#like pulling pigtails but also so heartfelt

[pixlatedvampire]

I’d like to personally thank Joey and Anya for their roles in the iconic "that’s my wife!" scene. Making it possible for this comic and all my headcanons about how yennefer and jaskier are silly w each other to be practically canon ^-^ 🌸

I think that yennefer can strategically be so so nice to jaskier as a form of warfare as a treat 💕☺️

[benryphobic]

tell me ur thoughts on... Darnry

DARNEY MY BELARNREY......HELL YES

💐 Who tends to worry the most?

Darnold. He has anxiety! He's very uncomfortable with sudden change, too, so anything extreme happening out of his schedule makes him freak out

💋 Who is the most physically affectionate?

Benry. he gives his *friends* kisses, man. he would give Darnold so much physical affection it would be annoying (sometimes)

⛈ Do they enjoy dancing?

They do! Darnold dances like an old man, just kinda swaying side to side, while benry dances like a teenage girl. they have really different tastes in music, but can come together with dancing to r&b!

🌹⛈Who has the most nightmares and how do they deal with them?

Darnold has the most nightmares. Mostly about being terrified and trapped. Benry helps him by just kinda playing games with him, cos neither of them are too good at talking about feelings

🌺 Do they go to sleep at the same time as each other?

They do initially, bc Benry just. never slept. he doesn't need to. But then Benry started to appreciate the fine art of being able to cuddle and doze with a comfy body in his arms

⚡ What are their nicknames for each other?

I can't really think of anything but benry probably calls him like. D. Arnold. as a bit. otherwise i can't see them using any nicknames

🍃 What do they do when the other is stressed?

play video games....if that doesn't work, then they just talk about nothing. if it gets really bad, benry uses sweet voice for him, but thats not super often. darnold helps benry by just being his friend (homosexual)

🌻 How do they spend time if the other is gone?

Darnold does his science shit, goes back to school to become a professor, plays video games etc etc. benry plays video games, listens to music, probably makes his own music, talks to his friends, etc

🎮 Do they have a favourite video game they enjoy playing together?

team fortress 2.....they both go medic and do this

💍 Would they ever get married?

probably! no big wedding or anything, but they would get a little dressed up

✨ Who proposes?

benry! he does it very casually but very heartfelt

👑 Who is the meme lover?

darnold laughs at minion memes and cat memes. benry does not go on the internet.

📚 Who likes to read?

Darnold! he's fascinated with his field of study, but also in a lot of different things. he reads a lot to calm down and as a hobby

🎩 Who bothers the other person while the other person reads?

haha benry. if benry needs attention (which is often) he'll bother darnold like an immature child.

🌼 How do their personalities complement each other?

i think both are very matter of fact while saying the craziest shit. the difference is you can kinda tell when benry is joking (unless youre gordon) , while you cannot tell at All when Darnold is. Plus i kinda see them both as quiet people, maybe ambiverts at most, so they just kinda chill most of the time. theyre absurd in different ways, and its great :)

🔥 Who will punch someone out if they are rude to their partner?

neither? i think benry would shoot someone just for picking their nose

💀 What would they dress up as, for Halloween?

oooohghuhghhhhh the cheesiest costumes ever. the first year theyre dating they go as a medic and solider duo, but years after theyd do like. cishet costumes bc they both think its funny (harley quinn and joker, Frankenstein and the bride of frakenstein, jack and sally, etc) they still really like dressing up as video game characters tho, so they do that too to mix it up

🌈 What are their favourite colours?

darnold likes green! benry........does not have a favorite

🌹 Who is the hopeless romantic?

Neither! Darnold is a man of science, a man of work. he was very happy being single, benry just kinda added a new dynamic in his life that he very much enjoyed. benry is just....not a romantic. if he has a crush on someone he's like "well.....lol" and usually pursues like a 5 year old

🎭 Who is the dramatic one?

benry. he sounds like he's eternally pouting

🎈 Who makes jokes during inappropriate times?

benry, duh. hes kind of a dick. darnold cannot take him to funerals

💝 What do they love about each other the most?

the sick gamer strats. idk this is a weird question cos when u love someone, i feel like u love....all of them? or at least a lot of them. theres not really a favorite trait. they just go "yo this is nice as fuck" when u spend time with each other and like. cuddle.

👓 Who googles everything?

darnold uses Google as a research engine for his work and hobbies

🌙 How do they comfort each other when they are helpless to do anything about the situation?

they r there for each other. if its truly helpless, i think that's enough.

🍂 What is an inside joke they have?

pyro airpoof.....whether or not Darnolds potions are g fuel bc Powerade is kinda close to Gatorade

💟 What do you think makes them perfect for one another?

i dont think theyre perfect for one another! benrys an annoying jackass, Darnold is a nice man. but i think if benry got a huge loser crush, hed feel the need not to pull on darnolds metaphorical pigtails. its respect

🌷 Are you nervous to talk about your OTP? Why?

kinda nervous! but only bc i have trouble thinking about their dynamic. my favorite genre of romance is just.....dudes that hang out and kiss. i also don't want it to sound like knock off frenrey. Darnold is the only one who seemed a little annoyed by benry too, in a very different, polite way, but i find it difficult to differentiate the dynamic. Darnold is a little bit of a straight man to the straight man. not to say he isnt absurd. but id find it reallt funny for benry to do some crazy shit and Darnold to go "uhm. ok."

Is your OTP Oc x Canon?

hmm difficult question. hlvrai characterization in general is making an oc and hoping it adheres to Canon. just by shipping darnold and benry im basically making some sort of oc x oc for myself, since their characterizations don't imply theyd ever end up in a romantic relationship

🎵 What's a song (or songs) that remind you of your OTP?

i need more songs for my darnrey playlist 😩😩😩😩

[miracle-sham]

Yet So Poison Entwined We Fracture.

| {Jasonette July 2021, Saturday Challenge 1: Hurt No Comfort} |

| [Ao3 Link] | | [Masterlist Link] | | [Spotify Playlist Link] |

| It all went wrong so quickly. Marinette thought she could trust Jason, that he'd never betray her. And Jason thought the same. But with a truth-serum turned poison seeping through their veins, neither had thought to look for the purple feathers. |

| Word Count: 1,706. |

———

| A/N: I'll try and keep this short and sweet but it's nice to dip back into writing for Maribat, I really missed it whilst I was gone. Also I've now got a author's channel in MGI where I sometimes put title sneak peaks, snippets, and random au ramblings, so y'know feel free to pop into the channel and have a gander if you'd fancy! And one last thing, keen eyes may have noticed I've added a Spotify Playlist Link, it contains all the songs I listened to when working on this oneshot, if you're curious! |

| If you want to be tagged in future oneshots/fics or a specific Au, then feel free to send me a dm and or ask! |

| Also side note, Don’t Like? Don’t Read. Also also, please do not criticise any of my writing. This was written for fun and receiving criticism, even in a compliment/criticism sandwich, is the exact opposite of fun. |

———

Marinette staggers back, clutching at her bloodied side as the world spins for a moment and everything blurs. Breath catches in her throat as a sharp pang of betrayal pierces her heart, tears springing to the corners of her eyes unbidden. Whimpering, she barely manages to cry out, “J–Jason?”

Heartbreak coating his name like the truth serum-poison making its way through her system at this very moment.

She makes an awful choking noise and collapses to her knees, scrunching her face up and wheezing. Barely is she able to keep her eyes open, fixated on staring at someone she thought she could trust.

Smirking lazily, Jason saunters up to her, crouches and then grabs her face by the chin, forcing her to tilt her head up to continue staring at him in the eyes. “Aw, did you really fucking think I cared about you this entire time?”

Marinette swallows thickly—unable to conjure up a response to him. Black spots start to form in the corner of her vision like watching a spattering of embers burning away on a piece of paper.

He tilts his head to the side and snorts, “really? Nothing to say, no heartfelt "I trusted you!" or "you're lying!". Not even a "I know the real you is still in there?", how fucking pathetic.”

There's a small part of her brain that starts flashing red lights and wailing alarms—warning her that she's in danger, that she's hurt, that she's stopped breathing. She can't breathe, can't move, can't say anything or she'll spill all her remaining secrets.

Jason sighs and drops her chin. “And here I fucking thought your shitty-ass reaction to me betraying you would be more fun.”

Grimacing, she waits a heartbeat after he lets go before mustering all her strength to slam her skull into his—if I'm going down, you're coming with me for this, Marinette mentally vows.

There's a horrendous thwacking sound as the impact lands, and Marinette feels as though her brain has turned into a blender that just had its blades snap mid blend.

Jason, on the other hand, flings himself backwards and curses up a storm. He pulls out one of his guns and with dizzying vision, manages to shoot a bullet that just clips the uninjured side of her ribs. “That's what you fucking get for that you bitch!”

Marinette doubles over as the pain seems to ricochet through her; vision blacking out completely. She struggles for breath, her hearing cutting off not a second later. Objectively, she's aware she's not alone. But as her senses shut down one by one, leaving her helplessly trapped in her own mind, she can't help but wonder why her heart aches with loneliness. I'm sorry, she silently apologises to no one and everyone.

Distantly, she thinks she's swaying—or collapsing again maybe. But it's hard to tell, it's disorientating trying to focus on the world with dying senses.

Marinette is lost. Every little movement, every little thought—it's agony, a struggle to keep going, keep holding on. Once more, she silently pleas for forgiveness from the kwami.

She stops.

Stops breathing. Heart stops beating. Stops fighting. It all stops.

At least this way, she thinks to herself, I can't spill any secrets from the truth serum-poison if I carry them to the grave instead…

She sinks into the darkness, clinging to her final thought in numb relief as she does so. Everything fades away.

