#i also got a downward spiral tee

[rustflesh]

First post on my new laptop yayayayay

[miss0atae]

Dead friend forever ep 6 random thoughts:

▪️ This series is just making me furious every time I see the face of this group of fake friends and I just feel so bad for Non. He is so hard-working, trying to get back on his feet and he is always deceived, abused and abandoned by those next to him. It's not just the group of friends, it is also his parents and everyone. Jin is the only one who seems kind to him, without asking anything in exchange (yes, I don't the trust the teacher) but at the same time, he is so oblivious of what is going on. He is attracted to Non and never really show him. He feels useless because despite his attraction to Non and defending him, he still stays with his toxic friends. How can he not see how harmful they are?

▪️ I don't know where to start… Tee and Por were the most infuriating characters in this episode. I can't believe it, but Top and Fluke (who are also super annoying) seemed nicer than them, this time. Tee dragged Non in his uncle's laundering money scam and when things ended badly he blamed Non and made him admit he was the one who wanted to do it from the very beginning. Non would never have done this if it wasn't for Whiny Por (that's my nickname for him) who couldn't protect his camera from his stupid friends and believed Non was responsible for the damage on it (I don't forget it was Tee and Top and I loathe them even more).

▪️ Non is in a downward spiral he can't escape and it's getting harder and harder to watch. It's taking a toll on his mental health too and he has no one to really talk to. He tried to have this conversation with the teacher, but in the end, he only gave him a half truth. It fells like there are no way out for him. I also think, his teacher will take advantage of him too. He is shady. The way, he is a touchy-feely type of guy… Yuck! He doesn't act like a teacher to Non and I believe he is bad news too.

▪️ The most shocking event in the episode happened at the end. I wasn't expecting that and I truly feel it was a good twist. Phi knows Non and we never got that information before. In the previous episodes, in the present, he always acted like he didn't know who was Non, just like White and Tan. Who did we see, at the end of this episode… Phi! He knows Non and they are not just friend… They are also FWB and if we believe the trailer for the next episode, he wanted to really date Non and didn't trust his so-called friends. How Phi ended up with Jin? Is it his way of being involved in this group? How his feeling have changed and he went from wanting to be with Non to being with Jin? I have so many questions!!! This was my favorite part of the episode.

I've watched the previous episode expecting nothing from it but now I'm truly hooked! I want to have the next episode now. I need answers.

[tinysweetflour]

Buckle up girlies because I have a theory:

NON IS WHITE.

Non got himself plastic surgery and came back. Since tee was the reason his whole downward spiral started (pors' camera) he came for tee. After he came back he saw his ex and brother. He would've obviously guessed they are doing something and instead of taking after he just sat back and watched it unfold.

Afterall he didn't really have strong reason to help them. They were part of his misfortune too. Phee didn't take his side when he needed it the most. New never took care of him etc. His parents were always fighting so his home also wasn't safe. He didn't have anyplace to go, noone to go to. So he sat back watched all of them ruin each in his name. Remember his script- he wished everyone to die, EVERYONE.

The ultimate revenge that he dreamed of was here.

[vyl3tpwny]

Hi! I hope this manages to get through, what with many others speaking up on the anniversary of Antonymph. I just want to get this off my chest and personally thank you for making this song and the entire CUTIEMARKS album. It's a tough story and hard to compress into an ask form, but back when the album was fresh I was stuck in a psych ward, after my new (and really good) psychiatrist managed to squeeze out of me just how deep down the downward spiral I was at the time. I had my phone with lots of music for the stay but when I read about your album making circles in unexpected places, I was like, what the hell, why not. And at that time, in that place, it hit me immensely. I was never big on feel-good music, but with that punk vibe and with the lyrics and your awesome voice that both really don't fuck around... it was fresh, it was liberating, invigorating. And Antonymph in particular sent me back a decade so palpably, it helped me realize how much of an asshole I was back then. Seriously, back then I was racist, homophobic, transphobic, the "nice guy" model played to a tee, drunk for days sleeping in random places, etc. Sludgiest among the sludge. It made me realize just how much personal growth I've done in this time and helped me... actually appreciate myself and all the lessons life gave me. After I read your post on the process behind the album, it's like all the pieces fell into place, like why it made such a powerful impression right then and there. Afterwards I got into all of your other work and stuff, and I never really even cared much about MLP (though I think it's super cool it still inspires people to make such good art). Your music helped me get through the hardships of therapy that came after, even when at the end of the day I was screaming into a pillow with tears in my eyes. And to somehow end this lengthy message, I'd also like to say it inspired me to push my own work further, be even bolder with what it says despite being based upon video games. I've actually been slowly piecing together a remix of Syndicate, though I have a history of promising things I never finished so I'm kinda anxious about mentioning it. Anyway, thank you so much for doing what you do and I hope you can keep it coming for as long as you feel it!

it's awesome to read all of this. i think a lot of ppl get stuck in a cycle of "i was shit and i'll always be shit". i think that the ppl who have been assholes in the past rlly need to be the ones to herald the ways in how to not be one. we all know the ins and outs of being a shithead lol. so we also know how wrong it can be to become entrenched in those mindsets. i'm grateful you've been able to find solace in the album in your hardships as much as i have. :3

[thewheezingwyvern]

Tease!

Adult!ProHero!Bakugou x ProHero!Reader

This was for my second place winner in my follower giveaway, which was @redbeanteax ! Hope you like it, love!

Rating: M (TIS SMUT!)

Kinks: Fisting, Overstimulation, Squirting, Dirty Talk

Words: 2017

Tag list: @lady-bakuhoe, @league-of-thots, @hoefortodo, @marilla-eldriana, @groovydreamertrash

It was the most cliche thing that could have happened, really. You never expected to be in the “and they were roommates!” trope but you were living it after becoming Katsuki’s roommate. The two of you had already gone prohero but were still not in the top ranks and so financial need pushed the two of you into the same apartment. You had always found him wildly attractive and harbored a big crush on him. But you figured that you had this under control and would be able to live with him with minimal problems. 

You were so very wrong.

The first week or two had been largely uneventful. But then the habits started to creep in from Bakugou. It started fairly small, he would come home from a workout and use the bottom of his shirt to wipe away the sweat on his face. The sight of his exposed abs would make your mouth go dry, the strong desire to kiss and lick at his skin rising in you before he would let it drop. You always hastily looked away.

Then he started coming home without his shirt at all, skin coated in a fresh sheen of sweat, the light pooling in spots that accentuated the lines of his muscles. You would always feel your desire simmering in your veins, the urge to kiss him breathless always burning within you. You had thought that had been bad enough but it only got worse.

The morning meetings by the coffee maker was nearly the peak for you. Bakugou used to shuffle out in sweat pants and a tee shirt. But eventually that dwindled to form fitted briefs and a tee shirt until he finally ditched the shirt all together. The first time he emerged like that, pouring himself a cup of coffee, he grunted something at you but you weren’t able to understand. All you could do was stare and drink in every inch of him, your hands holding your hot mug of coffee in a white knuckle grip.

He was very endowed and it left you scrambling from the kitchen before he noticed the growing flush to your face. Eventually you started to suspect that he was teasing you like that on purpose. So you decided that it was time that Bakugou got some payback. You waited for when he climbed into the shower to get yourself ready. A knotted crop top with a pair of tightly fitted shorts that just barely covered your rear was your weapon of choice and you knew it would get some kind of reaction out of Bakugou.

When you heard the door to his bedroom open, you quickly entered the kitchen and opened the fridge, pretending to be looking inside for something to munch on. As his footsteps drew closer, you bent over and pushed things around the shelf as if searching for something in the back, craning your ear to listen to him. You could have sworn that he hitched a breath when he approached but it could have been your imagination.

“You gonna get something or are you gonna stand there forever just looking?” he grunted, his tone tense and clipped.

You smirked, his voice telling you that you had gotten to him like he had you. Languidly, you straightened, prepared to sashay out of the kitchen when the sight of him stopped you in your tracks. Hot breath hitched in your chest for a moment when your eyes fell on his bare chest, trailing downwards to eye the towel wrapped around his waist. The towel that did little to hide his arousal from you.

Well it worked too bad it also backfired on you too. 

Dilated red eyes roved over your form as the refrigerator closed quietly behind you, “Tch...fucking tease.”

The explosion user shoved you to the side and up against the counter, the heat of his skin rolling over you in waves. Powerful arms fenced you in, cornering you effectively, your frame nearly pressed against him. He knew what you were doing?

“Like you’re one to talk.” you pointed out, swallowing thickly.

“Heh, just thought I’d let you enjoy a show. I’ve seen the way you’ve been looking at me.” A firm hand came out to grip your jaw, tilting your head up so you could meet his gaze, “You liked it, didn’t you?” his thumb dragged along your lower lip, parting your mouth for him, “Of course you did. Who wouldn’t like looking at me?”

You hadn’t been quite expecting this outcome though you were not disappointed in the least. Having him so near you was driving you mad. He had been driving you insane for weeks, teasing you with his physique, sending your thoughts into a frenzied spiral of lust until you would retreat to your room to relieve yourself. Throwing caution to the wind, you surged forward and locked lips with him.

The response was immediate. Bakugou kissed you back roughly, forcefully even, his hands descending onto your frame. You moaned lowly into his mouth when he groped greedily at a breast, plundering your mouth with vigor. He wasted no time in removing your shirt, discarding it hastily to the floor, uncaring of where it landed.

A hot eager mouth fell upon your chest, nipping a path down to the edge of your bra. Taking a firm hold on the front, he ripped the cups down, causing your breasts to spill out before him. Burning red eyes dilated at the sight before a growl of approval hummed in his throat. Bakugou, impatient to taste you, gripped your waist and closed his lips around a nipple. You gripped at his hair, groaning out as he sucked hard, tugging at his locks.

Heat pooled under your skin as you clawed at him, taking in the feel of his toned back. You needed him. You need more. Wandering hands drifted down to squeeze at his firm butt, marveling at the feel of the supple flesh there. Your heart stuttered out a staccato within your chest when he pulled back and smirked at you, teeth glinting at you in the light. With the confident look on his face you thought he was going to say something smug but with a light tug, he pulled the towel free from his waist.

His girth was impressively large and there was no question about his arousal for you. A hiss of pleasure escaped him when you dragged your fingers up his length. He suddenly yanked you closer to him, fingers fumbling with your shorts before you were stripped out of them and your underwear. Suddenly you were up, strong hands grasping your waist as Bakugou lifted you onto the counter. 

“Heh,” he smirked, running a finger up your slit to collect some of the slick that had gathered there, “You’re so fucking wet. A tease and a slut. I knew it. I’m going to fuck you real good…”

“Bakugou!” was your loud moan when his thumb pressed circles to your clit.

A pleased groan tumbled from his lips when you moaned his name, his mouth pressing hot kisses down the column of your throat. Your hips undulated against his thumb, seeking more from his touch, chasing the pleasure you needed from him. Hearing your moans for him as he ravished your skin drove his arousal even higher, leading Bakugou to slip two fingers into you. The stretch was pleasant, sending zings of pleasure up to your core, panting when he began to rhythmically thrust his fingers in and out of you.

It felt so damn good. Every drop of desire that had been brewing within you over the past few weeks was culminating, crystallizing into an approaching orgasm that you were desperate for. His lips were hot when he reclaimed your mouth in a searing kiss, thumb still circling your clit to flood you with more desire. You were so wet for him. Wet and eager and he was all too happy to add another finger. It stretched you further, pulling muffled moans from you to vibrate against Bakugou’s mouth. 

“You’ve fucking wanted this haven’t you?” He whispered out between rough kisses, thrusting his fingers hard into you, “Wanted me to fuck you right here in this kitchen, huh?” You moaned loudly, a loud squelching coming from between your legs, “Heh yeah, you like that don’t you slut?”

“More~!” you cried out, “Please, Bakugou!”

“Call me Katsuki.”

“Please, Katsuki I need more!”

His answer was another low growl and he added a fourth finger, stretching you even further. His free hand dipped down to stimulate your clit as he pressed his fingers deeper into you. Stars burst in front of your eyes as the sensation increased the pleasure growing within you. You brought your arms out behind you to support you as he plowed into you, fingers probing and stretching your walls. 

“Heh, that’s a good look for you!” he grunted, laughing at your glazed over eyes, mouth hanging open in pleasure, “Let’s see if you can take more…”

You threw back your head and howled in pleasure as he sank his hand slowly into you, deeper and deeper until his entire fist was pushed into you. His hand stretched you to capacity, your walls quivering around him, muscles spasming wildly as he flexed his fingers and then pinched your clit. The sensations were intense and overwhelming, rocketing you over the edge of your orgasm, a hoarse scream emerging from your gaping mouth. 

You bucked your hips helplessly, riding the current of your climax, his hand bumping against the sensitive bundle of nerves inside of your walls. Katsuki growled, his cock painfully hard, twitching in response to your cries of pleasure. He let you coast through your orgasm until you let yourself fall limp, bathed in a pleasant afterglow. Then he opened his hand, fingers pushing and stretching against your walls. You whimpered, your nerves sensitive from your first orgasm and you clenched around him.

“Did you think you could come in looking like that and get away with just one?” he sneered, “Sluts get fucked until they can’t walk.”

Katsuki dipped his head down, taking your clit into his mouth and began to suck, eagerly devouring you. Sweat dotted your brow, hips rolling once more against his hand, your need burning once more within you. His mouth was greedy and insatiable in it’s assault on your sensitive pearl, teeth nipping to draw more moans and cries from you. Your slick was leaking out as he continued to fist you, trembles racing along your limbs.

Your threshold for stimulation was lower and these ministrations were pushing you rapidly towards another orgasm. His free hand raked over your fevered skin, reaching up to fondle at a breast bouncing freely over the edge of your bra. Tears were pooling in your eyes as he rolled your nipple, toying with your body until you were stuttering out his name in broken cries.

“Ka-Katsuki!”

He growled against your clit, the vibration tightening the coil forming in your belly. 

“Cum on my hand again, slut.” he ordered.

