#this has been finished for a while but i’ve been scared to post it lol

[cashmoneyyysstuff]

tomura follows you around everywhere. it’s a bit suffocating but it’s endearing cus it’s him y’know ?

he’s clingy, a bit overprotective and to top it all off he’s a loser with no friends, so he has like—no choice but to be by you all of the time constantly everywhere. his logic, not yours.

but it’s a bit much at times. you’re used to it by now but from an outsiders point of view it could look a little freaky because there is practically no space between you at all. he’s always sorta roaming behind you just looking around while you do your thing, he looks spaced out most of time except when you ask him something and his eyes immediately zip over to answer you.

he’s almost completely pressed to your back, his hands are always fiddling with something on you, your hair, the back of your shirt, your pant pockets. anything and everything in his reach will be pulled and prodded to keep himself busy. he’ll tug at your shirt a little harder to signal he’s bored and will tell you so, whining n telling you to “hurry up.”

“i want to leave, this place stinks.” he mumbles, lips close to your ears, his hair tickles and you shrug your shoulders at the ticklish feeling. you turn to look at his slightly furrowed brows, irritation very present in his features. you boop his nose “be patient, i’m almost done.” you tease. you hear him grumble behind you, going back to tugging at your clothes and wrinkling them “patient, patient. i’ve been plenty damn patient. said you were almost done ten minutes ago..”

if you want to go the kitchen he’s stalking over to where you are, if you leave the room for a few seconds you can’t turn your back for a millisecond before he materializes behind you, it scares you every time and he laughs about making you jump every time. he’s annoyingly sneaky.

this man has absolutely no shame to me, he will absolutely just stay by the door while you pee. like he could be telling you about how one of his teammates fucked up one of his games while you walk around doing your own thing. but then when you get to the bathroom you tell him to wait a sec and when you reach for the door he stops you, looking just as confused as you. “i’m not done.” he says, raising a brow. and no matter how incredulously you stare he is hellbent on finishing his damn story even while you’re sitting on the loo. even has the nerve to go “you done ?” when he finishes lol

loosely based on @moodyvoid s lil post about shigaraki that i want to tattoo onto my skin

[fangirl-dot-com]

Chapter 16.5 - Confessions and Cars 2

I thought I'd post this as a "I'm sorry" chapter lol and I felt like you readers needed some closure.

While writing this, I also realized that I do not know how to write a kiss (due to my non-existent love life)...so if someone has suggestions - I'd gladly take them :D

TAG LIST IS CLOSED

If Arthur thought that visiting you last November before you signed a Red Bull contract would somehow end up with you in his arms, he wouldn’t change anything. Back then, you had been his best friend. And, well, you were still his best friend, but he was hoping that soon (like tonight) you’d be more. 

The end credits of Cars 2 played on the tv in the dark room. Most of the drivers (including but not limited to Lando, Oscar, Lewis, Daniel, Pierre, Charles, and Max) – maybe all of the drivers, who had come to visit you after your release from the hospital, had all left by now. A completed Lego Porsche 9-11 sat on the little counter by the basic coffee machine. 

Now, it was just you, whose eyes were slowly drooping, and Arthur, who hadn’t been able to take his arms off of you since you got to the hospital in the first place.

Arthur, who had held you hand as the doctor put an IV in, because he knew your fear of needles. 

Arthur, who had extra hair ties on his wrist, because he knew you hated to have your hair on your neck right after races, no matter what. 

Arthur, who had called ahead to the front desk to specifically ask for a copy of Cars 2 be delivered to the room.

Arthur, who ubered your exact McDonalds order because you mentioned the craving once while you were still under some strong pain medication. 

Arthur, who was your best friend, but you honestly wanted to be some more. 

Your brain had been running a million miles since your car flipped into the barriers. 

“Are you ready to go to bed yet?” 

But his voice, was able to stop all thoughts. 

You only let out a sigh in response. Arthur didn’t want to rush you, so he just picked the remote up and started your comfort movie over again. 

Yet, you didn’t want to watch the entire thing over again. 

“I was scared.” 

Arthur immediately paused the movie, but kept his eyes in front. 

“I watched the sky cross the opening. And then it just, hurt.” 

His arms tightened around you. Yet, it wasn’t painful. 

“I blacked out for a while. And then when I woke up, all I heard,” you turned to look at the boy in your arms, “was you, calling for me.” 

Tears started forming in both yours and Arthur’s eyes. You shuffled a bit closer to him, getting even closer. 

Arthur took a deep breath. 

Hours before, he was ready to confess it all once you had gotten your first place trophy. He had it all planned out. But then, his world stopped the moment your back tyre clipped the first kerb and then you rolled. 

“Y/n,” he started. This time, his eyes met yours. The TV forgotten in the background. In this moment, Arthur was glad that everyone else had left. 

You waited with baited breath, urging him silently to continue. 

“Well, I had this big plan, for after your race. And now, sitting here, I just know one thing and one thing only.” 

You cocked your head in confusion. Yet, your heart was wanting him to speak the once sentence you’ve wanted to hear for forever. 

“I love you. And when you didn’t respond,” he took your hands in his, “I wanted to die. And I know that might sound extreme, but at that moment, I knew I didn’t want a life without you in it. I also know that we’ve only known each other for a little more than a year but…” 

You decided to interrupt him. “You’ve been my best friend for the majority of that year.” 

He nodded with you, heart a bit dejected since you hadn’t confessed right after. 

“I’ve never had a best friend, before you. And, I also couldn’t imagine a life without you. And Thur…” 

He didn’t let you finish. 

His lips met yours in a fervent kiss. You had to take a second to reel in your thoughts, but you kissed back. Because in this moment, you didn’t want anything to change. A large exhale left your nose. 

You were hungry for a race win. 

Arthur was hungry for your love. 

His hands moved from holding yours to gripping your sides. And well, in true Arthur fashion, he gripped a bit too hard as a hiss left your lips. 

His wide eyes looked right at your with concern. “I am so sorry.” 

And before he could start to ramble in broken French, you pecked his lips. Well, that shut him up. 

“It’s ok,” you whispered, trying to convince him. “And I love you too. Maybe a bit too much.” 

Arthur sighed in relief and pressed his forehead against yours. “You do not know how happy that makes me to hear.” His words were a bit jumbled and his accent was heavy, but you got the gist. 

“What now?” 

Maybe it was your fears and doubts, but if this changed things, you’d rather not continue. Because you’d rather be best friends than lose him. 

Arthur shut his eyes, smiles, and cocked his head. “I was hoping you’d be my girlfriend.” He gave you another sweet kiss, one that you reciprocated with a smile. 

“Well then,” another kiss, “ask me.” A smirk replaced the smile. 

Arthur leaned back and took your hands back into his and sat up straight. “Y/n?” 

You let out a giggle. 

“Will you be my girlfriend?” 

You quickly pressed up against his face. Not in a kiss sense way. More like, you missed and just smashed your face against him. He tried to keep you upwards, but you pushed him down and fell on top of him. Another hiss left your lips, but a laugh covered it. You gently rested your head on his chest as your attention was back to the movie. 

“Yes. I will be your girlfriend Mr. Leclerc.”

Arthur just let you snuggle back into him as he played the movie for a second time. Just as Mater was about to be reunited with Lightning McQueen, a thought suddenly crossed your mind. 

“What are we going to tell Max?”   

April 9, 2024

y/n.89 has posted

y/n.89 through it all, nobody gets me like you do

liked by y/n.nation, f1_fanatic, olliebearman, and 59,294 others

b0x_b0x UM GOOD MORNING? NOT EVEN A HELLO?

maxiel_lover babe, wake up, y/n just did a soft launch

y/n_nation Arthur isn't in the likes...

y/nxarthur I fear this is the end of the friendship?? y/n-on_top why would it be the end... y/nxarthur who knows, Arthur always likes her stuff and comments. maybe he doesn't like the boyfriend

oscarpiastri rue, when was this?

mcLaren_fan even Oscar doesn't know? logansargeant get in line of who doesn't know

olliebearman mother?? pick up your phone please

maxverstappen1 what the kid said, pick the phone up

box_box_official and the plot thickens

change_ur_f-car y/n not picking up her phone and Arthur isn't in the likes, what is this silly season?????

Big Racer

It's Arthur Isn't it??

Little Racer

who snitched

Big Racer

Kid, he looks at you like you hung the sun It doesn't take much sleuthing to find out

Little Racer

Please don't tell It's so new And I don't want to risk it

Big Racer

My lips are sealed But I do have one question Do I need to give you the talk?

Little Racer

MAX!?

TAG LIST: @fionaschicken @glitterquadricorn @laura-naruto-fan1998 @treehouse-mouse @sam-is-lost @kagatinkita @fangirl125reader @megatrilss1885 @myxticmoon @angsthology @cmleitora @agent-curt-mega @graciewrote @ashy-kit @slutofmultifandom @aexitizen-ln4 @sugarvibez @vellicora @thatgirlthatreadswattpad @cashtons-wife @hoetel-manager @xcharlottemikaelsonx @jayda12 @cassie0sstuff @ilove-tswizzle @justme2042 @itsjustkhaos @nikfigueiredo @stopeatread @cha-hot @sadg3 @iloveyou3000morgan @s4turnsl0ver @alessioayla @torchbearerkyle @leptitlu @awekbachira @shreks-sugar-daddy @v1naco @stan-josie @mellowarcadefun @badassturtle13 @beskardroids @callisposts @poppyalice2001 @juniper-july19

[charliemwrites]

Some feral and keeper Price stuff..? I don’t mind what, honestly. Just bring it in, broski!!! Smut? Wouldn’t mind. Fluff? Wouldn’t mind that either!!! Angst? Would probably sob, but sure as hell wouldn’t mind that either!!!!!!!