———

Jason groans as the knife Marinette is wielding digs deeper between his ribs.

She doesn't move back immediately, so he grits his teeth and roundhouse kicks at her—the heavy thump of collision makes his wound burn like acid has just been poured on it.

He's a few seconds too slow pulling his leg back, as Marinette slices the knife through his calf.

“Fuck!” He bites out, throwing himself further out of her range and breathing. “Marinette!”

With the gall to smile faux-innocently, she plays with the knife in her hand, slipping it between her fingers and swirling it about. “Yes, Jason?”

“The fuck are you doing!?” He growls, shifting his position when she doesn't move to apply pressure to the calf wound.

She shrugs, seemingly unbothered, “what? Did you really think this wouldn't happen one day? That I wouldn't get sick of you. Show you just how much you've hurt me the entire time we've known each other?”

Jason spits blood from his mouth at the warehouse floor in front of her. “I don't believe whatever shit you're being made to spew, but I sure as fucking hell know that you'd never do something as fucked up as this.”

“Oh, that's cute! You still believe in me. What's next, are you going to beg me to come to my senses? Are you going to cry my name and hope it changes my mind? Are you going to declare that the "real" me is still there inside and that you're going to save me?” Marinette giggles, high-pitched and yet hollow sounding.

Jason flinches at the sound, breathing stuttering as the poison from her knife starts to really seep in. Shit, he thinks to himself, truth serum-poison. If I'm not careful I'm gonna say shit that should stay secret.

A flash of silver catches the edge of his vision. And it's all the warning he gets. He immediately ducks and rolls, cursing under his breath as his wounds are aggravated. The air by his hair swooshes as the blade just narrowly misses.

Marinette giggles taper off into a hiss of fury. Her hair slips out of her pigtails from the constant movement, and multiple strands fall in front of her face. She huffs, ineffectively blowing them out of the way. “Did you really think I ever loved you?”

“Yes!” The words are choked out of his mouth before he can even think, the truth serum-poison kicking in hard and fast. Jason wheezes and the taste of iron lingers like malice in his throat. Fuck, he thinks desperately, I'm running out of time and Marinette isn't snapping out of whatever the fuck's been done to her.

He stumbles into another roll, as the blade comes swinging at him again. His vision blurts violently, and the next thing Jason knows—is that his view has suddenly tipped upside down and that there's a throbbing ache radiating from the back of his shoulders and head.

“Huh, you really do have a thick skull. Normally that'd be enough to knock anyone else out. Well, I guess I'll have to do this the old fashioned way.” Marinette rambles, pulling out a rag.

Jason grunts as he pushes himself only to be slammed back into the concrete warehouse floor, rag pressed firmly over his mouth and nose.

He thrashes and refuses to inhale. Marinette scowls and kicks him sharply into the ribs, causing him to gasp through gritted teeth. But it's enough to affect him.

His vision teeters then flickers to black, he can feel his movements slowing—becoming more and more sluggish until he's as still as he was in that fucking coffin he's had to crawl out of once before. At least, he barely manages to cling to the final thought, I can't spill any secrets if I carry them to the grave once more.

And then it all fades away.

———

Lila steeples her finger and smirks. She's sitting in her plain white office for the Agreste, three monitors set up before her on the desk. The middle screen shows her emails and a few tabs up on fashion for work-related reasons. The outer two screens, however, show the feed to two identical cells—two by four by five metres with cement floors and grey brick walls, no windows and a single plain black metal door. No furniture either, not even beds or toilets, just chains attached to the wall opposite the door. And in the chains is what has Lila so very happy indeed; Marinette and Jason, one in each cell and both stuck in the chains with no hope for escape.

A steady pool of blood has already formed beneath the both of them, thanks to the wonderful work of her Sentimonster duplicates of the two.

Lila can't help but monologue in her glee, “It's so excellently simple really. Even if one escapes, there's no way they'll help the other escape now. Now they've experienced the pain of betrayal and torture inflicted by the other!”

Footsteps approach the door to her office; all it takes is a quick click and click of the mouse and her two outer screen feeds flip to showing more work-related tabs and emails.

The door opens to reveal Adrien, slightly dishevelled—hair and shirt ruffled, eyes red with dark bags beneath them, and shiny tear streaks down his cheeks—he stands in the threshold, shaking. “Did you know?”

Lila smiles in fake confusion. “Know what?”

Adrien swallows, gaze flickering to her screens. “Marinette's dead. So is Jason.”

Lila tilts her head to the side to make it look as though she's thinking. “The Wayne boy that was close to her, right? Oh dear.”

His tired gaze turns back to Lila as he continues. “They think both of them were kidnapped and tortured separately. Police have found traces of an altered truth-serum among the bloodstains and…” He chokes for a second, grief plain as day across his face. “and they found pieces of fingers, ears, slices of skin, and all.”

“Oh, oh, that's horrible!” Lila gasps, covering her mouth with her hands to hide the victorious curl forming on her lips. “Have they found out who was cruel enough to do that to them yet?”

Adrien shakes his head silently.

“Hopefully, the culprit will be found soon. But if you need any support, I'll always be here for you, Adrien!” Lila gravely announces, bobbing her head slightly as she spoke.

He narrows his eyes at her, shakes his head, and then stalks away from her office.

She scowls as soon as his back turns and gets up to shut her door. “Well,” She says to herself as she flips back to the cell feed, “at least that means I'll have plenty of time to pull the secrets from you two without the police thinking to look for you alive.”

———

| Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this little oneshot! Comments, likes, and reblogs are much appreciated! |

| Also feel free to send me any asks or comments with any questions you have regarding this oneshot, I'll be more than happy to answer! |

| @jasonette-july-event |

[gothfoxx]

What about Marinette x black cat male!lila? Maybe with a reverse crush? (Mari likes chat!male!lila, male!lila crushing hard on Mari?)

Leo goes by Gatto Noir a mix of his old homeland and his new one. His hair is Nathaniel’s length and has black steaks when he transforms. His suit is black and is shaped like leather armor with green designs along the boarders, his baton can change shape into a war ax with the same design on its head. His Noir takes the job seriously like a renaissance knight, he waits till patrols to gossip and show off.

Mari’s Ladybug is much the same though she was not only drawn in by Gatto’s faith in her  but also his commitment to follow this mission to hell and back to keep the people of Paris safe. It was a heartfelt speech after stoneheart that made her really come to turns with the responsibilities that rest on their shoulders.

Leo got Plagg the same day he and his mom moved to their new house. So he was Gatto for over a week before he started school. On his first day he caught a girl that was tripped down the stairs. It was a close call without the cat powers already flowing through him she would have gotten hurt. “I guess you’re falling for me” pops out of his mouth before he knows what he’s doing. Once she’s on her feet he shouts a “sorry gotta run nice meeting you catch you later” because 1-what a way to start a school career and 2-cure Plagg and his influence(puns)

Marinette isn’t sure about the new kid, the new new kid. The blond before him had apologized for the gum and explained his ignorance of the way school worked but she still didn’t like how he let Chloé push him around. The Brunett boy had saved her from a nasty prank from Kim’s sport buddies but he kept embellishing his stories like the kids she babysat. Neither really bothered her but Alya kept suggesting she talk to guys more, in the flirting way. She might have if she wasn’t Ladybug but she was and talking with Gatto was easy. She might get non cursed butterflies in her stomach whenever her pulls her out of danger and holds her against him but talking was easy. She just hoped he felt the same.

Leopoldo Richard Rossi was not a romantic, he grew up with an Italian mother and French father, he had hear all the cheesy lines and watched all the dumb movies and heard so many versions of ‘I love you more than anything’ sung that he would have never described himself as romantic. But every time Marinette Dupain-Cheng spared him a moment of her time or graced him with a glance he would feel that resolve melt into putty. When he had said so to Adrien one cloudy day the blond model had looked upset and nodded. “She’s awesome. Too bad she doesn’t trust me.” The boy shrugged with a sigh, Leo would have to keep an eye on that.

Ladybug got distracted from patrol a second time that night with Gatto Noir’s grim mood. “What’s wrong grumpy cat, didn’t get your nap in?” She teases hoping it lifts the mood. He looks over and relents, he was a sucker for her caring nature, “There’s a girl I like but another guy likes her too. He’s an okay guy but she’s really not into either of us. Honestly it probably won’t lead anywhere but I feel jealous and frustrated that he might ask her out. Even if she says know he still had the guts to ask” his body sags as the words spill out. “It’s dumb I don’t know why it’s bothering me so much.”

Mari is sad to hear he likes someone but they will always be soulmates just maybe not how she imagined. “It sounds like you are scared of the ifs, if she doesn’t like you or him, if he will ask, if she’ll say yes, if if if. We can’t know the possibilities for the choices we didn’t or haven’t made yet. What we can do, what you should do, is make the choices you make count. You’re scared of regret or missed chances but if you don’t choose anything you’ll lose it all.” She takes a deep breath and continues with her speech, “If you really like her ask her to eat lunch with you tomorrow. Take steps to show you care and maybe you’ll find out if she into you or not. But you’ll never know unless you act!” And wow she should have taken her own advice and told him she liked him but with secrets and the whole of Paris on the line...She should have known better.

Gatto took a step closer to his partner and rested his forehead on hers, “youre so smart, what would we do without you.” He pondered. “Probably get turned into ugly gold statues or love hungry zombies.” She laughs patting his shoulder and pulling away. “Let’s finish up and send you home. The sooner to bed the sooner tomorrow will come!” She cheered, flicking her yo-yo out and swinging to the next building.

