#like my moms always like ''what does it matter to you if its the weekend or not? you dont have a job'' and like???? cuz youre home???

[two-calicos-in-a-trenchcoat]

I think the interview went ok

[cherrysnip]

You were supposed to go to your hometown for the weekends. Unfortunately, there was a storm coming in the area so your mother, being the worrywart that she is, strictly told you to just stay in your apartment because it'll be dangerous if you push through with your travel.

And you did.

However, as early as ten in the morning, you were already bored as hell. You've tried taking a nap since the weather was perfect for it but it wasn't working, so you just stayed up and decided to review for your exams even though they are still a month away.

Moments later, you were already so immersed in reading when your phone suddenly rang. You absentmindedly answered it without even bothering to check who it was.

"Hello?"

"Did you just woke up?" You heard a familiar voice on the other line. It only took you half a second for you to recognize that it was Seokmin.

"Nope. Been awake since four. What's up?"

"Nothing. Just checking up on you. Your mom said you didn't go home?"

"Yes, I didn't. Storm's a bitch," you automatically groaned when you remember how disappointed you were earlier. You leaned back on your chair, "Why would she tell you though?"

"Well, she said her daughter might be crying because she's alone in her apartment right now."

"Stop it, Seok. I know she didn't say that. And besides, I'm already an adult. I can handle myself," you confidently defended yourself which made him chuckle.

"I'm sure you can. Looks like I have nothing to worry about then. I'll hang up now."

"Okay," you waited for him to hang up before you could go back to what you were doing seconds have passed but he still didn't drop the call. "I thought you're hanging up."

"I can't."

"I knew it," It was now your turn to laugh. You know he'd be saying a cheesy line any minute now, like he always does. You already told him that it makes you cringe but he still says them for you anyway. Because he knows that no matter how much you deny it, it still makes your heart flutter like crazy. "I bet you'll say something like you love hearing my voice, won't you?"

"You got me. I can listen to your voice the whole day."

"Well, Mister. You can't just hear it for free, I'm sorry. Your trial period is over. I'll be hanging up right now," you opted to teasing him, because you were too shy to admit you also feel the same way for him.

"Then how does hamburger and pizza sound for a payment?"

Your mouth automatically went agape when you heard his offer. You haven't eaten any breakfast because you were so lazy to get out and buy something. Plus, it's also near lunch time now and your stomach is already growling in hunger. Talk about perfect timing!

"Okay! Deal! I'll wait for it!"

"You're so quick when it comes to food, aren't you?"

"You know I live for it."

"Then is it me or hamburgers?"

"Don't be cruel. I never once made you choose between ramyeon and me."

"Okay," he chuckled. "Fair point."

"Did you already order it?"

"It's already on its way, Madam."

"I'm sorry. You know how impatient am I when I'm starving--" you weren't able to finish what you were saying when you were interrupted by a sudden knocking . "Wait, someone's at my door. I'll just check who it is."

You hurriedly went out of your room and it wasn't long before you arrived at your front door. When you finally opened it, there he was...

A guy wearing a black hoodie, holding two boxes of pizza and hamburgers in his left hand with his phone on his right hand, smiling shyly at you.

"Hi, love."

You let out a chortle and pulled him into a hug. It obviously surprised him but he still hugged you back eventually and then kissed the top of your head.

It was definitely Seokmin, your cheesy sweet boyfriend.

—♡—

[i-cant-sing]

I was rereading some of your works and this line stuck out to me

‘Enji is keeping up with all your cravings, no matter how weird. You're craving ice chips? Alright. You want ice cream at 3 am? The fridge is stocked with your favs. Oh no, you want soft serve? Its okay, princess, I'll drive us there. I'm sure they'll open the store for the no. 1 hero.’

I immediately pictured him, banging on the front door of the shop, absolutely panicked because his “baby” is hungry for ice cream and is worried that she’ll cry because of pregnancy hormones

HAHAHAHAHA YESSSSSS and like u can't blame him??? He's already so protective of you as his daughter, but not that you're pregnant with Ratsuki's baby, his protectiveness increases ten folds. Who knows what that devil's spawn is doing to your poor body???? How much pain you're in because of Ratsuki's baby????

Ugh, he just- even if you tell him how excited you are to gave this baby, Enji just can't stop fretting over you because you're his baby! Always were, and always will be!

Yandere dad Enji with pregnant daughter reader is literally so cute because there is nothing that will stop this man from making sure that you are healthy and comfortable and yes, he will still hold you whenever you're feeling down, baby bump or not, you weigh nothing to him🥰

You're feeling emotional and end up calling Enji (instead of Katsuki cause he's busy with work) and he hears a wobble in your voice? BAm, papa is at your door step in 10 minutes with ice cream and snacks and warm cuddles. Feel free to bitch about Katsuki to him (actually dont, he will kill him)

Ever since you got married and moved in with Katsuki, Enji had been missing your company. And once you had returned from your honeymoon and visited him, he realised just how terribly he missed you. So of course he grabs any opportunity to spend time with you. Baby checkup? Okay, papa Enji is coming to pick you up. Grocery shopping? How odd that he's also out of groceries. Cmon, lets shop together, and maybe some cute (SUPER EXPENSIVE, LUXURY BRANDED) maternity and baby clothes to spoil you. Nothing to do at home? Well, you can always help out dad at his work! Enji's sending a car to drive you to his company 🥰 And its like, even if you do have plans with Katsuki, Enji will pull some strings to make sure that Katsuki gets stuck at work while you sulk at home, awaiting your husband. But Enji will come to console you, cry on his shoulder baby. Sometimes, Enji will drop by unannounced, especially if he finds out that you're spending the weekend with Katsuki's parents. He'll be bringing in a boquet, kissing you on the cheek, before wrapping his coat around you, telling you that you must come home with him right away. And you're all like "??? Dad! I'm here with my in laws. I cant just up and leave-!" And he pulls the big sad eyes and says "Its Rei." and you automatically sigh and nod before going to apologise to Kats parents for cancelling your plans with them, claiming there's a "family emergency", which isnt a lie because yandere Rei is an EMERGENCY at all times. Its just, you've always known your mother's mental health was detoriating, but the rate at which it detoriated increased ten folds when you moved out. She's always been protective of you, because of all the trauma and because you're her youngest, so of course... she took it the hardest when you left her side to be with Katsuki. And before your marriage, you swore to your father that you'll always be there to help him with Mom, whenever needed, no questions asked. Its the only reason Enji gave you his blessing marry RATsuki. So whenever he misses you too much, he tells you that Rei is having another "episode" where she's screaming your name, crying that someone took you away and is hurting you, is resorting to harming herself, etc. And sometimes Rei does have these epiosdes, other times she doesnt, but it doesnt matter to either of them because if they want u home, you will come. And as soon as Enji has brought you to the Todoroki estate, your're running (or waddling) inside, immeadiately engulfed by your mother who will now proceed to coddle you and fret over you non stop for the next couple of days (spoon feeding you her food, brushing your hair until you dose off, rubbing your baby bump while humming lullabies. Enji's having the best time too becuase he gets to tuck you in at night and wake u in the morning and have more daddy-daughter ice cream dates with yall) until she's better or... well, your husbands comes to fetch you.

And Rat- KATSUKI, sees through all their BULLSHIT! But you dont and thats why he cant call them out on it. Thats why he must be the more patient one between him and your greedy parents.

[shotmrmiller]

cbf!Price?!?!

You mean your older brother's even older friend?

You'd been born in the US to an American mom and a British dad; but his job moved you all back across the pond. New country, new school, new people--it had been hell for you and your brother. But the family next door were so welcoming, especially their only kid, John.

Who always called you 'sunshine', gave you piggyback rides at rugby matches so you didn't get lost in the crowd, and never said "Hello" but, "There's my favorite girl".

The same cbf!Price who was your scary dog privilege when you fell in love with the underground punk scene and wanted to go to the sketchiest concerts.

When he'd enlisted, you'd cried for days, but couldn't bring yourself to tell him why you were so heartbroken, no matter how many times he asked, brows furrowed with concern. "Its only a couple months, luv, then I'll be on post just down the road. We'll still have our weekends."

And he kept that promise, as much as he could, even after you moved out of your parent's home to attend university.

It was forever on the tip of your tongue; the words you so desperately wanted to say, had to bite back, otherwise they'd destroy that precious friendship....

.... I can only imagine the myriad of unfortunate ways he might accidentally hear you whispering his name and those words....

with my brash personality, im fucking him the day he's to leave for basic. js.

no regrets around here.

--

ohmygod! imagine him being captain now, and he brings you to meet the boys.

Johnny whistles low the moment he lays eyes on you. "Steamin' Jesus, Captain. Tha' yer friend? She single?"

John does not answer him.

Kyle is kind, sweet, and courteous. Suspiciously so. It gives John flashbacks of how he acts towards women he wants to bed.

