#totally going to finish up Birds of a Feather

[quinloki]

I am officially unwell about Marco and it's about to be all y'all's problem.

[kedreeva]

Okay so, I don't think I've spoken of the saga here yet but! Gather round. I shall tell you a long story about the bird I just acquired and why she is VERY IMPORTANT.

At the beginning of last fall, I started looking into quail genetics a little more, because I got tired of not being able to sex my Celadon quail by their feathers. Originally I thought I could kill 2 birds (ok maybe more) with 1 stone and order nice jumbo wild type (which MANY places advertised as wild type jumbo) hatching eggs, and this would help me put some size on the Celadons (jumbo) while also making them feather sexable (wild type). Perfect!

But then I come to find out that pretty much all jumbo lines are jumbo BROWNS, as in they all have the sex linked brown (SLB) gene. So, I was a little confused and a LOT annoyed because I wanted to work specifically with the wild type color/pattern. No mutations just straight, plain wild type.

And EVERYWHERE I looked - major production hatcheries, private breeders through websites, Facebook groups, local swaps, craigslist, e v e r y w h e r e -

People ONLY had SLB.

This spring I came across a video showing about the differences between SLB and wild type and I figured if the person who made it can tell, maybe she will have some. So I looked her up (not in a stalker way, her farm name was stamped on the video and took me to the website), and what luck! She was in Michigan! Upper Michigan, so still a hike, but not California, y'know?

So I shot her an email and explained that I was looking for WT and that her site said she bred them and that people could do local pickup. She responded yeah she's totally got a bunch! And I said great, I'm also in Michigan, albeit far away, but I don't mind driving 7+ hours each way, because I really need actual, trusted WT for sure birds for my celadon project, can I come pick them up?

Cue the most frankly bizarre email chain in my short life. As soon as I mentioned that I was going to drive, or perhaps that I had a genetics plan in place, she got super sketchy and started saying how she hadn't really paid as close attention to SLB vs. WT, that it mattered less than she thought it would when she started, that I shouldn't focus on that either, and also that "fawn celadon is practically unheard of" in the hobby and "you should focus on a clean Tibetan because it's hard to find without roux in it) implying that I should concentrate on those things instead. And concluded by telling me if I really want WT, to contact this other person (why happens to be someone I can't stand). It all sounded VERY much like she didn't have wild type males, after all, and had thought I didn't know the difference so it wouldn't actually matter. But, it does. It actually matters a lot to me.

So I messaged back to say, well, I don't want to do any of those things, I specifically want to work with this set of genetics and you said you have them so I shouldn't have to go to anyone else??

And then she went radio silent for a week. I kind of figured I'd called a bluff, and that she was one of dozens of people I'd contacted who'd said they had WT only to find out they had SLB. I get that it's difficult to see the difference, but this particular person was the president of the American Coturnix Breeders Association or whatever (found out it's actually just a club formed by her and her friends a year ago, so not as impressive as it sounds, considering they don't actually DO anything- no putting on shows, no newsletters, no certifications, no public breeder directory, no finished SOP, nada), so I kind of expected she should know what she's talking about, if anyone does.

Eventually, after a week, she responded that she had been judging at a county fair, but she had a few heterozygous males (WT het roux, which is fine) and she could set a hatch for me for more if I wanted to come at the end of the month, but she's in WI now, not MI. I said sure, since where she was in WI was actually closer than where she'd been in the UP, and we arranged date/time.

The day of, my neighbor friend, Jude, comes with me for company/keeping me awake through the 15 hours driving round trip. It's a pleasant enough drive. We arrived at a cutesy little house on the edge of town that looks like anyone's house in a neighborhood, with a spacious lawn. The person meets us and takes me around the side of the house to a 6x6x1.5 or so chicken tractor, where she's got some male coturnix. She pulls the available males for me to look through and... fam, they ALL looked SLB, to me.

Now, she swore to me up and down that they couldn't be anything except WT het for roux, because of the way she is breeding them. But I've put these birds next to my SLB males and if I didn't have my males banded, I would not ever have told the difference between them. I still picked up 4 of them, because I will give it a go- worst case, I can produce plain Roux hens/plain Roux males for use in breeding later, best case they do actually produce WT hens and they just LOOK SLB and I have to figure out what the differences are. I don't want to leave without seeing her hens, which she has told me are all WT (which is why the males HAVE to be het for it), and she takes me back. Now the hens, the hens are easy to see the difference. White bellies first of all, but the chest feathers are also wildly different! The shafts are white, the dot around the shaft is dark, ringed in red, ringed in white. On an SLB, the shafts aren't white, it's just a black dot surrounded in a red feather, and the belly is all red/buff/cream, not white.

This is what an SLB hen looks like:

So I take a nice long look to memorize the color, and thank her for showing me and meeting, and we head back home.

I do fecals when I get home because all of the males are VERY thin, no meat on them at all, and since she said she'd been feeding Purina (garbage for fowl feeds), I figured that was why, but no- HUGE coccidia loads in all of them. So I treated them and got them on a better feed. They immediately began putting on meat, and they're find now.

The rest of this summer, I have spent going to local bird swaps and inspecting all of the quail I could find, hoping to find one (1) actual wild-type phenotype bird. Hundreds and hundreds of birds, I have pawed through them all, being super obnoxious to the owners I'm sure, holding and inspecting males. I found ONE suspected WT male (and this is a HUGE "suspected," he could very well be SLB with low red expression). I compared him when I got home and I'm doubting myself still, so I don't know if I will ever actually pair him with the SLB hens or if I'll just wait til I have a roux set.

Regardless, it's been a dry season for getting what I want. It's been a dry YEAR. Yesterday was another swap and more hundreds of quail and me pawing through all of them.

Until.

My eyes landed upon.... her.

If you've only lived in an area that has american crows and not ravens, you find yourself wondering if crows are ravens. You see a big crow and you think wow! maybe that is a raven! It could be a crow, but it's seems bigger so maybe it's a raven. But, if you take a trip to a place with ravens, and you see one for the first time, you realize that there is no question, when you see a raven. When you see a raven in person, there's no question and not only is there no question, you wonder how you could ever have thought a crow was a raven. It's laughable, while looking at the raven.

That's how finding this bird felt. I'd been picking up every SLB hen and going maybe this is actually WT? It could be SLB but maybe it's WT? But the second I laid eyes on her in the middle of a pack of SLB with some mixed colors, I knew I was looking at WT hen, and I can't imagine how I ever thought maybe an SLB hen was WT.

Here's a better photo of her chest and belly (she's beat UP from her previous home, the back of her head and most of her rump are plucked clean from males). You can see the white shafts and the white belly.

And some other pics of her, showing the grey-brown on her side and back- VERY different than the SLB hens

I can't express how stoked I am about this bird. This is the first time after a LOT of effort and time, that I have felt confident I am holding the bird I want.

She's also the indicator that I have a LOT of work ahead of me.

My end goal is to have birds that look like her, weigh 12-14oz, and lay large, blue eggs. I have birds that lay large, blue eggs, I have birds that weigh 12-14oz live weigh, and now I have at least 1 bird that looks like her, which means I can make more that look like her. The first step is cleaning the color mutations out of the celadon line without losing the celadon eggs. This is going to be a bit of a nightmare, BUT, I have a friend helping me out with getting a few celadons that are either WT or SLB (I'm guessing SLB all things considered) to start the work with. I will work over the winter to get a few more actual WT birds here, and to start crossing out the celadons with the SLB jumbos to clean out the other feather color mutations. Once I'm down to just SLB and celadon for mutations, I can clean the SLB out with the WT and roux lines.

This project will likely take me a good 2 years, maybe 3, to complete and then test breed to ensure I haven't lost the celadon gene and I don't have any hidden recessives lingering about. But just having the fucking materials to do it all on hand now is a huge step forward from where I was when I decided to start the project.

[minasw0rld]

Get your tongue out of my mind

summary: you thought you were over Billie until you see her shredding her guitar

warnings: smut!! teasing, eating out…

a/n: lowkey hate it lol

You’re in the crowd at one of Billie’s concerts. You didn’t want to be here. You two broke up a few months ago, and the last thing you wanted was to see her or even think about her.

But here you are, surrounded by people screaming every lyric. All because of your best friend Amy. Well, more because of her little sister. She’s been a fan for years, and Amy refused to go alone with her, especially since Amy had just gone through a breakup herself a few weeks ago.

You begged her to ask someone else, but you didn’t want to be a jerk.

The whole concert, you’ve tried not to look at Billie what’s obviously nearly impossible.

Still, it doesn’t feel as horrible as you thought. Maybe you’ll survive this. Just a few more songs, then you can finally go home.

At least, that’s what you thought…

The opening chords of Happier Than Ever start playing, and you can’t help but stare at Billie as she begins strumming the guitar.

That damn guitar.

It’s even on the big screen now—no escape.

She drops to her knees and arches her back while shredding, and that’s when you know: you’ve lost.

But then she turns her head.

Not to the crowd.

To you.

She looks straight into your eyes.

You stop breathing.

She smirks.

It feels like her gaze lingers for hours before she finally looks away.

“Hey, are you alright?”

Amy’s voice pulls you back to reality. You nod quickly.

“Yeah, totally! I just need to go to the bathroom real quick!”

You push your way through the crowd, heading to the bathroom.

You splash cold water on your face, trying to calm down.

How could you ever think you were over her?

But no—you won’t give in. Not just because she looked so sexy playing that guitar.

Not because her hair was falling into her face, her mouth slightly open, and her eyes burning into your soul.

Five minutes later, you find yourself in her dressing room.

You don’t even know why you’re here or what your plan is. Somehow, you got past security. Some of the guards still know you.

And now, you’re waiting for Billie to finish the show.

As Birds of a Feather begins to wind down, your heart beats faster.

You take a deep breath.

Then she walks off stage and heads toward the dressing room.

You're the first thing she sees.

She smirks—like she expected you.

You shift your weight awkwardly from one foot to the other, unsure what to say.

“What are you doing here?”

Her voice slices through the silence, and it sends shivers down your spine.

“I didn’t want to come… My friend forced me!”

“Oh sure, she forced you into my dressing room,” she says, grinning.

Your cheeks flush. She’s not wrong.

Before you can say anything else, her hands are on your waist.

She leans in and whispers in your ear:

“Did you like my show?”

“Oh, I loved it.”

“Yeah?”

You forget how to breathe. Her breath brushes your skin, and your hands automatically wrap around her neck.

“Show me how much you loved it.”

You can’t take it anymore. Your lips crash onto hers in a passionate kiss.

After all this time apart, it feels both so right and so wrong.

She sighs into your mouth and pulls you closer.

When you finally pull away to breathe, she pushes you gently toward the leather couch behind you.

Your knees hit the edge, and you fall onto it.

She’s on top of you in seconds, kissing your neck, sucking gently.

Your eyes shut, and your fingers fumble with the hem of her shirt.

She pulls away just long enough for you to lift it over her head and toss it across the room.

Your breath catches as her fingers move to your pants.

In moments, they’re lying on the floor next to her shirt.

“Damn, baby,” she gasps, her eyes on your soaked panties.

“You really did like the show.”

You groan softly, unashamed. You need her.

Her lips return to your neck, and her fingers trail softly along your thigh and stomach.

Your breathing is heavy—she's teasing you so sweetly.

“Billie… please…”

Your voice is barely a whisper, and she shivers.

“Please what, baby?”

“Stop teasing… I really need you—”

Your words dissolve into a moan as her fingers finally slip beneath the fabric.

“Oh, already this wet for me?”

Her voice is somehow both wicked and tender—it makes you moan again.

She kisses her way down your body, over your chest and stomach, until her lips hover just above your heat.

You feel like you’re losing your mind.

Finally, her tongue meets your pussy.

She devours you like she’s been starving for months, her eyes locked on yours the entire time.

Her tongue begins writing her name across your clit, and your back arches at the sensation.

The knot in your stomach tightens.

“Billie… I think I’m gonna—”

She cuts you off with a soft moan against you.

“Cum on my tongue, sweet girl.”

You don’t need to be told twice.

Your moans fill the small room.

She lets you ride it out, then kisses her way back up to your lips.

“This might be the best concert of my life,” you whisper.

You both giggle softly.

No matter how hard you try…You’ll always come back to her.

[misspelledwordswizard]

Alright, I'm feeling some Sky fluff so how about The Chain ends up on Skyloft and Sky takes the reader for a ride on Crimson as a cute little date?

Oh, that was so sweet to write! I hope you like it <3

A date in the skies

The blond man’s blue eyes shone as he recognized the place they had arrived at after passing through that portal. The blue sky surrounded the surroundings, the wind howled along with the sound of several birds flying nearby, all of this mixing with the natural cacophony of the people who lived there, on that large island in the sky.