The next day a nervous Leo stood outside the school gate looking for a pair of blue pigtails. It was ten minutes until the first warning bell when she ran from across the street and up to him. “ Are you waiting for someone?” She asked taking in his stiff posture and grumpy pout. He softened as she spoke like her voice had washed away his troubles, “Um yeah.” He admitted scratching his cheek in an attempt to do something with his clammy hands. “I um had a friend who said that I’ll never know unless I act. So would you like to eat lunch with me today?” His question go unanswered for a beat and his heart sinks, he braces for rejection.

It doesn’t come thought what happened next caused quite the stir and usually quiet and well mannered Marinette yelled out, “YOU BETTER MAKE THIS COUNT!” And planted a kiss right on the startled boys lips. It took a moment for what she said to sink in but when it did they made for a spectacle, bouncing around and laughing until the final warning bell. They barely got to class on time but when they arrived it was hand in hand with giddy smiles. Leo didn’t even notice Adrien’s shocked face. 

[shiningstages]

@feveredbcnes | cont. from ( x )

If she were to be particularly honest, then Lillian had honestly wanted to braid Rey’s hair for awhile now. Whenever he visited it was always this long-ish, fluffy-looking mess that begged to at least be brushed and styled just a tiny bit. Usually that style had included clips, accessorized bobby pins, or any sort thing she could put in his mane that she thought would suit him. Occasionally a stylish ponytail or pigtails come into the mix, but this was the first time the girl actually tried to change the hair itself rather than putting things in or on top of it. Though she couldn't use electronics like a straightener or curler, because she didn’t have one and therefore didn’t know the first thing about using one. Not like she couldn’t pick up how to use one from videos or asking friends at school, but Rey certainly didn’t need his hair burned off for the sake of practice. So she opted for something that her skillful hands were quite good at, at least in her opinion, and Rey would just have to suffer through his hair being pulled in such a way that would probably grant him a very big headache later.

At least she was doing the dutch braid on him while she had carefully done the french braid on herself. Pain was beauty, as many women she had heard around the bar say, and braids starting on your scalp certainly hurt, even very seasoned-veteran scalps. Her eyebrows furrowed in both concentration and at the pull on her head making some of her nerves scream, but she was obviously much more used to this than Reyardine. That very obvious coverup of a swear is noted as Lillian pulled at some choice hairs on the base of his head, a grin the man couldn’t see now growing on his face, though she does try to be a bit more gentle while trying to get the process over with faster. Not that that wouldn’t stop the yanking she was doing with his hair, but she was practically done as is anyways, and didn’t want to cause her friend any more pain.

The glimpses she had caught of Rey outside the alleyway door those night ago was enough to send an anxious jolt through her hands, yanking at strands of black on accident. But Rey’s squeaky voice is enough to make her giggle a little, “Almost there!” chimed out as she finished up while trying to blink away that image. Of course Thomas had answered the hard knocks when that door led straight to his office, and that combined with the barks that was Thomas’ surprised voice had been enough to rouse Lillian from her sleep, stepping down the stairs just in time to see deep red on someone’s hoodie outside. Thomas quickly saying he was taking their guest to Mark’s place to get better patched up, jacket thrown on and door slammed shut before she could even fully wake up. A groggy wait into the morning, and she found out that the guest was Reynardine when he appeared in tow with Thomas through that alleyway door again. And while most details are kept away from her worried heart, there’s no escaping an explanation for his busted eye. And, no matter what type of pain he was in, and even if he has healed well these past few days, there was no escape from Lillian pampering him in any way she could. Little makeovers like this were commonplace for when he visited, and yet she grabbed at any chances to make him more comfortable or make his arrangements in his room more fun, like telling him stories of her day while he was awake or setting out and getting things he’d need when he was asleep. Even food requests from Reynardine got her full attention, intentional or not on his part, and if m&m cookies were the sweet that would comfort the werewolf - admitted in a gentle moment, running a hand through his hair to coax him to sleep the night prior - then m&m cookies were what she was going to bake.

Seeing Rey get confused at her statement though is understandable, leaving any questions he had waiting as his compliments over her work fueled her enthusiasm, skipping out of the guest bedroom and quickly over to the kitchen in the bar. Fresh cookies cooled to that perfect not-too-cold-yet-not-too-hot temperature are plated with the help of the kitchen staff, and then she’s back upstairs to see his expression shift from surprised joy to that happy smile as he took a cookie. And her own joy is ever present when he compliments her baking, “I’m glad they turned out so well for you!” stated before plopping the plate on his lap and then taking a cookie for herself. Having a bite, she can’t help but let out a sound of happiness too. These really had turned out so well; she’d have to make them again and this time share with the bar staff. 

Crawling onto the bed to sit next to Rey, there’s a moment to just enjoy the cookies in delighted silence. Yet there are glances towards Rey’s face - towards Rey in general. It always seemed like most of the time Rey visited them looking worse for wear, whether through getting a cold from sleeping out in the rain or through injuries from either the supernatural or people in her chosen profession. Of course, that also led to many heartfelt and happy moments like these, with Rey staying with them to recover or just chill out in a place he could trust, and with her just enjoying the quality time she got with one of her best friends. But no matter how long they lasted Rey was gone again soon enough, the life of a vagabond just flowing through him, yet always ending up at their doorstep and back in their lives again. Each time he left she prayed for safe travels, and each time he visited she prayed for him not to go, and that kind of cycle…It’s enough of a thought to make her joy drop unconsciously, head resting gently on Rey’s shoulder and snuggling into him a little. But an accidental bite of her finger as she ate another cookie snapped her out of it, letting out a noise of distress before fumbling to make it look like she was licking up the remnants of melted chocolate. The embarrassment that rises up her cheeks is genuine, as is her sheepish laugh once she catches Rey’s gaze at her, “These cookies really are just too good, but they’re still melty-messy like regular chocolate chip.” being her only other cover up before she’s quick to start eating another. She’s halfway finished with it before she finds her voice again, trying to make her mind not stray to the negative again, “I can make another batch of these after dinner if you want, and then you could have them for dessert too. And I could make some tea to go with it if you would want some; I’ve actually gotten a lot more flavors of tea too, just to see what flavors I like best. But I guess the chocolate taste overpowers the tea a bit, so you can pick whatever tea you want to use...Of course, if you want tea, that is...”

[itsyaboiwritersblock]

Made of Sunshine

Pairing(s): Bofur x Female Hobbit Reader

Rating: T

Warnings: Language

Words: 2,179

Genre: Fluff, Comedy

I do not own the GIFs or characters

With a heavy sigh, she tore her bored gaze from the crackling fire in front of her to the line of trees that hid a small lake behind her. Truly, she wished to take a dip, but being the only female in a company of thirteen male dwarves and a male hobbit, who happened to be her brother, it was clear she had to wait her turn. So, while she listened to the heartfelt laughs and splashes from the lake, her eyes stared at the fire, as if she was preparing for it to suddenly stand up from its spot on the kindling and march off. Well, that would be something interesting to watch rather than what she was currently watching.

Honestly, she didn't mind sharing, it was her brother who did. Bilbo was almost like a father figure to her instead of an older brother, considering how protective and overbearing he could be. He always told her that he could solve all her problems, that she could trust him with anything. But, there was one thing she would never in her whole life tell him, as it regarded her romantic feelings towards a certain someone. She didn't want him overreacting and making a scene. Normally she would be worried of him scaring the person she had her eye on, but, Bilbo didn't really strike fear into the hearts of anyone in the company, {Y/N} included.

A sudden rustling sound pulled {Y/N} from her brooding thoughts, the small hobbit looking up at the line of trees once more to see the dwarves beginning to make their way back to the makeshift camp they all made. As {Y/N} looked around, she had noticed that's three of the company's members had yet to return from their soak. Fili, Kili, and Bofur were nowhere to be seen, which was normal for the two brothers, as they tended to cause quite a lot of mischief. But Bofur? If he was straying behind with those two, it couldn't have been good, which caused {Y/N}'s heart to constrict. The thought alone of the dwarf in the funny hat caused her to flush and feel all giddy inside. Yes, the one she had affections for happened to be a silly miner, but, that didn't bother her in the slightest.

"{Y/N} dear, are you feeling all right? You look a bit flushed."

Her brother, Bilbo, snapped her out of her sappy thoughts for a second as she had been caught. Luckily, the mother hen of the group was willing to back her up. Well, kind of, he too noticed her flushed features but was convinced it was a different reason.

"She doesn't appear all right to me, all red in the face she is! I told you that sitting that close to the fire isn't good for you!"

With a relieved sigh, {Y/N} smiled, said action being illuminated by the orange glow of the fire in front of her. As she opened her mouth to speak, a sudden yell broke through the forest and put everyone on edge.

"What. . . What do you think that could have been?"

The female hobbit stood from her spot on the log, smoothing out her skirts as she curiously looked out at the forest, no hint of fear evident on her. Meanwhile, her brother Bilbo was standing in front of her rather protectively, trembling arms out in a shielding stance.

Turns out, none of that was needed, as two laughing princes darted from the trees, collapsing in front of the fire with a chorus of giggles and chuckles. Fili and Kili seemed pretty amused, which was never a good sign when it came to the two princes. Now, {Y/N} could only feel worry tangle in her gut as she realized Bofur had yet to return, and that sudden yell was caused by him.

"Oh, {Y/N} darling, you might want to check on our poor miner."

Kili giggled, and how he figured out her feelings for Bofur was a complete mystery, one she'd rather not question and look into. Instead, she glanced over at Thorin, their leader, with an almost pleading look. The Hobbit was aware someone needed to check on Bofur, but why did it have to be her?

"{Y/N}, go check. It is your time to bathe anyway, you can check on him and once he leaves you can bathe."

Oh damn Thorin and his logic!

