#shes like hun.... that is restricting

[maxxtheterrible]

Had my first appointment w an anorexia therapist today and she said the minimum number of meals is 3 🤯🤯🤯

[thepersonnamedsam]

athletes love athletes - dr3

pairing: daniel ricciardo x ski racer!reader

summary: you are a ski racer and danny is your biggest fan

face claim: mikaela shiffrin / heidi berger

warnings: none

note: hiya, i’m back (mostly), i had a bit of a setback… as you may know, i’m doing an apprenticeship in a psychiatric hospital and all of their heavy stories are sitting heavily on my chest

masterlist / taglist

ynlovesskiing

COTA, USA

liked by danielricciardo, user and 467‘829 others

ynlovesskiing goodbye f1 season, hello ski season

view all 38‘716 comments

f1 we‘ll miss you, y/n :(

atomicski but we’ll have our golden girl back!

ynlovesskiing @f1 i’ll miss you too

user2 let’s goo! another crystal ball for the collection this season?

user3 hopefully

user2 probably, i mean, look at last season

danielricciardo i’ll miss you at my last races :(

ynlovesskiing i’ll miss you at my first races :(

user4 look at that redbull athlete love

fisalpine let’s start this season 💪🏼

ynlovesskiing let’s goo

maxverstappen1 pls don’t double my championships this year…

ynlovesskiing you know i will

user5 6x overall world champion!!!

user6 not yet…

user7 but soon!

user8 where’d she get that hat from..? wasn’t danny’s last win in 2021?

user9 she got it from pirelli, bc she’s a race winner as well, just not in f1

user8 oh, alright, thank you

user10 yea, her name stands under the pirelli logo

ynlovesskiing

Sölden, Austria

liked by user11, atomicski and 268‘719 others

ynlovesskiing sölden you are beautiful, let’s get practicing before the first giant slalom of the season!

view all 36‘182 comments

user12 💪🏼💪🏼

user13 her schedule is really tiring…

user14 how so?

user13 20-22 OCT in America, 28 OCT in Sölden, 11 NOV in Levi…

user15 she’s used to it, no?

user16 she has to, she wouldn’t do it unless

user17 let’s ski onto the podium!

danielricciardo couldn’t be more proud of you

ynlovesskiing me too, my love

ynlovesskiing let’s both get into the points!

danielricciardo pinky promise

redbull our fav athletes!

ynlovesskiing

liked by scottyjames31, danielricciardo and 272‘929 others

ynlovesskiing tbt last year - crystal ball, olympics and me n‘ danny

only p6 in sölden - but p7 for danny, 40 points for me and 6 points for lovie

view all 28‘829 comments

redbull p6 and p7 for our lovers 💪🏼

user18 y/n, will you do a shoey when you get your first win of the season?

ynlovesskiing i mean, i could…

danielricciardo did i hear shoey?!

scottyjames31 always a pleasure being on the olympics with you

ynlovesskiing at least take pretty pics of me next time

scottyjames31 will do 🫡

danielricciardo yea scotty, it’s your job as my best friend

scottyjames31 yessir

user19 i love the monthly throwback posts

f1 we miss you y/n, good luck in levi!

landonorris is this what you do outside the paddock? olympics and stuff?

ynlovesskiing you didn’t know?

landonorris NO?!

ynlovesskiing aww hun

daniel3.jpg

Levi, Finland

liked by ynlovesskiing, pierregasly and 27‘811 others

daniel3.jpg levi you beautiful place

view all 9‘721 comments

user20 look at y/n on that lift, hilarious

pierregasly cinnamon rolls are swedish

ynlovesskiing and?

pierregasly you are in finland?

ynlovesskiing and?

pierregasly YOU ARE EATING SOMETHING SWEDISH IN FINLAND

daniel3.jpg and?

pierregasly ugh

user21 danny in finland? i’m in heaven

user22 he’s so near but yet so far

user23 this screams like a new enchanté line!

landonorris you’re in it too?

daniel3.jpg in what?

landonorris in this whole skiing outside the paddock?!

daniel3.jpg you didn’t know?

landonorris NO

user24 this looks like so much fun

user25 he looks so happy

enchante

liked by ynlovesskiing, danielricciardo and 2‘824 others

enchante chalet.

view all 932 comments

danielricciardo inspired by my love.

user23 YES

user26 this looks so good!

scottyjames31 lookin good mate

user27 simp

comments have been restricted

ynlovesskiing

liked by user28, atomicski and 378‘827 others

ynlovesskiing let’s go! p4, +0.15s to the podium

view all 26‘722 comments

atomicski next stop podium

landonorris so, you are really good at this, right?

ynlovesskiing i suppose so

landonorris you have more championships than max?

ynlovesskiing two more, yes

landonorris crazy

landonorris everybody else knows?

maxverstappen1 yes

danielricciardo duh

charles_leclerc mhm

carlossainz55 known for a long time

pierregasly yes

landonorris oh man

danielricciardo

liked by ynlovesskiing, user28 and 38‘826 others

danielricciardo p1 in levi, let’s goo

view all 8‘128 comments

ynlovesskiing happy

atomicski first win of the season!

alphataurif1 onto danny’s first win of the season!

ynlovesskiing let’s go baby

user29 she’s so talented

user30 f1 and skiing, this is my roman empire

user31 my roman empire are two redbull athletes in love with their third redbull athlete as their best friends

user32 athletes love athletes

user33 next stop zermatt!

user34 with danny in las vegas and y/n in switzerland :(

user35 so no danny content :(

ynlovesskiing

liked by danielricciardo, landonorris and 29‘728 others

ynlovesskiing i don’t do it as good as danny

view all 12‘284 comments

user18 WHERE IS THE SHOEY?!

user18 you promised!

ynlovesskiing i didn’t…

danielricciardo yea, where IS the shoey?

ynlovesskiing i didn’t promise anything

user36 i miss y/n paddock days :(

user37 but the danny ski race days begin :)

daniel3.jpg

liked by scottyjames31, ynlovesskiing and 11‘728 others

daniel3.jpg short trip to levi

view all 4‘622 comments

ynlovesskiing looking gooooood

scottyjames31 mate

user38 they are livin my dream live, istg

user39 i want what they have

user40 hey ;)

user39 ew, no

user40 hey!

user39 is that all you can say?

user40 hey.. :(

user41 is that the new echanté merch?

landonorris next time i’m coming too

daniel3.jpg okay

danielricciardo

liked by landonorris, user42 and 78‘628 others

danielricciardo parting is always sad :(

view all 22‘722 comments

ynlovesskiing baaabe, why those :(

danielricciardo bc you looked so cute

ynlovesskiing i do not

landonorris she really doesn’t

ynlovesskiing HEY

user43 where are you off to?

user44 y/n is probably off to switzerland and danny to las vegas

user43 ok, thank you

carlossainz55 i’ll see you on tremblant, y/n!

user45 omg, the grid at one of y/n races!!

atomicski daniel, when do we see you ski?

danielricciardo never, i’m as good at skiing as y/n is at driving

ynlovesskiing not funny, i’m a pretty good at driving

landonorris yea, into the barriers

°°°

@ironmaiden1313 , @topguncultleader , @biglittlesecret , @gulabjamooon , @lovelyy-moonlight , @peachyplumsss , @mistrose23 , @copper-boom , @love4lando , @champomiel , @serenityleah , @iloveyou3000morgan , @angelwithoutmywings , @elleeeee21 , @youkissedareaderinthedark , @mikauraur , @thybulleric , @lpab , @fdl305 , @mellowarcadefun , @teti-menchon0604 , @vildetry06 , @bibissparkles , @aurora-maria , @lunnnix , @sya-skies , @Buckywifeyy , @dakotali , @rechtrecht , @noncannonships , @1eclerc16 , @pitlanebabe , @sopheeg , @avengersheart , @thatsadsmallchild , @peachiicherries , @idkiwantchocolatee , @callsign-scully , @mehrmonga , @badbatch-simp24 , @lissyontour , @din0nugs , @elliegrey2803 , @gay-for-victoria-de-angelis , @10vely-yutazen , @daggersquadphantom , @azriel-the-shadowsinger , @i-love-scott-mccall , @darleneslane , @heartmetaphor , @darleneslane , @ellswilliams , @thxtmarvelchick , @nataliambc , @dontjudgeabookbythecover

[kishibe-kisser]

Ino Takuma x gn!reader, sneaking around, secret relationship, makeout session, suggestive

"Ino you can't keep doing this! If my parents see you they're going to call the police!" You whispered after opening your bedroom window. The ski mask would have scared anyone else instantly, but the eyes behind it were ones you knew well. "Oh shush, you know you love it." He teased, climbing into your room and standing to full height. From his eyes you could tell he was smiling and you just shook your head, lifting his mask to kiss him.

He took it off fully, not breaking the kiss for even a second as he tossed it to the ground. You could feel his hair tickling your forehead as he leaned more into you, deepening the kiss quickly and making you laugh. Ino couldn't help himself, he hardly got to see you with your restrictive parents and he missed you. Biting your lips, you let out a moan before pulling away all flustered. It was his number one job to fluster you and it was working.

"What? Didn't you miss me?" He asked, leaning forward even more to look you in the eyes. "Of course I did, I just don't think my parents need to hear just how much." You told him and he shook his head with a smile. "Then they'll call the cops for sure." He said, picking you up suddenly and having your wrap your legs around his waist. You had to bite back a squeal, burrying your face into his neck as he laid you both down on your bed.

"Sweetheart, you alright? I heard a noise." Your mother called from behind your bedroom door and you felt your heart stop. Ino's eyes went wide and he froze, not sure how you'd respond. "I'm fine just uh- stubbed my toe." You told her and he stifled a laugh in your neck. "Be more careful, hun. We're going to bed now. Goodnight!" She said and you cringed before responding. "Goodnight!" Your heart was pounding now as you listened to her footsteps walk away.

"That was close." Ino whispered, settling inbetween your legs better. Your lifted your hands to play with his hair as you looked at him. "Too close." You said and he shook his head. "Too close would be getting caught." He told you and pulled you in for a kiss again, tongue running over your bottom lip as his hands roamed your pyjama clad body.

His hands slowly started lifting your shirt, just wanting to touch more of your soft skin. He didn't get to see you nearly enough, he just wanted to see you and touch your after a long day, so much so that sneaking around was absolutely worth it.

"That feels nice." You moaned, feeling his slightly rough hands touching your sides and stomach. "I could make you feel even better." He whispered in your ear, hands moving to the waist band of your shorts slowly. "You know we can't. Not with my parents in the house." Your breathing had gotten heavier and he felt pleased with himself. "What if they hear?" You added on, his fingers toying with the band now as he kissed the side of your neck. You wanted too, you really did but the fear of them hearing and hurting him was too big.

"What if I promise to help you keep it down? Muffle those pretty sounds of yours?" He asked, now tugging the fabric down a little. His words made you whimper, loving how determined he was and just how much he wanted you to see how much he missed you. "I guess that's okay." You smiled softly and Ino felt himself smirk. One hand moved to cover your mouth while the other tugged your shorts down, taking your underwear with them and you let out a sound in surprise.

"Now now, you said we needed to be quiet. Hate for the fun to come to an early end."

AN: This is my formal anouncement that I'm writing for Ino now. Hands down most underrated character. I really like him. I'm also adding another character that I'll introduce with a blurb too. Any guesses on who?

[janeyseymour]

A story where R is really self conscious about their mobility aid (a cane if possible). Maybe one of the middle schoolers says something rude. And mostly a lot of comfort from Mel

i hope this is good enough because i wrote it in between teaching a bunch of first graders and babysitting two little gremlins

Lean On Me

WC: ~2.5k

You had finally decided to bite the bullet and get your knee replaced after months of agonizing pain with a little nudge from your wonderful wife. You had hoped it would be replaced and healed by the time the school year started up again, but unfortunately that was not the case. You weren’t able to get it replaced until the end of July, and with class being back in session at the end of August, you’re still using the cane and you’re under pretty strict restrictions.

“Maybe I should just take a month’s leave until I can walk without this damned thing,” you mutter to yourself as you’re sitting in Melissa’s classroom while she finishes prepping her room for this year’s upcoming little eagles. “I don’t want the kids to see me with this.” You lazily gesture to the cane that’s next to you.

“That’s up to you, my love,” Melissa tells you as she passes you by to hang a new Eagles sign. “But I do think that you’ll be incredibly bored while you’re recovering and no one is around.”

She’s right. You’ll be bored out of your mind if you decide to take off for a month- especially without her to keep you entertained. And you know that you hate having subs; if the principal would even be able to find a substitute for you this late into the game. So you decide that you’ll just have to tough it out despite the fact that you’re incredibly self-conscious of having to use the mobility aid at such a young age. You get stares while you’re just in the grocery store and hobbling around with your wife (she tries to insist that you stay home and rest, but you tell her that you like spending the time with her and that you need to stay at least somewhat active).

Development days come and go, most of your staff and team doing everything they can to make life easy for you- Ava even going as far as spray painting your parking spot in the front so that she knows not to rent out the space during the Eagles barbecue that she holds every year (both you and Melissa thank her for that). Janine and Jacob help you to set up your classroom while Gregory finds different workouts that are supposed to help it heal faster on top of the rigorous physical therapy that you’ve been attending. And Barbara is there to make sure that both you and your wife were well-rested and eating- offering moral support in any way she possible can.