Don’t gotta respond to this or go through with it, but I’ve always liked how feral and keeper price are due to feral being(I think?????) a little somewhat scared of Price, and im just overall interested and intrigued about how it would go and how it would be like if they ever had sex and any intimate moments, or if it would ever actually happen between the two or not (I damn hope it would..).

Tyt, thanks though whatever you do lmao. Not really much of a rush for this, though I’d love hearing what you might have to say/write for this little req thingy😭 Love the things you write!!!🫶

Hi, bean!!! Their relationship is always a fun challenge to write because it’s hard to pin down lol. But I’m pretty sure the last few (apart from that daddy post) has been angst between them, so let’s do some soft platonic intimacy.

Price is visiting again and you’re mad. Not at him, because he hasn’t actually done anything to you. And not at Simon because he warned you well in advance of Price’s arrival. You’re mad at yourself because you were fine all week until he walked in the door - and then that creeping instinct to run and hide reared up.

Youre forcing yourself not to this time, though you couldn’t help skittering across the room when he reached out. He just chuckled, gave you an amused look, and continued chatting with Simon.

He’s pretending not to see you creeping nearby. Your nervousness is manageable when he’s not looking directly at you. And when he is looking at you, you’re okay as long as there’s something between you two - furniture or Simon will do.

You’re making yourself sneak closer and closer, pausing and gauging with each step to see if he does anything. He’s got a bowl of pretzels that you’ve been eyeing, wondering if he’ll let you filch a couple while dinner is cooking.

Within touching distance now. He smells like cigars and nice cologne. You like it, dammit. Not as much as Simon’s scent…. but still good.

Just as you come too close for a quick retreat, his arm bends, a couple pretzels in hand, offering to you over his shoulder. You blink, hesitate a second.

“You want some?” he coos, tilting his head to watch from the corner of his eye. “Go on, little one.”

You pluck them carefully from his hand, sit back to safely eat them. He chuckles and leaves you be while you enjoy your treat. Simon is watching you with amusement from the other side of Price, a whiskey in hand.

When you’ve finished your pretzels, you consider. Check the wall clock. Still twenty minutes until dinner! No, no, you need a little more to hold you over.

You edge closer again, lean up carefully against Price’s back. He doesn’t even pause, adjusting to support your weight while keeping the conversation going. You brace and lean over his shoulder, reaching for the bowl of pretzels. He tugs them just that last inch to let your grabby hand get a few.

As you’re stuff one in your mouth, his other hand slowly comes up, telegraphing. He’s going to touch you. You hesitate, debate staying or going as you munch. Eventually his fingertips brush your cheek, then skim up into your hair to scratch gently. You lean into a bit until he hums and you catch his eye.

“See? Not so bad, wild thing.”

You twist, nip his arm, and then scramble over to Simon, who happily lets you clamber into his lap and steal a sip of whiskey to wash down the pretzels.

[notsoattractivearenti]

1+1 = 4 (Mason Mount x Fem!Reader)

WC: 3.0K

Warnings: mention of c-section, post-surgery recovery

A/N: i haven’t written anything since last month and i’ve missed writing so here it is... dad!Mason for me and y'all my loves 🥰🫶🏻 apologies if this isn’t so good lol tbh i wrote this for my own comfort cuz it's been an extremely rough few weeks so i kinda needed this and i’m a huge sucker for my faves as attentive partner and dad fics! not to mention this is officially the longest fic I've written + posted here! hope you guys enjoy and i’d love to hear your thoughts thru ask/reply/reblog 💗 apologies for any grammatical errors! feedbacks are highly appreciated 🤍

—

You just woke up from a short nap after your C-section. Your baby was not supposed to be born for another month, but when your doctor saw the umbilical cord was wrapped around their neck during ultrasound, they told you and Mason that an emergency C-section had to be done the next day before your baby moved to the birth position. You recalled the day it happened.

—

You were really scared and nervous even though you have given birth before – but your first pregnancy and labor went smoothly so you didn’t exactly anticipate this. Plus, you had never gone through any major surgery your whole life ­– you just were not ready at all. You wanted another vaginal delivery but since the circumstances changed, you didn’t have a choice and all you cared about was your little one coming into the world safe and sound.

Mason was scared too, but he tried to conceal it from you. He just knew he had to be by your side all the time, as you were about to go through another life-changing moment but not as you planned. He was worried about the baby but even more about you ­– he felt so helpless because he basically couldn’t do anything but be there for you. If he could, he would make himself be the one who bears the pain instead of you.

On the way home after the checkup, you sat in the passenger seat and just silently stared at the road with your hand resting on top of your belly – subconsciously rubbing it sometimes – while thinking about the sudden news. Mason noticed how quiet you were, and as he drove he grabbed your hand to hold it tight.

“My dear, everything will be okay,” he said softly, “little peanut will be just fine. So will you.”

You sighed. “Maybe you’re right, but Mase...” Your voice was shaky, “I’m terrified. I really am...”

He took his eyes off the road for a second to glance at you, then kissed your hand and rubbed it with his thumbs repeatedly.

“I know, Y/N. But you’re the strongest person I’ve ever known and you’re going to get through this like the badass you are.” He assured you.

“And I will be with you the entire time and take care of you. I promise.” He added.

You smiled a little, still nervous but way less than before. You knew he was also worried yet he still gave you the comfort you needed. That is one of the things about Mason that made you fall in love with him in the first place.

“Also, picture how excited Gem will be when she finds out she’s going to meet her baby sibling soon!”

Before Mason even finished his sentence, the possible scenario was already playing in your head. You looked back to the time you and Mason broke the news to Gemma, your 4 year-old daughter – she screamed then cried out of happiness. She has been so excited to have a little sister or brother since and kept asking when will the baby be born. You could clearly imagine how she would react this time.

“Oh God,” you put your hand on your forehead and jokingly groaned, “she’s going to scream her ass off again isn’t she?”

He shook his head playfully and laughed. “Well that’s my daughter alright!”

—

During the surgery, Mason was sitting next to you the whole time, not wanting to let go of your hand. You were fully conscious since you had regional anesthesia, and to distract yourself from your anxious thoughts you and Mason chatted about the most random things – and it helped calming you down.

You both decided not to find out about your baby’s sex just like when you were pregnant with Gemma. Of course you two were curious, but you wanted to surprise yourselves. A boy or a girl, it doesn't really matter because you will love the baby regardless of the sex.

Suddenly, you both heard the sound of your baby’s cry. The doctor lifted them up so you two could see and excitedly announced, “Congratulations, it’s a girl!”

You and Mason had your mouths wide open and looked at each other immediately once you knew you had another daughter. She came to join your little family sooner than expected, but she was healthy and all your worry was gone in an instant. Mason kissed your forehead and your lips, then whispered to your ears, “Thank you baby, I’m so proud of you.”

The nurse then brought the baby to you so you could see her up close. She put her next to your face, and you could feel tears of happiness streaming down your face – the presence of your newborn girl warmed your heart.

“Hi baby girl,” you tearfully greeted your daughter, “welcome to the world! Mommy loves you so much.”

Mason watched that moment and he was left speechless. He couldn’t stop smiling and crying as he couldn’t find the words to describe the overwhelming joy and immense love he felt at the moment. He was still processing the fact that he had another girl to love for the rest of his life. As he wiped his tears, he quietly whimpered in awe, “she’s so precious… My little peanut.”

—

As you woke up from your nap post surgery, you could feel the anesthesia started to wear off. You moaned and pressed your lips together over the pain you felt on the incision area. You couldn’t really get up because when you tried to move even a little bit, it would hurt so bad. You looked around the hospital room you were in and you saw Mason sitting on the sofa near the window while holding your newborn daughter.

He didn’t take his eyes off of her even for a second, you could tell he was so in love. This reminded you of the day when Gemma was just born – once he held her in his arms, his eyes were locked on her.

You couldn’t stop staring at him as you found this moment so heartwarming and adorable. He then took a quick look at you and when he saw you were awake, a wide smile appeared on his face.

“Oh look, Mommy’s awake,” he said as he got off the sofa to come over to you, “how are you feeling sweetheart?”

“Uh… pain...” You muttered. “But don’t worry, I’m okay.”

“Oh no… I’m sorry, Y/N.” He knitted his eyebrows, the tone of his voice showed how worried he really was. “Tell me what I can do to help ease it. I’ll do anything to make you feel better.”

You smiled as his hand was stroking your arm.

“Thank you love,” you said to Mason, “but let’s just wait for the nurse. With you two here with me right now I can handle this pain.”

“By the way… Can you stop hogging my baby and hand her over to her mom?” You jokingly asked him.

“Oops, sorry!” He laughed while gently putting her on your side.

—

Few hours later, the nurse suggested you get out of bed and try walking around for a bit. Even though you were still experiencing discomfort, you gladly took her suggestion as you didn’t like laying in the bed for too long. Mason, who wasn’t fond of the idea, expressed his concern to the nurse.

“Ma’am, are you sure it’s okay? The wound on my wife’s stomach is still fresh… Isn’t it too soon?”

“Sir, I get your concern and I can guarantee you it is necessary as it is a part of the recovery. Moving around after the surgery helps the recovery process. Don’t need to worry, we’ll check in on you every so often. If you need anything, you can call us by pushing the button next to the bed.” The nurse explained to both of you in a calm manner.

Mason sighed in relief and nodded.

“Thank you,” you said to the nurse, “this is my first time going through a C-section and my husband and I have been very anxious about it. Not to mention this was unplanned so we didn’t exactly come prepared.”

“Understandable. It is normal to feel nervous, Ma’am. We are happy to help.” The nurse acknowledged your worries.