{Y/N} flushed a bright red, wishing she could sink to the bottom of the lake and stay there once she went in. But for now, all she could do was scowl at Thorin's smug expression, her brows furrowing at his smirk. Bilbo seemed confused at the exchange that just went on, quickly on his sister's heels after she stood with her extra clothes and soap, already marching to the lake.

"Wait, Bilbo, why do you follow me?"

She asked, curious as to why she couldn't walk the 50 feet to the lake alone.

"Well, I don't. . . I don't know if there's something in these woods."

She deadpanned at his half ass excuse but didn't fight him, almost finding it sweet at that moment at least someone cared about her. Maybe they didn't care about what she did and didn't want to do, but the thought counts. Maybe.

"You needn't worry about me, brother, I'll be perfect-"

{Y/N} cut herself off as she walked through the thick line of trees, revealing the lake, who's waters were practically clear. Oh, walking through the trees also revealed a half-naked Bofur, bending over to grab his shirt, which was thoroughly soaked.

Ah, so the prince's must've thrown the poor miner's things into the water. Or, maybe they were able to just get away with the shirt as it appeared that was the only thing that was wet.

{Y/N} felt frozen in her spot, her face heating up hotter than the fire she had just been sitting in front of. And before she could stop herself, she had to rake her eyes up and down his half dressed and disheveled form.

This was the first time she had seen him without a shirt, and without his hat, which she couldn't find anywhere at first. Had the two brothers taken that?

She didn't dwell too long on the question, as she was too busy staring at the dwarf in front of her and his gloriously fit muscles that lined his back.

Hot damn! If he back looked this could, his front could only look better, right?

As if on some sort of cue, Bofur turned around slightly, shirt in his hand, and oh hallelujah, she was right. His front was definitely better than staring at his back. His hair, usually up in his trademark braided pigtails, was let down, and it was long enough to brush against his shoulders. The smile he always wore was replaced with more of a half smirk as he gazed at the two hobbits, and {Y/N} felt her knees go weak at his expression alone.

How could someone who's always so upbeat, happy, and overall adorable suddenly be so undeniably sexy? Not that she was going to complain. Instead, she let her eyes not so subtly trace his clearly fit chest, the outline of his muscles not heavily defined, but it was obvious they were there. No, he didn't have washboard abs but she still found herself growing weak at his physique.

Since she had never seen him shirtless, she always assumed maybe he was on the slightly chubby side, or maybe he had a full-on dad bod, both of which she didn't mind at all. But this? It was definitely a pleasant surprise.

And before the hobbit could stop herself, she muttered out one key phrase that earned a choking sound from her brother.

"It's like he's made of sunshine and sex."

Bilbo gawked at his sister for a moment as Bofur approached them, thankfully not hearing anything the female hobbit had just said.

"Lass? Bilbo? What are you two doing down here?"

Even uttering that pet name he gave her caused a small reaction from {Y/N}, her bottom lip being sandwiched between her two rows of teeth.

"Oh, uh, {Y/N} came down to get ready for her bath. . . And I. . . I came along to check on you, as we heard quite the racket, we assume, that was caused by a certain pair of Durin princes."

"Oh aye! The damn bastards took my hat and tossed my shirt into the water after I had just gotten out. But I'm not too upset, though I am glad you and {Y/N} came to check on me."

Bilbo just gave the dwarf a bright smile as he turned around and started walking back towards the camp, Bofur soon following, leaving {Y/N} alone by the lake with her thoughts.

Immediately, a squeal passed her lips, and she almost ran back to camp if it meant spending more time with Bofur, but she truly was a mess and needed to be cleaned as much as the other dwarves did. So, gently she started to unlace her dress, pushing the fabric past her hips, leaving her in just a white and practically see-through slip. Her hands grabbed the bottom of the item and pulled up, successfully taking off her last item of clothing. And with a sigh, she had lowered herself into the cool water, it being a welcomed feeling after a long day of travel.

Unknown to the hobbit, a certain pair of eyes stayed on her longer than necessary as she undressed. Bofur was walking away with Bilbo, but he realized he had left some soap Dori leant him at the lake edge, and he didn't really need to feel the wrath of the group's mother hen. But as he walked through the line of trees, he was forced to stop in his tracks as he saw only what he could describe as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Sure, he fancied {Y/N}, but chose to stay away due to the fact that he didn't want to give her brother a hobbit heart attack. He knew damn well Bilbo wouldn't approve of his sister courting any of the dwarves, especially someone like Bofur. He wasn't royalty, he wasn't special, he was just a miner. But, that miner has fallen in love with that girl from the Shire and he couldn't help it.

And now, here he was, watching her undress like a pervert rather than look away and give the woman privacy. But, he couldn't find the strength to look away, the small freckles all over her body, her soft round thighs, those things alone were drawing him to stay. Bofur knew he needed to leave, though, and fast, before she caught him and well, before he developed a certain. . . Problem.

The dwarf had reluctantly pulled his gaze away from the sweet hobbit and instead made his way back to camp, the images of a very naked {Y/N} still dancing in his mind, causing his mood to skyrocket. Of course, Kili had noticed his dopey smile and dared to ask him about it.

"Say, Bofur, what has you in such a good mood?"

Kili shot Bofur a grin, almost knowing what he was going to say, but no one was prepared for what he uttered next, especially Bilbo, who was actually sitting next to him on a log.

"Let me tell you, that one, {Y/N}. . . I would love to rough her up in an art gallery because dammit, that masterpiece deserves to be pinned against the wall."

And that's when all hell broke loose.

The first one to make a sound was Bilbo, which was really only a sputter, followed by a curt sentence: "You what!"

This spurred on Fili and Kili to full on break into a fit of laughter, said fit even generated a small chuckle from Dwalin and a laughing fit from Nori. Oin asked if someone could repeat what was said, causing Gloin to reassure him that he really didn't want to know. Bifur looked confused and honestly seemed to act like he wasn't in any way related to the idiotic miner. Bombur simply placed his head in his hands, trying to process what he just heard. Dori seemed panicked as Ori was trying to ask what that meant and Nori, through small giggles, was trying to provide a crude explanation. Balin could only shake his head at the chaos that was going on, and Thorin simply shot Bofur a small smirk.

The loud commotion only stopped when {Y/N} walked back to camp, seeming refreshed but confused.

"Does one of you mind telling me what is going on? I'm pretty sure they could hear your laughter in Rivendell!"

She chuckled to herself, but no one replied, as they seemed transfixed on looking between her and Bofur. It wasn't until Fili spoke up that everything started up again.

"Oh, welcome back, you masterpiece."

[brxathlxssmaddcx]

&&. isn’t that [ JESSICA ALBA ] walking around the hamptons? oh no, nevermind it’s just [ ALESSANDRA MADDOX ]. y'know, the [ 32 ] year old [ FEMALE ] known to be quite [ +INTELLIGENT and +COMPASSIONATE ] but also [ -GUARDED and -STUBBORN ]. currently, the police has them as [ NOT A PERSON OF INTEREST ] in the case of samantha wheeler, because they [ WEREN’T CONNECTED TO HER ]. but they go on about their life as [ VET ]. i wonder what secrets they’re keeping?

ELICITED FROM THE STARS..

Three deep breaths–– inhale, exhale. You got this. You’re not alone.

A name elicited by the greek gods and one that drew adornment from her mother, Alessandra was one that was rare for an American household of stature; One her father was highly against. That the nature of her mother’s personal life strayed from a name the slipped from lips with elegance and grace. That hearing it, you would know whom she was and all they stood for. But no, Alessandra had the meaning of defender of men. It was a name that raised brows and question. Her father would shake his head, telling the tale of how her mother adored the name. Perhaps it was a mechanism her father used for not being judged for his wife’s haphazard naming but he adored the woman far too much to ever argue with her. Just like how he began to realize how fitting the name was for her. There were often moments Alessandra felt herself falling into an absence of affection in her spritely and pig-tailed youth. When she was a mere child she could see the love and compassion her parents shared, so much that it blossomed in their doe-eyes hues when they were longing for one another. There were heartfelt sighs and eloping kisses, tv cuddles and heart-breaking dismisses. It was a roller coaster of a love. Wild and crazy; something Alessa grew to adore, knowing one day she wanted to be that madly and hopelessly in love. The pair was a power couple on fire when they were at an event or merely just at home, tottering around, however, women envied her for finding such a man and men drooled over her mother like soppy puppies.

Alessa snap out of it. Alessandra –– Listen to me.

But being born to a ballet dancer along with a father of a brain surgeon was challenging from the word go, to say the least. Perhaps the brunette was seen as lucky in this lavish lifestyle or that her elder brother faced the higher dose of pressure but no, with a brother who in many years would leave home to join the army, she felt the need to help people like he did. Alessa and her brother, Theodore differed immensely, where Alessa wanted to learn and understand; her brother wanted to have fun and go out and have fun, he was a mischievous minx who purposed caused problems. Who would’ve thought it would all change so much.

Alessandra, I can’t help you if you don’t listen to me.

In her youth pigtail bunches and scraped knees were the only quiver for the American delight – Well, that was when she was a child. She’d been a boisterous and energy was most definitely more than a six-letter word. The bundle of joy would happily chatter away to anyone who would give her the time – until her mother told her that wasn’t acceptable. She was a girl with many friends, buckets of them. But they weren’t friends with Alessandra because of whom the bubbly girl was, no it was because she had money and a house in LA and flat in New York. Because they would get invited to go with them so the girl didn’t get bored. But on the playground she would hear the spiteful comments before spinning around to gleam the biggest smile in her direction, she was smart and it didn’t take long to realize she was being used.

You’re so much more than what happened.