Right.

Simon's just his big, quiet self. He's intimidating, but you're not afraid—after all, you grew up with your bully older brother and John.

John notices his eyes gleam when you talk at him, yes, at, because Simon doesn't respond. But he listens. And he's been listening a little too intently, staring at your dainty hands gesture animatedly.

That's enough, he thinks.

"Time t'go home, love." You pout but wave goodbye at the boys and head towards his vehicle.

Johnny opens his mouth to speak but John quickly intervenes, that unless he wants to start fucking pushing, keep his thoughts to himself.

"I'll see you all at base tomorrow."

On the ride home, you tell him that they were all very nice. John's grip on the steering wheel tightens and says that as nice as they are, they go through women more than they do magazines.

"Oh." Did he imagine the disappointment laced in your voice?

"Do you?" What?

"I don't do it often."

"Oh." He turns his head to look at you, but you're staring out the window.

His heart races and elation thrums through his veins. You definitely sounded upset. John looks straight ahead and speeds up to take you home.

His home.

There's only you for him, and if you won't take the first step, then he will.

--

side note: what if he didn't return those feelings? christ id eat my fucking phone. im running away!!! no one look at me how embarrassing!!! his eyes soften, and he's like, "Oh. I'm so sorry, love. You and I practically grew up together."

That really stings. And then he brings his little girlfriend over to meet you and your brother, and you stiffly shake her hand and go to your room to cry.

Someone softly knocks on your door, and you don't move to open it, just yell at whoever is at the door to fuck off in a warbly voice. John's muffled I'm sorry deepens the crack in your heart.

"'S'alright, John. I'll be okay."

You did this to yourself, anyway.

The marriage invitation comes in the mail and you tear it to pieces.

Since you were young, you dreamt of being Mrs. Price, but now, that's all it'll ever be.

A childish dream.

[unlikelyjapan]

s2e3 rewatch notes

One more before the weekend...

"When I was a kid anything that would give me some type of excitement, or amusement or enjoyment would get fucked ... Sometimes they'd try too hard, or they'd make promises they weren't able to keep" - everything in Carmy's AA statement can be related to cooking, the restaurant, drawing, Claire - pretty much the sum of Carmy's parts now.

Second Carmy/Syd kitchen scene:

Carmy is always the first to ask about anyone's parents (but only to Syd) - just like he inquires about Syd's Dad, his first concern is to ask about Marcus' mom while they debate sending him to Copenhagen. Family and people, in general, are always at the forefront of his mind, while progression is always at the forefront of Syd's (even if she does genuinely cares and checks in, it's secondary)

Carmy's "I want to make a suggestion" to go out was so loaded - it was obviously a premeditated move that he wanted to do the food tour with Syd. "I think WE need to go out, and we need to try some stuff"

After he tells her he'll see her in an hour, Goodbye Girl by Squeeze starts playing, and the track ends as Tina realizes that Ebra isn't ever going to be by her side in class *dies twice*

Richie dropping off his daughter: I have a precocious 6-year-old daughter as well and.....they tried to squeeze way too many lines into Eva to advance Richie's storyline when it should have come via Tiff or something - I hate being a negative nelly, but this part is so botched/lifetime drama-y.

(His obvious tenderness is sweet though)

10:44am call with Claire: this is only 2ish hours after his AA talk - I guess the subject matter was resonating with him?

Her forcing the convo on how ingratiated she is with his family makes me throw up my hands and say "no wonder the guy had a fucking panic attack later!". I was just highlighting how in AA how his family tries too hard sometimes - this is a prime example with her "I know all the fuckin' Faks" jousting.

And my god, she knew he was about to tell her that he was busy today, and she claps back "can you not make this weird?" - it literally harkens back to his family's bullying and expectations that Carmy will pacify them. (I know she can't know all this, but damn)

This part of the conversation gets its own bullet point:

"You know, he [Fak] told me that you guys are really close and that he's your best friend" - I didn't realize the first go around how bold the attempt at enmeshment was. With Fishes as context, the toxicity levels in this conversation are off the rails.

Also, her demented smile when she says "really?" when he says "no...no, Fak's not my best friend" - aggghhhh!

"No, no. He is. He's probably my best friend"

What the hell is this? "That's interesting, to sit with, for you" with the continued weird little smile -this isn't flirting, this is her relishing in the fact that she can manipulate him.

Why didn't I clue into how caustically fucked this scene was the first time? I think I was so distracted by the whispy dialogue and cadence of the conversation that I actually blacked out of the dialogue. Thank goodness for subtitles, because this script is mildly psychotic to read.

I know Storer said that one of the themes of this season is "winning is losing" - Claire is definitely playing to win at all costs. Is s2e10 showing that she lost? Or am I sitting through this dialogue again next season? I NEED TO KNOW.

Anyways, Secret Teadrops by Martin Rev (google the lyrics) plays as sydney enters Kasama - God, the music suggests she was thrilled to be spending a day out of the usual context with Carmy, and her checking her phone constantly is killing me.

Twenty Five Miles by Edwin Starr starts playing at the start of the food montage, just as Sydney gets the text from Carmy that she'll be doing it alone.

"I've been walking for three days and two lonely nights, and you know that I'm mighty mad"

After the owner of Avec tells her that she needs a great partner above all else, the lyrics blare again with "although my feet are tired, I can't lose my stride" - she can't abandon faith in Carmy just yet.

After the Pelican meats scene where the butcher (I forget his name, sorry!) tells Syd that he and his wife lost their restaurant in Bucktown after a business partner cut and ran, the song again blares with "I'm SO tired, but I just can't lose my stride"

Syd starts to adjust her language to "I'm not exactly solo" in the next restaurant scene- ugh - painful.

Enter conversations about profit sharing. Naiya assumes that she and Carmy are INVOLVED involved, and when she finds out they're just "gentleman's agreement" partners, she basically tells her to watch her back. Syd registers the statement, but looks so dejected, like she knows she's on a fool's errand now.

The lyrics flare one last time simply with "I've got to walk on"

Cue Carmy's phone going to voicemail as she has the jitters on the loading dock. She looks so sad, but also resigned to her fate at this point.

Sydney calls Marcus right after trying to call Carmy looking for any kind of sign or reinforcement. We're at the triangle again, with Marcus interpreting it one way, and Syd....really not reading anything into it at all.

I feel like Fak making fun of Marcus for "looking forward' with that big, dumb smile on his face means he knows Marcus' affection for Sydney.... and I'm starting to realize all the plots I don't like are the result of Fak's intuition and/or meddling.

Syd awkwardly trying to poach BOH workers is adorably baller and shows how aggressive she is just now realizing she needs to become- and she's so terrible at it, and I love her.

Future Perfect by Duretti Column (what an awesome deep cut) playing - I love that this part of the montage is Syd diving deep into herself and her more analytically-bent creative process and fuck everyone else. It's just her carrying the creative load of the restaurant right now, but she's truly free.

Lyrics repeat "You tell me stories, you speak in pictures"

She's being absolutely present ("Don't live in the future") and letting the food and the city that birthed it speak to her honestly and it's just so beautiful. The old family pictures surface in her memory alongside the plates she's crafting - her own contribution to the chaos menu, her past and present combined, her future (The Bear) undetermined.

Back to The Bear with "Make You Happy" by Tommy McGee playing in the background - I feel like enough ink has been spilled on this scene, but honestly read the lyrics here - ack.

One small observation after Carmy says "I'll let you know" - in the background, Marcus looks completely defeated, Fak's suppressing a laugh or something, and we get Richie's "ooooooohhhhhhh!"while Carm gives him dagger eyes. Y'all....these are not great men.

Syd rightfully realizes she needs to get the fuck away from everyone in that instant if she's going to do anything productive with the inspiration she's culled from her day of exploration and calls in the favor from the kitchen. I love that it almost immediately cuts to her there with her emotional support spoon 🥺

The ravioli failure - i.e. the fantasy vision of the food she had on the plate during her journey day not matching the reality of what she can craft on her own = the fantasy vision of the restaurant/life she could craft with Carmy not matching the reality of what she can is forced to craft on her own.

Oof, taking a break for a few days now....