The others, however, seemed a little more than confused about their current location. Of course, most quickly associated it with the heroes of the skies, but it was still shocking and intriguing, it was all very new to the others, including me, who had been following them for several months now.

Sky promptly informed and explained to everyone that they were in Skyloft, his home, and made sure to give them a quick tour of it, mainly to prevent them from ending up lost. The sun was shining high in the sky indicating the beginning of the afternoon when he finally finished explaining everything about the island to his brothers, releasing them to explore it at will as long as they returned to the designated meeting point, the knight academy, at the end of the afternoon.

I considered the idea of going exploring as well, I’m naturally quite curious about the place where my beloved was born and raised, but I want much more to spend this time alone with him and enjoy this beautiful day. Knowing Link, he must have planned the whole day for the two of us, maybe he’ll show me the places of his childhood, or we’ll just spend some quiet time together, either way it’ll be great.

I stood next to him as everyone dispersed, some obviously more excited than others, but all curious about the floating island we’d ended up on. As soon as the others were out of sight, we looked at each other, already knowing what the other was thinking, and we smiled at the coincidence.

— Okay, Mr. Romantic, what are your plans for today?

— Oh, I’m so excited for this, I’ve been waiting for the chance to show you Skyloft, and Crimson, and spend some time alone, I could take you flying after a romantic picnic. – He replied, visibly excited about the idea, making me smile at the lovely thought.

— That sounds great, love. I couldn’t think of anything better, but just being able to spend this day with you makes me happy. Especially when it’s been so long since we’ve had our alone time. – I said, remembering all the company, as much as they were very dear to me, sometimes eight brothers-in-law could be a bit much.

With the plans set, we went together first so I could meet my boyfriend’s Loftwing, a large red bird, with a huge beak, who looked at me curiously. He seemed to accept me well, though. He happily let me stroke his soft neck feathers, rubbing his head against me affectionately, and Sky seemed very pleased with that.

After this friendly encounter, we agreed that it would be time to eat something, we had been walking for a while and this would be the perfect moment for that romantic picnic previously planned. We bought some food and walked towards the waterfall that flowed into the island’s lake. It was truly a spectacular sight to behold, the water fell beautifully and sparkled reflecting the sun’s rays, giving the place na almost magical air.

I was totally enchanted by the Remlits on the way there, they were totally adorable, had soft fur and kept following us around so we could play with them. But I have to admit that I almost had a heart attack when I saw Link throw one of them off the edge of the floating island. I mean, I trust my boyfriend, of course I do, but who in their right mind wouldn’t be scared by that? And of course, to my surprise, the little feline came flying back with his ears, which was partly relieving, partly adorable, and partly comical.

We turned our attention back to the meal we were waiting for, choosing a spot near the lake, on the bright green grass, sorting out what we had brought and laying it out on a charming red picnic blanket. We took our time to eat, our conversation flowed as always, it was always a mutual understanding, a comfortable and fun topic to discuss. I love hearing the sound of his voice, how excited he seemed to be talking about his era and his adventures, and now, seeing how beautiful and wonderful this place was, I could understand.

We must have spent a good few hours there, much more engrossed in each other than in the activity itself, and every moment was wonderful, I must say. Sharing a very different pumpkin treat was na experience, it seemed that pumpkins were popular around here, and certainly everything they made with them was delicious.

— Are you ready to go, feather? – Link asked, using his sweet nickname he gave me.

— Sure, dear. I’m excited to do this, even though I must admit I’m a little apprehensive.

— Don’t worry, you’ll be more than safe with me, my love. With that, we finished putting our things away and walked towards the statue of Hylia. The large statue that was visible from all over Skyloft. Arriving there, I was even more impressed by its size, but that didn’t draw as much attention as the red bird that flew over the place, just waiting for the hero’s command.

Link asked me to wait on the edge, and then jumped without any hesitation, something that would have scared me if I hadn’t known it beforehand, but I couldn’t help but be at least a little surprised. Soon the sound of his whistle was heard, and then my boyfriend resurfaced, riding his Loftwing, close to where I was, holding out his hand so I could climb up too. Even though it was a bit difficult, that’s what I did, and then I held on tightly to the blond, making him laugh. My grip tightened when I felt the large bird move, flapping its wings and rising into the sky. I hid my face in the crook of Sky’s neck and only saw what was around us again when I felt the flight stabilize.

The view from up there was incredible, it was possible to see the whole of Skyloft from there. I could see, even though with some difficulty, some of the boys walking towards the knight academy. Only then did I notice that it was late afternoon, the sun was setting on the horizon, bathing everything and everyone with its golden rays that made the situation even more beautiful. It was breathtaking, without a doubt. I managed to get used to the feeling of flying, so it became something fun and magical, and being able to be so close to Link was na added bonus, it was the perfect way to end the day.×

— This is beautiful. – That was all I could think when my mind was too busy processing all of that. – I love you, Link.

— I love you too, feather. – He said smiling, looking divine illuminated by the sunset light, making me think how lucky I was.

[imtwoburdsbitch]

I can, in fact, confirm Honeydew has made it out of this ordeal glue free! lol

I, however, have run into an issues.

This hat, while ADORABLE on Honeydew, was intended to match Mangos Halloween diaper.

Turns out, while pretty much same bird different font, Honeys head is the perfect, flat plane for hats while Mango's is a fucking oval.

So, now I have two options

1 - Make another hat - super east but I don't know that making a 3rd one will itch my brain the same way (read as: will not give me enough of a dopamine hit to finish it)

OR

2 - Finally commit to making Honey his own diaper - Would make letting him out a lot less messy but I'm going to need to total reconstruct the bottom half.

Turns out Honey is WAY more fluffy then Mango and with the current style diaper he often ends up with pop in his feathers... Never been an issues with Mango but Honey built different!

[maze-of-my-design]

persona fun facts :o? can be from any game!

totally not copy-pasted from dms FUN FACTS BRIGADE (also i cut it in half with a readmore bc its. a lot)

Ann is the tallest girl among the Phantom Thieves, santing at 5'5! (In my head she is taller than Ren but shh)

If you take the thieves to darts, the worst player in the gang is surprisingly not Morgana, but Sumire! Don't ask me how she's worse than a cat!

In P5 (including royal), Ann is the only romance option to directly say "I love you" to the protagonist without cutting herself off* (and, i'm half sure, she's one of the few direct kisses a protagonist receives in a persona game) and honestly? good for them ily ann im so gay for her *Sumire says it too, even before being romanced, but it's not a complete "i love you", per se. She stutters through her confession and Ren has to finish it for her because she's so flustered, which is pretty cute i'll be real but in terms of Saying it, it technically doesn't count.

Sho Minazuki (yknow, the guy from the arena games) was originally meant to be the protagonist for P5! This is massively implied in ending dialogue for the Arena games, as well as how similar the two look if you, like, dye his hair black. Also if you recall the original Femc for P5 with the neon red hair…

Sumire lives with her dad, that much is obvious, but the Royal artbook reveals she also lives with her grandma and her mother!

Among all the non-party-member confidants in P5 (including royal), only 5 find out Ren's identity as a Phantom Thief through something else other than a mementos request. These are Maruki, Yoshida, Sojiro, Mishima, and Sae

The Featherman series is a Power Rangers style anime that airs in the inner universe of the series. Contrary to what the Dancing games make us believe, There's always only 5 Feather soldiers that are part of the main crew: Pink Argus, Red Hawk, Black Condor, Yellow Owl, and Blue Swan. These names, however, are sometimes interchanged between "generations" of the show.

Actually lemme go on a tangent (you asked for fun facts you're GETTING fun facts) There are three generations of the Featherman show to date: OG Featherman (persona 2), Featherman R (Persona 3), and Featherman V (P4 and the Arena games). There's actually a change in the naming semantics every new generation of Featherman. For example, take this excerp from the wiki: "Red Eagle (from Featherman), Feather Hawk (from Featherman R and/or Neo Featherman), Feather Red (from Featherman V)" So in P2, the naming convention is "[Color] [Bird name]", in P3 it's "Feather [bird name]" and in P4 it's "Feather [color]"

Ok tangent over don't ask me how i know so much about a fictional series from a fictional game JSVGEFVR more fun facts

Sumire actually has the biggest amount of portrait sprite variations, since it includes her Kasumi and her Sumire sprites. She deserves it tbh, fashion icon

Another Sumire fact! Did you know Maruki "transformed" sumi into her sister on her birthday? I sure did! Fuck you Maruki!! Uninvited from MY birthday party for sure

Sumire, piror to the third semester, is only ever called by her last name, Yoshizawa, by everyone aside from Ren, Morgana and Futaba. This is a very a subtle way to show something's up with her and i gasped when i first found out about it.

Ok fine enough P5 facts have a P3 fact. It's kinda well known im pretty sure but Makoto Yuki's barrage of official names include, also, Sakuya Shiomi from the stageplay. Sakuya means "blossom" or "bloom". Hey do you recall that he dies in March 5th? yknow, when spring starts? Cherry trees. you get it

Back to P5, Tactica reveals that Haru used to indulge in chopping firewood when she was younger. Her dad didn't like that for her, but he never tried to stop her. This probably leads to her having an Axe as part of her Phantom Thief artillery.

Did you know Fuuka and Futaba actually become friends in the Dancing games? They sadly don't remain friends after losing their memories post-game but Fuuka knew her as Alibaba, and Futaba knew her as Lucia :) I hope they became friends online again

In the jazz jin in Royal, Futaba reveals that the retro console you use to play games was hers, and that she'd sold it to the shop in Yongen. Also apparently the busted laptop you buy there was Haru's! (fact also revealed in the Jazz Jin)

[kieraplaysthesims]

The golden glow of candlelight flickered against the polished wood of the dining table, where Mateja sat beside Aleks. The faint scent of beeswax candles mingled with the faint hint of freshly baked bread from the kitchen. Aleks, pencil in hand, was hunched over a notebook, his brows furrowed in concentration.

“Now, Aleks,” Mateja said gently, her voice warm and encouraging, “if you add three bushels to the five the farmer already had, how many will there be in total?”

Aleks paused, the pencil tapping rhythmically against the page. “Eight!” he said after a moment, his face breaking into a triumphant smile.

“Very good,” Mateja replied, her eyes lighting up with pride. “See? You’ve got a sharp mind, just like your father.”

Aleks flushed at the compliment, his gaze darting back to the notebook as if to hide his excitement. Mateja leaned back in her chair, the patterned fabric of her dress catching the light, and watched him for a moment. Though life in Henford-on-Bagley was not always easy, moments like these—quiet and filled with purpose—brought her the deepest sense of contentment.

The faint sound of Borijov’s laughter echoed from the yard, where Vita and Alojzija were playing with him. Mateja glanced toward the window, a smile tugging at her lips, before turning her focus back to Aleks.

“Let’s finish these sums, and then you can join the others,” she said, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

Aleks nodded earnestly, already scribbling down the next answer. This was their routine—a quiet rhythm of care, learning, and love that wove their family together.

Mateja leaned forward, her hands clasped in front of her as she studied the sleek black feathers of the crow perched on the gilded stand. The crow tilted its head, sharp eyes gleaming in the soft lamplight.

“Well, Bartholomew,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’re quite the handsome fellow, aren’t you?”

The crow let out a low caw, as though in agreement, and shifted its weight. Mateja chuckled, reaching out hesitantly, but stopped short of touching the bird. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of this unexpected gift from old Mrs. Ainsley, the eccentric widow who lived on the far edge of the village.

“Mrs. Ainsley says you’re clever,” Mateja murmured. “I wonder how clever.”

Bartholomew ruffled his feathers and let out another caw, this one sharp and quick. Mateja smiled, feeling a strange kinship with the bird. Her children had been delighted at his arrival, of course. Vita had insisted that Bartholomew be kept in the parlor so he could be admired by all, while Aleks had already begun sketching him in his notebook. Even little Borijov had toddled around, calling him “Bartie.”

But now, in the quiet of the evening, with the children tucked in bed and the house bathed in the blue glow of moonlight, it was just her and the crow. Mateja found herself speaking to him as though he were an old friend.

“I suppose we’ll have to see if you’re as good a listener as Mrs. Ainsley claims,” she said, leaning back in her chair. “Perhaps you can keep me company while I mend the twins’ socks.”

Bartholomew cocked his head again, and for a moment, Mateja could have sworn there was understanding in his gaze. She reached for the sewing basket by her feet, her lips curling into a soft smile.

“I think we’re going to get along just fine.”