Whilst life was difficult having an absent mother but it never made the woman any less loving - perhaps even more so. She knew it was hard for her family with her not being around for work and traveling with different companies. She tried as hard as she could, her father opposed her–– working late hours into the nights saving lives. Only to come home, craving a bottle of scotch and his lonesome. Raised by nannies and housekeepers. It wasn’t an awful childhood.

Theodore, the older sibling. The better sibling. The sibling with a fitting name but only due to the fact it was one their father had chosen out of sensibility and being the new male of the house, their father took greater pride in Theodore; stating that he knew he would do great things; whereas he merely pressured Alessandra. Telling her she had to do brilliant things in order to not disgrace the family name. It was what drove the dynamic duo apart, her anger flaring that he was so precious to their father but all he could do was rant and yell at her to uphold their name; that’s all she had to do. Her mother being an overachiever, it was yet another trait passed onto her daughter and she had her father’s brains. She was logical and caring–– maybe she was making up for what her parents lacked. Her father tried to push her into his type of work. Helping people and saving lives. Alessandra wasn’t sure it was something that the girl desired. Deciding on combing her father's greatest accomplishment with a love of her own; Veterinary School–– That Is what she would pursue after high school.

During a class at high school, she was pulled out, “Alessandra Maddox. We’re so sorry for your loss.” It took all of five seconds for the girl to collapse, tears flooding her. Her father had never been around anyways but their last conversation had been a screaming match over her love for ‘something that couldn’t even talk’. To be another hopeless idiot who couldn’t find work; that’s what her father had said. It was a heartache that never ceased. It was like the words had gotten stuck, there was no possible way. Her parent's fate had been sealed by the hands of some idiot too preoccupied with their phone. She would never get to tell them how she loved either of them–– or apologize. It wasn't long before the young female found herself in the system. Her brother was deemed old enough to pursue life as an adult. Yet with that, he left Alessandra behind with the words, "I don't know how to raise you." She was angry at the world, at the lack of love. Being tossed around the system and viewed by parents; like a monkey in the Zoo.

June was an unexpected surprise. Someone so full of love and patience from the word go. She remembered it as if no time had passed. The female had just turned fourteen when once of her carers mentioned an older Australian lady–– with a dog and older son, she didn't find herself hopeful. Their first meeting was tumultuous, with Alessa's smarmy behavior, she knew June wouldn't come back. But then she did– a second time. Then third and fourth. Until she signed the papers. She was so different from everything she knew. June spent Saturday mornings sat on the patio painting canvas.' She read books about history and was open with her emotions, she would cradle Alessa when she had nightmares and whisper soothing whispers of how proud she was.

Alessandra had found a home and the guilt that intertwined– June pushed her to get her degree, to follow her passion for helping small furry; or not so furry friend. The trio even moved to Australia for a short stint, wanting to show her the beauty of travel. How you could uproot yourself and disappear off to somewhere new. Which is exactly what she did, taking off to Canada after a job offer, Alessandra wasn't running away. She was turning a new page in her journal. Inhaling a different kind of air.

"Your parent’s death doesn’t define you."

Her hues snapped open, glazed with the reminiscence of tears that had threatened to fall. A harshness in her expression. "You don't know anything."

[xeford2020]

The Real Toys of “Toy Story 4”

Chatty Cathy Talking Doll, ca. 1963, an inspiration for Gabby Gabby. THF 173150

Since 1995, Disney-Pixar’s “Toy Story” films have led the industry in combining computer-generated animation with powerful, heartfelt stories. One of the reasons that adults and kids alike are drawn to these films is the clever selection of toys. More often than not, these are based upon real toys that are fondly remembered by viewers from different generations (see several examples of these from The Henry Ford’s collections in the blog post, “The Real Toys of Toy Story”).

This summer’s release of “Toy Story 4”—with its cast of old friends along with several newly introduced toys—allows us the perfect opportunity to once again delve into The Henry Ford’s collections and see what real toys provided inspiration for this fourth “Toy Story” installment.

The Heroes

Kentucky Fried Chicken Spork, 1978-90. THF173933

A heroic spork? Yes, indeed! This time around, Pixar decided to explore what would happen when a handmade toy named Forky (with a plastic spork for a body) meets the old gang of mass-manufactured toys. 

Sporks have a long, mostly unsuccessful history. Think about it. When you combine a spoon and a fork together, neither of them is going to work very well. Interlocking or folding sets of camp utensils have always been more popular with backpackers and Boy Scouts. Nevertheless, by the 1970s, plastic sporks were making their way into fast-food restaurants—to use for, as Forky describes it, "soup, salad, maybe chili, and then the trash!” Kentucky Fried Chicken was one of the first fast-food chains to regularly feature sporks, like the one shown here.

Image of Little Bo-Peep as part of Mother Goose Series, trade card for baking soda, John Dwight & Co., 1900. THF294575

In “Toy Story 4,” Bo Peep returns as a much more assertive and heroic character. Here we learn that she was once part of a lamp that Andy’s sister, Molly, had in her bedroom to help her fall asleep. In fact, the classic nursery rhyme, Little Bo-Peep—first printed in full in 1810—reveals that this young shepherdess lost her sheep because she had also fallen asleep! 

Other connections exist between the old nursery rhyme and the newer, more independent Bo Peep.  n the nursery rhyme, Bo Peep’s sheep lose their way because sheep are known to flock together. In “Toy Story 4,” Bo Peep’s three sheep are also inseparable—in fact, they are molded together as one piece, leading to often humorous results! In addition, a shepherdess would have traditionally used her crook not only to manage her sheep but also to defend them from attack by predators. In the film, Bo Peep similarly uses her crook to keep our heroes from harm.

Polly Pocket Watch Happy Meal Toy, 1995. THF141193

The appearance of Giggles McDimple in “Toy Story 4” likely delighted girls who grew up in the 1990s, as Giggles and her “home” reference the highly popular Polly Pockets of that era. These were first conceived by a British Dad for his daughter in 1983, using a powder compact as a tiny house that could fit in a pocket. Bluebird Toys, of Swindon, England, licensed the concept when these first appeared on the market in 1989, with Mattel in charge of distribution. In 1998, Mattel purchased the rights to manufacture Polly Pockets, then immediately redesigned them into larger dolls with changing garments. While various versions were produced after that, the original minuscule figures with jointed legs and peg-like bases that slotted into holes inside their cases never returned.  

In “Toy Story 4,” Giggles compensates for her minuscule size by displaying an air of confidence and a can-do attitude—just the kind of out sized personality that little girls of the 1990s might have ascribed to their own Polly Pockets. 

Evel Knievel X-2 Sky Cycle Toy, 1976-8. THF 302676

Duke Caboom—"Canada’s Greatest Stuntman”—is not an exact imitation of Evel Knievel, but this “Toy Story 4” character was certainly inspired by the famed 1970s stunt daredevil. Robert Craig Knievel, who was known at an early age for his combined athletic prowess and guts, became a national sensation in the 1970s, when he was featured several times on “ABC’s Wide World of Sports.”  nievel’s tremendous crowd appeal motivated Ideal to reproduce an action-figure version of him along with various stunt-related accessories—like this X-2 Sky Cycle that replicates the one he used during an attempted jump over Snake River Canyon, Idaho, in 1974. 

During the peak of his popularity, Knievel’s flashy white leather jumpsuit and reputation for keeping his word helped reinforce his heroic, larger-than-life image. That is, until 1978, when he was convicted of assaulting the author of a book written about him and his popularity quickly plummeted. The tragic backstory of Duke Caboom and his kid who rejected him is a fitting connection to the real-life 1970s Evel Knievel and his young fans. 

G.I. Joe Desert Troop Dusty with Sandstorm, his coyote, 1990-91. THF 94338

Combat Carl makes a small but unforgettable appearance in “Toy Story 4”—especially if you who stay to the very end of the credits. He played a bit part in the first “Toy Story” film, then a larger role in Pixar’s 2013 Halloween TV special, “Toy Story of Terror!”  Combat Carl is an everyman military action figure reminiscent of G.I. Joe action figures of the 1980s and ‘90s.  Mattel introduced the first G.I. Joe in 1964—a 12” poseable version that directly referenced the military men who saw action during World War II and the Korean War.  An African-American version of G.I. Joe was introduced in 1965. 

As a result of the unpopular Vietnam War in the late 1960s and the rising price of plastic in the 1970s, G.I. Joes declined in popularity until they were discontinued in 1978. But they made a stunning comeback during the 1980s as 3-3/4” adventure-team action figures. This G.I. Joe action figure from The Henry Ford’s collection, named Dusty, was introduced in 1991, after the Persian Gulf War inspired toys based upon the real-life conflict. Exuding a great deal of self-possessed machismo but also tugging at our heartstrings a bit, Combat Carl always leaves us rooting for him. 

The Villains

Shown on the right side of the page, Chatty Cathy is featured in the 1964 Sears Roebuck & Co. Christmas Catalog. Note her Gabby Gabby-like freckles! THF287020

At first glance, the scheming Gabby Gabby appears to have been based upon Chatty Cathy, introduced to the American public in 1960 as the first in a new line of Mattel talking dolls. Like Gabby Gabby in the film, Chatty Cathy’s “voice” was activated by a pull string in the back. The first Chatty Cathy, who had blue eyes and sported a blonde bobbed hairdo, recited 11 phrases at random via a record that was driven by a metal coil wound by pulling the toy’s string. Her phrases were voiced by June Foray, also famous as the voice of Rocky the Squirrel in “The Rocky & Bullwinkle Show.” Newer versions of the doll sported a wider choice of hair and eye colors as well as an African-American version. By 1963, when this version of Chatty Cathy was introduced, she had long pigtails and her vocabulary had increased to 18 phrases.

