#ugh its gonna be so tedious

[potatobugz]

new flipaclip update messed up like. all of my projects I was working on : )

all my apes. gone

[siinlight]

Ugh the sewers are like the worst part of re2

[thanatoseyes]

Getting ready for school and writing down the schedule is the bane of my existence.

[kdogreads]

Y/n is close with Abby like the mom figure to Gibbs being her dad figure. Gibbs and y/n have only ever had words in passing They are always friendly with a flirt now and then. One day Gibbs uses Abby's cot to get some rest he wakes up to y/n and Abby talking about blind dates.

"Y/n I'm gonna find you a companion in life. Just do one more date"

*y/n sighs* "I'm just not the type of person people are looking for and that's ok"

*as she leaves the lab* "Abs some people are ment to be alone"

Gibbs comes out telling Abby that he will be taking y/n on the next date.

This is such a sweet idea!! I’m sticking it with this request bc I feel like they just fit together so perfectly. I hope that’s okay by both of you 🥹 thank you so much for the love!

Jethro Gibbs x f!reader

TW: alcohol, a smidge of angst (reader thinks she’ll be forever alone), mostly just a heap of fluff

A/N: I’ve never been able to use any of my nerdy lab knowledge in a fic before so sorry if I went a little overboard lmao (I’m a pre-analytical training coordinator and spend my days teaching people to be labbies basically). Thank you so so so much for reading! ❤️

Just before you left for the day, you decided to head down to the lab check in on Abby. It was quality control week, meaning she had to got to run test patients on all of her instruments, confirm the results are what they should be, order biological indicator tests to make sure no foreign bacteria snuck its way in where it shouldn’t have, then do it all over again a dozen or so times to make sure the results match up.

Not that Abby is anything less than capable of completing the quarterly checks, it just gets very tedious, and Abby is not a fan of busy work.

“Hey Abs,” You greeted her sweetly.

“There is no Abby, only QC’s,” She quipped back in her best robot voice.

You only chuckled in response and grabbed a pair of gloves without another word. You started resulting the tests in her queue, a feeble attempt to help the boring task move along faster.

The two of you worked quietly on opposite sides of the lab for another half hour until you moved the last tube into the “finished” tray.

“Wanna grab some dinner?” You questioned, removing your gloves and heading over to the sink to wash your hands.

“No, thanks; already ate,” Abby responded without looking up from her work, “Hey! How did that date go last night? I can’t believe I forgot until now! Tell me everything.”

Abby turned towards you excitedly, her eyes bright and body fidgeting in anticipation. You swear she was more invested in your love life than you were sometimes.

You started to shake your head “no” and Abby let out a loud groan.

“Ugh! I had such a good feeling about this one,” She spoke in disappointment.

“You said that the last time, too, Abs,” You leaned against the counter and crossed your arms lazily, “He asked me to meet his mom. On the first date!”

Abby visibly cringed and put a hand lovingly on your bicep.

“I’m gonna find you a companion, I swear it!”

You let out a sound that’s half laugh, half sigh before you speak, “It’s okay, really. I’m just not the type of person anyone is looking for, and I can’t find the person I’m looking for. It’s just the way it is, Abby.”

She sent you a sympathetic look, squeezing your arm in reassurance. Abby pulled you into a tight hug, like she was trying to will a new love life into you with her bare hands.

You sent her a loving smile when she finally pulled away from you.

“Well, I’m gonna head out. You sure I can’t drag you away for something to eat?”

“No, no. I have too much to get done,” She motions to the empty tubes behind her, “Don’t lose hope, Boss Lady. Your perfect man is out there.”

You headed towards the door before turning around to tell her goodbye, “Some people are just meant to be alone. It’ll be me and the dogs forever,” You smiled slightly, “Goodnight, Abs.”

You made it almost out the door of the NCIS building before you realized you left your purse in the lab. With a huff, you begrudgingly dragged yourself back into the elevator, down to the lab, and right up to the doorway. The surprise of two distinct voices coming from within stopped you in your tracks.

“Gibbs! You can’t sneak up on me like that! I didn’t know you were using the cot.”

“Sorry, Abs. You often set her up on blind dates?”

“Yes! I am determined to find my wonderful boss’ soulmate somewhere in the greater DC area.”

Jethro chuckles.

“I can’t believe I didn’t see it before now! She’s just your type, Gibbs, and she’s so fun and cryptic just like you and—“

“Abby,” He paused, “Way ahead of you.”

You decided now was your chance. Knocking gently on the doorframe, both of them turned their heads to see who was there.

“Hey Abby; Jethro,” You smiled, trying not to act like you just heard their whole conversation about you, “I just, uh, left my purse.”

Abby looked around and spotted your bag, handing it to you with a cheeky grin on her face. You all stood there in semi-uncomfortable silence for a beat before Gibbs spoke.

“Have any plans tomorrow night, Red?”

You straightened up a bit at his question and the playful nickname. You are just his type.

“Um, no. I don’t. Not yet, anyway.” You tried to keep an even tone, but the nerves and excitement were practically seeping out of your pours.

“My place, 7 o’clock,” Gibbs said in his nonchalant tone, “Casual. Hope you like bourbon.”

He winked at you and walked out of the lab before you could even exhale the breathe you hadn’t known you were holding. You looked at Abby, your eyes wider than ever before.

“Eee! I’m so excited!” Abby squeals and flings her arms around you.

You couldn’t even put any thoughts together. Your heart pounded out of your chest and your hands must’ve been shaking, the adrenaline of the situation just starting to wear off.

“Come on,” Abby said while sliding her jacket off the back of her chair, “I’ll finish up tomorrow. We have to plan your date. With Gibbs!”

You let out a laugh and wrapped an arm over Abby’s shoulders, heading out to grab something to eat.

You nervously sifted through your tops, trying to find something that felt “casual,” as Jethro had requested, but still nice enough for a date.

Oh screw it.

You grabbed a plain olive green hoodie, the big white letters reading NCIS. You figured if he asked for casual, he would get casual.

The drive to Gibbs’ house went quickly. You’d been there once before, when Abby insisted Gibbs needed company one New Year’s Eve. You didn’t end up staying very long, but he left an impression on you. After the visit, Gibbs started stopping to say “hello” in the hallways at work, or bringing a coffee up your office every now and then.

One detail you remembered from your brief visit is the front door was never locked, so you didn’t bother to stop and knock.

Walking through the doorway, your eyes immediately gravitated to the only light on in the house — the one leading down the stairs to the basement. You took this as your sign to invite yourself downstairs.

The stairs creaked slightly as you made your way down, the sounds of sandpaper meeting wood filled your ears.

“You found the place,” Jethro’s strong voice greeted you as you stepped into his workspace.

“How could I forget?” You teased back.

Jethro let out a honey-soaked chuckle and offered you a stool to sit on. He poured you two fingers out of his half-empty bottle of bourbon, then did the same for himself. He tipped his glass to you and you tapped yours against it with a slight clink.

You shut your eyes as the amber liquid burned down your throat. Instinctively, you leaned back against the counter and let out an exhale.

“Long day?” Jethro joked, but you could see the genuine care when you opened your eyes to meet his gaze.

“Long week,” You responded before taking another sip, “Abby’s up to her eyeballs in evidence to examine, plus all this QC crap takes so much time. I just feel bad I can’t help her more. I didn’t realize taking the lead forensics position would take me out of the lab so much.”

Jethro nodded in understanding, one corner of his mouth tilting up slightly as he poured more into your already empty cup.

“Abby’s the best of the best,” He said with confidence, placing a hand reassuringly on your knee, “She’ll get it done.”

You smiled and nodded back at him, placing your hand over his as a silent thank you.

You were surprised when Jethro broke the comfortable silence first.

“You know she thinks the world of you, Red,” He said with a look in his eye, one that almost looked like pride if you had to guess.

You felt your cheeks get hot and you looked down at your shoes, unsure if the liquor or his sweet comment made you blush.

You took another sip before lifting your head back up and responding.