[br1ghtestlight]

NOT THE ENGAGEMENT RING STILL BEING IN THE BIRD NEST LMAO

loving this morning routine so far. we rarely get to see into characters lives outside the belcher family (obviously i mean. its their show) but this morning routine feels both painfully awkward and Very real in a way that we don't see with the belcher family in the same way?? their house is always so chaotic and LOUD with so many people and siblings but this is just rudy and his dad. its not exactly missing the love and warmth but its very intentionally different vibes

god rudy's dad is trying so hard :( compared to the natural and fun interactions of the belcher family this is just.... a very stark contrast with rudy's dad trying and failing to relate to rudy on his level

RUDY THINKS HIS DAD IS EMBARASSING OHHH :(

assuming that this Fancy dinner is rudy and his parents getting together every weekend (with tonights dinner being with his mom's new boyfriend) and CLEARLY does not enjoy it and finds it awkward its kinda funny that they keep doing them. like his parents probably don't like each other very much AND rudy hates the dinners and its awkward and uncomfortable like do we really need to keep doing this. is it worth it. are they trying to stay connected like a normal family while also very clearly disliking each other?? who knows im excited to find out

like "you've always been a trooper" IF THE DINNER ISNT FOR RUDY THEN WHO IS IT FOR LMAO???

and we all love you so much 😭😭

love seeing the belcher family in a non-focused setting like you can tell this episode is about rudy so it makes seeing the belcher family feel almost like?? like WE ARE rudy seeing a friend at the mall rather than them being the main characters. very interesting creative choice

gene is such a sweetie in this scene <3 him walking on the fountain edge

ROUDATHAN

gene got a B- special dinner..... god im sorry his family loves and supports him so much its so sweet :( like gene NEVER questions that he's adored by his family and they think he's amazing. they celebrate all his accomplishments no matter how small uhfghh i need a minute

its his day dad. tina is such a good big sister 10/10 love their relationship

"rudy you should come over for dinner!!! i think its gonna be one of the WORST foods we've ever tried" the belchers are so funny and sweet in this episode bcuz the conflict isn't really about Them and its very enjoyable. like they're just hanging out & having fun

our monthly We're Still A Family dinner with your mom. like SURELY there is a better way

MY MOMS NEW FRIEND ALLEN HES OKAYY 😭😭🤘🎶🎵

ohhh rudy's dad passing his own insecurities onto rudy :( this is so fucked bcuz he doesn't MEAN to do this but he ends up passing on his anxiety and neurotic tendencies onto his son and he doesn't build up his confidence like he should vs the belcher family where they hype each other up to an almost dangerous degree and they're all so happy and confident..... the parallels they are paralleling And it makes me upset. painfully real dysfunctional family relationship

you're the guest of honor....... :( BUT NOT A GUEST BECAUSE YOURE OUR CHILD :(

how on EARTH does this boy end up at the belcher's house for dinner 😭😭

I WAS BORN IN 2002 okay this confirms that louise was definitely not a 2002 baby unlike when the show started because that is a Grown woman and louise is nine. we have figured out some kind of timeline here and for this season louise was canonically born in uhh 2014 OH GOD DHES SO LITTLE. what the fuck gene was a 2012 baby

you know who would liven this party right up?? Louise belcher

BABBBYYY RUDY COMPILATION WITH HIS PARENTS WAHH i dont care that its awkward because he is so small. from this compilation i would guess his parents got divorced when he was around six or seven

rudy using his magic tricks to help the awkwardness of the dinners when that was never his responsibility as their kid... wahh

OHH NO RUDY 😭 this poor boy is having a panic attack somebody needs to save him. but honestly he's the sweetest kid im sure nobody is angry at a nine year old

RUDY IS GOING TO THE BATHROOM AND FULLY RUNS AWAY TO THE BELCHER HOUSEHOLD LMAO ZERO THOUGHTS HEAD EMPTY no plan just vibes. louise is his safe space which is not something i want to think about right now because its too much for my tiny heart. god

(fanfic where rudy has a panic attack and louise helps him through it will be incoming shortly)

rudy crying is going to make ME cry 😭😭

okay gene kissing the ketchup bottles goodnight is very funny that got me to laugh. what is bro DOING

rudy's parents about to file a missing person's report and he is FULLY commiting to the disgusting terrible lasanga dinner good for him!!!! BECAUSE ITS WITH A HAPPY FAMILY THAT FEELS SO COMFY AND SAFE GIVE ME A SECOND.... JUST GIVE ME A SECOND

gene saying he loves rudy. great moment

"rudy are you sure your parents know where you are" is the CORRECT reaction thank you linda lol This boy is very clearly not somewhere that his parents know about and she's being a responsible adult. obviously she would but its just nice that they're treating this situation somewhat seriously. good mama <3

EVERY GENE LINE IN THIS EPISODE MAKES ME LAUGH

rudy in this episode is gonna make me CRY he's so anxious and sensitive and they all love him so much god. like linda and bob are such good parents in this episode and louise is a great friend too. he's so so loved by everybody around him not just his family. and of course he is crying again

LOUISE AND RUDY ARE THE SWEETEST SHES SUCH A GOOD FRIEND SHE CARES ABOUT HIM SOO MUCH her staying for dinner so he feels less awkward and uncomfortable because he always feels safe with her :( what the hell

rudy and louise dinner date!!!!

SWEET GIRL WE GOT THERE SHE IS SOMETIMES ISNT SHE louise is literally the best i dont care if people think she's overrated or too many episodes focus on her. she's amazing and so incredibly sweet and she loves rudy more than anything

ngl when louise smiles and nodded i did think she and rudy were going to hold hands for some reason. roudise week got to me

LARRY MURPHY AS PAUL i knew they would find a way to squeeze him into the episode because he has one of the main credits he has to be in every episode. which is kinda funny tbh Legally contracted to make an appearance as at least one character per episode doesn't need to be teddy

OKAY FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE EPISODE I DIDNT EXPECT THIS TO BE SO LONG this episode was adorable and very stylistically different in a good way?? i loved having a small peak into rudy's home life and his relationship with his parents. loved seeing rudy's mom she seems really sweet and supportive of him :) louise was the BEST in this episode and gene was hilarious as always. bob and linda are great parents and brian huskey did great considering he was voicing about 80% of this episode completely by himself. GREAT episode and a strong start to the season along with episode one!

[locatislunaticolupin]

Day Nine: Candy

Written for day nine of @remadoramicrofics. 831 words. Also available on Ao3.

Teddy loves weekends because Dora’s home all day and they can do anything they want. Remus and Dora know this, so Remus will make sure there’s tea ready for her when Teddy, who tries being patient but is still a tiny child, inevitably wakes her up. In a show of maternal love, Dora matches Teddy’s energy even before getting out of bed. She swings him around, wastes no time scarfing down her tea and toast so they can go to the village or the pond or the neighbor’s house with the newborn calf.

Sometimes they will all go together, and Remus and Dora will swing Teddy between them, or Teddy will point at every plant or animal in the way so that his parents will either tell him its name or make it up. Other times, most times, only Dora and Teddy will go, because they know he loves his family, but they also know he loves it even more when he gets to spend time alone with his mama.

"He gets his da every other day of the week, Dora," Remus tells her once or twice. "Go have fun".

On weekends, Teddy gets Dora. They get to race each other on the dirt road, feet stomping on the ground, sun biting at their skin, screaming and scaring off hares and starlings and chaffinches (but only after Remus gets to kiss and hug and fuss over Teddy as if he’s leaving for Hogwarts instead of a trip to the village, or the pond, the neighbors’, always back in time for tea).

Every time, Dora cheats, sprinting down the path before Teddy’s even out of his da’s arms. She never lets Teddy win their races, even after all the teasing she’s been subject to, and Teddy loves it. He never laughs or screams louder than when he beats her, because he knows it’s real. Sometimes he’s quicker, or smarter, or sneaky enough to use the dogs when he sees them sliding under the wiring. He runs straight towards them, encourages them to run with them or after them, to bark and play and get between Dora’s feet. You cheater!, she yells, laughing, and Teddy runs even faster. Every time, with no fail, they reach the village sweaty, dusty, and covered in dog hair and grass stains. They’re gasping and panting and Dora tries catching him, but Teddy knows to aim for the edges.

Teddy shows Dora all his favorite places, like the bakery where the old lady sneaks candy to children or the creek where I did too see a Plimpy! Ask da!, and he looks so proud when people in the village give them odd looks. He knows it’s because they’re weird and loud (after all, they have bright pink hair and mismatched clothes, and they laugh until they run out of air, and they speak so loudly his da says he can hear them from the back garden when they go back home), and he loves it. He introduces Dora to everyone as “my mama, the detective”, as if they haven’t known her for years now, as if he’s daring anyone to say anything, just so he can say that she’s the coolest.

(The village is very lovely, but it’s also very strange about Teddy’s da picking him up from school or about Teddy’s mama being a detective, but Teddy learned quickly, so quickly you could be forgiven for thinking he was never ashamed, to be proud of being different, of being odd. And anyway, he much prefers for people to look at his hair and his mom than for people to approach him and tell him, very solemnly, “You take care of your dad, now, alright?”, as if his da could die that easy, could go that easy, because these people know nothing. Da carries Teddy on his shoulders and cleans him up when he makes a mess and can even make their big golden dog Tammuz take a bath, despite Tammuz being bigger than Teddy and fighting him much more about it, no matter what his da says).