According to director Josh Cooley, Gabby Gabby was based more directly upon an evil doll named Talky Tina, who appeared in a 1963 “Twilight Zone” episode. In this edge-of-your-seats episode, a family’s problems are made worse when a talking doll—which was loosely based upon Chatty Cathy and was also voiced by June Foray—develops a mind of her own and wreaks havoc on the family, inevitably leading to a tragic ending.

Page of doll carriages, Sears Roebuck & Co. Christmas Catalog, 1964. THF294577

As Woody and Forky search for Bo Peep in the quiet atmosphere of the antique shop, the sudden sound of a squeaky doll carriage edging closer but just out of view is one of the more hair-raising moments in the film.  Sure enough, it reveals itself as Gabby Gabby’s mobility device and there is good reason for viewers to be nervous. Some of us have a visceral memory of those squeaky doll carriages of the mid-20th century, before safety and cost issues replaced the carriages’ metal and vinyl parts with plastic. 

Doll carriages were generally based upon full-size baby carriages of their era.  In the late 19th century, these were often quite elaborate, made of wicker with brass fittings and matching parasols and only affordable to the wealthy.  As the 20th century progressed, pop-up tops, removable beds, and suspension systems made baby carriages more comfortable and convenient, and they also became more affordable to families of different economic levels.  The three options shown in this 1964 Sears Roebuck Christmas catalog—of varying prices and materials—are all reminiscent of Gabby Gabby’s squeaky—and sneaky—doll carriage. 

Doll Dessert Set, 1935-40. THF141192

In “Toy Story 4,” Gabby Gabby is delighted when the antique shop owner’s granddaughter, Harmony, sets up a toy tea set and pretends to take tea—hoping beyond hope that when her voice box is fixed, Harmony will invite her to join in. 

Since the 19th century, miniature tea sets were a traditional way for little girls to practice adult skills and feminine roles. It was up to them, however, to decide whom to invite for company. Images, like the cover of this doll dessert set, often show little girls having tea with favored dolls and stuffed animals. Indeed, in previous “Toy Story” movies, we saw both neighbor Sid’s little sister and young Bonnie engage in this type of imaginative play. The strengthening of bonds between little girls and their dolls through pretend tea-drinking is something that Gabby Gabby desperately wants—so much so that she will resort to desperate measures to have it. 

Charlie McCarthy Doll, 1937-40. THF106436

Without a doubt the creepiest characters in “Toy Story 4” are the Bensons—the group of ventriloquist dummies that Gabby Gabby enlists to do her bidding. Dating back to 18th-century traveling fairs, ventriloquists “threw” their voices to appear as if they were coming from elsewhere, usually a puppet or other semi-lifelike figure referred to as a dummy. During the early 20th century, Edgar Bergen popularized the idea of comedic ventriloquism, teaming up with his “cheeky,” boyish dummy, Charlie McCarthy.  Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy became so popular that they appeared on “The Chase & Sanborn Radio Hour” from 1937 to 1956, as well as later films and TV programs. As shown here, Charlie McCarthy was reproduced by Effanbee as a child’s toy, complete with different outfits and a carrying trunk. 

The Charlie McCarthy dummy and related doll were not intended to be evil (although some people would maintain that all ventriloquists’ dummies are creepy).  redit for that goes to the fact that the Bensons were more directly inspired by a series of “Goosebumps” books by R. L. Stine that began in 1993, featuring the villainous Slappy the Dummy. Though the book is from a later era, Slappy’s appearance recalls the ventriloquist dummies of Charlie McCarthy’s time. In “Toy Story 4,” the Bensons have no voices because there are no humans to provide them. And their bodies are soft with no structure because, without humans to operate them, their body parts just dangle.  Very clever!  And definitely creepy! 

Will there be a “Toy Story 5”—with new toys, the return of familiar old toys, and a fresh spin on their interconnecting stories? Only time will tell.

Donna R. Braden is Senior Curator and Curator of Public Life at The Henry Ford.

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[greysfanpage388]

‘ What were you both doing, Auntie Amy?’

This is based on a prompt sent by @cizavilation to @omeliafics

Thank you @jia911 for helping to proofread this fic- you’re the best! <3

Prompt : With the girls from the Omelia group chat we were talking about the 12x21 scene where Maggie and Meredith caught Owen and Amelia at the couch naked, and given that we also know that Zola took a glimpse of them lying naked together there… the prompt is: Can someone write something related with Zola asking Amelia what they were doing there? xD

Amelia Shepherd had just returned home from a tiring day at work after having back to back consults and surgeries. As she entered her sister- in-law Meredith Grey’s house, all she could think about was a warm shower and her comfortable bed. And Owen Hunt.

She smiled to herself as she recalled the events from two nights ago.

After Owen’s heartfelt confession to her in his office about his sister Megan and how he felt responsible for her disappearance, she felt a deeper connection to him. The fact that he decided to open up to her and tell her his innermost feelings and regrets meant a lot to her. It signified that he was ready to move on to the next phase of their relationship, which involved trust and mutual understanding. After she hugged him from behind and comforted him- he relished in her comforting touch and they remained in that position for a few long minutes before he finally stood up and turned around to hug her back. The warm hug eventually escalated into a kiss. The kiss then got heated until they had to pull away from each other before someone entered the room and caught them in their intimate moment. Still in a bliss from the kiss, Amelia had casually invited Owen to grab some dinner together as she was starving. They went to a cozy Italian restaurant within walking distance of the hospital and chatted throughout dinner. Owen spoke fondly of his sister Megan, telling Amelia about wonderful childhood memories he shared with her, how she fell in love with Riggs and how his heart broke for her when she cried in his arms after discovering that Riggs cheated on her. He told Amelia that he could never forgive himself for suggesting that she get on the plane. His sister’s disappearance had affected him more than he would have liked to admit and every single day he wished for her to return safely to him.

 Amelia had listened sympathetically to Owen’s story- holding his hands as a gesture of support, not interrupting him even once, which was rather uncharacteristic of her. After their scumptious dessert of icecream with chocolate pudding- Owen had invited Amelia to spend the night in his trailer. As tempting at it was for her, Amelia declined as she needed a long hot bath and a fresh pair of clothes to sleep in. Seeing Owen’s disappointed look- Amelia had the brilliant idea of inviting Owen to sleep over with her at Meredith’s house, stating the reason that both Meredith and Maggie were on call and the children and nanny were probably asleep upstairs.

 They barely made it to the front door of the house, when they started kissing passionately again. By the time they entered the house, they could only make it as far as the living room before the sparks ignited between them and they were lost in each other’s bodies. After that, they had collapsed beside each other in postcoital bliss and gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes before dozing off in each other’s warm embrace.

 They were both not prepared for the following morning when Meredith, Maggie and the Shepherd kids found them both lying naked on the living room floor. They both felt like deers caught in the headlights. How embarrassing it was for them!

 After Meredith and Maggie left with the kids, Owen had hastily put on his clothes and rushed out of the door, muttering that he was running late for work. He seemed to avoid her the entire day at work. It made Amelia anxious as she thought he decided to call their relationship quits. However, when she decided to walk over to Owen’s trailer after some encouragement from Meredith- she was pleasantly surprised to discover that he genuinely wanted to pursue a stable relationship with her. It was a blissful night in the trailer, as they had sex the entire night, without any interruptions.

 Amelia was so glad that they both had finally agreed to go stable in their relationship and there were no more uncertainties about the status of their relationship.

_______________________________________________________________

 Currently, Amelia smiled to herself as she received a text from Owen. How timely considering she was thinking about him.

 ‘ Hey- where r u now? I’m just about to sign off from work. So my place or your place tonight? Xoxo Owen’ it read.

 She was about to reply to the text when the front door barged open and in entered a flustered looking Meredith with her 3 kids in tow.

 ‘ Amelia- I’m sorry but could you watch over my kids for the night? I’m not on call but they needed another extra general surgeon in the hospital tonight due to the patient load. And Maggie is on call. The nanny is ill with a bad flu…’Meredith rambled in her usual manner, bouncing Ellis on her hip.

 Even though she and Meredith had a complicated relationship and weren’t always on good terms- Amelia had a soft spot for her nieces and nephew. They were Derek’s kids after all and were the only reminder she had left of the brother she never got the chance to say goodbye to.

 ‘ It’s ok Meredith.’ Amelia interrupted politely. ‘I can look after them I promise. This isn’t the first time I’m babysitting them remember? They’re my nieces and nephew after all.’she said sincerely.

 ‘ Well, ok then, thank you so much.’ Meredith said hurriedly. ‘ The kids have had a late afternoon snack so they’re still full. But there is some frozen pizza and pasta in the fridge for dinner later. And I’ve prepared Ellis’s milk bottle and food already- you just need to warm it up.’

‘ Ok- ok…just go and save some lives’ said Amelia gesturing towards the door with her hands.‘ Seriously, we’ll be fine.’

‘ Right Zola?’ she crouched to eye level with her niece to look at the little girl in the eye.

‘ Yes auntie Amy.’ Zola replied, flashing her aunt an adorable smile.

Meredith handed Ellis over to Amelia, who bounced the baby on her hip.

‘ Bye Zozo, bye Bailey, bye Ellie! Love you! Be good for auntie Amelia ok?’ said Meredith, giving each of her children a kiss on the cheek before running out of the door.

‘ Ok mommy.’Zola replied grinning. She adored her auntie Amy and loved to spend time with her. Auntie Amy would take her and her siblings to the park for a walk, treat them to icecream and let them buy their favorite toys. Besides, she knew how to make delicious waffles for breakfast.

______________________________________________________________

As soon as the door closed behind Meredith, Zola tugged on Amelia’s arm.

‘ Auntie Amy, I’m hungry, I want some icecream.’ the girl looked up at her with those pleading eyes she couldn’t say no to.