“Same goes for you, Jethro,” You reached out to grab the hand that rested on your knee just moments before, ��I think if she had time to write a book about how much she adores you, she would.”

He laughed, a full laugh, glazed in honey and bourbon and it warmed you to your core. You thought that sound could end wars, cause the devil himself to crack a smile. You would have melted right there if he didn’t jolt you out of your trance a moment later.

He took the glass from your hand and whispered a quick, “c’mere.”

He took your hand and led you over to the boat he was building. He showed you a few small hand tools and gave you a quick explanation of their use.

Before long, his hands were resting over yours, your back pressed gently against his chest as he showed you the different sanding techniques he used. Though every inch of his body was pressed against yours, you’d never felt so free, so held and yet, so comfortable.

It was a quiet few minutes before he spoke, his lips inches from your ear.

“You ever done this before?” His breath tickled your neck and sent a shiver down your spine.

“Never,” You breathed, trying your hardest not to just melt into his strong arms.

“You’re a natural then.”

He slowly peeled his hands back from yours, allowing you to keep sanding on your own for a moment. You felt his strong hands slide down your arms, your sides, before settling on your hips.

Your eyelids fluttered, suddenly aware of the effect he had on you. Your movements halted and Jethro raised a hand cautiously to your chin, turning your head to face him.

“This okay?” He questioned gently, a worried look settled into his furrowed brows.

You didn’t answer immediately. Instead, turning your whole body to face his, your arms sliding over his broad shoulders to rest at the back of his neck.

“Only if you intend to kiss me, Jethro,” His name danced from your lips in a whisper.

A soft smile spread across his face, the worry melting away in an instant.

“Yes, ma’am, I do.”

Before you could comprehend, the hand that was still on your chin drifted to hold you just below your ear, and his lips melted into yours in a sweet, slow kiss.

He tasted of bourbon and something you were sure was just distinctly him.

You leaned further into him as your lips met over and over again. His presence wasn’t demanding, but invasive. You felt Jethro in every inch of your body; his taste, his smell, the way his fingers gripped into your hip like he was afraid you might disappear if he let go.

The seconds felt like hours before you separated your lips, both of you desperate for oxygen. Your chest heaved slightly as he drew small circles onto your lower back absentmindedly; his forehead leaning down to rest on yours.

“Do you bring all the girls down here and make out like teenagers?” You teased, still slightly out of breathe.

He threw his head back in another honey-glazed laugh. It invaded your sense just as his kiss had.

God, you though, I could listen to that forever.

“No,” He huffed, a wide smile still spread across his face, “Only the special ones.”

“Ohh,” You exaggerated, “So I’m special, then?”

He only growled an Mmmhhmm before his lips pressed into yours once more, this time slightly quicker than the time before.

“Hungry?” He asked simply, prying his lips from yours, a slight groan falling from your lips as he pulled away.

“Starving,” You replied without missing a beat.

He raised an eyebrow and leaned slightly further away from you, letting him see your full expression.

“For food, sweetheart,” He jested, a hint of teasing in his voice.

“I know!” You squeaked, swatting his shoulder playfully in protest.

He chuckled that charming laugh and nodded his head towards the stairs.

“Well, come on then,” He spoke after pressing a quick peck to your lips.

You followed Jethro upstairs where you enjoyed a delicious homemade dinner and spend the rest of the evening basking in each other’s company.

You sighed as you reached the top of the stairs, just outside your office. Since you rarely locked the door, you turned the handle and swung it open. You were surprised to see the light already switched on. A pit formed in your stomach as your eyes scanned the room before—

“Jesus, Abby!” You found her sitting at your desk chair, literally shaking in anticipation, “You almost gave me a heart attack!”

“Sorry, I’m sorry,” She quickly approached you, taking your bag out of your hand and setting it down in the desk, “Sooo? I’m dying to know! Tell me everything!”

“Ab,” You smiled at her an tilted your head slightly in a playful manner, “A girl should never kiss and tell.”

Abby squealed in excitement and pulled you into a hug, clearly understanding that it went well enough for you to kiss him.

“Please tell me you’re seeing him again. Please, please, please,” She practically begged with her hand folded in front of her.

“Tomorrow, after work,” You smiled as she squealed and pulled you into another excited hug.

“This is the best day ever!” She declared and sat in the comfy chair across from your desk, determined to get all the details from your life-changing first date with Jethro Gibbs.

[dr-spectre]

On August 2nd, me and my family are gonna go camping at East Lynn for three days and I wanna bring my Marie and Callie plushies so I can take pictures with them, but I don't want overlay and the glitter to get screwed. Do you have some tips of how I can not let that happen? I don't want my babies to lose the overlay and glitter.

You're asking the guy who has a Callie plushie that lost all of its glitter... to give you tips on how to keep the glitter?

This is her on the 15th of October 2023

This is her now.

But you know what? I'll help you out don't worry, cause I realised the mistake that I made. (I washed her too hard)

Splatoon plushies are very delicate and you gotta treat them carefully. You can't be too rough with them, you can't wash them too hard or else they'll get damaged. Basically don't be rough with them and get them out of areas where you know they could be dirty. Which might be a little difficult for you because you're gonna go camping with them. Just don't chuck them down a hill or roll them around in the grass/dirt okay? Don't throw em in a lake too lol.

I know the Frye plushie for example is very susceptible to damage, particularly on her eyelashes and the thin piece that acts as her hair in front of her face. But you don't gotta worry about that because you don't own a Frye plushie lmao.

If you need to wash them, HAND WASH THEM and use a LITTLE BIT of washing detergent or hand soap. fill up a sink or bucket with cold water and gently... GENTLY!!! Squeeze the plushie to get rid of the dirt and fill it with soapy water. Rub your fingers on particularly dirty areas until it's clean.

Once the plushies are clean, empty out the dirty water and fill it back up with clean water. Then gently squeeze out the soapy/dirty water from the plushie until all the soap is out of them.

Then you wanna squeeze out all of the water in the plushie and dry them with a towel and air drying.

Now... I wanna say this, you have to accept that at some point the plushies may lose their glitter due to age or general use. Accept that the plushies may never look as good as they once used to.

Down in the future if the plushies lose their glitter and you are REALLLYYYYY bothered it. There is always the option of buying another set and just keeping them up for display ONLY! And just using the plushies you already have for snuggling and all the stuff you would normally do with a plushie. But then again splatoon plushies can be.... expensive so only do that if your budget allows you to do that and if you actually wanna go through with that.

I heard there might be ways to glue glitter back on but it will be a very long and tedious process. And you could also make your own set of clothes for them if you know how to make clothes for plushies and put them on top of their pre existing outfits but idk if you are skilled in that area.

Anyways, hoped that helped. Don't make the mistake I did by washing her twice and both times being really rough with her. And now I have a Callie plushie without the glitter and I've been thinking about getting another plushie for display.... ugh... my wallet is cursed by this franchise...

[dumbfinntales]

I recently completed a game that caught me completely by surprise. My Friendly Neighborhood. On the surface you might look at it and go “ugh another yucky mascot horror indie slop?” and trust me, when I initially saw the game I thought the same thing. I’ve fundamentally grown to dislike mascot horror, or kid friendly horror. So few games actually get it right, and most are really dumb. I’m not gonna name any so I don’t upset people, but imagine if you take Bob the builder. Okay, now he’s Frank the breaker and oh he has sharp teeth and red eyes. That’s how these types of games seem like to me.

So I kind of dismissed MFN when I first saw it. But lo and behold, a few days after the games release I saw a tweet on twitter of someone calling it a “survival horror” game and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I looked into it and by god, it really is one, and inspired by classic Resident Evil titles too. A fucking RE clone with muppets? I gave the game a chance and it blew me away. MFN is a genuinely fun and competent survival horror game with great atmosphere, fun combat and intriguing puzzles to solve.