Hearing the gravel in his command was enough to push you over the edge, a scream tearing from your throat. You bucked wildly beneath him, his fist still pumping within you. In response, he suckled hard on your clit. The pleasure was so intense your fluids shot out, splashing onto Katsuki’s chest. When you finally came down from your climax, he pulled back his hand, leaving you achingly empty.

“Look at me.” he told you, his voice hoarse with his own desire.

You did as he told you, eyeing the slick that was smeared on his chest. The explosion user gave you a feral smirk and lifted his hand up to his lips, lapping up your arousal coating it. The sight left you feeling hot despite the weakness flooding your limbs. A hungry glint shining in his eyes, the blonde lifted you into his arms, carrying you back to his bedroom.

“You made me wait for you for weeks. I’m nowhere near done with you, dumbass.”

[toxoiddiamond]

T H E B A S I C S Given Name: Ryoga Zaizen Nicknames: Ryo Age: 38 Birthday: September 5th Zodiac Sign: Virgo Birthplace: Hakodate, Japan Current Location: He recently moved to Gzira, Malta, after having lived in Yokohama, Japan for nearly thirteen years. Speaks: He is fluent in both Japanese and English. He is starting to learn Maltese, but can only have a very basic conversation at this point. Dominant Hand: Right Education: He completed junior high, but opted not to continue on to high school and started working instead so he could help out his family. Occupation: Voice actor, mostly in anime and video games. Most of his voice work is in Japanese, but he occasionally does some in English as well. Every once in a great while, he does some live action acting, but it’s not his preference. Vehicle: 2018 Peugeot 5008 SUV in navy blue. Worldly Possessions: Some very nice recording equipment that allows him to do his voicework from home. A small family altar that he doesn’t actually pray to, but likes having around for nostalgic reasons. Lots of toys and things for his kids. Lots of DVDs and blu-rays of various films of all genres, with a whole shelf dedicated to family-friendly movies and shows. Pet(s): He recently got a one-year-old Shikoku Ken, partly to try and distract his kids from all the upheaval and turmoil in their lives at the moment. He wasn't too sure about having a dog at first, but now he really enjoys having a pet. The dog's name is Kotaro, meaning "small boy."

A P P E A R A N C E Height: 6'1" Hair: Ryoga enjoys trying all sorts of different colors and styles with his hair. He's had just about every color of the rainbow in his hair at some point, and when he was younger he experimented with having super long hair, mohawks, all kinds of things. Nowadays he tends to keep it cut into a more sophisticated, conservative style, but he still enjoys dyeing it various colors. Currently it is a light blue-gray. Facial Hair: He prefers to be clean-shaven. Eye Colour: Dark brown Skin Tone: He enjoys spending time outdoors, so he isn't super pale or anything; he has almost an olive undertone to his skin. Clothing: Most of the time he dresses in a fairly casual manner; his go-to look is skinny jeans paired with a graphic tee and either Vans or combat boots. But he also cleans up very nicely when the occasion arises. He has a few suits in various colors, patterns and styles and they all look amazing on him. Ryoga has a good sense of fashion and always manages to dress perfectly for any occasion. Distinguishing Marks: He has tattoos– like, so many tattoos on his arms, hands, chest, back, legs, basically everywhere except his face tbh. Face Claim: Miyavi

H E A L T H Physical Health: For the most part, his health is pretty good– he takes good care of himself, exercises, eats well, etc, especially because he wants to set a good example for his kids. However, he has had mild issues with his heart ever since he was a teenager– he has a slight arrhythmia and bradycardia (slow heart rate), but has managed both conditions fairly well throughout his life. He has had to stay in the hospital a couple of times after his heart rate slowed enough to cause him to faint, but he now tries to stay active and take his medication regularly so it (hopefully) doesn’t happen again. Physical Abilities/Limitations: He has a lot of upper body strength, partly from working out and partly from carrying his daughter around all over the place. He is also surprisingly flexible and enjoys doing yoga and tai chi as a form of gentle exercise. He’s always been good at imitating people/doing impressions and putting on different voices, which is what eventually led him to becoming a voice actor. Addictions: He used to drink a lot, but completely gave up alcohol in his mid-twenties, around the time he got married. This was partly because he wanted to try and be a more responsible person, and partly because his doctor recommended that he give up, or at least cut way back, on alcohol for the sake of his heart. Allergies: Shellfish Mental Health: Ryoga is under a lot of stress right now, so he’s not at his best. He’s had a lot of anxiety over his (very messy) divorce, then a brutal custody battle (he ended up getting sole custody), and then having to get a restraining order against his ex-wife when she kept showing up at their home and trying to get the kids to come with her, then throwing fits when Ryoga stopped her from taking them. Now that they’ve moved to a whole other country, he feels a bit better, less nervous, but he’s still constantly worried that his ex is going to show up any day. He has done his best to drill it into the kids’ heads that if their mom shows up, they are not to go with her and they need to come get him or call the police right away.

H I S T O R Y Summary: Long or Short Job History: His first job was at a small, hole-in-the-wall beef bowl shop when he was fourteen– he started as a busboy but was quickly moved into a kitchen staff position. A couple of years later, he was scouted by a modeling agent and ended up falling into the world of fashion modeling. He wasn’t super famous or anything; he mostly modeled alternative/goth/street fashion rather than anything too mainstream. This allowed him to network with a lot of people who were able to pull some strings for him and get him auditions for voice work, and within a few years, he had transitioned fully into voice acting (which he is now actually pretty famous for– in Japan, at least). Fondest Memories: Some of his childhood memories, such as family trips, or evenings when everyone was home and actually hung out together instead of going to their separate rooms. His wedding day, which is bittersweet to look back on, but at the time was one of the happiest days of his life. The births of both his children. Various anime conventions he’s gone to– he loves meeting fans and talking to them. Worst Experiences: His father losing his job– it sent the entire family into a downward spiral of anxiety and Ryoga always felt he had to walk on eggshells around them. Having to skip out on high school so he could work and earn money to help his family. His parents being more than a little angry with him when he became a model, started getting tattoos, etc., since they thought he was “ruining his life.” His parents later disowning him when he told them he was dating a man. And, of course, the slow and painful death of his marriage which resulted in a very, very messy divorce.

C O M M U N I C A T I O N Speech Pace/Style: It depends on the situation. If he’s working or in a more professional setting, then he is very respectful, using only polite language. When he’s with friends, he’s louder and more outspoken, and far less polite– not that he’s rude, just that he has a bit of a mouth on him. With his kids, Ryoga is very laid-back for the most part, speaking calmly to them and keeping a patient, gentle tone. Even when he scolds them, he doesn’t raise his voice much, though he can be very firm when he needs to be. Accent: Ryoga has a noticeable Japanese accent when he speaks English, but it’s not so thick that it’s hard to understand him. He speaks very clearly and enunciates well. Favorite Phrases or Words: Tends to say “Aa! Sou?” when he’s surprised about something, which just means “oh, really?” Also tends to say “ehto” instead of “um” or “uh.” Usual Curse Words: He tries to watch his language when he’s with his kids, though he does slip up on occasion (and they always call him out for it). He does have quite a mouth on him though, both in English and in Japanese, and uses whatever curse word feels most appropriate for the moment.

P E R S O N A L I T Y, M I N D S E T, A N D B E L I E F S Personality Type: INFJ-T Sense of Humor: With his kids, he’s pretty goofy and silly, always joking around with them and keeping them entertained. He does a lot of voices that make them laugh. When he’s around adults, he’s more sarcastic but still on the goofy side more than anything. Habits: He is hardly ever barefoot– he always wears socks or house slippers when he’s inside. He tends to eat rice with every meal if possible, in some form or another, or else it doesn’t feel like an actual meal to him. If he’s wearing any nail polish or anything, he tends to pick at it whenever he gets nervous or stressed out. Quirks: Ryoga really enjoys treating himself to things like spa days, mani-pedis, massages, anything along those lines. He doesn’t do it all the time, but once a month or so he gets someone to watch the kids and just takes a full day to himself to relax. He also loves taking baths and keeps various bath salts and oils around so he can take a nice, long bath at home if he’s had a rough day. Fears/Phobias: Anything happening to his kids; he worries about them constantly. His ex-wife finding him and showing up, even though he has a restraining order against her. He also tends to be a bit secretive about his sexuality, after facing some backlash/discrimination for it in Japan– he’s not exactly afraid of anyone finding out that he’s bi, but there’s a reason why he doesn’t offer that information very freely. Strengths: Something Flaws: Something Hopes/Desires: Something Wildest Fantasy: Something Self-Esteem: Something Religion: Something

R A N D O M Sleeping Position: Something Boxers or Briefs?: Something Day or Night?: Something Top or Bottom?: Something Partying or Relaxing?: Something

R E L A T I O N S H I P S Closest Friend: Something Relationship History: Something Sexual Partners: Something Thoughts About Sex: Something

P A R E N T S Name(s): Mom and Dad Age(s): Ages Social Standing: Blue collar, white collar, whatever Occupation(s): What they do Religion: What do they believe Quality of Relationship With His Children: Is good or bad? Living/Deceased: Maybe they dead

S I B L I N G (S) Name(s): First Last Age(s): Ages Social Standing: Blue collar, white collar, whatever Occupation(s): What they do Religion: What do they believe Quality of Relationship with Character: Is good or bad? Living/Deceased: Maybe they dead

D A I L Y L I F E Living Arrangements: Where they live

[davieslandon]

Explanation || Landon & Roman

Discord thread featuring: @romanbeckett & Landon

When: September 6th

Mentions: @angelospctr @aaronhart93 @malakhai-ozera @lorencourtier

Description: Landon and Roman meet up after the party to talk things out and explain 

Trigger Warnings: talk of drug use and feels

Roman.

Did Ro really feel up to this conversation? No. He had a lot he was going to have to get off his chest, including the fact that he’d relapsed at the party as well. Maybe he should just REALLY stop going to events. They never went in his favor. When he spotted Landon, Ro slumped over to take a seat across from him, shrugging off his jacket as he did so, and barely making eye contact.

LANDON

Landon was not looking forward to this conversation at all, not only because of what happened at the party but also because of what Khai told him this morning. He couldn’t help but feel like he was to blame for Roman’s relapse. If he hadn’t been so drunk and gone after him when he saw him and Khai, maybe that wouldn’t have happened. It hurt that Roman was barely even looking at him but he could understand why. “Hey”, he said, trying to smile and sound cheerful. “I got you a coffee, hope that’s okay.”

Roman.

“Thank you.” At least Landon was sounding positive. For whatever reason, Roman had been worried that maybe Landon would be upset that Ro was even effected by this. Odd way of thinking, but he couldn’t help it. “Coffee is perfect.” He reached for the cup, taking off the lid so that he could help the steam to escape faster. He really needed the caffeine. “So.” Roman took in a deep breath, and then finally looked up at the smaller. “Fun party?”

LANDON

Landon winced at the mention of the party but tried to keep the smile on his face. “About the party...I’m really sorry you had to see that. We were both drunk and didn’t even think about the fact that anyone could walk in so...yeah. I’m sorry.” Knowing that Ronan had walked in on him and Khai kissing wasn’t a proud moment. “I wanted to come after you so we could talk but I was wasted and wouldn’t have made much sense and...I didn’t really think you wanted to talk to me right then.”

Roman.

Roman just looked down and cleared his throat, wanting to believe that was why landon didn’t come after him. “It wasn’t because you fucked?” He asked half heartedly before picking up his coffee to blow on it, and then take a sip. He winced, not because of the temperature, but because maybe that had sounded a little harsh. “Sorry. It’s not like I’m on the best of books either. I ehm...relapsed last night.” He admitted, having no idea of course that Khai had ratted him out.

LANDON

Landon took a sip of his own coffee, trying to buy himself some time. Him and Khai did end up hooking up but that’s not why he didn’t go after Roman. When he realised his ex was right there he seemed in such a rush to get away that he couldn’t imagine him wanting to talk. And with so much tequila in his system, it wasn’t the right time to be having such a conversation. “No, that’s not why.” Would running after him have changed anything? Landon would never know. He didn’t have to worry about acting surprised because hearing it from Roman in person still managed to shock him. Maybe because he was still hoping it was some sort of misunderstanding. “Why?” he asked, pain clear in his eyes.

Roman.

Roman just shook his head when Landon asked why, looking down at his coffee, trying not to cry. Fuck. Landon always got to him, always, even when he was trying so fucking hard to put up a front. He couldn’t do that with someone who knew him so well. This was something that was hurting Landon, the decision hadn’t just hurt Ro. It hurt a lot of people. “I jus’ couldn’t stand it anymore. I’ve been struggling for weeks, and -“ he paused, not sure if he should drag Angelo into this or not. “Angelo. He’s kind of like...my unofficial therapist. Anyway, he offered it to me, and said it was okay in moderation, that he’d make sure I didn’t do more than I should.” It sounded so dumb saying it outloud, but he hadn’t been thinking clearly.

LANDON

Did they really drift apart so much that Landon didn’t even know he had some sort of unofficial therapist? He didn’t know this Angelo guy but whoever he was, he better start sleeping with one eye open from now. What sort of therapist gives someone drugs and says it’s okay in moderation? He could tell Roman was upset and didn’t want to make things worse but he couldn’t just say it was okay because...it wasn’t. “Who is this guy? Love I know you’re going through a lot but you know that what he said...no therapist in their right mind would say that.”

Roman.

Roman started crying the second Landon called him love, and said what followed. He was so fucking stupid. He’d wanted a bump so bad, that he let everything he’d worked so hard for come crashing down around his ears. All that time sober, pointless, and now what? “I know.” He said in a shaky breath, bringing a hand up to wipe at his eyes. Fuck. He hated crying, especially in public. “He works at Tee’s office, he jus’...I dunno. Says all the right things, and it sounded so good, and for a second, it took the pain away.”