Dora loves the weekends as much as he does, he knows. Her smile takes up her entire face, and she’s loud, and she forgets herself (and sometimes she buys candy just for the two of them, because da would eat it all, she laughs with a wink and a secret). They don’t get this during the week (she’s tired, and Teddy asks for Monky Loco instead of races, and he learns fast that tired means blood, and be careful, Teddy Bear means I’m hiding bandages from you, because I don’t want you to worry), and that’s part of his family being weird, he knows, so he doesn’t mind. He can be quiet and he can spend a sunny day inside, cuddled up to his mama, just as much as he can fall in rotten water while exploring and befriend Grindylows, even if he’s not allowed to keep them at home.

[boydepartment]

Pizza Parlor- Lee Felix: Chapter Three

Description: Y/n is a stressed-out college student who has no idea what she is doing with her life. She is always wrapped up in nostalgia and her friends seem to know exactly what they're doing. Feeling insecure one night she decides to go on an old website. Club Penguin. Little does she know; she would encounter a certain penguin who was also having a rough night.

Stray Kids are idols, TXT is not.

Partial smau, mainly written.

Warnings for chapter 3: The reader gets followed but its nothing dramatic.

WC- 2.2k back next

masterlist                            

                                                                    ```

Song for Chapter 3: Can I call you tonight? - Dayglow

Chapter 3: Home Alone, Day ONE, Night ONE

The next week flew by quickly and you and Felix practically talked every day. It ranged from dumb topics to somewhat serious ones. You started to learn a little about his personality. However, his work and where he is from still haven’t been spoken about. You were curious of that, you also wanted to call him. Of course, you knew that people had those boundaries where they were too shy to call, However, he seemed very out there and outspoken. Felix seemed like a fun guy, and you were dying to know what his voice sounded like.

However, you would have to ask him later, because now you had work. You woke up just in time to leave too. Lea had finished training you and so today was the first day fully on your own. You were nervous, but part of you was excited, this was uncharted territory. You got up and stretched a bit, your workout with Taehyun last night was killing you right now. You ass was sore, and your biceps were screaming. You smiled through the pain; these all-nighters weren’t helping either. You couldn’t help it though everything seemed to be more productive at night plus Felix seemed to give you the most attention then, not that... not that it mattered... yeah...

Walking to your closet you grabbed a normal black long sleeve and a casual pant; it was in between weather, so you wanted to play it safe. Grabbing your backpack and phone you walked out to the kitchen.

                “Hey, I am so glad I caught you before work.” You flipped around and saw Taehyun. You turned your head to urge him to continue talking.

                “We are gonna head out to Soobin’s moms for the weekend, the boys are already in the car. You sure you’re going to be okay?” Taehyun leaned against the counter. He said yesterday he didn’t really want to go but you encouraged him enough. Plus, they’re getting paid for this. Either way, the sentiment was nice of him.

                “I will be A-Okay.” You grabbed the coffee creamer and walked to the coffee pot. Taehyun sighed and accepted his defeat.

                “Okay… We will see you Monday morning.” He grabbed his phone and house keys and headed out. You smiled to yourself while brewing your coffee.

Having these amazing roommates and friends really was a blessing, college was stressful, but they made it better. Maybe Felix went to college. He could have good advice. He seemed kind enough to help you. Maybe he would give you advice about Beomgyu’s girlfriend too, as much as you didn’t like her you didn’t want a strained relationship anymore. You made sure to make a mental note to ask him later. After your coffee was made you grabbed your stuff and headed out to work.

When you got to work Lea gave you a hug, “I am so proud of you after your training! Have fun today.” She grabbed her bag and headed out. Your shift today wasn’t too horrible, it was only from 2-8, you had the closing shift. It made you a little nervous having to walk home alone at night, but you’d suck it up. While restocking the shelves you heard someone walk in.

                “Hi welcome in!” You turned, your hands full of albums.

                “Thank you.” The guy smiled, and he literally was one of the most attractive men you have ever seen in your existence. Oh my god, y/n, ACT COOL.

Gaining up the courage and setting down the albums on the shelf you fully faced him, “do you need any help finding anything?”

                YES! That was so good. Your voice didn’t even waver.

                “Actually yeah!” He took a step closer, “I was actually looking for a specific album for my girlfriend.”

                Oh. WELL WITH A FACE LIKE HIS YOU SHOULDN’T BE SURPRISED.

                “Of course! What does she like?”

                “This one group with a ton of members, I really don’t remember the name…”

In the end you had to play a guessing game with him, it took fifteen minutes to find out that he was talking about NCT. He kept getting BTS mixed up. Part of you wanted to pray for this girl, I mean remembering the name of her favorite group is literally the bare minimum. Plus, its only 3 LETTERS! This guy really needs to get it together. You were going to tell Felix about this later. After ringing him up, you finished restocking the store and sat by the register. The manager popped in for a few minutes to check in on you and give you a break, you really enjoyed your work environment. Around the last hour of your shift though you had a whole group of people come prancing in. They started asking about Stray Kids. This group was REALLY popular. Half the people that came in today requested Stray Kids albums. You pointed the group into the direction of the specific album shelf and let them have a party. Then the next thing you knew your shift was up and you were helping the manager close.

Walking home was way calmer than you expected, at least at first. You started to get really paranoid, and it felt as if you were being followed by someone. Panicking you unlock your phone. You debated on texting one of your roommates but that might make them worry for you more. You didn’t want that. Looking behind you, you DID see someone. Then you got a notification as you started to walk faster.

Almost instantly you got a call on discord from Felix.

                “Hello? Y/n?” You couldn’t even pay attention to how nice his voice sounded because the guy made the same turn as you, you didn’t even have to turn around to take note of that.

                “Um hey baby! I am almost there! You said you were gonna meet me at that student store, right? Wait let me put you on speaker I have my hands full, haha!” You were absolutely panicking; you saw people do this online all the time. Putting him on speaker you prayed he would understand what you were doing.

                “Yeah, my love I am on my way I promise.” Oh, thank God. Quickly you started rushing to your apartment complex.

                “I can’t wait to see you I am practically rushing!” Turning around you noticed he flipped around and started walking the opposite direction. Taking a sigh of relief, you walked into your apartment complex.

                “Y/n am I still on speaker?” Fuck, you totally forgot FELIX was on the phone. All that adrenaline led you to calling HIM of all people.

                “Oh, um yeah!” You put your headphones in and started the walk to the elevator, “now I have headphones in, thank you so much genuinely, I had to close the store today with my manager and I have to walk through my campus to get back home, I got to my apartment complex though I am safe, and it was just really late and- “

                You heard Felix sigh in relief, “so you’re safe right?”

                “DO YOU HAVE AN ACCENT!?” You slammed on the elevator button; you heard Felix laugh and clear his throat.

                “I do.” He continued to let little chuckles out, “you knew I wasn’t in America with the time zones AND I TOLD YOU I HAVE VISITED AMERICA!” He started laughing now.  

                “WELL- WELL YEAH.” You said defensively. Felix let out another laugh and it sounded like gold. Gosh your hands were a little sweaty.

                “Tell me when you are safe in your apartment okay? I won’t even think about getting off the phone until then.”

                Wow he, Felix was really a gentleman, “I will… Thank you.” As you were walking and making small talk you ended up telling him about the handsome guy who came into the store, not even knowing his own girlfriend’s favorite group.

                “Wait where do you work? You never actually told me where.” Felix seemed genuinely interested in what you had to say, and he listened. He would make little funny remarks. As comfortable as you were, did you really want to tell him you work at a k-pop store? Not that there was anything wrong with it, you just remembered how in highschool you’d get teased for even mentioning the genre. You were really conflicted.

                “I work at a music store.” YOU WERENT TECHINALLY LYING. “Where do you work?”

                “That is a little complicated to answer… however your work sounds so fun y/n.” It STILL sounded like he was smiling. When you finally got to your door, you felt a wave of relief.

                “I am at my door!” You practically cheered, “you can get back to work now, you must be busy. I am sorry for like begging you to call me.”

                “Are you inside yet?” Felix asked.

                You were looking for your keys, “Well not- “

                “I am not hanging up until I make sure you’re inside safely.”

That genuinely made you fumble with your keys, quickly you unlocked it and walked in, locking it behind you.

                “Okay I am inside, thank you again for everything Felix. Especially really saving me back there by being my fake boyfriend.” You had to bite down your smile. You heard him fumble with his phone a bit before speaking again.

                “Perfect, I’ll text you when I get off work. Bye y/n. Have a good night fake girlfriend.” After that he left the call and it ended.

                Oh

                My

                God

You threw your phone across the couch and covered your face, why on earth was he making you freak out. This felt like middle school all over again. His voice was so smooth. You had to calm DOWN, you still don’t know the important things about him. Like occupation! He could be a hitman for all you know, or a pimp trying to lure you in! Wait, what would a pimp or hitman be doing on club penguin? You were just psyching yourself out.

