love easily and dates a lot, but it's dating. He gets attached to people. He clings. But this ended up seeming like maybe not a one-night-stand after all. The last episode seemed to imply that they were still together, so...is this going to be a thing? Are MCU Jen and Matt a couple now? Anyway, it was fun to have a bit of the soap opera-flavored drama of 616 Matt's love life filter into the MCU, because it really didn't come up much in the Netflix show.

In any case, to make a long and much-delayed post short, while MCU Daredevil will have to work very hard to re-earn my interest, I did enjoy this, and loved She-Hulk. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a show that's an all-around good time.

[writingrenna]

"The Most Important Meal"

Larry x GN!Reader

I just realized I keep writing Larry's xReaders as if we're following him (but not necessarily from his perspective). Dang, this man is a mystery, guess a part of me wants to figure him out :')

Next one, I'll force myself to write from your perspective, even though the next one I already had planned is... also... from his side.

Man 🐴

ALSO this takes place in Mesagoza OK BYE-

Tone/Ending: Silent Pining, Beginning of Something

Warnings: You are a stressed artist, Larry says the damn word to himself, and he drinks a cold coffee (like sitting out, not iced or whatever)

Word Count: A bit over 2,000

//V\\

Larry watched in silence at the person near the back of the Seabreeze Café. Someone he was vaguely familiar with was wildly chatting into their earpiece.

"No, I- I didn't mean to say eggshell white, I meant to say TITANIUM, titanium white, Ok? I apologize for misspeakin', I- yes, I know, I really mean it this time. TITANIUM, alright? I apologize for the inconvenience, I was thinkin' about the boarders on a previous project, won't happen again, promise."

Larry's chewing had slowed to a stop at this point, watching your eyes briefly widen in surprise before turning the headset off and sighing deeply, closing your eyes and tilting your head back. Usually, seeing someone stressed from work during his time away from the office made him cringe, but not this time.

Truthfully, he just liked hearing your voice and seeing you... do you.

Ok, maybe he cringed a little, internally.

He watched you rapidly tap your foot as if soothing yourself before your name was called at the counter.

Hearing that name made his heart flip in his chest.

He usually didn't pay much attention to the people around him, just as people didn't pay much attention to him, but seeing you every day made your odd little quirks jump out at him. He found himself mildly disappointed on the mornings he didn't see you, despite you never exchanging a single word to each other.

He let out a breath through his nose before continuing to chew, suddenly remembering he was eating breakfast.

He thought to himself, 'Larry, you better not start forgetting to eat lunch, then you'd have to talk to them.' He snorted a little. Waiting for lunch really was the only thing to get him through the day. But lately, breakfast has been healing him in a way, despite knowing he'd be at his desk in about 30 minutes.

Usually healing.

//V\\

He was already done drinking his coffee this morning. You hadn't shown up as usual, which sent a strange feeling through his heart whenever he thought about it. He could now confidently say he craves your presence, but what should he do about it?

He was so lost in thought about what he should do with these feelings when he heard the bell on the door ring as the barista greets the new arrival.

"Ah, it's you! Want your usual?"

He perked up, spotting you. His heart picked up the pace and his stomach churned, a slight blush creeping on his face.

He feels like a teenager again, craving the attention of his crush, silently begging her to read his thoughts saying 'notice meeeee...'

But this was the present. He was now in his 40's, silently pinning for someone he only knows the name of because they go to the same café.

He watched you, wondering, 'Do they ever notice me here every day?' when you abruptly turn around.

He was staring at you.

'Damn.'

He coughed before looking back down at his plate. There wasn't much of his meal left, but thankfully, him clearing his plate entirely wasn't a strange sight to those who know him.

'Those who know me...' he thinks to himself as he gathers another bite off his plate.

He can't expect you to notice someone who never makes himself known.

//V\\

His heart skipped a beat again.

Here you are, furiously typing away at your laptop, eyebrow twitching and drinking a bubble tea this morning.

He can't help but sneak a glance at you. He almost felt like a creep for a second, so he decided to occupy his thoughts with something else.

'Geeta expects me to look over some proposed brand endorsements today.'

The feeling bubbling up in his stomach died down.

He got lost in it, wondering if these Pokémon League officiated sporting events would go over well (especially since one of their public figures got hurt in the past due to participating in the sport he loves, a bad omen for multiple reasons), only to notice something. Someone was behind him at the trash bins, but for far longer than one would usually be.

He ignored it, assuming someone was on their phone.

The person swiftly left, leaving him feeling odd.

He turned to where you'd usually be, only to realize you were gone.

'Huh.' Was all he could think.

//V\\

It was Saturday. He decided to pull some overtime this weekend, so it wasn't like he felt a feeling of relief. In fact, he felt somewhat sad knowing he wouldn't see you until Monday.

'Damn, why am I like this?'

He stared down at the coffee he ordered. It was getting cold. He didn't even take a sip yet.

Was he really sitting here, waiting for you to miraculously show up?

He groaned. This was getting out of hand. Geeta said his signature looked a bit shaky on some forms he signed the day before.

He remembered a random feeling he got, causing him to falter while signing some, but he couldn't pinpoint what.

It can't be the crush. It was just that, a crush. Puppy love.

But he felt the need to say hi, to see if it had the potential to grow at all.

He felt weird considering this for so long that his coffee got cold.

He sighed before accepting his fate, picking the mug up and chugging it, feeling the last bit of warmth it held onto as he drank it.

He coughed when he finally took the mug away from his face, now empty. His stomach was not the happiest camper right now, but he refused to waste a drink due to his own mind.

He got up, ready to just get the day over with when he heard something. The barista was on the phone.

"Ah, yes, a bubble tea 'the splotchy way'. It'll be done soon, be sure to pick it up in five!"

His heart skipped a beat, sitting back down. That's how you drank it! You liked adding splashes of different colored juices to your bubble tea to make it look and taste 'ethereal'. He didn't quite understand what you meant, but he did see how it'd be considered aesthetically pleasing. Plus, the different flavors were probably nice.

He debated staying or leaving. Staying would be weird. Leaving would... admittedly, leaving seemed better. He'd be on time (to be early to work), and you wouldn't see him ogling you from the window seat like you did a few days ago.

He sat there, at war with himself. He had his eyes closed shut, leaning forward over the table, hands clasped and held over his mouth as if in deep thought.

He didn't realize just how deep that thinking was before he heard a someone say "Yikes, hypin' yourself up for work I see. I feel that."

His eyes shot open, turning to see... you! You were standing there with your drink already. Your eyes went from his briefcase back up to him when he noticed you. Was he... sitting here spacing out for five minutes? You let out a small chuckle.

"Good luck with dealin' with the man, man. I gotta mix paints for my boss today."

You let out a small 'tsk', shaking your head solemnly.

"Not. Fun."

He didn't even have time to process what just happened, as just like that, you were on your way off.

//V\\

It was Sunday. He was lying in bed, Staraptor lying on top of him and Komala holding onto his arm, both fast asleep (although Komala is never not sleep.) Staring at the ceiling, he thought about your casual comment. You seemed, as the kids would say, "chill". He has no idea if the youths even use that word anymore, but he felt it deep in his heart.

Suddenly, he felt a tight grin form on his now blushing face, giggling to himself like a schoolgirl as he continued to pummel that memory into dust, only to re-analyze it again once it settled. Several thoughts swamped his mind, none of which made sense to him, although all of them gave off a positive feeling.