The best part to me is that the game isn’t trying too hard to be scary. Sure it’s called survival “horror”, but it feels kinda light hearted and does parody of popular horror tropes like a bathtub with a body in it that you have to drain for an item. The puppets themselves are really charming and I enjoyed their demented rambles. My favorite line went something like “My friend recently really upset me. So you know what I did? I SHOVED them into the ground and STOMPED their face!” and they say all this in a very muppety voice which is hilarious. The point is that they’re not giving the puppets sharp teeth and demented lines like “I’ll eat your flesh” in order to be “scary”. The devs knew it would be impossible to make the muppets scary, so they leaned more on a parody.

Being inspired by classic RE games the game has a lot of familiar DNA like obscure puzzles, doors that require specific keys, backtracking, inventory management and even limited saves. Although on survival difficulty there was more than plenty of resources and save points so I never felt like I was running out of saves, or ammo or even health. The level design was also great and the world looped on itself in interesting ways and backtracking wasn’t as tedious and there was always some surprises waiting for you.

The game also seems plenty replayable and you can unlock different cheats by finding collectibles around the world. It isn’t overly long, which to me is a plus especially in a game that’s meant to be replayable, so I’ll definitely play through the game again on harder difficulties and maybe chase after some achievements.

But do I have anything negative to say? Well mainly nitpicks. The game could have benefited from more basic enemy types than just the puppets that chase after you and the small hand puppets. There’s also level specific “hazard” puppets, if you can call them that, but I dunno. It would have felt a little more interesting with some variation in what enemies you normally encounter. There’s also only two proper bosses in the game and the first one is way too easy as it goes down with just two grenades. I genuinely thought it had a second phase or I’d encounter it again, but nope. The last boss was alright, although really easy to avoid. At least it took a fight.

So yeah. How’s that for an indie surprise? There’s a lesson to be learned, never judge a book by its cover. But can you blame me for doubting? There’s way too many kiddie horror games trying to have deep lore and be all spooky and failing horribly. But MFN is a genuine gem, if you enjoy classic survival horror games do give it a try!

[ink-and-hedera]

Acquaintance

"Brewed in academia, we sip knowledge, each cup filled with life's realities. In the shadow of ancient trees and hills, we find comfort, learning to endure our shared existence. Like an over-roasted coffee, life blends bitterness with inexplicable charm."

My go-to is black coffee - drip when I'm in a rush, or filter when my favorite barista is working at the coffee shop near the dormitory. The other barista over-roasts the coffee beans and brews it without passion. I'd rather skip coffee altogether than face that disappointment in a small white cup.

You can always tell when a person loves what they do.

I'd love to say that I wake up to the first rays of the sun sneaking into our room through the solitary window, but the truth is we live in the shadow of a hill and old trees. It's unusual, given that we're in the center of Kyiv, but neither my roommates nor I complain. In the summer, the shade provides welcome coolness.

Our room, a cramped 10 square meters, houses four of us. There's no such thing as privacy here. It's not a life, but a fairy tale. But you get used to it. The options are limited: a) find a third job, neglect studies, and rent an apartment; b) sell a kidney; c) endure.

Since I don't have a spare kidney, and a day only has 24 hours - the first two options are out. As for the third - I'm a born endurer.

Back to the room and its inhabitants. To protect privacy, I've changed the names, ages, appearances, and some biographical details. Girls, if you're reading this, know that I love you. Probably.

We're four girls of different ages, tastes, and views. Essentially, we're strangers forced by circumstances to share a roof. In such a situation, you must find common ground. Living together requires rules and responsibility sharing, and quarrels over household matters are inevitable. Sometimes, someone might eat your dinner, the one you've fantasized about all day during tedious lectures. Sometimes, you spend two hours deciding who should pay for the internet and who should take out the trash.

It's like a family.

“Alaska, are you busy?”

A friend messages me while I'm sitting in class, rubbing my forehead. My students are in an anti-bullying lecture, so I'm doing my own thing. Teaching in college at 22 while studying for a master's? It’s a cruel joke. Don't get me wrong, I love my students. But the administration, colleagues, standards from the ministry, and bureaucracy that has me rewriting the curriculum for the sixth time...

I sigh heavily and return to the message.

“Yes,” I answer, though I'm not really bothered. I have at least 20 free minutes.

“Come outside.”

Ugh.

“Why did you even ask then?” I text back, irritated.

“Just come, grumpy.”

I sigh again, shut off my work laptop, and leave everything in the office. I put on a black trench coat with a packet of two remaining cigarettes, a lighter, and keys in the pocket.

"I hope you didn't call me just because you're bored. I have zero desire to climb back to the 4th floor," I say as I exit the building. The cold autumn wind hits me as I descend the stone stairs of the old building.

Oliver is sitting on a bench next to an abstract statue. He waves as I approach. We study Computer Science together at the university, though we don't fit the programmer stereotype.

Oliver, half a head taller than me, has red hair and freckles covering his nose and cheeks. He might seem cute to some, but his snarky sarcasm ruins that image.

"And I missed you too, grumpy. Let's grab a coffee," he says as I stare at him in disbelief. "You're a jerk. Couldn't you just come to me? I'm gonna die climbing back to the classroom."

"I care about your health. Maybe you'll finally quit smoking."

"Shut up," I snap, though I still follow him through the green gates marking the college territory. "So, what brings you here?"

"Had some business around, decided to stop by, check on our grumpy," Oliver says, smirking.

"And who told you I'm at work, and not in the dormitory or elsewhere?"

"Mary. She's worried because you've been acting strange lately," he says as we reach a coffee shop.

The coffee shop is spacious and not crowded - it's the middle of a workday. The interior is green and white, and I momentarily drift away from the conversation, observing every detail of the décor.

The spacious café is cozy and calm, as if immersed in a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, where time meditates to the rhythm of coffee drops. Modernity intertwines with elegance in every detail. The walls, made of fresh white brick and adorned with green accents, seem to reflect the trends of nature that seep into the modern urban landscape.

Filling the space, the soft light shimmers from stylish pendant lamps with glass shades, creating an atmosphere of tenderness and tranquility. Tables, made of glass panels and metal legs, embody the spirit of innovation and refinement. Interwoven green and white accents add whimsy and refresh the space, creating a sense of lightness and harmony.

Meanwhile, the café does not lose its functionality. Comfortable chairs with soft cushions invite you to relax and enjoy the aromatic drinks brewed in copper coffee makers on the kitchen windowsill. The taste notes of coffee, complemented by the delicate aromas of freshly baked pastries, awaken all your senses, prompting instant relaxation and rest.

Thanks to its refined design and sophisticated approach to decor, the café in green and white color becomes not just a place where you can enjoy the taste of coffee, but also a true masterpiece of modern urban life, inviting you to discover new horizons of taste and aesthetics.

“Are you even listening to me?” Oliver asks, and I just stare at him, momentarily forgetting that I'm not alone here. “I asked what coffee you'll have.”

“Yes, sorry. Americano,” I finally respond. He smiles again and turns back to the barista, while I decide where we should sit.

My gaze lands on a table by the window, and I head there to claim it.

After a few minutes, Oliver joins me, holding two sandwiches. I look at him with a silent question in my eyes.

“You clearly haven't eaten anything,” he says as if he knows me like the back of his hand.

Indeed, I haven't eaten because I overslept three damn alarms and ran to work as if I had been scalded.

“Thank you,” I say gratefully and unfold the bag. The smell of food makes my stomach somersault, and just from that, I let out a pleased “mmm…”

“God, don't rush. When was the last time you ate properly? You're losing your mind with your work. Mary said you were acting strange, but I think I see that the reason for it is your workaholism,” Oliver says, taking a sip of his cappuccino, which the barista has just brought.

“Just... a lot of work,” I say, just having chewed my long-awaited food. “Mary worries in vain.”

“I think she is doing the right thing worrying. I, of course, call you a workaholic, but that doesn't mean you should actually become one, for God's sake,” he says, looking straight at me and exhales with disappointment. “Anyway, we'll talk about this later. Anyway, I came with a proposition.”

I stop eating and look at him in surprise.