And so, the first day of school is upon you. The redhead insists on carrying your things to your room, and she sets a chair outside of the door for you to be able to greet your students when they come in. As your old students run past you to get to their new teachers, they give you the biggest and warmest hugs, telling you that they hope you feel better. You see Melissa standing outside of her door, greeting her new students with the same gusto that she always does, and then she looks over to you. She gives you a questioning look, and you nod and smile in her direction- quietly raising your mug filled with coffee in a toast. She reciprocates your action and blows you a kiss subtly.

You hobble your way back into the classroom and take a seat at your desk while the kids settle in and do the morning work that is on their desk. After morning announcements, you have them all gather on the carpet and explain to them how this year is going to work. One of them raises a shy hand.

“What’s up, hun?” you ask one of the girls.

She asks you hesitantly, “Why do you have a cane? I thought only old people have a cane.”

You smile at her gently. “Thank you for asking, sweetheart. Mrs. Schemmenti had a knee surgery over the summer, and I’m still recovering. I’ll only need it for another month, maybe a little longer. But while I have it, everybody needs to be careful and gentle. I can’t walk around much either, so I’ll be teaching from my desk for the time being.”

Your class is overwhelmingly supportive of this, and they are so sweet about asking if you ever need anything or if they can help pass out papers for the entirety of the morning. This group is a bunch of love bugs who make you get well cards when you give them a bit of free time while you’re waiting to be called down to the gymnasium for the beginning of the year assembly.

You’re incredibly thankful that Ava calls your grade first so that you can make your way down slowly and find a seat before anybody else can swoop in- the last thing you need is to have to stand in the back because all of the chairs are taken. You’re pretty sure if that happened, your wife would riot for you, but that isn’t necessary.

You have your kids take a seat, Melissa slides in next to you and takes your cane to prop it up against the wall, and then you settle in for whatever ridiculous first day of school assembly will present itself this year.

Because you were the first ones in, you’re also the last ones out. It gives you time to get yourself and your kids ready to head back to the classroom for the small break they have before they head to lunch.

But when lunchtime comes, you get swept up in the sheer chaos of trying to get your students to the cafeteria in time so that you have your full lunch break. There are the little ones who are walking through the halls with their eyes wide and full of wonder, your kids who are walking at a fast pace that you’re having a hard time keeping up with, and then there are the older ones who couldn’t care less that you’re attempting to make your way through the halls without bumping into anyone. It doesn’t help that half of the middle schoolers now tower over you.

In a rush, one of them knocks the cane out of your hand with their lunch bag and snorts with laughter. “I thought canes were for old heads!”

Another one of them shouts that you’ve really let yourself go, and maybe it’s time for you to go into early retirement if you can’t walk around without the help of your mobility aid.

You stumble without the crutch there to lean on, and you nearly fall until Melissa has looped an arm around your waist and is helping to hold you up. You lean against her heavily as you try to steady yourself again. She turns to shout at the two who were making fun of you, but they’re already swept up in the sea of children that are all wearing the same uniform. She doesn’t know who to yell at, so she quickly turns back to you.

The student that is standing next to you looks absolutely appalled and picks up your cane immediately. She hands it to you gently. “Are you okay?”

You nod and gesture for her to continue walking. Your students do as they keep their eyes trained on you to make sure that you’re okay.

Once all of your kids are in the cafeteria and you see that they are all seated and eating or in line to get a school lunch, you turn. Melissa is still right at your side, her arm still looped around you.

“Go enjoy your lunch, babe,” you tell her gently as you take her hand away. “I’m just gonna sit in my room for lunch if you wouldn’t mind bringing my kids back down with you when the period is over?”

“You don’t want to have lunch with us?” the redhead asks you quietly.

“I don’t know if I can make it down to the staffroom, and then the lunchroom, and back today,” you admit softly. “My knee is really hurting from physical therapy yesterday.”

“I’ll be down with your lunch,” Melissa promises. She squeezes your hand gently before turning on her heel.

You settle at your desk, and despite yourself willing the tears not to spring to your eyes they do. You wipe at them furiously. The comments from the older kids really shouldn’t be affecting you the way that they are. And you really would rather not have your wife see you shedding tears over their idiotic comments- you know she’ll be roping Ava into a manhunt to see who it was anyway, and it’ll only be that much worse for the students if she catches you crying.

Your wife comes in with both of your lunches and an icepack for you- not that you requested one. You quickly wipe your tears as you hear her heels hitting the tile underneath of her, but she still sees it.

“Hun, does it hurt that bad?”

You turn to her with a sad smile. “No. I’m fine,” you lie through your teeth, but your voice betrays you and it cracks ever so slightly.

She sets your lunch in front of you and pulls up two chairs. She gestures for you to set your leg up on the second chair as she sits int he one next to you.

“Mel, you really can go enjoy lunch with he crew,” you tell her gently. “I’ll be okay by myself.”

“Ice,” is all she says as she takes a bite of lunch. She sets the pack on your knee, and you flinch slightly as the cool sensation ripples through your body, sending a shiver down your back.

You sit there, and she watches worriedly as you don’t make a move for your lunch at all. 

“Babe, you have to eat,” she says softly.

You shrug and wrap your arms around yourself. “I’m not that hungry.”

“My girl? Not hungry?” the redhead teases you. “C’mon.”

You don’t know what happens, but something within you snaps. “When I’m not burning nearly as many calories as I used to because of this fucking knee, I don’t get as hungry!” You burst into tears again. “God, I never should’ve gotten it done, and then I wouldn’t need this damn cane!” You throw it across the room in anger before curling in on yourself.

Your wife is up and retrieving it in seconds, only for you to throw it past her again.

“Babe,” she warns as she picks it up again.

“I don’t fucking want it! I’m sick of everyone staring at the young woman who has to depend on a god damn cane to walk!” you cry.

“Is this because of-” she starts to ask you, but you cut her off. 

“I’m sick of being stared at in the grocery store, or when we decided to go to Hershey and I had to use one of the wheelchairs! I don’t want the kids to go home and tell their parents that I’m some poor, crippled woman who can’t teach standing up!” you choke out. “I- I just want to be normal again!”

“So help those kids who pushed past you,” she grumbles before taking her seat back and wrapping her arms around you. She kisses you gently. “It’s all part of the healing process. You’ll be back to running around in no time, and you aren’t going to be in as much pain.”

“It’s going to be at least another month before I can walk without the cane,” you yell, frustrated tears falling down your cheeks.

“And you know I’ll always be here to lean on, your kids will clearly do everything they can to help you, and you know the staff here has your back,” she tries to comfort you.

“I couldn’t even properly take my kids to lunch,” you sigh, and you hate how whiny you sound.

“So I’ll take them and bring them back for you with my kids,” your wife tells you. “That way all you have to worry about is getting to and from the staffroom.”

You close your eyes and take a deep breath. “You already do so much for me.”

“And I will continue to do everything I can for you for the rest of my life,” she tells you with confidence. “When I said for better or for worse, I was serious.”

“I love you,” you whisper as the first genuine smile appears on your lips since the lunch incident.

“I love you too,” she mumbles as she leans in to kiss you. Then she pulls away and pushes your lunch towards you. “Now eat. I know you’re hungry.”

You pick up the fork and shovel some food in your mouth. So maybe you lied to Melissa when you said you weren’t hungry.

Come the end of the day, your wonderful wife picks up your kids and takes them out for dismissal while you ice your knee again. You see the kids off with a wave and a smile as they tell you that they hope you feel better soon. You’re given quite a few hugs, and a few drawings of you with the students are mixed in.

When you expect her to come back in once the kids are gone though, she doesn’t. And you can’t really leave without her because you can’t carry everything and navigate the halls with your cane just yet. You shoot her a text.

Did you forget about your crippled wife?

I’ll be down in a few, she responds quickly. Just chatting with Ava.

She’s telling the truth because the next thing you know, she’s in your room and grabbing your bags along with all of hers, and you’re heading out for the night.

“Why were you chatting with Ava?”

“Just had a few questions for her about this school year,” is all the redhead says. “Now let’s get going- you have physical therapy at 4:30, and then it’s an early night for the Schemmentis. I am wiped.”

The next morning, you and your wife are sitting and standing outside your classrooms getting ready to greet your students when two of the older kids come up to you. They hand you apology notes and hazard a glance at Melissa- they look terrified of her. She just folds her arms over her chest and smirks.

“Mel,” you sigh once they walk away. “I appreciate you defending my honor, but do not make two middle school boys look about ready to sh… their pants on the second day of school.”

“Nobody makes fun of my wife,” she shrugs. “Especially when it’s about something she’s already insecure about.”

“Is that why you were with Ava? You were looking at the security footage?”

Again, she shrugs. “Let’s just say, we’re having a school wide assembly next week about how we shouldn’t make fun of people who have mobility issues or any other sort of disabilities.”

[aloneinthehellfire]

Chapter Two: Safe From Heartbreak

The Pariahs That Saved The World [Masterlist]

Word Count: 6.3k

Warnings: nothing overtly horrible happening, mention of a funeral, mention of Victor Creel's appearance, canon-typical chapter here folks

[A/N: I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone supporting this story and I really hope I don't disappoint everyone. I am restricting myself to one chapter each week mostly because I really need the rest huns, it's been stressful lately x Anyways, enjoy this lengthy chapter of queer adorableness <;3]

Safe From Heartbreak

“You brought her?!”

Steve’s concern was met with Robin’s innocent smile, raising her hands to sheepishly shrug. It wasn’t as if he could do anything about it; you were stood right there with that familiar scowl you reserved just for him.

Robin wasn’t sure how people were going to react when they found out she had gone and begged you to help them. There was a small but vital discussion about it before she decided to break all those rules. But she knew you had to be here.

“What did we say about making her do this? She didn’t wanna come.” Steve whispers at her, but the room was too small for privacy.

“Firstly, she is right here.” You say, folding your arms. “Secondly, Robin didn’t make me do anything. I’m here to help.”

“What made you change your mind?” Nancy speaks up from where she sat beside Lucas. You felt a pang of guilt when you remembered how you spoke to her last time. You had expressed your outright refusal to be a part of this and here you were, contradicting your own words.

“We all have people we need to protect, right?” You say quietly, avoiding her piercing eyes.

Steve runs a hand down his face as he sighs in defeat, relaxing his shoulders. You watch how his eyes dart to the corner and you look over, heart wrenching at the sight of Max staring back at you. She smiles, so you walk over with Robin’s gaze unknowingly fixed on your back.

“I’m gonna grab some drinks.” Nancy sighs, setting down the remnants of your old project folder. “Anyone want anything?”

“Some water?” Lucas asks and she nods, leaving the room in silence.

“Does she seem alright to you?” Steve asks, a soft frown on his face as he looks up the staircase.

“Why are you so worried, Steve?” Dustin speaks up with a mocking tone in his voice. Steve throws him a glare.

“Because we’re dealing with a mind wizard, asshole.” He grumbles and Robin laughs. He sends a pointed look, lowering his voice. “You’re one to joke.”

“Huh?” She questions and he gently pulls her aside, quickly checking that everyone else was occupied. You and Max were deep in whispered conversation while Lucas and Dustin weren’t so quiet, rambling on about Vecna and the possibilities for defeat.

“I know what’s been going on.” Steve reiterates and Robin scrunches her face.

“Well you wanna tell me, or is it a secret?” She jokes and he suppresses a smile. “Come on, what?”

“Y/n.” He says and she raises her eyebrow, automatically looking to where you sat beside Max, smiling at something the girl was saying.

“You like her.”

Her stomach drops, head whipping back to where Steve stood with a shit-eating grin on his face.

“What?” Her eyes widen, looking flustered. She glances back over to you again, watching you laugh. “I- no. No, that’s not what’s happening.”

“Uh-huh.” He waggles his eyebrows, nudging her. “You’re not fooling me. You literally can’t take your eyes off her.”

“That’s not- I’m not.” She huffed, squeezing her eyes shut. “That’s not why I’m watching- wait, when did we move to making fun of my love life?”

“So it is a love life problem.” He points out and she shuts her mouth.

“I’m not talking to you anymore.”

“Thank god.”

Robin attempts to speak, opening and closing her mouth until she huffs in frustrated defeat, storming away.

As Max turns away from you to continue working on her writing, you place a hand on her shoulder in silent goodbye and walk over to Steve, raising your eyebrow.

“I see you haven’t lost your effect on women.” You comment, head nodding to the staircase.

“Ha ha.” Steve rolls his eyes.

When he doesn’t continue speaking, you assume he doesn’t want to talk to you anymore. It made sense. You had ended the idea of friendship between you both horribly, warping his feeling for you into a reason of hatred. It was a long time ago now, but you still regret what you did when you see that look on his face.

As you move away, his soft grip suddenly reaches out and pulls you back, surprising you.

“Are you okay?” He asks. He sounded genuine, throwing you off guard as you blink up at him. With a sigh, he’s running a hand through his hair. He always did that when he was nervous. “You didn’t… you didn’t speak to us before you left last year.”

“I’m…” You start, frowning. You didn’t speak to us before you left last year… Bullshit. “Yeah, I’m fine. Looking forward to getting rid of this Vecna guy, anyway.”