The work week cannot come fast enough.

//V\\

It's Monday yet again.

Larry is at his usual seat, stomach doing somersaults. You were here again, chatting with the barista. It seems he's a pretty good friend of yours. Larry couldn't help but wonder more about him as well.

He swallowed a bit, only to realize he's thirsty, so he decides to sip on the coffee he finally remembered existed. Just as he got a good swig, you turned to him, causing him to flinch and choke a little, eyes widening momentarily. You nod towards him, and he nods back, mug still covering his mouth.

You walk off, waiting for your coffee to be made. Back on that daily grind.

He sighed, wondering if that'd be his only interaction with you today. Sure, it was more than before, but Saturday was like a Giga Impact to the heart.

He wonders 'maybe this is the resting period that always follows' to himself.

He thinks on that for a bit before realizing it didn't have to be this way.

'I have to do something.' He abruptly decides before standing up.

He took a deep breath, turning to walk toward your table when he heard your name called again.

He froze.

You walk up to the counter, thanking the barista for the drink before turning to see him. For a second, you pause too, before realizing he still hadn't finished breakfast.

"Oh! You gotta take a call or somethin'? Usually you return the plate cleaner than before they serve you!"

You laugh a little before clearing the air, tilting your head towards Larry in a quick nod.

"Ah, just joshin' ya."

His mind went blank as you properly introduced yourself, offering your hand to him.

His heart is pounding in his chest. He accepts, however, firmly shaking your hand. His palm was somewhat sweaty, but thankfully, you don't mention it, taking in his eyes darting around as if afraid of looking at you too long.

Truth be told, your odd introduction actually warmed him up even more, remembering how much he'd let lose with his previous partner. You seem to be the same way...

You two already seem like a decent match in his mind, but his reasonable side swiftly silences the wedding bells in his head, knowing these feelings were just an intense fantasy for now. His face was red and his mouth was shut in a tight line, however, eyes slightly wider than usual.

This makes you huff, snickering at the sight. The serious businessman looked like a nervous school boy right now.

"Aww-" Your eyes widen and your body stiffens, realizing you were 'aww'ing him. This man! Who looks like he's been through a divorce and several mergers already!

You cough, looking down for a second.

Neither of you know what to do, the motions of a handshake stopped long ago, the two of you now awkwardly holding hands by the entrance of the café.

Larry finally looks back at you after avoiding your gaze for a few seconds, although he says nothing, seeing you haven't turned back either.

The man at the register stares at you two, mouth hanging open slightly.

"...oh... my gods, WHAT are you doing!?"

This startles the two of you, both looking him. He seemed more amused than anything, however, snickering a little himself while shaking his head, going back to sorting through some orders through the register's screen.

Larry takes this time to make his move.

"So I notice you like sitting at windows?"

You blink, lifting an eyebrow at him.

"Ha, s-so do you!"

Larry chuckles a little at this, although his expression stays mostly the same, save for a smile he's trying to suppress. You are right, he always sits at the front window.

"I like being as close to the exit as possible. The boss doesn't appreciate dilly-dallying."

You take this in, thinking the statement over.

"Hm, I see."

You nod a few times, looking out to the side with an odd expression on your face, eyebrows raised and mouth in a low neutral position. He can tell you find this fascinating, although he can't place what part in particular.

"So, uh, do you ever get a lunch break?"

He pauses. Is this what he thinks it is?

"Yes, I get one. I usually spend it at the Treasure Eatery over in Medali. Lots of good choices on the menu, none have let me down. You should try it, if that interests you."

You stare at him. You scan his face a little bit before responding.

"Oh, yeah, man! I'm interested in food I don't regret paying for later."

Larry lets out a small laugh before immediately schooling his facial expression back to neutrality, something you took note of.

"I see."

You decide to up the ante.

"Ok, how abooout... I pop by durin' your lunch break so you can show me what you always get? We can start from there."

Larry's expression softens a bit.

"That sounds good, I'm always happy to see new faces pop up at the eatery."

You nod. He must be close to the owners or something, but the look in his eyes describing the place gave away what his monotone delivery and plain expression couldn't really hide. He truly meant every word of what he said.

His eyes fascinated you to no end.

You flinch upon realizing this thought, shaking off the odd feeling.

"Sounds like a plaaan, maaan" you say, shaking his hand some more. "Here, my number."

Your rotom phone emerges, prompting Larry's to do the same. The two hover next to each other, exchanging details with your phone automatically sending his your default greeting to respond to later.

You smile. Larry does the same, although his smile is small and quickly fades.

"Alrighty, then! See ya later!"

You wave to the man, prompting him to wave back.

And with that, you were on your way out the door, drinking your coffee on the way to whatever gig you currently had to work on.

He couldn't wait to ask about it sometime.

He stood there, smiling softly, thinking about his new companion when...

"Hey. Did you know? They've been totally checking you out for weeks now."

Larry turned to the barista, who simply grinned at the man's shocked expression before going back to work yet again.

//V\\

A/N

I DUNNO WHAT TO PUT THIS TIME OTHER THAN I WAS 💓 I N S P I R E D 💓 TO WRITE SOME FLUFF WITH LARRY OK OK LMAOOOO

[roosterbox]

October Almost-Drabbles 10/13: Maze

Pairing: Steddie, implied Eddie x Chrissy (for like a SINGLE line)

Word Count: 1,027. God fucking dang it.

Additional tags: modern AU, single dads, implied meet-cute, Max is a lil shit and also Eddie’s daughter, Dustin is a sweetheart and also Steve’s son, Max’s POV

Side note: I TRIED TO KEEP IT SHORT. I SWEAR I TRIED. But as you can see, I failed, so this one goes under a cut, lol. The maze aspect was just a jumping off point, so I’m sorry it doesn’t play more of a part. Most of these prompts are of a similar nature for me - inspiration, though I may go off the rails a bit in the actual execution.

Anyway, enjoy!

———

“Our dads are gross.”

Max looked back at the two men trailing behind her and Dustin. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she could see their expressions just fine, thank you very much. Her dad, always animated with his hands, was talking and gesturing wildly. She could see the flash of sunlight against his rings. Dustin’s dad seemed to be listening intently, smiling. And blushing. Every now and then he’d interject, probably asking a question about the story. They were both making absolutely ridiculous goo-goo eyes at each other. Ugh, disgusting. She made a gagging noise and looked away.

“Super gross,” Dustin agreed. The path split a few yards ahead, and the kids decided silently as a unit to continue together down the left side.

“Don’t get too far ahead, Dust.” The boy’s dad called out. They were following at a respectable distance; close enough to keep an eye out, but far enough to give the kids some measure of independence. Dustin slowed down a little, giving a thumbs up. His dad visibly relaxed. Max saw her dad give the other man a comforting arm squeeze. In a touch that, in her opinion, lingered a bit too long.

She scowled. “D’you think we could lose them? In the maze?”

“We shouldn't.” Dustin looked nervous. “My dad gets really worried about stuff like that. This one time, my friend Mike and I got separated from him at the mall, and he totally freaked out.” He shuddered. “Never seen my dad cry before that.”

Max shrugged. “My dad cries all the time. Shoulda seen him at the last Disney movie we watched. He cried more than me. I didn’t even cry when I got this!” She waved her arm, in a cast from wrist nearly to elbow. “But before that, before he found you, was it fun? Hanging out without him?”