As soon as the nurse left the room, you tried to get out of bed and grimaced while one of your hands was on your wound area. Mason was getting you a glass of water when he saw you – fright was written all over his face immediately.

“Baby!” He spontaneously yelled as he rushed over to your side and helped you. out.

“Ssshh, Mase, I’m alright,” you put your arm around his neck and tried to soothe him, “just want to get up, that's all.”

“Don’t be so stubborn!” He was shaking a little – he felt a genuine fear. “My God, Y/N, you almost gave me a heart attack.”

“Oh please, don’t be a drama queen,” you couldn’t help but make fun of his reaction. “I said I’m alright, hahaha!”

He playfully rolled his eyes in response. You laughed at him and suddenly felt stabbing pain on your wound.

“Ouch!” You shouted. “Man, I can't even laugh without feeling pain!”

“Well, I’m glad you were amused but I guess no more comedy for a while for you, Mrs. Mount.” he said as he stroked your back.

Mason gently supported your body and carefully assisted you on taking your first steps post surgery. You squeezed your eyes, ground your teeth and winced as you were still experiencing the sharp pain – especially when you moved. Mason’s heart ached seeing you struggling like this, he felt guilty even but he knew nothing else he could do but support you throughout the recovery.

“Don’t rush it, sweetheart. It hasn’t been 12 hours after the surgery,” he emphasized. “Just take one little step at the time when you’re ready, okay?”

—

“Baby, Gem is coming here with my parents!” He excitedly shouted from across the room.

Your eyes widened and a squeal left your mouth when you heard that Gemma was coming. As you were in the hospital, Mason’s parents were taking care of her. You have been looking forward to the moment when your girls finally met. She had been impatiently waiting to be able to hold her baby sibling – she even practiced with her doll all the time. 

At this point you could stand up, walk, and sit down. The incision still hurt and discomfort came and went all the time but the painkiller was working well and the bliss of having a newborn was able to distract your mind from the pain. Mason had been so attentive to you and always ready to help you. He thought you needed a day to rest, therefore with your permission he respectfully asked everyone – except your parents and siblings – not to pay a visit at the hospital and wait until you all settled at your home instead. 

“Where is Gem now? Is she close? Are they here already?” You eagerly asked.

“I don’t know,” he answered, “I’ll call my mum.”

And before he even pressed call, Debbie texted him to let him know they just arrived at the hospital. He was beaming when he saw the text, and passed the news to you.

“They’re here! I’ll go get them,” he said as he kissed your forehead and got out to pick them up.

Trying not to hurt yourself, you didn’t act too excited on the outside but you sure were within. Sitting down on your bed, you pulled the baby crib closer and carefully picked her up.

“Hey little angel,” you whispered softly into her tiny ear, “you’re about to meet your big sister. She’s been waiting for you… You’re going to love her as much as she loves you.”

She made a slight smile and you noticed that. You chuckled, you thought it was like she was also excited to meet Gemma. You gave little kisses all over her cute face, and as you did that you could feel how you were completely filled with great love and glee – one more girl has stolen your heart. 

Suddenly, you heard the door was opened, followed by a little giggle you love so much. Your heart was beating really fast – it was going to be one of the biggest moments in your life – you didn’t know if you could handle your emotions when it happened.

You saw Gemma walking in with one hand holding her dad’s and the other covering her mouth. She looked so eager to finally see her baby sibling – she didn’t know it was a girl beforehand – and you wanted to see how she reacted when she found out she had a sister. Behind them were Debbie and Tony, and Debbie had already started recording with Mason’s phone. Gemma then saw you and excitedly yelled, “Mommy!”

You giggled and waved at her in response. 

“Do you want to sit next to Mommy and baby peanut, Gem?” Mason gently asked her.

“Yes Daddy! I want to see my baby peanut now!” She responded impatiently.

Mason picked her up and sat her down next to you. When she saw her sister up close, she squealed and said “Wow, baby peanut is so small and cute!”

You introduced your firstborn to your newborn.

“Gemma, meet Iris…”

She gasped and looked at both you and Mason in disbelief.

“You have a sister, Gem!” Mason cheered.

Gemma was so happy to have a sister and she started to cry. You might have pictured this beautiful moment in your head before but what really happened was a lot better than you had imagined. It was quite overwhelming to see how emotional she was and you eventually cried as well. Mason was really touched, almost shed a tear when he saw how you and Gemma were crying. He immediately grabbed some tissues from his pocket – he was aware this was going to happen – to wipe the tears off his girls’ faces.

“Mommy… Can I hold Iris?” Gemma nervously asked, her big brown eyes were still watery but you could see the sparkles of joy in them.

“Of course, sweetie.”

You carefully handed Iris onto Gemma’s lap, teaching her how to support Iris’ little body. She was so gentle and cautious, uneasy at first as if she was afraid to hurt Iris. Mason tried to ease her since he got how nervous Gemma was – he kissed the top of her head over and over again while assuring her that she was doing fine holding her sister – and it worked out even though it took a while.

Finally feeling comfortable, Gemma gently let go of one of her hands and started caressing Iris’ cheeks. Her eyes were locked in just like his dad earlier, and you just knew she was so deeply in love with her little sister. 

“She’s so beautiful, isn’t she, Gem?” Mason was beaming in awe and Gemma nodded in agreement.

Both Gemma and Mason showered Iris with kisses. The immense amount of love Iris was getting made your heart soar. You looked at your husband and your girls and thought to yourself: how did I get so lucky?

Mason then gave you a quick but passionate kiss on your lips. He looked deeply into your eyes and expressed his gratitude and appreciation for you.

“Y/N, the way you had to bear the pain to bring me two amazing kids to our life is unbelievable. You are the most incredible woman and I can never thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me, for us… I’m so lucky to have you as my wife and the mother of our girls. I will always try to make you happy, feel loved and give you everything you need and deserve because you have given me the life I’ve always dreamed of…”

You had no words and were about to cry again. You pulled him closer and pressed your lips against his – it was a moment full of tenderness and sweet affection. As your lips parted, you two whispered “I love you” to one another.

Debbie – who was still recording – and Tony were also emotional although they were trying to keep themselves together because they thought they didn’t want to ruin the beautiful moment between your little family. You then asked the grandparents to come see the newest addition to the Mount family.

“Iris Mount… Such a beautiful name, Y/N!” Tony complimented.

“That’s perfect for her! Thank you, Y/N, for giving us wonderful grandkids!” Debbie chimed in and gave you a hug.

“Uh, Mum… I contributed too, you know. Why don’t I get a thank-you? ” Mason jokingly protested.

“Yes but you weren’t the one who carried them for months and gave birth, were you?” Debbie lightheartedly replied.

You chuckled at their banter – you held yourself back from laughing as usual because it would hurt you.

With his mother clearly winning the argument, Mason humorously backed out, pouted then stated his closing statement.

“That’s true. But Y/N and I do make the most beautiful babies.”

Debbie and Tony couldn’t help but laugh at his comeback.

—

Yes, he might not be the one who was pregnant and given birth, but he has always been an amazing and present father to Gemma. No matter how tight his schedule could be, he would always make time for her daughter. He might have missed a few milestones that happened unexpectedly but other than those he never wanted to miss out so much on his daughter’s life. When he was out of town for away games, he always asked for daily updates on Gemma and called you on Facetime in every chance he got.

Mason is an ultimate girl dad and takes great pride in it. He would dress up as princess wearing a tiara and Gemma’s little dress that barely fits him and have a tea party with her, buy a makeup set she asked for, and sometimes he would show up at training wearing a headband with the biggest bow on his head because Gemma put it on him before he left. He always said he loves being a girl dad and would do it all over again – now he really gets to do it all over again…

—

taglist: @pulisicsgirl @neverinadream @masonspulisic @swimmingismywholelife @chelseagirl98 @bracedes @lovelynikol16 @thoseboysinblue @lizzypotter14 @mortirolo @masonsrem

[batsyforyou]

Lindir Reacting to Pregnant Wife

Tags: Pregnancy, breakdowns, anxiety, overthinking delusions, and calm facade 

Pairing: Lindir x reader, Lindir x fem reader, Lindir x human reader

Summary: Headcanons of Lindir reacting to the news of a pregnancy while you have a breakdown. (Reader likes kids in this)

Elf words: melitse (sweetheart), Meleth nín (my love), 

Taglist: @asianbutnotjapanese 

Author’s note: Well, here is something small while I continue my much bigger stories. Also, it's been forever since I posted something so I tried my best. Basically the main idea is that Lindir shoves his anxiety and panic down to comfort the reader and as soon he is by himself he has a melt down. I tried to display a mental spiral so please let me know how I did. Also, I’ve had a big mental block lately, so if this comes off as a mental glitch then yeah that's what happened lol.

Lindir goes into protective mother hen/comfort mode before anything 

Suppresses any form of panic 

“I’m pregnant.” 

Looking up from his papers Lindir blinked, “What?”

Chewing your lip you hugged yourself, choosing to watch the burning candle on his desk, “I’m pregnant.” 

“But-but we haven’t.” He flushed, “I mean, not recently.” 

You sob, covering your mouth as you cry, “I’m sorry.” 

His mouth drops as he stands, “Oh, melitse.” 

You sniff, “I’m sorry, I know you weren’t expecting this. I mean it's in the middle of the night and I’m sitting in your chair, in my pajamas and I know we haven’t even had this conversation but-” 

Kneeling in front of your chair Lindir cupped your cheeks, thumbing away your tears. “Meleth nín please—please calm down, I am not upset with you.” 

You sniff, “You're not?”

Shaking his head, Lindir stood and sat in the chair next to you, “I am aware that we have not had a deep conversation about the possibility of children but this is a blessing.” 