The kitchen smelled of chocolate and honey, mingling with the faintly earthy scent of drying garlic and corn hanging along the brick walls. Alojzija sat at the wooden table, her hands clasped in her lap as she stared at the cake before her. Its glossy chocolate glaze gleamed in the soft light of the oil lamp, and the three tiny candles flickered with anticipation.

“Make a wish, Alojzija!” Vita’s voice rang from the doorway, as she peeked in with a grin. Aleks nudged her aside, both of them eager to catch a glimpse of the moment.

Alojzija hesitated, her dark eyes reflecting the glow of the candles. Fourteen. The number felt heavier than the years before. She was no longer just the eldest sister who patched up torn dresses and read bedtime stories to Borijov. Fourteen meant she was growing up, stepping closer to the expectations her parents often whispered about after the younger ones were asleep.

“Don’t take all day,” Aleks teased, his laughter cutting through her thoughts.

“Let her think!” Vita countered, swatting at her brother.

Their banter broke the spell, and Alojzija smiled softly. She straightened her back, took a deep breath, and leaned forward. With a single puff, the candles extinguished, their smoke curling into the air like the whispers of her unspoken wish.

Cheers erupted from the kitchen doorway as Vita and Aleks burst in, clapping their hands. Even Borijov toddled in, his round face lit with excitement, chanting, “Cake! Cake!”

Mateja appeared behind them, carrying a knife and plates. “Happy birthday, Alojzija,” she said warmly, placing a gentle hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “I hope your wish was a good one.”

Alojzija looked up at her mother, her smile growing. “It was,” she said simply, her gaze flicking to her siblings. The room was filled with laughter and love, and in that moment, she felt ready to embrace whatever being fourteen might bring.

The candles burned steadily, casting a warm glow over the long dining table. Alojzija sat at one end, her back straight and her book open in front of her, a pen poised between her fingers. Across from her, Vita leaned forward, her brow furrowed in deep concentration as she copied down her arithmetic problems.

“You’ve got it wrong there,” Alojzija said gently, pointing at Vita’s notebook with the tip of her pen. “It’s not twelve pounds of flour, it’s twenty.”

Vita huffed, her cheeks puffing out. “How am I supposed to keep all these numbers straight? They just jumble together!”

Alojzija chuckled softly, her tone patient. “You’re overthinking it. Look at the list again. Start with the smaller numbers and add them slowly.”

Vita frowned, glancing at the list, her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth as she scribbled furiously. Aleks wandered in from the hallway, pausing as he noticed the scene. He sidled up behind Alojzija, peeking over her shoulder.

“Helping Vita with her sums again?” he asked with a cheeky grin.

“Yes,” Alojzija said, rolling her eyes playfully. “Unlike you, Aleks, she doesn’t spend half her lessons staring out the window.”

“I don’t need to,” Aleks retorted with mock pride. “I already know everything.”

That earned him a sharp look from Vita. “If you’re so smart, then why did Mama say your essay needed to be rewritten?”

Aleks opened his mouth to reply but quickly decided against it, retreating toward the kitchen. Alojzija and Vita shared a laugh, their focus returning to the task at hand.

“Alright, now add the five sacks of potatoes,” Alojzija prompted. Vita sighed but complied, her pencil scratching against the paper.

Moments like this, filled with quiet diligence and sibling banter, were what Alojzija loved most. She didn’t mind taking the role of the teacher—it made her feel older, wiser, and closer to Vita. As her little sister finally worked out the correct answer, the victorious grin on her face made the effort all the more worthwhile.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

did miss raven also join harveston? i think the traditional harevston outfit would have fit her like a glove! (i'm not 100% sure how a raven-turned-human would fare in the cold though)

For each event, I like to think of an AU scenario where Miss Raven tags along for some silly reason to join in on the fun. I think she would really enjoy the hometown events specifically, as they give her a chance to explore and to experience new cultures and areas. She can sample Harveston’s specialties, learn about the agricultural community there, and help support and cheer on the NRC sledding team!

Epel’s proud of his hometown and more than eager to share it. Raven loves his enthusiasm and happily eats it up. She’s the one in the tour group that’s constantly raising her hand and posing questions to the guide. Epel doesn’t mind though—that just means she’s curious and knows how to appreciate Harveston!!

Miss Raven can go “big sis” mode when she’s dealing with Sebek. They usually don’t get along, but since the big guy’s susceptible to the cold she can hover nearby and make sure he’s sufficiently warm. “Blanket? Warm drink? Make sure you’re taking care of yourself, Sebek-kun!” (He shoos her off and shouts about how he’s a strong independent man that doesn’t need to be fretted over then he sneezes before he can finish his protest www)

Idia isn’t someone Miss Raven talks with a lot, but he’d probably be excited that she resembles one of the characters from Sled Over Heels in her Harveston fit. Maybe he asks her about cosplay in an attempt to make conversation and she just goes “???? What is that…” Idia gives up on attempting to socialize and crawls back into his quiet corner to be gloomy.

Jade… well, he’s Jade 💀 You can bet he’ll be bickering with her the entire trip as they take in the local flora and fauna. Miss Raven will want to try a little of every food and drink offered to her, but because of her small stomach she can’t possibly eat full servings. Jade can be her convenient human-sized food disposal bin more free food for him.

Ravens are actually quite hardy; they can survive in northern winters just fine (since they’re ready and willing to eat most anything they come across)! The birds that migrate do so for food and egg laying purposes; their warm-bloodedness and plumage often provide adequate insulation.

… Now that I think about it, Miss Raven doesn’t actually have all her feathers in her current form 😅 so she’s more susceptible to the cold at the moment; that’s nothing an Applepom/Snow Boa outfit can’t fix though! (Her thanks goes out to Marja and the kind people of Harveston~)

Here’s a quick sketch:

It’s very similar to the outfits that Idia, Sebek, and Jade wear! Miss Raven’s variant has a poofy skirt and slightly different boots. You can’t tell from the sketch (because I totally glossed over the intricate patterns in it), but there are supposed to be scattered feathers and little sparkles included with the apple cross sections in the design. I imagine the overall fabric of the look to be dark blueish.

Her hat is most similar to Idia’s, with strings that resemble her braided pigtails. Somehow they magically manage to contain all of her hair… The new hairstyle is meant to resemble Princess Anna’s! There’s also a removable cloak which is meant to be a reference to Anna’s own magenta cloak. Miss Raven is suited for adventure; as you can probably tell from the sketch, she has a number of useful items in the pouch slung at her waist.

[katyawriteswhump]

WIP ask game: You've built it up and now I HAVE to know more about your Power of Love fic. I love long fics too much not to ask!

I am so very sorry! I thought I answered this Tuesday, but actually saved it as a draft. Whoops!

Also, thank you soooo much for asking :) Not sure about building up, I was being pretty honest with the 'deeply unbeloved' but I guess I still kinda love it. I really hope to finish it soon in a satisfying way for those who stuck with me, as I've had it planned out for ages.

It's basically s4 fix-it fic. Steve saves Eddie and they go on the run from the police etc. together with Robin. Meanwhile Steve develops mysterious powers, though ones that come with a price...

If anybody is interested, the full fic so far is on tumblr here and on AO3 here.

Excerpt:

“You sure about this, Stevie?”

“What part of ‘let’s do this’ do you not get?” 

Steve unwinds himself from Eddie. He peels his sweater over his head then glances down at the bandages… Screw it, can’t worry about scars now.

“Damn,” breathes Eddie, apparently drooling too hard to care. “I totally dreamed about this, when I luuuuurved to hate you. Okay, hate is kinda overkill but—”

“Yeah, I was a douche. Blah, blah, blah.” Steve shivers lightly, pitches the sweater at Eddie, who totally fails to catch it. “If this is some freak show revenge kink—”

“Wasn’t like that—seriously, you have no idea. It was, uh…” Eddie ventures closer. Under the rays of the flashlight, his dark eyes seem impossibly large and liquid. “I used to watch you in the pool—you were so disgustingly squeaky clean. I wanted to drag you into the deepest, darkest recesses of my dungeon-master mind and, ahem…”

“I needed bringing down a peg?” Steve gets right in Eddie’s face.

“Not even that.” Eddie’s deadly serious. “Just wanted you aaaaall for myself.”

Steve smirks—best way to disguise the candy-ass swirl of butterflies in his belly—then steps back and spreads his arms. “I’m all yours. Knock yourself out.”

Eddie gets some rope, hooks it over a high beam, and climbs on a crate to fasten it in place. He then plants a palm on Steve’s bare chest, backing him up against a wooden post. Steve smirks harder than ever, if only to distract himself—and Eddie—from the heart hammering insanely beneath Eddie’s hand. Jesus Christ, don’t think! Focus on the hotness.

Eddie reaches up to grab an end of the rope and loops it around one of Steve’s wrists. Steve tugs himself free: “You do know what you’re doing here, right?”

“Believe me, my uncle is worse than any overgrown boy-scout leader. Not sure he taught me knots and shit for exactly these purposes, but… anyhoo.”

“Okay. Got one condition. You get shirtless too.”

Eddie’s grin makes Steve ache in all sorts of fun places. “Guess I can indulge you, Babe.”

“Babe? I was a brat five minutes ago. Make yer mind up.”

Eddie flips the bird, turns away and strips. Steve lolls against the post, longing to drag his tongue over every salty inch of Eddie’s torso. Jesus, he never knew he had a shoulder and back kink, because… Gnnng! And those tats, stark against Eddie’s pale skin? As Eddie turns back, Steve drinks them all in. Even the goddamn bats, which should be scary as hell these days, are beyond intoxicating, and seem to dance and spin and…

“Ready now?” Eddie grabs the rope.

Steve fakes a yawn. “Getting old waiting, Munson.” 

“You really are a brat, you know that? C’mon, gimme your hand.”

Eddie ties Steve’s right wrist with a loopy, hitchy knot. He tugs another part of the rope, suspending Steve’s wrist in the air above him.

“How ya doing, big boy?” Eddie grazes his fingers, feather-light, down the light stubble on Steve’s cheek.

“Never better.” 

Steve swallows hard, offers Eddie his other hand. The exquisite concentration on Eddie’s face, the tip of pink tongue at the corner of his mouth, is hilarious. Eddie’s half-naked body is totally smokin’, and yet…

Steve’s eyes drift closed. Those butterflies in his stomach are fast transforming into a horde of angry wasps. He’s had his hands tied before, by the Soviets and… Dammit, is this really distracting him from anything? I DIED IN 1978. I DIED! His breaths come faster, shallower. Nevertheless, he bites his lip against asking Eddie to stop, to slow down even. Don’t spoil this, Harrington.

“Steve, you sure you’re okay?”

As soon as his gaze meets Eddie’s, Steve’s anxiety fades a little, and he nods. He tugs lightly at Eddie’s handiwork, now complete, and a snigger he genuinely feels tugs the corner of his lips. While the ropes don’t dig in, he doesn’t think he could easily yank himself free.

Okay, this is definitely kinda hot. Like the channel of air between their bare chests, which honestly, steams like a sauna. He’s always been in control in sexual relationships, always taking the lead. Lately, yeah, it’s felt kinda dull almost, as if he’s been going through the motions. Now, his nerves still jangle, but simply losing himself again in Eddie’s soulful eyes, he’s getting a goddamn semi. He peeps down, and the strain at Eddie’s fly suggests he’s suffering the same.

“What you gonna do next, Munson?” he husks.

“Stevie, I… I…” Eddie steps back, plows all eight fingers deep into that lush hair. “Seriously, now I got you like this, I have no clue, other than I want to kiss you so bad.”

“I want that so bad too.” 

Eddie kisses his own knuckles, dusts them across Steve’s lips, setting Steve squirming, keening even. His heart and his every goddamn fibre strain madly toward Eddie. Then an unexpected rumbling noise clamps those same fibres super-tight.

“Shit!” Eddie’s half-lidded eyes stretch wide. “More choppers?” 

“No… No. Sounds like a truck or something.”

...