“Yeah.” He sighs, looking over to the corner. “Thanks for helping. I know Max really appreciates it. You guys were always close.”

“I’d do anything for her.” You admit, nodding furiously. Your mouth suddenly feels dry and you look around. “Wasn’t Nancy getting water?”

“Yeah, I’m getting seriously thirsty right now.” Lucas mumbles, groaning when he notices all the information he has to cover on the table in front of him.

“She and Robin are probably chatting about girl stuff.” Dustin shrugs and you tilt your head.

“Girl stuff. Really?”

“I don’t know.” He raises his hands in surrender and you roll your eyes.

“Fine, I’ll go see where they are.”

Part of you was glad you could escape that basement for a moment. In no means did it feel crowded space-wise, but having these people stare at you felt suffocating. You could physically feel them trying to solve you like a jigsaw puzzle, wondering why you came back, why you were truly here. Why you left.

The distinct sound of Robin’s voice radiated from the kitchen, pulling you towards the room before you realised your feet were taking you closer. You poke your head around the corner to see her standing by the kitchen island in conversation with Karen, eyes light as she expresses gratitude for letting them be here.

“Anytime. I like having a full house.” Karen says, smiling and grabbing her purse. “I am just running out, let Nancy know I’ve left.”

“Will do.” Robin salutes, making the older woman laugh.

“Hey, hon.” Karen coos as she walks past you and Robin whips her head to where you’re leant against the door frame, a sad smile plastered across your face.

She feels terrible. Maybe Steve was right; she shouldn’t have dragged you into this. But it was too late now.

“So, Mrs Wheeler seems to like you.” You comment, the sadness breaking into genuine amusement and Robin shrugs.

“I get along with adults more than people my own age. Minus my own parents.” She states, and your face drops. You try to mask it, brushing imaginary dirt from your jeans so you could duck your head. But Robin caught it. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” You sigh, gently closing your eyes for a moment before you walk over to her, leaning over the counter top. “It just feels weird to be back.”

“Sorry I dragged you here.” She says with a small voice and you look up at her, frowning.

“Robin, I meant what I said. You didn’t make me do anything.”

She dismisses it with the flick of her hand, looking unconvinced.

“Seriously.” You chuckle slightly, clasping your hands together for something to look at, leaning toward her as she sat down at a stool and rested her elbow on the surface. “I was gonna leave, like I originally planned. I’m only here for my grandad’s funeral. But… I can’t just leave when something dangerous is happening. I can’t leave Gran alone in Hawkins- I definitely can’t leave Max knowing that I did nothing to try and help.”

“I’m sorry about your grandad.” Robin smiles sympathetically, “Nancy didn’t mention that.”

“No one really knows.” You explain, resting your hand on your chin, matching her stance. “It wasn’t anything supernatural, you know? Just health… we knew it was going to happen for a while. My gran wants to keep it on the down low, have an intimate funeral. People will only bother her if she tells everyone.”

“She sounds like she knows what she’s doing.” She says and you laugh, nodding.

“She’s pretty great. Talks too much for her own good sometimes but I love that about her.”

Robin appears surprised, a hesitant spark in her eyes. “Really?”

“Yeah, absolutely.” You smile, brows furrowed. “I think conversations like that are so much better. It’s… it’s expressive. There aren’t really any rules, we’re not restricting our thoughts because we are too afraid of being a burden. You can learn so much from someone when they talk like that. I really admire it.”

You look up to her flushed cheeks just in time to see her adjust her posture so the fabric of her sleeve hides the pink creeping up. You try and stop a smile, but it was useless. She looked really cute.

Robin was more than a little flustered now. She didn’t know why, but your words hit her like a tank carrying stone, 100mph, no survivors. She’s never had anyone tolerate her habit before let alone admire it. Steve might be right. Not that she’d ever say anything.

“Robin?” Your voice snaps her back into reality, eyes looking back into yours.

“Yeah?”

“I-”

The kitchen door swings open and you both whip your heads to the entrance, watching Nancy take a deep breath.

“Wait, weren’t you getting drinks?” You point between her and the tap, your original thoughts long forgotten now.

“I got distracted.” She states, reaching into the cupboard and pulling out two glasses. “I tried calling Jonathan but- it doesn’t matter. I can’t help thinking Victor Creel has to be connected. Like, really connected. None of those reports were giving any reason as to why Vecna didn’t kill him in the first place. We’re missing something. Something big.”

“Why don’t we just talk to Victor?” Robin suggests and Nancy lets out a breathy laugh, filling up a glass with water before shutting the tap off quickly, spinning around to face her.

“He’s- he’s locked up at Pennhurst, remember? Unless we’re family or some kind of authority, we’re not getting in to see him.”

Robin closes her mouth and thins her lips. “You’re right, that’s stupid.”

“No, it’s not.” You interject, glancing between them. “I know a way we can speak to him.”

“You got his number or something?” Robin quips and you fight a smile.

“I tried asking Pennhurst if I could speak with him last time. I rang them up and they told me I wouldn’t be allowed to see him unless I had permission from the director.” You explain, combing back through your memory. “Of course, they wouldn’t even let me get an appointment because I was just some stupid kid who was probably wasting their time trying to tell ghost stories.”

“What does this have to do with talking to Victor?” Robin redirects your thoughts and you clear your throat.

“When they went to hang up, I asked who the director would actually speak to. I was just trying to keep them talking so I could maybe convince them. They told me he would only take appointments with people serious about their future… and, yeah, they hung up.”

“Serious about their future?” Nancy prompts.

“Psych majors.” You say and her eyes light up. “They definitely won’t let us see Victor right away, but I guarantee we can get an appointment with the director if we were the type of students he’d want to see. Maybe-”

“Maybe we can persuade him to let us study him.” Nancy finishes and you snap your fingers, nodding. The drinks were since abandoned now, her fingers drumming against the kitchen island surface.

“Okay, and how are we meant to convince them we’re psych majors?” Robin asks, frowning. “I doubt they’re gonna let us walk in without some kind of proof, right?”

“We fake it.” Nancy nods enthusiastically. “It’s easy to create false identification these days, and I have the perfect place to do it.”

She’s already headed out into the hallway before Robin shrugs.

“Nancy committing a crime? I gotta see this.” She comments and you smile, following her out with a jolt of excitement in your chest.

You weren’t sure if that excitement was conclusive to the thrill of the investigation, or the eagerness you felt to spend time with the new friend you couldn’t stop thinking about.

“How long does it take you guys get some water?” Steve questions as you all come rushing down the stairs. Lucas frowns when he notices you were holding files instead of glasses.

“Okay, so…” Nancy breathes out with a smile, looking at you both either side of her. “We have a plan.”

“Thanks to Nancy’s newspaper minions, and Y/n’s incredible investigative skills, we are now rock-star psychology students at the University of Notre Dame.” Robin says as everyone flicks through the files you whipped up, a smile creeping onto her lips for mentioning you. You weren’t ever given praise for your help in this group before.

“I’m now Ruth.” Nancy nods, looking at you.

“Elizabeth.” You raise your hand.

“And I’m Rose.” Robin announces.

“Ruth?” Steve raises a brow at Nancy and she shrugs.

“Nice GPA.” Dustin looks up at you with raised brows.

“I do my best.” You reply, earning a smile.

“So, we called Pennhurst Asylum, told them we’d like to speak with Victor Creel for a thesis we’re writing on paranoid schizophrenics-”

“To which they said no. Just like Y/n said they would.” Robin comments, glaring at Steve when he sends her a look.

“But we landed a three o’clock with the director.” You finish, crossing your arms. “We just need to, well, charm him into letting us speak to Victor.”

“And maybe we can rid Max of this curse.” Nancy says, and you nod slowly.

“Yeah, uh, about that.” Steve glances over his shoulder before leaning forward, gesturing to the scattered pieces of paper from your folder. “We’ve been doing our Victor Creel homework, and, uh… we got some questions.”

“Lots of questions.” Lucas agrees.

“So do we.” Nancy states, shaking her head. “Hopefully, Victor has the answers.”

“Wait, wait, wait a second. Uh…” He shuffles through the three folders in his hands, shaking his head. “Where’s mine?”

The three of you share silent looks, Robin’s face twisting with indecision on what expression to make while Nancy struggles to answer.

“It doesn’t exist.” You finally say and he looks at you in shock. “What? We only made three. Unless you wanna be called Elizabeth…”

“What-”

“We should actually be getting ready.” Nancy cuts off his argument, standing up and nodding at you both.

Max turns in her seat and you send her a little salute, her own one sent back in return as you and Robin move to follow Nancy up the stairs. Steve cuts you off, and you see Nancy quicken her steps.

“That’s, uh… that’s not a thing again, is it?” You ask the girl beside you and she scoffs.

“A thing? No. Complete and utter nonsense? Absolutely.” She replies and you sigh, following their footsteps until it led you into Nancy’s bedroom.

“Nancy, you’re outta your mind if you think I’m babysitting again.” Steve whined while you and Robin roll your eyes, smirking at eachother.

“Okay, first of all, they’re not babies anymore.” Nancy says and he scoffs. “And Max is in real danger, she needs people around her.”

“I know, but why does it always have to be me?”

“Maybe because you still act like a child. You fit right in.” You offer with a smile and he squints his eyes.

“I liked it better when you weren’t here.”

“Oh, I’m touched.”

“Oh my god, you have a Tom Cruise poster.” Robin gawks as she enters the pink room, turning back with a suggestive grin. “You have a Tom Cruise poster.”

“That’s… old.” Nancy defends and you smile.

“Didn’t you used to kiss him every nigh-” You start but she cuts you off.

“I was twelve! That was… God, can you please not touch anything?” Nancy begs Robin, but the light brunette ignores her.

“I just- I can’t do anything here, Nance. Maybe I can be helpful with this asylum director dude.” Steve continues his failed attempt at joining your mission.

You perch yourself on the bed, smirking at Robin whenever she turns in awe to show you girly trinkets.

“I don’t know, I could, like, turn on my… my charm.”

“Not the kind of charm we need.” Nancy comments and Steve blinks.

“Ouch.”

“Yeah, last I checked that other charm didn’t work either.” Robin calls out and Steve purses his lips, resting his hands on his hips.

“Okay, double ouch.”

“No, I just…” Nancy sighs, “Look, Y/n and I did a little digging and it turns out this Dr. Hatch…”

As Nancy tries to dig herself out of her hole, Robin points to her dresser and you move with her, slightly intrigued to know what she had found. She starts moving around books and paper until she picks up a small necklace, scanning the desk. You assume she’s looking for some place to store it and you pick up the box closest to you, assuming it was for jewellery. Robin nods and you both widen your eyes when it turns out it’s not a jewellery box, instead letting out a soft melody. You hadn’t seen one of these in years.

“… that, like him, we are true academic scholars.” Nancy ends her argument, focusing back on looking through her closet.

Robin takes the music box from your hands and turns to Steve, whispering. “Holy shit, there’s a little ballerina in here.”

You let out a giggle and Steve turns back to Nancy, unconvinced.

“Academic scholar?” His hand points to you. “They’re giving you an academic scholar vibe? Yeah.”

“No, but… they will.”

You both turn around to see what Nancy was implying to find her holding two of the ugliest outfits you’ve seen, nothing like the comfortable clothes you opt to wear for your daily life.

“Oh, please tell me you’re joking.” Robin cringes and you place a hand on her shoulder, pulling a face.

“I’m gonna be sick.”

Steve laughs, tilting his head at the assortment of pink and baby blue hanging from Nancy’s hands.

“Well, if I’m not going then can I ask for one very important thing?” He prompts and Nancy nods unknowingly.

He glances between you and Robin, smirking. “Take lots of photos.”

Robin reaches across the bed and acquires a pillow, throwing it at Steve’s head who merely ducks his way out the door frame, still laughing.

“Can I not just wear black? Is that not respectable?” You practically beg, holding the outfit she thrust into your arms like it was a ticking time bomb.

“I don’t have black.” Nancy shrugs, “Other than an old funeral outfit.”

Your face falls and you sigh, looking down at it with an intense stare.

“What are you doing?” Robin frowns, refusing to touch her clothes.

“Maybe if I squint hard enough, it’ll look better.” You say and Nancy sounds out a protest.

“Hey, these are my real clothes, remember?”

“And they look good on you.” You say, Robin nodding along with you. “But only you. Not me.”

“Definitely not me.” Robin agrees but Nancy smirks.

“Well, you don’t have a choice.” She says as she walks out of the room. “Be ready in 10!”

She leaves you and Robin stood there holding clothes you hoped never to be seen dead in, disgust etched into your features.

“It’s just, what, an hour? Two at most?” Robin tries to convince herself, comparing the shirt on her body. “God, it even looks uncomfortable.”

“Let’s just get it over with.” You sigh, pulling off your jumper and throwing it on the bed when you realise Robin’s staring at you, that familiar red tint on her cheeks. “What?”

“Nothing.” She looks away, lips tight. Your eyes widen.

“Shit, sorry, I can go change in the bathroom-”

“No, no, it’s fine. I’m not uncomfortable, I-” She takes a deep breath. “Anyone can walk into the bathroom, we’ll just… yeah, we’ll just change here.”

She walks around to the other side of the bed, slipping off her shoes. When she starts to fiddle with her own jumper, you both immediately turn around to face away from eachother for some privacy.