“I won't marry you,” I say, with a note of sarcasm, joking.

“Hey! Actually, I'm a great catch,” he adds, laughing openly. “But no, you're wrong. Not that proposition. I know a guy who really wants to open a private educational institution. Somewhere in the summer. The building is great, and so are the ideas and programs. They promise a room, food, and decent salary..." he says, and I look at him with irritation.

“Oliver, you must be joking? I dream of escaping this teaching pit, and you're offering me to dive deeper into it... sorry, frankly, this shit? You know how I'm counting down the days until the end of the contract,” I add, exhaling.

“Alaska, wait and don't get heated. I know, I know, you're planning to go into the gaming industry. And yes, I know how much you like teaching. But this is a really cool opportunity. At least temporarily, until you finish your master's degree. You've been needing to move out of the dorm for a long time, get away from all the problems and start... living. Come on, where else will you find a job with such conditions? And there's a young team there. Lots of opportunities. You'll be able to balance everything appropriately and finally take care of your health.” Oliver says with such determination, trying to convince me. “You don't have to answer right now. Just think about it. It's a good start... Considering... events. Don't refuse right away.”

I take a sip of my Americano.

Damn.

The beans are over-roasted again.

[ivy-is-fine]

WARNING: long vent underneath; mostly self deprecation so be mindful of that if you decide to read

chat I’m genuinely tweaking out so fucking bad rn I just spent like an hour and half making a custom Minecraft skin and then I accidentally hit something that destroyed all of my progress, RIGHT BEFORE I DOWNLOADED IT YALL I GONNA EXPLODE I KNOW I SHOULDNT BE SO UPSET OVER SIMETHING STUPID AND POINTLESS AND SMALL AS THIS BUT HOLY FUCKING SHIT IM GOING TO CRY AND THEN I DONT KNOW THROW A HAT AT THE GROUND YALL IT LOOKED SO GOOD I LOVED IT AND THEN I FUCKING RUINED IT ILL NEVER BE ABLE TO MAKE IT THE SAME EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT, JUST HOW I WANTED IT TO BE. I KNOW I CAN JUST MAKE ANOTHER AND BE MORE CAREFUL BUT THAT WILL TAKE SO MUCH MORE TIME AND IT WAS SO TEDIOUS THAT TO SPEND MORE TIME WOULD MAKE THE EXPERIENCE EVEN WORSE. CHAT. CHAT IM LOSING MY FUCKING MIND. AND I KNOW IM ONLY SO EMOTIONAL OVER THIS BECAUSE ITS HOT AND MISERABLE AND IM OVERSTIMULATED AND THERES SOMETHING WRONG GOING ON IN MY BODY THATS MADE ME LOSE THE WILL TO EAT AND I HATE MYSELF AND EXISTING FEELS GROSS AND I HAVE NO ENERGY SO NOW IM CRYING JUST AS BAD OVER THIS STUPID, POINTLESS THING AS I DID WHEN MY FUCKING CAT DIED. IM NOT READY FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR, IM GOING TO BE MISERABLE AND BURNED OUT AND I FEEL LIKE MY BEST FRIENDS DONT LIKE ME EVEN THOUGH I KNOW RATIONALLY THAT THEY DO BUT IM SCARED THAT THEIR OPINIONS OF ME ARE STARTING TO SOUR AND THAT THEYLL LEAVE ME BEHIND JUST AS EVERYONE DOES. GOD IM SO AWKWARD WITH PEOPLE NOBODY LIKES ME I CAN TELL AND I DONT TALK ABOUT ANYTHING INTERESTING OR KNOW ANGTHING ABOUT CARS AND TRUCKS LIEK EVERYONE I EXIST WITH. IM USELESS, I DONT HAVE A JOB, I DONT KNOW HOW TO MOW LAWN OR WEEDWACK OR DRIVE A TRACTOR. IM A WORTHLESS HUMAN WITH ZERO TALENT, ALL I CAN DO IS MAKE USELESS FUCKING ART AND WRITE USELESS FUCKING ESSAYS ABOUT USELESS FUCKING TOPICS. IM SO FUCKING WORTHLESS MY PARENTS SHOULD HAVE KNOWN IT FROM THE START, I COULDNT EVEN EAT FUCKIGN RIGHT. I HATE EVERYTHING ABOUT MYSELF, I HATE BEING A PICKY AND SLOW EATER ITS FUCKING EMBARRASSING I HATE BEING UNDERWEIGHT BECAUSE IT MAKES ME WEAK AND I HATE BEING WEAK BECAUSE IT MAKES ME EVEN MORE USLESS AND EMBARRASSING. I HATE MY SKINNY FUCKING WRISTS AND THE NAUSEA THAT CONSTANTLY STIRS IN MY GUT. I HATE MY STUPID FUCKING OVERBITE AND THE HERBST APPLICATION IN MY FACE TO FIX IT AND I HATE MY CURLY HAIR THAT I DKNT KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF PROPERLY BECAUSE IT LOOKS STUPID AND MY SWEATY ASS PALMS THAT LEAVE MARKS ON THE FUCKING TABLES ARE AWFUL I HATE IT IT MAKES ME FEEL GROSS I WISH I KNEW HOW TO ACT IN PUBLIC I WISH I KNEE WHAT INCOULD DONTHAT WOULD MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY BUT I KNOW DAMN WELL THAT EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE WOULD FUNCTION BETTER WITHOUT ME. I WANT TO BE A PART OF SOCIETY BUT I NEVER KNOW HOW TO ACT, I DONT KNOW WHEN SOMEONE CANT TOLERATE ME. PEOPLE SCARE ME TOO EASILY I WANT TO STAY IN MY ROOM WHERE NO ONE HAS TO SEE ME. I WANT TO SMASH MY HEAD AGAINT A WALL, MAYBE ITLL MAKE ME NORMAL. GOD I CANT FUCKING STAND IT ANYMORE PLEASE I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO FUNCTION NORMALLY, HOW TO MAKNTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT, HELL, HOW TO HAVE AN APPETITE. I CONSTANTLY FEEL SICK AND RECENTLY IVE BEEN FEELING SO DETACHED FROM REALITY THAT I CAN HARDLY REGISTER ANY WORDS SPOKEN TO ME AND NO ONE TELLS ME ANYTHING IMPORTANT ANYWAYS LIKE HOW I WAS THE LAST TO KNOW WHERE MY FUCKING CAT GOT BURIED??? NO ONE SEEMED TO FEEL LIEK THAT WA SIMPIRTSNT ENOUGH TO TELL ME!!! IT FEELS LIKE EVERYONE EXPECTS EM TO KNOW STUFF WITHOUT HAVING TO BE TOLD BUT INDONT KNOW!!! I NEVER FUCKING KNOW!! I DOTN KNOW ANHTHING OTHER THAN USELESS PIECES OF TRIVIA THAT WILL NEVER BE USED ANYWHERE AT ALL. UGH I FEEL SO ILL, HUNGRY YET SICK AT THE SAME TIME. STARVING WITH NO DESIRE TO EAT. I KNOW ILL DIE, IM ALWAYS ON THE EDGE WITH DEATH, WAVING ACROSS THE STREET AT EACH OTHER. I DONT WANT TO BE SKINNY. I WANT TO EAT AND BE HEALTHY. BUT I CANT. I DONT KNOW WHY I CANT. I HAVE ACCESS TO FOOD AT ALL TIMES, THERES NOTHING STOPPING ME. I CAN HEAR MY STOMACH BUDDLE AND I CAN FEEL THE HUNGER PANGS BUT THEY DONT SEEM TO TRANSMIT TO MY BRAIN. MY MEMORY IS FAILING ME MORE AND MORE MY THE MINUTE, I CAN FEEL MYSELF

DETERIORATING. GOD IM SO SICK OF THIS THIS GAME ISNT FUN ANYMORE BUT I DONT WANT TO QUIT. ITS HARD BEING THE MEDIATOR, THE LIGHTHEARTED JOKESTER WHO DIFFUSES THE SITUATION AND REMAINS COOL AND CALM. IT FUCKING SUCKS AND I GET WALKED ALL OVER ALL THE TIME.