Quickly gaining composure you walked to your room and grabbed your pjs. You were in a major need of a hot shower, and so that’s what you decided to do. You let the water wash away your stress. You couldn’t help but smile to yourself as you thought about Felix. You really couldn’t help it; he was such a gentleman AND HE LIKED CLUB PENGUIN!

MAYBE you were swooning for him just a little bit...

Getting out of the shower you walked out to the living room in a big t shirt and old boxers you had. Half your clothes were hand me downs from the boys, you didn’t complain, you loved it. Sprawling out on the couch you found yourself scrolling aimlessly on the TV. You didn’t really know what to watch, however your curiosity was still peaked with Stray Kids. Clicking onto the YouTube icon you typed in Stray Kids. The first thing to pop up was a music video titled Maniac, clicking it you were quickly enamored. You understood why they were so popular nowadays. Before you went to click more and deep dive into the music videos, you decided to tell Felix about them. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taglist: @bloofairyfox @yellowroses-world @g4m3girl Taglist is always open just ask :) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors note: Hi everyone! Soooooo I am gonna be so real. I find chapter 3.5 so funny (to me at least) I might upload it later today. I actually did all my math for the next week early (by accident) so I will have time to write more hopefully! I also got to spend some quality time with my family yesterday! My dad and I really love watching Bluey together because it reminds us of when I was a kid. My dad reminds me so much of Bandit its insane :')

Oh did anyone watch Chans room yesterday?? I didn't get to watch it before it was listed as private :(

Anywho! I hope you guys are all having a good day :) it is still freezing where I am so please bundle up if it's the same for you! Hugs n kisses <3

[in-my-feels-probably]

Hi! It’s no worries I’ve been around this app long enough to know it’s kinda buggy lol. Anyways, I actually remembered just now I wrote out my request in a random google doc before I sent it and never deleted it so I have able to just copy/paste!

Congrats on 1.7k!! May I have a romantic hunger games (it can be either the original films or the newer one) option 2 match up please? I go by she/her and am bi with no preference, so any gender is fine.

I’m about 5’5, dark blue eyes, medium length hair thats kinda too dark to be dirty blonde but not so dark that its light brown with slightly lighter blonde highlights throughout. Ive been told I typically wear what would be considered 90s type of style but leaning away from more feminine things tho I’m not opposed to dresses and all.

I do get pretty anxious when thrown in certain situations rather that be talking to a group of people or just one person. But on occasion and definitely when I get to know someone I never stop talking. I am a ranter and rambler which means I could be ranting about something that happened and then start talking about something else that may or may not be related to the original subject. Basically I will always find something to talk about though I do enjoy listening to other people talk. I am considered the mom friend because I tend to be the most logical. Im also a very determined, stubborn person who usually is kinda pessimistic but still has a huge imagination. And despite all the anxiety I am usually a relatively confident person and am not afraid to take up for anyone I care about. Also I am pretty good in school despite having a kinda bad memory. Also an INTJ, Sagittarius, and Ravenclaw.

I absolutely love writing and have for the longest time rather that be random original stories I make up or the various fanfics I have(lol). I also love drawing and painting and recently realized I’m actually pretty good at making art related to animals and the occasional landscape. I’ve also been a big music fan since I was a kid, I honestly dont know what I would do without it. I also really enjoy reading when I get the chance, like I could spend hours getting consumed by whatever I’m reading. Which also travels into me when I’m watching things. As in I spend a good bit of time just binge watching new or old shows. I also really like walking around and enjoying nature. Theres a few nature trails I love going on and would go to the zoo every weekend if I had the chance. Which also goes along to my love for animals. Also I do like going to random places with my friends.

And thats about all I can think of to say, hope it wasnt too much lol. But anyways, thanks in advance :)

hi!

thanks for participating :)

since you have no gender preference, i’ll tell you who i ship you with out of both the boys and the girls, and then do the full thing for who i think you’re better suited for.

i ship you with katniss and peeta! i’m gonna go with katniss for this, hope that’s ok :)

katniss is absolutely not a people person. small talk makes her uncomfortable, and putting on a mask and playing a part doesn’t come easy to her. there’s a handful of people she’s comfortable talking to, and the rest don’t matter to her. she’d understand your apprehension getting to know people. but she’d feel pretty special when you opened up to her and started feeling comfortable venting and rambling. she may not be one for talking, but she does like listening. and you could listen to you talk for hours about whatever you wanted, happy to listen. you’re very alike as people. your values, your view on life, your temperament and your personality. you both being headstrong and stubborn could get in the way of your relationship sometimes, but you’d always manage to make her go soft around you. you’d be one of the few people that make her happy and help her feel relatively calm and safe, so she wouldn’t want to ruin that with petty arguments and bickering. you’d learn to work past it together quickly so you could get back to the simple things.

katniss doesn’t have much time for hobbies. plus, i don’t think she really allows herself the time to be idle. you’d have to constantly remind her to take a break and relax for a little while. she’d be too impatient for reading or art, but she’d enjoy hearing what you were reading about or working on. it would give her a sense of domesticity that she craved. and later on after the rebellion, she’d slowly start feeling more comfortable joining you with your hobbies and finding some of her own. i don’t think she considers herself to be a very talented person, but she would get a small sense of accomplishment and pride when she found a hobby she both enjoyed and was good at.

—

the place she’d most feel at peace would probably be the forest. walking along the streams, hunting for deer, just breathing in the fresh air. it would be a place she enjoyed going alone, but eventually, she’d start asking you to go with her. she’d show you all the best places she’d come to catch something or just clear her mind for a little while. it would be peaceful and quiet, which she’d love. one day, she’d ask you if you wanted to bring along something to draw with. she’d take you up to a ridge she liked to sit at, letting you sit down and draw the landscape while she hunted for a few minutes. eventually, she’d make her way back to you, sitting down next to you.

“no luck?” you’d ask when you noticed her coming back with a full quiver and no kill.

she’d shrug, setting down her bow. “found a few wild turkeys down by the river. some of the hens were nesting. i didn’t want to bother them yet.”

you’d nod, going back to your drawing. she hadn’t been gone that long, but you’d already made significant progress drawing the ridge and hillside that led down into the valley where the meadow was. you could feel her eyes on you as you worked, and you’d eventually feel her chin rest on your shoulder as you started drawing one of the trees, making you smile. you liked when she was soft like this.

“that’s pretty,” she’d murmur, fascinated by the way you worked. “peeta could’ve used you down at the bakery if he knew you could draw like this.”

“i wouldn’t want to upstage him,” you’d joke, knowing what peeta used to do took a lot of time and skill that only he could make look easy.

she’d chuckle, and you could feel her smile as she looked over your shoulder. “i don’t think he’d mind.”

you’d sit in silence another moment before deciding to take a break, setting your things down. you’d watch the ridge together, peering down through the valley where the spring flowers were just beginning to grow.

“you never told me we had flowers like this in the district.”

“they only grow in the spring,” she’d explain, resting her head against your shoulder. “my father told me the soot from the mines stifles them before they have a chance to grow. but out here in the meadow, they’re untouched. they can grow a few feet tall if they’re not harvested right away. you can use the roots for medicine…i used to bring prim some.”

you could hear the hurt in her voice at the mention of prim’s name. she’d grow quiet again, her eyes locked on the ridge. she was afraid if she looked over at you, she wouldn’t be able to keep it together. you figured it was best not to pry about it—not now, at least. instead, you’d pick up your drawing, handing her a few pencils.

“pick a few colors. i want to draw the flowers in too.”

she’d give you a small smile and nod, immediately reaching for the green pencil. you’d grin, setting the rest of the pencils down as you began working again.

“i should’ve known.”

—

thanks again for participating! i hope you liked this :)

[conditionaljewel]

My parents return from their getaway tomorrow, and I still haven't figured out how to reveal the wheelchair to them.

Dad doesn't know what I'm dealing with as far as the dysmorphia and body image shit, and I've always just had a hard time telling him things. Mom, meanwhile, knows kind of what's going on, but I don't think she like, fully gets it? I mean, she still struggles after all this time with my gender... how do you explain such severe dysmorphia that your body thinks it's completely incorrect like mine does?

They both know that I have unrelated separate issues with my knee and that's one thing, same with the balance / neuro issues that I'm trying to get some answers on this year, but the dysmorphia and body image disorder, and the rest of everything else that's all encompassing... I don't know how to approach it.

The dysmorphia has made me want this for so, so long. Since I was a kid, that's how long I've been dealing with this fucking disorder. And so now having finally gotten it, I feel like a small part of my identity is complete, and I feel whole. I wish I could simply say that to them, and leave it there, but I know that's not enough. But like... I've just always felt like I needed someone's permission to do shit, and like I've always been chasing some kind of approval that, by denying myself an identity and happiness - no matter how abnormal -, I still haven't achieved it anyway.