LANDON

Shit. Landon quickly got out of his seat and moved to the one across from him, wrapping an arm around Roman. “Hey, hey, it’s going to be okay.” Any other time, Landon would be able to say that with absolute certainty and not lie but now he wasn’t so sure. What if one hit led to more? He didn’t want to see Roman go through a downward spiral, especially not when he had been doing so well. “You should report this guy. What he did...it’s wrong.” Landon wasn’t an expert on this but he was pretty sure that whatever this Angelo guy did wasn’t ethical, especially if he was working as an actual therapist in an office. That would have to come later. Right now, all he cared about was making sure Roman was okay, or as okay as he could be considering the situation. “I’m sorry. I...I know I hurt you yesterday and I’m so, so sorry.”

Roman.

Ro shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut as the tears just flowed. They stung, and Landon’s arm around him was making him even more emotional. His best friend. His other half from the time he was five years old. He was there for Roman when he literally had no one, and he was here for him now? How could he be upset with someone like that. “Don’t be sorry. I’m sorry.” Ro shook his head, and turned to look at the smaller. “You’re jus’ trying to move on with your life, and I’m doing...I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.”

LANDON

Sometimes it felt to Landon like they couldn’t do anything right. Something always had to go wrong and then the other would be there to pick up the pieces. So when Roman said that he couldn’t stop from chuckling humourlessly. “I really don’t think that’s what I’m doing here but thanks for the vote of confidence.” What Roman saw as him trying to move on with his life sometimes felt like driving with a blindfold on and hoping he made it okay. “Babe, I think we both have absolutely no idea what the hell we’re doing.”

Roman.

Roman did manage a soft snort when Landon said neither one of them had any idea what they were doing. Made sense. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He sniffed, and then leaned his head on the smaller’s shoulder. “I jus’ feel like such an asshole. Aaron just got back from rehab, and I fucking relapse.” He closed his eyes, and took in a deep breath.

LANDON

Landon still wasn’t sure when the two had even gotten back together but he figured Roman wouldn’t be talking about Aaron like that if things weren’t better between them. “This isn’t...ideal but it does happen. Relapses happen Ro and it sucks but you’re going to get through it, okay? And you have people who love you and who will help you”, he reassured. “Does Aaron know about this?”

Roman.

Ro licked his lips, and then sighed when Landon said relapses happened. He knew technically that was true, but he didn’t wanna think about that. “Yeah, he walked in on me actually.” He let out a humorless chuckle, and then pulled away so he could distract himself with some more caffeine.

LANDON

Landon frowned, watching Ronan drink his coffee with obvious worry. That didn’t sound too good, he just hoped Aaron didn’t react too badly. Oh and gave this ‘therapist’ what was coming to him. “And how did that go?” Landon felt like he was walking a minefield, unsure of what was okay to ask and what wasn’t.

Roman.

“Not good obviously. I think Aaron was two seconds from punching the guy out.” He admitted while reaching to rub at the back of his neck. Roman’s eyes slowly flicked up to look at landon, clearing his throat before he decided to chew on his thumbnail. “I’m sure everyone’s upset with me, but I jus’ - I’ll bounce back.”

LANDON

"I don't blame him, he deserves a lot worse than that." Landon made a mental note to text Aaron at some point and ask what he knew about this 'therapist' and if he was going to be a problem again. "I don't think people are upset with you, more with the situation. I know that if this Angelo guy was in front of me right now I'd be trying to punch him as well for what he did to you. But I'm not upset with you." He just wished it hadn't happened, that's all. And that he wasn't partly to blame.

Roman.

Ro looked down when Landon explained his thoughts, feeling relieved that he wasn’t mad at him, but at the same time, it felt like he was yet again getting away with something he shouldn’t be. Was Ro always the victim? Did it come off that way? He didn’t want to be that person, even if it was convenient. “What Angelo did was wrong, but so was going along with it. I’m not stupid, I knew better. Yeah, he was convincing, and his words fit my agenda, I think I just subconsciously enjoyed having an excuse.” Ro replied in an almost hurt tone, his eyes closing before he was running his hands over his face. “Sometimes I wonder if I’m actually a good person, or if I’m jus’ pretending to be.”

LANDON

It sucked to hear Roman confirm what he had been suspecting. Angelo was definitely an asshole and he wouldn't forget what he did any time soon but Roman wasn't stupid. Taking drugs because it was okay in moderation...it was a bullshit excuse. So while it hurt to know that Roman knew what he was doing and did it anyways, there was also a sense of relief at the knowledge that the other was aware the whole moderation shit was untrue. "You are a good person. I guess sometimes you can....lose sight of the bigger picture? But we're only human, that happens."

Roman.

Roman just nodded, looking at his hands in his lap while picking at his nail polish. God, he hated when he did that, but it was a nervous habit that wasn’t going to die any time soon. “Yeah.” He sniffed, and then took in a deep breath as he pulled his eyes back up to his ex. It was so surreal, sitting here, looking at landon right now, unable to stop a flashback from hitting him like a ton of bricks. He’d sat at many a table with the man, had many a serious talk. He’d never get over this face. The expression that showed Landon loved Roman, and would make excuses for him until the day they died. His protector. “Thank you, Lan. You’ve always been here for me from the first fucking second I met you, and I...” he let out a shaky breath, his eyes getting a bit watery despite how badly he wanted to prevent it. “I turned out to be such a fucking mess.”

LANDON

Landon hated hearing Roman talk about himself so negatively. After all, weren’t they all a bit of a mess? And yet he still stuck by his side throughout everything, never giving up on him even when others did. How could he ever call Roman a mess when the other dropped everything in order to take care of him after his accident? Landon doubted he would have gotten through out without him by his side. “Stop that, it’s not true. You’ve always been there for me as well and I owe you so much. I could never think of you as a mess”, he argued. “You know I’m always going to love you right?”

Roman.

Roman’s gaze lifted up immediately when Landon posed his question, a single tear falling down the actor’s face, because that...that was a question that sat on him like lead. Did he know that? Yeah. Did Landon know that Roman would always love him in return? Probably. They both knew that, but in moments like these, it just was nice to hear it.  “Yeah. I’m always going to love you, too.” He nodded, and then wiped at his eyes. “Fuck you for making me cry though.” Ro chuckled.

LANDON

After everything they’d been through, Landon knew they were stuck together for life and he couldn’t be more grateful. He just loved him so much and that was never going to change, no matter what sort of relationship they had. Even if all they’d be was best friends, they still loved each other. “I would apologise but I’m not sorry”, he teased. Landon hated to ruin the mood when it finally seemed to be getting a little lighter but there was another thing they rested to talk about. “Listen, about Khai...there’s nothing there. We’re actually taking a bit of a break from each other.”

Roman.

Roman snorted softly through the tears when Landon said he wasn’t sorry, turning to look away only for a moment until the smaller mentioned Khai. That got his attention back really quickly. He wanted to laugh at Landon saying there was nothing there, because he wasn’t stupid, and he wished the other male wouldn’t pretend. “Landon.” He started, rubbing a hand over his face with a sigh. “You like him, and you had sex, yeah? Why push it away now?”

LANDON

Landon wasn’t ecstatic about telling Roman he and Khai had sex but there was no point denying it so he just shrugged. “Because I don’t want to hurt you.” It all game back to his need not to hurt Roman because he felt like he’d done that enough already. “I know you were hurt when you...when you saw us together and I don’t want to do that anymore.”

Roman.

“Landon.” Ro leveled a gaze with his ex, showing he meant business, tears now at a standstill, thank god. “Listen to me, because I really don’t wanna say this again. You have no obligation to keep yourself away from anyone romantically because of me. We both know that.” He pressed his lips together. “You like Khai, Khai likes you. You’re both miserable trying to stay apart, so jus’...do it.” He looked away, and tensed his jaw.

LANDON

“That’s not what I was doing.” He kind of was but he wasn’t staying away from everyone because of Roman. He dated Loren, even considered giving it another try with Harry. But Khai was different. “Khai’s not just anyone, he’s your ex and I don’t...if someone I’m close with dated my ex I’d probably be upset.” He was when it happened. “And I don’t want you to be upset with me, okay? Is that so wrong?”

Roman.

Roman just shook his head, because...well, the elephant in the room was blaring. Roman had done this to landon - granted, he didn’t know who Aaron was until it was too late, but still. Ro didn’t have a leg to stand on. He reached across the table to grab his best friend’s hand, because that’s who he was talking to right now. His best friend, his oldest mate. His first everything. This wasn’t about their past relationship anymore, it was about Landon, and doing what was best for him. “I won’t be upset with you. Do I enjoy it? No. But I’m not upset with you. Landon, all I want is for you to be happy. That’s it. Okay? If you want to be with Khai...” he took short breath, and a pause. “You have my blessing.”

LANDON

For two best friends they surely loved giving each other their blessings. The irony of it wasn’t lost on Landon although he wasn’t stupid enough to bring it up right now. “And you’re sure?” Because he did like Khai, he really did. He wouldn’t have slept with him if he didn’t, even though he was drunk. But if Roman told him he wasn’t okay with it then he wouldn’t do anything because he didn’t want to lose his best friend over this.

Roman.

this was killing Roman, but he’d never let landon know that, not in a million years. He simply nodded, and squeezed his hand for reassurance. “I’m sure.” Lie. He gave the smaller a tight lipped grin, thinking he must have just earned his angel wings because FUCK. “You deserve to have what you want, Landon, and I’ll be here regardless. Always.”

LANDON

Landon wasn’t sure whether to really trust him or not. He knew first hand what this felt like and he said the same when he gave Roman and Aaron his blessing, even though he didn’t really mean it. He didn’t want to push him though so if he said he was sure then Landon was just going to have to believe him. “I...thank you Ro. This really means a lot.”

Roman.

so, this was it. Roman just gave permission for something he was most definitely NOT okay with, but he loved landon, and he loved Khai, and if this was what they wanted, then he didn’t want to be the one standing in the way. “No need to thank me.” He ran his thumb over the other male’s knuckles, and then pulled away to distract himself with his coffee. Well. That’s it, he did his good deed for the day, and now, he honestly was ready to high tail it out of here.

LANDON

Landon wasn’t even sure how to feel. He was grateful to Roman for giving him and Khai a chance even though he still wasn’t sure how that was going to work out but once again it almost felt like the end of something for them. Just like when he said the same for Roman and Aaron, or when they texted about the past. Something about this seemed final. This still didn’t help him figure out things with Khai but at least he knew Roman wouldn’t hate him if something did happen. He took a sip of his own coffee, unsure of what else he could even say.

[carrionkid]

im so jealous of all ur nin stuff, what place/s do u get it all from?

i got a lot of it from my work bc employee discount (like the long sleeve and my downward spiral tee and my pretty hate machine tee i turned into a tank top) but they’ve also got a bunch of stuff on their merch store (which is wear i got the shirt w/ trent covered in mud) but it’s a bit pricier w/ shipping and all

also, checking out ebay and etsy is a great place as well, especially if you don’t mind reprints of shirts. you don’t have to shell out for vintage tees most of the time, someone out there has reproduced vintage iconic tees

[everythingoesnk]

Born To Be

summary; after one call you have the chance to meet your past and embrace him it.

word count; 2 905

disclaimers; none but that’s my gif up there, how cool’s that !!

warnings; I’M SO BAD AT ENDINGS IT’S EMBARRASSING

********

Around ten that night, the unexpected happened.

Your best friend, Jaime, found it tough to read your expressionless face.

Why it transformed into a pale mask was a mystery, since she couldn’t get to hear what the other person was saying.

You just couldn’t believe that this was happening. It couldn’t be real. Your hand was shaking, and a sickening pain in your chest interfered with your gasp for air.

Jaime shook your shoulder to bring you back to the moment.

“Are you still there?” the caller asked.

Every nerve in your body quivered at her voice.

Jaime was chewing on various cuticles as she tried to decipher the look in your eyes.

“I am,” you said in a weak voice, and cringed at your inability to tame your emotions.

Maureen drew in a deep breath.

This was hard for her as well, but she knew you were the only person who could fix things, who could fix him.

“I’m calling on Richard’s behalf, I guess” she sighed, not fully conscious yet that she finally built up the courage to do it.

The jiggling of your leg going up and down stopped.

Three things caught your attention: if Ringo had something to tell you, why was his wife the one to pick up the phone? Also, it was the first time you heard her calling him by his name, by Richard, which really preoccupied you for some reason. And the last and most disturbing one: why was she contacting you? Why now?

You two never exchanged a word before.

“Did something happen?” you asked, sceptical if you wanted to know.

You broke up with Ringo a week before he joined The Beatles, and to this day, many and many years later, you’ve barely seen or talked to him.

August 1962. He was 22 years old, you 19.

The reason why you broke up with him was simple and understandable: after an argument about how he wouldn’t spend any time with you, about how he’d always put Rory Storm and the Hurricanes first, making you feel like an accessory rather than a girlfriend, you didn’t stutter to give him an ultimatum.

It comes without saying he didn’t pass.

Then Maureen happened.

Convinced it was for the best, you split up still being recklessly in love with him: it broke your heart when the news reached your ears, you couldn’t deny it.

Thirteen years later, three children under Ringo’s wing -a five-year-old among them-, The Beatles no longer in the game, it was a whole different scenario.

Maureen held the phone tight.

“I just came home from signing the divorce papers”

“Oh no,” you gasped, and covered your mouth in utter shock.

Jaime narrowed her eyes and asked what was going on. You brushed her off.

“I assume you know nothing” Maureen speculated, because maybe you did.

You used to be very close to Paul after you met him backstage after one of The Quarrymen performances –you knew him, John and George long before Ringo did-, but she wasn’t sure if you kept in contact with each other nowadays.

The relationship wasn’t as tight as it once was, but you did. You phoned him very occasionally, and he sent letters or telegrams every three months to catch up, Ringo never brought up into the conversation.

So no, you didn’t know anything.

Maureen began to explain what caused the marriage to end in such bad terms: her and George having an affair, Pattie finding out and snitching to Ringo the very same day, she managing to persuade him to stay together, and how Ringo couldn’t cope anymore with the thought of his best friend and wife secretly fucking behind his back.

According to Maureen, he started to cheat constantly and become violent, drowning himself into a spiral of darkness and self-destruction, which mainly included critical alcoholism.

Your jaw clenched, and you spoke through gritted teeth.