Wiping at your face you sob, “I know nothing about being a mother.” 

“Nor do I know anything about being an atar. I will be there every step of the way meleth nín and there are many experienced elves here that we can talk to about this.” 

You snorted, “Like Elrond?” 

Lindir smiled, “Precisely.”  

You smiled some before frowning, “I’m scared.” 

Wrapping an arm over your shoulders he brought you into his side. “Me too.” Placing a hand onto your belly he took a moment to sense the tiny life inside you. 

He asks if you want him to return to your shared home with you but you insist on going alone stating that he needed to lock up the sensitive materials on his desk

Normally you would have waited for him to finish so he may escort you home but if you were honest with yourself you craved the quiet walk back, to settle your thoughts and to have some time to yourself. 

Lindir’s existential crisis starts… Now.

As soon as you shut the door behind you Lindir’s legs collapsed underneath him. 

Bracing himself as all his held in/suppressed anxious thoughts and fears come rushing in 

Stumbling into his chair, Lindir sinks so deep into his chair he feels a crick in his neck. 

When he got into a relationship with you he knew that there would be a day that he would have to say goodbye

The very reminder has always brought tears to his eyes and every new wrinkle he found on you whether it's a new smile line or not would bring him to holding you tighter each time he had you in his arms. 

But children? He had never considered this, neither of you even talked about this!

Watching you die and leave him was one thing but watching his children, his babies and their babies?

He cringes to himself. How could he be thinking that the loss of his children would be worse than losing you? His life partner, his best friend, his love, his wife, the woman who handles his eccentric moments and frustrations with the patience of a saintly Vala? 

Guilt sets in and stares at the space between his legs and at the floor. He should be better. A better elf. A better husband. 

What kind of child would want an ada that obsessed over how clean and orderly his books are. Or even an ada that can’t teach them the way of good swordsmanship? 

He could only think about how Glorfindel is a better elf

Despite how irritating he found the older elf to be he was in fact a more suitable elf for fatherhood

After everything Glorfindel, an elf who had been born in the time of the Two Trees, had traveled across the Helcaraxë, who’d died valiantly fighting a Barlog, who’d been reborn and sent back to Middle Earth as an emissary of the Valar, who’d watched friends and family die, and lead thousands of elves into battle and survived 

Had maintained his youthful love for life and kept his playfully energy.

Glorfindel is strong and Lindir knew that given the choice Glorfindel would suffer through the pain of losing his love to care, protect, and love the children left behind. 

Lindir on the other hand? He was not strong. The idea of losing you brought a sharp cry of agony to his heart.

So essentially, Lindir has a mental crisis lol 

At this point in the game one might except Elrond to miraculously appear around the corner, as if sensing the distress of his dear minstrel in the force

But nay! 

The part time librarian, a well known councilman, a retired warrior that is as sharp as his sword and potential history with the Feanorians Erestor enters the scene 

Possibly the greatest and weakest wingman in the game only because he sucks at his own romantic relationships but is great at giving unsolicited advice to everyone else lol.

Turning the corner Erestor locks his grumpy eyes on what can only be described as a limp noodle of an elf as Lindir sits in his chair with the posture of a crunched shrimp and a facial expression that can only resemble the dead

Lindir’s eyes are wide open and unblinking, staring at the floor between his planted feet

Erestor is the embodiment of “Snap out of it man!” 

Grasping a hold of Lindir’s shoulders, Erestor shakes the younger elf to his senses exclaiming that, “It is far too late to turn back now. You knew what would happen going into this relationship, despite my counsel.”

After a great pep talk from our man Erestor and being reminded to live in the present and not so far into the future. 

Lindir goes home to you to crawl into bed, stare up at the ceiling and overthink the baby stuff and makes plans to go talk to Elrond. 

Whatever happens Lindir knows that deep down, once you go he goes. 

masterlist

[bri-cheeses]

| Rosekiller microfic | Word count: 855 | This is actually a part 2 to this post that I happened to completely forget about until about thirty minutes ago lol | Hope you enjoy! |

-

Barty watched Evan go, grass being crushed under his feet as he walked away.

Then he whirled back to Regulus and Dorcas, desperate for answers.

“Tell me what just happened,” he demanded.

Dorcas rubbed a hand over her forehead and Regulus scoffed.

“If I had to take a guess, I’d say that these past few years of relentlessly pining for each other finally caught up to you.” Regulus delivered it like a fact, and Barty gaped at him.

“What?” He could feel his mouth hanging open like a dumbstruck goldfish.

Next to Regulus, Dorcas rolled her eyes. “That was pathetic, Crouch,” she said. “For both of you. Merlin knows how we’ve watched you two tiptoe around each other for years now, but I’m scared it’s about to get a hundred times worse.”

Regulus wrinkled his nose at the thought. Barty felt slightly faint. “What do you mean we’ve been tiptoeing around each other for years?”

There was a long-suffering sigh from Regulus. “You like Evan,” he stated plainly, “and Evan likes you. And neither of you will pull your head out of the sand long enough to actually notice that the other likes you back.”

“But I don’t like Evan?”

Dorcas wheezed in surprised laughter.

“What?” she gasped. “Did you just say that? Regulus, tell me he did not just say that.”

“He did just say that,” Regulus said grimly. “Now you see what I’ve been living with for all this time.”

“I am so sorry.”

“Wait, I’m sorry, can we go back? Why is me saying that I don’t like Evan so incredibly hilarious?” Barty crossed his arms in petulance.

“Because,” Dorcas said slowly, as if she were explaining something to a small child, “you’ve liked Evan for years.”

A rush of heat traveled to Barty’s face. “No, I haven’t!”

“Barty,” Regulus interrupted, “how would you describe Evan’s hair?”

“What? Why?”

“Just do it.”

Barty barely had to think about it, but he still frowned while speaking. “Well, it’s this really light blond color, and it’s more of a whitish tint than it is yellow. Except for when the sun lights it from behind, then it looks more like gold.”

He didn’t see the point of this.

Regulus shared an amused look with Dorcas. “Right. And what color is my hair?”

Barty frowned again, confused. “It’s black,” he said.

He looked on in confusion as Dorcas and Regulus burst out laughing.

“Barty, tell me, what’s Evan’s eye color?” Dorcas laughed.

“A really lovely brown, kind of like coffee with a dash of creamer in it.”

“And what’re my eyes like, pray tell?”

“Dark brown?”

It came out like more of a question than he wanted it to.

His friend's laughter had started to gain some attention, and Barty’s face grew warm at being the butt of some joke he didn’t know the punch line to.

“Barty, I want you to say the first word that comes to mind after I finish my next sentence, okay?” Regulus was actually smiling. It was at Barty’s expense, sure, but even then, it was rare enough occasion that it made Barty even more nervous. He nodded anyway and braced himself for Reg’s next words.

“Evan coming out of the bathroom without a shirt on.”

“Merlin,” Barty breathed, then clapped a hand to his mouth. Where had that come from?

Regulus and Dorcas both leveled a pointed stare at him, as if they were waiting for a realization to kick in.

When it did, Barty’s jaw dropped to the ground. He pointed an outraged finger between his two friends. “Why didn’t any of you tell me?!”

“Look,” Dorcas said as she raised her hands in defense, “it’s not our fault that you’re exponentially more dense than any of us expected.”

Regulus nodded his agreement. “We thought you knew.”

“Well, I did not know that, so. Thanks for that,” Barty glowered. Oh, this simple little fact has complicated everything for him.

“I’m done for, aren’t I?” he said miserably.

“Not really,” Dorcas mused.

Barty cut a sharp look towards her. “What do you mean?”

“Do you even remember how we got onto this topic in the first place? The whole “you liking Evan” thing, but also Evan liking you. For even longer than you’ve liked him, if I’m not mistaken.” Dorcas glanced towards Regulus for confirmation. Regulus nodded. He looked slightly pained and more than a little weary of Evan and Barty’s stupidity.

“Wait, really?” Barty questioned. “How do you know?”

“Because I’ve been subject to his constant staring at you with his white-gold hair and coffee eyes for way too long,” Reg muttered.

Barty dropped his head down to his hands, covering the blush that has made its way back to his cheeks. “Merlin, I’m so gone for him, aren’t I?”

“Yeah,” Dorcas said at the same time Regulus responded, “Definitely.”

Barty groaned into his hands as Regulus continued, “But if it's any consolation, he’s just as gone for you.”

Barty looked up. “Actually,” he contemplated, “that is a consolation, Reg, thank you.”

Regulus nodded in acknowledgment at the same time a grin started to spread across Barty’s features.

This could be fun.