 Bailey stood beside his sister with pleading eyes. ‘ Want ice cream.’he added.

 Meanwhile, baby Ellis fussed in her arms.

 Amelia sighed internally. She knew that if she gave the kids ice cream at this hour, they would become hyper from all the sugar intake and this would ensure a sleepness night for her.

 ‘‘ No Zozo.’ she answered firmly but gently. ‘ No icecream for now- it’s too late in the day for that. How about I make you all some dinner instead?’

‘ But I want icecream.’ Zola pouted.

‘ Want ice cream.’ Bailey parroted his sister.

They knew that when they pleaded with auntie Amy like that, she would cave in to their demands. Which was why they loved auntie Amy. Their mom would never let them eat ice cream at this hour of the day, and they seldom get to spend quality time with her.

Sure enough, auntie Amy gave in to their demands.

‘ Well fine - I believe there’s icecream in the fridge.  I’ll scoop some out for you.’Amelia relented. ‘ But just one scoop, ok? And then I’m going to prepare dinner and you’re gonna eat your dinner, you hear me?’she said as she walked into the kitchen with Ellis on her hips and Zola and Bailey trailing behind her.

‘ Yay! Ok auntie Amy.’ the little girl exclaimed as she did a happy twirl, her pigtails flying. She gave Bailey a high five, and little boy returned it enthusiastically.

Amelia smiled at Zola as she placed Ellis on the baby chair in the kitchen. The baby cooed happily and clapped her hands upon seeing her siblings’ excitement.

A few minutes later, Zola and Bailey were both happily picking at their vanilla icecream, and Amelia was warming up Ellis’ bottle and baby food.

She then remembered that she had to inform Owen that there was a last minute change of plans.

Maybe she could invite him to come over to Meredith’s and help her take care of the children.

She smiled dreamily as she texted him, inviting him to come over to Meredith’s.

‘ Who is it?’ Zola’s voice brought her back to reality.

‘ Who is what?!’ Amelia looked up from her phone, puzzled.

‘ The person you’re texting, auntie Amy.’ Zola replied as if the answer was obvious.

‘ Oh- it’s some one from work.’ Amelia replied hastily. ‘What do you want for dinner, Zozo?’she asked, hoping to divert the conversation to another topic.

Just then, her phone notified her that there was a new message from Owen.

‘ Ok babe- will be there in a bit. Xoxo’

Zola’s face suddenly lit up the way it always did when she made a new discovery or had an epiphany.

‘ Is it uncle Owen?!’ she asked excitedly, as her brother, sitting beside her, looked up questioningly at their aunt.

‘ Huh? What makes you think it’s uncle Owen?! ’Amelia asked, a little harsher than she intended.

‘ Because…..I saw you both together on the sitting room floor that day.’ Zola pointed out.

Before a dumbstruck Amelia could reply, she added,‘ Only people who love each other do that. Like my daddy and mommy used to lie together on the couch or on their bed when daddy was still around.’ her voice trailed off at the mention of her father and a sad look overtook her face.

‘ Oh Zola’ Amelia looked at her niece sympathetically. ‘ I miss your daddy too, you know. He was my only brother.’

‘ Daddy.’ Bailey echoed, a sad expression on his face.

‘ Daddy and mommy loved each other very much.’said Zola. ‘ Do you and uncle Owen love each other very much too?’

Amelia hesitated for a moment before replying with a smile on her face. ‘ Yes we do.’

‘Auntie Amy?’ asked Zola, her face now smudged with the icecream.

‘ Yes dear?’ Amelia replied as she wiped the icecream off Zola and Bailey’s faces.

‘ What were you and uncle Owen doing on the living room floor that day?’ Zola asked innocently, looking earnestly at her aunt for answers.

Again, Amelia struggled to find a suitable reply for her niece. Sometimes she felt that Zola was too smart for her age.

‘ Well….we were, just lying down there talking.’Amelia answered, hoping that her answer would be good enough to satisfy her ever curious niece.

Zola seemed satisfied with the answer, and it was quiet in the kitchen as Zola and Bailey continued enjoying their icecreams.

Ellis’s food had been warmed up and Amelia placed the bowl next to her niece, intending to feed the baby before preparing dinner for her, Zola and Bailey.

‘ Auntie Amy.’ Zola called for the hundreth time.

‘ Yes Zozo?’ Amelia asked, ever so patient with her niece.

‘ Were you and uncle Owen having S-E-X? Because you both love each other.’

‘ What?! Where did you learn that word from?!’ Amelia asked, aghast. ‘Kids nowadays,’she thought.’ Learning these words at such a young age.’

‘ From my mommy.’ Zola shrugged.  ‘ One time I heard her saying the word to auntie Maggie. Then she remembered that I was in the room. When I asked her what the word meant, she said that it was when two adults love each other so much.’

Amelia made a mental note to have a heart to heart talk with Meredith later about how her eldest daughter was picking up things fast and to watch her words around her.

‘ Well, yes- it’s true that two people who love each other so much have S-E-X.’Amelia said, going along with Meredith’s answer.

Zola was about to open her mouth to ask her poor aunt another question when the doorbell rang.

‘ Saved by the bell.’’Amelia thought to herself in relief.

She opened the door and smiled, her dimples showing, as she saw Owen standing at the other side of the door.

‘I’m so glad that you’re here.’she whispered to him as they shared a quick kiss.

‘Oh really?’ Owen teased, winking at her. He was wearing his favorite plaid shirt, and Amelia thought he always looked damn handsome in that outfit.

‘ Zola was asking me about sex. Damn Meredith and her inability to filter in front of her children. I don’t know how to answer her.’she muttered. ‘ She was asking me whether we were having sex that day on the living room floor. Can you imagine that? A 6 year old asking about sex?’

‘ Well children nowadays pick up things really fast.’ Owen chuckled. ‘ I don’t know whether it’s due to the formula they’re taking.’

‘ Maybe.’Amelia agreed as she led him towards the kitchen. ‘ I was about to fed Ellis while answering Zola’s umpteenth question. And I haven’t even started preparing dinner yet. You came at the right time.’

‘ You mean I came to save you.’ Owen pointed out. ‘ Admit it.’

‘ Alright yes, you’re my savior, my knight in shining armor.’ Amelia admitted, rolling her eyes at him playfully.

‘ Uncle Owen!’ Zola exclaimed excitedly as she ran towards him, almost toppling her chair over in the process.

‘ Uncle Owen!’ Bailey trailed behind his sister.

Meanwhile, Ellis cooed happily from her baby chair.

‘ Oh - hello there kiddos! How are you all doing?’ Owen asked as he lifted Zola up and twirled her around as she giggled happily.

As he gently placed her down, Bailey lifted up his arms to him.

‘ My turn.’ he demanded.

Owen lifted the little boy up and twirled him around as he laughed heartily.

Watching from the corner of the kitchen, Amelia found herself imagining for a moment Owen twirling their children around as laughter filled the house. She shook the thought off her mind. They had only just decided to go steady, it was too soon to be thinking about this. But deep in her heart, she knew that this was what she wanted, a family with the right person.

‘ Hey little one- I see you’re about to have your dinner?’ Owen asked in a voice he reserved only for babies as he approached Ellis’ chair and kissed the little girl on the  top of her head.

The baby cooed in reply.

‘ I tell you what- you can feed Ellis- while I start preparing dinner.’ Owen suggested to Amelia.

‘ I like that idea.’ she winked at him. ‘ I was about to prepare some pasta. There aren’t  many choices left in the fridge.’

______________________________________________________________

A few hours later- Owen and Amelia stood in Ellis’s nursery, watching the baby sleep peacefully in her crib.

All three Shepherd children have been fed, showered and put to bed. Zola miraculously forgot all about her question as uncle Owen kept her and her siblings entertained for the whole night.

‘ Thank you so much for coming over and helping out with them.’ Amelia whispered, looking up at Owen as their eyes met. ‘ I couldn’t have done it without you. Sometimes I wonder how Meredith does it. But then again, she has help from Maggie and I.’she smirked.

‘ It’s no problem at all- you know how much I adore your nieces and nephew.’ Owen answered, smiling at her.

‘ You saw the look on their faces when the pizza arrived?’ Amelia chuckled. ‘They were so overjoyed. And when you sat down in the living room to play legos with Zola and Bailey, they seemed the happiest I’ve seen them in a long time. You’re so good with kids.’

‘ Well, I do love kids. I would love to have my own someday.’ Owen said, staring at the baby. ‘ Look- she’s so adorable, don’t you think?’

‘ Yes, I may be biased but she is.’ Amelia agreed, smiling as she looked at her niece.

‘ Well- I would love to have my own someday.’ Owen repeated. ‘ With you.’ he added in a whisper. He could already picture both of them standing in their own daughter’s nursery in the future, staring at her peacefully sleeping.

Amelia felt a tingling sensation going down her spine as she blushed. The truth was, she would love children of her own too. And she couldn’t imagine having kids with anyone else. But she had to get over her fear of having another anencephalic baby- something which Owen was still in the dark about.

‘ Same here.’ she whispered back.

Owen pulled her close for a hug, and she leaned her head against his chest, seeking comfort in feeling his heart beat.

They both remained silent- lost in their thoughts about the future. The future was uncertain, but they both felt that they were ready to embark on the unknown together. Little did they know then that a few years later- they would both be staring at their own eldest daughter, Charlotte as she lay sleeping peacefully in her crib. They also wouldn’t have guessed at that moment that in the subsequent years- they would be doing the same thing to Charlotte’s siblings- Noah and Olivia. They couldn’t have predicted the wonderful future which lay ahead of them.