You felt tense as you strip away your clothes to pull on Nancy’s ones, and you weren’t sure if it was a good or a bad feeling. You had only known Robin a little over a day maybe, but you haven’t felt so comfortable around someone for a while, not since… not since Starcourt, the hospital. Maybe…

No, you think to yourself, strapping on the heels that felt just a little too tight, I can’t let myself think that.

Robin was a friend, maybe not even that at the moment. And you don’t actually know her well enough to out yourself as a pariah.

“How are you feeling?” Robin calls out with your backs still turned, fiddling with some buttons. God, she hated this. The outfit, not you. Fuck.

She notices your hesitation, making her straighten up from where she sat perched on the edge of Nancy’s bed.

“About what?” You ask and she frowns.

“I don’t know… in general, I guess?”

“I’m… fine. A little weird that I’m wearing so much pink right now but, other than that, I’m okay.” You respond and she slowly nods, reaching down to slip on shoes. Ugh, heels. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Yeah.” Robin says, standing up and immediately trying to find her balance. She wasn’t sure she could pull this off. “A little bit spooked, I guess, but hey, it’s Hawkins, what else is new?”

You chuckle, shaking your head. “Okay, I’m ready.”

“Turn on the count of three?” Robin suggests and you agree. “One. Two. Three.”

You both spin around and immediately pause, taking in the new looks of the girls who definitely despised their clothes.

“We look ridiculous.” Robin blinks, turning to the mirror and gasping.

“I feel ridiculous.” You mumble, shifting the skirt that dug into your waist. Robin points to her reflection in horror and you shake your head.

“I don’t even want to know what I look like. I like ignorance.” You decide, walking over to the door. “Let’s go find Nancy and get out of here before anyone else-”

You open the door to find Steve, Dustin, and Nancy patiently waiting on the other side, staring back at you. Nancy gives a nod of approval, Dustin twists his face in horror and Steve starts grinning.

“What?” Robin asks as she joins you, eyes widening.

There was a sudden snap and you glare at Steve, the boy lowering his hand and hiding the disposable camera behind him.

“Have fun.” He says before dragging Dustin away with him, the younger boy still staring at you.

“It just feels so wrong.” He mutters and Steve agrees, disappearing down the stairs.

“Well, that makes me feel better.” You groan and Robin shakes her head.

“Nope, not doing it.” She tries to run but Nancy’s grabbing your arms, pulling you with her.

“Come on, you both look great.” She rolls her eyes, smiling. “Let’s go be so smart the director can’t refuse us.”

“He’s going to refuse us.” You comment, watching the way Robin itched to be out of her outfit, your own hands fiddling with the skirt. Nancy’s hand slaps yours away and you gape at her.

“We’ll be fine as long as we play our parts.” She reminds you both and you take a breath.

“Yes, mom.” You mumble and she rolls her eyes.

“Y/n’s right, I can’t breathe in this thing.” Robin complains, struggling with her heels, “And I’m itchy. I’m itching all over.”

“It’s not all about comfort. Okay? We’re academics.” Nancy says and Robin sighs.

“Who are evidently coming from an Easter brunch.” She says and you laugh, snapping your mouth shut when Nancy glares at you. “Also, this bra that you gave me is really pinching my boobs.”

“Yeah, and why do you look good and we look like The Shining twins?” You ask and Robin gasps in acceptance.

“Ooh, good one.”

“Okay, how about you both just let me do the talking?” She asks, looking between you both. “If that’s even possible?”

“It’s not only possible, it’s inevitable.” Robin stresses, pulling at the collar. “Because shortly, I’ll be dead from strangulation!”

Before you could even walk into the building, a man in monochrome stops you all, eyebrows raised.

“We have an appointment with the director.” Nancy smiles and you force your own, hands clasped in front of you. The man simply gives a curt nod, opening the door and jutting his chin.

“Friendly.” You mutter as you pass him, focusing everything on keeping your cool. The last time you went undercover like this was when you went to see Mrs. Driscoll…

As the man continues to what Robin assumed to be the office, she turns around to find you stood there, adjusting the waist band once again. In a sneaky turn, she makes her way back to you, dipping her head to meet your eyes.

“Hey, you okay?”

“Huh?” You look up, blinking. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m… Just got distracted for a moment. Let’s go.”

You both return to Nancy in time for the door to open, a very brief greeting to the director behind the desk until you were all sat in front of him, trying not to sweat. You hated this feeling in your chest, some kind of fluttering darkness.

“3.9 GPAs.” Hatch comments, nodding approvingly as he holds the last folder; yours. “All of you. Impressive.”

“And this is a recommendation from Professor Brantley.” Nancy holds out yet another forged document, the lie rolling off her tongue like it was second nature. There was a bitterness latching onto your throat then, remembering the last time she had looked you dead in the eyes and lied.

“Yeah, I know Larry. Quite well, actually.”

Your heart leaps to your throat. Fuck, you should have known that. You were in charge of the research, why didn’t you check to see-

“Eh, you know what they say.” Hatch says, raising his eyebrows. “Those who can’t do, teach.”

Robin giggles at his joke and you smile, nodding.

“Uh, yes. Yes, that’s actually why we’re here.” Her eyes dart to yours and you sense she’s afraid of messing up.

“We can only learn so much when we’re confined to a classroom.” You speak up and Nancy nods eagerly, smiling with you.

Hatch hums in agreement, “And I’m sympathetic to your struggle, truly. But there is a protocol to visiting a patient like Victor. You have to put in a request, and then you have to undergo a screening process, at which point the board will make a decision.”

He starts to slide the documents back to you and you bite your lip.

“I can see you’re disappointed.” He comments, “But I’m more than happy to give you a tour of our facility. Perhaps you can even speak to some patients in our low-security wing.”

The way he spoke down to you had your skin crawling with fury. This wasn’t the first time you’d been talked to like a mindless child.

“And we’d… we would love that.” Nancy tries, smiling again. “It’s just that, um… our thesis is due next month-”

“And you’re out of time.” Hatch cuts her off, raising an eyebrow. “Whose fault is that?”

You purse your lip, looking at your feet.

“Ours. Absolutely.” Nancy continues, hoping to appeal to his good side. You weren’t convinced he even had one. “We just- we wanted-”

“We didn’t drive all the way here to be disrespected.” You suddenly say and Nancy’s eyes widen in shock, looking at you like you were crazy.

“Excuse me?” Hatch blinks, reeling up to spew out more ridicules.

“Sir,” Nancy leans forward, “I do apologise for-”

“Don’t apologise, Ruth. Screw that.” Robin says this time and Nancy is almost staring daggers at you both. “Elizabeth is correct for being upset. The fact of the matter is, we did put in a request months ago and were denied. And then we reapplied and were denied again. And coming here was our last-ditch effort to save our thesis. And I really… I can’t breathe in this thing.”

“Uh, well, Rose, maybe you’d like to go outside and get some air.” Nancy says through gritted teeth.

“Maybe I should, Ruth.” Robin replies and you clear your throat.

“Director Hatch. Dr, I presume?” You look at him and he nods, frowning. “May I ask if anyone has ever had an appointment with you and gotten to speak to a patient of their choice before? Academically speaking, of course.”

“Well-”

“Hm, and how many of them were men?” You continue, Hatch struggling with his words. His hesitancy told you all you needed them to. “Right. All of them.”

“I don’t understand what you are implying, Miss…” He starts rooting back through documents and you scoff, taking him by surprise.

“You can just call me Elizabeth. Seeing as you never asked us originally if we were okay with not being addressed by our professional names, I can assume that you never bothered to learn or even look at what my surname might be.”

“Well, I-” He stutters and you know you have him where you need him to be.

“The thing is, Dr Hatch, I’m not even offended anymore. None of us are. Because if we were men sat in front of you right now, you’d actually be seeing us with the intention of discussing our request to see Victor Creel instead of inviting us here to simply mock us.” You say in a sickly sweet voice laced with venom. You turn your head to Robin. “Isn’t that right, Rose?”

“Yes, it is.” Robin nods, suddenly standing from her chair, “In fact, I’m starting to think this whole thing is a colossal mistake. I’m breaking out in a rash, my boobs hurt. And I’ll tell you the truth, Anthony. May I call you Anthony? These aren’t actually my clothes. I borrowed them because I wanted you to take us seriously. Because nobody takes girls seriously in this field, they just don’t. We don’t look the part or whatever, but can I tell you a story?”

Hatch stares up in confusion and you hide a smirk, fixing the same glare on him as Robin rambled about summer camp, about how she was fascinated with knowing Victor Creel’s mind and you felt that flutter of darkness burst into something else, something a little brighter. You knew words could be a powerful thing, and you knew now that Robin was so much more than you realised.

“I wanted to be you!” Robin emphasises, breathing heavy. “So, forgive me if I’ll now try anything in my power, including wearing this ridiculous outfit, if I might get the chance to speak to the man that ignited my passion, and learn a little more about how his twisted, but let’s face it, totally fascinating mind works.”

She takes a deep breath and you stand up, too, ignoring Nancy’s wide eyes.

“Maybe we don’t have the official paperwork, but don’t tell us that a man like cry-baby Petey wouldn’t have gotten an audience with Victor in a matter of moments if he’d asked politely, because we all know that he would.” You conclude, both you and Robin sharing that same fire in your eyes as you stare down at this man, unwavering.

“So… ten minutes with Victor. That’s all we ask.” Robin suggests, and Hatch glances between all three of you, sighing.

“Follow me.” He finally says, standing from his desk and leading you all to the door, letting his receptionist know he’d be out.

You and Robin sneak a grin to eachother, an amazed Nancy shaking her head in astonishment, leaning close.

“You guys make a great team.” She whispers and Robin smiles, feeling giddy when you reach for her hand and squeeze for a second in victory.

“Y/n?”

“Y/n, are you okay?”

Your head is thumping, trying to force your eyes open. You felt tired and dizzy, taking in as many deep breaths as you can.

“What happened?” You manage to say, clearing your throat. You can just make out Robin’s face leaning over from the passenger seat. You blink. Since when were you back in the car? “What…”

Whatever your question was to be, your mind interrupted you with a sharp memory.

“Did I survive?” Victor says with a low voice, his deformed eyes felt like they were staring into your soul, your heart beating erratically. “No, I assure you…”

His head slowly turns towards the bars, suddenly snapping to where you stood.

“I am still very much in hell.”

“You fainted.” Nancy says from behind the wheel, a crack in her voice. “Hatch found us out, tried to have us arrested. We needed to make a run for it so you distracted them…”

“I think we can beat him.” Nancy whispers to you both as you walk through the courtyard, officers trailing behind you.

“What?” Robin frowns.

“To the car.” She specifies, determination written across her face. You nod in agreement, already seeing the familiar brown of the wagon across the field.

“Okay, I’m warning you right now, I have terrible coordination.” Robin stresses, “It took me six months longer to walk than all the other babies. I’ll just slow you guys down.”

“I’ll distract, you guys run.” You whisper, walking beside the hedge.

“What?” Nancy turns to you, Robin sporting a similar expression of horror.

“I took track for three years, remember?” You remind Nancy and she tilts her head in contemplation. “I can outrun them and give you time to start up the car. I’ll meet you outside the gates.”

“What- is this really a plan right now?!” Robin hisses at you both and Nancy grabs her hand.

Before Robin can protest any further, you quickly swipe at the ground and gather stones, spinning around to launch them at the officers.

“Just follow my lead.” Nancy urges as she pulls Robin into a run and you sprint the other way, glancing back to ensure they were both following you instead of them.

The next thing you can remember is being tackled to the ground, an array of voices shouting after you. It wasn’t an officer, though. It was a patient, her wild eyes screaming at you.

“Curse! Curse!”

She had spewed that over and over until you manage to push her off, scrambling to your feet and cutting through the trees, making out the silhouette of the vehicle just leaving.

“You passed out when you got to us, are you- are you okay?” Robin’s brows are furrowed, looking at you with more concern than you think you ever had for yourself.

“Fine.” You shake your head, slowly sitting up. “I think I accidentally ran into someone and hit my head a little. I must have been dizzy.”

It was a blatant lie and you knew it. But the truth sounded too scary for you to want to focus on.

“What did I miss?”

“Uh…” Robin looks to Nancy and your stomach drops. “Well…”

“Vecna got to Max.” Nancy says for her and you lurch forward.

“What?! Is she okay?”

“She’s okay.” Robin confirms, nodding profusely. “She’s fine. We told them about the music and they managed to pull her out of it before anything truly horrible could happen.”

You sigh in relief, slumping back into your seat. “Thank god.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Nancy finds your eyes in the rear-view, frowning.

“I’m alright.” You let out a breathy laugh. “I think I severely overestimated my stamina from five years ago.”

“Good.” She smiles, and you curl your lips in return. “At least we know something now, right? This trip wasn’t a total waste. I say we take a look at the Creel House, see if we can find anything else.”

With everyone in silent agreement, you all try to calm your nerves from the day.

“I wish we knew more.” Robin speaks up after a few more minutes of driving, shifting in her seat so she could see both you and Nancy. “I mean, we still don’t really know how to stop him.”

“And why only one at a time?” You frown and she looks at you questioningly. “Victor’s whole family was taken in a night, one after the other. It’s terrifying to think, but… but what’s stopping him from doing that now?”

“Maybe he got weaker?” Robin suggests and Nancy sighs, shaking her head.