“This is why you’re calling me for?”

She frowned and picked her words cautiously.

“No” she stopped talking to gather her thoughts. “I just wanted to tell you he needs help”

You shrugged dramatically even though she wasn’t there to see it.

Maureen sighed and closed her eyes, counting to ten silently to keep the tears at bay.

“I fucked up tremendously. I’d offer help myself, but I already did and he ended up like this anyway. You’re the only one he’ll listen to”

“What do you mean by ‘this’?”

Maureen didn’t speak, a knot in her throat preventing her from doing so.

“You expect me to fix things for you to have him back or what? Maureen, this is a waste of time, there’s nothing I can do. You said it yourself: you fucked things up. Don’t go asking people—“ you began, angry that she had to come to you to deal with her problems.

“You don’t understand”

“We haven’t talked in thirteen years! Do you really believe he’s going to—“

“He could be gone any second! He’s probably consumed three bottles already since we started talking. I’d die and revive as many times as needed to be able to go back in time and do things differently, but it’s too late, it’s useless trying to have him back. He…”

Maureen’s voice broke.

“He’s been in love with you the whole time”

You went white.

Your brain shutting down and the adrenaline pumping hysterically through your blood sent you to the very edge of nearly passing out.

“(Y/N), are you okay? Answer me” Jaime insisted, moving to a fetal position right in front of you.

“What… what do you mean?” you asked Maureen, ignoring Jaime.

“I’m a lot of things, but blind’s not of one of them. We went through a lot of things, you know? I never had the opportunity to explain myself, but I cheated because I hit rock bottom. I was tired of Rich not being over you. I gave him time, years that I won’t have back. All of them wasted waiting for something that didn’t come”

Now she called him Rich. Huh.

She was so close to crying, but you were sure she wouldn’t allow herself to. At least not until she hung up.

Maureen then dictated an address.

“Please, (Y/N)” she begged in a very emotional voice. “If he ever meant anything to you, go see him”

//

House keys tucked in your handbag next to your wallet, a pair of dirty sunglasses, one bottle of hand lotion, a pepper spray and kleenexes, you were confident you weren’t forgetting anything.

After hopping into the car, you pulled out on to the road.

Maureen called on Monday, but due to your work duties, you hadn’t been able to visit Ringo until now.

It was Thursday and you were on your way.

You didn’t tell anyone you were going, not even Maureen. And especially not Ringo.

It took a forty-minute drive to get there.

Climbing out of the car, you felt your legs wobbly. Was it a good idea? You didn’t know, but it wasn’t the right moment to turn around and leave. You had to keep it together.

For a moment, it all seemed unreal. You about to see him again, about to ring the doorbell.

Surprisingly, you didn’t have to.

Ringo swang the door open, carrying in the other hand a heavy garbage bag, which by the recognizable sound that the items inside made by bumping into each other, you knew it contained glass. Probably dozens of bottles of every type of beer and wine imaginable.

A big and remarkable beard was what pretty much stuck out first. The next thing you noticed was that his hair looked nasty: it didn’t reach his shoulders only for a tiny bit, and even though it was obvious he hadn’t brushed it in a while, it wasn’t missing the softness effect. Curls fell down his forehead. Under other circumstances that would’ve been nothing but cute.

Haggard was the only word you could use to describe him.

The cigarette between his teeth fell to the ground.

You looked at it and glanced up at him. His eyes’d grown wide, and he was immobile.

“Hi” you rasped, showing a shy smile.

What a nervous and chaotic mess you were inside.

“(Y/N)? What are you doing here?” his voice sounded incredulous, like if he were still digesting that you were there, not quite believing it.

“I…”

Indeed, it was dumb to think for an excuse you didn’t have. You just shook your head and fastened your eyes on the garbage bag.

“You’ve been busy?”

His cheeks turned crimson violently, and he shoved it away with a kick.

“Can I… hug you?” was all he asked, eyes never leaving yours, scared that if he might look away you’d vanish.

He wasn’t okay, you could just tell. It was heartbreaking.

As soon as he put his arms around you and squeezed, you were regretting your decision. To be more precise, you were regretting not having prepared yourself enough emotionally.

Ringo inclined his head downwards and pressed his nose against your shoulder, inhaling your scent.

“You’re here” he uttered.

You let him take his time, getting a glimmer of empathy.

As Ringo pulled back, you noticed that his hands were twitching. Symptoms, you guessed. Your heart skipped a beat.

“I’ll prepare you a cuppa” he exclaimed to break the tension, and swept into the kitchen after insisting that you got comfortable.

The place was a mess. Overflowed ashtrays everywhere, floor littered with crumpled papers and dirt all over. A lot of disorganization in general.

By the look of it, if his house were the mirror to his soul and health, he was at a very depressing point.

“Sorry about the disorder” he came back and handed you the cup. “I haven’t had time to hire someone or clean meself”

“It’s alright” you nodded, to make him feel better.

You walked over to a bookshelf, examining the silver-framed photographs of his children.

All of them were a huge accurate half and half mix of their parents, so you couldn’t say if they looked more like him or more like their mum.

Blowing into the cup, you turned to the right and saw Ringo sit back upon the sofa with his foot over the thigh of the other leg.

He lit another cigarette and offered you to grab one.

“I quit”

“I should too” he said, taking a very much long desired drag.

You refused to speak first.

Ringo sighed at your sight. You looked breathtaking standing there in those jeans and basic tee in the middle of his living room.

“So, what do I owe this honour” the corner of your mouth quirked up and you looked down to your feet timidly, “of you visiting the grumpy and drunk stupid Starkey this fine morning?”

The smile evaporated in a split second, and you worryingly fixed your gaze on him.

He smirked, but it soon melted away as well.

That sent cold goosebumps up and down your spine.

“C’mon. Thirteen years, only knowing about you because of Paul’s ‘she’s good, really’, and you magically appear on my doorstep the same week Mo and I divorce?”

You took in a keen breath.

Ringo stared at you, wanting to read you, but his brain wasn’t functioning very well.

He leaned in to cast the stub of the cigarette into the ashtray, saying nothing.

You slid on an armchair opposite him.

When you flashed your eyes at him, still easily flustered by his comment, you saw him gazing out the window. He looked beated down, unhappy.

“Richie”

He abruptly stood up and paced furiously, startling you.

“I’m so lost. You… I don’t know what the next step should be”

“Please, calm down. I’m here to help you”

“Help me?” he turned around and eyed you, every inch of your face. “I don’t need help. I need answers”

“What answers? You mean why Maureen and George…” you didn’t want to finish that.

“Why didn’t you reach out to me in all these years?” he stared at you and you became so small. “I thought we were friends, (Y/N). I know I took you for granted, but I’d have never imagined I wouldn’t hear from you in so long”

The pain in his voice made your eyes go shiny. You wouldn’t cry. No.

“Well, I… the last encounter we had… you didn’t say very nice things to me. I thought you didn’t want to hear from me again”

“I was mad because I didn’t want to end things. I don’t… I don’t remember what I said, but if I said something that hurt you, I’m genuinely sorry. I kept asking Paul for your number and your address, and he wouldn’t give it to me”

“I told him not to. I assumed you just wanted to argue, imagined you weren’t happy about me talking to him. You used to be very a jealous guy back then, I didn’t want to deal with it” you softly theorized, lowering your head.

Saying it out loud sounded so dumb.

Ringo drew nearer the big window and leaned against the wall, looking down the street.

“I missed you,” he mumbled, glad he wasn’t facing you so you wouldn’t see him chewing his lip out of anxiousness.

“I missed you too”

Off in the distance, you heard the tintinnabulation noise of the nearby church bells announcing noon.

You rose to your feet and stood behind him. Just when you were about to speak, he did it first.

“Are you staying for lunch?”

“If you want me to”

He looked at you over his shoulder. You inched forward and stopped in front of him.

“Maureen told me…”

You looked up subtly at him but glanced down again when you met that pair of intimidating ocean eyes. Ringo contemplated your features, and concluded that you were only getting prettier as time passed, the hint of a doubt never on his mind.

He, on the other very extreme of the scale, looked homeless.

Reaching out for your hand, he clasped it tightly.

Your heart rate went wild.

“Maureen told me you still loved me,” you said, watching your hands held together. “How crazy”

You dismissed it, because it couldn’t be true.

“Crazy?” he repeated.

“Huh?” you raised your head up.

He jerked his in the window’s direction again and let your hand go.

Would it be that crazy?

“Ringo… do you?”

He rolled his shoulders.

“Hey”

Slowly, he turned to you.

“I’m back now. I’ll help you recover, okay?”

Ringo’s lips were in a thin line. He tightened his jaw and crossed legs and arms, adopting a pose to feel more secure.

“Tell me about your life, how’re you doing?” he asked, genuinely interested.

“Work’s treating me nice, I’m healthy. I cannot complain”

His eyes dropped to your hand. No engagement ring in sight.

You blushed after following where his eyes were standing.

“Are you kidding me?”

“What?” you laughed.

“You’re not taken?”

“I could have a boyfriend”

Ringo raised an eyebrow.

“I do not” you answered, biting your lower lip to suppress a smirk.

“How many have you rejected?”

You giggled, and his face lit up, a serene feeling dawning on his chest. It’d been too long since he heard you laugh.

“I’m hungry. Aren’t you?” you hinted after a pause, redirecting the conversation somewhere else.

Ringo didn’t move or speak.

You didn’t have time to think about what could possibly be crossing his mind, but half a second later, he rushed to kiss you, taking you by surprise.

Even so, your mouth was quick to respond, parting lips to let him in. Ringo moved his hand to the back of your neck, and the other trailed down to rest on your waist.

Senses gone, you weren’t sure if this was right or wrong in any level.

He tasted like Bourbon, and touched you so well in all the right places that you agreed you’d worry later.

One lock of your hair got in the way, and Ringo, without undoing the connection of your lips, tucked it back in. You grunted in his mouth at the tender touch, and he pulled you closer passionately, intensifying the kiss.

A wave of stimulation hit you hard, and you attached your hip as much as you physically could to his body, at the same time that you sucked on his lip.

Meanwhile, he deepened his grasp, hands in fists below your back, wrinkling and tugging on your shirt.

Just as you thought it was over, Ringo pinned you against the wall, working with great mastery his luscious puffy lips on yours.

Arms around his neck, you two began to progressively slow down after a gratifying make out session.

The instant his lips were no longer touching yours, you felt angry and pointless. Was there anything in life you wanted to do that didn’t concern kissing him? No bother answering.

“Look what you did to me” he breathed.

Silence settled for a short period of time.

“Did Maureen tell the truth?”

Ringo furrowed an eyebrow.

“What’re you saying?”

“Did she lie when she said you love me?” you implored.

“No”

You nodded, heart full, and cupped his face with your hands.

“I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you’ll have to put up with me for a long time. I ain’t going nowhere”

“You’ll never leave me again?”

“I’d be insane”

[atthediscowithoutpanic]

Filling in the Pieces

This is for @sagechanoafterdark 2k celebration challenge! Congrats on the milestone my dear!! Thanks for hosting this challenge.

My prompt is “I deserved a better goodbye.” It will be in bold. 

It is my follow up to: Not Everyone is as they Seem

Bucky and OFC Belle Norris

1.4k word count

Language warning (Ya girl’s got a mouth) 🤷🏻‍♀️maybe some angsty angst.

Bucky held a sobbing Belle in his lap, unsure if it was really a good time to move. Here they were sitting on the floor in formal clothes, he was certain part of her dress was ruined at this point unworried about his suit. Finally wiggling enough to pull his cell out of his pocket and text Steve where he was. What had started off to be a pleasant evening had quickly completed a 180 spiral downward, stuck with his feelings and crying woman. Even more uncomfortable feelings of knowing HYDRA was still brainwashing people and had stooped low enough to start using women. 

Suddenly, the door open and Steve was barreling toward him. “What happened Buck?!” Steve crouched to the ground and started rolling Belle over to face him. “She’ll need to go in a holding cell.” Bucky said softly as if she was asleep. Steve shot him a puzzled look, “Holding? Seriously?” Bucky shook his head. Steve scooped Belle up in his arms and allowed him to get up. “If you say so, but you have some explaining to do.” Steve’s tone had shifted from best friend to a cold and authoritative tone. Steve headed to the service elevator and Bucky followed quietly behind him. 

The time between Steve coming to him, and down to the holding area next to the lab felt like an eternity to Bucky, lost in his own thoughts. Steve would glance back at him every so often. Steve placed in her in the cell and had FRIDAY lock it. 

“FRIDAY, run facial recognition on her, anything you can find.” Steve commanded as he went to sit next to his friend outside the cell. 

“Right away, Captain Rogers.” 

Steve could tell Bucky was lost in his own head, unsure of what had transpired. “Whoever she is, is safe for now, how about we go back up there and enjoy the rest of the party? We can sort this out in the morning.”  Patting Bucky’s shoulder with a smile. Bucky sheepishly nodded and followed Steve back to the party. Bucky’s feelings started to become even more meddled realizing there was finally someone who had shared life experiences as him in one way or another. 

Bucky was restless the rest of the night. When his digital clock finally read 4:30 in the morning he decided to go ahead and head down to the cell and hopefully see if she was up. After wrestling with sleep he decided it was just better to face the day whatever came of it. Steve and Tony were already down there, speaking with each other away from the cell. He walked right up to them concerned what was going on. “Hey.. did FRIDAY find anything?” Steve turned the computer screen over to face Bucky. The face on the florescent screen was sure enough her, smiling like she was at first at the party. The first picture was her California driver’s license showcasing her name, Orabelle Ann Norris and then another picture showing what at some point recently was an employee ID card for Cedar Hills Psychiatric Research Hospital with Psy.D. after her name. Hmmm. She’s thirty-three..Bucky mumbled to himself. Feeding the small but growing flame inside for her, before he could chase that thought anymore his head spun around to hear Tony banging on the bulletproof glass of the cell to wake her up. 