“I guess,” the boy was looking at his shoes. “But I don’t think it was worth it.” He glanced back at his dad again. “He seems happy.”

The two men walked comfortably side by side. Their arms were brushing as they moved, and if Max knew anything about her dad, he was actively fighting the urge to take his new friend’s hand. Just then, to her horror, he did. The other guy looked surprised, but then… he grinned. And now it was her own dad’s turn to blush.

“Gross!” She called out.

Her dad waved her off. “Don’t mind her, Steve. Ten years old and already a little adult. I’m going gray before my time.”

Dustin’s dad laughed. “You look fine to me.”

At that, her dad raised an eyebrow. “Oh, ‘fine’ is it now?” He leaned a little closer. There was a very particular gleam in his eye. One Max recognized at a distance, though she might not have known exactly what it entailed. Whatever it was, it was probably more Disgusting Adult Stuff. If they actually kissed, she was going to puke.

Luckily, somebody must have been looking out for her, because as they rounded the next bend…”

“We’re out!” Dustin cheered, making a break for the entrance/exit of the maze. Max ran after him, missing her dad’s quietly disappointed “damnit.” The adults still walked out hand in hand though.

“Did you have a good time?” Dad asked her later, while they were getting settled in the car.

She shrugged. “It was okay, I guess.” He snorted.

“A ringing endorsement.”

Her eyebrow raised in a perfect imitation of him. “What about you? Have fun slobbering all over Dustin’s dad?”

He chose that moment to start the car. “What? Sorry, can’t hear you!” He yelled over the sputter and roar of the engine. One of these days the whole damn thing was gonna fall apart. That’s what Grandpa Wayne said whenever he took rides with them.

“Whatever,” she rolled her eyes. They pulled out of the maze parking lot, and began the long drive back to Hawkins. After a few minutes of silence, he spoke up.

“Say, Max… how would you feel about me inviting your new friend over for lunch sometime? Might be fun.”

“Yeah, or you could just ask his dad out on a date or whatever. Dunno why you’re using us kids as an excuse.” She saw him stiffen a bit out of the corner of her eye, but kept her gaze out the window, watching familiar passing scenery.

“What? Me and Steve? A date? Nah, come on.” He tried to play it off, but his face was too pink for her to really believe him.

“Did you at least get his number? Because I remember when you and Chrissy broke up-“

“Hey now-“

“-and that was a freaking nightmare. A solid month of nothing but gross pining.”

He gasped, indignant. “I don’t pine!”

She gave him a flat look.

“It wasn’t that bad!”

Her expression didn’t change. He sighed, resigned.

“Okay, fine, it was bad. But I can’t help it, Max - I’ve always been this way. Big feelings, you know?”

“Oh I know. ‘S why Papa tells me he’s glad I got my mom’s temperament. ‘More than two of you’d be sending me to an early grave, and not a moment too soon.’” That last bit was said in a gruff imitation of Wayne’s voice. Her impression improved every time she did it, and never failed to make her dad laugh.

“Point taken, you little menace. And to answer your question: yes. I did, in fact, get Steve’s number.”

“Gross. I bet you gave him a super cute, disgusting nickname in your contacts too.”

He coughed and focused back on the road ahead. Max smirked. Bullseye.

“Just promise me one thing? Don’t call him as soon as we get home? It was embarrassing enough to watch you guys flirt back there. At least wait until I’m asleep. Or at the skate park. Or anywhere that’s not at the trailer.”

“Deal. Easy. I’ll bet you like ten bucks I won’t even think of calling him until tomorrow!”

And Max immediately agreed, knowing that she’d be ten dollars richer by the end of the day.

He barely held out for an hour.

———

(The nickname was “Pretty Boy,” by the way. In a few months, it’ll get changed to “Sweetheart.” It was “Babylove” for like a day. But then Max borrowed his phone, saw it, and demanded he change it because GROSS, DAD.)

[tm-trx]

Step By Step, ep 1-6

I have caught up on the aired episodes and have compiled some thoughts below the cut. Couples first, then some general show notes.

Sp*ilers ahoy!

Jaab/Jen

Jen kissing Jaab, when he seemingly has a boyfriend: Is this him giving in to pure physical attraction? Mistaking close friendship (influenced by the flattery of that friend pursuing him) for more? Is something wrong in Jen’s relationship with Mon and that’s why he kissed Jaab? (This is my preferred explanation, because I love angst and there is a lot of excellent drama potential there. However, considering they are a side couple, I think they won’t be going the evil!Mon route.)

I do think there is more to Jen’s story. I’ll be very surprised if they’re doing a straightforward cheating storyline with Jaab and Jen.

Apart from that: dang do those two have intimate chemistry. The kiss was intense. And the symbolism of ‘crossing the line’ between the two beds in order to kiss was perfect. (It also explains why the beds were so close to begin with. I’ve never once seen hotel beds placed so closely together, which I found amusing until Jaab made his move.)

Put/Pat

Up until episode 6, I half thought that maybe Put had history with Jeng too. Jeng’s interactions with Put seemed very comfortable and familiar, so it seemed like an actual triangle might be building. But it seems like that’s not the case. Too bad, because it would have been a lot better than a pining/jealous Put. In that vein, I need some ex-lovers to show up for Jeng, because he’s losing to Pat 2:0 so far. (That’s assuming Kong is an ex. Pat’s reaction to his IG posts made me think he was, and if he is it makes what Kong did even worse and might also explain why he went so far.)

I like what they’ve done with Put and Pat’s relationship so far. I like how the reveal of their history developed, and that Put isn’t actually a stalker. He’s just pining and regretful. At this point in the show, I definitely see them dating for awhile until they both realize they are trying to go back to what they had. (And also, Pat is half in love with Jeng.) It would also give Jeng the push to pursue Pat. In fact, I really hope that is the direction the rest of the season takes because I can see how it all shakes out over the next couple episodes and it would be great.

Jeng/Pat

The slowest of slow burns. I think we’ll get one kiss (and maybe an overnight) before one of them decides they can’t date while Jeng is Pat’s boss. The office-related plot (with its emphasis on appropriate workplace behavior) has been too prevalent so far for me to believe that either of them would be okay with a boss/subordinate romantic relationship. Pining/in love, yes. Actually going through with it and still working together as they are, no.

Also, I don’t mind age gaps, but Jeng looks old enough to be the CEO rather than the CEO’s son (even in scenes with his father). It throws me off a bit. He needs to smile more because when he does, he looks much younger. Perhaps that will be part of his continued character growth; learning to loosen up in general.

I am impressed with what they’ve done with Jeng so far. I don’t think I’ve seen an office drama with a character like him working on improving himself in this way. It’s nice to see and I like him more and more every episode.

Chot/Krit

10/10, no notes. Just kidding. I LOVE THEM. Bruce is the reason I started watching this show while it’s still airing and I was not disappointed. Chot is an absolute delight. And I know what Krit said about the words being enough, but I do think Chot would love a little beach ceremony, just saying.

Ae/Kunan, Beam

They are great side characters, but I did not expect a pining best friend. Not thrilled about that. Two love triangles in one show is two too many.

Selections From the TV Journal

Some of the ost music+scene pairings are jarring and odd. Music should either ‘disappear’ into the background or emphasize a significant moment. The viewer shouldn’t be distracted by song choice. Also, some of it sounded like tv commercial music.

I almost quit after episode 2. Too close to home. Also, who doesn’t use templates in PowerPoint? That’s like the first easy shortcut you learn.