I've taken so many photos of myself this weekend, and the smile on my face, the beaming elation and joy, it just doesn't compare. I keep catching myself in Facetime calls with friends just grinning at myself because its finally real.

Do it scared but do it. That's been the motto.

Maybe I just sit Mom down and say this is me happy. I can't explain it more than that, but. I'm happy, I'm comfortable, I feel like me, and that's all I want to be anymore.

I just wanna be happy.

[sarking]

@serenabenson said ghosts Kathy and Serena talking in the garden and my brain clamped its teeth down hard on the idea of Kathy and Serena meeting because what would Serena think. Kathy, who was pregnant and married at seventeen? Like, basically one of Serena's nightmares for Olivia? But Kathy is, during the time Serena was alive, happy?

I don't have an answer, but I sure ended up with a very particular vision that takes a lot of setup to go nowhere!

It's July, probably. One weekend after the Fourth, maybe, or two. Not a holiday, because people go to the shore or make their own plans for those. But it's a picnic in the park for the entire precinct. Bring the family.

Olivia doesn't invite Serena, isn't even sure if she wants her to come, but knows she'd say no if she asked. She still makes sure Serena knows when it is and where.

(Sometimes, Olivia thinks she'd like Serena to meet Elliot, only that's not quite right. She wants it to be one-way, doesn't want the exposure of Elliot knowing Serena. She wants to show him off a little, like a doll in a case, or maybe a freak at a circus. Look, mother -- a good man.)

Serena comes, late. Long after Kathy has slathered the kids in a second coat of Banana Boat, but before the food is gone. It doesn't matter. Olivia has never seen her mother eat a hot dog; she would only eat from pretzel carts.

They sit at a picnic table on the edge of things, sneaky white wine in plastic cups, a soggy plate of fruit salad between them on the red and white plastic table cloth. Olivia doesn't say she's glad she came. Doesn't say anything different than she'd say at their weekly dinners; she doesn't want to scare her away.

Munch brings them cake. Vanilla, with berries on the icing like the stripes of the flag. It's an excuse to introduce himself, to be charming and sweet (a good man), to tell Serena how wonderful her daughter is. Not at her job, but as a person. To praise her intellect and wit. To declare the three of them -- Olivia and Serena and himself -- equals, and then to engage Serena on the topic of literature.

Olivia feels good about leaving them alone when Elliot calls her away. "Liv!" in his baseball cap, yards and yards away, with a small group of other men. Someone has bottle rockets, probably, or maybe they're trying to put together a race or a wiffle ball game. Nothing that would interest Olivia, but Elliot always wants to include her.

(He finds a second to nod at the table, at Serena in her movie star sunglasses. "Your mom?" And that's all there is; there isn't any more.)

Kathy startles Serena when she sits down at the table. It's the closest spot to where Dickie and another boy are sword fighting with sticks, and Munch is there. Kathy knows Munch, loves Munch.

"Serena Benson, the always lovely Kathy Stabler," Munch says, even though Kathy doesn't feel lovely. She feels happy, but exhausted and overheated. She feels like a mother of four at her husband's work picnic.

Serena doesn't say, "Oh, Elliot's wife," which is how introductions at these things usually go, so Kathy says, "You must be Olivia's mom."

Serena does say, "I hope you don't mind my noticing, but you're getting a bit pink, dear." She gestures to her own face to indicate where.

"Oh," Kathy says. "I guess I forgot to reapply when I did the kids."

Serena smiles, polite. (Olivia has mentioned Elliot is a father.) Raises a finger and digs in her bag, comes up with a little tube of sunscreen in a brand Kathy has seen in magazines but not on shelves in stores.

"Oh," Kathy says. "Thank you." She squirts some into her hand, but less than she should -- she has an idea of how much it costs, feels guilty for using it at all.

"We have to be careful, with complexions as fair as ours," Serena says. "Olivia, though, I could leave her in the sun for hours, and she would never burn."

Kathy glances at them, Olivia and her husband, yards away. They're alone now, laughing, so close the drinks they're holding bump when they move.

[ssarkosghost]

Bumbleby Week DAY 3 - Single Parent

Hello this one's definitely going to be close😅 but just managed to finish it up before day 3 of @bumblebyweek-blog prompts. Also apologies of the format is a bit off, first time posting via phone as holiday travels have finally taken into effect. Enjoy this modern RWBY AU, where Yang coaches Blake's son.

“Alright everyone good job today Sabers on three, one two three!”

“Sabers!!”

“Enjoy your weekend kids,” Yang shouted after the quickly dispersing gaggle of kids made their way to the sidelines of the field.

“We are going to crush the championship!!” Nora cried at her fellow coach as the parents began to hustle their children to the parking lot.

“Let’s focus on getting them ready for the start of the season,” Yang quipped back as she started packing up the remaining equipment.

“Ah come on,” Nora groaned, “Where’s the passion, we’ve got to keep the energy--”

“Honk! Honk!”

Fortunately, Yang was saved as Nora’s ride announced its presence. Especially when Jaune poked his head out to yell at his friend.

"Hurry up Nora, we've got to pick up the others," he shouted.

"Coming!!" Nora shouted back before she turned back to Yang. "Listen if we're going win it all we need to be pumped now with me. We're going to the championship!"

"We're going to the championship," Yang stated, almost jokingly which caused Nora to narrow her eyes.

"We're going to the championship!!" She shouted louder, staring hard at Yang.

"We're going to the championship!" Yang responded a bit louder.

"WE'RE GOING TO THE--"

"HONK!! NORA!!" Jaune's combined voice and car horn broke through Nora's attempted cheer. Yang chuckled as Nora now shot a glare at Jaune. Nora quickly gave Yang a hug before marching over toward her impatient friend.

"Heh, glad that's not my ride," Yang chuckled before going back to packing up the training equipment. Usually by the time she finished locking it all up in the park's equipment shed she was alone in the park. Today however was not to be the usual.

On her way toward the parking lot, she spotted a lone kid sitting on the curb staring at the park's entrance. As she approached she saw it was Grant Belladonna, one of the newest kids to join the club, having apparently just moved into Patch last winter.

"Heya sport what's with nightly watch?" She asked as she stood next to him.

"Oh just waiting for Mom," Grant said as he idly kicked his feet in boredom.

"Ah is she going to be long?" Yang pressed, a bit worried at how late it had already gotten, "anyone else around that can get you?"

"Probably she works in the city and no it's just me and Mom," Grant answered a bit too calmly for Yang's taste. Though she did wince sympathy at the drive Mrs. Belladonna must be making. Even on the best days getting here from Patch proper was a challenge. She almost offered to drive Grant home when she remembered two things. Firstly Grant hand mentioned it was just him and his mother being just the two of them, and secondly, as she cast a glance to her motorcycle, Bumblebee was not the best option for a small child, especially when she still only had a helmet for herself.

"Welp looks like you're stuck with me till she gets here," she said sitting down next to the kid. Grant merely nodded and an awkward air settled between the two. Well awkward for Yang at least, sure she had experience with kids, her own time with Ruby and coaching the little monsters. Something about this however seemed off, Grant seemed way to calm about this.

"Does this happen often?" Yang asked before mentally slamming herself for asking such a question.

"Sometimes, but Mom always comes she's always there for me," Grant replied nonchalantly, unknowingly hitting Yang hard. Such faith in a mother's return was something Yang was not ready for.

"Yeah…" she muttered her mind whirling with a thousand thoughts, "sounds like an awesome mom,"

"Oh she is," Grant responded, this time a smile breaking his usual monotone voice. " She always remains calm no matter what the situation.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Blake was going to murder every single person involved with making her late. She definitely was not ever going to get wrapped up with assisting Mr. Port, even if she had to remove him. She had plenty of time to compile this list as the traffic around her crawled forward an inch.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Yang herself was also getting close to swearing as she stood under the park's main pavilion with Grant as the rain poured in sheets. She knew she should have checked the weather, the spring showers were always heavy and often sudden. She had just managed to carry Grant to the safety of the pavilion before their clothes got soaked.

"Well we should be dry here," she started as she watched the water pelt Bumblebee, not too worried. She had made sure that nothing could stop Bumblebee, plus it did need a wash. However, concern turned to Grant, who was now clambering on top of one of the picnic tables staring at the rising waters. "Hey hey you okay Grant?" She asked as she made her way over to him, gently grasping his shoulders.

"Don't like water," Grant muttered, still staring at the pooling water. Yang quickly sat next to him and threw an arm around him

"Well don't you worry Grant," she started, "your Coach Yang will keep you afloat!" She finished drawing out her best smile to give him confidence.

"But Coach Nora said you sink like a rock," came Grant's semi-innocent response.

"Well maybe Coach Nora needs to reflect on not blabbing," Yang gritted through her teeth. "Well good news is that my secondary plan is that the park's drainage will be able all this water,"

"Really?" Grant asked finally turning his head toward Yang.