AND I KNOW THERES MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS WHO HAVE IT HUNDREDS OF TIMES WORSE THAN ME, BUT HOLY FUCKING SHIT LIVING SUCKS. MY BRACES AND HERBST MAKE MY FACE ACHE AND MY KNEES HURT WHEN HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEMS COME IN AND IM SLOW AND DONT PROVIDE ANYTHING FOR A TEAM. MY ARMS FEEL WEAK ALL THE TIME AND MY BRAIN FEELS LIKE AN EMPTY CHAMBER WITH SOME GUNK AND COBWEBS SLOSHING AROUND. GOD IM SO TIRED. EVERY PART OF MY BODY IS TIRED, IM EXHAUSTED THROUGH TO MY BONES AND BACK.

THERES NO GOOD WAY TO CONCLUDE THIS, AND IM SORRY IF YOUVE READ THIS THROUGH(OR AT ALL).

[earlysunshines]

I had a lot of work last week and i spent yesterday sleeping all day so idk what is happening in the twice community (i read some things here and there but thats it) so i just want to say that regardless of anything bad and rude people have said, to you or your work or others, keep going because you are obviously good at it and seem to enjoy it a lot. Maybe not now if you don't want to but don't let die (please). I really like your work and hope to read more of it again someday♡

twice community just making me shake my head and frown

i would love to keep going but it’s actually been a while that i’ve been feeling unmotivated to write for twice and i haven’t been keeping up as much either :-( i’ve been losing like enjoyment and whatnot writing for twice these days and ive tried to write some fics but i just end up writing very little or nothing at all

but that doesn’t mean i’m gonna stop writing for them forever! (most likely) this is just for now.

i’ve been very very happy writing for newjeans and feel the same spark and drive i did when i first started my acc sooooo that’s what i’ll stick w for now

also another point i want to add i feel like a lot of ppl don’t enjoy a lot of my fics as much as the others because they aren’t smut or anyhring like that, it kind of bothers me how lust driven everyone in twiceland is (and i’ve also just not been feeling smut fics and anyhring like that these days it’s not my fav) sooooo yea even if i write what i want its like ugh tedious and frustrating!!!

yeah that’s it LOL

[raven]

what video games would u recommend. based on me seeing ur posts and thinking ur right even though i never know what youre talking about. also i have dogshit taste but i have good taste actually but its bad

OMG

hop on backloggd heres mine and heres my buddy rory's bc they make points too and are generally more serious than me so if you want to be serious u can go there. More under the cut bc i cant shut up 👍

otherwise my pretentious but #real and #true recs that i genuinely think everyone should play are disco elysium, pentiment, and kentucky route zero.

"theyre just good!" - who's lila?, the world ends with you, return of the obra dinn, hylics 2, portal 1&2, ghost trick, outer wilds (however outer wilds may be difficult for whatever reason- i recommend hollow_tones on twitch's streams although she has not streamed the dlc!)

series that have taken over my life for periods of time, for good or ill - dragon age (2 is my fav, all are worth playing, inquisition is dogshit storywise but has good gameplay, centrist liberal writers that make u want to bomb a church (for the record @ fbi this is a reference to the events of one of my favorite characters in the series, not real life. he was justified), ace attorney (1-3 are great with some questionable moments but apollo justice is the best overall game, 5&6 are some of the worst games ive played in my life, and the great ace attorney... exists), and persona (UGH). i can go more in depth about any of these, but i will go more in depth about persona because thats my current disorder and because theyre the most problematic, LOL. but dgmw da and aa are also problematic in many ways

persona - ive posted about it. im realizing i didnt talk about the misogyny in that post because i thought it was well known honestly but like. my god. the misogyny. especially persona 5 royal. dont play 4. or do, bc i need anyone to suffer as i have, but im serious. i feel like whatever people say, its worse. ive also posted about 4.

if you want to lose a week of your life in a "game for 16ish hours, sleep for 8ish hours, repeat" cycle play baldurs gate 3. its a fun game it takes up your time it has great mechanics! do not pay attention to character discourse baby.

if you like good gameplay, play dishonored 1&2

if you don't like good gameplay, play morrowind (this is kind of a joke in that i dont actually think morrowind has bad gameplay, but it still can be tedious.)

if you don't like good gameplay, play the persona 2 duology (this is not a joke, the gameplay in those games are actually bad.)

if you like gameplay, play any katamari game

also gonna plug one of my favorite genres, nonlinear visual novel adjacent games (lots of wordy, story-based segments but there are actual gameplay portions) these games also are not necessarily "good" but they are "fun": 999 (play on DS!!), ai the somnium files (note that this and 999 kind of require a... specific taste with the sexual humor) these games did have sequels but theyre all pretty bad for various reasons but check em out if you enjoyed the originals, paranormasight (one of the best ones in this genre imo), gnosia, 13 sentinels

also i have not hopped on final fantasy 7 (ORIGINAL) but i am about to hop on final fantasy 7 (ORIGINAL). and i am currently struggling against the current playing smt iii nocturne.

also, games that i have not played but interest me storywise and deserve honorable mentions are baroque (not really planning on playing but planning on watching stuff), pathologic classic (played a little and watched a full playthrough years ago, probably will get back to one day), pathologic 2 (never completed), fear and hunger (played for a few hours and decided to watch a playthrough instead), and fear and hunger 2 (not played but planning on playing bc ive heard its a little more user friendly than the original!)

so thats video games.

[jamalgripperton46290]

The Wall Around Our Love (Donald Trump x Elmo)

Jamal Gripperton's Masterlist

A/N (if you haven't already read it go read it now then come back)

•••

**News Report To Alla dem Sesame Street Citizens**

"Breaking news! This just in, Trump has allegedly claimed to build a wall all through Sesame Street, including some border laws. Anyone who objects against it, will be deported. This is Big Bird, and you're watching: BBC" (iykyk)

Elmo was absolutely heart broken. He felt as if his heart had shattered in two. Sesame Street was his home he couldn't be separated from his friends, they were like family to him, a family he didn't have. He wouldn't let this happen he HAD to do something about it. Trump couldn't do that, he had no right to, especially for no reason other than the fact he just wanted to. No matter how much power trump had, he just couldn't do that.  Elmo was gonna stand up for Sesame Street, his home, his life, his world. He had to do something, he just had to, and he was, even if it meant he had to get deported.

**Fast forward 2 days later**

Trump had just arrived to sesame street after a grueling, tedious and exhausting plane ride to Sesame Street. He just couldn't believe he had to work beside freakin puppets, and his overly high ego thought he was way above them (Dude thought wrong). About 15 minutes later, he got a message from his manager, AKA, his good ol friend John.

Johnny <3 : Hey Donny there's some red puffball dude from sesame street and he wants to do a live interview if u want i can cancel it.

Donald Duck: Naw dawg its fine, ill do it only cuz i wanna delay actually buildin the wall with these air heads as much as possible.

Johnny <3 : Sure dude i'll tell em to make it for 3 that ok w u?

Donald Duck: Ya ya dats cool.

Johnny <3: Kk baii  man see ya @ da bar later

Donald Duck: You know it ma man

**Fast Forward 3 PM**

Elmo was impatiently waiting until the clock FINALLY striked 3 as he stood outside of the BBC news building. 

"2:40, ugh, when will it be 3?!" he couldn't bear the thought of waiting even more. 2:45, he swore that it had been about 20 minutes since he last checked the time. After about a million times of turning his teletubbie phone on and off and leaning against the wall, the clock finally struck 3. In the blink of an eye, he was ushered inside and sent to hair and makeup before he had got to see the news set in person and it was weirdly intimidating.

He was snatched out of his thoughts by a hand on his shoulder. "Hey there Elmo! I think you already know who I am, but just so you know, were gonna start filming in 2 minutes so you should probably get on the set." Big bird proclaimed with a friendly smile. "Wow, I can't believe it... it's actually you!" Elmo beamed in pure disbelief.