(so, this is one of my favourite bits, among the heavy, heavy angst... maybe not representative of the whole thing, but perhaps there'll be more like this to wind things up... it doesn't not fit with my story plan ;))

AO3 link

[pinkwinesupernovas]

(this is a lot of yapping sorry in advance babe)

dear zel,

i miss you rn so i'm writing this for you in english class and probably the class afterwards knowing me, (edit in printmaking period two, yes i am still writing this hehe)

i'm gonna be totally honest i'm literally writing my english assesment about you bc i was lost for inspiration and the promt fit soooo it's about our freindship hehe ily. i'm not totally sure if i'll submit this one for the final thing but writing about you makes me happy which is sappy as hell but i don't feel embarassed abt it bc you make me feel very safe to be embarrassingly sappy with you <3 i will send you the thing eventually even if i don't hand it in for marking but i don't think i'm allowed to post it cause it's school related so i'll send it on discord when i finish the first draft hehe <3 (i wrote 600 words about you in one hour that is lowkey scary)

also i'm going to yap about you nowww because i love youuuu mwah <3

i'm literally so glad we're friends, i'm not sure what our first interaction was but i think it was for your event?? and i am forever grateful for it i'm so glad we're friends you're literally one of my fav people i've met on this app i love you with my whole heartttt

one thing i loveee abt you is that i don't feel scared to spam your asks or tag you in one million things, idek what it is but you make me feel very safe to be sappy and clingy and i love that bc with most people i overthink whether i should send them things but with you i don't even hesitate bc ik you'll respond well and i love thatttt <3 you also match my enthusiasm and send lots of asks back and i love that sm <3

i literally adore talking to you bc you're such a sweet and kind person i'm lowkey in awe of it like how is one person so lovely you just light up the world ugh i love you sm, you're so fun to talk to and i just love you smmm (i hate timezones but six hours will not seperate us i love yapping with you too much)

alsooo just so you know, in my mind we're in a field of flowers together picking flowers and yapping while we eat pastries from a cute little bakery and drink like iced matcha or something that's my dream <333 i wish we could live closer bc i just know i'd love baking with you and stargazing and just dong cute little things whenever we wanted, just know that whenever i like your posts thats actually me mentally giving you a flower or two bc ily <3

also what i feel for you can be kind of wrapped up with a few songs so here: birds of a feather by billie, glue song by bea and clairo, the last one by maisie, feels like by gracie, and lots more but those are the songs that i can't listen to without thinking of you <3

ahhhhhh i'm still at school and stupid school wifi blocks tumblr AND discord (i've tried literally EVERY vpn i can it's so annoying ughhh) so i'll have to send this when i get home but just know i was thinking of you allllllll day at school and i miss you and i love you sm <3

okayyy this is written proof that i'm literally a proffessional yapper i've been adding to this on my notesapp throughout the day so i'm going to shut up now byeee i love you i'll send this when i get homeee <3

don't apologize oml

ALSO ARE YOU KIDDING ME IM GOING TO CRY LUCY THIS ACTUALLY MEANS SO MUCH TO ME you're not real

omg you wrote about us??? i would love love love to read it 🥹

you're right our first interaction literally was for my event which im so grateful for omg!!! cause we'd been moots for a while but i was very scared to interact w you but you engaged w my event and it made soooo happy

you're adorable and this right here made my whole day, i was feeling very sick in the morning and throughout the afternoon which HAS NOW DISAPPEARED SEEING ALL YOUR NOTIFS literally beaming w happiness rn

i love you so much, wayyy more than how much words can convey <333

[jumpywhumpywriter]

Pain & Panic - Fireworks Edition

Warnings: triggered PTSD, mentions of war

There was a loud BOOM outside, followed by a bunch of little crackling sounds, and Thomas noticed Shadow jump the tiniest bit, almost imperceptibly, as muted panic briefly filled her eyes.

"Those are fireworks," Thomas explained, seeing her alarm. "They're basically colorful explosives humans set off for fun during events like the fourth of July."

"How on earth can anyone consider that racket 'fun'?" Shadow muttered angrily, then raised her voice so he could hear her better. "Thanks... I guess. I just needed confirmation that it wasn't live gunfire... I'm fine now." Her tone was dry and bitter, and even though she said she was fine, she didn't look fine. Thomas could see the feathers on her wings still bristling apprehensively, and Shadow's anxious fingers kept subconsciously twitching toward her best dagger, as if it would bring her some form of reassurance.

Why is she so spooked? He wondered. Oh... maybe it's her heightened senses. Those fireworks must sound like literal bombs to her sensitive ears.

But he still wasn't convinced that was entirely the reason for her skittish reaction. She had completely stopped the task she had been working on -- sharpening a small blade with a whetstone -- to walk out of the room, looking stiff and tense.

A little worried, he trailed after her at a distance to see where she was going, before she suddenly turned on him with an annoyed sigh.

"And why are you following me oh-so-subtly?" she grouched, folding her arms over her chest expectantly.

"I-I just... wanted to make sure you were okay, that's all," Thomas stammered an answer.

"I already told you... I'm fine," she said gruffly.

But he could read the slight uneasiness in her expression as she kept nervously shifting her weight from foot to foot. He had to admit, it was a new look for Shadow. The bold, confident, stoic, always-composed warrior bird-woman unsettled by a few small fireworks.

"...I think you're not as fine as you say you are," Thomas declared boldly. She narrowed her eyes at him, but to his surprise, she didn't immediately deny the accusation.

"Look, kid... even if I wasn't fine, there's nothing you can do about it. So I'm going to politely ask you once more to buzz off and mind your own business." Shadow turned and started walking off again, but Thomas ran around to stop her.

"Why don't you ever want to talk about it when something's bothering you?" He snapped, and it came out sharper than he intended it too.

"--Because I'm used to dealing with it all on my own!" Shadow snarled, then snapped her mouth shut, looking startled by her own answer.

"Finally, some honesty! See how easy that was?" Thomas sighed dramatically, and she glared daggers at him. "Like it or not, you have friends now, so you're going to have to get used to people checking in on you every now and again. So suck it up, stop moping, and let me help you."

"Excuse you?" Shadow sputtered, totally caught off guard by his brusqueness, especially from someone so typically shy. "What did you do with the real Thomas?"

"I'm not finished yet. I have a gut feeling I know the real reason why you don't like the fireworks." He raised his eyebrows expectantly, and Shadow groaned inwardly, knowing there was no dodging the question. She scrunched her eyes as if it physically pained her to answer.

"To put it in kid-friendly words... Let's just say that I don't have the best history with things that go 'boom' and spontaneously combust. There. Happy?"

"Very," Thomas said smugly, which earned him another poisonous glare from her. Then his expression grew serious and genuine. "I, uh, might have a way to help you see that the fireworks aren't as dangerous as they sound...?" He trailed off, waiting for her response to his open-ended offer.

She sighed heavily, shrugging in defeat. "Something tells me that 'no' isn't a choice here."

Thomas nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Follow me." He headed off with a reluctant Shadow sulking behind him the entire way as he navigated to the balcony. Shadow hesitated at the glass door, only briefly, before coming to stand at the railing next to him.

More crackles and bangs went off in the distance, and the discomfort was plain on Shadow's face, unhidden for once. Then a firework went off much closer, and she winced in surprise, grip tightening on the railing, before staring up in amazement at the bright colors that lit up the sky for a heartbeat. "So this is what you humans like to spend your time doing?"

"Yup. The most fireworks usually go off on the fourth of July specifically because it's a national holiday." Thomas bit his lip, a nagging question at the back of his mind. "Is... is it all right if I ask why you don't like things that go 'boom'? I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, but I'd like to hear your story."

Shadow turned to him, looking slightly confused. "Why would you care about my history? It's not relevant to any present-time events."

"Because it's a thing friends do! They talk about their... feelings... and stuff."

Shadow's face wrinkled with horror, and Thomas couldn't help bursting out laughing. "Oh, come on! It's not that bad! It's supposed to make you feel better! When you get to talk all your angst out!"

"That sounds more like a 'therapy' thing than a 'friends' thing," Shadow said, eyeing him suspiciously. "I get the feeling you're just trying to pry into my deep, dark secrets to satisfy your own curiosity."

"Even if that's true, will you at least humor me?"

"Hmm..." She hummed to herself thoughtfully, contemplating, as more fireworks went off in the far distance. "Fine. I'll play your... 'feelings'... game. But only if you promise to stop nagging me about it."

"I promise!" Thomas leaned against the railing beside her, sensing that she was letting him in on a rare bit of vulnerability.

Shadow let out a sharp inhale, her eyes going distant, lost in a memory. "The truth is... I maaaaay have a bit of PTSD. And who wouldn't, after everything I've been through? Traumatized by war at a young age... watching everyone you ever cared about die right in front of you one at a time in bloody, painful ways... knowing you can do nothing to stop it all. That you will always be seen as a monster by anyone outside of your own species, hunted to near-extinction. That most people run when they see you or try to kill you because they're afraid of what you can do."

She turned to face Thomas, and he could see the depth of the pain in her eyes, and for once, she wasn't trying to hide it. The years of tragedy and loss she'd endured. "You want to know why I don't like fireworks? Because they dredge up the worst moments in my life that I have tried for so long to bury and forget about. It's something you'll never understand... and I hope you never do." She shook her head grimly as another ball of bright color lit up the night sky.

"You're too innocent to understand what I've been through, and I'm too broken to understand what 'peace' is..."

Masterlist

@scoundrelwithboba

@lumpofsand

@isikedmyself878

[ravenwind-75]

The Perfect Bird pt. 1

written by 11-year-old me (don't judge lmao)

for @girl-named-matty who wanted to read it.

the rest I have to type up, it was originally written in a notepad lol.

.....................................................

Once upon a time, there lived a bird.

 This bird was very smart. She had outsmarted cats, dogs, and other predators alike. She was a beautiful bluebird and she liked to stay really clean and talk gossip with her friends at the bird bath.

One day when she arrived, Mrs. Bluejay was screeching with excitement, "Listen it's so exciting!" "Dear Mrs. Bluejay, you must calm down or you'll lose your feathers!" Miss Bluebird said. "Oh yes," said Miss Waxwing, "Do tell us what is going on." "Did you hear? A male bluejay (besides my mate) told me that a male bluebird has found a nest box and is looking for a smart mate!" "Ooh," peeped Chickadee, "That could mean you Miss Bluebird." Miss Bluebird sighed, "Oh, well Mrs. Bluejay are you sure?" "Oh yes I met him myself!" squealed Mrs. Bluejay. And with that, Miss Bluebird flew away towards where Mister Bluebird awaited her with a test.

When she arrived he greeted her with a song, "Tura-lee-tura-a-lee!" After he finished he told her to outsmart a cat as the first test. Miss Bluebird giggled, "I can do that easily." she told him. "You don't understand Miss, this is the best bird catching cat around," he replied calmly. "You mean Harrison?" she gasped. "Yes, fly safe Bluey." "Thank you sir." she stuttered, then wobbly took off and flew towards Harrison's home town.

~~

When Miss Waxwing heard where Miss Bluebird was going she nearly fainted because everyone knew how dangerous it was to encounter Harrison. Many a bird had been eaten trying to do what Miss Bluebird was about to attempt.

Miss Bluebird, a while into her flight, heard lots of flapping wings and flew faster. She knew that Mrs. Raven, Miss Crow and their groups had been sent to stop her.

"Stop," croaked Mrs. Raven. "This is suicide!"

Turning around she faced Mrs. Raven. "Just because I'm scared doesn't mean I'm not determined." "She didn't mean that," said Miss Crow. "She meant that you don't have to do this." "Yes!" said Mrs. Raven.

"Well FYI," said Miss Bluebird, "I've always wanted to try to take on Harrison anyway!!"  And with that she sped off. Stunned speechless Mrs. Raven flapped the "let's go" signal and they all flew away.

Meanwhile Miss Bluebird spotted Harrison's yard and landed in the huge oak to rest. Down below Harrison was twitching his tail back and forth on his windowsill wondering if he should ask to go out or not.

"Hmm, I usually have more fun when the bird is totally rested and fed," he thought. "So I should leave it be for now." And with that in his mind he curled up and went to sleep.

~~

Miss Bluebird woke up early to eat and practice. She also teased Harrison because his owner wasn't up yet.

"Haha, you're stuck inside!"

"You just wait," he growled, "I'll get you!"

A little later Harrison waltzed out of the house only to be greeted by a slam on the back by a peck-thud from Miss Bluebird.

"Ow," hissed Harrison, "I'll get you for that!" And the next time she came down she got grazed by cat claws on the shoulder. 

It kept going on for a few minutes until Harrison finally trapped her under his paws.

"I told you," he purred.

"HA!" said Miss Bluebird and she spat a berry in his face giving her time to free herself.

And she pecked his tail sending him yowling into the house.

Then she preened and went to sleep while Harrison moped and was tended for.

~~

The next day she flew off to see her maybe future mate. She found him speaking to a very battered bluebird (worse than herself) who flew off as she approached. 

"Oh hello Bluey!" he chirped. "Hello sir, what is my next challenge?" inquired Miss Bluebird. "Well before I answer that question, can I ask about your well-being?" he asked. "Well then get on with it!" she said in a rather impatient tone. "How are you after your tussle with Harrisson?" 