“Let’s just take today as a milestone, get some sleep, and keep working tomorrow.” She suggests and you nod, murmurs of agreement falling from both of your lips.

Your head turns back to the window, sinking further into your seat. Nancy was right, you should be looking to the positives, not digging yourself a hole of disappointment. You were so sure this trip would answer everything, but everything wasn’t as simple as you had hoped. This thing was new and it was bigger than you could ever have imagined. In fact, the more you thought about it, the clearer it became that you still had a chance to walk away from it all. You were one plane ticket away from escaping again, once and for all. In two days you’d be at your grandfather’s funeral, and in two days you will have nothing else holding you here except the responsibility you’ve all put on yourselves.

No, you couldn’t leave. It wouldn’t be right to rub it in Max’s face that you can escape this when she’s bound to it. You owed her this.

She was the only one who actually cared for you when Heather died.

taglist: @kryztalglear / @dejerw / @officerrrfriendly / @a-simpfortessa-lesbriean / @spacedoutdaydreamer / @endurexxsurvive / @em16cor / @gray-cheese / @chaosofmanyfandoms

i try to keep up to date with taglists but if i have missed anyone or if you would like to be added please comment below or let me know via asks! [if i have highlighted your username in pink, it means tumblr isn’t allowing me to tag you so please check visibility settings while i try my best to sort this out!]

[kanmom51]

JK Seven MV making sketch BTB

Yay, the subs are back on. And I got to watch it and even understand what he was saying, lol.

Loved it.

I was just sitting here for the 12 minutes with a huge smile on my face.

Because JK is just so adorable. So genuine. So real.

He had the time of his life, and seeing that just made me happy.

Now let's talk about a few thing I took from the BTB, why don't we?

I think I'll start from the fun and make my way to the more serious.

Not too much went on really. It's mostly him enjoying himself.

Being his own chaotic loveable self.

Trying to keep his eye open with the water pouring down on him, lol.

Can you imagine just how much fun this all was for him, our daredevil?

Funny, just thought about it, but they didn't even talk to Hun Sohee. Not a word. She might as well not have been there. Now I understand that JK is the focus, it's his song, BTBs are about the members, but at the same time, she's a well known and loved Korean actress acting in his MV and not only don't we get to hear from her even once, we also don't really get to see interactions between him and her in the BTB. In a way it feels like they are trying to keep this distance - this is JK, he's singing Seven, he's shooting a MV, but he's disconnected from it. I'm not sure I'm being clear enough here.

Ok, so for example JK explains what the scenes are and says the word girlfriend, god forbid. We know y/ns went into a frenzy over this stupidity. JK explaining the concept of the scene in which he's fighting with his gf, cause that's what the MV is about, and she's his gf in the bloody MV.

But maybe, knowing this fandom, they wanted to keep the delusion to a minimum, not to mention keep Sohee away from the crazy ass fans that are already harassing her by just keeping her off camera as much as possible. Idk, just found it interesting.

JK tells us a little about his acting, lol.

To all those that are still riding the scripted fanservice bandwagon, time to fucking get off it.

Omg, the way he disses Yoongi, he just LOVES to do that with Yoongi. Now I can kind of understand the "even at 60 years old jeon jungkook will be freaking annoying".🤣🤣

JK is wearing THE brand again. I'm telling you folks, JM made a huge online order for the two of them!!

He's just so precious, with this thing he has of checking out his hands, every single time it feels like it's the first time he's seen them, lol. The fascination he had from his water wrinkled fingers. So endearing.

Looks at them in amazement, shows everyone, then back to looking at them again all fascinated.

You'd think the man has never in his lifetime taken a long shower or had a bath or been in the damn swimming pool. Nah, lol. It's just one of those cute loveable oddities of his.

Did we notice the ASSets?

And I thought JM was in charge of that body part in the family.

Well, apparently the competition is on.

Has JK surpASSed JM?

Should we progrASS? Oopsy...progress?

And now I will take a moment to breathe.

I went looking for more pics from the BTB and came across this:

I don't know enough about the movie but do we know of any kind of connection to Jikook? Or this could be the directors tribute to the movie too. In any case it's a fun tribute.

Now for the heavy stuff, or not so heavy just a little more on the serious side.

I wrote a long ass brain fart of a post yesterday. And some of it is very relevant here too.

JK clearly sees the song as a love song. Period.

He did the explicit version for the fun of it (well and also probably because the America market loves a song with profanities in it). But for him it's the fun of not being restricted by the Kpop rules of engagement, the "don't swear because the song will be censored" and "don't swear because it's too adult" or whatever other reasons for it. He's having fun feeling more freedom, and that he's all grown up and can say fucking multiple times out loud.

But when it comes down to it, when asked about it directly, his answer was that he prefers the clean version. Because to him Seven is a love song, not one about the physical act alone. Yes, of course sex is part of it (the song lyrics are kind of loud), but sex is not even half of what loving someone is all about.

We saw JK talking about the love of his life while explaining about the song.

Him in the BTB about the death scene:

And at the end of the BTB explaining more:

And we also have what he said in the interview aired earlier today on Z100 radio.

The more we get of JK talking about the song the clearer and louder it becomes. I just wish people would only be listening to him.

Anyway, the man is beautiful.

Love him.

Not as much as the love of his life does though.

No competition there!!

[ilhoonftw]

Fjfjfjfjfjfjf what!?!?

let me explain the gyuri boyfriend lore

they started dating in 2019, broke up in 2021

he is the grandson of guy who was once in charge of major construction business so the whole family is rich

they were known for being a noona - dongsaeng couple bc of 7 years age gap.... officially. but then after his car accident he was exposed for ageing himself up 5 years because 'young people aren't treated seriously in business' so in reality they have 12 years age gap 🫣

you'll be the judge. him at 21:

the news about his age came out loong after they broke up, when he announced he's gonna take part in elections and... gyuri subposted him on ig story

On January 12th 2022, KARA Park Gyu-ri posted six letters with an ambiguous meaning on her Instagram story. What she wrote was “loss of humanity”. Some people speculate that she might have written this after knowing about the recent issue related to her ex-boyfriend Song Ja-ho. However, this is just speculation, and there is a possibility that it was written as she wanted to express an opinion on social issues or her personal matter.

june 2021 ... dui

According to media outlets, Gyuri’s boyfriend Song Ja Ho, also known as the eldest grandson of Dongwon Construction founder Song Seung Hun, was caught drunk driving in Cheongdamdong. He reportedly fled the scene after hitting another vehicle in the parking lot. At the time, his blood-alcohol level was high enough for the cancellation of his license. Song is also accused of confinement as he allegedly confined a woman in the car even when she requested to be dropped off.

september 2021 official breakup confirmation (to be fair a lot of korean celeb couples not rarely release breakup announcements late, to the point you have actors talk about their ex on variety shows like they are still dating bc officially they are... all while their new partener co-star promoting the same drama on the same show is watching 🫣 jiyeon's ex did that. there's a whole i think happy together episode that's super awkward to watch... later he married the co-star but they are now divorced and co-parenting)

official reason was 'oh we are both having busy schedules, it's hard to meet'

they both deleted all photos of each other etc from ig right away. and they were a very public couple, they did charity stuff together and were pretty known

before i start the fraud part, gyuri did post on ig that she was unaware of what he was up to 🧐

If I did something wrong, my biggest mistake was not ending things earlier. As I stated in my official position, I am not involved, so I hope everyone writes based on the facts that have been revealed. — Park Gyuri

so basically 2 weeks ago he was released on bail after 7 months of detention

The Seoul Southern District Court’s Criminal Agreement 12th Division granted Song’s bail application on February 5, setting the stage for a trial that involves nearly 14,000 victims and a scam amounting to approximately ₩33.9 billion KRW (about $25.5 million USD).

Song Ja Ho, who ran a shared economy art company, was arrested last July. The charges against him were severe, involving violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes. Song was accused of recruiting investors to put money into artworks that he had not secured and then manipulating the market price of a virtual asset known as PicaCoin. Alongside brothers Lee Hee Jin and Lee Hee Moon, Song is suspected of a massive embezzlement scheme that has left thousands defrauded.

The court has set stringent conditions for Song’s bail, including a 200 million won bail bond, a prohibition on leaving the country, the requirement to wear an electronic device for real-time location tracking, and restrictions on his residence. These measures reflect the court’s attempt to mitigate the risk of flight, given the gravity of the accusations. This case is particularly notable because of Song’s high-profile connections and ambitions. Prior to his arrest, Song declared his candidacy for the Seoul Seocho Gu National Assembly by-election, signaling his interest in entering the political arena.

[xxmyhomexx]

W: TIME CATCHER: Worth

I haven't playes the story, but I've watched other people play it, and Shen intrigues me. I have a thing for an age-gap, grumpy rugged looking men whose hearts can be tamed, and...BOOM! Idea!