"You bet it's me lil chickadee! Well, I'll talk to ya later, were about to start." Big Bird reminded the fuzzy red headed fellow as he started to walk off in the distance. Elmo rushed to his seat but stopped dead in his tracks. Blue ocean-like orbs struck him speechless. How could one evil man look so... godly? He didn't even notice he was staring at him star-gazed until...

"Oy! You! Yes you! Red ball of yarn! Get your ass here so we can just get this over with" Trump barked angrily. And holy pancakes dude, this expired 2-year-old couch cheeto had a goddamn temper. 

A couple minutes passed and the cameras started rolling. He was now on live TV for all of Sesame Street to see.

"Good afternoon Sesame Street, this is the daily 3 o'clock news, and today we're here with Donald Trump and our city representative, Elmo. How are you doing Elmo?" Big Bird announced with a pearly smile. Oh no, Elmo couldn't talk in front of probably all of Sesame Street, it was way too nerve-wracking, but he had too for his home.

"Thanks for asking Big Bird, and I'm doing great..." Elmo managed to speak. "That's great! What about you Trump?" Big Bird pried. "I'm doing fine" Trump muttered. "Okaaayyyy... well enough dilly-dallying! So, Trump, why'd you decide to build a wall through our town?" Big Bird asked with slight annoyance. 

"Well, because I believe having a wall separating the town in two, would improve the economical growth, as you won't have your family as close so, you wouldn't have as many distractions to your everyday life." Trump explained "The amount of days off per average here is outrageous and is why your podunk of a town is so broke. But remember, I'm only doing this because I care about the citizens of Sesame Street and don't want to see your town crumble down, which I bet you don't either." Trump finished with a grin. What was this overcooked orange biscuit going on about? It would only make things worse, clearly.

"With all due respect Trump, I think that would only make things worse, I mean, taking away their motivation? Sounds pretty idiotic if you ask me." Elmo defended; he wouldn't let him win. "I have to go with Elmo on that one Trump" Big Bird agreed. "You're only saying that because he's your friend, one day you'll see the benefit of this and regret your opinion." Trump declared and motioned for the cameras to stop.

After one last glance around the room, Trump left. Even if what Trump had said offended Elmo, he still had a burning feeling to go after him, and so he did.

"Trump! Wait up!" Elmo called, hoping he could hear him. "What do you want midget?" Trump asked, irritated, wanting to walk away but... why didn't he? "Well, I walked here, and since you said you cared about the citizens of Sesame Street, I was wondering if you could drive me home?" Elmo cooed. "Can't you just walk home again?" Trump replied. In response Elmo looked up at him with puppy eyes "Please?" Elmo begged. "Ugh FINE get in" Trump finally budged, annoyed as hell.

Throughout the car ride, Elmo saw Don-don- 

No, TRUMP

Adjusting his pants. The suddenly, the car stopped.

"I can't keep driving this car with you here-" Trump said as he moved closer to where Elmo was sitting "And not being able to fuck the brains outta you" Trump finished his sentence by smashing his lips against Elmo's fuzzy ones. Elmo was dumbfounded, this wasn't really happening... was it? Nevertheless, this was dream worthy. Trump's tongue was exploring Elmo's mouth making sure not to miss anything.

Elmo had stripped Don-don bare to the cheeks. He had looked away for a split second, when he felt a wrinkly hand on his poofy yarn stick. Don-don's mouth was on him, and it was simply otherworldly, his experienced tongue wrapped around his dong, sucking and licking all around his length took his breath away - literally. Multiple more times of licking and sucking Elmo's special sauce squirted out. 

"Hop on me Elmy" Don-don implied with a growing smirk on his face. Elmo obviously did and rode Trumpy like a cowboy, jumpin up and down, soon enough, the black interior of the car was snowy white. Trumpy and Elmo were breathless after what seemed like hours of slamming into each other with full force, moans and squeaking the only things you could hear in that poor car.

"Trumpyy?" Elmo cooed "Yes Elmy?" Trump softly replied, "Its probably past my bedtime, can you drive me home now?" Elmo asked with a yawn, "Sure thing Elmy, anything for you my precious red-dongled baby. Heck, I'll even stop the wall project for you, anything to make you happy Elmy" Trump responded pulling him in for a hug.

Trump dropped off Elmy at his house and blew him a kiss "I'll see you soon sugar"

"Elmo will be waiting for you Trumpy!"

"I know you will!"

And with that, Trump drove away with the rising sun.

Who knew a project meant to separate just brought them closer?

•••

A/N

This was one weird idea ma bros, it's Jamal here, and I wrote alla this one, but it wouldn't have been readable without Beezy, cuz she edited this one, and like, all of the others, so it's always a team effort. Hope all of u guys r still here and waitin for more chapters to come.

-Jamal Gripperton and BeezyBee <3

[nimbasa-librarian]

You Listen to The Skirmish Too?

Piers was stubborn.

People said it was a character flaw, but he saw it as the only thing that kept him going some nights. 

Much like right now, staring at the hilariously small print of the law records book he was attempting to read. 

Why were guardianship rights this obtuse?

But he’d figure it out. He had to. He only had a year to get all this nonsense sorted before they’d take Marnie. They couldn’t take Marnie. He wouldn’t allow it.

“... D’ye need any help?” 

Looking up from the book for the first time in what felt like hours, he was met by the eyes of the new girl at school. 

She’d come in the middle of the year, moved from some place up north, and immediately volunteered for the library for her school/work hours. 

She had a yamask that followed her around. People didn’t talk to her, and that had included Piers. 

Not because he didn’t like her- she seemed aloof, but not unpleasant from his cursory observation- but his life was currently a mess, and he didn’t have time for school friends 

Pier grumbled a bit “If you can make this book easier t’read that’d be nice” He muttered “No, ‘m’fine. Thanks” he waved her off, starting to mutter to himself. 

He could feel her still standing there for a moment, like she wanted to say more, but then she left, heavy steps carrying her deeper into the library. 

A few minutes later, his attention was taken by someone clearing their throat. 

He turned his head, and was greeted by a thin book shown to him 

“The Practical Law Guide for Guardianship Vol 2- All Paperwork” 

He stared at the title of the book, then up at the person holding it. 

She looked nervous 

“I.. I saw ye were strugglin wit’ the text. This book was in the archive, i’s a few years outta date, but its probably a better start than readin’ that damned thin’” 

A bit surprised at her attentiveness, he took the book, and looked at the cover for a moment “... Thank you” he looked back up at her, seeing a level of nervousness in her eyes that he was familiar with “You’re uh, Anna?” 

“Anya” 

“Anya.” he nodded, committing the name to memory “I’m Piers” 

She nodded “Oh uh, this is Drew” She motioned to the Yamask floating by her head, who had been quietly observing the two “He’s mah partner pokemon.” 

“Ah” That made more sense than the weird rumor that it was an ex-boyfriend's ghost that was going around. Piers cleared this throat “If this has the right docs, I’ll need t’make copies. Is there a printer here?” 

She pointed “It’s up at circulation. Uh, If ya wan’, I can make sure i’s free for ye.” 

“.. I’d appreciate it” 

She managed a nervous smile for him “Jus’ come up when y’r ready. I’ll be puttin’ books back” 

He nodded, and watched her walk away, looking back at the book in his hands. 

Huh.

-

She liked “the Skirmish” 

He’d heard the starting riff to “Rock the Citadel” from her headphones before they were popped into her ears, and it caught his attention immediately

He hadn’t ever heard anyone listen to the Skirmish that wasn’t over the age of 35. 

He had to bring it up. 

But with school and the stupid law stuff, he found himself without much of a social battery to speak of. 

Ugh, why did he need to go back to school again? 

Right. Marnie. 

He sighed deeply, going over the notes from the lawyer he’d managed to get, and spending the afternoon after school filling out even more tedious paperwork. 