This insulted her and  she sniffed, "How do I look to you, hurt, injured?" "Well yes, a bit. Though I guess it went pretty well. I'm sorry, I was just concerned." he said slowly. Miss Bluebird caught onto his care not to offend her, and softening her tone replied, "No, I'm sorry. I sounded hotty. I'm just in a foul mood Sir." and gave a sad smile (as best as a bird can).

Mister Bluebird brightened and said "Now dear Miss, you don't have to be so formal, as we may be mates someday. Please call me Benny or Ben." "Oh, ok Ben," Miss Bluebird said shyly. "My name is Bella." Ben smiled back, "Well then Bella, the next test is to build the best nest in the best place." "Ok then, bye Ben!" Bella sang. "Wait, this test is two and three at the same time Bella." Ben pointed out. "Okay, thanks," Bella called and flew away. 

First Bella came to an old woodpecker hole. Inspecting it she decided it was too dirty and kind of damp. Next was a cavity in a tree but she thought it was stuffy and there had to be a place more airy and started again, finally coming to a fence post where another bluebird was building. She shook her head sighing and glided away. 

~~

Bella sat on a tree stump with the wing blowing through her feathers thinking about that competing bluebird. She had offered some advice before she had left but "Birdy" wouldn't take it as others had. That was a stupid place to nest because she'd seen children before bang on that fence with sticks which would frighten young off the nest too soon. Or maybe SHE was just too picky.

Suddenly she remembered a cavity that used to be her favorite place back in her yard and decided to check it out. Soon she found herself in a familiar yard with lots of trees and open spaces and a beautiful pond that glistened in the sunlight. When she was near her spot, Mrs. Bluejay spotted her and flew off, calling away. 

Everywhere birds heard the racket and gathered by Meeting Rock. By the time everyone was there Bella had already seen her spot, decided it wasn't good enough, and had flown to the rock where everybody was wondering why they were called there. 

"Hello everyone," Bella said. This is what Mrs. Bluejay was excited about, me." There were a few "Oh my," and "She survived!" until Miss Waxwing asked, "What is he having you do now?" 

 "Well he is having me build the best nest in the place and I'm trying to find the best place right now." "Ooh, have you ever seen a nestbox?" chirped Bella's sister-in-law. "Yes, but what is it?" "It's a safe wooden box to nest in that isn't stuffy." said a chickadee. "Yeah, the best ones around are Sir Bluebird's," Miss Red-breasted nuthatch said.  "Okay, thanks!" and Bella was gone.

"Well she has become very rude!" a goldfinch huffed, flashing his bright feathers. "Yeah," agreed his mate, "I wanted to ask about Harrison's tussle with her." 

Everyone was grumbling about Bella when Mrs. Bluebird, Bella's sister-in-law stood up for her. "Stop your grumbling. She still has a nest to build and you know how long that can take, and she's competing! So give her a break." she declared. 

Lots of birds muttered, "I guess you're right," and went home but Miss Waxwing, Mrs. Bluejay, and Miss Chickadee stayed behind to talk about their friend. 

Suddenly the sky began to darken and the wind picked up, shaking the trees. "Boom, kac-kaka, boom- BOOM!" thunder clapped, shaking the ground, and lightning streaked across the sky. 

"Dear me!" Mis Waxwing exclaimed and as the rain began to pour down Chickadee fluffed up her feathers and cried, "Poor Miss Bluebird is flying in this!" "Yes," said Miss Waxwing. "We also need to find cover." And they quickly flew across the open country into a hemlock tree. "This is going to be a long wet night!" Mrs. Bluejay said, and they went to sleep. 

Meanwhile, fighting against the wind Bella tried to find a place to land. She had just about settled in a spot when a flash of blue and blinding light crashed against her tree, but the light missed her by inches because the blue knocked her out of the way.

Catching herself with her wings she watched stunned with fear as the spot she sat seconds ago burned until she knew no more. 

~~

In the morning they were awakened by Mister Robin's song, "Cheer, cheer-up! And wake up!"  "Okay we're up," said Miss Waxwing. "Well I'm hungry," said Robin. "So do you ladies want to join me for worms?" "No thank you!" they all replied and then Mister Robin flew down into the unfamiliar yard. They had unknowingly spent the night in Mister Bluebird's homeyard.

"Hmm, I don't recognize these trees," said Mrs. Bluejay. "Nor do I," worried little Chickadee. "Dear me, we must be lost!" cried Miss Waxwing. 

"Why don't you know where you are?" a voice said. 

Bella awoke on top of the nest box she had been planning on building in, soaking wet even though it was sunny.  Blinking at the light she tried to get up only to be gently pushed down as something blocked the light. "Rest dear Bella," said a soothing familiar voice, "You're messed up pretty good, for you," he added. 

"Ben?" she asked. 

"Shhh, yes it's me." 

Looking up she saw his kind, worried face gazing at her. With the sun glinting off his feathers, she was struck by how handsome he was.  Trying to get a hold of herself she asked, "What happened?" "Let's see...ah! After you quickly came back you started building in this box and on a material run a storm started, and..." 

"The storm!" Bella interrupted. 

Her memories racing, Bella pieced together information. "Blue, hmmm, light, fire, oh! Lightning!" "Yes lightning," Ben said. "You almost died but-" "But a blob of blue pushed me out of the way!" Bella exclaimed, watching Ben's bright blue feathers move in the breeze. 

"Wait," she whispered. "Your feathers are blue, you were here when I woke. You...saved my life?"

"I can't hear you Bluey, what did you say?" Ben asked. 

"You saved my life!" Bella cried, leaping up and nuzzling him. "Thank you so much!" And then she got to work. 

[mamamittens]

Glad I scaled down my event, already looking at Sunday-Friday next week with an extra hour Monday-Friday. And it's not even Black Friday yet. Or Cyber Monday...

Got in two asks so far, finished uploading the Spooktober fics to AO3, and am already in bed an hour early. Not that I'm going to sleep yet, never works like that when I want it to lol

So! Rambling time!

I had more thoughts about the Omega verse/yandere au with Nikia, Thatch, and Izou!

So, I was thinking about some of the cultural whiplash Nikia experiences in this new world. She has zero context for all these new instincts, nor the assumed instincts people have adopted.

Like, how much contact is appropriate with a stranger and where. Luckily for her, the scent glands are in pretty intimate places already. How often do you touch the base of someone's neck/shoulder? A total stranger at that? So she doesn't usually step on any toes--not that any of the WBP would hold it against her or think too hard about it since they know she's not from their world and is very new to the ABO stuff.

And Nikia has a few unconscious biases about assumed behavior, usually centered around wings, so she's confused a lot by accident. Like, a lot of the time, she doesn't register flirting because she's used to it being accompanied by deliberate displays of the other person's wings. Typically slight flutters, extensions to show off well groomed edges of their feathers, or a hidden display of colors. Or if they're bold, wing contact as soft brushes and puffed up feathers to briefly interlock with the other person's wings. Like grabbing someone's hand and kissing their knuckles--its so intimate and viewed as romantic in her world, but also stupid bold for strangers.

She's even naturally capable odd vocalizations and her pupils act... Very odd sometimes. (Briefly debated how bird like she should be and tbh, I'm giving her more bird eyes than human eyes... She still needs glasses but instead of very close vision like normal, it's because she's got REALLY GOOD distance vision but it's... Really really far distance. Not practical day to day indoors). She pins her eyes a lot without meaning to, so she constantly looks startled and scared, when it's actually the opposite and she's curious or invested! She can coo, chirp, and screech very loudly but hates being so noisy and has learned restraint over the years. Combined with her new Omega instincts, her growls and snarls are... Very piercing and give anyone that hears them pause.

Though only Marco knows about it at first, Nikia's body is also a lot hardier than expected. Meant to handle at least basic flight with modest covering, her skin is pretty durable and doesn't bruise or get pierced easily. Compared to them, where certain parts of their body has thinner skin but they heal up very well with minimal scarring.

Anyway! Social shit!

This divide is made pretty clear when they stop at an island for restocking and there's the obligatory 'threat but not a real threat just a test to the relationship' scene. Fueled by Izou and Thatch being... Well, handsome, famous, Pirate Commanders. They usually have a few hopefuls flirting with them, either hoping for a eventful night or an easy in with the crew. Having a very well scented, new mate does not deter some of them.

A few ladies trying their best to scent their interest and test compatibility by brushing their scent glands (the light ones on the wrists) across theirs. Izou and Thatch ain't having it, concerned that Nikia would flip since she's struggled with territory issues for a while now.

But Nikia is just lost in thought like

Ah, they're pretty confident to get so close to pirates -- I mean, they're great, obviously, but I'm pretty sure pirate still means criminal here. Oh, but they are famous, maybe Whitebeard has a good reputation so this isn't as risky as it seems. They're kinda touchy as fuck though, is everyone this bold or is this desperation? Wait, Izou and Thatch look uncomfortable, should I say something? Do I need to? They don't seem too bothered but they keep looking at me... Weird.

The ladies in question are smug as shit at first, certain that Nikia is threatened by them. But as the 'testing' goes on, they get weirded out by her intense stare and how... Detached she smells. Her scent not communicating anything but polite interest and then mild concern. The boys are equally thrown.

Turns out, being super snappy when other people do light scenting in a social context is a learned behavior. Not ingrained. Marco takes very interested note of that.

But when an alpha tries to flirt with her, doing more or less the same thing as earlier, her literal everything is just looking at him like

She's leaning away from them, nose wrinkling as the outdoor space no longer diffuses their purposefully flexed scent. Wings snapping close to her back, eyes wide as they try and press harder for a positive response.

Her body language a tad confusing in this context. Pupils flashing rapidly. Her scent potent in confused inquiry.

She seems to be very loudly, without words, asking "What the fuck do you want?" But her body is screaming "You have the sex appeal of a manure farm in summer rain". Very startling.

Luckily, Izou and Thatch are quick to (literally) soothe her feathers and shoo away the stranger. It takes a bit for her to relax again.

Oh! Speaking of wings! It takes a while for her to start instinctively attempting to 'bond' with people. But they have no idea that's what she's doing and she's too thrown by the lack of reciprocation or denial to explain properly.

Mainly, when she starts to feel for them, she instinctively tries to lace her feathers with Izou and Thatch's non existent wings. Only to meet only air. When they're debating someone else, she hovers an open wing behind their back, just shy of touching and is disappointed when she doesn't feel the light push back and settling of wings. When she's startled or anxious, feathers quivering and shuddering out of place, no one idly preens her.

She wasn't the most social, but she's close enough to several people that, had this been her home dimension, they would have done any number of these gestures. But she knows they can't, so she just tried to curb her expectations and disappointment. Much to the bafflement of everyone in scent range cause she's smelling increasingly like a kicked puppy and no one knows why.

Until one day she happens to be taking to Ace when he passes out mid conversation. And she knows the game by now, so she just settled down and waits patiently. Her wing draped over his back as she idly braids his hair. Finally, her original instincts are being soothed, though still not reciprocated. Izou and Thatch both being invested in their personal appearance enough she hadn't gotten the courage to ask.

Ace ends up sleeping for a while and hard at that, feeling oddly settled when he wakes to several braids in his hair and soft feathers over his shoulders. He definitely blushes when she smiles and asks if he rested well.

He did.

Very much so.

Thatch seethes in the background with jealousy and Izou is no better when he hears. Still, they barely manage to control themselves and ask wtf that was about and why she smells so content.

She's embarrassed but is eventually able to explain how big mutual grooming is back home. Even strangers would settle ruffled feathers if someone was having a breakdown.

Thatch immediately offers to preen her feathers and she goes bright red. (Doing it is one thing, but asking is equally romantic and intimate, because usually it implies something more than just sorting out feathers). She caves and they cuddle in her bed (Thatch is so fucking smug to be covered in her scent and leave his own in her space). Thatch encouraging her to lay on his chest while he handles the rest. It's not ideal, which is why she protests, but he reaches a good bit of it all.

Taking the time to play with her hair as she falls asleep absolutely boneless. Later, he stared in the mirror. Izou confused until he breaks down.

"....I want her to play with my hair too~! But--but my style--it cant--i want...." Sad baby hours while Izou rolls his eyes.

"Then do it before bed, dumbass."

Suddenly all is well.

Had the fun idea Nikia was pulled mostly by her hand or maybe soul mates are indicated by glowing bite marks depicting their future mates' teeth and shes yanked by that. And she fights it. Really hard. Izou and Thatch having to physically assist in pulling her through where she fights it the entire way. Luckily for them, she's super out of it once she's pulled through and starting to get hit with Super Puberty. Also really good ears, not that she's in a state to notice anything being said at the time.