This has no connection to the game. Warning: intended for older readers!

~~~

The party was in full swing as Nova and her friends celebrated their victory against the Church. The ban and restrictions for Others had been lifted, allowing magic-users and other supernatural beings to live in harmony. Nova cheered with her loved ones as they took sips of champagne, toasting to a new day where they no longer had to hide their identities or their powers.

"Cheers to new beginnings," Vesper proclaimes.

"To new life," Nova tossed back her glass.

"TO LIFE!" Onyx laughed, albeit a bit too bubbly from the glassy look in her eye. She yelped when she tripped off the chair she sat around the outdoor fireplace in the moonlight, falling out and landing on her backside. Everyone started to laugh, which caused Onyx to hiss in embarrassement. But when she noticed the gleam in her friends' eyes, she too surrendered to the aroma of happiness.

Lucien and his clan of vampires arrived minutes later, conversing amongst their new allies. An hour or so in, Shen excused himself from Jorge, nodding as he disappeared and walked inside The Nest. Nova, watching him, scratched her chin curiously. Vesper watched her track his moves, smiling in understanding.

"Go to him," she nudged her shoulder. "He wants you to follow."

Nova peered behind her, raising a brow. "And how do you know?"

"Power of Presence, hun." she smirked.

Nova rolled her eyes, getting out of her chair. "Excuse me."

Vesper giggled and wished her a goodnight. Nova tossed her coat over her shoulders, exiting through the building. Her heels clicked against the pavement, golden eyes casting shadows over the people passing her. It was a gorgeous night, but the night would be even better if she could find the warlock that stole her curiosity...and heart.

"Are you looking for me?" A man's deep voice startled her. Turning around, Shen came up right beside her. He had his hands stuffed in his coat pockets, his neutral expression following her eyes.

"Me? Well..." Nova tried to play it cool. "Just...wanted to take a walk."

"After I was gone."

Nova pursed her lips, making him smirk in amusement.

"I was wondering why you left. Jorge said you weren't one for company too long."

"I am," Shen declined. "But I like my quiet time, too."

"So do I," Nova smiled. "Guess we'll have quiet time together."

Shen didn't protest this time, not around her. He walked closer, hovering over her which caused her insides to curl and her legs to shake. Shen was an enigma, but their encounters in the past told her he was feeling the things she did for him. The endless tattoos on his arms, across his chest, and neck lit up. He gently wrapped one arm around her, portaling them away from the city and to somewhere Nova had never been before.

Nova turned her head, looking around the room. It was completely different from her apartment, more dark, open and sparse. The walls were almost bare with a few images here and there, a sofa in the middle of the living room with a small coffee table and TV stand mounted on the wall. She could see the hall which lead to the bathroom and bedroom. It must be Shen's place, she realized. Next to the door, Shen slid his arms through the sleeves of his prized coat, carefully nestling it on a rack before motioning her to join him on the balcony.

"Wow," Nova's gaze settled on him. "This place is so...you."

"I know it isn't much," Shen was honest. "But I don't hold the value of decorating to a high standard like Vesper or Jorge."

"I knew it!" Nova clapped her hands together in a victorious laugh. Shen just scoffed and pulled up a chair for her, walking back inside and calling out what she wanted to drink.

"Water's fine!"

He sat next to her seconds later with two water bottles, handing one to her. As Nova gulped hers down, she noticed the view. While his apartment may have been barren, the view was different. The lights and traffic of the city lit up like a painting, and she smiled big like a child on Christmas. Shen's lips thinned into his own short grin, clearing his throat.

"You can't find a view like this for cheap in the city anymore."

"No," Nova's eyes gazed at his hand. "You can't."

Without thinking, she reached out to touch him, to see how he'd react. Shen tensed when he felt the tips of her fingers over his tatted knuckles, emptying his bottle in a few swigs. Her hands were soft, fingers elegant and painted with glossy polish. She gripped the back with her palm, settling over it. To her surprise, he made no move to jerk away, like he got splashed in the face with acid or someone messed with his jacket.

"Nova..."

How far could she go? Leaning over her chair, she leaned in just as he turned his head toward her, freezing when he noticed her lips. The empty water bottle clattered on the porch, her lips gently molding to his. It was a gentle kiss, soft and sweet. Shen's eyes widened, tattoos pulsing from blue to black. It was as if she were inviting him in, taking the initiative but allowing room for him to make his own choice. His eyes softened to half-lids, allowing it to last a few more seconds until she pulled away. She had a smile on her face, but his look remained impassive.

"Shen..."

"What do you want from me?" He asked.

Nova's grin faded.

"Nova..." Shen sighed. "You are a young lady with a bright future, and I'm a warlock with many hard years on my shoulders, including my age. The things I've seen...what I had to do..."

"Is that supposed to matter to me?" Nova was unfazed. Shen's brows frowned, confusion plastured on his face.

"Your past never scared me away, and look at what we've accomplished. People finally accept us, even though it took a long time! And age is just a number. That's why...I want everything of you. I just-"

"Sssshhh." Shen pressed a tatted finger to her lips, silencing her. He tilted her chin, meeting her gaze. He threaded his fingers through her hair, capturing her lips with his. Nova tensed for a minute from shock, but returned his kiss. They were soft, easing into each other. Shen broke away, taking her hand and lifting her to her feet, escorting her back into the apartment. Their feet carried them to the only bedroom, one with a king sized bed and a lone bookshelf. Flicking his hand, candles on the windowsill and two dressers lit the room in waves of blue.

Nova gasped. "Beautiful..."

Shen turned her back around, cupping her face in his hands, allowing her to kiss him again. When they broke apart, Nova sighed as he gently turned her toward the bed, sliding off her coat until it pooled at their feet. Nova knew where things were going, making her gut turn to stone. Shen's hands trailed up her arms, his nails leaving goosebumps and sending shivers down her spine. Shuddering, she froze when he came upon the straps of her navy blue gown.

"May I?" He leaned in toward her ear.

When she didn't answer, he pressed himself against her.

"Y-yes."

He smirked and lowered one strap down, caressing her shoulder with his lips. Nova lulled her head, feeling his teeth nip a path up to her ear where he gently bit down on her lobe before lowering the other strap, tugging it off. Now that her dress was gone, all she was left in was her underwear. She had kicked off her heels when they started to kiss, and now her heart raced. She turned to him, gulping down her nerves. Hissing, she managed to undo the three belts that held his garments together until he lowered her hands.

"Let me," he noticed she was shaking. "You're shaking."

"I'm...cold."

"Cold?"

He just grinned. He slid his shirt off, followed by his pants. Nova's jaw dropped at his tattoos, the intricate designs captivating her. She wanted to trace their patterns with her fingers. She stepped closer to Shen, placing a hand on his torso, sliding it up slowly. His abs rippled beneath her hand, and Shen grabbed it before it could reach his face. With this, he slid his tongue between her teeth, deeply exploring her mouth as they fell back on the bed.

"Oof!" Nova's back hit the black covers and pillows. She saw Shen staring intently at her, awaiting the show. Nova blushed as she reached behind her, unclasping her bra and throwing it aside. Gulping, she then ridded herself of the rest of her underwear, leaving her exposed and vulnerable. Shen then did the same thing, gazing at her with desire.

"S-Shen...I..."

Shen leaned down and grazed his lips along her jawline, nipping just enough to earn him a low moan.

Nova's head perked up as his hands kneaded her breasts, before one moved lower between her thighs. Yelping, she locked her knees together when she felt his fingers dance within. When one entered, another followed, and she covered her mouth, attempting to stifle her cries.

"L-let me...t-touch you, too..."

"No," his voice was firm. "You may not."

Shen then lowered his head toward her breasts, taking turns pleasuring them with his mouth. Nova's body responded in earnest, sensitive to everything he was doing. Removing his fingers, he grazed his thumb across her lips, noticing how plump they were.

"Shen," she begged. "I need you. P-please..."

He kissed her lips, muting her trembling voice. "We'll get there. Just enjoy this."

Nova tangled her fingers in his hair, deepening their kiss. She sucked on his lips, biting and soothing. Shen growled, capturing her bottom lip with his teeth, before shoving his tongue deep in her mouth. French kissing was so tasteful, so erotic and exciting when it was with the one you loved. Pulling away, he kissed along her throat, collar blades, down the sensitive region between her breasts, across her navel with flicks of his tongue and nips of his teeth. Soon, he buried his head in her.

"Agh!" She breathed. Tears flowed from her eyes, the building pleasure stinging, waiting to be released. Soft sobs escaped her lips, unable to cope with it any longer. Her body was beginning to betray her, taking in Shen too much at one time. As he rose up, he saw her tear streaked face.

"Sssshhh..." he soothed. Sniffling, Nova felt the pads of his thumbs wipe her wet eyes before his lips kissed each lid.

"Don't cry, Nova. You're beautiful."

"You...you make me feel beautiful."

Shen smiled, kissing the column of her throat. He excused himself for a moment, slipping on protection.

As she kissed him, Shen jerked his hips forward, causing her to cry out and wrap her arms around him, digging her nails in his back. He stayed like that for a moment, allowing her to get used to it before she pleaded for him to keep going.

"Yes, yes!" She cried as he pulled her on top of him. Now laying on his back, he trailed one hand up her stomach, settling his palm on her navel while balancing her with the other on his hip. His tattooes lit up blue, his eyes turning the same color. Nova's eyes snapped open, yellow light engulfing her. She moaned as he interlaced her fingers with his.

"M-more!" He flipped her on her stomach, this time from behind. Nova could see yellow and blue flowers, connecting to each other as her fingers tightened in his. She looked behind her, moments away from melting.

"Shen...I'm so close..."

"Then let go, my love," he said. "Let go."

When his moves became harsher, she cried out with one final jerk, collapsing on the bed. Shen caught her, one arm around her waist with the other buried in her hair. He kissed the back of her head, sweat beading down his body. The tattoos returned to their normal hue, and Nova heaved against him.

"My God," she panted. "T-that..."

"Nova."

He leaned in, kissing her as they fell in bed together. He pecked at her lips, running a finger down her chin. Nova kissed his palm, their chests gradually slowing.

"Stay with me," Shen whispered. "Be mine."

"I'm not going anywhere."

Shen held her close that night, closer than anyone in his entire life.

[troutfur]

Silly idea but au where the sun is associated with a male diety and the moon with a female one (or vice versa). So toms are expected to hunt/patrol/whatever during the day and mollies do so at night while dawn/dusk are brief socializing times.

Interesting. And not so silly as you may think. Cats are crepuscular, i.e. they are most active around dawn and dusk. So there is definitely a precedent in cat behaviors.

It makes me wonder about the role of intersex and/or trans cats in this universe, wether their liminal status confers them more freedom or restricts their activity. Also I wonder the effect it has on meddie duties.

Perhaps if we go with intersex and trans cats having the freedom to be awake at either time means they are the only ones allowed to be meddies since it involves both diurnal (medical emergencies care not for time of day) and nocturnal (going to the Moonpool, tracking the sky for astrological reasons, etc). Or maybe the different genders have meddies of their own and as such have developed very differently in their religious praxis.

The Sisters seem most fitted for a group with a duotheistic religion like this. Although I personally prefer for their beliefs to operate on Chinese yin-yang cosmology and hun/po soul dualism. So tomcat souls are more parts po and thus are heavier and sink to the Earth at death while she-cat souls are made up of more parts hun, making them lighter and able to float upwards.

IIRC that's already somewhat how they operate in canon.

[mosraev]

Lyrics through the decade 8/11

I've decided to collect all the songs I've made through the last decade and share my favourite snippets with you guys. The pictures for the backgrounds will (as much as possible) be pictures I've taken the same year as the lyrics were written. The full lyrics may or may not be made official someday.

Part 8; 2020

Ah, yes - the year of the virus. One would think I started creating more songs this year and true, I did create a bit more songs than the three years before but it was still mostly done in the two weeks I was a summer camp (we still attended but with more restrictions).

More info under the line

Stay creative, my fellow foxes 🦊💚

Song 1 (pic1+2); Frejas Sale

While I the year before had written a song about a roman goddess I got the urge to write about a Norse one this year more specifically Freyia (Freja in Danish) So this turned into a national anthem ish song taken inspiration from Norse mythology.

Featured lyric:

Original (pic1): Jætte, gud, menneskebarn, fra alf til svale

Vi er alle forbundet i verdnerne ud fra Frejas sale.

Translated to English (pic2); Jutton, asir, son of man, from alf to swallow.

We are all connected in worlds originating from Freyia's hall.

Song2 (pic3+4); Nephtys

Having now written two Goddess songs I decided it would be fun to make it a triology so I searched for random Goddesses and found Nephtys from Egyptian myths. So I wrote a death song and tbh it might be my favourite of the triology.

Featured lyric:

Original (pic4); Hvis hun kom til dig, ville du tage hendes hånd

og klippe alle jordlige, finde fred,

når du tjekker ind på dødens hotel?

Translated to English (pic3); If she came to you would you take her hand,

cut all bond to this eathern land and find peace

on the hotel of death?

Song3 (pic 5+6); Moselille

This year I wrote quite a few half done songs in the second week of my summer camp trying to really capture a feeling I wanted. This is one of them inspired by a little stream in the forest behind the school. The whole thing turned very 'Bridge to Terabithia' but I dig it still.

Featured lyric:

Original (pic5): Moselille, lille vand du port til fantasien.

Bring min båd sikkert til din havn.

Translated to English (pic6); Little marsh, little bog, bridge to fantasy land.

Bring my boat to your harbour safetly.

Song 4 (pic7); Butterfly

What is this? An english song again after this long? Why yes, I'd not planned on making one at this time but when I had an art block with writing danish songs I sat down, watched a butterfly flew by and wrote this one. I've already submitted the final version (x) you can listen to if you like.

Featured lyric: Now all about you seems so grey.

When did the light in you fade away?

Song5 (pic8); Broken

The one song I wrote after summer camp this year and it is my one song I've written so far about my experiences with my ex (he broke up with me over the phone 1,5 prior to this) ... let's just say that the amatonormativity specially the internal one was strong and way stronger than the romantic feelings on my end).

Featured lyric: In the end I didn't need you to fix me,

cause I was never broken.

[coochiequeens]

I agree that producing babies for adoption is human trafficking but the people who should be punished are those exploiting poor women not the women themselves. And making poor women raise children not theirs is just cruel to born the women and children.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — The baby was not hers, not really.

Hun Daneth felt that, counted on that. When she gave birth to the boy, who didn’t look like her, she knew it even more.

But four years after acting as a surrogate for a Chinese businessman, who said he had used a Russian egg donor, Ms. Hun Daneth is being forced by the Cambodian courts to raise the little boy or risk going to jail. The businessman is in prison over the surrogacy, his appeal denied in June.

Even as she dealt with the shock of raising the baby, Ms. Hun Daneth dutifully changed his diapers. Over the months and years, she found herself hugging and kissing him, cajoling him to eat more rice so he could grow big and strong. She has come to see this child as her own.

“I love him so much,” said Ms. Hun Daneth, who is looking after the boy with her husband.