He heard the thunder before the rain started. 

Ugh, spring in Spikemuth could be so dreary. He loved this place, but the downsides were clear. 

“Yama” 

He turned his head to see Anya, looking out the window with a grumble 

“Ah know, Drew. I don’ like gettin’ wet neither, but Pap can’t pick us up today, He’s in Circhester visitin’ Denton. We’re jus gon’ have t’grin an’ bear it” 

Piers felt himself grimacing at her statement to her yamask - Drew? That was its name - the rain came down pretty hard in the spring around these parts. She was gonna be drenched when she got home. 

Wait

Oh, shit, duh. 

He stared at his heavy duty umbrella, then back at her. 

Perfect excuse. Yes. 

He just… hoped she wouldn’t take it the wrong way. 

He packed up his things, and, with a deep sigh, approached the assistant

“Uh, ahem, hi” 

She looked over at him, Drew giving him a curious look “Uh, Hi, d’ye need any help? I’m leavin’ f’r the day” 

“Oh uh, yeah, I saw you don’t have any cover and the rain is pretty intense. You live in the Sheff Apartments, right? That’s on my way home” 

She blinked 

“Uh, I was gonna as if ye wanted some cover? I’ve got a big umbrella” 

‘Oh, oh! Uh…” 

Drew nudged her head, as if scolding “Yama! Ya!” 

“Ghfk!” She startled, and Piers had to fight to hold back a laugh “Fine, fine! Yes, Thank ye” 

“He always like tha’?” 

“He’s pushy when it comes t’my social life” She glared at the pokemon. 

“I’ve never heard of a Yamask like that” 

“He’s a special case” She poked Drew between the eyes, who let out an indignant squeak. 

“Heh, well, d’ya want the umbrella?” 

“... I’d like to not be soaked, yes” Anya nodded “Y’sure ye don’ need anythin’ before ya leave?” 

“Nah, I’ve got what I need f’r now” He assured, showing his umbrella “Need to grab anythin’?” 

“Jus’ my bag” Anya pointed over to the storage lockers at the front of the library 

Piers motioned forward with his free hand, and once Anya had grabbed her school satchel, they headed outside, the two of them fitting comfortably under his large, sturdy umbrella 

“Ah, thank ye, again. I’d be drenched once I got home” 

“No problem. Maybe invest in one of these. It gets nasty this time of year” 

“Noted. Y’lived here a while?” 

“My whole life. Might be a bit damp, but it’s home to me.” 

“Heh, damp is right.. But it must be nice” 

“Hm?” 

“I move a lot. Don’t really have a “home”” She shrugged “but I'm here now. Pap says it's longer term than usual. We’ll see” 

Huh. Interesting life details. 

Piers hummed in response “Well, as long as you’re here. I hope you like it” “So far it’s been nice. I like the record store” 

“Oh, that’s a great little place. Doubles as a concert venue. Seen some nice bands there” 

“Oh, really? I didn’ know a place that small could host bands” 

“Only small ones” 

Anya hummed back in response. 

Piers cleared his throat for the sake of his nerves. “So uh, earlier, I thought I heard “Rock the Citadel” on your headphones?” He attempted to bring up. 

“Oh, uh, shit, was it tha’ loud?” She sheepishly asked, on hand reaching for the headphones 

“No! No, i jus’ heard it before y’put them in your ears! The Skirmish ‘re my favorite band” 

“Oh” Anya’s expression changed over to surprise “I mean, I like ‘em, but I tend to prefer Turf-Noon Joggers” She stated the silly name of the classic band without a hint of irony. That was a good sign. 

“Oh? Which Album?” 

That started a conversation that didn’t stop until they got to the apartment complex. 

“So wait, you’ve lived here for two months and you haven’t gone to the Spire?” 

“I didn’t know it was all ages!” 

“Well there you go! Karaoke, located!” 

“Yama!” Drew spoke up 

“Hm?” 

“Ya. Ma” Drew nudged her 

Piers tilted his head “.. I think he wants you to ask if we can go to karaoke together” He reasoned, and the yamask nodded

Anya’s face turned bright red “What are ya, my mum?!” 

Piers couldn’t hold back a laugh “I mean, I like Karaoke, if you wanna. I’m pretty busy with school and the paperwork, but I could use the destressor” 

“... Really?” 

He nodded “Yeah, I mean, I need t’see if you can keep up with the Skirmish’s vocals” He gave her a grin that she ended up returning 

“Uh, then… friday?” 

He thought for a moment “Friday” 

The Yamask looked so very smug. 

“Well uh, thank ye f’r the cover home. Get home safe… Piers?” 

“Piers Caddell” 

“Piers Caddell” She repeated “Anya Ambermight” 

“Well, see ya tomorrow, Ambermight” 

She nodded back to him, smile remaining, and disappeared into the complex lobby.

-

Well damn

She could sing. 

Like, really sing. 

She got through the entirety of Turf-Noon Joggers “Let’s go Irene” with a certain eagerness, and the two of them were able to pull off the multiple parts of “Wanderlust Symphony” near flawlessly, with him getting the high notes and her getting those hard to manage harmonies. 

He hadn’t had that much fun at karaoke in a long time, and it seemed she felt the same. 

“Y’ever listened to the Koalas?” He asked 

“Oh, yeah that new album is really fuckin good” She rubbed her face. 

“Wanna try out one a the songs? They got “lemon to a knife fight” He scrolled through the song choices 

“Oh shite, really? Le’s get it! We only go’ enough time f’r one more time anyway” 

“Hell yeah!” 

He didn’t have any friends that liked Karaoke as much as he did - much less liked the Koalas, of all bands. 

When the song started, Anya seemed to shake away any tiredness she was feeling, and she grabbed at the resting mic again 

“You ready?” Piers grinned “I know I can keep up, but can you?” 

“Is that a challenge, Caddell?” 

“Mayhaps, Keep up!” 

The last song was by far their best, and when they parted ways, Piers couldn’t help but think that he’d really made a new friend. 

He couldn’t wait to introduce her to Marnie

[phoenix-d-shunko]

Whispering Inferno Part 1

First post to Tumblr please be kind

I'm not supposed to be writing but with my brain screaming here we are.

"Lord Cimmerian " still didn't like the name or the title, but it did its work—evident by the flinch the secretary couldn't hide as he snarled through the heavy iron mask. Identities were treasures, and Lord Cimmerian couldn't risk losing his with all the baggage his life was tagged with.

"Your rundown on the agency's new recruits."

He took the heavy binder in his hands, and although it seemed tedious and boring—much like everything was since he claimed the city for his own—it was always worth looking into new recruits and nipping them in their pathetic buds before they could bloom and cause more problems.

That being said, the agency's recent batches were nothing to worry about, and he flipped through pages and pages until -

"Incendra?"

"Ah yes, she's an annoying one. The foot soldiers report she has been hitting our decoys regularly—but with no tact, it seems. She's quite popular with the public as well, and her Phoenix fire is annoying as much as her desperate efforts to find our headquarters."

Strong build, the sword in her hand that didn't seem to cave to her flames, and those flames—something about them looked very... alluring. But that look in her eyes told him what he had to do. She had to be dealt with.

"Do we have her location?"

"Yes, Sir. She was last seen in today's incident involving Chimera's team. Since then, she's been creating quite the ruckus at the abandoned buildings between Main Street and Elm Avenue."

"What the hell is she doing?" He tried to zoom in on the feed being displayed on the tablet the secretary had handed him.

"It seems like she's trying to...fly...with the flames."

The secretary almost lost it when he saw his lord smile and then chuckle a short laugh. He was... Amused? Amused? Amused. His eyes bulged out at the realization, The Cimmerian amused by a rookie? Something was indeed special about this one, but he was still surprised when the lord himself started to prepare for a bout with the rookie hero.

"Put her location in my tracker and box her if she starts to get tired by her little 'flight practice' and starts to leave. Chimera might want a round two with her. And Bloodshot. Him too. Give them a squad and set up a parameter until I arrive."