Loved the product placement meta joke in episode 3.

I am past being over all of the office gossip happening out in the open where anyone could overhear. I do not like Ying.

Did those two kids really put up a fake out of order sign on the showers so it’d be free for them to fool around?! Hilarious.

I really like Nan. She’s such a good work friend/mentor for Pat.

The BL industry call out was so pointed and well done, even as frustrating as it was to watch in-show. I felt for Pat and Chot in that scene.

I want to know more about Chot and Krit. Why aren’t they the main side couple? I cannot help being suspicious about the little side pairing montage in episode 5. I’m hoping it was just a straightforward ‘catch up’ deal rather than foreshadowing.

Big sighting, yay. Someone give him a lead role.

The IKEA ‘date’ was cute.

I’m glad that I stuck with the show. I’m enjoying it a lot and am looking forward to seeing what happens next.

[liv45no]

“Do we get a lot of girls in college?”

Richie sighs and glances at his younger self with a small smile. “No,” he says.

Younger Richie’s smile drops. “Dang it! Didn’t we ever get some kind of glow ups? C’mon, when’d these go away?!” And he points to his glasses.

Richie laughs. “In Highschool. Don’t worry, you’re almost there.”

Younger Richie pushes out the lower lip. “So basically my entire glow up happens in Highschool?” “I guess.” “Awesome!”

The boy jumps up. There’s excitement and also slight embarrassment in his eyes and smile. “Um… does that mean a… guy finally notices us?”

Richie opens his mouth, then he closes it. He looks down at his knees. He doesn’t want to disappoint his younger self, but lying to him wouldn’t bring anything. “No, we don’t.”

Younger Richie drops his shoulders. “God, we’re such a prude.”

He adjusts his glasses. “Not even Eddie?” He asks quietly. Richie shakes his head. “But we don’t talk much to Eddie in Highschool.”

Richie frowns. “What? Why not?” His eyes widen. “Oh god. Did we tell him-” “NO!” Richie says a little too harshly. But the anger and sadness just got back up by the mention of the fact that Eddie remained unaware of Richie’s feelings for him. His younger self jerks back. “Jeez, okay!”

He pauses. “Then why?”

Richie lets out a frustrated sigh. “Because… people change, Richie!” He brings his hand up to adjust his glasses, only to realize they are not there anymore. “We all have changed! We’re not the traumatized kids anymore that got into fights with Henry Bowers and hid in a hole in the earth calling it a clubhouse.”

Younger Richie blinks. “Woah,” he just whispers. “That, uh… that actually sucks.”

Richie nods. “Yeah. It sucks. And it hurts.” He feels tears filling his eyes although he wanted to stop crying. Goddamnit. Richie quickly looks away so the child can’t see it.

“I… better go,” younger Richie says. “I just said I’d take a quick Power Nap, I better wake up, I’m supposed to meet up with the others later. So, um…”

He doesn’t wait long for an answer, he just turns around and runs over the big meadow, his Hawaii shirt flattering in the wind.

Richie looks after him. He knows exactly what this boy is going to do now. He’s going to wake up, ask his mother for a few pennies because she’s more likely to give them to him than his father, and go outside to meet up with Eddie and Bev. He’s going to admire the beauty of both of them, but at the end of the day Eds is still going to be the only one on his mind.

Richie sighs and closes his eyes, ready to wake up in a world with Eddie still gone.

[knowlessman]

shake n bake alabamia (bnha) s2e4-5 let's find out what a fucking cavalry battle is

yeah yeah 80% of the world is superheroes ever since the shiny nation attacked wtf is a cavalry battle I don't wanna google it I want you to tell me -- reel 'em in with the melody (skipskipskip)

"I want you to tell them 'I am here!' mow it in the lawn if you have to!"

deku I think it might take a little more than luck to drag a hunk of metal with you a whole race and then figure out a way to use it to go really fast right at the end. people keep underselling themselves in this.

…these are some weird rules. also holy shit this looks unsafe with the headbands around the neck. are they actually supposed to carry each other? how the hell are they sposed to get the headbands? -- "you'll get a red card for trying to make people fall over" ?????????????????????? I started this episode with one question and I keep getting more. also it's hard enough to get kids with quirks not to try to kill each other, how in fuck do you decide whether an "attack" is meant to get someone to fall?

dude. I know healing powers exist but still, why are they letting you smoke indoors, and right in people's faces no less

"how do you not know your own class's powers???" 'XD vegeta gonna vegeet

flying horse? not sure what other plan there is with uraraka tbh -- well, it's not like this is that different from deku's plan with picking iida -- (I keep trying to remember the gadgeteer girl's name from danganronpa 3 so I can call hatsume that but tbph maybe that's for the best anyway)

"I just need one more person" WHAT ARE THE RULES OF THIS GAME, THE DIAGRAM SHOWED THREE PEOPLE -- dontbeminetadontbeminetadontbemineta -- birdman, yesssssss, this oughta be cool (also it's not mineta thank fuck)

oh fuck, part of me wants to see todoroki win. it helps that iida is on his team (even tho I'm a little disappointed about this "I'm your rival now too" thing)

really, tsu? mineta? : /

that's literally one of the butler bot npc's from the paris map I stg (like granted it's not a complicated design but still)

"before we get deku, let's kill all these guys (who are literally just playing the hand they were dealt with half a brain)" easy there vegeets, you get red flags that way -- I guess props to class A for figuring out, between them, how to set up a team that lets bakugo do whatever he wants; for sure, no team with him in it is going to last longer than it takes for him to fall off otherwise

"I shift Shoji into attack mode and attack your headbands directly!"

"team midoriya has nowhere left to go!" WHAT. ARE. THE. RULES. TO. THIS. GAME. is this fucking calvinball, or does every high school in japan play this and somehow it's never shown up in any other anime I've heard of, or what?

…we just did this. didn't we just do this last episode? -- oh, cool. hell, I feel like they're trying to set up neito as a dick but I don't see much reason not to like him yet

neito gotta stop pushing them buttons or we're gonna need a backup planet

o_o dang, wasn't expecting iida to even have chips to put in

sigh "the difference between having goals you can plan for and just bloodymindedly grasping for the moon while answering everything but perfection with violence" so disappointingly american

I wasn't really reading too close when they explained how the points work, but it is pretty damn weird that there's a ten million point headband and (judging by the margins on the scoreboard) no others that even go up to ten thousand. damn near rowlingesque; hell, even the snitch could be overtaken (granted, only by somebody willingly throwing the game)

"Tokoyami!" "Kaminari!" "DEKUUUU!" "Bakugo!" Donkey!

"TIME UP!" bakugo faceplants 'XDDDDDD shouldn'ta got sidetracked, vegeet

…wait when did gamzee get here. did neito throw his points to him? was this a relay race pony express shell game thingy??? we still don't know what shinso's mOtHeRfUcKiNg quirk is yet

CONSOLATION POINTS TO GRIFFINPUFF. good show, birdman, good show

hm. interesting convos in next episode, I expect. officially learning some things about todoroki and endeavor. gonna have to be next time, unfortunately; 's late.