Belle wiped her eyes in an attempt to wake up and immediately sprang to her feet when she realized she was in a cage and someone was staring back at her. Now, three somebodies were standing there staring, her brain calling to recollection about the long-haired brunette from last night.  The older looking one looked familiar as well but she couldn’t place him. They had started to wipe her memory so it does not quite surprise her that she didn’t know who he was. As she started to walk towards the men standing in front of her, she met the floor after tripping in the evening gown she still had on that was intertwined between her ankles and shoes. Oh my god… Fuck me..  Hastily getting back up to finish walking toward them. 

The older one was a decent amount shorter than the blonde and other brunette but stood with the confidence like he was ten feet tall. 

“Hey Princess, I just want to start out by saying I deserved a better goodbye.” 

Belle cocked her head to one side and wiped her brow, as if the harder she stroked it the more her memory of where he knew her would come back. 

“Also, you look pretty good with the dark hair instead of being a blonde.” 

The Blonde interrupted him, “Tony, how do you know her?” 

Her eyes widen like saucers, hoarsely she opened her mouth, “St. Tropez.” answered the question the man asked. 

More questions than answers filled her brain, “Wait, does this mean you are Captain America?” She could see more of his muscle at the moment than the pictures of him in the tight ass suit. The black under armor tee clung to every nook and cranny of his muscles, evergreen colored basketball shorts showcased that he certainly never skipped leg day. But she preferred to look at the dark brooding one. His ice-blue eyes seemed to speak volumes with him not saying a word, Orabelle wanted to pull his hair out of the short ponytail and run her hands through it.  Okay quit being horny, and get ahold of yourself. that isn’t going to help you get out of this.  She shook her head to get rid of the horny thoughts running her mind. She did not want to go back to the endless questioning, prodding, and doing more things that will plague her mind at night, but was she safe where she was now? 

“Yes I am Steve Rogers, and you have Tony Stark and Bucky Barnes here as well.” Steve pointed to each of the other two men as he spoke then continued on,

“We do have a question though, do you want to continue working for ermm well your current employer? Here if you agree, you can access to the best tools to help your recovery, as well as using your knowledge for good.” Steve tried to avoid using the one word we all knew was coming… HYDRA. 

The long pause she could tell made the men a bit uncomfortable, the answer was screaming in one part of her brain YES! HELP ME LEAVE while the other side was fueled by the fear they had instilled into her that if she left they would just hunt her down and then the punishment would be much worse for trying to leave. A perky young blonde girl maybe in her early twenties in green scrubs walked up to the cell. Steve started to speak again, “Anna here is going to come in and take your blood so we can make sure you do not need medical attention, okay? One of us will be back once the tests are done.” Orabelle quietly shook her head in agreeance. 

Walking away, all Bucky wanted to do was tell her to not listen to fear that was currently in her mind. That she was so much more than what they had her do, swallow her up in a hug. The fact he was attracted to her did not matter much, he knew exactly what had happened to her and felt any human that had experienced it deserved to not walk through it alone as he had. 

Steve caught up to Bucky leaving Tony behind, “Buck, I think they gave it to her too.”

Bucky’s brow furrowed, “You think they gave her the serum?”

Steve stopped them both in the middle of the hallway still just steps away from the cell, “It may not be what we got, but yes I think we did.”

[fysebastian]

❛ chicago’s very own sebastian ramone has been spotted in new york city in an aston martin db5, welcome ! your resemblance to timothée chalamet is unreal. according to tmz, you just had your twenty fourth birthday bash. your chance of surviving new york is uncertain because you’re diffident , but being altruistic might help you. i guess being a pisces explains that. three things that would paint a better picture of you would be an overflowing ashtray, sleepless nights, and a thrifted jean jacket. & ( cis male & he/him )

hi everyone, my name is bee (it’s not rly but that’s the first letter of my name so close enough) & i’m excited to be here! this is sebastian & he’s kind of a hot mess and i can’t wait for you all to meet him. i’m going to try to sum him for you below, there’s quite a few triggering topics involved and those are abuse & suicide so please be advised! that being said -- send me an im if you’d like to plot or you can add me on discord @ mercury#7589. thanks for reading!!

basics

full name: sébastien émile ramon nicknames: seb, bash birth date: february 28, 1995 occupation: actor sexuality: homosexual birth place: chicago, illinois nationality: french american height: 5′9″ weight: 151 lbs afflictions: depression, ptsd smokes/drinks/drugs: yes/yes/yes

full story

sebastian was born to a newly wed couple as their first and only son, completing their happy little family as a healthy and lively baby who always seemed to have a smile on his face. his sister followed a couple of years later, and the two were always close growing up.

his childhood was modest, but they lived comfortably. his father was a french immigrant and the breadwinner of the family whereas his mother was of american descent and a stay at home mom. he was raised catholic and attended church every sunday and said his prayers before their evening meal.

from a young age he remembers being glued to the television, to the point where his family would have to turn it off just to make him go outside. he’d memorize the lines from all his favourite movies and recite them to whomever would listen. it became very clear that he had an attraction to theatrics, and had no intention of ever taking over his father’s mechanic shop.

his dad never really humoured the thought of acting but his mom was a little more supportive of the idea and took him to his first audition when he was six years old. from then on he just kept auditioning and he had a handful of various roles from the ages of six to thirteen under his anglicised name (which is what he goes by). it was decided that his mom would home school him until the age of fourteen when sebastian decided he wanted to attend the local public high school.

sebastian was a good kid, but like most children he did rebel. he was twelve when he discovered alcohol and thirteen when he discovered boys, and both became a secret he’d try to keep from his family. the transition to public school only gave him more opportunities to get in trouble, and most weekends he’d sneak out to some party or to hang out with his friends. on week days after class he helped out at his father’s shop.

so long as he kept up with his studies and continued to attend church every sunday, his parents were fairly willing to turn a blind eye to his misdemeanors. his relationship became more and more strained the older he got, however. it became more obvious that he was resisting their upbringing and he seemed to stray further from god’s teachings every day. his family was not as happy as it appeared to be, and his father was often drunk and verbally abusive to his mother. as he became older he’d throw snide comments his way as well. he almost never attended his school plays even when he’d get the lead role in every one

sebastian dropped out of high school early when he landed the lead role in high school musical at seventeen. by eighteen he’d filmed a sequel and a third was in the works when things came to a very sudden and devastating halt upon several explicit videos and photos being released days after breaking up with a guy he’d been seeing on and off for a few months behind closed doors.

this not only brought the very public pr relationship he’d been in with his on screen love interest from the high school musical movies to an end, it also terminated his contact with disney, who claimed he was no longer a good face to represent their company. he was outed and his parents wouldn’t talk to him. he felt like he’d lost everything, so it was a really dark time for him. it was too easy for him to fall into a downward spiral when he lost most of his friends that didn’t want the bad publicity and befriended all the wrong people, who introduced him to all the wrong things.

he went on a binge, he was out every night and woke up in places he didn’t recognize with people he didn’t know. he slept with whoever would pay him attention and swallowed whatever pill was put into his mouth. it was on one of these benders that he met his ex-boyfriend. this boyfriend resembled his father in so many ways but most of all the way he’d speak to him, like he was never good enough. then he put his hands on him for the first time, and it just got worse from there.

he was a shell of who he used to be, he fell off the grid and was easily manipulated by this guy who made him think he couldn’t do any better because he wasn’t worth anything. he was isolated from everyone he knew because he was so possessive and had a terrible temper so he didn’t want anyone else to get involved. he tried to get out a few times but it never went well, and so he let it go on for two years

the first time sebastian hit headlines again was when he attempted suicide and was rushed to hospital. from there he was sent to a rehabilitation facility to receive therapy and detox. by the time he surfaced again his boyfriend had proceeded to disappear from his life, taking all of seb’s things with him and leaving him with a barren apartment to come home to. 

it was from here that he started over in new york city, getting back into acting and reconnecting with his little sister who’d recently been kicked out of home after getting pregnant out of wedlock & needed a place to stay. there are times where the flashbacks and the nightmares and the negative thoughts feel like they’re suffocating him, but he’s doing a thousand times better than he was. he’s working on more healthy relationships and surrounding himself with positive people, but it’s hard because that’s not what he’s used to. 

his parents have since divorced and he talks to his mom occasionally but hasn’t heard from his dad in years. he’s been making a new name for himself as of late in roles that involve drugs, mental health and most recently homosexuality (cmbyn okay)-- basically everything he was too afraid to even try before. he still parties but not nearly as much and usually not as hard. he tries to lay low on the radar, but there are times when he still gets up to no good

personality/facts

sebastian is the kind of person who needs to be with people at all times. if he’s alone that’s when he really starts getting in his head. he’ll probably show up at your place unannounced if he feels comfortable with you and if he does it probably means that he needs to get away from himself for a bit. 

he’s a very touchy person so he’s always cuddling up to his friends and likes to hug and express his affection in a very physical way. 

he’s generally pretty nice to everyone and gets along with most people. it’s not hard for him to make friends but he’s somehow always questioning if people really like him or if they just put up with him. he’s very insecure about this deep down. 

he wears his heart on his sleeve and is a very emotional person. he cries when he’s happy and he cries when he’s sad. he’s sensitive and just wants to be loved :( 

very trusting of people and will likely forgive you again and again even if you don’t deserve to be forgiven

doesn’t seem to know he’s famous and is extremely humble.

he loves to dance even though he’s not the best at it and he loves to sing as well. he also plays the piano!

he lives in oversized hoodies and jeans and sometimes baseball caps. he’s also a big fan of knitted sweaters with quirky designs on them. definitely rocks the same pair of adidas sneakers until they’re no longer wearable. also band tees

he has a thing for old cars and vintage clothes. definitely has a giant record collection and is a big fan of rock music

has a few tattoos but they’re all hidden

he’s bilingual and has been in a couple of french movies, which never really made it big in america

he’s a chain smoker; he smokes when he’s stressed, when he’s drunk, when he’s bored, etc. so he’s kind of always smoking

rarely logs into social media because he doesn’t do well with negative attention

[askhappyhealthyvegan]

Austin vegan ice cream makers, Nadamoo, have a brand new limited edition holiday flavor and we've got the SCOOP! OK, silly pun, but how could I resist??? In this fun unboxing review we also give a taste test of the 3 new flavors of dairy free ice cream that this company released earlier in 2019. Which ones were our favorite? Find out in this lighthearted video that shows, once again, why being vegan doesn't suck. (Really, Ryan, can't we come up with a better tagline? LOL!) Check out the Nadamoo site to find them in a store near you OR to order their ice cream online! https://nadamoo.com 🎶 👩‍🎤 🎸 🎹 🎧 MUSIC: “City Moon (Instrumental)” by Love Spirals Downwards Hear more music from our bands Love Spirals Downwards and Lovespirals on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play, or Bandcamp or Pandora. 👕 👚 📚 📦 📬 MERCH: Support the channel with a Happy Healthy Vegan tee or tank -- or Anji’s Keep It Carbed, Baby! cookbook in print or ebook format -- at https://ift.tt/1TdKzQa 🍌 🍓 🍑 🌽 🍚 🍞 CONNECT: https://ift.tt/1TdKzQa https://ift.tt/1do4mtE https://ift.tt/1do4mtG https://ift.tt/2uDvFeT PO Box 391 • Seal Beach, CA • 90740 • USA 🛍 🎁 📦💓💸 This video is not sponsored, as in made-for-pay, but may include some items given to me gratis for possible review purposes. I make videos featuring vegan products for the joy of sharing vegan friendly items with my viewers.

[nikkxb]

What Money Can Buy

Inuyasha Pairing: KogKag Rating: Mature Prompt: @iinuyashaa said “Kouga’s like a wholesome sugar daddy” and it was a downward spiral from there. Coffee Shop AU for AU Yeah August. Author’s Note: Listen, if you squint, you can see the coffee shop part of the au, promise.

The black credit card had been burning a hole in her pocket all week. Every time she opened her wallet, it caught her eye. Hard not to considering how out of place it was. Still, even with the compromise they came to, she shied away from it and either used her own debit card or the little bit of cash she had each time she paid.

Kagome wasn’t certain how long it was going to take before the sight of that black sliver didn’t shock her or if she would ever get used to it. The entire idea was completely foreign, but her protests hadn’t worked and he continued reminding her of the crazy arrangement she made, so she simply ignored it instead.

Until now. Apparently, Kouga really didn’t like her not using his card and he had the uncanny ability to call at the worst possible times.

“Kagome,” he said as her coffee order was called, his voice a mix of affection and exasperation, “I gave you the card so you can use it.”

“Yeah, but I have it covered.”

Miroku handed her the drink when she neared the counter, his raised eyebrow indicating that he knew exactly the conversation she was having on the phone. No privacy anywhere.

“The schedule’s posted,” he said, glancing at the new customers that just walked in. “Tell Kouga hi for me.”

Cup of coffee and lemon scone in one hand, phone to her ear in the other, Kagome didn’t hesitate to escape the noise of the cafe and slip into the back. Her eyes went to the bulletin board just as she realized the silence coming from the other end of the line.

“Kouga?”

“I’m here,” he said, something warm curling in her stomach at the adoration still in his tone. “How’s your schedule look for next week?”

Damn the man for asking about the one thing she didn’t want to tell him.

“It’s…alright.”

Her pause had been too noticeable.

“How many hours?”

She blew out a breath. “Eighteen.”

The beat of silence that came after that told her all she needed to know: her streak of ignoring the shiny new card in her wallet was about to end.

“Kouga, I’m fine, I prom—”

“We made a deal, right?” Concern started to thread through the other emotions in his voice, but she focused on the affection instead. “I agreed that I won’t pay your bills, you agreed to let me pay for everything else.”

“I haven’t needed to buy—”

“And we also agreed that food doesn’t count as a bill,” he continued, confirming her suspicions. He knew she paid for her coffee. “Nor do clothes or dinners with friends or the new book you’ve had your eye on for three weeks.”

“Kouga—”

“Use the card, beautiful.” Wise of him not to let her speak, especially paired with that pet name that sent her stomach fluttering, and they’d been dating long enough for him to utilize the knowledge effectively. “Go shopping, get your groceries, meet Sango for drinks, and have fun. Please. Use the card.”