[shakespearean-dream]

TW!!! — blood, scarring and mild body horror ahead 🥲

benny’s turn!

before i start i wanna clarify i hesitated a bit on posting this because lovely mutual @vor-leser just posted his benny interpretation (go look at it and follow him btw), and idk if we like mind melded or smth but our human benny’s are super similar LOL. i damn near scrapped the whole thing out of fear someone would get mad at me but i Would Not be able to start over and get this done ever so this is as good as we’re gonna get. 😭 my apologies niko love u /p

this has been like a full 7 days in the making 😭😭 the art block that i felt coming on while doing ellen and ted hit me like an optimus prime sized semi truck this week along with a depressive episode so i definitely appreciate that happening and i am not upset about it at all! /s i’m totally good so don’t worry or anything /gen, mental health is just weird and i also wanted to explain the gap in my posts 😔

i do not know how to feel about this drawing if i’m so fr with you; i’m proud of myself for AM-ified benny cause i think i got the slowly rotting from the inside out primal freak energy down pretty good, but on the other hand this feels kinda empty?? i usually have a lot more commentary squished in here but i think my brain’s a little fried 🤦‍♂️ i love drawing me some beautiful buff men though so drawing normal ben was familiar territory. however his wack ass haircut i gave him is his punishment for being a PRICK!!! go sit in the corner and think about ur actions benjamin.

like ted n the rest of the sillies i’m not straying too far from canon with his personality, he’s an ass and a murderer and a hella smart dickhead who desperately needs to be punished by the universe (thank you for that one AM). hot take i did not like his “redemption arc” in his game scenario and i don’t think with how he was throughout the entirety of his life (and also throughout the game, main example his inner dialogue) he would actually go out of his way to help the kid because he means it??? n prove he changed to the guys he killed cause he means it??? i dunno maybe AM torturing him made him have a main character “omg i’ve been in the wrong this whole time!!1” moment like the game suggests i’m just not buying it 💀 i’m sure it’s just cause bennys scenario couldn’t be too long and they couldn’t fully flesh him out which i won’t fault the game makers for. i’m a steven universe fan, i know what time constrictions can do to a plot and redemption arc 😭 looking at you white diamond…

his wife n kids are up top and they’re kinda neat to me— i was considering the hc that part of the reason manya (his canon wife) left him is because she realized she was a lesbian which would be funny as fuck considering benny’s also One Of Them Queers 😭. i think during the brief times he was home and able to parent his daughters they got really scared and tired of him, one because he’s just a very threatening powerful and overbearing man, but also because i feel like he would’ve been on their ASS about everything. grades, extracurriculars, friends, wardrobe, this guy was micromanaging his family to an annoying extreme (ofc because of his perfectionist complex). he probably loved manya and the kids in his own weird way, but it was more contractual to him than any real personal relationship. maybe he inherited that from his own parents?? i doubt he ever talked to them after he moved out.

that’s about the end of my thoughts on this fucker. 🥲 funny storyyyy i just remembered i have laundry to finish so im gonna go do that, lord help me. thank you for reading all this if you did!!!!! we’re over halfway through so who do yall want next? wanna save AM or nimdok for last? i’ll see u guys later :]]]

[waroferas]

from one hyrule warriors enjoyer to another... i bestow upon you the scared question...

what are your favorite things about hyrule warriors?

i'm honestly just curious because your like, one of my favorite blogs when it comes to hyrule warriors and i would just be interested to get peoples different responses!! it's cool to see what people think!!

(p.s. your hyrule warriors art is so banger i would give you the BIGGEST hug if i could)

AWW MAN !!! THAANK YOU SO MUCH for giving me a reason to talk about this because i have actually answered this question before . but now that i’ve actually come to learn how the game works i hold a lot more respect for it overall LOL

i put forward Link’s arc with the master sword/temple of souls in the first post but i would rlly like to revisit that and get a bit more specific abt WHY i love it. under the cut bc it’s screenshot heavy LOL

to start out stage 12, they explain that link is Really jamming on the master sword

you start at the Front of the hyrulean forces and are immediately thrown into combat while Proxi cheers you on, and Impa seems apprehensive

Overall this stage is Overwhelming. you have lots of keeps to capture across the entire map, only one warrior to control, and they keep spawning Very annoying Very powerful enemies that immediately begin advancing towards Zelda. After you’ve neutralized that threat, Cia only makes things worse

this is awesome . this is actually so great . i LOVE dark link as a concept and i ADOOOOORE the way they really expand on the whole “manifestation of the darkness in your heart” thing by giving link Specific Flaws to be fighting against.

not to mention the fact that it’s a flaw that you could argue was present Before the master sword ie. ignoring his comrades and running into battle despite still being a trainee in the Opening cutscenes.

couldnt find a natural way to weave this in but i also find it so interesting that these things are Both true.

when impa told link that hes the chosen hero he “did not believe himself worthy of the honor” despite knowing he’s an excellent swordsman . really shows that when he embraces his role later on a little Too enthusiastically there is Growth .

i think i would kill for this game to have the capability of providing a more intricate and moment-to-moment narrative just to see how this arc would play out on an intimate level, AND what it actually means when link considers himself not worthy yet. but this game canonically spans a matter of Months adding up the several “weeks passed” timeskips so that would be crazy. i will have to do it myself >.o

this rlly is just about one thing . MY BAD!!!

a couple Quick honorable mentions:

i think it’s cool we get to play with characters who would never reappear in the franchise otherwise. its one hell of an excuse but i am still delighted by it

this seems like a Good strategy game as far as gameplay goes . it has been fun and challenging cutting my teeth on this new format

i reaaaally like the adventure mode . it’s whacky and Really Hard at times but bringing in the old maps ? deeelish.

LINKLEEEEEEE

SHEEIIIIIIIIIIIK . if anybody deserves to be the most op most broken breakdancing Freak it’s that blue guy . can you tell i’m a sonic fan

my fairy is comical in ways that delight me . TO THE SALON!!

i’m trying not to just name all the women on the roster . i LOVE WOMEN. impa just one chance babe

oookay that’s all i can think of off the top of my head . THABK YOU AGAIN FOR THE ASK !! and thank youuuu teehee i Love drawing . here’s a sneak peek of smth i will hopefully finish soon

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

EVERY WEEK I WILL POST VARIOUS REVIEWS I’VE WRITTEN SO FAR IN 2024. YOU CAN CHECK OUT MY GOODREADS FOR MORE UP-TO-DATE REVIEWS HERE.

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24. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-read January 2024

I've been wanting to re-read this series for a while because I never finished it. I remember really enjoying this first book in the series because of the competition aspect of it and I'd say I still enjoyed that!

I also see the foreshadowing for the MC's ability to attract all of the men in her life LOL. While I might not have enjoyed it as much as the first time, I still enjoyed it for the most part. There were a lot of things I forgot about and was delighted to be reminded of. The MC is a badass, but her constant "I could kill him with two moves" comments at the beginning had me rolling my eyes a few times.

Even though I know book two will break my heart again, I can't wait to pick it up. Also, SO MANY clues in this one about her identity that I missed the first time around. Definitely one of those books that is worth reading more than once just to catch all of the little pieces of the overall puzzle.

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25. Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison--⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have a bit of a gripe with this author. While I like a good chunk of the books she writes, the third act breakups are so infuriating. They take away all of those happy feelings that were building up throughout the book because the drama and miscommunication for the third acts are freaking ridiculous.

I was listening to this book last night when it happened--the inevitable "I'm afraid and a coward and let me let you stew in this miscommunication so that it somehow makes sense for me to break up with you because I'm so scared." Listen, as someone who has anxiety and has relegated herself to singledom because I don't want to deal with the messy emotions, I UNDERSTAND. It's freaking scary. BUT. But for the love of god, there are better ways around this. This manufactured and forced drama is so frustrating. I literally wanted to throw the book out the window.

These characters deserve better.

Three stars because I loved them when they were actually functioning like human beings and not drama puppets. Three stars for the small town side characters, who I have loved the whole way through this series (I'd give THEM a higher rating). And three stars for the diversity of a Latine character (even if the Spanish was sometimes questionable.)

Will I read the last book? Of course. I want to read about the other couple, but I KNOW that I'm going to be frustrated as well. Listen, I didn't think I was going to get as annoyed as with the climax of book one (because book two was actually kind of okay with the climax), but oh man. The FRUSTRATION.

Sigh. Moving on. Read this series if you want cute moments and sexy characters, but be prepared for the moments of frustration. This FMC has a lot of things to work through and I think one of the things that frustrates me the most about these third act breakups is that they feel like they come out of nowhere. They're fine in the moment and then boom, "I'm a coward."

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26. Breathless by Amy McCulloch--⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of the issues I have with adult thrillers is that I sometimes build them up a lot more in my head than the story itself. While BREATHLESS kind of suffers from this, it had its interesting and captivating moments.

I thought the mountain climbing aspect of the book was really cool and I wanted the MC to prove everyone wrong, including her awful ex-boyfriend. Granted I know nothing about mountain climbing, but that aspect of the book is probably one of the main reasons why I kept listening to this audiobook.

The mystery was not predictable but also it kind of was? LOL. It's hard to explain--I didn't actively think it was one person, but when it was all revealed, I thought it made a lot of sense. Like I said, I thought the mountain climbing was the true thrilling aspect of this book.

Overall, this was fun and I loved that ending, but it wasn't something I think I'll be thinking about a month from now. It was good, but *shrug*.

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27. Slewfoot by Brom--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I didn't know what to expect from this beautiful book. I purchased it a couple of years ago because all of my friends were talking about it, so of course I fell to the peer pressure. Just like the beautiful and eerie artwork, the story itself is unsettling and straddles that morally grey line of justified vengeance and anger versus a society's portrayal of evil (ie. a woman refusing to be cowed by a male's authority.)

Reading this gave me this odd sense of satisfaction when everything came to a head--especially thinking about all of the women who were accused of witchcraft and murdered. I especially felt this anger when I think about how many people the MC helped and how those people let their fear and hatred guide their actions against her. I think, beyond the cowardice of a man not accepting defeat, that angered me the most--women turning on each other because of a male dominated society's idealism and "godliness".

Needless to say, I loved this and couldn't put it down. I wanted to know what came next, even though I KNEW it wouldn't be something good. I'm just grateful that Brom knew that I would be looking for those satisfying moments of vengeance.

Also, I'd call this terror in the sense of that overhanging fear of what comes next. But even with the gory bits and the blood lust, I'd say the real terror in this book is humanity and how easily they are swayed. It all leads to me wanting to ask: who is the true devil here?

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28. From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I can't believe I've made it this far! Although, I have this feeling I have because the deja vu is hitting me HARD.