[stumblngrumbl]

i was pretty much commanded to watch Dune 1 because Dune 2 is apparently a must-see in the movie theater and i hadn't seen Dune 1 and Dune 2 will leave the theaters shortly

i'm just kinda gun-shy about seeing movies, they're usually just so fucking disappointing the last number of years i practically see only repeats of safe movies, boring right?

so anyways, yeah, saw Dune 1. considering i had a few years where i mostly read and re-read dune 1/2/3 books (then suffered with 4, then a few years later read 5&6 and said ok this is just getting fluffy, refused to read the other stuff that Frank Herbert didn't write because he was dead), and having suffered through Lynch's disastrous version - i never saw the syfy version - this movie was pretty dang good.

the good: followed the book story line surprisingly closely. really surprising.

also good and surprising: there's a character that was male in the book, they made female. good character; a named one; making the character female didn't change the plot at all, so why not? good deal. in retrospect, you could've done this with a few others, including some of the more badass ones.

the bad: i can't point to anything actually bad about it other than

the ugly: i had the sound up REALLY LOUD with a good sound system. i couldn't understand half of the dialog. i still knew what was going on because of the aforementioned being well-versed in the story... but still, wtf? and the darkness! i turned every light out, i usually have a dim light in the room because my eyes don't like hella contrast, but with true full darkness (there are zero lights outside anywhere here, and no moon last night) some scenes i would've got almost as much out of by turning the TV off. fucking hollywood, yeshua eff christo

specific things under the cut.

further observations and specific complaints:

Thufir was the Duke's master of assassins. In the movie, this guy may've been a mentat but he's not going to assassinate anyone. maybe in his youth he could've but book-Thufir was still a physical badass - not a Gurney or Duncan but still a lethal danger. You could easily imagine him and Piter de Vries circling each other in the arena. Not this guy. This guy was too nice, too.

The ornithopters were AMAZING. Loved them. damn. seriously, i didn't consider damselflies in my imagination before but what a perfect model. Whoever designed that deserves an Oscar, i hope there's a category for that. Does raise a question as to why is it an "orni" thopter if it's more buglike, but I'll let that slide. Also enjoyed the sand compactor which was mentioned in the book but i previously had no good visual on that.

The carryall (spice crawler mover/rescuer) was supposed to be a really big thopter. I think what they had in the movie probably makes more sense, kinda. Though those balloons were probably way too small to help much at all, but maybe spice gas has super intense buoyancy, or maybe those were some special suspensor globe thingy thing idk. Regardless, a thopter big enough to pick up a crawler seems a bit absurd once you see the size of the crawler (which the movie got right, it's a reasonable sized thing - consider that the worms always come and will clean up the spice blow, so you can't just use a small crawler and come back - you need to get all the spice from the blow right now).

Muad'dib is cute. I mean the kangaroo mouse. Not the mousy actor.

I thought Jessica was played a little too weepy, book-Jessica wasn't unfeeling but she was ready for battle pretty much all the time. She was seriously a strong and intense woman, and while she had her "human" moments she wasn't weepy except when they were in the tent after the storm. i don't think this is the fault of the actress and think she did a good job.

I was ready not to like paul in this movie because of the actor, but he did a decent job. i'm not well versed in current young male actors so i can't suggest a better one; there's likely a better one IMO but it wasn't bad

They cut the political dinner in Arrakeen and that's ok. it was interesting in the second or third read of the book but it bogged down the beginning of the first read (gg i almost stopped reading the book because of the slow beginning the first time) and was probably an easy cut making the movie. They also cut the solarium/greenhouse and moved Mapes's confrontation with Jessica forward. Way forward. That should've been completely private without a house guard present, Mapes would not have shown the blade with anyone else around. Are crysknives special or not? Apparently only kinda.

I don't recall there being a fairly big deal about the duke letting Duncan Idaho join Stilgar's sietch as compensation for some of Stilgar's men having been killed when trying to warn the Atriedes of a treachery. We just get duncan dancing around looking happy about whatever instead. It was a major coup getting him in there and having their trust that way, Leto's entire strategy banked on alliance. While Duncan & Gurney & Thufir (haha movie-thufir sorry) had trained a fighting force to within a hair's breadth of sardaukar strength, they couldn't do it large scale, and he knew that the fremen would allow them to take on the sardaukar face-to-face and win - safeguarding the house if not forcing a political marriage.

Speaking of marriage. "I should have married you". wha????? yes us readers understood. Everyone else: the fuck does this mean? They completely glossed over the politics that underpinned the entire story.

Still it seemed to me like they'd just landed on Arrakis when they came under attack; in the book i'm pretty sure there were at least a number of days if not weeks - seemed a bit quick and compressed. they at least needed to wait for the next heighliner, right?

Yueh's conditioning was never brought up so the shock that he was the traitor wasn't there. He had a pretty serious part, and the lengths that the baron went in subverting the conditioning crucial, but yueh was just some guy in the movie. nice to see they kept his symbol in the thopter but there was no reason given why it was even there, how had he left the goodies in the right thopter? in the book - he and specifically called out a desert-prepared thopter to use in disposing of P&J.

Sardaukar - first, salusa secundus was known as the emperor's prison planet, not army planet. nobody knew for certain where the sardaukar came from, though Leto &co strongly suspected it was S.S. surprise that SS is where nazi looking army dudes are from, right? yeah well ok nm. still. Also: the sardaukar were talked about in the book such that you could actually see their faces (remember when thufir was captured? oh wait they cut that from the movie too). why would they fight with this weird ass helmet on that blocks so much vision? are you trying to make pathetic imperial troopers? even under shaddam hussein iv, a sardaukar was still considered a match for seven typical landsraad levies - even if that's down from 10, 7:1 is still really badass.

Ok I mentioned the gender swap character - Liet Kynes - as I said, the character being male didn't matter to the plot so it's cool that they found another slot (in this as-is-typical mostly male movie) for a woman. But, what a stupid way to kill her off. She took like three steps outside the base onto the sand and called the maker and just stood there like a fucking idiot. Big surprise she got stabbed in the back isn't it? I think they could've done it better. Also this ended lost the ability to have the scene from the appendix which gives a lot of backstory about Arrakis (with Pardot Kynes).

Given that they did it to Kynes, why stop there? Thufir could've easily been female. I've never met a male Thufir, so it's not an obviously male name. What about Gurney? Duncan is kinda a male name, so you can keep him male I guess. Do we have to keep the Fremen so patriarchical that a woman can't lead a sietch? They let Kynes be female, and Kynes as pretty much the leader of the Fremen, in fact if not in name, so if they're ok with Kynes being a woman, Stilgar could've just as well. I'm fine with the H being male because they're obviously nazis... but does the Guild have to be all male? Don't forget Dune was written in a different time, but there's no reason we can't swap more.

When Paul & Jessica meet the fremen after the desert crossing, Paul pwning Jamis as he gtfo'd was key to Jamis being a hothead. ok jamis was a hothead all the time anyways but he was particularly pissed off about this little shit getting the drop on him and that's really why the fight happened. What's a sayyadina? i know and you may know, but my movie date didn't have a clue and neither did 90% of the movie watchers; in the book jessica was surprised to hear the word used at this point and realized the opportunity to take advantage of the natives' fremen superstition as a result.

Book-Chani gave Paul some tips about how jamis turns to the (right?left? i don't remember) after a particular attack. Why? Seems like she's already besotted with Paul or something after such a quick time? I liked the movie-Chani's attitude more, no tips or tricks, good luck i'll help jamis drink your water tonight white boy. Definitely more realistic.