“Kouga, I told you the slow season was coming up—”

“If you don’t use that card, I’m going to shop for you.”

She froze, knowing Kouga just won. The last time he’d purchased something for her, she came home to a box containing shoes more expensive than her rent and a jewelry set that could have supplied lunch to a small army. Considering he hadn’t even touched clothes, Kagome couldn’t take the risk of him dropping a fortune in retaliation and stocking that in her closet.

And then expect her wear said fortune.

“I love you,” he said softly, breaking through the mental struggle she was experiencing.

“I love you, too.”

“Have fun today. See you tonight.”

Kagome stared at her phone, running through the conversation again in her head. Her thumb moved and she tapped Sango’s name before putting the phone to her ear.

It appeared that she was going shopping.

*

She was heading toward the line at the bookstore when Sango showed up. Kagome hadn’t intended to start there, but one look at the store amidst a sea of clothes and expenses, she knew it would be easier. A book was simple. Small and easy, something she would have afforded herself and something she knew without a doubt he would have gifted her with.

So with book in one hand and wallet in the other, Kagome made her way to the register before she was interrupted by Sango.

“He finally get to you?” her friend asked with obvious amusement.

“He threatened to go shopping for me himself if I didn’t start using his card.”

Her complaint was received with a laugh.

“You’re not supposed to be on his side,” Kagome spouted in annoyance. “What happened to being strong, independent women?”

“Strong, independent women get to be strong, independent women because they’re smart, Kagome,” Sango shot back easily. “So when a strong, independent woman falls in love with a strong, handsome man who’s so in love with her, he wants to give her the world—and just so happens to make enough money to do so—said strong, independent woman thanks her lucky stars and accepts her new sugar daddy.”

“Don’t call him that!” she hissed, looking around at anyone who might have heard. “He doesn’t have to give me his money to give me the world. He doesn’t have to give me money at all.”

Sango’s response was interrupted by the line moving and one of the cashiers calling for Kagome, so she took the interruption and placed her book on the counter. Her fingers stuttered over the black card, not even able to touch it, before she shook her head and—

Use the card, beautiful.

Kagome didn’t blink as she passed over the thick, black credit card, finished out her transaction, and tucked the card and receipt in her wallet. Sango was waiting for her and if she focused on that, she could grab the bag and get going and be out of the bookstore and into the mall before she finally realized what she actually did.

“Oh my God, I have a sugar daddy.”

“Now she’s getting it,” Sango cheered, bumping her shoulder into Kagome’s.

“I’m a total slut.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Sango, I have a sugar daddy.”

“And you fell in love with him before you knew how much money he had.”

“But—“

“Kagome.”

That hard tone had her gaze shooting up.

“Are you with Kouga because of his money?”

Kagome shook her head.

“If Kouga was just as broke as you, would you leave him?”

She shook her head again.

“Are you using Kouga?”

Another shake, this one with wide eyes, but Sango continued before she could speak.

“Then stop.”

Standing there in the middle of the mall, Kagome reflected over their relationship and how it progressed over the last year since he first came into the coffee shop she worked at. How he continued coming in to talk to her, how he finally asked her out for lunch, and then how he nurtured a relationship between the two of them before she finally fell in love.

“Do you think he gets something out of buying stuff for me?” Kagome blurted out.

“Probably,” Sango shrugged. “I would be surprised if he didn’t, but I think it’s more to do with taking care of you than some type of power trip.”

“So me not using his card,” she paused, not quite certain what she thought of her own realization, “is like an insult?”

Sango’s eyes softened and she leaned in. “I can’t answer that, Kagome. You have to ask him. But you said you needed some new bras, right?”

Oof, good hit. Kagome was wearing her last good one and that was saying something considering it was holding on by a thread.

Sango read her expression correctly. “Let’s go get you some bras. You can rationalize it later when you remember what Kouga gets out of you buying lingerie.”

*

Shopping turned out to be a good idea.

First, Kouga noticed. Ten minutes after she left the bookstore, he sent her a text containing a single, red heart. After she left the lingerie shop, his text told her he was taking her out that evening on a date paired with that knowing eyes emoji. Sango took one look at “date” and made sure she found a new dress to go with her sexy underwear. And after the dress, she stumbled upon a few clothing essentials and Kagome spent more in one afternoon than she could remember spending in months, but each purchase was rewarded with sweet words from Kouga. It made the whole thing easy to swallow.

Second, she really did need the clothes. Well, maybe not everything she bought, but the underwear, definitely. And nice fitting jeans were hard to find, especially when they were on sale — which they were. And comfortable shorts that didn’t show off her butt cheeks almost didn’t exist anymore, but she found a few pairs anyway. So with all of that, Kagome ended up with more clothing than she had been anticipating, but it was all clothing she would wear.

Exception to the dress. Not many places would she wear that, but she was getting use out of it on their date and it was nice to have a nice gown in her closet in case something like this happened again.

And it was a wonderful date. Kouga took her to a really nice restaurant where he was dressed in a button down with no tie and good-fitting slacks that showed off the length of his legs. He always looked good no matter what he wore, but in her new dress and heels, Kagome almost felt like she finally fit next to him.

She still preferred him in jeans and a tee hanging out at the park. Their casual dates were where she fell in love with him and she wouldn’t trade them for all the nice champagne in the world.

But Kouga loved taking her out, showing her off to anyone they saw. He asked about her shopping and what she got, Sango and how she was doing with her upcoming summer classes, even about work and life and Kagome’s other friends and reminding her all over again why she loved him. Even with his ridiculous amount of money.

It was only on their way to his home when Kagome finally plucked up the courage to ask him the question she’d been wondering for days.

“Kouga, why do you want me to spend your money?”

“Because I like taking care of you,” he answered immediately.

“Yeah, but you already take care of me.”

He tore his eyes away from the road for a split second to study her. “Not in the same way.”

“But I don’t need you to,” she said, trying to sort through her own thoughts. “I don’t need all of this. The dress is nice, but completely unnecessary if I get to be with you.”

The came to a stop in front of a red light and Kouga took the opportunity to reach out and squeeze her hand. “It’s necessary to me.”

She jerked, but he continued talking.

“Let me explain.” He squeezed her hand again. “No, you don’t need any of this. You are more than capable of surviving on your own and you were doing a damn good job of it before I met you. I don’t want to take that from you, Kagome, because I know how important it is to you.”

So far, so good; he was making sense and still acknowledging her pride.

“You’re a giving person. I’ve never seen someone hand out their heart to so many people in so many ways. You remember the day I finally talked to you? I watched you pull out your own wallet to paid for a little girl to get a cookie because she just so happened to walk in from the rain.”

“Every child deserves a cookie when they’re scared and looking for their mother,” she protested quietly.

His face broke out in an immediate, large smile. “See? You’re still doing it now.” Kouga turned back to the road as the light turned green. “Kagome, you give and give and give all the time. I look at you and all I want to do is give back.”

“You already give back.”

“Not enough.”

“Kouga,” she stressed, “it is enough.”

He was quiet, a frown starting to furrow his eyebrows and she let him have the moment to think. “It’s enough for you because you’re happy with me, something I’m damned lucky for and always will be. But it’s not enough for me, not when there’s so much more I can give you.”

Sango’s words echoed in Kagome’s ear.

“And since you’re so stubborn and won’t let me take care of you the way I really want to,” he continued, his tone turning teasing, “I do it this way. You want to pay your bills? I understand and respect that. But a shopping spree? Nice clothes and pretty dresses and good books you’re going to read and the peace of mind that you’ll have all of that even when you have slow hours at work? That is what I want to give you.”

She never thought of it that way, not in the sense of what Kouga was feeling. After being on the receiving end of pity masked as care far too many times, Kagome learned to refuse help she didn’t earn. But if giving her a credit card made Kouga feel at ease, that made it a little different.

Only one question left to ask and it was one she really wanted the answer to, but she wasn’t sure it was an answer she wanted to face.

“Was it insulting when I didn’t use your card?”

His silence said everything.

“I didn’t mean—”

“I know you didn’t mean it, Kagome,” he interrupted softly, “and I didn’t tell you for a reason.”

“Why?”

“I didn’t think it was fair to guilt you into doing something you really didn’t want to do.”

Her heart warmed with affection for this man. “Is that why you kept calling me when you noticed I wasn’t using it?”

“Part of it,” he grinned, “but mostly because I really enjoy seeing just how stubborn you can be.”

“I still bought way too much today,” she said. “Some of it has got to be taken back—”

“Oh no, you don’t.” Kouga squeezed her hand again. “I’ll rip the tags off and steal your receipts if I have to, but you’re not returning anything after I finally got you to spoil yourself.”

That tugged at her heart even more, a small smile growing on her lips as she realized just how much it meant to him.

Still, she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling. “I still feel weird.”

“I know and I think you’ll feel weird for a while.” Kouga pulled into the driveway to his home, parking in the garage before turning to face her. “But thank you for doing it, anyway.”

“You’re welcome.”

He looked at her in the dim lights of his garage, his eyes dancing over her face and then down her dress. His grin turned dirty and Kagome’s cheeks instantly heated as she remembered what the grin was for. “Please tell me you’re wearing your new lingerie. I’ve been dying to see what you bought all day.”

“You think I bought them for you?” she asked, feigning propriety in order to hide the sudden bout of bashfulness.

“I know you did.” He undid his seatbelt and slid out of the car and Kagome knew better than to open her door before he got to it. Some things, she was learning, meant a lot to him and Kouga really wanted to take care of her in his own way.

He helped her out of the car, pulling her up and into his body as he let his hands slide down the silk covering her sides before they settled on her hips. “This dress looks fantastic.”

“Sango helped me pick it out,” she answered, sliding her arms up and around his neck.

“I’ll have to thank her.” He crowded her against the car door. “But first, I need to see what you have on under here.”

“Nothing special,” she lied.

His eyes were knowing as he leaned down and touched his lips to hers. Her heels made kissing him easier, a simple tilt of her neck as she pressed her body against his, welcoming the slide of his tongue.

“Do you work tomorrow?” he murmured in her ear as he nipped the sensitive skin of her neck.

“No,” she breathed.

“Good.” His tongue slid down her neck and he sucked gently on the curve of her shoulder. “You can spend the day showing me everything you bought.”

“Is this going to become a thing?” she asked, desperately focusing on the feel of his mouth rather than the reminder of her day. “A fashion show every time I use your card?”

Something in her voice must have tipped him off because he pulled back, his eyes finding hers and searching out answers to questions he didn’t ask. He didn’t need to; his concern was etched over his face.

“Does it really bother you?”

She swallowed, forcing herself to meet his gaze, consider his feelings, swallow her pride, and be truthful about her day. “At first, yes. But after talking to you, I think…I think I feel a little better.”

The silence stretched as he watched her, but then he must have found whatever he had been looking for and a grin tugged at the corner of his lips. “If you’re really struggling, I don’t mind shopping for you.”

“Oh no,” she returned immediately, already picturing the monstrosities she’d come home to. “Please don’t. I’ll be fine with this.”

“Good.” Kouga kissed her again, then pulled her away from the car. “Now come on — it’s about time I really appreciate some of your purchases.”

I know the focus about the credit card sounds like ridiculous consumerism, but if you guys ever get the chance to hold a black American Express card, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. I’ve had a few come through my register when I worked at a bookstore in college and oh man, you know something’s different the instant it touches your fingers. It’s insane.

Also, thanks to anon, smutty second chapter here!

[lickmeleclerc]

|Falling Short| H.H {Chapter 3}

Characters :Highschool!Harry Holland x Y/n (female reader)

Summary: Y/n & Harry were inseparable hence the verb were. Near the end of 8th year they started to drift apart, Now Senior year of high school they’ve completely been out of each other’s lives for three years. This is a normal occurrence with friendships but not so much for two people who have been best friends since the age of two and happen to live next door to each other. What event can reunite them?

Playlist: Here

Warnings: cussing probably, nothing yet

Y/n’s manicured thumb lingers over the send button on the screen of the small device i her hands, but she can’t bring herself to push it. Her eyes scanned the text again;

‘Hey Harry, I’m sorry for storming out on you today. It’s a touchy subject for me...to talk about Kyle. Him and I don’t really connect anymore. I just wanted to say I’m sorry again. I hope you can understand. See you tomorrow, bye.’

“Ugh!” She exasperates before pushing the lock button and discarding the device it to her side. A simple text to Harry shouldn’t be so hard to send, she’s always texted him. With an adjustment of her hair tie and moving to sit criss cross on her bed she sighs and grabs her phone.

“One...two...three!” She closes her eyes and sends the message. The whoop noise notifies her that it's been sent, a small sigh leaves her lips as she opens her eyes again. A small time appears underneath her message, he’s read it. But no dots appear so she closes her phone and rolls over in her bed to try and sleep.

~

Harry yawns and looks at the two cups of coffee sat before him on his desk, one for himself and one for Y/n. She wasn’t in class yet and he definitely acknowledges how awkward he must look. A glance at the clock above the door shows there’s only two minutes left of passing period. Before he turns away though he spots Y/n but she’s not alone. Kyle roughly grabs her forearm and jerks her toward him, he harbors an angry expression and a vein is protruding in his neck and pulsing. The girls face is shocked and an angry expression is on her features as well. Her hair is pulled half up in a small bun, showing her face and the sundress she’s wearing clings to her body in the right spots but also has a nice flow above her knees. She’s dressed how Harry would have expected her to dress yesterday. Her love for fashion has worn off somewhat into Harry’s decision making and he hopes she’ll notice. His maroon cardigan over a black Tee are two colors he likes together and his favorite pair of black denim jeans matched. He was proud of it today and he needed to be.

Y/n turns away from her boyfriends and tries to reset her emotions before crossing the threshold into her English class. She spots Harry and eyes the items on his desk and can’t help but let a smile start to form in the corner of her mouth.

“Hey.” She says as she slides into her desk, Harry turns and smiles at her and she doesn’t feel awkwardness in the air between them anymore.