FROM DEAD TO WORSE had so much going on, but unlike some of the other books before this one, this one actually took place closer to home. I kind of missed reading about Sookie's misadventures near her home. We got to revisit a lot of her relationships with the men in her life in this one--like the cleanser book for any ends that weren't fully cut clean.

I may have been spoiled for who's endgame, so I am totally seeing how Harris starting laying down the little hints here and there. But even so, knowing this doesn't stop certain moments from feeling bittersweet for me.

More things were revealed and Sookie grew even more as a character. I understood why she made the choices she made because she's finally putting her self-worth above those of the men in her life, but I still DID feel a little bad for her beau in this one. But again, I am on her side because she's been dealt some shitty men cards in the last eight books.

Onto the next one!

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29. The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After trying and failing to read Ferguson's THE NANNY, I really wasn't sure what to expect with this vastly different genre of a book. I'm honestly so glad I decided to give this a shot anyway because THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN.

I was hooked onto the story and I loved the different tropes that were used. The whole grumpy/sunshine thing will always be a winner with me, and I am a puddle for this kind of tension. And don't even get me started on the smut. Omg, this man. The dirty talk in this was *chef's kiss*. This man is hot HOT.

I also really liked how the climax of the story was handled, even if one of my least favourite tropes was temporarily employed. I admire a self-sufficient FMC who can slap some sense into the MMC.

I do recommend this book to romance lovers, but I know that the topics explored in this book may be new to some. Research beforehand might be an awkward time LOL.

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30. Just Happy to Be Here by Naomi Kanakia--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I want to preface my review by stating that I am not a member of the Trans community, so my opinions on this book are from an outsider's perspective.

JUST HAPPY TO BE HERE was an intense read, both because of the clear transphobia and because of the MC's youth/naive nature about the people around her. The number of times she was cut off by those around her, or had such clear transphobic comments and actions done against her and she brushed them off was rage-inducing. I think I know why she does this--especially at the end, when it all ties up really nicely together, but in the moment, I felt immense rage towards the people around her.

Kanakia's novel touches on so much happening right now in society and how people twist narratives to fit their agendas and their means. How some people can see one person as an "object" to further their ideologies.

This book just made me feel a lot and made me so angry, but I know I am privileged in my cis-life. My heart broke for the kids who are in these situations and/or are surrounded by people who just refuse to see beyond their own biases and hatred.

I also appreciate the representation of the complex familial relationship between the MC and her parents--it may have been imperfect, but as an adult, I can see the love there for their daughter.

Between the beautiful cover, the emotionally stimulating and thought-provoking story, and the raw reality of a young character trying to figure herself out, I do recommend JUST HAPPY TO BE HERE. I do also recommend that the TWs be heeded: transphobic language, transphobia, internalized racism, transmisogyny. Read with care--but know that this is a pretty important story. Also, Kanakia has a pretty great author's note at the end!

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31. The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE PROBABILITY OF EVERYTHING was so much more than what I was expecting and although my heart feels wounded and my eyes are still feeling that aching pressure after a good cry, I'm so grateful I was able to experience it.

Twelve year old me wishes she had this book to read when my world changed so irrevocably, much like the MC of this book.

This heartbreaking novel follows a young scientist-to-be who likes to deal with probabilities in exchange for the anxiety surrounding her world ending. We are faced with a family grieving the end and how everyone handles it differently.

I don't even know what else to say about this book for fear of spoiling it--but know that it is powerful, important, and heart-rending.

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32. Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-read: January 2024

I've been wanting to re-read LONG SHOT for a while, even though it is a very heavy and dark book. I had forgotten just how dark this book gets and while I highly recommend it, I do still super recommend you check out the trigger warnings.

Despite the dark and the abuse, the shining light was the blossoming romance between the two MCs and how, if something is truly destined for you, it'll happen.

LONG SHOT is a book full of emotion, heart, heartbreak, and a bit of magic in the sense that Karma is a bitch and it comes for all. Also, the FMC is one strong woman who did everything she could to protect those she loves. Kennedy touches on the misconceptions that haunt survivors of DA, which I thought was a very important aspect of the book.

Now I want to read the rest of the trilogy, which I never read after the first time I read this one.

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33. Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am always wary of sequels--especially when it's for fantasy books I initially really enjoyed. Somehow, Rachel Gillig delivers a sequel that was even better than the first book. TWO TWISTED CROWNS was a delight of a read full of dark moments, high intensity, anger, and a love story I felt more deeply than in book one.

The angst alone between two of the characters I wasn't expecting to see together was better than I could have ever hoped for. This was what made this book even more fun--just me casually waiting for these characters to just cross that line with each other.

Also, I found that TWO TWISTED CROWNS had me reacting more viscerally towards the hateful villains. The way I wanted to smack a bitch in this book because how dare they hurt these precious beings?

And, hi, I wasn't expecting to cry? Imagine that I'm enjoying this darker fantasy novel when all of a sudden, my eyes start to water during an emotional scene.

Let's applaud Gillig for making this a duology (hopefully) and not dragging this in a ten series saga. This whole series was such an incredible piece of fiction. I'm glad I fell into the hype and read these two books.

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34. Holes by Louis Sachar--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-read January 2024

I don't even know how many times I read this when I was a kid. Reading it as an adult now was such an interesting experience. For one, the story felt a lot shorter and quicker than I remember it being. I also remembered everything because I'm not kidding when I say that I read this A LOT as a kid.

Being an adult, I can also see how truly sad this story could get--especially one of the historical stories told throughout the book.

Such an amazing classic and truly a gem.

___

Have you read any of these books? Would you recommend them?

___

Happy reading!

[persimmonsimmer]

Too much real life

*waves*

It’s time for yet another of my patented where-I’ve-been-for-the-past-several-months posts. *throws confetti*

As the title says, real life has been happening. Basically, for the past several months I’ve been job hunting and house hunting* while also working my full-time job.

* Do I recommend this particular combo in any way, shape, or form? NO. No no no absolutely not, no. Don’t be like me; save yourself the stress and anxiety and just DON’T.

Enough said, right?!!

Yeah, probably, but I do love to ramble on, so . . .

The stress from that project I mentioned finally died down a few weeks ago when the project was wrapping up, but it was kind of a nightmare all the way to the finish line, lol. But that’s not why I left my old job; in spite of the not-infrequent nightmare projects, I liked the people I worked with and was very comfortable there. Without getting too specific, I felt I needed other kinds of experience in order to keep moving forward in my career. I did eventually find a new job that seems like it’s just what I was looking for, but while my job search is now over, I still don’t find myself with much time (or mental energy) for simming. I’ve jumped from the frying pan into . . . well, if not quite the fire, then another frying pan. I’m hoping that’ll change once I’m more settled into the new job, but I’m not at that point yet and I’m not sure when I will be. It sucks ‘cause I’m really, really starting to crave the comfort of a good sim session!

And then there’s the house. Yep, my partner and I somehow managed to buy a little house that should be perfect for our needs. But while it’s totally livable, it’s also horribly ugly. So on top of everything, I’m going to be moving and starting the long and slow process of DIYing some basic remodeling.** I’d be more excited about it (buying a house and turning it into my own space has been the #1 goal of my adulthood) if only I wasn’t scared out of my wits. :’)

** Oh to be a sim: To buy a starter home for $20,000, move in the same day, remodel and furnish it to your heart’s desire in the blink of an eye, and then carpool to your first day at a job in your dream career that you picked out of the newspaper that very same morning! T_T T_T T_T

Anyway, that’s the update. And I know it’s good news, really, so the last thing I want is to sound like I’m seriously complaining. I’m very lucky; I’m also very overwhelmed. That said, I think the worst is behind me, and I’m hoping to regain some semblance of normality soon. And when I do, even if it’s not quite as soon as I’d like, I’ll be back!

PS: I apologize if my silly little April Fools’ post made anyone think my return was imminent. I forgot I had that scheduled. xD One thing from that post stands, though: I’m very much looking forward to returning to Panorama for round 6--when I can.

:)

[luniviravosshipper]

So, I’ve been sick lately. And there’s been some serious tornados around where I live for the past few nights. And tomorrow I’m going on a roadtrip to help a family relative while they’re getting radiation for the next week. Things have been rough.

I’m worried I won’t be able to get my fanfic done in time before the next season comes out. I can’t even seem to finish the few, short meta posts I wanted to make. Which sucks, because it’s very lore heavy and I’m scared that the new season will reveal things that will make my ideas look stupid lol. I mean, I’ve made up whole backstories and personalities for characters we’ve been only briefly introduced to (Lisa, Kpp’ar, the Orphan Queen, etc.) and I’ve come up with my own ideas for Xadia’s history and world building that hasn’t been revealed yet in the show, and it’ll feel weird publishing it after we’ve already learned a lot of that stuff in the new season.

And I just feel stupid putting so much effort into a fanfic that might not turn out as good as the original, you know? Like, it’s going to take place after season 5 and it’s supposed to be between 18 and 27 chapters long. If I have to release it later then I wanted to initially, I don’t want it to seem like I was trying to rewrite season 6. I already have it all planned and plotted out. I just need to finish it.

Also, the entire reason why I got a tumblr account in the first place was literally so I could get inspiration for my fanfic.

I think I’m just mainly anxious because this is the first ever fanfic I’ve written and I want to write it well. And I can’t not write it because I know I’m going to regret it later on. I’ve been wanting to write this since season 5 got released which I know has nearly been a year ago now but life happened. I’d rather do it now than later but I’m not sure I’m actually able to do it now.

Obviously, the world will still keep spinning if I have to wait till after season 6 comes out to finish it. And I know this isn’t something anyone else is wanting but me. It’s just annoying that I’m struggling so much with simply getting it done.

[themanofax]

What Makes Someone a Joestar?