Also in the final fight scene, i'm really surprised they didn't take advantage of this - in the book they took off stillsuits for the ritual fight. This is the reason given why the winner of a fight gets the loser's water, because they lose water due to perspiration in the process. As i said, surprised they didn't give the audience a show and have the actors strip to loincloths for the fight. Would it have been the case if one or both contestants was female?

ok that's more than a couple and i'd probably find more if i watch it again but i'll stop here and reiterate that

besides the seemingly long complaint list this was a good movie and overall really well done. i always figured that this book had too much going on in the characters' heads to make a good movie but i guess i was wrong and that's good. could it have been better? sure. i'd like to see a director's cut with the dinner and thufir's capture. oh and gurney shacking up with the smugglers too, that's not there.

[its-short-for-jackalope]

the visual snow initiative (VSI) is a pretty cool thing to exist because they're creating awareness and education and everything and obviously that's a good thing, but like....

it honestly weirds me out that they're seemingly so laser-focused on finding a cure!

they mention it on almost every page of their site, and have y'all seen their merch???? I looked at their shop bc I was curious what the hell kinda products and designs they'd have, imagining some funky-cool static art n shit, but instead I see, uh.. this??

I mean, I get it. im reading about folks' experiences and how they just suddenly had this syndrome one day and their world changed and they didn't know what was happening, and obviously I can see why they would want to find a cure. like there's this one story from a woman who got visual snow when she was almost 40 years old! I can totally see how that would be unpleasant and scary as hell.

I know I was really scared when I started having visual snow. I think I was 5 or 6, and I was convinced I was seeing monsters coming at me in the dark, even when I closed my eyes. I couldn't sleep for a few nights, even after crawling in my parents' bed, until I somehow convinced myself to imagine friendlier creatures in the static instead. and then I just... got used to it. I even totally forgot about it for a good long while! i genuinely can't remember seeing the world "normally" because visual snow just is my normal now, and I like it that way.

obviously my experience is different from some of these folks', since I have the privilege of having milder visual snow symptoms (at least for now, maybe ill be Suffering in a decade, who knows lol) and I also have the privilege of just being so used to this ding dang glitch in my brain (affectionate). maybe if I didn't get it until I was in my 20s I'd just want it gone too. idk.

I guess the point of this post is to say that it's kinda disappointing to try and learn more about something you experience and find a community of people who understand what you're dealing with, only to realize that a significant portion of them dislike the strange, cool, unique thing you share and want to get rid of it. it's kind of a bummer. they might want to see a world without visual snow, but I don't.

[just-your-average-author]

Swimminglee

“Alright, alright, Virgil. I see how it is. You’re doubting my abilities, hm?” Logan folded his arms at the shirtless man in the pool with him. 

“Doubting them is entirely the wrong choice of words, Lo. I’m not saying you can’t swim fast, but I am in fact saying you won’t beat me.” 

The high school students were in a stalemate that started with Virgil bragging at how he was the fastest swimmer by far on the swim team. Logan, of course being the competitive person that he was, scoffed at Virgil’s acclamation and insisted he was far superior. 

Now Logan wasn’t stupid. He knew Virgil could beat him easily. But he was looking for a reason to mess with Virgil, and after finding out a certain secret about his friend, decided to take advantage of this golden opportunity. But Virgil didn’t need to know that just yet.

“Fine, you want to make a bet?” Logan challenged, glaring darts into his current rival. Virgil matched the glare perfectly.

“I would be disappointed if we didn’t,” he replied, feigning a nonchalantness, despite being relatively curious as to what the bet would be.

“Alright,” Logan began, shuffling in the waist deep water to get closer to his competitor. “Here’s the proposition. We both start at the line in the farthest end of the pool,” he said, pointing to the shallow end of the pool they were in. “First one to make it to the other end, slap the pavement, then swim back to the start, wins.”

Virgil nodded. “Easy peasy. That’s called a warm up in swim practice,” he answered cockily. “What does the loser get?”

A satisfied smirk grew on Logan’s face. “The loser must be tickled by the winner for as long as he wishes.” Immediately Virgil blushed. Logan folded his arms across his bare chest. “Is something the matter? Are you suddenly unwilling to race now?” he mocked, watching in confidence as the redness spread to his ears.

“No!” Virgil retorted indignantly. “I’m just worried about you. You’re way too ticklish to be making bets like these.” Now it was Logan’s turn to blush.

“Do you accept or not?” 

“Duh.” 

Logan smiled. “Good. Let’s begin to get our positions.” Virgil set a timer to count down on his phone, giving him time to think as he did so. It was pure evil for Logan to pick this punishment right after finding out Virgil was ticklish. It just wasn’t fair! But, truth be told, he didn’t really mind being tickled. I mean, probably he could say he liked it, just a little. And maybe if, say, he was given the option of either being tickled or not being tickled, he’d pick being tickled. Just maybe. And maybe he deep down sorta wanted to lose the bet to get Logan to tickle him. Maybe.

The two started at the line, and the second the timer ended, they both took off like a light. Virgil immediately swam past Logan and made it to the other side first. He paused in thinking for a moment before making a quick decision. He slapped the cement on the side but then ‘slipped’ and took his time regaining his balance. He regained his balance just long enough for Logan to get up to him before he began swimming once again. The two swam neck and neck, Virgil purposely slowing down considerably to match Logan’s pace, and then practically treaded water at the end, allowing Logan to beat him. 

Virgil followed closely after and they both climbed out of the water to huff and puff at the exercise, Logan far more so then Virgil.  “Dang. Well, good job, Lo. I guess you were right. You beat me fair and square,” he spoke, breaking the silence between them. Logan sat up, holding his palms out behind him to support him.

“Yes, I suppose I did. Funny thing too. You were quite a bit ahead of me at the start,” reasoned Logan, pretending not to notice the blossoming rose color on Virgil’s face. “I wonder what happened.”

Virgil coughed. “Well, I slipped on the tile floor somewhere in there, and you know, my stamina isn’t great I guess. Started out to fast I think,” he stammered, trying to piece together a logical excuse. Logan nodded thoughtfully.

“I suppose. Interesting though, considering you are on the swim team. You’d think you’re stamina would be just fine,” he replied, glancing over at Virgil. “Why, are you blushing?” 

Virgil’s face turned into that of a tomato. “No! Now, am I going to take my punishment now or what?” He stiffened at what slipped out, and at Logan’s amused eyebrow raise. “You know, to get it over with faster.” Logan merely shrugged.

“No, that’s alright, I can waive it. We don’t have to go through with it.”

Virgil scratched his neck. “Well, I mean, I want to be fair. You know, I did make the bet and all. I’ll take the hit, it’s okay.”

“No, no,” Logan waved the air flippantly. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Logan.”

Logan looked up to see Virgil staring at him with the most frustrated look he’d ever seen. He couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes?”

“Please.” 

Logan laughed once more before pouncing on his friend, immediately digging into his ribs. Virgil fell backwards and burst into laughter barely squirming at all. Logan smirked as his fingers danced up and down his rib cage, making sure to diligently scratch and squeeze at each individual rib. 

“Aw, you happy now?” he teased, moving the tickling and into Virgil’s bare armpits, causing the boy’s laughter to increase significantly. Virgil simply nodded, and Logan’s heart swelled.

He continued tickling him all over, laughing when Virgil would screech when Logan poked at his belly button and overall watching how he didn’t fight one bit during the whole thing. 