Comments, reviews, reblogs and messages are very much appreciated. I would love to know what you guys think! :)

 p.s I couldn’t come up with a more original title for this, sorry :P

[xmydaysinmilanx]

(You could do these when you're bored) Hi!! My small headcannon would be for Young! Prompto and how he gets embarrassed and shy when his (younger!)s/o fangirls about how big he is and she tells him how he's so perfect to her. -in cooking class-for Ignis, his s/o gets very irritated when the teacher is bragging about Ignis's work. - and for younger! Gladio- His s/o and little Iris play with Glass hair and try to put it in small ponytails and/or buns but he ends up doing it on her.

A young Prompto’s younger S/O who fangirls abouthis bigger size and how she views him as perfect:

11 year old Prompto was a freshman in high school and despite hisinsecurities about his chubby figure, he caught the eye of his S/O in Scienceclass, third period on a sunny Monday morning. His S/O, a quirky female withstrawberry blonde hair and a face full of the most beautifully unique freckleswith piercing indigo night sky eyes. They were partnered for an astrologyproject and became best buddies – only, she was his ONLY friend for a while,till he met the chocobros. After a whole month of working solidly on theirproject, Prompto decided to discuss his weight woes.

Prompto: ‘I’ve been the big blonde kidsince I was 6. My parents, it’s not their fault, I just, I feel so lost andhopeless, food became my comfort. Only now, it’s uh, not so comforting.’ 

He finishedhis confession with a chuckle.S/O: ‘I guess you’re right, I mean um,constantly eating won’t lessen how lonely you feel huh? Hey, look, why I don’tI help. Don’t worry, I’m not going to put you on a diet, I just want you tofeel more comfortable in yourself. Besides, I think you’re amazing the way youare.’Prompto’s mouth opened slightly. Prompto: ‘Uh, wow, hey, thanks……’Only a few days after their heartfelt conversation, Prompto plucked up thecourage to ask his friend to be his girlfriend. She promptly accepted the offerand much like when they were friends, she’d try to play the part of a ‘motivator’,encouraging him to do things to please himself. In fact, it was during theirscience project that Prompto discovered his fondness of capturing the finest ofmoments. One dark Saturday night, Prompto suggested the two of them gostargazing – finding an empty field near the Citadel proved challenging, sothey caught a bus and walked to a deserted location bordering Insomnia. Okay, alittle dangerous for 12 year olds to be venturing off at night but that’s whatmade it even more exciting. Besides, they had each other. They leaned against alarge rock, sitting close to eachother, Prompto’s S/O grabbing his belly.S/O: ‘Six, I’ve always wanted to sayPrompt. Your rolls are so adorable and I am clearly blessed by the six that Ihave you all to myself. My little chubby nugget.Prompto would’ve normally been offended by this sort of trace of hisappearance, only he knew she meant well. He could see it in the moonlight glowof her eyes; she adored him so. The gaze of adoration she demonstrated beforeresting her head on his shoulder was all that mattered to Prompt. Although they’re (evidently) no longer together, in present times, Prompto looksback on memories with his first girlfriend, fondly. She helped him become whathe grew up to be, a loyal, loving sidekick who despite his fears, would putthem aside for his nearest and dearest in critical situations.Star pupil Ignis and his cooking class – his S/O becomesfrustrated when the teacher is bragging about Ignis’s work.

14 year old Ignis recently acquired hisfirst ever significant other. Even at his tender young age, he would alwaysrefer to his S/O as his partner, as opposed to girlfriend. Formal might as wellhave been his middle name and that’s partly what attracted his S/O to beginwith – always the guy to have an answer for teachers in lesson, whilst the restof the class evidenced a lack of enthusiasm, leaning their elbows on desks,eyes barely open.

Food tech class was Ignis’s personal favourite. He doted on the creation ofunique recipes – fun fact: Ignis was not always a great cook. In fact, as afreshman, he LOATHED cooking class till his teacher pulled him aside for a oneto one lesson on a gluten free, vegetable supreme pizza. Eventually, Ignis gotthe whole kitchen thing figured out and became a cooking whiz, earning exceptionalgrades and a reputation as the ‘most likely to be a chef’ student.

Fast forward a couple of years to Ignis and his S/O sharing the same cookingclass every Wednesday and today’s lesson revolved around custom coffee making.The class had been asked to spend the previous 2 weeks mapping out ideas for their‘ideal’ coffee and specific ingredients they’d choose, tailored to suit their preferences.As one would predict, Ignis was ALL OVER this project like a mad man – his S/Owould beam would pride, even when he couldn’t make it to her after schooldinner due to his commitments to the project. Ignis decided to list ingredientsto make the perfect ‘morning energy’ beverage with a hint of cinnamon. When thetime came to present ideas in class, the teacher made no secret that hishomework was her personal favourite; constantly comparing his list of ingredientsto Insomnia’s finest of cooks. Ignis’s S/O felt a little insulted. She too hadworked pretty hard on her coffee, naming it ‘moondust’ because the liquid wouldbe ‘dark as night’ topped with small speckles of sugar for added sweetness anddecorative purposes.

Post class, Ignis couldn’t help but notice his S/O acting a little distant.

Ignis: ‘You’ve been acting awfully stand offish sincecookery, might I dare intrude?’

S/O: ‘Okay, so maybe my idea was more about theaesthetics but still, I should of got a few points for originality. Damn, isn’tit time someone else got a standing ovation for their efforts? I’m kinda doneof seeing the same old!’

Ignis doesn’t do drama or confrontation so he decided to lether cool off to avoid aggravating the situation further. 

His S/O gets pissed off when he doesn’t answer themasquerade of text messages she sent that night, complaining about the teacher’sconstant bragging.

Ignis becomes somewhat displeased with her behaviour. Hesends ONE text back suggesting the two discuss the matter in private afterschool tomorrow.

They meet as soon as the bell rings to end the school day,at exactly 3:15pm. His S/O complains that cooking has become his livelihood andwhilst that’s fine, she wants to be recognised for her efforts now and then, alsoexpressing how it’s unfair on other students.

Ignis understands her point of view but is not willing to rationalise– he does have a selfish trait, he wants to be perceived as the best cook inthe entire Royal Advisory school and is not willing to have that reputationtarnished, even if his S/O comes up with some great ideas now and then.

S/O essentially not willing to compromise and says otherpeople deserve a shot.

Ignis: Nope.

S/O has only been dating Ignis a couple of weeks but herfeelings instantly diminished, so to avoid further tension and disagreements,she decides to call it off. 

Ignis: His ego is a little bruised but he won’t admit it. Heinsists the two remain friends and whilst they DON’T for the rest of the schoolyear, come senior year, they have become acquainted once again, as friends.

Inshort, teenage Iggy was selfish when it came to the subject of cookery and itcost him his first relationship.Gladio brings his date home: HisS/O sister Iris play with his hair and attempt to style it intopigtails/buns.13 year old Gladiolus Amicitia was a bit of an outsider – dark tall,handsome and mysterious, although he didn’t have many friends at school, he wasa hit with the ladies. The most popular girl in his school year pursued himfrom the moment they first set eyes upon each other in English! Occasionally,the pair would skip Eos history class to hang out at the back of the school’sart block – there was a good hiding spot for optimum privacy! Gladio: ‘How about you stop over at myplace Friday after English?’S/O: ‘Ohh, forward! Won’t your family bearound?’Gladio: ‘My Dad’s always away for workbut our housekeeper will be in for babysitting duties…. and uh….Iris is nobother! C’mon, whaddya say, she really wants to meet you!’S/O: ‘Sure, sure, cool, let’s do it!’Gladio: ‘Oh and we are having cup noodles for dinner.’Gladio’s S/O winks.Friday arrives and classes finish earlier than usual – an excited Gladio meetshis S/O outside the school gates and they walk back to his home. She wasastounding at the size of his house – it was a huge bottom floor apartment.Gladio’s S/O nervously stepped into the premises and was greeted by anexcitable young Iris.Gladio: ‘Why don’t you two wait in theliving room whilst I make some drinks. Ebony for my sweetheart and fizzylemonade for the sis right?’Gladio’s girlfriend was hella nervous to be left alone with an excitablechild and was hoping her evening wouldn’t be spent babysitting but wanted tomake a good impression.Iris started playing with Gladio’s girlfriend’s hair, making plaits – she waspretty good for a child.Gladio smiled to himself whilst finishing the drinks – heentered an empty living room a little worried shouting for Iris.Several stomps were heard in Iris’s bedroom– Gladio rolled his eyes and turnedaround to see Iris and his girlfriend running out the room in a dramaticfashion.Iris had 2 boxes filled to the brim with Moogle hair bobblesand various headwear accessories.Gladio: ‘Awh, time fordress up sis? Think you can make my sweetheart any more beautiful?’Gladio’s S/O blushed before running over to him, grabbinghold of his thick dark chocolate brown hair and Iris rushing to aid her instyling his hair, ‘pretty princess’ style. Gladio made no attempt to flee, he was delighted to see hislittle sister and girlfriend bonding.Gladio allowed one plait before turning it all around,requesting that he and Iris style his S/O’s hair to make her feel special andpampered.Okay so his S/O would not have imagined such an event butnonetheless, to see how he played with his sister was darn right adorable – he obviouslyknew how to treat the ladies in his life, ultimately reflecting what partner hewould be long term.S/O enjoyed the pampering – she was pleased the attentionwas on her. Eventually, Gladio and his S/O styled Iris’s hair in braids. The housekeeper arrived at 5:30pm, allowing Gladio and hisgirlfriend to finally enjoy their evening alone, complete with Gladio’s customordered cup noodles he bought in bulk to see him through  the week.  Thanks for your request. I was having troubles in regards to the bullet points for headcanons as I had typed this up on Word and pasted it here! Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy!XMyDaysInMilanX