So I’ve been diving headfirst into Stone Ocean recently; I finished the second batch a while ago, and just finished re-reading the manga.  I’m feeling Very Normal about the whole thing, and so I wanted to take some time to write about what I think is the most heartbreakingly beautiful part of the story, as well as how it embodies what makes JoJo different from so many other series out there.

It should go without saying that Stone Ocean is meant to be a culmination of all the previous parts.  The “main story” of JoJo can be traced from Part 1 through Part 3, before concluding with Part 6.  Strictly speaking, the main universe is “about” the Joestars and their conflicts with the Brandos; Parts 2, 4 and 5, while amazing, are more meant to flesh out the universe and characters in preparation for the conclusion of this overarching storyline.  (I should mention that Part 4 is by far my favorite and this isn’t meant to be criticizing these parts, lol)

So, obviously, with Part 6 being the last Part in the main universe, Araki had a tall task ahead of him.  How would he decide to end this story - this war that started 131 years ago, when an unfortunate carriage driver careened off a cliff and set Fate into motion?  Who would be the one to deal the final blow, to be the instrument of justice that set right all the wrongs that DIO had wrought?

Most mangaka would’ve said “the main character”.  Others, slightly less conventional ones, would’ve said “all the characters together - or maybe, Jotaro, since he was the one who killed DIO in Part 3.  Or maybe, Pucci wins, and the storyline ends with tragedy.”

All valid answers.  But Araki chose differently.

Araki decided that the hero of Part 6 would be a scared little boy.  A boy who was emboldened by the main character’s sacrifice.  A boy who became so much braver, so much cleverer, so much more determined than he ever could’ve dreamed he could be.  

Emporio Alniño is the last character anyone could’ve expected to be the sole survivor of Part 6.  I can only imagine how confused, scared and hopeless weekly readers must’ve felt - “Jolyne and Jotaro are dead!  Emporio is the only one left?  And now we need to wait a week for next chapter?  How are we gonna get out of this?”

But Emporio rose to the occasion.  Screaming, crying as he watched his friend, the older sister he never had, torn apart by an unstoppable god, he found the courage to win.  And, in one of the saddest, most heartrending moments in JoJo, the Part ends as he watches look-alikes of his friends meeting for the first time, knowing that they don’t recognize him and that he is the only being in the entire universe that knows this pain.  A truly amazing ending, which ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT DESERVE THE BAD REPUTATION IT HAS IN THE FANDOM-

Anyway.  What does this have to do with the title of the post?  

Well.  It all ties back to that insanely daring, one-of-a-kind decision that Araki made.  

What does that decision say about JoJo as a whole?  (Or at least, about the main universe.)  It’s a decision that centers around the climax of six parts, of 16 real-world years of storytelling - surely it has some bearing on what the story up to this point has meant.

Well, let’s look at Jolyne.  The protagonist of Part 6, the daughter of invincible shonen badass Jotaro Kujo.  Throughout the part, she displays the ferocity, tenacity, and cleverness that we’ve come to expect from the Joestar bloodline; skinning guards alive to escape their grasps, lighting herself on fire to best one of the sons of DIO, printing out an image in binary to overcome a Stand that messes with one’s memory.  All incredibly impressive... but those traits are not what end up saving the day.

Instead, the trait that Jolyne possesses - that all the Joestars possess - that ends up saving the entire universe... is kindness.  

Jolyne’s selfless, senseless kindness - which inspired her to risk her life to save a little boy she had just met, to defend him as they escaped from prison and fought to revive her father, that inspired her to stand up to a time-bending demon just to buy a few seconds for him to escape.  It is that kindness that allows Emporio to live, that drives him to avenge the main cast and free humanity from an eternity of sleeping slave-dom.  

And that, right there, is what I think makes JoJo so different from so many other shonen.  In any other shonen, Jolyne would’ve overcome Pucci by being the strongest, or the fastest, or the smartest.  And to be sure, those qualities are great!  Every Joestar has those qualities to some degree, and they certainly couldn’t have overcome the obstacles they do in their Parts without them.  But when the cards are down and it’s the main JoJo vs the main villain, what ends up saving the day every time?  

The allies that the JoJos have made.  The no-lifes, the thugs, the villains and nobodies, that the JoJos, through their impossible kindness, were able to redeem.  

And that’s what I think makes a Joestar.  Their ability to bring out the best in others.  Okuyasu was just a street punk mindlessly following his brother’s orders; but when faced with Josuke’s mercy and casual compassion, he was able to become one of Morioh’s staunchest defenders.  Bucciarati was a mafioso who had completely given up hope of bringing about change, who wasn’t above torturing and psychologically manipulating a teenage boy who he didn’t even know for sure was a murderer.  But when faced with Giorno’s golden dream, he woke up from his fate as a sleeping slave, and was able to bring about a better tomorrow for all of Italy.

I could go on.  But hopefully you get the point by now - and maybe you can apply this to your own favorite characters in the series.  In the main universe, the Joestar legacy is one of compassion.  Being the strongest or the smartest means nothing if you don’t have allies on your side; and JoJo as a whole goes to great, pain-staking lengths to show that we, as a species, excel when we are together.  That it is the human connection between us that allows us to overcome gods of time, or immortal vampires, or any other manner of boogeymen and monsters that constantly threaten our future.  And I just think... that’s so refreshing.  

So many shonen make a big deal of their MCs being “special”.  Because they were born with a special power, or because they can beat up the opponent enough that it brings about change.  And, to be clear, the “power of friendship” is a shonen trope for a reason; JoJo isn’t the first series to have this kind of message in a long shot.  But I just... feel like JoJo does it so well.  It never feels cheap, or contrived; and I think that’s because, rather than just being used as a plot device to allow our heroes to beat villains that they logically shouldn’t be able to, JoJo threads that message into its very core.  Not a single moment goes by without the series reminding you of this fundamental truth; and as I described above, it all culminates in the ultimate act of kindness resulting in the ultimate victory.

JoJo is a weird series.  It’s about overly masculine men making strange, sexual poses at each other.  It’s about ghosts punching each other until they explode.  It’s dumb, it’s cheesy, and sometimes it straight up doesn’t make sense.

But at the end of the day, it is a story that posits that humanity can overcome the impossible.  And the vehicle through which they deliver that message - the JoJos, a name synonymous with shonen manga, with badassery and masculinity - are special... because they help others be who they were meant to be.

I think there’s something unspeakably beautiful about that.

[typewriter83]

I got this as an anon ask, I decided to just copy and paste it so it could go under a cut - so here you go, Nonnie cub, 20 questions:

1. how many works do you have on AO3?

18

2. what's your total AO3 word count?

255,708

3. what fandoms do you write for?

TLOU (TV and Game)

4. top five fics by kudos

Why Can’t I Just Tell You (That I Care)

Learning to Walk

We Go Together Like Donuts and Coffee

Broken Lights on the Freeway

Hook, Line, and Sinker

5. do you respond to comments?

Every single one. And if I don’t, it’s literally because I missed it, not because I didn’t want to answer.

6. what is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Probably Donuts & Coffee 9: Tell Me It’s the Real Thing; it ends on a cliffhanger, Ellie is heartbroken, scared, and leaving Joel, while Joel is also heartbroken that Ellie is leaving and unsure of what’s going to happen between them. I left my poor cubs hanging with that one.

7. what's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Although it is my most angsty fic, I think Every Night Has Its Dawn has the happiest, most satisfying ending. Everyone is “living at the end of the world” - hence the series title, lol - and Joel & Ellie get their happy ending (as it always should be)

8. do you get hate on fics?

Surprisingly, no. I’ve had a couple “if you wrote for another ship, more people would like you” comments, and also one “I really want to hate you, but you’re so nice” which still makes me laugh. Antis hate to admit that even those of us who write taboo fiction are still people, god forbid. We just have wild, deviant imaginations

9. do you write smut?

🌶️.5 for life

10. craziest crossover:

I’ve never done one! Even when I was younger, I never attempted it.

11. have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I’m aware of, though I’m pretty sure no one wants it! However, because the ship is small, I do keep my fic ideas close to my chest

12. have you ever had a fic translated?

It hasn’t popped up on ao3, so I don’t think so.

13. have you ever co-written a fic before?

No, I don’t think I would play nice in the sandbox. Plus, I have so many ideas, I’m not sure they would mesh with other writers’ ideas.

14. all time favorite ship?

😗<this is me doing a low whistle. That’s tough. My first ship was Mulder/Scully so they have a special place in my heart. I spent a lot of time doing text-based RPG, so I jumped around with ships. Joel/Ellie is my first ship in such a long time, I think they’re gonna be with me for a long time.

15. what's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

The original Learning to Walk; it featured Joel and an OFC, so that’s never gonna happen. I took various pieces from the draft I had and worked it into other stories, so it’s been picked apart. I also started an AU that starts pre-outbreak with Ellie as a friend of Sarah’s then progresses through the 20 years following with Joel and Ellie being brought together and torn apart over time; I’ve taken a lot of elements from it and worked it into my Boston AU so the original won’t be finished.

16. what are your writing strengths?

I love writing dialogue - so much so that sometimes Joel just needs to shut up.

17. what are your writing weaknesses?

Action, having characters involved in fights or physical action. I also struggle with writing scenes for side-characters; l these days if it doesn’t involve Joel and Ellie I’m like, “omg is this over yet?”

18. thoughts on dialogue in another language?

I have not done it, props to writers who can read/write multiple languages. If I was going to do it, I would be afraid that Google translate would botch the infliction. I would probably italicize it and describe the character as speaking in another language.

19. first fandom you wrote in?