The fates of a Cambodian woman, a Chinese man and the boy who binds them together reflect the intricate ethical dilemmas posed by the global surrogacy industry. The practice is legal — and often prohibitively expensive — in some countries, while others have outlawed it. Still other nations with weak legal systems, like Cambodia, have allowed gray markets to operate, endangering those involved when political conditions suddenly shift and criminal cases follow.

When carried out transparently with safeguards in place, supporters say, commercial surrogacy allows people to expand their families while fairly compensating the women who give birth to the children. Done badly, the process can lead to the abuse of vulnerable people, whether the surrogates or the intended parents.

The practice flourishes in the nebulous space between those who can and cannot bear children; between those with the means to hire someone to bear their biological offspring and the women who need the money; and between those whose sexuality or marital status means they can’t adopt or otherwise become parents and those whose fertility spares them having to face such restrictions.

Cambodia became a popular surrogacy destination after crackdowns in other Asian countries nearly a decade ago. Foreigners flocked to newly opened fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies in Phnom Penh, the capital.

As the industry flourished, the government imposed a ban on surrogacy, promising to pass legislation officially outlawing it. The ill-defined injunction, imposed in a graft-ridden country with little rule of law, ended up punishing the very women the government had vowed to safeguard.

In 2018, Ms. Hun Daneth was one of about 30 surrogates, all pregnant, who were nabbed in a police raid on an upmarket housing complex in Phnom Penh. Although Cambodia to this day has no law specifically limiting surrogacy, the government criminalized the practice by using existing laws against human trafficking, an offense that can carry a 20-year sentence. Dozens of surrogates have been arrested, accused of trafficking the babies they birthed.

In a poor country long used as a playground by foreign predators — pedophiles, sex tourists, factory bosses, antique smugglers and, yes, human traffickers — the Cambodian authorities said they were on the lookout for exploitation.

“Surrogacy means women are willing to sell babies and that counts as trafficking,” said Chou Bun Eng, a secretary of state at the ministry of interior and vice chair of the national countertrafficking committee. “We do not want Cambodia to be known as a place that produces babies to buy.”

But applying a human trafficking law to surrogacy has imposed the heaviest costs on the surrogates themselves. Nearly all of those arrested in the 2018 raid gave birth while imprisoned in a military hospital, some chained to their beds. They, along with several surrogacy agency employees, were convicted of trafficking the babies.

Their sentencings, two years later, came with a condition: In exchange for suspended prison terms, the surrogates would have to raise the children themselves. If the women secretly tried to deliver the children to the intended parents, the judge warned, they would be sent to prison for many years.

This means that women whose financial precarity led them to surrogacy are now struggling with one more mouth to feed. The intended parents are separated from their flesh and blood. And surrogacy, a well-regulated practice in places like the United States, Georgia and Ukraine, has been relegated to the shadows in Cambodia.

From behind the bars of a courthouse in Phnom Penh, Xu Wenjun, the intended father of the boy to whom Ms. Hun Daneth gave birth, spoke quickly, his words tumbling out before the police intervened. He has been in prison for three years.

“My son must be big by now,” said Mr. Xu, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit. “Do you think he remembers me?”

‘Where did he come from?’

Amid a cloud of mosquitoes, near a pile of garbage sodden from recent rains, a boy ran up to Ms. Hun Daneth, still in her factory uniform. She scooped up her son and sniffed his cheek, a sign of affection in parts of Southeast Asia.

Ms. Hun Daneth, now 25, decided to become a surrogate for the same reason as the others: debt, lots of it.

Over the past few years, Cambodian households have become some of the most indebted on earth, victims of a microfinance crisis. Once touted as a transformational tool for lifting families out of poverty, microfinance has in some countries, Cambodia included, devolved into a predatory scheme trapping millions in cycles of dependency.

Local banks compete to offer microfinance loans that can balloon fast. Ms. Hun Daneth said her family took out multiple loans, some just to service interest payments that exceeded 10 percent a month.

“At first it was a few hundred dollars,” Ms. Hun Daneth said, of her family’s burden. “Then it was thousands of dollars.”

Like nearly a million other Cambodians, mostly women, she had left the countryside to stitch together T-shirts and bras, gym bags and sweatshirts in factories. But a couple hundred dollars a month doesn’t go far in the cities.

A scout at the garment factory where Ms. Hun Daneth worked told her of a way out. She could earn $9,000 — about five times her annual base salary — by acting as a surrogate.

She knew of villages outside Phnom Penh where imposing concrete houses, said to have been built from surrogacy payments, loomed over bamboo shacks.

“They paid off their debts,” Ms. Hun Daneth said. “Their lives could start like new.”

The scout was connected to an agency managed locally by a Chinese man and his Cambodian wife. Her sister ran luxury villas where the surrogates stayed.

Eight surrogates who spoke to The New York Times described chandeliers, air conditioning and flush toilets in the villas, none of which they enjoyed at home. Their meals were plentiful. The women dreamed about the money they would earn. They also thrilled at the notion that they were providing a desperately needed service.

“I was helping give someone a baby,” Ms. Hun Daneth said. “I wanted to give that joy.”

Mr. Xu, a prosperous businessman from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, was matched with Ms. Hun Daneth. The one thing he was missing, he told friends who spoke to The Times, was a son to continue the family line.

Most of the Chinese babies carried by Cambodian surrogates are boys. Sex selection is banned in China, but not in Cambodia. Commercial surrogacy is not openly practiced in China, despite official concern about the country’s plummeting birthrate after decades of a brutally enforced one-child policy.

In Cambodian court testimony, Mr. Xu said his wife could not bear a child. But Mr. Xu’s friends, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of antagonizing the Cambodian authorities, said that his situation was more complicated: He had no wife and was open about being gay. Ms. Hun Daneth said Mr. Xu told her about his sexuality. L.G.B.T.Q. couples cannot adopt in China, and gay or single individuals are precluded from surrogacy in most countries where that practice is legal.

Perfect Fertility Center, or P.F.C., a surrogacy agency registered in the British Virgin Islands, showed rare sympathy for L.G.B.T.Q. intended parents, promising babies via Cambodia, Mexico and the United States. The company’s website is illustrated with photos of same-sex couples cradling babies.

P.F.C. was founded by Tony Yu, who turned to Cambodian surrogates for his own children. Mr. Yu, who is openly gay, said Cambodian lawyers assured him that his agency was legal.

It was a multinational operation that spanned continents. Mr. Yu partnered with a fertility clinic in Phnom Penh run by a Vietnamese person. There, a German fertility specialist trained Cambodian doctors. An Indian logistics expert flew in with eggs harvested from donors.

In 2017, Mr. Xu signed a contract with P.F.C., agreeing to pay $75,000 for surrogacy in Cambodia, according to documents reviewed by The New York Times.

Mr. Xu visited Ms. Hun Daneth at the luxury villa. He told her that the egg donor was a Russian model, and he later showed Ms. Hun Daneth and her husband photographs of a white woman with wavy hair standing next to a sports car.

Mr. Yu, the agency founder, said that many of its egg donors came from Russia, Ukraine and South Africa. The intended fathers were Chinese, and many were gay.

“Mixed-race children are popular with our clients,” said Mr. Yu.

For the Cambodian surrogates, being forced to raise children from other ethnicities can create additional strains in their families and their communities. The children’s features make it hard to explain their origins.

“People wonder, ‘Why does he have brown hair? Where did he come from?’” said Vin Win, 22, another surrogate who was arrested with Ms. Hun Daneth.

Ms. Vin Win’s husband resents the child she bore, she said. They have separated. She hopes the boy will get more than the third-grade education she received.

“I look at my son, and I feel pity because I think he should be living in a nice place,” Ms. Vin Win said. “This is not his real home.”

‘Disaster happened’

The police swarmed past the compound’s marble arches and burst into the two villas, handcuffing pregnant women who had been dozing on their pink-framed beds or lounging on sofas playing Candy Crush.

The police operation in July 2018 followed a regionwide crackdown on commercial surrogacy. Three years before, Thailand had banned the practice for foreigners, shutting down a cheaper alternative to surrogacy in the West, which can cost more than $150,000.

Two cases spooked the Thai authorities. One involved an Australian couple accused of refusing a baby boy with Down syndrome. A judge in Australia later found that the couple had not abandoned the child; the boy remained in Thailand, with the surrogate.

The other case raised concerns about baby trafficking after a Japanese man fathered at least 16 children by Thai surrogates. A Thai court eventually granted the man custody over most of the children after he said that he wanted a large family.

India and Nepal also limited surrogacy for noncitizens. In many of these cases, politicians spoke of the sanctity of the maternal bond and the purity of Asian women.

With options narrowing, Cambodia beckoned. Fertility clinics in Thailand moved across the border. Intended parents arrived from Australia, the United States and, most of all, China.

Ten Cambodian women who spoke to The Times, including the eight who were arrested in 2018, said surrogacy was their choice.

As the surrogacy business blossomed, a senior official from the ruling party questioned whether foreigners should be paying for access to Cambodian women.

With its compromised courts and pliant legal system, Cambodia has been plagued with exploitation, by foreigners and by its own citizens. The government of Hun Sen, the world’s longest-serving prime minister and a former functionary for the murderous Khmer Rouge, has been tied to systemic corruption and the erasure of human rights.

Late in 2016, the Cambodian Ministry of Health announced the ban on surrogacy, but did so without adopting new legislation making it a crime. In the resulting gray space, fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies continued to open up.

The raids began the next year. An Australian nurse and two Cambodian staff members at a fertility clinic that worked with surrogates were convicted of human trafficking.

Mr. Yu, who was not in Cambodia when the police raided the villas, said he’d had no idea that his agency was breaking any law. Lotus Fertility, one of the clinics the agency relied on to perform in vitro fertilization for surrogates, operated out of Central Hospital, a private facility with a strong political pedigree. The hospital’s director and deputy director are the daughter-in-law and son of Dr. Mam Bunheng, Cambodia’s health minister. The hospital has not responded to requests for comment.

“I wanted to do everything legally and openly,” Mr. Yu said. “With the fertility clinic, everyone said, ‘Everything is safe, everything is comfortable, they have a good background,’ so I believed them.”

“But then disaster happened,” he added.

Ms. Hun Daneth said she’d had a sense that she wasn’t supposed to talk too openly about what she was doing. Four other surrogates said they were warned by agency staff not to stroll outside the villa complex.

In documents for Mr. Xu’s payment to P.F.C.’s bank account, an addendum cautions: “Do not note surrogacy-related words when transferring money.”

A Cambodian employee of Lotus Fertility, who agreed to speak only if her name was not used, said that the clinic filed documentation stating that all the in vitro fertilizations were for prospective Cambodian mothers, even though it was clear many of the women were surrogates.

Lotus Fertility has closed. A representative for the clinic blamed the coronavirus for the closure.

In testimony this spring before the United Nations-linked Committee on the Rights of the Child, Ms. Chou Bun Eng, the government official, dodged questions about the children born of imprisoned surrogates.

“The committee does not take a position on whether surrogacy is wrong or right,” said Ann Skelton, a children’s rights lawyer and member of the committee. “But we are concerned about a situation that does not uphold the rights of the women, the intended parents and, of course, the children.”

‘Our babies are the crime’

Chained to a military hospital bed in August 2018, Ms. Hun Daneth delivered a baby with soft brown hair, a pale complexion and the same wide eyes as his intended father.

Another surrogate, Phay Sopha, gave birth sprawled on the cement floor of the military hospital, no midwife in sight.

“The baby came out, and I thought, ‘It looks Chinese,’” Ms. Phay Sopha said. “Then I passed out.”

After Mr. Yu, by his account, paid the police nearly $150,000, the surrogates were released. In total, Mr. Yu said he spent more than $740,000 trying to fix the situation, money paid in cash to intermediaries or to anonymous bank accounts.

A spokesman for the Cambodian National Police, Chhay Kimkhoeun, questioned Mr. Yu’s claim.

“First, is there any evidence of what is said?” he said. “Second, if there is factual evidence, they can file a complaint.”

Ms. Phay Sopha now works at a garment factory, from 6:30 in the morning to 8 at night. She rents a boardinghouse room barely long enough to fit her outstretched body. The child, she said, is back in her village, being raised by her mother.

The government ordered a Christian charity, founded by Americans to combat child sex trafficking, to check up on the women after they gave birth, officials said. Some surrogates said they also had to report to the police station, children in tow.

“It was like we were criminals,” said Ry Ly, another surrogate. “Our babies are the crime.”

Most of the women are struggling financially. Soeun Pheap, aunt to Chan Nak, a surrogate who gave birth to twins, said her niece fed the babies water thickened with a squirt of condensed milk. After living for a while with her aunt, Ms. Chan Nak left abruptly with the babies. She sent another surrogate a message saying she was out of the country and would be returning without the twins.

Despite the surrogates’ promises to the court that they would raise the babies, a good number of the children are no longer in Cambodia and have been united with their Chinese parents, Mr. Yu said.

Mr. Xu, the Chinese businessman now in jail, went to Cambodia to try to extricate his child. He contacted Ms. Hun Daneth directly, even though the agency had warned him to keep a low profile. He bought toys and diapers for the boy, whom he called Yeheng in Mandarin, a name alluding to karmic perseverance.

Mr. Xu submitted a paternity test to the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh. In 2019, he secured a passport for the boy.

A worker from the Christian charity accompanied Mr. Xu to the police station to finish up paperwork. The founder of the surrogacy agency warned Mr. Xu that it was a setup by the police. Officers were waiting. He has been imprisoned ever since.

Representatives for the charity, Agape International Missions, would not comment on Mr. Xu’s arrest.

In 2020, Mr. Xu was convicted of human trafficking and sentenced to 15 years in prison. In June, his appeal was denied.

“Are they serious that he is trafficking his own child?” said May Vannady, Mr. Xu’s lawyer, waving a notarized copy of the paternity test.

Mr. May Vannady says they will take their appeal to the Supreme Court. Ms. Chou Bun Eng, the government official, said that the conviction should stand. She suggested that Chinese gangs wanted to harvest organs from children born of Cambodian surrogates.

This spring, Ms. Hun Daneth took a day off work and rode a motorized rickshaw to the appeals court in Phnom Penh. Mr. Xu didn’t mean any harm, she told the judge. He only wanted a son. He was not a baby trafficker.

Still, she told the court, she had grown attached to the boy. After the hearing, Ms. Hun Daneth said she had decided to move back to the countryside because she did not want anyone to kidnap her son. She didn’t like it when Chinese-speaking people showed up at her home.

“No one will take him from me,” she said. “He is mine.”

[alexbkrieger13]

Wow. Not a good look

https://www.nrk.no/sport/toppserie-spilleren-ble-gravid_-_-jeg-folte-meg-som-en-byrde-som-ikke-lenger-var-onsket-i-klubben-1.16269940

The top series player became pregnant: - I felt like a burden that was no longer wanted at the club