“I’m sorry.” The two both saying in unison as they look at each other, laughs follow in suit and Harry finds himself looking down, he sees her arm still red and looking like it will bruise. He feels more anger build up toward Kyle but his focus is on Y/n right now. He makes a mental note to talk to his old buddy later.

“Here.” He says as he hands her one of the coffees, it’s still warm to the touch and the excitement on Y/n’s glossed lips and her makeup enhanced eyes makes Harry’s day. Her love for coffee was never too over the top but he knew it was one way to her heart and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want that.  “Vanilla latte with almond milk.” He recites her order and she smiles more as she takes a sip.

“Ahh. The best, thank you Harry.” The girl appreciates before the bell rings. Mrs. Hall stands from her desk and calls the two forward. Y/n and Harry share a look of inquiry and walk up to the desk.

“I have zero tolerance for drinks in my class, detention after school today.” Her stern voice explains as two pink slips are in her boney hand. The two nod and take them walking back to their seats. A snort is heard behind Y/n’s shielded face from her hair and Harry results to biting his thumb to hide his giggles. Something about the two always ending up in trouble together wasn’t a surprise. When the two diviants were both 16, before the accident, Harry and Y/n snuck out to a party and came home to discover both their parents in Harry’s room arms crossed and disappointed looks plastered on their mothers faces, and looks of sleepiness on their fathers. It wasn’t a highlight of their childhood but definitely a memory to tell in the future.

“Watch out Y/n Mrs. Hell is out to get us.” Harry whispers to in her ear still sporting a bright smile. The very fitting new nick name Harry has deemed the teacher earns more laughter from his desk partner.

“Lets hope she doesn’t hold a grudge we need a good grade.” She adds opening her notebook. A small square note is falls to the floor like a feather in the wind. Harry’s eyes land on it first and he quickly realizes its a prescription but before he can read the stringy cursive of the doctors writing she’s scooped it up and tucked it away in her bag. He wants to ask questions and get answered but he decides against it and looks ahead as Mrs. Hall begins a new lesson.

Y/n after tucking the note away hopes Harry won’t ask questions as long as she doesn’t make eye contact with him, it’s not something she’s ready to speak aloud, or else it will be real and she’s not ready to face that. As long as it's not really ‘real’ yet the roller coaster that life is for Y/n is still on the pull upward but as soon as the truth leaves her lips it’ll be the pivotal downward spiral, the kind of straight drop on the similar coaster that makes ones stomach flip. So, for now, Y/n will continue on the easy route as the nerves build along with the rising of the coaster. Even if it means hiding a secret from her newly rekindled best friend. She feels his eyes on her though and can imagine his worried expression on his face, his curly hair flopped over and eyebrows furrowed while his bottom lip is pulled between his teeth. If she looks at him she knows she’ll cave.

“Talk to me if you need to okay Y/n.” He reassures and goes back to listening to the lesson. Hot tears brim her eyes as she crosses her arms over her chest and looks down at her notes, thankful that she has hair long enough to hide her face from Harry. A few deep breaths later she’s calmed herself down as she focuses on soccer tryouts after school. With a deep breath she faces Harry before the bell rings.

“Hey, would you want to, um possibly come to my soccer tryouts after school? Cause then we could work on our project?” She asked nervously as she fiddled with her hands. A large smile is now on the boys face at her offer. He’s nodding before he can even reply.

“Yeah! I can take pictures too for the yearbook and maybe we can get some food afterward.” He adds and she instantly knows where they’ll be going. A small kind of run down place in the middle of the city’s downtown area. It serves burgers the size of their hands and the amount of fires cover the bottom of the plates. The sitting area is small because the old husband and wife owner’s like people to sit at the counter. They really care about their customers even if the place looks like its about to be closed down anyday by a health inspector and desperately needs a makeover. It has character and the two have been going since they were little and Y/n’s grandpa was in town.

“I’ll see you in theater and then after school.” She confirms and exits as she throws her bag over her shoulder and walks to her next class as she tries to avoid Kyle in the hall.

“Hey you!” A high pitched voice calls that causes Harry’s ears to perk up as he feels arms wrap around his waist. His hands move on top of hers as he turns around.

“Oh hey Y/n-Julie hey.” He chimes through a shocked a expression but quickly tries to mask it and the fact he called her Y/n. He actions from being all love like quickly changes as an angry expression forms on her face.

“What did you just call me?” She questions. Harry knows he’s messed up big time but he can’t dig himself out of this hole.

“I’m sorry I was just talking to her in class and I just got it confused, I’m sorry babe.” His words are sincere but he can’t deny the actions she’d done he did want it to be Y/n.

“Well it better be just an accident because she better not be stealing my boy.” She laughs her actions changing immediately.causing Harry to emit an awkward laugh.

“Course not babe.” He answers pulling the short girl to his chest for a hug. He may want Y/n and him to be more than friends but he feels something when he looks at Julie and he doesn’t ruin that for something that’ll never happen with Y/n.

The day goes by slow for the two and Y/n feels the nerves in the pit of her stomach build with every minute, not only over the moment in first period but for the tryouts. She’s practiced all summer besides the trip she took with Kyle and she’s counting in a scholarship next year. As theater rolls around though she tries to push it all aside and have some fun.

“Class today we’re picking out monologues! They can either be modern or in old english. Feel free to work in groups and you must check it with me first.” The teacher explains briefly before walking into her office after adjusting her thick framed glasses that didn’t seem to match the boho outfit she had on. Harry spots Y/n sitting over on the steps on the large stage and heads over to her ipad in hand.

“Is this seat taken?” He asks as she looks up while brushing stray hairs behind her ear.

“By you.” She speaks softly not wanting to draw attention to the two in the quite work setting. He returns her smile and sits down there legs slightly touching now. “You’re so warm.” she laughs as she feels his body heat through her thin dress. Before responding he looks quizzically at her, it’s quite hot out today and the audition feels suffocating to him, maybe it's the mop of curly hair on his head or the layers he has on but either way he can’t believe she’s cold.

“Well here.” He offers as he shrugs off the cardigan and draps it over her shoulder before she can refuse. A light blush dusts her cheeks at his gesture as she slips her arms into the sleeves instantly being greeted with warmth. Before they speak again Harry admires how she looks in his clothes, the sleeves hang over her hands and it definitely looks oversized, she couldn’t look any more adorable.

“Okay you have to let me take a photo.” He demands while pulling his phone from his pocket and opening the camera.

“What no way! Harry no.” She laughs hiding her face the sweater paws. He pauses a silent laugh leaving his lips as he holds the camera up waiting for her to peak out. Right when she does he takes the photo.

“Ha! Got it!” He expresses as he clicks to enlarge it. Its blurry around the edges from her movement but her cheeks are covered from the sweater paws but you can tell she’s smiling brightly. Her alluring eyes are peaking out and they look full of happiness, and no Harry is positive she definitely could not be any more beautiful.

“You’re beautiful Y/n.” He speaks with no laughter or joking like tone to his voice. She pulls her hands away from her face and her smile falls but a very prominent blush resides on her cheeks from his comment.

“Thank you.” She finally manages to say. Never one to take compliments but the way Harry said it made it a true compliment. It wasn’t a lie or him just being nice and when she’s with him she does feel beautiful. He looks up from staring at the photo and give her one of his signature smiles that's so contagious she smiles back.

“C’mon let's pick out our monologues.” She changes the subject and bumps his side with hers as they share a ipad screen, Y/n even ends up leaning her head in his shoulder and he wants nothing more than to wrap an arm around her back but that’d be too far. He pushes the thoughts away and looks seriously to fulfil his current assignment. The two still joke around trying to pick out the funniest monologues for eachother but in the end before class is over find serious ones they both like.

“Ready for tryouts?” He questions as the two slowly walk down the hall headed toward the field, Y/n still has the cardigan slung over her arms and the boy feels proud she’s walking around wearing his clothes.

“Yeah! I’m trying not to be nervous. I’ll see you on the field?” She confirms and breaks away from his side to head to the locker room. He only nods and pushes out the metal doors and heads to the bleacher on the field.

“So when did you and Kyle break up?” A girls voice rings through the stingey room as Y/n slides her shorts on.

“What? We didn’t break up.” She laughs dryly as she spins around to face another girl in a soccer uniform.

“Hm. You just seem pretty comfy with that yearbook guys guess i was just confused.” She ends the conversation with a flip of her ponytail and walks away. As Y/n puts her jersey on she rolls her eyes not buying the fake confusion the other girl used as an excuse. But in her mind she wishes she was broken up with Kyle. A she pulls her hair up into a tight ponytail her she feels some pain just under her ribs from the stretch but brushes it away as nerves as she exits the locker room.

Y/n spots Harry and she feels the nervous tension in her body fade away as he gives her a thumbs up and an encouraging smile. She not only wants to impress the judges but him too. After taking roll and showing of their individual skills they start a schrimage. Harry who's been snapping photos the whole time mostly of number 17, Y/n, is now trying to get shots of all the players. He enjoys taking action shots, taking a still of a moving object or person can turn out interesting looking and he likes the challenge of having to snap the photo at the right time.  A whistle blows as someone makes a goals and the coach calls everyone up, thanking them for their time today. Y/n jogs over to Harry as she catches her breath he high fives her.

“You were amazing as always but I will say you’ve gotten much better since fourth grade.” He jokes as they begin to walk toward the front parking lot. She laughs her cheeks flushed from all the running.

“Thanks.” She smiles proudly glad she impressed him.

“Where’d you park?” He asks as they stop on the sidewalk and he looks around for her car.

“I didn’t.” She laughs and he catches on she carpooled with Kyle today. He’s not in the mood to talk about him so he changes the subject.

“Okay well then right this way, you chariot awaits.” He calls as he heads toward his parked car and open the door for her.

“Why thank you good sir.” She laughs as she slides into the passenger seat. Again she feels a slight pain under ribs again

Taglist (Ask to be added here)  @spideynora @spideymood @painted-soulss @tomsfireheart @rosemiltionundercover @smexylemony @parkerstan  @living-dead-parker @typicaltrashbagg @painted-soulss @redhoodparker @spiderman-n @damnhisfaceislikethenightsky  @fuckyou-imspiderman @ive-got-some-lies-to-tell @beautiful-holland @lovelyh0lland @cherryhollands @quitetommy @futureparker @thesciencebabe

[puclpodcast]

PDL Week 8 Recap

PDL Week 8 Recap

We have a lot to discuss this week from Playoffs to an interview with The Fluffiest Whimsicott so let’s jump right into Week 8,

DEP vs. NYY: 0-1

NWN vs. BFS: 3-0

HEH vs. NJJ: 4-0

COG vs. VAV: 2-0

TOT vs. SLC: 0-3

PIP vs. BAL: 0-2

HFW vs. JAX: 6-0

ITA vs. DCC: 0-3

LOL vs. MID: 0-1

BLP vs. AUK: 1-0

MIL vs. MIN: 3-0

There were a lot a really close games this week. That had a lot of playoff implications but I go into more detail about that below. This was a week of inter-divisional matches with a division game thrown in and it is starting to make things a lot more interesting. I cannot emphasize how important every match is in the rest of the season. There are 22 out of 24 teams that have a path to the playoffs, while for some it is unlikely or requires a specific string of losses and win it is crucial that you bring you A game every week. Worst case it is just as much fun to crush someone’s dreams of playoffs as it is to make them, but first let’s enjoy a nice week off as we have our final bye week of the regular season. This week was a positional week. A lot of teams got some crucial wins and overall showed how week to week, you can be playing a different team. Playing any team that prepares well and plays well is going to be difficult to deal with. There are no free wins in this league every one has to work to earn every win.

Pick’ems

Pick’ems this week has left us with one person at the top and several only a point behind. There really inst much more to say about it other than the picks have been off from perfect so it looks like no one will be shout out again… unless in the last 4 weeks the pickers miraculously do what has not been done since week 1. We will see how it goes in the remaining 4 weeks before the playoff bracket

Trades

We have 3 more weeks to make trades and they are still coming through so lets go over them.

AUK Lucario T2 TOT Diggersby TOT Diggersby T2 AUK Lucario PIP Weezing T4 Free Agent Arbok PIP Gourgeist T5 Free Agent Froslass LOL Scizor T2 SHS Espeon SHS Espeon T3 LOL Scizor

  AUK and TOT traded Lucario for Diggersby respectively. This trade helps both teams as AUK is hoping this trade will help their team as they make a late season playoff push. PIP dropped Weezing and Gourgeist and picked up Arbok and Froslass. I really like this trade since it gives PIP a grounded poison type to absorb toxic spikes as well as a spike setter in Froslass. The last trade of the week was between LOL and SHS. LOL traded Scizor to SHS in hopes that Scizor can help SHS make playoffs. In return LOL gets Espeon doubling up on Psychic types and adding a magic bounce user to their squad.

Playoff Picture

With 4 weeks left lets start looking at playoffs. I’ll be doing a breif overview of how teams can make playoffs but as we get closer I’ll go into more detail. Let’s assume that you need a 7-5 record to hit playoffs so let’s dive into how each team can make playoffs. It is possible for 15 teams to hit the 7-5 benchmark but it would require some crazy scenarios. Realistically 7-5 will probably make it and potentially a 6-6 team or two.

Tiebreakers: 1. Overall Record 2. Win % in Division 3. Head to Head 4. Best Record vs. Common Opponents 5. Strength of Victory 6. Strength of Schedule 7. Coin Flip

Corsola Cola: There are 4 teams that can reach the 7-5 threshold; BFS, NWN, DEP, and VAV. At the current moment NWN has the tie breaker over BFS even though they have the same record and both teams need 2 wins to achieve playoffs. These teams would also need DEP/VAV to lose 1 game to guarentee playoffs as either 1 or 2. It is going to come down to how well these teams battle in the last few weeks to determine who will win the division. DEP and VAV ideally need to win out to hit 7-5.

Green Tauros: COG has clinched a Playoff spot either as 1 or 2 for the division. They can drop 2 of their last 4 games and still get the number 1 spot due to tie breakers. The real race is between SLC and SHS. SHS is 2 games behind and the last game of the regular season is a battle between the two. If SHS can catch up 1 game and be only 1 game down going into the last match of the regular season then the winner will be the #2 seed and the other can make playoffs in Best of the rest.