The X-Files; so long ago that there were independent sites for writers, you had to post all over the place and let people link you work to get it seen. Comments/kudos and feedback were hard to come by. I was there when ff.net came online and at the time it was revolutionary. When the purge(s) happened and ao3 came online, it was a leap forward for writers. My works are scattered across the universe of the web.

20. favorite fic you've written?

It’s like Sophie’s Choice omg. It’s probably Why Can’t I Just Tell You (That I Care) because it was supposed to be a fluffy one-shot set in Jackson - the scene where Joel comes to Ellie’s apartment in eighteen (part 1) - and it featured flashbacks of the times the two of them had been flirting with each other over the years - which became sixteen and seventeen and the series is now over 100k words. For me, it’s an incredible adventure for the two of them, fluff, angst, heartbreak, action, my first time writing spice - it was a labor of love.

🫶🏻

[pregnancykink]

Omg you’re so close to finishing. Last season! How are you feeling?

I’m so close!! I can’t believe it!! Lol icb it took me 10 months…

But omg, lots of things. If you’ve been reading my liveblogs you know I’ve been fairly critical of the later seasons. They go so up and down, right; for me there’s been some really good fillers but I’ve felt a little ehhhh about the overall plots. I’ve used this phrase a bunch but it really feels past its expiration date at this point, you know?

Not to say I haven’t enjoyed it! Or I wouldn’t have continued. There’s been some high highs to counteract the low lows, but I do feel like it’s at a good place to end so I’m not…sad? In fact I’m really looking forward to being able to read and write transformative work about post-canon. I’ve always felt stories should end when they’re over and those lost moments should be left to transformative work; it’s what keeps a fandoms thriving 😌

I’m so glad I watched it honestly. I didn’t while it was airing and in its heyday because I was so scared of everything back then so first all I’m proud of my personal growth in the types of horror I can handle haha.

But the reason I finally watched it was because of fandom anthropological reasons almost? As an incest shipper and omegaverse enjoyer — almost since its conception — I felt the need to understand where it all began. And man, do I. There’s a reason this show has so much staying power. There’s a reason that there’s spn cons in 2023, that there’s 100k+ fics on ao3, that there’s an active fandom on tumblr that’s more than a handful of people.

What an amazing world and characters that’s been created and what amazing stuff has come out of it, you know? And like god. WHAT A SHIP WINCEST IS, HUH?

So sorry for the long-winded answer, but yeah, it’s been special! Not to sound too corny but it really has been and I’m so glad I came back to tumblr for it because it’s been so great to meet y’all and thanks to everyone who has come along for the #23 spn liveblog ride ❤️🙏🏼

[aviangrian]

ahhh i just wanted to say i love starboy SOOO much!!!! i did not/still dont know anything about f1 but the way you write it is so easy to follow along with and read!!! i love how you write the characters, especially scar/grian/joel/lizzie, you write them so so sooo flawlessly... i love how it seems like were there with scar in the moment of everything going on and how you describe everything from his perspective. i also LOVE how you write scar and grian especially because they both seem just so *real* and *raw* and i usually never see that from fics. the way you write is just so in detail that it really allows the reader to imagine everything thats happening and i LOVEEE that!!! i also love how you write grian and mumbos friendship, like they obviously care about each other so muchhh and i love how the readers able to see that even through scars perspective!!!!! esp the scene after grian fell asleep watching topgun and mumbo helping him lay down into a more comfortable position,,, and how they hugged when grian finally got p1 😭😭❤️ NOT TO MENTION THE LATEST CHAPTERRRR AND SCAR AND GRIANS FIRST KISS????? THAT WHOLE CHAPTER WAS GOLDDDD i loved that chapter so much,,, so much happened between grian and scar???? that scene of them in the club??? scar (and us) finally getting some insight to what happened in grians past from grian himself??? grian being comfortable enough with scar to actually open up to him??? AND THEM CONFESSINGGG??? ☹️☹️☹️❤️❤️❤️ might be my fav chapter if im being honest

i also just wanted to ask a few questions while i was here though;

first, do you have a set upload schedule? or is it like a whenever you have time to work on it thing?

second, do you think youll be posting more content abt this au after starboy is finished? like a grians pov or something? ive become so interested in this au because i can tell so much work has been put into it and id love to see more it!!

lastly, is this going to be an eventual mumscarian fic??? i think its obvious Somethings going on/has happened between grian and mumbo but i just dont know What... like that one scene with them all at the dinner??? or the car scene with grian standing up through the sunroof???

i cant wait to read more chapters!!! but im also scared As Hell because SO much has happened already and its only been 6 chapters. we still have 5 more longgg chapters left and im so scared but also excited for how things are going to go... i hope youre having a good day, i cant wait to see what you have in store for this story!!! 🫶🫶 sawrry that this was a lot of rambling though,,, 😭😭❤️

anon i’m crying?? 😭 thank you so much.

the goal of the fic is real and raw! it’s an unusual setting (maybe not for me considering this is my second racing centric fic) but everything that happens is a product of the environment! the wins from his own team left scar feeling bitter at times, but watching grian win had him so proud he knew he’d get in trouble w his own team if he showed it lol. it’s all about where they are and it makes me sooo happy (like you would not believe) when people who aren’t f1/sports fan still enjoy the fic!

last ch was a lot and contained a lot of really vital stuff that i couldn’t wait to see the reactions of. grian finally opening up is so important to me and scar letting it happen in its own time is a huge part of why grian begins letting him in, which is evidently not something he’s used to at all. mans has been through it in this universe

as for the questions: i don’t have an upload schedule but i try to churn out the chs when i have time. it fits that valentine’s was right before midterms season for me so i got to get something out before i get swamped by all that �� i don’t like to let a full month go by without posting but we’ll see how my semester keeps going lol

and i’ve been thinking of content once i’ve finished starboy. i’ve had ideas of grian’s pov hitting all the major plot points or even a jimmy spin-off one shot but nothing is planned for now. definitely floating around in my mind

mumscarian is not the endgame but the mystery behind grian and mumbo will be revealed! grian is mysterious and mumbo being mumbo goes along w it, but it does come full circle eventually!

i didn’t even realize there’s already only 5 chs left! that’s crazy, considering how much of the story i have left!

thank you again anon, this is all very much appreciated. i love your rambling because it allowed me to ramble too haha

[megan0013]

From Variables, for the writing meme:

“He did.” He lets out a mirthless chuckle, wishing with all his heart that he didn’t have to be the one to tell her about her child’s newfound ability to finish a fight. “Your son has become quite the warrior, Barbara. He had a sword to my back and would not have hesitated to run me through, if not for the bond. Does that justify bringing you into this mess? Absolutely not. And if I had known the true intention of the enchantment…” He shakes his head. “Well, I never would have used it.”

Barbara’s fists unclench, and her shoulders sag as she pinches the bridge of her nose. “Okay, fine. But none of that changes the fact that you wanted my son dead.”

“Darling…” Walter takes a deep breath. “If I truly wanted Jim dead, he would be.”

She believes him – she really does. And it scares her how easily she can accept that this man, this dangerous creature she’s somehow managed to fall in love with, is not a physical threat to her family. “So what do we do now?”

“Now?” He frowns, unfamiliar with this new level of uncertainty.”I guess that all depends on you.”

“Me?”

“I know I don’t deserve another chance, but I’m stupid enough to hope for one because…” The changeling’s toe taps anxiously and his gaze veers off to the left, too nervous to look at her. “I love you, Barbara.”

There may be an underlying tremor in her voice, but Barbara’s response is still hard as flint when she responds, “No. No, you don’t. Not really. The things you did… You don’t do that to the people you love. And I get that I can’t really hold you to normal human standards, but we both know you’re intelligent enough to understand how your actions were solely self-serving. When you love someone, Walt, you do everything in your power to put their needs above yours. You… You did the exact opposite.”

ah, yes. variables. my love, my heart, my favorite way to torture strickler… honestly, i wish i could find the inspiration to add more to this fic because it’s an absolute delight to write. like, seriously. so much fun. and when the words start to flow for this one, they don’t stop. which is always such an AMAZING feeling

and the chapter that this excerpt is taken from? one i’m particularly proud of, so i’m insanely happy that it stuck out to you. very validating, lol

anyway, onto the “dvd commentary”:

i’ve always subscribed to the headcanon (as i think most people in the trollhunters fandom have) that if strickler had ever really wanted jim dead, he would be. there’s probably some crazy awesome meta post out there about it, too - but this was my way of getting that point across. and i really do think barbara would take strickler’s words at face value when it comes to this. at least, in this fic. he’s got nothing left to lose, right? so there’s really no sense in lying. and as much as she says she doesn’t believe she knows him, she knows deep down she knows his heart. he could have skipped town, right? could have turned his back on them all the second his schemes came to light? or when he realizes exactly how much he screwed up with the whole soul bond? but he doesn’t. instead, he goes to the obgyn with her (which is more than jls ever did) and cleans up the kitchen for her. it’s not that difficult for her to believe he never meant to truly hurt her son, not when she now knows who he is and what he’s capable of. dude does not live for hundreds of years under the thumb of an evil troll hellbent on the destruction of humankind by resting on his laurels 

(there’s also a little unwritten scene between the first and second chapters wherein strickler gives a very brief, abridged version of the history of changelings and their general role while the two of them are sitting in the car outside of the hospital)

but that does not mean she trusts him

because she knows that he knows what he did is wrong. it doesn’t matter that he’s not human. he’s been in the human world long enough to know. he’s been in the human world long enough to understand. he’s around people every day. good people. people she - he - cares about. what he’s been through matters (and would most definitely be analyzed in future chapters if they’re ever to be written) but at this point, she can’t really care. he lied to her. he used her. he attacked her son

he didn’t trust her

she’s in shock

and despite it all, she’s still in love with him

dvd commentary meme