"Oh absolutely, these fields can take so much water," Yang proclaimed, "see." She pointed at the now stabilized water level. For a time the pair watched the water rise and lower as the rains continued to fall.

However Grant suddenly perked up, his head tilted toward the entrance. Yang was about to ask what it was when she saw a wave of water coming from the road as someone tore through the water-soaked roads. For a minute Yang was worried that Ms. Belladonna (for who else would be driving here this late) would hydroplane but in a masterful move Ms. Belladonna swiftly glided her truck into the closest parking spot. However Yang could still see a problem, the rains where still pounding heavy and it would soak anyone that tried to make that run.

"Hold on Grant," she stated and before Grant could say anything she tucked him underneath her jacket and sprinted.

Blake, extremely worried for her boy, his hydrophobia must be playing havoc with him, was so surprised when suddenly the blonde hair figure of Coach Xiao-Long suddenly came sprinting at her truck. For a minute she was stunned by what she saw before it all suddenly clicked. Quickly she unlocked the passenger door and kicked it open. Yang dove through catching the door with her boots and slamming it shut.

"You good little man?" She asked Grant as she let him scramble up and into his mother's lap.

"Uh-huh," he affirmed before hugging his mother tight.

"Awesome oh right, I'm Yang," Yang said finally taking note of the final person in the car as Blake could only stare in shock. With his face pointing away from the two Grant could only smile as his plan began

[starspaceace]

being on vacation with my dad has reminded me why i went a period of time no contact with him like. my brother put it like he’s 50 and like a libertarian which is kinda cringe get a real opinion old man. i’m going to rant because i need to write shit down

i kinda need to rant a bit like. i went no contact for a while over an argument with my brother living with him and him treating my brother like shit while that was happening but honestly i haven’t gone more than a day with my dad since i was 16 because when i was 16 i could just drive myself back to my moms house instead of doing like the weekend visits and getting into arguments every weekend but im on a week vacation with them right now

my stepmom saw that i like don’t shave my legs and wear clothes from the mens section so she’s like ‘well if there’s anything you want to tell us we support you :)’ which is. kinda funny in itself assigned gay by hairy legs but im like ok easy opportunity i guess to go well is this a gender question? they know im gay but this is a different thing im like sure non binary im not like a man but woman isn’t right yknow and she’s like well we support you :) but she i guess she tells my dad? and since that he’s upped like the “well you’re always going to be dad’s little princess” like thats a thing he’s always done (which has been and would still be annoying as someone who still identified really female. my brother doesn’t get that treatment yknow?) but it feels more. bad. also my brother and his girlfriend call me carl as a nickname for carley and my dad was weird about that like ‘her name is carley! tell them to stop calling you carl’ and asked if i would change my name to something else. like. its just a nickname even if i would change my name it wouldn’t be to carl. carl is a fine nickname until im one of them they/thems? there was also some weird comment at one point about how everyone’s bisexual now (which? my brother is just a straight man so its not even like we’re both gay its literally just me) (should’ve picked an easier to nickname name all carley gets is carl sometimes) my brothers girlfriend is with us and put it well like my stepmom just enables my dad. idk

like i told my brother its so hard to misgender me but my dad’s managed to do it somehow. like i know i see myself nonbinary but im short and fat and my voice is feminine so im just going to be perceived female? i still use she/her pronouns so like. whatever. its a thing i’ve accepted about myself but as long as i feel good about myself generally it doesn’t matter. my brother said it didn’t seem like it’s purposefully malicious but its still. something. im not sure what kind of word im looking for it. i think its just disappointing. im just wondering if they’d be like this about me being gay if i actually was like. dating. if i was “/really/“ gay instead of theoretically gay or gone on a date with one girl once gay. but since im like here and queer! im not queer in an acceptable way anymore?

in related issues my dad has like a lot of opinions but like no fucking opinion at all on anything like ? all politicians are corrupt but also socialism is bad (not exact words but like. the gist. food stamps welfare etc etc ) vaguely racist ideas (ie easily deniable, not sure he even realizes the things he’s saying are such) and throwing out weird buzzwords. called the backseat of us in the car millennials when we’re pretty solid gen z (like does he not realize he’s? like 7 years older than the oldest millennial? not far from that man you’re gen x). like if you’re going to be conservative just commit instead of pretending you’re not

my brother has been really great to be with through this experience of dealing with our dad tho in both making fun of his opinions and my gender stuff. making sure he’s not misgendering me (like asked if id rather he said sibling, i think im still ok with sister. or like my pronouns) we’re funny about it tho he said if i changed my name it should be to wolfgang or maybe pull a power move and just change it to his name and we have to fight over it. been making me feel better about everything instead of being bummed out about everything.

anyways my brother was playing our beach playlist we made and he put on one mcr song we put on there and my stepmom was like well carley can have one song but this isn’t my cup of tea but we’ll listen to it for her and i texted my brother like damn i can’t even have my gay song. they also hated on international love by pit bull so maybe they’re just haters. it’s tuesday and we’re here until saturday morning and my dads birthday is tomorrow so here’s hoping to uh. nothing eventful. worst case we drove here seperately and leave :P

[iamfindingkatie]

Intentions

Jeeze. I cannot get down on myself. Honestly, I have nothing to be down about. There is plenty of stuff that needs to be done in the background now that the school year is getting closer and it will be back to a routine. I miss those days. Summer got us all going ROGUE here and it's honestly so overwhelming. Plus, with school starting there will be some huge changes coming to my family.

Surely my struggles will be over once there is another income. That has got to work, right? Yes-BUT I'm like not a fan of some huge changes and boy will there be some! Of course, with change comes some anxiety and fear that this isn't really what's best for everyone, but I'm at the point where I am working so super hard and I don't have much to show for it after paying bills. We use to not have any time and more money. Now we have too much time but with the cost of living increasing....free and close to home are key at the moment. Its not a bad place to be in. We have a house, we have everything we need to survive but there are always those little kisses of awesome that happen at the right moments.

Riding the school bus to be a high schooler is on the agenda this year. Yes-my child will be in high school and is not looking forward to being a bus rider. The younger one is out of district. I think I don't have a choice at the moment to even bus her, but I swear I would if I could. These kids have it super easy with everything handed to them. Riding the bus is not the worst thing in the world.

The man of the house is going back to work. I work. I work a lot. Hence my overwhelmed mind and all this stuff I intended to do for July but I'm on to a slow start with fewer time to waste the closer to the end we get to do a lot of what I wanted to. I have a good heart. I will more than likey have to get use to a routine that comprises of split shifts, some weekend hours, long days, and cooking as well as meal planning again. I'm actually going to have to be a working mom...and that does scare me just a tad. There's a reason 2 people are needed to make one because you sure as hell need 2 people to raise one.

Being Bipolar has to be one of the hardest things in the world. I know when I will hit my low after a high, but my low right now is not welcomed and I'm slowly digging myself back up and to the light, but my head needs to be clear and my time needs to be more focused on the things that matter to me, yet I'm in a funk. I honestly wish there was a way to balance this all out for me to where I don't have one extreme or the next because it's getting old dealing with the whiplash of it all. Getting help and being accountable is something I'm forcing myself to do so I can grow. I hope people see it that way. I'm learning just like everyone else.

I'll be back to swimming. I will be back to making my fun self front and center. I will be present in life because that's not anything that my illness can take from me.

[cchapsticck]

15 questions. Stuff bout me! Thanks for tagging me @greenlikethesea!

1. are you named after anyone?

Okay kind of a funny story. When it comes to my deadname the story goes my parents were so sick of fighting over what to call me that that name was like a hands in the air okay fine concession between the two of them and neither of them actually liked it all that much. The name (and variations on it) I go by these days I am, without meaning to, named after two people. I share a deadname with one of my closest and oldest friends, and a mutual friend of ours has a condition that makes it difficult for him to distinguish faces - and we both have a similar vocal quality so we were particularly difficult for him to distinguish without someone having identified who was who in conversation. So he started calling her "Senior" and me "Junior" because calling us by the same name was just an additional complication for him keeping us distinctive and Junior stuck hard. My father's middle name is just the letter J, which someone at work started calling me and now everyone does. And I work a lot. So I am called it a lot. So that happened on accident.

2. when was the last time you cried?

I think it was before I had surgery, which was. Two months ago? Three? I forget how time works. I was scaredexcited. I'm not really a big crier, but I definitely have watershed moments of "cry a lot now" a couple times a year.

3. do you have kids?

I do not and I don't think that I will. I have a lot of respect for people who have and raise children, I just don't think I'm well suited to be a parent for a real smorgasbord of reasons. I like kids just fine though! My friend's kids are super cool and I always enjoy my time with them.

4. do you use sarcasm a lot?