After a while though, Virgil’s laughter got slightly wheezy, and Logan pulled away with a soft smile. “You good?”

Virgil let out the rest of his tired giggles as he weakly held a thumbs up in reply. Logan shook his head fondly. “Alright, Giggles, let’s go home.”

And if Virgil got more tickles when he got home? Well, that was just fine on his part.

[syn0vial]

now that i'm off work...

things i liked about the tbobf premiere

i had a huge smile every time fennec was onscreen. she's just so badass and fun, and i can't help but feel charmed by her dynamic with boba and how protective she is of him. honestly it was just nice seeing boba be close with someone for once :,D

those little flashes of character we get in boba's flashbacks: his interactions with the massiff, him futilely trying to fend off the tuskens armed with nothing but a wooden club, showing defiance to the tusken kid even when he's exhausted and enslaved—those things really made me grin

the new plot point about boba's ordeal leaving him physically disabled, to the point where even a moderate brawl in which he isn't seriously injured is enough to render him barely able to walk and in desperate need of bacta. i'm very, VERY curious to see where they go with this, both in terms of explanation (though honestly gesturing vaguely to the mistreatment he endured in his flashbacks and saying "that" would probably be sufficient lol) and what future implications it might foretell.

things i disliked about the tbobf premiere

i knew that they were going to tone down boba's amorality and general unsociability but damn, i did not realize to what degree. this man had less edge than din djarin in episode 1 of the mandalorian and, as someone who felt underwhelmed by din precisely bc he felt like a watered down version of boba fett, this was... not gratifying to see. like, he talks about escaping from the tuskens after they've literally tortured and enslaved him, but the second he actually breaks his chains he just... willingly goes back to them? why??? or refusing to harm the mayor's major-domo even after being blatantly disrespected and even threatened by him? bc he didn't want to upset the mayor??? what is he, a boy scout?! not to mention how freely and trustingly he does things like hand his father's helmet over to complete strangers and don't even get me started on how well-socialized he is with gorsa. in these scenes he really feels like a completely different character and as someone who really enjoyed his prior characterization, this was majorly disappointing to me.

honestly, i wouldn't mind this so much if they'd just provide some dang in-universe explanation for this shift in his morals/behavior instead of just steaming along pretending that this is just who boba has always been. like, even if we put aside his characterization in legends, this is the man who hunted down rebels for the empire and back-talked lord vader—and now he can be cowed into silence by some provincial mayor's secretary? come on now. even if disney doesn't want to go with the "psychic trauma from the sarlacc pit" route even though it's awesome, they could still do something interesting to justify boba's sudden docility—for example, throw in some acknowledgment that he HAS to play nice now bc he knows how outgunned/outnumbered he is. his *~criminal empire~* literally has like four people in it, he's physically weaker than he was before, and he's entirely dependent on a medical device in a fortress that, again, has a maximum of four people defending it at any given time. all of these are plenty good reasons for boba to favor diplomacy over fennec's more aggressive approach without completely changing his personality.

like, how much more interesting would it be to, instead of having a brand new characterization of boba that's just effortlessly friendly and good, have boba fett STILL be an amoral, unsociable bastard, but one who has to adapt to a sudden state of vulnerability and reliance on other people? it would be so easy to turn this change into something compelling, but i don't have a huge amount of faith that disney will actually do anything of the sort :/

on a more general level, i was very underwhelmed visually. like, there were multiple scenes where i had lowkey second-hand embarrassment seeing how goofy everything looked and this is due to a number of factors:

1. the fight choreography was really not great, especially compared to the mandalorian. like, the scene where boba and fennec are ambushed by the shield ninjas, for example. we could've seen boba and fennec doing some awesome team-work, bouncing off the shields, shit like that, and have the ninjas be equally formidable foes to try and contain them. instead, boba stands there like a goofus for several seconds before firing a concussion rocket directly into the shield held inches from his face and predictably knocks both himself and fennec over in the process. it just looked... really stupid. like, why did he do that? bc the choreographer felt like the audience would be too dumb to figure out that fennec and boba are trapped otherwise? like, there must have been a better way to get that point across. there must have been. as it stands, i had hard time believing that this was the same boba fett who effortlessly wrecked those stormtroopers on tython.

2. the cgi was subpar. the massiff was fine when it wasn't moving around too much but the second it started chasing boba, it became hard to look at. same with the lizard-centaur thing that attacks boba and the rodian when they're digging. it looked like a monster from a bad video game movie, especially when it started physically interacting with the actors.

3. WHY WAS THE CINEMATOGRAPHY SO BAD. like, look, i don't actually know anything about camera-work. but i know that as the viewer, there were several points where i burst out in embarrassed laughter about how bad certain scenes looked. i think the worst offender was when boba was getting chased by the massif and the way it was shot made it look like he was some middle-aged suburban jogger being chased by a geriatric great dane. it just looked like they were moving SO slowly and there was no drama or interest in the shot at all. it looked like a fucking meme. i'm laughing just thinking about it again.

overall, i'm kind of disappointed bc it seems like not as much time, resources, or effort was spent on TBOBF as it was for the mandalorian, but i'm vaguely hopeful that things can get better from here. i don't think i'm going to get what i want in terms of characterization that's consistent with or at least respectful of prior canon, but i'll honestly say that i still found the premiere to at least be enjoyable, despite all the ways it could've been more compelling. i mean, lbr, as a legends fan, i can stomach a LOT of inconsistency and camp. i just hope that, even if things don't get markedly better, they don't get any worse than this rather rocky start.

[olivia-anderson-fanfic]

Routines

Tim and Marinette lived busy lives.

It was by choice, of course.

They were both prominent figures in their fields that could pick and choose the assignments they wished to take, had more money than they could ever dream of using thanks to the hefty trust fund that being even tangentially related to Bruce Wayne provided, and no one would blame them if they were to lessen or give up their vigilantism. If they wished, there was nothing stopping them from taking a smaller workload, from using up all of their sick days, from taking vacations, from quitting their jobs entirely...

That being said, they likely never would.

And the tabloids loved to speculate on their relationship because of it. How could they spend much time together if Tim was always at work, developing new technology for Wayne Enterprises? Marinette was cheating, how could she not when so much of her job as a designer involved getting up close and personal with models? Not to mention all of the business trips. Surely, the relationship had some kind of monetary motivation, or maybe it was just to more seamlessly merge their companies, or it had only happened for PR reasons.

They let them speculate. They simply didn’t know better.

The tabloids didn’t get to see how they acted behind closed doors, after all.

There would be days where neither of them went in to work. It wasn’t due to some sort of sickness that Tim had caught thanks to his lack of spleen, nor would it be because Marinette had hit some kind of artist’s block. No, it was simply because they wanted to spend time together.

~

They took breaks. Technically. If you squint.

There would be days where neither of them went into work. It wasn’t due to some sort of sickness that Tim had caught thanks to his lack of spleen, nor would it be because Marinette had hit some kind of artist’s block. No, it was simply because they wanted to spend time together.

They would turn on the coffee machine and then make their way over to the sofa. Marinette would nestle herself into his side and smile as he wrapped his arm around her. He would pull her as close as he possibly could so he could still use both arms to type.

He usually took video calls like this. It was always so much easier to maintain a pleasant smile, even when people often looked down on him for his age, because whenever he felt it start to waver he could simply look down at his girlfriend and suddenly he would find that it would be back in full force.