Victoria Ludvigsen (29) is disappointed with the treatment she received from Vålerenga when she became pregnant. Lack of follow-up contributed to her football career coming to an abrupt end.

 I had no thoughts of stopping playing football when I became pregnant. It is sad and heavy to think that his football career ended in that way, says Victoria Ludvigsen to NRK.

After Icelandic Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir came forward and said that top club Lyon withheld her salary when she became pregnant, Ludvigsen has reflected a lot on her own experiences.

Ludvigsen received the money she was entitled to from NAV, through sick pay and maternity leave, but still felt badly treated by Vålerenga. She expected help to get back on the field as soon as possible, but found that she received no follow-up or facilitation whatsoever from the club.

She felt she was standing on bare ground. She is not alone in that.

NRK has been in contact with a number of Toppserie players who have become pregnant while they were active. The experiences are shared, but the vast majority have felt poorly taken care of and point to a lack of follow-up and facilitation from the clubs.

This worries Hege Jørgensen, general manager of Topfotball Kvinner.

- On a general level, it is completely unacceptable not to take care of players who become pregnant . They should get a red carpet to the clubhouse throughout the pregnancy period and afterwards, she says.

Felt alone

That was by no means the case for Ludvigsen.

She was 26 and in the shape of her life when she found out she was pregnant. When she told the management in Vålerenga about the pregnancy, she still had a year left on her contract.

Ludvigsen, who had been a key player and started almost all matches for Vålerenga in 2018 and 2019, thought that it was going to be tough to combine pregnancy and family life with football, but was motivated to continue investing.

What she was not prepared for was that she would have to manage alone, without help from the club.

She says that communication with the club, facilitation and follow-up was completely absent both before and after the birth.

- I have experienced close follow-up when I have been injured, but when I became pregnant there was nothing. I have invested so much time and energy in Vålerenga. The treatment back has been disappointing.

Everyday life was turned upside down. From being an important part of Vålerenga's tough venture, she felt excluded and alone.

- I felt like a burden that was no longer wanted in the club, she says.

The club director answers

NRK has presented Ludvigsen's criticism of his former employer for Vålerenga.

- Victoria probably has a point in that there has been too little expertise in the clubs on how to follow up top players during pregnancy, says club director Harriet Rudd.

She says it is regrettable that the player was not satisfied with the follow-up, and that they are taking the feedback on board.

Rudd says that Vålerenga generally has a great focus on continuous follow-up of each individual player, and that it would be a matter of course if a player became pregnant today.

- Without there being any excuse, the situation in 2020 was a little extra difficult due to the covid restrictions, she adds.

In full training three weeks after birth

Brann player Ingrid Stenevik had a child when she was 19 and playing in Sandviken. It's been a while, but she still remembers the feeling of being alone and without follow-up.

Stenevik didn't get her own training program when she became a mother, but started training fully with the rest of her team-mates as early as three weeks after giving birth.

She would not take that risk again.

- At the time I was young and it went surprisingly well, but that's not how it should be. If the desire for a slightly older Toppserie is to be fulfilled, better arrangements must be made to combine family life and the football career, she says.

Another who combines top football with work and family life is Arna-Bjørnar's Stine Hovland.

She believes the majority of Norwegian clubs have no idea how to handle and facilitate when a player has a child.

- Much is probably about finances and understanding, about making everyday life go round. It's something else to just support yourself, than if you have a child to think about, says Hovland.

- We cannot have it like this

Hege Jørgensen in Topfotball Kvinner believes that there has not been enough awareness of the issue in the past.

She explains that the clubs have largely been run by volunteers and that there have not been finances to employ sufficient support staff around the players.

- And everyone has too much to do all the time. That is probably part of the explanation. But we can't have it that way. It is incredibly important to facilitate the players, in all phases of life. And we also know that they often get better after pregnancy. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

Jørgensen says that the clubs themselves have put the topic on the agenda, and that better conditions for mothers in football is a target area in the Toppserien's new strategy plan.

- Then it remains to work out what we are going to do concretely and what measures we are going to initiate, but a lot is about awareness.

Leave after birth

Today, Victoria Ludvigsen is a mother of two and works full-time as a police officer, a job she enjoys.

Nevertheless, it still hurts to think that the football career did not last longer. She believes she had several good years left on the pitch if the club had invested in her also after she became pregnant.

- I understand that it is a top sport that we are involved in and that you cannot spend a lot of resources on a player who cannot play, but I wish there was a plan that could help me get back as quickly as possible. Therefore, it is important to focus on this and perhaps pave the way so that others do not experience the same as me.

Ludvigsen chose to give up after the birth in June 2020.

- In the end, it was an overall assessment. It was a lot about my situation in Vålerenga, but also about finances and how challenging it is to combine football, work and family life.

[pandemonium-puppy]

He fell to his knees, collapsing in tears. “But- but how can you??” He cried; “I’m worthless! I’ll never digest again…” he hung his head. His hands still in mine, I sit, his mirror, and pull his head into my shoulder. “Darling…” I half whisper; “darling, I… I’ll never mind that.”

……

“You- sniff -you won’t..?”

“Of course not! I, well, I love you, not your diet. I would still love you, even if all the allergens and GI tract illnesses in the world were fighting against us.”

At this he pauses. “But… my palette is so restricted now…”

“Listen to me, dear. We can make it work. We always have. I’ve practically trained for this, you know my family! I’ll make sure you never even notice it’s gone.”

After a moment of silence, he croaks out: “…no…”

“…I’m… I’m not work the effort.”

“Hey…” I say, reaching up to hold his cheek; “look into my eyes.” At this, he slowly turns his face up to mine. Only after our eyes meet, I continue; “I have only ever loved you for who you are. What makes you tick. I love you, for all the little things you share with me, the obscure video essays and the nonsensical reality tv clips, I love you for the hobbies and pastimes you pick up seemingly out of nowhere, spending weeks perfecting your skill at each and every one before starting off on your next little interest. I love you for the funny voices you make, and the way you tell stories, and how terrible your memory is.” He winces. “The way you come up with worlds and characters, and take concepts to their most distant extrapolations I’d never have even considered absolutely astounds me. Just the way you think about the world has me enraptured!” He stays quiet, still holding my hand tightly. “I love you,” I say, “because even though you understand me, you aren’t like me. You’re always challenging my perspective, and even still you’re my greatest comfort. All I need to do is sit with you, even in silence, and I begin to feel whole again at the end of any long and exhausting day.”

After a long moment, he lowers his gaze from mine. He slowly returns his head to my shoulder.

I continue again, speaking softly now. “Don’t worry, hun. No matter how rarely we get to visit, no matter how long we’re apart at our own individual colleges, it always has and always will be you I love, not whatever fancy dinners I might’ve wanted to prepare.”

I can’t see it, but he’s smiling.

“Maybe she really could love me,” he thinks. “Even after having had my gallbladder removed, preventing my body from being capable of processing oils, fats and other lipids.”

[atomic-thomas]

(Fake ASMR Commission) Your Saiyan Girlfriend Teaches You Ki Control [Human Listener] {Dragon Ball Roleplay}

------------------------------------------------------------

*combat grunting noises* (she's just practicing. she's not actually fighting anyone)

*energy blast sound effect*

"Whew. I think that's enough for today."

"Oh! Jeez, didn't see you there babe. You caught me training. You shouldn't get so close when I'm performing my moves. If I hit you by accident, me & the Z-fighters would have to gather the Dragon BallS."

...

"No. You would not survive a single hit from me. I'm a saiyan & you're a human. Do the math."

...

"It's alright. I don't judge you for having a low power level. I didn't fall in love with you for your strength. I love you for all your other qualities. Saiyans need romance to."

"Although... My dad certainly judges you. But that's his problem."

...

"Well, you know my dad. Prince Vegeta. He's rough, ridged & full of saiyan pride. He's disappointed that I chose such a weak partner."

...

"Hey, he said it. Not me. Just... Don't worry about it. At least he doesn't forcefully keep me separated from you. He judges, but he doesn't restrict my freedom."

"You know... If you wanted... You could try to impress him. Then maybe he'd stop giving you a cold stare whenever he sees you. If it really bothers you that much."

...

"Wait, really? You do? You actually want to become stronger?"

...

"Are you sure about this? The training you'd go through isn't what a normal human would usually do. You'd train to become a super human. I'd have to teach you ki control, how to fly, how to endure heavier gravity... And so much more. It's a lot of work. And... Most importantly... You're going to get hurt. A lot."

"I'm sorry if this is overwhelming, but... If we're going through with this then I need to make sure that you have the right mindset. Are you absolutely positive that you want this? I won't judge you if you back out."

...

"Wow. Really wanna prove my dad that you're worthy, huh?"

...

"Yes, having the strength to protect your loved ones is more important. That's a much better reason to train. Proving my dad wrong is just a bonus. Okay. Let's do it. Guess we should start with the basics. Ki control."

...

"Of course, silly. You can't get stronger if you don't understand how ki works."

...

"What is ki. Okay, so... Ki is the essence of life. It's the energy of all living things. Plants, animals, bugs... And of course... Humans. Nothing is an exception. Everything & everyone possesses ki."

...

"Yes, even you hun~ If you didn't have ki... You'd be dead."

"Anyway, the reason you don't see most humans utilizing their ki is because... The concept is just foreign to them. They don't understand what ki is or that it even exists at all. But I suppose that isn't really their fault. You pretty much need to be associated with the Dragon Team in order to understand any of this."

...

"Yeah. You're definitely a lucky exception. It's a good thing we met."

...

"Right, so... The first step to ki control is visualizing the ki itself. You must understand what your ki is. What it looks like. How it feels."

"Now... I'm not exactly a great teacher. I've known ki control since I was a child. It's just something that I naturally do without even thinking about it. I've never actually had to teach it to someone until now."

"Here. Let's sit down. I think I know how I can demonstrate this at it's most basic level."

...

"Alright. For a beginner like you, the first step is to relax. If you're tense, this won't work. Take some deep breaths."

...

"How are you feeling?"

...

"In the zone. Heh... That'll do. Now... Hold out your hands like this. Position them as if you're holding something."

"And now for the tricky part. How do I explain this? Just... Clear your mind & let your ki flow to your fingertips. If that made sense."

...

"Right. I figured it wouldn't. Jeez, I'm bad at teaching. Hmmm... Just... Meditate for a moment. Focus on your hands. Since that's where you're trying to let your ki flow to."

...

"I can see that you're straining yourself. You look really tense. Guess you're not as relaxed as you thought you were. That's fine. I know just the thing to calm you down."

...

"Just gonna sit down behind you &... Wrap my arms around you."

...

"Hehehe~ I can see you blushing. Anyone would feel relaxed if they felt the soft, warm skin of their cute girlfriend wrapping around them."

"Just lean back into me. There you go. Relax & be at one with your ki. You can do this. I believe in you."

...

"Breath in... And out..."

...

*sound of energy ball being created*

"*GASP*... You did. You actually did it. You created a ki ball. We can see it clear as day."

...

"Pretty awesome, right? I can feel the heat emanating from it."

...

"Aww... It fizzled out. That's okay. It's all part of the process. I'm not expecting you to shoot planet-destroying blasts of ultimate destruction anytime soon."

"Actually, before I move on to the next step, do you want to watch me destroy that mountain over there? Might give you a better grasp of what to expect in the future."

...

"Epic! Now stand back. I expect that you'll probably feel the ambient air temperature from this."

*sound of energy charging up*

"GALICK GUN!!"

*sound of a major energy blast being fired off followed by a massive explosion*

"Haha! See that, babe? You'll be doing that someday."

...

"It is pretty mind-blowing to see something like that up close. Especially for a human like you. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I still need to teach you how to fly."

...

"Well, I'm not expecting you to perform agile acrobatic loopty-loops yet. First, you need to learn how to levitate using ki. Flying will take a fair bit more training. This stuff takes time."

"Now then... Floating isn't anymore complicated that what you did earlier. This time, simply let your ki flow through your legs."

...

"Remember. Calm. Don't try forcing it."

...

"Clear your mind. Meditate. Just do what you did last time. Here. I'll hold your hands if it helps."

...

"Deep breaths. No need to rush."

...

*sound of air swirling*

"*GASP*... You're doing it. You're floating. You're hovering above the ground."

...

"I'm so proud of you. You're learning so quickly."

*sound of hitting the ground*

"You did great, darling. You're already on your way to achieving super human status. Who knows? Maybe someday, we'll see you on the battlefield when Earth is in danger again."

"Oh yeah. That reminds me. Strength training. You're not ready for that yet. Strength training would require a suitable sparring partner. So basically... Me."

"Issue is... If we tried sparring right now, I'd just end up killing you by accident. Nothing the Dragon Balls can't undo of course, but it'd be pretty awkward to explain to my friends that I accidentally killed my partner in a sparring match. Once you get a better grasp on your ki, I can introduce you to gravity training. And that will temper you for strength training."

...

"I'd give it about... I don't know... Maybe... A year before you're one of the strongest humans on the planet. Flying around, shooting ki blasts... Just generally being super."

...

"You want to continue training. Like, right now? You sure you don't wanna take a break?"

...

"Wow. Really enthusiastic about this, huh? That's good. I like your spirit. It'll get you far. I assure you."

...

"I love you to, honey, We'll show my dad that you're worthy."

------------------------------------------------------------

THE END

[keepscrollinghun]

the clip is not scary, its just me, am just A CHILD. its terrified me back then (not Lisa tho, she look awesome, hiii hun)

am watching it on loop and now it extended to their live concert like

they look so fun on stage it seem like a gym course instead of a concert slskdjdndnbf

it took me this age to realize they called "the steps" bc they always do the iconic choreo on stage and teach the audience to do it 😭 and also a lot of kids watching their concert, don't think they have age restrictions for that. their music is for everyone. im cryinnnn

[maxverstepponme]

Kelly’s comments are not restricted and if she did nothing wrong then there’s no need to hide comments. Max and other drivers get more hate then she does. Even before the nelson drama she had the same small amount of likes and comments. /

Love that you're using the fact she was already a flop before. But "she did nothing wrong" say it again without laughing hun. If being racist, supporting racist, doing cultural appropriation, mocking covid and asian people by the way, sitting on a memory monument and disrespecting a whole culture, is doing nothing wrong

I think they meant it as “if she thinks she didn’t do anything wrong why restrict them?” Or am I wrong? 💀