Thatch ends up with her hair ribbon and is super normal about it while she recovers. Izou stealing it every other day impatiently.

[m12writer]

Birds of a Feather - The First Cut is the Deepest

(Meredith enters the locker room and puts up a Roommates Wanted sign on the noticeboard. She wants non-smoking non-Bush-supporters with no pets.)

Meredith VO: (to city montage and Izzie/George/Cristina/Connie arriving) It's all about lines. The finish line at the end of residency, waiting in line for a chance at the operating table, and then, there's the most important line. The line separating you from the people you work with. It doesn't help to get too familiar. To make friends. You need boundaries between you and the rest of the world. Other people are far too messy. It's all about lines. Drawing lines in the sand, and praying like hell no one crosses them.

(We see Meredith talking to a blonde woman, another intern.)

Meredith: Look, I'm sure you're very nice, but I've very particular about who lives in my house and you're just not right.

Blonde: Why? Look, I'm quiet, no loud music, no parties.

Meredith: Where were you when the Challenger exploded?

Blonde: The what?

Meredith: The space shuttle. Challenger.

Blonde: Uhh, I think I was in kindergarten.

Meredith: Exactly. No.

***

(Cut to Connie, Cristina, Izzie, Meredith, and George in a corridor.)

Izzie: Why do you put up posters for roommates if you don't want roommates?

Meredith: I do want roommates, we're together a hundred hours a week, you want to live together too?

Cristina: No. Ooh, you're bringing bribes now?

(Meredith has coffee for Bailey)

George: I need a place to live. My mom irons my scrubs. I have to get out of there.

Meredith: It's not a bribe, I don't think it's a good idea.

George: But I can put down last, first and deposit.

Connie: It's totally a bribe.

Izzie: I can cook. And I'm an obsessive cleaner.

Meredith: No. I just want two total strangers who I don't have to talk to, or be nice to, and it's not a bribe, it's a mocha latte.

Bailey: George, you're running the code team, Meredith, Connie, take the trauma patients, Cristina, deliver the weekend labs to the patients, Izzie, you're on sutures.

Meredith: Dr Bailey. I was hoping to assist you in the OR today, maybe do a minor procedure? I think I'm ready. Mocha latte?

Cristina: If she gets to cut, I want to cut too.

Izzie: Yeah, me too.

George: I wouldn't mind another shot, I mean if everybody else is...

Bailey: Stop talking. Every intern wants to perform their first surgery, that's not your job. Do you know what your job is? To make your resident happy. Do I look happy? No. Why? Because my interns are whining, besides Sloan. You know what will make me look happy? Having the code team staffed, having the trauma patients answered, having the weekend labs delivered, and having someone down in the Pit, doing the sutures. (takes the mocha latte) No one holds a scalpel until I'm so happy I'm Mary freakin' Poppins.

Cristina: Mocha latte my ass.

Bailey: Why're y'all standing there? Move!

(They move. Meredith moves to the elevator, where Dr. Shepherd is waiting and Connie races towards the stairs.)

Derek: Seattle has ferry boats.

Meredith: Yes.

Derek: I didn't know that. I've been living here six weeks, I didn't know there were ferry boats.

Meredith: Seattle is surrounded by water on three sides.

Derek: Hence the ferry boats. (elevator arrives) Now I have to like it here. I wasn't planning on liking it here. I'm from New York. Genetically engineered to dislike everywhere, except Manhattan. I have a thing for ferry boats. Mark starts working here today. (they're in the elevator alone)

Meredith: Mark knows about Connie?

Derek: Yes. Connie's mother called him a few weeks ago, drunk.

Meredith: I'm not going out with you.

Derek: Did I ask you to go out with me? (pause) Do you want to go out with me?

Meredith: I'm not dating you. And I'm definitely not sleeping with you again. You're my boss.

Derek: I'm your boss's boss.

Meredith: You're my teacher. And my teacher's teacher. And you're my teacher.

Derek: I'm your sister, I'm your daughter.

Meredith: You're sexually harassing me.

Derek: I'm riding an elevator.

Meredith: Look, I'm drawing a line. The line is drawn. There's a big line.

Derek: So, this line. Is it imaginary, or do I need to get you a marker?

(Meredith stares at him for a second, drops her folders and kisses him. He's just a tad surprised but catches on pretty fast, until the elevator doors ding and Meredith quickly crouches to pick up her folders and leaves with Connie where the teenager was waiting for her. Derek stands there looking bemused.)

Derek: We'll talk later?

***

(Cut to Meredith and Connie walking.)

Nurse: You the surgeons?

Meredith/Connie: Yes.

Nurse: We've got a rape victim. You better get in there.

(Connie pales when the nurse said rape victim, remembering her mother's second husbund.)

Nurse 2: 21-year-old female found down at the park, status: post-trauma, she came in with a GCS of 6, BP 80 over 60, head trauma, unequal breath sounds, right pupil is dilated, and she's ready for x-ray. You ready to roll?

(Meredith has seen the girl's shoes, which are identical to the ones she wore to work.)

Nurse 2: Hey!

Meredith: Yeah. Call it in to clear CT, let them know I'm coming, load up the portable monitor, call respiratory for a ventilator, I'll get x-rays while I'm down there.

***

(Cut to the rape victim's surgery.)

Derek: She's going to spend a hell of a lot of time in recovery and rehab.

Burke: If she survives.

Derek: What is she, like, 5'2, a hundred pounds, she's still breathing after what this guy did to her? If they catch the guy, they should castrate him.

Burke: See how shit her hands are? She tried to fight back.

Derek: Tried to? rape kit came back negative. She kicked his ass.

Burke: So, we have a warrior among us, huh?

Meredith: Alison. Her - her name is Alison.

Derek: Alison.

Burke: I think I may have found the cause of our rupture. (pulls out a piece of flesh) What is this? Does anyone know what this is? (he isn't testing)

Connie: Oh my god.

Burke: What? Spit it out, Sloan.

Connie: She bit it off.

Burke: Bit off what? (other people echo him)

Connie: That's his...his penis. (shocked groans) She bit off his penis.

(Burke can't get it into the tray fast enough.)

***

(Burke and Shepherd wash up after the surgery.)

Burke: If she can fight off the infection she'll be fine.

Derek: That's all dependant on whether she wakes up in the next 72 hours.

Burke: You know, we should get a drink later. You can tell me the long story of what makes a hot-shot doc leave the Big Apple for Seattle, have Mark Sloan join us as well.

Derek: It's a short story actually. Your chief of surgery made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

Burke: Richard asked you to come?

Derek: Yeah. Why?

Burke: Oh, nothing. What about Mark?

Derek: He wanted to get to know his daughter. See you later.

***

(Cut to Cristina and George)

George: Do you know what the code team does? Saves lives. I shock a heart and someone lives to see another day. It's upbeat. It's glass half full.

Cristina: Bambi, don't say another word until after the hunter shoot your mother.

George: I don't like you.

Cristina: Well, I have a B.A. from Smith, a Ph. D from Berkeley, and an MD from Stanford and I'm delivering lab results. It's going to take me all day to get through these. It's going to take me all day to get through these.

Bailey: Then get started.

Cristina: Oh, uh, I wasn't complaining. I-I don't -

Bailey: This intern was reassigned, so he's mine, now (it's Alex). Have him shadow you for the day. You show him how I do things.

Alex: Alex Karev, nice to meet you.

Cristina: The prig who called Meredith a nurse, yeah. I hate you on principle.

Alex: And you're the pushy overbearing kiss-ass, I, uh, I hate you too.

Cristina: Oh, should be fun then.

(George's pager beeps.)

***

(Cut to George running along a corridor followed by the code team. They enter a patient's room to beeping.)

George: Okay, I'm George O'Malley, I'll be running this code. What've we got?

Nurse: We've got a 57-year-old male, he's asystolic. Charge them to 200, please.

Nurse 2: Clear.

***

(Cut to Izzie and an Asian woman.)

Izzie: All right, Mrs. Lu, I'm Dr. Stevens, I'm going to sew up your wound, and you're going to need...yeah, about six stitches. Are you allergic to any medication?

(Mrs Lu says something in Mandarin.)

Izzie: Oh, I'm sorry, I don't - I don't, um...do you speak English?

(Mrs Lu continues to speak in her language.)

Izzie: I'll find, um...(to everyone in the room) does anybody here speak Chinese? (no response).

***

(Cut to Connie carrying a small esky. She knocks at the chief's office, an older woman is in there.)

Connie: Hi, is the chief in?

Woman: He's on his way. Is that it?

Connie: Yeah.

Woman: Can I see it? (Connie looks down at the box and up again) No, forget I asked.

Webber: (entering with Mark Sloan) Connie, meet our newset Attenting, Mark Sloan.

(Connie looks at Mark)

Connie: Nice to meet you Dr. Sloan.

(Mark smiles at her)

Webber: Uh... You too.

(Mark and Connie shake hands before Connie turns to Webber.)

Connie: Listen, so they said to bring this to you, so...?

Webber: Yes, for the police.

Connie: Right.

Webber: When did the police say they'll come?

Woman: You know how slow they are. So, she'd better take it with her.

Connie: What?

Woman: You have to take it with you.

Webber: Chain of custody rules. All medical matter and array must stay with the person who collected it, until it's placed in police custody.

Woman: You collected the specimen, so you have custody.

Connie: Custody of a penis.

Webber: Yes. Until the cops come for it.

Connie: Okay. Well, what am I supposed to do with the penis?

(Webber has no answer.)

***

(Cut to Cristina and Alex giving lab results to a family.)

Cristina: You have a disorder called multinucleate cell angiohistiocytomum. It's not a cancerous sarcoma, it's very rare but minor. You'll be discharged today, okay?

Patient: I don't need a surgery?

Cristina: No.

Patient: I - I'm not going to die, I'm fine?

Cristina: Fit as a fiddle, or whatever.

(The family laugh with relief. One kisses and hugs Cristina. She's about as thrilled as you might expect and looks at Alex, who is smiling at her.)

***

(Cut to Connie placing her esky on a desk where George is working.)

George: What's that?

Meredith: Don't ask, you don't want to know.

George: I do want to know. Really.

Connie: You really want to know? (he nods) It's a severed penis.

George: Oookay. I didn't really want to know.

Cristina: I don't know why I have to be the one who gets hugged.

Alex: Because. I don't do that. Besides, you're the ovarian sister here.

Cristina: Did you just call me an ovarian si- an ovarian - since when has the possession of ovaries become an insult?

George: Connie's carrying a penis around in a jar.

Cristina: Oh, from the rape surgery? (goes to look)

Connie: Yeah, and it's not a jar, it's a cooler.

Cristina: Talk about taking a bite out of crime (leaves)

George: (to Meredith) You okay?

Meredith: Yeah...Alison's shoes. The rape victim, Alison, her shoes. I have the same ones. In my locker. And I normally never wear them, because they're not comfortable, but today I did, and she was wearing the same shoes, and it's just...stupid, and I'm tired, and forget it.

George: You know what you need? (they stare at each other)

Meredith: No. It's sick and twisted. We said last time was the last time. (George looks away). You've been doing it without me?

George: Nancy Reagan lied. You can't just say no. Come on.

Meredith: Do you know what would happen if anyone knew?

George: I'm doing it. You can come with me...or you can stay here, and be miserable.

***

(Cut to a baby waking up, and then others. It's a nursery, George and Meredith are outside. George does baby talk.)

Meredith: You are such a woman.

(George's pager beeps.)

George: It's a code. I gotta go.

(Meredith watches them and sighs.)

Meredith: You are really cute.

(We focus on one baby. Meredith's worried. A close-up shows his face is going blue. Fadeout. Now Meredith's in there, checking him with a stethoscope. He looks okay now. Another intern walks in.)

Other intern: What are you doing in here?

Meredith: There were no tests ordered. And the baby has a murmur.

Intern: I know.

Meredith: He turned blue.

Intern: You're surgery, you're not authorised to be in here. Do you know how much trouble you can get into for this?

Meredith: Are you going to do any tests?

Intern: It's a benign systolic ejection murmur. It goes away with age.

Meredith: So you're not going to do any tests.

Intern: He's not your patient, he's not even on your service.

Meredith: Are you sure it's benign?

Intern: I'm a doctor too, you know. You should get out of here.

(Meredith goes.)

***

(Cut to Connie drinking water at the nurses station when Mark walks up to her.)

Mark: You've been avoiding me.

Connie: No, I haven't.

Mark: Yes you have. (Connie starts to walk away and Mark follows her) Look, I know you don't remember me. The last time I was you was 19 years ago.