She would prop her sketchbook on her legs and start on some new designs. The designs she did like this were always, inexplicably, more lively than the other ones -- full of vibrant colors and swooping curves in a way that some of her other works lacked. If asked, Marinette would joke that the secret ingredient was love.

And, sure, this wasn’t technically taking a break from work. They were still productive, still did tasks...

But they counted it. They always came back to work the next day with the same euphoric feelings in their chests, the same springs in their steps. How could they not? They’d spent the entire day doing what they loved with the person that they loved. Who could ever want a break from that?

~

Every time one of them came back from a business trip, they made sure to spend the night together.

Tim would lay back in bed, Marinette on top of him. Her head would come to rest on his chest, clutching the back of his shirt tightly. His fingers would find their way to her hair and she would huff a little, knowing that her hair was about to get hopelessly tangled as he fidgeted with the silky strands, but she would nuzzle into his chest all the same.

They would watch a TV show. It didn’t matter whether it was good or bad. As long as there were people and some semblance of a plot, they would gladly stay wrapped up in each other’s arms to watch it.

Tim would rattle off whatever theories he had developed as they came to mind. Some of them were absolutely insane, he knew, and would never happen… but it was worth making a fool of himself if it got Marinette’s face to light up or if he earned one of those little giggles that escaped her when he was instantly proven wrong.

Marinette would, at least, pause the show whenever she wanted to talk, though it wasn’t out of an understanding of how time works. No, it was so she could sit up a little in his lap and point at whichever character had offended her this time. She would go on long rants about how makeup was just as important as outfits in costuming, but it was often overlooked in favor of making the actors look pretty. And, maybe she had already said all of this before, but it’s important, Tim! And he would just nod his agreement. Because it was important -- a TV night certainly wouldn’t feel like a TV night without at least one rant.

And then the screen would go black, the most recent episode done.

Tim would draw back a little and then pretend to be shocked when his hands were stuck in her hair.

“Oh noooooo,” he’d say. “I guess I can’t let go yet.”

“How unfortunate,” she would deadpan.

He’d smile cheekily at her.

“Shut up.”

“But I didn’t even say anything!” He’d argue with overexaggerated offense.

She would smile, shaking her head as much as she could with the fingers in her hair. “You didn’t have to. You have a presence about you.”

“I’m going to take that as a compliment,” he’d say.

And, sometimes, she’d bring her hands up to cup his face. “Not sure if it was a compliment, but I definitely wouldn’t have it any other way,” she’d whisper before pulling him closer for a kiss.

… but, most of the time she would just laugh and say: “It wasn’t one.”

~

Once a month, Marinette tried to teach Tim to cook. Of course, they both knew it was a hopeless endeavor. He’d failed to make mac n’ cheese once, and Marinette -- who had lived the first eighteen years of her life in a Parisian bakery -- wasn’t good at discerning which meals were ‘easy to do’.

But that didn’t stop her from trying.

She would come up with a new recipe, would claim that this one was truly dummy proof…

And then Tim, dummy that he was, would manage to mess it up. Without fail, he would find some way to do something wrong. He would leave the milk on the stove and then be surprised when said milk on the stove decided to revolt against the system. He would raise the temperature on the thing they were baking so it would go faster and then be shocked when the cake didn’t rise at all. He would put too much in the mixer and then not understand why the contents had exploded over the two of them.

Worst thing was, she was pretty sure he was actually trying. He just… couldn’t seem to do it.

So, she would just kiss the disappointed frown off of his face and promise that they would do better next time.

And, every time without fail, he would light up.

“There will be a next time?” He would ask.

“Yeah. You’re lucky you’re cute, I can’t say I love being covered in ingredients.”

Tim would kiss her cheek, and then draw back and lick his lips. “I don’t know, I kind of like it. Something about my girlfriend being covered in tasty food really does something for me.”

“Like I said: you’re lucky you’re cute.”

And, even though she would say that, there was no mistaking the amusement dancing in her eyes.

~

They weren’t particularly religious, it was hard to be when Marinette had a god living in her earrings that obeyed her every command…

Which meant celebrations for the two of them were few and far between.

But, at least, they celebrated their anniversary.

They would sit on the rooftop, the blankets doing nothing to keep the hard tiles of the roof from digging into them and they did even less against the chilly Gotham air.

She’d stare up at the sky with him.

And, since it was Gotham, there were very few stars to be seen through the dark red and black haze of clouds that hung over the city.

But they didn’t mind.

Marinette smiled. “It’s our colors.”

He didn’t look over, watching the colors swirl above them. “Even the sky thinks we’re a good couple.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised. The sky god really does have a thing for love.”

He gave a short puff of laughter and finally tore his eyes away from the sky. “Really?”

She shrugged, grinning at him. “No clue. There might not even be a sky god.”

He scoffed and untangled his hand from its blanket prison to give her a tiny shove. She could have dodged the attempt with ease, but she allowed the hand to make contact.

To her surprise, he grabbed ahold of her shoulder and pulled her into him. She gave an undignified little squeak and, if it weren’t for the fact that he was right there, she would have probably faceplanted onto the tile.

But, instead, her face came crashing into his soft, pillowy shoulder.

She looked up at the crooked grin that she had come to love over the years and huffed, pulling her own arms free so she could shove him. For real.

He flopped back, the hand he’d managed to get out coming to rest over his chest as if he were hurt.

“How could you? Roofs hurt, you know.”

“Well, yeah, if you throw yourself down on tiles it’s not going to feel too great.”

He cracked a grin, though he quickly tamped it down to keep up the act: “Victim blaming at its finest.”

She rolled her eyes and leaned over him. One of her hands cradled his cheek, her thumb tracing the tiny scar on his cheekbone.

He looked up at her. And she thought, somewhere, that maybe the reason the pollution in the city was just some kind of coverup so no one would know that they all resided in Tim’s eyes.

And then she cursed herself mentally for thinking something so cheesy.

She had to make up for it somehow:

“You’re the worst, I hope you know that.”

“I am. But you love me anyway.”

Dang it. How was she supposed to feign being annoyed when he looked at her like that? With that soft smile and thick lashes and hair that framed his face just so.

She decided it wasn’t worth trying to pretend.

Marinette let herself match his smile.

“I do.”

“Save those words for our wedding,” he joked softly.

She rolled her eyes. “You haven’t even proposed yet.”

“I could be doing that right now. Who knows, this could all be my plan.”

“It’d be a good plan,” she said. “I’d probably say yes.”

He narrowed his eyes just slightly. “Isn’t that essentially you proposing to me?”

She tipped her head to the side, considering, then she laughed a little. “I guess it kind of is. So, Tim, will you marry me?”

His eyes widened to an almost comical degree.

And then his face lit up with a smile that made her heart flutter.

“I hope you know I want a ring.”

She giggled. “Just say yes, you idiot. We can always get the ring tomorrow.”

His smile only stretched further. “Yes. I’d love to marry you.”

“I love you,” she whispered, leaning closer until her lips brushed against his.

“I love you, too,” he breathed.

Marinette didn’t hesitate any longer, tilting her head to give him a proper kiss. He freed himself of the blanket and she gasped a little against his lips as he wrapped her up in it as well, drawing her close.

She pulled away just a little, her forehead coming to rest against his. She couldn’t seem to get the dopey smile off of her face, but she wasn't completely sure she even wanted it gone.

“I proposed first, so I won,” she said, sticking her tongue out at him playfully.

He smiled. “No, I did.”