I guess occasionally? I think when I do its this very intentionally hyperbolic version of it so as to not be misconstrued when I'm joking. If I'm ever going to be sassy about something I think I'd say my "style" in that arena is a bit more deadpan, but still very unserious. I tend to be a very earnest person so things like sarcasm are pretty much always employed as a joke.

5. what sports do you play/have you played?

/john mayer voice My Body Is A Garbage Can 🎶 my ramshackle horrible body is not cut out for sports, but in my youth I played hockey and figure skated. (midwest baybeeeee) I skipped out on my physical education requirement in high school by being in marching band for 4 years.

6. what’s the first thing you notice about people?

So I am deaf and I spend a lot of time looking at people's mouths, I read lips to fill in some lost information that my hearing aids don't reliably provide me with so it usually takes me a few encounters with a person before I start to notice other details about them beyond the lower third of their face. Sometimes I'll notice people's eyebrows, or if they have glasses or freckles but the specifics of their features don't always sink in right away.

7. what’s your eye colour?

Green!

8. scary movies or happy endings?

For my own personal enjoyment? Always always always a scary movie. I love a scary movie. Good, bad, doesn't matter, I want to watch it. A friend of mine and I spend entire weekends just watching the Shudder back catalogue and we've found some incredible films. (Please watch Death Spa I'm so not even kidding) I am a whole sucker for a practical effect. I also love a scary movie with a happy ending!

9. any special talents?

I always know where the car is parked.

10. where were you born?

American Midwest. Round the lakes. Y'know. The big ones.

11. what are your hobbies?

I'm one of those suckers who made their hobby their job so I genuinely enjoy garment construction and costume crafts. I also like to write and garden and live music.

12. do you have pets?

No not anymore. I had cats in high school (I am so deeply allergic) and we have had to put two of them down over the last few years and our last remaining guy lives with my mom. My partner and I raise carnivorous plants though and we've named all of them and talk about them like they're essentially pets.

13. how tall are you?

5'6"

14. favourite subject at school?

I always loved my English classes, far and away the classes I put the most work into and excelled at. I also took a radical dramaturgy class in grad school that changed the way my brain functions. Which is probably an extension of an English class tbh. While not a favorite: I'm good at math, but I don't actually like math. I often joke that I'm good at math against my will - I had a lot of math tutoring as a kid so now I can like. Do long division in my head and shit.

15. dream job?

Y'know, I'm not sure I have a dream job. I really like what I do, I work in the arts - live theater and I wear a lot of hats at the regional theater I spend most of my time at. I've put a lot of time and effort and lost sleep into trying to make a living doing something that feels worthwhile to me personally as an artist and important to the community I'm in and making that art accessible to that community but I'm also happy to go home at the end of the day, its easy for me not to think about work when I'm not at work.

So I think the dream is more to have a job that I like, that I want to be at most days, that feels worthwhile, but also to have a healthy work/life balance with that job. Y'know?

[andswarwrites]

It's the weekend!  Which means I am getting my word count the lazy way, by creating a ranked list of items.  So far it's just been movies, but I can go on and rank shows, albums, food, activities: my laziness and desire to categorize things will see me through many a weekend, I am sure.  We're going to see Elemental later today, so how appropriate for this week's list to be my personal ranking of Pixar movies. 

First, however, I have to explain that I have not seen:

Lightyear (2022) Turning Red (2022)

Soul (2020) Onward (2020)

Coco (2017) Cars 3 (2017)

As for the Pixar movies I have seen, I'm going to start with the most recent and move back in time.  I'm also grouping all the sequels together, and treating them as one story.  Here goes.

Luca (2021)

I was delighted with Luca.  On its surface the story seems very simple: a young sea monster meets a friend who introduces him to all these new experiences, and then they escape to a small village where they meet a girl who widens Luca's horizons even more, and the trio band together to win a race.  Pretty straightforward.  The subtle message, however, that always gets to me, every time I watch it, is (1) as parents, we cannot protect our children from everything, they need to live their own life and (2) don't call someone a "monster" when you simply don't know who they are.

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

This movie is a Western with dinosaurs.  There's the farm boy, there's the ranchers, there's the "native", there's the wild creature that befriends the hero, and there's the gang leader who has gone insane.  I don't love it, and I don't hate it. 

Inside Out (2015)

This is one of my all-time favorite movies.  It helped me, as a parent, to explain the different emotions to my child, and it helped my child learn how to convey to me what she was feeling.  I bought figurines of all the characters for her, and we would use them in our discussions.  Inside Out is not just an entertaining movie, it is a deep and wonderful lesson for all children (and adults) that their emotions are always valid, and should not be supressed.

Brave (2012)

I'm a mom.  I have a mother.  The mother-daughter relationship in this movie is so precious.  You see the conflict, and maybe at first the mother seems to be too rigid and uptight, but as the story progresses, you learn to respect her and cherish her, as her daughter does so as well.  Merida goes from treating her mom like the enemy, to seeing that her mom truly cares about her.  And Merida herself is such an appealing character.  You root for her, even when she is making mistakes, because she learns from them, and she can grow as a person.  What a perfectly delightful heroine.

Up (2009)

You know what I love best about Up?  It shows that a simple life with a loved one can be rich and fulfilling.  It also shows that after experiencing a devastating loss, you can forge new friendships and experience new things.  

WALL-E (2008)

Again, an all-time favorite movie of mine.  A teeny tiny robot, the last one still cleaning up the mess humanity left on Earth, is the protagonist who is primarily responsible for everything good that happens in the movie.  His simple friendliness breaks down barriers and inspires others.  To me, this story shows that no matter how humble you are, you can do good, just by caring.

Ratatouille (2007)

As someone who worked in a restaurant, the attention to detail in the animation of the kitchen blew my mind.  Right down to the fabric of the uniforms the cooks wear.  Honestly, if I saw a rat in a kitchen, cooking, I would be pretty grossed out.  But Remi is actually very hygiene-conscious: he washes his hands, he puts his fellow rats through the dishwasher.  "Anyone can cook" does not mean "everyone can cook"; it means give anyone who has a passion for cooking a chance to prove themselves.  That applies to other areas in life, too.  The more you think about it, the more profound the lesson is.

Cars (2006)

Cars 2 (2011)

I do not care for Cars 2.  I saw it once, and once is enough.  But the main reason I have affection for Cars is how much my dad loves that movie.  My dad worked in a garage as a vehicle inspector, so he is very familiar with everything from a sedan to a semi.  Whenever I watch this movie, I think about my dad, watching it for the first time, and hearing his delighted laugh at certain scenes.  He even has a toy Mater.  He lets my daughter play with it when she visits.  So I love this movie by proxy.

The Incredibles (2004)

Incredibles 2 (2018)

Until Iron Man (2008) came out, Incredibles was my favorite superhero movie.  And Incredibles 2 improved upon the first movie, balancing suspense with humor.  When I was little, sequels were disappointing most of the time.  Now, I view sequels, most of the time, as a continuation of a story I loved, that enriches and deepens the connection with the characters.  Incredibles 1 and 2 are just…incredible.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Dory (2016)

This is another story where the sequel improved upon the original story, adding depth and color, introducing new characters but also allowing us to enjoy the characters we grew to love in the first movie.  As a parent, myself, I love stories that show parents who will go above and beyond for their kids.  In Finding Nemo, that's Nemo's dad.  In Finding Dory, that's Dory's parents.  Both of the movies are so wonderful, they are precious to me, and I can watch them repeatedly.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Monsters University (2013)

Every child worries about the monsters under their bed.  Monsters Inc. teaches us that those monsters only care about fueling their cities, and they are fighting an energy crisis!  Seeing the monsters' side of the coin helps children to have empathy for these scarers.  Then, Monsters University shows that sometimes we have to give up on our dreams, but that doesn't make us failures.  So yes, the movies are whimsical and quite hilarious, but they have a point.

A Bug's Life (1998)

How many kids are fascinated by underground networks of burrows and chambers and the complex structure inside an ant hill or a rabbit warren?  Me, I'm the kid.  I loved anything that gave me a glimpse of small, hidden worlds.  One of my favorite books is Watership Down.  So I have so much nostalgic affection for A Bug's Life.  And another reason it's so compelling is the underdog tale it tells.

Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Toy Sory 4 (2019)

The Toy Story saga.  I thought Toy Story 3 was such an effective conclusion to the trilogy, I almost skipped Toy Story 4.  A friend told me that instead of being about the toys' relationship with their kid, they go off on their own adventure.  So I watched Toy Story 4 and it is my favorite of all four.  The thing about this series is that each movie adds a new layer.  I can binge them all, happily.

So you see why I cannot "rank" these movies.  I love them all, in different ways.  Pixar must be treasured.  The tales they spin take us to new places, show us new things, treat us to a journey of laughter and whimsy, but they tell us messages, underneath it all, that we need.