(Connie turns around to look at him)

Connie: You're right. I've been avoiding you. I don't remember you. (Mark looks hurt at her words and Connie sighs) Look, I'm sorry. I'm just on a really hard case for me right now... But if you'd like, and if you're not busy, we can meet up at lunch and talk then.

Mark: Yeah, that'll work for me.

(Marks nods and smiles as Connie walks away)

***

(Cut to Izzie and the Chinese woman.)

Cristina: You get a good case?

Izzie: No, her. She won't let me sew her up. (Chinese woman speaks again) I wouldn't have called you, but I can't get hold of the translator. Can you just ask her what's wrong?

(Cristina looks to the woman and back to Izzie.)

Cristina: No.

Izzie: Why not?

Cristina: Because I grew up in Beverley Hills. The only Chinese I know is from a Mr. Chou's menu. Besides, I'm Korean. (leaves)

(Chinese woman sighs.)

***

(Cut to Webber running into Burke.)

Burke: Chief! So you asked Shepherd to come to Grace.

Webber: He's an old student of mine.

Burke: Oh. He left a private practice because you asked.

Webber: Yes.

Burke: No other reason? Just a favour for an old professor.

Webber: It'll be years before I retire.

Burke: Chief of Surgery is mine. Chief of Surgery is mine.

Webber: It was yours, now I'm not so sure.

Burke: I am the best surgeon at Grace with the lowest mortality rate, you can't just bring some guy in from -

Webber: Now ask me why I'm not so sure about you. Ask me why.

(Burke walks off.)

***

(Cut to Cristina and Alex.)

Cristina: Don't people get sick anymore?

Alex: I mean, how are we supposed to get any OR time if everyone's gonna just live?

Cristina: Look, I'll take ten, and you take ten. Get in, get out. No smiling, no hugging, no letting them cry, just be quick about it.

Alex: You're the one that's slow.

Cristina: I am not the one that's slow. You are slow.

Alex: You wanna bet?

Cristina: Yeah, you're on.

***

(Cut to Cristina and Alex rushing through the results on separate cases.)

Cristina: A comprehensive workup -

Alex: - did not reveal any vascular abnormalities.

Cristina: Your Doppler was negative,

Alex: for deep venous thrombosis, so there's no need for chronic anti-

Cristina: coagulation, or an IBC filter.

Alex: Your biopsy was however positive for -

Cristina: a mixed anaerobics -

Alex: non group A streptococcie infection.

Cristina: Your BEO and encriatan elevations had us worried -

Alex: about rapidly progressive phlameleonephritis -

Cristina: Which could've seen you with an autoimmune disease.

Patient: What does that mean?

Cristina: We're not going to amputate your leg.

Alex: You get to keep your kidneys.

Cristina: Congratulations (is hugged). You can go home today (hugged by another patient).

Alex: Yeah, yeah. Congratulations. Whatever. (beats a hasty retreat, then we see him backing away from a patient with arms outstretched like a zombie, then he ducks under another patient's arms, who hugs his wife instead while Alex runs for it).

Cristina: (in different instances) Congratulations. There's nothing wrong with you. You're gonna be fine. Congratulations.

***

(Cut to George running with the code team.)

***

(Cut to Meredith talking to a bunch of interns.)

Meredith: What's your favourite 80s group?

Intern 1: Queen.

Meredith: No.

Intern 2: Twist Your Sister.

(Meredith groans and gets up to leave.)

Intern 2: It's not like there's a right or wrong answer to that question!

Meredith: (leaving) The Go-Gos, Duran Duran, Eurythmics...

***

(Cut to Alex and Cristina rushing around.)

Alex: Have a nice day.

Cristina: You can go home today.

***

(Cut to George running around with the code team, then George standing at the end of a bed, looking unhappy. Beeping noise.)

George: Time of death, 15:45.

***

(Cut to Connie looking at the r*pe victim. Derek comes over.)

Derek: Connie. I've called every hospital in the county. Sooner or later, the guy that did this is going to seek medical attention, and when he does, that penis you're carrying around is going to nail him.

Connie: Where is her family?

Derek: Doesn't have any.

Connie: No siblings?

Derek: No. Both parents are dead. She just moved to Seattle three weeks ago. Welcome to the city. Connie, you okay?

Connie: Yeah. I'm fine, I just...have to do something. I have to go.

Derek: Right. I'm going to sit with her.

***

(Cut to Meredith chasing Burke.)

Meredith: Dr Burke?

Burke: Mmm?

Meredith: There's a baby up in peds, I saw him have a tet spell, and I think I hear a murmur.

Burke: Mmm. Did paeds call us for a consult?

Meredith: Actually, no, they're not doing anything about it -

Burke: So you want me to what?

Meredith: If you could just go up and look at him -

Burke: Mm-hmm, not without a peds consult.

Meredith: Yeah, but -

Burke: I'm a busy man, Grey, and there are rules. Look, it's not like I'm the Chief of something.

(He leaves.)

***

(Cut to Izzie bandaging up a man's hand.)

Man: You're hot.

Izzie: You're drunk. Hold still.

Man: Wait, you're that girl, from that magazine, the one, that red bikini?

Izzie: Yeah, it was pink. I'm done, you can see the nurse outside now.

(The Chinese woman comes up and starts talking again, distressed.)

Man: Is she crazy or something?

Izzie: No, I don't think so. (motions for him to leave). Kay, please, please sit down, I really need to look at your arm. (woman does) Okay.

(Izzie gets to work, the woman speaks, Izzie looks up at her but doesn't know what to do, so she gets back to the arm wound.)

***

(Cut to Meredith, Connie, and Cristina in the lobby.)

Cristina: What're you doing down here?

Connie: Just sitting here with my penis. What about you?

Cristina: Hiding from Alex.

Meredith: I kissed Derek.

Cristina/Connie: You kissed Derek.

Meredith: In the elevator.

Cristina: Oh, you kissed him in the elevator.

Meredith: I was having a bad day. I am having a bad day.

Connie: Oh, so this is what you do on your bad days. Make out with Dr. McDreamy. (they get up to leave)

Meredith: Appearently.

Cristina: Mmm. George said Alison was wearing your shoes.

Meredith: Yeah. It's weird, right?

Connie: It's weird that you care.

Meredith: I think it's weird.

(They hear a car swerve and, looking through the glass at what we can't see, rush outside.)

(A man is staggering out of his car, his clothes soaked in blood, mainly around his crotch.. He collapses. In seconds there are doctors and nurses checking him.)

***

(Cut to Meredith calling security and then pulling the man's bed with other hospital staff.)

Bailey: So, what've we got?

Meredith: Take a look.

Bailey: What? (looks) All right, let's get him into OR 1. Meredith, you call the chief and let him know we got the rapist.

***

(Cut to Meredith and Cristina, masks on, in the OR.)

Meredith: I saw Alison, you can't believe the beating that she took. And then to see this...

Cristina: It's like that old saying, you should see the other guy.

Bailey: Why are we not attempting to reattach the severed penis?

Cristina: Teeth don't slice, they tear, you can only reattach with a clean cut. If she wanted to slice him off with a knife...

Meredith: Besides, the digestive juices didn't leave much of the flesh to work with.

Bailey: Right, so what do we do?

Cristina: Sew him up minus a large part of the family jewels.

Bailey: And his outlook?

Meredith: He'll be urinating out of a bag for a very, very long time.

Cristina: Not to mention he'll never be able to have sex again.

Meredith: Oh, too bad.

Cristina: Shame.

Bailey: Let's all take a moment to grieve. Clamp.

***

(Cut to Webber coming out of an OR.)

Burke: Richard.

Webber: We got the rapist. He stumbled right into the hospital.

Burke: Yeah, I heard.

Webber: Listen, Burke...

Burke: Why?

Webber: You really want to know?

Burke: I want to know when you stopped thinking of me as your number one. Richard, I do more in this hospital than any other surgeon.

Webber: You do only exactly as much as is necessary. You never take an extra step, you never give an extra minute. You're comfortable. And arrogant, and it doesn't impress me. You want to be chief, earn it. (leaves)

(Burke sighs. He sees Meredith, she's wheeling a patient around. He walks off.)

***

(Cut to Alison. She's unconscious, Derek is watching her. He slumps into a chair.)

***

(Cut to Izzie and the Chinese woman. Izzie's done.)

Izzie: I'm sorry. I have patients lined up, I don't have time, I don't understand you. I'm sorry. (sighs)

(The Chinese woman finally nods, says something that sounds final, and leaves.)

***

(Shot of Seattle at night, clouds rolling in, then of Alex, in the spare beds and empty corridor area.)

Alex: My head hurts.

Meredith: Maybe it's a tumour.

Alex: Yeah, you wish I had a tumour.

Cristina: Look, I'd rip your face off if it meant I got to scrub in.

(Izzie walks in.)

Izzie: I have been suturing all day. My hands are numb.

George: At least you're helping people.

Alex: At least you get to practice freaking medicine.

Izzie: I had to send one Chinese lady away. She was like, camped out down there.

Cristina: Oh, poor Izzie, turning away patients, boo-hoo.

(Connie enters.)

Connie: So the police say that they can't send down the crack crime scene guy for hours. So I have to spend the night with a penis. Alex, don't say it.

Alex: Ahh, it was too easy anyway.

George: Who here feels like they have no idea what they're doing?

(Everyone raises their hands, except Alex.)

George: I mean, are we supposed to be learning something, because I don't feel like I'm learning anything.

Izzie: Except how not to sleep.

Cristina: It's like there's this wall, and the attendings and the residents are over there, being surgeons, and we're over here, being...

Meredith/Connie: Suturing, code running, lab delivering p*nis-minders.

Alex: I hate being an intern.

(Bailey comes in and looks expectant. They get up and leave. She sits down and starts eating someone's chips.)

***

(Meredith is back near the babies. She sees the parents of the boy she's worried about.)

Meredith: Hi.

Mother: Hi.

Meredith: Is he yours?

Mother: (smiling) Yeah.

Meredith: He's adorable.

(We see the peds intern checking on him. She looks up and sees Meredith talking more seriously to the parents.)

Peds Intern: Oh, please. (comes out to them) You are so out of line.

Father: She says the murmur might not be benign.

Meredith: I think we should do an echo, to check.

Peds Intern: This is your career. (goes back to get her resident)

Meredith: There really is no reason to get alarmed.

(Peds intern returns with her resident.)

Resident: What's the problem?

Mother: If our baby is sick, we want him treated. Now.

Resident: Who said your baby was sick?

Peds Intern: Her, the surgical intern who has no business on our service.

Resident: Who authorised you being here?

Meredith: I was just, actually - (Burke comes up behind her)

Burke: I did. Could you excuse us for a second? (takes the resident aside)

Resident: Dr Burke.

Burke: Are you messing with my intern, Dr. Kerr?

Kerr: No, sir.

Burke: Give me the chart.

Peds Intern: There's nothing wrong with him, I checked.

Burke: Are you sure?

Peds Intern: Yes.

Burke: You can guarantee that he is fine, you are 100% sure.

(Intern looks hesitant.)

Kerr: How sure are you?

Peds Intern: I don't know, 75%.

Burke: Not good enough. He's my patient now. That okay with you, Dr. K?

Kerr: Absolutely.

Peds Intern: (quietly and indignantly to her resident) He can take our patient?

Kerr: He's an attending.

Burke: Which means I can do whatever I want. (returns to parents) Mr and Mrs Johnson, I'm Dr. Burke, head of cardio, we're going to run some tests and give you an answer within the hour. Grey, (to parents) excuse me, (leaves with Meredith) I want an EKG, a chest x-ray, and an ECHO. I don't have all day.

Meredith: You're a busy man.

Burke: I'm a busy man.

***

(They walk off, past Izzie.)

Izzie: (to secretary) Anybody else?

Woman: No.

Izzie: Good. I need a bed. (sees the Chinese woman leaving) Ms. Lu?

(Izzie follows the woman outside. It's nighttime, and pouring rain. She stops before going into the rain.)

Izzie: Ms Lu! Ms Lu, wait, Ms Lu! (Ms Lu beckons) What is it?

(Izzie follows her across the street. Inside a junkyard, Ms Lu is talking to a girl, who's clutching a rag to her forehead. Ms Lu sees that Izzie's come over, and the girl shows Izzie her forehead.)

Izzie: Oh my god.

(She's got some kind of cut, and there's dried blood all over her forehead. Izzie comes over to take a closer look.)

Izzie: It's okay. It's okay. (to Ms Lu) I'll help.

(A few minutes later, Izzie is examining it with a penlight.)