Corsola Cola: There are 4 teams that can hit the threshold; HFW, PIP, ITA, and BLP. BLP would have to win out vs. the entire division which is no simple task, but possible. HFW needs 1 win to clinch playoffs and they need to have a better record than PIP to win the Divisin since PIP wins the tiebreaker between them. PIP would need 2 wins to hit the goal and ITA needs 3 wins. This division is fairly clean cut. You need to win out.

Rhyhorn Steakhouse: This division is crazy so I saved it for last because there is a lot to go over. Let’s start with the fact that every team can make playoffs some have a tougher road than other. To hit the threshold, AUK needs to win out, DCC and MIN needs to win 2 games, BAL and MIL need 1 more win and MID would have clinched if 7-5 is good enough. In the last 4 weeks everyone in this division has 2 divisional matches and DCC has 4. Every divisional match is going to be crucial in seeding and the out of divisional matches for some are going to be just as tough and crucial since 5 of these teams are within 2 games of each other. There is no way to know how this will turn out just yet but it will be exciting to follow.

Interview with The Fluffiest Whimsicott

This week I’m joined by the Italian Crusader herself, The Fluffiest Whimsicott!

Clod9: Thank you The Fluffiest Whimsicott for joining us this week. Luckily it’s easier to schedule interviews than battles but let’s get started what have been your impressions on the draft league format thus far?

The Fluffiest Whimsicott: Thank you for having me, it’s quite the honor! As for your question… it’s a lot more stressful than I anticipated, although it’s certainly still fun.

C9: How did your draft go in your opinion?

TFW: Uh… extremely well at the beginning, then it was a panicked downward spiral down to the end. I was confident that with 20 people picking before me, my favorite S-Tier, Mega Mawile, would be long gone by the time my turn came around… but nope, Ravioli was still there! I had a loose draft structure to follow him, but as I kept getting sniped and having to go for my second or sometimes third choices, I found myself scrambling… and at the end I emerged from the deep drafting haze in my head holding: a Hail core I wanted and no one else (wisely) did; Minior; and half of my roster having quadruple weaknesses. I still don’t quite know how it happened, but here we are.

C9: With the season half over, how have things gone thus far and how do you think you will fare in the second half?

TFW: Well. As I have just finished my eighth battle, the season is actually two thirds over for me, and… I have a neutral record, 4-4. It’s worse than I had been aiming for, that’s for sure. And with the opponents awaiting me in the last round of battles… let’s just say at this point I would be quite happy to keep it even.

C9: Who are you most looking forward to battling this season? TFW: The battle I was most looking forward to was the one against Geo, because it was the YOU YOU TEE SEE winners showdown. Ironically (and sadly), it was by far my worst battle, with one crucial distraction and a bit of RNG letting Geo grab the tiny millimeter of momentum he needs to bring any match home (it’s Geo, after all, you breathe slightly wrong and he beats you… and sometimes you do everything perfectly and he beats you anyway, because, have I mentioned? It’s Geo).

 C9: I know I’m looking forward to battling you this week 12, It should be a fun time. Now for the flip side is there anyone you are glad you don’t have to face in the regular season? TFW: Mr. Seth. “Stallmaster”. Vilo. I love the guy, but battling him is the utmost torture. (Which I’m sure he’ll take as a compliment, as he should.) And yeah, I’d say I’m looking forward to battling you, too, but you’re decimating our division and I know I’m going to be in a lot of pain in my final week…

 C9: Why did you choose the team name, Italian Azurills? TFW: Ah… as embarrassing as it is, it’s actually a pun! See, soccer is a huge deal in Italy. It’s THE sport here. And the Italian National soccer team is nicknamed “gli Azzurri” (“the Blues”), because their uniform is a nice shade of blue… the exact same shade as Azurill, as it happens. From there, the pun was irresistibly obvious, and the logo followed suit.

C9: Were there any secret techs that you brought for your matchups that you didn’t get to showcase? TFW: Yes. The most prominent is that I once brought Counter Ampharos, against Geo, but then I choked and neglected to click the move. It would have been quite fun.

C9: Who would you say is the mon you are most excited to use on your team this year? TFW: Well, Mega Mawile was the one I was gunning for, obviously. And I am always excited to use Alolan Ninetales, of course, just because it’s the prettiest Pokémon ever.

C9: You are currently on the Bubble for making Playoffs, do you feel the pressure as you prepare for your last couple weeks/ Do you think you will make playoffs?

TFW: At this point, the bubble is about to pop. Had I beaten Bigby, I would have made an honest and confident try for it. As it is, I’m certainly not giving up, but I am trying to keep my expectations realistic. I honestly don’t know if that makes the pressure better or worse…

 C9: Let’s learn about you as a pokemon Fan. When did you start listening to PUCL?

TFW: September 12th, 2014. (Is it weird that I know the date off the top of my head? It probably is.)

C9:What pokemon generation did you start with?

TFW: Pokémon Red, baby! I am ancient, after all.

C9: What is your favorite region?

TFW: Oh, no. Now I have to resist the urge to launch into an essay! Let’s say Alola, Kalos and Hoenn are all very, very pretty and leave it at that.

C9: Who is your favorite pokemon?

TFW: This one is kind of a cheat question, isn’t it? I’ll give you some bonus answers. Besides the obvious Whimsicott, it’s Leafeon and Alolan Ninetales.

C9: If you had to pick: Attack or Special Attack?

TFW: Tough question. Special Attack, just because I much prefer the types that were Special before Gen IV.

C9: What is your battle style:  Stall/Hyper Offense/Bulky Offense/Balance?

TFW: It’s definitely somewhere around Bulky Offense. Balance if I’m having a good day.

C9: Do you prefer Speed or Trick Room?

TFW: Speed all the way. Trick Room just cost me a very important match, after all, so I’m holding a grudge!

C9: What is your favorite Weather; Hail/Sand/Rain or Sun?

TFW: Sun because of SovietThatch and all the Grass types who thrive in it, but honorable mention to the weather that makes Aurora Veil possible and Alolan Ninetales (vaguely) usable.

C9: Electric/Misty/Grassy or Psychic Terrain?

TFW: Psychic Terrain. I know Lele simply could not fit in a Draft League format, but man, I miss my favorite Tapu.

C9: Favorite status to inflict: Sleep/Freeze/Paralysis/Burn or Poison?

TFW: Freeze is convenient, but just too evil. I’ll say Burn, because it whittles things down while also making physical attackers too weak to OHKO my prettiest Pokémon, who are of course also the frailest.

C9: Have you watched the Pokemon anime? If yes, what is your favorite Theme song?

TFW: I watched the first… two seasons, I think? And my favorite theme song is probably… the Italian one. It was very cheery (and cheesy, but aren’t they all?).

C9: Will you be participating in other pucl events like the Summer League?

TFW: I’ve already submitted my application to be a Gym Leader again this year. I hope I get picked, because it was a ton of fun last year, but if I’m not, I’m definitely challenging the Gyms myself! I just love battling and having fun with everyone in the community.

C9: Thank you once again for joining us this week! Good luck in your future battles! That’s all the time we have this week. See y’all again next time!

from PDL Week 8 Recap

[simplyadorkable-blog1]

Season 6, Episode 13 - “Cece’s Boys”

Cece gets Jess and Reagan to help her find new models; the guys plan to enjoy a day at the spa.

Episode 13 treats us with an update on Coach and May. They are hosting a foreign exchange student and live in North Carolina. Schmidt is perplexed that they weren’t aware that Coach moved and is thrown into a downward spiral of worry that the same will happen to him. Remember that time they ran into Coach in New York City? I’m looking forward to another cameo later in the season, fingers crossed! Nick is weirdly okay with it, “Realistically we’ll probably only see each other two or three more times before we die and that’s sad, but not that sad. What’s for dinner?” This just makes Schmidt even more uneasy. Before he can keep freaking out, Cece enters with her own problem. Big modeling agencies poached her client that she was going to put up for Sausage Crunchies and she doesn’t know what to do. Jess convinces her to worry about keeping Donovan and recruits Raisin to help find new clients. Afterall, selling a job is like selling drugs and Raisin does that everyday. Jess encourages them all to put their heads in. Schmidt corrects her, “What are we supposed to do, smoosh our heads together?” They all put their hands in and Winston slays the put-fake-cat-paw-on-top-bit because he’s not tired of it!

Jess and Raisin begin their mission at the bar. There’s a glaring lack of options so the pair approach two very average looking sea slug guys. Their conversation is so boring I didn’t even write it down. Raisin pulls Jess away to convince Jess that they are not model material. Jess defends by saying to not judge a book by it’s cover, but Raisin points out that models literally exist to be on covers. Touché, Raisin.

Meanwhile Cece is panicked that Donovan is about to quit. Fortunately for her, his big news is that he’s decided to stop wearing beanies. Cece is relieved, but learns that big agencies are trying to woo him so she tells him that he is her first priority.

Back at the loft, Nick and Winston munch on some Sausage Crunchies. Nick describes the taste as average, but the aftertaste as outstanding. Schmidt is paranoid that he is going to become an outstanding aftertaste. He’s concerned that the loft is their tether and once it’s gone they’re going to be spread across the earth like Rod Stewart’s offspring. He wants to keep them together with something like a dark secret or a timeshare. Winston says he will miss Schmidt’s poetry and I could not agree more. He has quite the way with words. He goes on to suggest that they need a ritual. Winston suggests standing in a circle and burning chicken bones. Some say that Winnie the Bish is a light-hearted guy, but it sounds to me like he’s seen some serious stuff as a cop. Schmidt turns down the literal ritual idea and specifies he wants something more like a shared experience. Nick suggests getting super weird into metal detectors, but Schmidt has an a better idea.

At the bar, Jess and Raisin continue to attempt to recruit a variety of hot guys. The pair keep getting turned down, in fact one of the guys explains that he’s busy trying to figure out why the bees have disappeared, and if a couple of guys in the bar can’t figure it out, Raisin doesn’t know who can. Jess has an equally awkward run-in with a guy who is apparently an only child after yesterday. We quickly gloss past that to Raisin spotting a hot guy strutting into the bar. He claims that if he doesn’t swing his arms, he’ll fall. And that kind of intelligence is exactly what they were looking for. I’m going to choose to not judge how they’re treating every model on this show (other than Cece) and move on to Jess’ fishing analogy. “I’m the bait, you’re the hook.” “I don’t think the bait thinks of them as a team. “That’s such a hook thing to say, you’re such a hook.” This honestly just came off lowkey rude, but since it was Jess I don’t think she meant it that way.

Schmidt convinced Nick and Winston to have a spa day which they surprisingly enjoyed. Even though Nick wore his shirt during the massage, no bottoms though. Mad respect to anyone who Donald Duck’s in public. The guys receive wet towels to smell which Nick thoroughly enjoys, “How can a smell be both hot and cold at the same time, I ask?” Their enjoyment takes a turn for the worse when an employee informs them that it’s time for their Brazilian, aka scrotum wax.

There is a quick exchange in Cece’s office when she introduces Dean to Donovan and they have a confusing argument about being models, leaving Donovan feeling jealous. “The line between what we’re doing and being creepy is so thin,” Raisin states to Jess at the bar. Cece calls Jess in a panic, overwhelmed with taking care of her two models. Jess wants to do anything to help Cece and ends up lying to her, saying they have two more guys on their way. Of course those two guys end up being the average sea slug ones they first approached.

Jess and Raisin take them back to the loft to get them ready for the Sausage Crunchies audition. Jess gives them white tees to wear from her roommate’s earthquake supply. I’m going to take a wild guess that that roommate is Nick Miller. Raisin is not convinced that this plan will work and wants to bail, but Jess refuses. Raisin gives in and suggests they give the guys makeovers including all the eye makeup that Schmidt’s got. While this is happening, Donovan locks Dean in the closet of Cece’s office, Cece yells at him, and he leaves.

Nick continues to tell Schmidt he wants to leave the spa, “I don’t want the hairs ripped off my testicles by a stranger, I think it’s there for a reason.” Schmidt assures Nick this isn’t some back alley waxing. There’s a short tangent consisting of if those exist and what emergency would constitute going to one. Schmidt desperately tries to convince Nick to stay for a reason he is about to reveal, following Winston’s graphic description of why he also wants to leave, “I have off the charts follicle strength. It will be a bloodbath down there, a real crime scene, so I’m leaning no.” Nick agrees that no one touches his purse! Schmidt finally spills his heart out to his two friends, citing the reason that their lives will go on without him (including walking in on the other in the bathroom and coming up with clever names for the wifi network like This Is 4D) and they’ll lose touch. He leaves to get his sac waxed, “I’m going to go shuck this corn!” What is up with this episode and off-putting descriptions of the human body?

Jess and Raisin take the average guys to the audition, gaining confidence on their way, just to have it shattered by all of the attractive guys there. This makes me wonder if Robby had been in the episode, if it would have gone down differently. I’m sure he would have a hookup or two since he’s rich and has a Grammy. Anyways, Cece is not impressed by their choices. Jess defends them, but Raisin gives up and the pair decide to fire them. While Jess starts to let them down, Raisin realizes that they are the only two guys eating the Sausage Crunchies and that’s the angle that Cece should pitch.

At the spa, Schmidt is ready to be waxed. Before it begins, Nick and Winston show up like the band of brothers they are. Schmidt is over the moon, “Three friends going on the same, silent journey. Together, yet separate. Alone, yet closer than ever.” He’s interrupted by the screams of pain from Nick and Winston and soon joins them in pain as their waxing is shown in slow motion. Like I said, so off-putting and downright painful.

The episode concludes back in the loft. The three women are in the kitchen where Cece tells Jess and Raisin that Dean got the job and the three men are lying on the couch in pain. Schmidt claims the women will never know the pain of a sac waxing. Jess points out childbirth and Raisin says, “Weekly wax, top to tail.” Schmidt, Winston, and Nick completely ignore this and instead bask in their pride of following through on their ritual.

Originally Aired 1/17/2017