Izzie: It's deep. I need to clean it out...(she makes hand motions, trying to get the message across).

Girl: Machine, it broke in the factory, it fall.

Izzie: You speak English. Just, if you could come inside...(takes girl's arm)

Girl: No, no, no, no inside, no, no, jail.

(Mrs Lu is getting worried, but Izzie is undeterred.)

Izzie: Jail? She came inside...

Girl: She green card! Me, no.

Izzie: You're illegal. That's okay, we don't have to tell them that, I just need to get you inside, I have to sew that up.

Girl: No, no inside. No inside.

Izzie: Please. I promise, I promise you won't go to jail. You just - it's raining, please, come inside.

(The girl and Ms Lu get upset and start speaking their native language, getting up to leave.)

Izzie: Okay! Okay. Okay. Not inside.

(They sit back down.)

Izzie: Okay, wait here. Wait. I'll come back. I'll be back.

***

(Cut to Meredith walking down a hallway. She sees Burke.)

Meredith: Well?

Burke: It's a birth defect. Tetrology affirmed lower pulmonary artresia. You were right. I'm booking the OR for tomorrow.

Meredith: Thank you for backing me up on this.

Burke: Whoa, whoa, wait, whoa. You were right. But if you ever pull a stunt like that again...going to the parents behind a doctor's back? Trying to steal a patient from another service? I will make your residency year hell on earth.

(We see him leave to speak to the parents. Meredith looks happy.)

***

(Cut to George and the code team.)

***

(Cut to Cristina getting hugged, then walking with Alex.)

***

(Cut to Connie eating lunch with Mark)

***

(Cut to Izzie stuffing her pockets with medical supplies)

***

(Cut to Derek doing paperwork, checking on and sitting with Alison.)

***

(Cut to Izzie leaving the supplies room)

***

(Cut to George saying 'damnit' as they lose another patient, and walking out)

***

(Cut back to Izzie, now dabbing at the girl's cut.)

Izzie: Okay. You're all sewn up. That's pretty good; I could've done a better job if I had more light. You might have a scar.

Girl: Is good.

Izzie: You're going to need to come back, in five days. Okay? I'm going to need to check the wound and remove the stitches. Okay? Here's my pager number, on this card, right here, okay? We'll meet, right back here, okay? You have to come back, but you can't tell anybody that I helped you outside of the hospital or I might lose my job. Understand?

Girl: Yes. Come back, and don't tell.

Izzie: (smiling) Yes. Okay, that's it, I'm done. You can go. I'll see you in five days.

Girl: Yes, see you.

(They walk off, Izzie packs up. The older woman comes back and takes Izzie's hand, still speaking her own language but obviously thanking her.)

Izzie: Thank you.

***

(Back inside the hospital, Burke has come over to Bailey.)

Burke: Do you think I'm too competent?

Bailey: No.

Burke: Don't lie.

Bailey: You are my boss.

Burke: All right then, anything you say in the next thirty seconds is free, starting now.

Bailey: I think you're cocky, arrogant, bossy and pushy, you also have a god complex, you never think about anybody but your damn self -

Burke: But I -

Bailey: But what? I still have 22 more seconds, I am not done.

(Burke raises his eyebrows, looking sorry he asked but thoughtful.)

***

(Cut to locker room.)

Cristina: I need a drink, a man or a massage. Or a drunken massage by a man. What's wrong with you?

George: Lost five patients on the code team today. I feel like the angel of death.

Cristina: George, 95% of all code patients can't be revived. Most of them are seriously dead before you even get there.

George: What?! (sounding upset) Why didn't you tell me that when I was going on and on about how great it was going to be?

Cristina: Because. You're George, and I'm Cristina. (leaves)

***

Peds Intern: His heart surgery is scheduled for the morning. I really did think I was right, you know.

Meredith: I know. We almost never are. We're interns. We're not supposed to be right. And when we are, it's completely shocking.

Peds Intern: Are you - I mean, being an intern, do you feel...

Meredith: Terrified. 100% of the time.

Peds Intern: Good, it's not just me.

Meredith: No.

***

(Cut to Connie going to see Alison. Derek's still there.)

Connie: How is she?

Derek: No change.

Connie: Have you been here all night?

(Mark walks in and sits next to Derek)

Derek: Mm-hmm. Yup. You know I have four sisters? Very girly, tons of kids. (Mark laughs) If I was in a coma, they'd all be here. I'd want them here. Having no one? Can't imagine that.

Connie: I can.

Mark: What're you talking about, what about your mother?

Connie: That's not true. I don't have anyone. (sighs, looking at Alison) She reminds me of myself in a way.

(Mark and Derek look at her with sad and confused looks in their eyes)

Derek: What do you mean?

Mark: Where you ever...

Connie: When I was nine and ten, before I started college. My mother's second ex-husband sexually and physically abused me.

Mark: Connie...

Connie: Then when I was 11, I got emancipated.

Mark: I am going to kill that woman. (Derek and Connie laugh)

(Beeping. Alison's in trouble. Connie hits an alarm on the wall.)

Derek: Her ICP's double, get OR! Put her in for a craniotomy.

***

(Fadeout to later. Meredith's leaning against the wall, Derek walks past, turns back to her.)

Derek: Hey. I, uh, I had to leave her skull flap off, till the pressure in her brain goes down.

Meredith: She's not going to make it, is she?

Derek: She's going to be fine.

Meredith: If she ever wakes up.

Derek: (nodding) If she ever wakes up.

***

(Cut to later on.)

Derek: Dr Burke! I'm off at six, you want to get that drink we talked about?

Burke: No, I don't think so.

Derek: Well, what about tomorrow night?

Burke: Shepherd, you should know that Richard promised chief to both of us. (Derek doesn't really react) But you knew that already.

Derek: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Burke: Mm. You're not the enemy, you're just the competition.

(They walk off.)

***

(Cut to Connie signing for the penis.)

Older woman: So here is where you put the signature, down here, the initials.

Connie: Mmm. Okay.

Webber: It...just says that the, um...the...

Older woman: penis.

Webber: (laughing) I'm a doctor, it shouldn't be weird to say this.

Connie: I get it.

Webber: It just says that it was never out of sight.

Connie: There you go. One penis.

Webber: Officer. (police officer takes it and they go)

***

(Cut to OR for the baby.)

Burke: We'll be using a medium approach for a trans-ventricular repair with a right ventriculostomy. Let's open him up. Grey!

Meredith: Yes, sir?

Burke: Go scrub in. When we've finished cracking the baby's chest, I'll let you hold the clamp.

Meredith: Seriously?

Burke: Don't make me change my mind.

Meredith: I'm going.

***

(Cut to Derek entering the rapist's room. He whacks the end of the bed to wake him up.)

Derek: I have good news and bad news. The good news is, Dr. Bailey stopped your bleeding. The bad news is, we're giving your p*nis to the cops. Have a nice life.

(He leaves and the rapist realises he's cuffed to the bed.)

***

(Cut to Cristina and Alex giving more results.)

Cristina: The results of your labs were clean; the tumour's benign, you can go home today.

(The patient hugs her husband, who then goes for Cristina. Cristina acts fast and shoves Alex into his way. Alex gets a nice big hug, and Cristina leaves, pleased with herself.)

***

(Cut to the OR, Meredith's holding the clamp.)

Meredith VO: At some point, you have to make a decision. (cut to her watching the babies again) Boundaries don't keep other people out. They fence you in. Life is messy. That's how we're made. (we see the other interns are with her)

***

Meredith: Okay, fine, George and Izzie, you can move into the house.

George: YES! Yes!

Izzie: I can't believe you caved! (George and Izzie hug)

George: Yes! (George and Izzie go, dancing)

Meredith: I can't believe I caved.

Cristina: I blame the babies. Toxic.

Connie: Good luck.

***

Meredith VO: So, you can waste your life, drawing lines, (cut to Derek, on the phone outside Alison's room. Suddenly, he puts down the phone, mouth open. He's seen something) Or, you can live your life crossing them. (Low angle shot of Alison. Her eyelids are fluttering. They open and she sees Derek).

Derek: Welcome back.

***

(Cut to Meredith leaving in her same-as-Alison's shoes. She walks over to the elevator...where Derek is waiting.)

Meredith VO: But there are some lines...

Derek: So. It's intense...this thing I have for, ah, ferry boats I mean.

Meredith VO: ...that are way too dangerous to cross.

Meredith: (turns to smile at Derek) I'm so taking the stairs this time.

(Elevator dings.)

Derek: No self-control. It's sad. Really.

***

(Cut to Meredith leaving. She runs to catch up with Izzie, George, Connie, and Cristina.)

Meredith VO: But here's what I know. If you're willing to take the chance...the view from the other side is spectacular.

(Fadeout.)

[bagarete]

The brainrot is still in me so: Here's my story of my Rook and Lucanis.

As a Lord of Fortune, my Rook Andovan Laidir was not used to be tied down for long, always looking for new adventure. And when the gods broke out of the prison, he was facing his biggest adventure yet. And as the chalenges rammed up, he found kinship in his comrade, an troubled Antivan Crow whose own life got turned upside down recently. Both individual from vastly different background found comfort and trust in each other and finally, love.

Rook was wary of Spite in the beginning of course, but after he seeked him out to help Lucanis and he saw how the 3 of them can co-exist he even opened to the posibility of them being a polycule to Lucanis' suprise.

After the final event at villa Dellamorte, Lucanis accepted the role of First Talon and don the legendary armor. When Rook let Isabella know of this in their weekly drinks she said, "You know what, we got the same armor but in your color too. Got it from age-old plunder, gotta match with your betrothed isn't it." Isabella teased as Andovan realized his face reddened at the thought.

After that they wore the same armor to every battle and were totally inseparable. "We're bird of a feather now, aren't we Mr. Crow?" - the sailor jokingly said to Lucanis ear as he warded off a finishing blow of a Tevinter mage. "You're impossible." - Lucanis said as he tried his best to suppress Spite's grin and made quick work of the opponent. Turned to face Rook with a tired but relieved expression, Lucanis pulled Andovan in for a hug and lifted up his chin to reach the mage for a deep kiss. "We are." ["aLL tHREE oF uSSS"] "...not now Spite."

"Ugh that's it I'm going back to the Lighthouse." - Harding said with a disgruntled face probably.

[la-muerta]

first sentence pattern game!

I was tagged by @demy85 ages ago, sorry it's taken me so long to get around to it lol

Rules: post the first sentence of your last ten posted fics to see if there's a pattern.

--

1. it ends or it doesn't // 奈何吟 (Mysterious Lotus Casebook, E, 5.4k)

Li Lianhua can feel the bird's frantic heartbeat under his fingertips when he picks it up, life caged in fragile bone and soft feathers. 

2. I've hungered for your touch (Shadowhunters, E, 3k)

Alec wasn't sure what had woken him up, but he found Magnus' side of the bed empty, the sheets cool to his touch. 

3. to the waters and the wild (Shadowhunters, E, 35.7k)

Magnus had loved going to the Carnival since he was a child. 

4. chorus to the verse (Shadowhunters, E, 9.8k)

Alec opens the door even before Magnus has finished knocking, and Magnus can't help smirking.

5. Definitely Not Haunted (Anymore) (Shadowhunters, E, 50.4k)

There was a soft click as the key turned in the lock, and the front door of the townhouse swung open almost soundlessly.

6. you're the king and I'm your lionheart (Shadowhunters, E, 9.2k)

If your friends really cared about you, they wouldn't have let you leave.

7. pretty piece of flesh (Shadowhunters, E, 3.9k)

Alec had been sure that he wouldn't be able to fall asleep in a strange bed, and having the black masquerade mask on the top half of his face isn't helping. 

8. nothing safe is worth the dive (Red, White & Royal Blue, T, currently 7.9k)

"OK, what's the catch?" Alex asked.

9. radix malorum (Red, White & Royal Blue, E, 17.2k)

Alex strains against the ropes binding his wrists together above his head and the ones around his knees and ankles that force his legs apart, but they have been tied so tightly that he's already starting to lose the feeling in his hands and feet.

10. swirling black lilies, totally ripe (Shadowhunters, E, 6.6k)

It's only the middle of the afternoon, but it's so dark that it feels more like it's already close to nightfall. 

Pattern: ??? I honestly don't see a pattern, especially when the genres range from horror to fantasy to fluff, and some of them are just PWP. XD But I think the Dihua fic stands out as being more lyrical, because that's generally how my chinese-fandom fics are.

No Pressure Tagging: @busarewski @kasper-tag @dragongirlg-fics @difeisheng @the-wintry-mizzenmast and anyone else who wants to play!