"All this for her, lord?"

"Don't doubt my judgment." He snarled. The secretary instantly gulped. "And tell them to get the hell out of there as soon as I arrive. Unless those idiots want to get impaled."

---

Kaida looked at the daunting height of the abandoned building and let out a calming breath. "You just need more airborne time, Kaida Davis. Just more airborne time. You'll be okay. You'll be okay."

She assured herself that no matter what, she could soften her impact with her flames. But as she climbed the stairs, a certain uneasiness kept creeping into her bones to the point she was ready to talk herself out of the whole thing when she reached the rooftop.

She took one peek over the edge and felt her stomach drop - "nope, nope," she kept saying the word as it would make her feet move from the edge, but they didn't. She knew she had to try flying with her flames so she could take care of her biggest weakness, but this was stupid. Sure, it would be cool to fly, and sure, it would fit her actual name perfectly (even though nobody was gonna know "Incendra" was her). Ugh, that name. She broke herself out of the damned thought track, focusing more on the 80 ft drop.

Gosh, why is this building abandoned? She tried to focus her feet more when she felt herself teeter and almost had stabilized herself when she felt a jolt to the back, and there she was, falling. Snapping her out of the sudden feeling of weightlessness, her instincts took over as she conjured flames out of her boots and hands, much like all those 90s cartoons.

She considered letting her flames roar, but then decided against it as the thrust would have propelled into the opposite building and instead let her flames just slow her descent and stopped just 5 feet short, letting herself fall on her back, the impact still stinging but not like an 80 ft fall.

But what she saw made her wish she had taken the huge fall instead. The Cimmerian. He was the one who had pushed her.

"Shame the push couldn't make you fly... at least it could have killed you." He sounded offended and almost sassy, but the voice through the mask made it sound more ominous.

"Didn't think you would go as low as pushing someone from the back, Cimmerian."

Yep. The mask was what made him more fearful. Kaida made all the effort to bite back both mentally and through her voice, but the pain and fear rendered the attempt futile, and her voice had broken halfway through her poor dialogue.

"I hope you fight better. So far that retort and the name isn't doing it." The Cimmerian bit back as he sent a piercing column of iron near Kaida's neck, barely missing it. She quickly put the pain and fear to the back of her mind and got moving. Springing quickly to her feet and gliding out of the range of attack by propelling herself using her flames, she took her scabbard, swinging it from the back to her side, and drew her sword, lighting it and her mask with flames.

"Well, I think this does it."

In an instant, The Cimmerian had descended from the building commanding an iron plate much like the Silver Surfer.

"Not the time to make comic book connections, Kaida Davis. Focus," she muttered to herself.

"I still have my reservations." The Cimmerian barked as he sent a flurry of nails towards 'Incendra,' who just surrounded herself with some blue fire that rendered those nails into small molten iron puddles.

"This will be interesting." He boomed. For once, the prospect of a fight brought The Cimmerian a certain high. A high he loathed. A high that probably led him to this path in the first place.

[bishiglomper]

I am so emotionally unstable

After my last nap i was just so weepy. 😭 I dont even know whats wrong. Just feel drained. Not upset about anything in particular. Was overwhelmed by the house a bit, but.. Ive been taking my drugs and everything! And mom and sissy did A LOT of work on it today.

But i got up and just wanted to CRY. I dont cry well, ive spent my whole life trying NOT to cry because literally everything made me cry and i hate the attention. it was so frustrating. I feel like i needed a good cry.

I sat there for a while even more frustrated because i needed to do something nice for distraction, like jewelry but i didnt have it in me. It still took a while to get started but I started organizing my stuff. Its been needing it, especially since i need to reorganize and figure out what I'm doing with my shit since my Sister moved me...

There was a lot of sorting beads. Good tedious ND activity. I think it helped a lot in stablizing me. I feel better.

My eyes are SO sore and cloudy omfg. I already have allergy issues but crying on top of it and then constantly being wet, ugh. The corners are very stingy

The fam is driving 1.5 hours away tomorrow to pick up wedding things and visit davids bridal. Niece doesnt think she wants anything but theyre having a going-out-of-business sale and it would just be silly to not go considering we're actively planning for her wedding in 40some days.

I will not be going. After today... I just don't think i should. Really dont need to add to my burnout. 👀💧

But im still gonna need to go out. Sigh. They're doing a $15 microchipping thing and the kitten should definitely be chipped. Little escapist. Bro's gonna have to take me. Also i have to pick up my drugs anyway. Sigh

At least i dont have to watch the nephew. I almost had to, since i was staying, but when i mentioned it was more for a mental health day.... 👀💧

I dont know if these people are getting back before dark, so. No thnks.

[kdipshit]

Addicted ;

Am I addicted to thinking about the things I have on repeat in my head? Like is it an addiction, I guess idk how else to think, or what else to think about, it’s kind of sad. Well in better light, I’ve taken up a shit load of study, im really gonna do this writing thing. I really want to do this writing thing, I read the entire brochure of the academy I want to go to, im so happy to be intrested in something, as tedious as the learning journey can be for me, im learning how I learn the best way I can, the only way I can.

I don’t like therapy because I don’t like being told my ways of dealing with my issues are wrong, or bad, or something like that, even though I know they are, and I would be better off without them, I’m very defensive of my coping mechanisms, I take care of them, because they take care of me… in a way, I see them as taking away my primary feeling at the time, which is usually guilt, anxiety, determent, hurt, things along those lines, even just overwhelmed and feeling 100 feelings at once, my coping mechanisms are pretty good at taking away the mess and helping me to slow down, not feel it or completely ignore it. I don’t even like telling myself that they’re bad. But they are, and its not only slowing me down, but its potentially holding me back… I don’t know where I put weed on that spectrum because I know I abuse it but it helps me so much, I know I need to manage my use, I don’t want to lie. Ill try. I’m continuing to do things I don’t want to do to stay in the moment, and its hard, but I try. For me. My anti-psychs restarting to kick in and I’m getting super drowsy, I’m tired, but still hungry, might have some sugar toast lol, yes I eat sugar toast with lost of butter and idc, its all I eat lol, my sugar intake should not be legal I binge eat lollies like its popcorn, like those hard sugar lollies… I get a big bag of piñata lollies munch it like popcorn. Its a problem, i guess no lollies tomorrow either lol. I eat em when I’m BIG B WORD but once I start its like I can’t stop. No wonder I’m sick, I’m excited for this bag to be gone so I dont have to eat them anymore lmao, do you see my fat bitch mentality I have rn watch in a couple weeks ill hate food again and not eat for 5 months. Psycho. I’m gonna make some sugar toast lol. Brb

I better figure my shit out now while I’m still learning and not later on down the line when my foundation is secure, I’m sure it won’t be secure if my shit isint figured out but I have everything under control, it’s like a massive Hurd of bulls rushing towards me and I’m somehow controlling their next movements.

Certain people just take away all the pain for me, and I thank them for that, but theres heaps of other things I can do by myself that will fulfil me just as much, even more.

So I’ve come to realise I’ve got some sort of victim complex going on because why else am I still holding on so tight to things that hurt me? I need to stop feeling sorry for myself, I’ve been knowing that and like thinking about not feeling sorry for myself lmao, but to look at it fully and see I really do have a victim complex and I can’t get go of the feeling, but why should I hold on? I don’t want to guilt myself into letting go, I just want to let go, and I am, by fixing what I pushed away so many years ago, bring it to the front and figure out that fat knot in the chord, that shouldn’t even be here. Ugh, idk man. I think I’m making a lot of sense, I’m just trying to get it all out, I don’t feel sorry for myself when I look back, I see me making the right choice, every single time, whatever lead me here, to cut it off, thank you so much for bringing me here today. Im so embarrassed that it’s taken me this long, but that’s just a feeling it’ll pass, it’s not even that bad, I want to live for myself and that’s it, I’m absolutely worth it. I feel like I’ve already let it go I’m just stuck on the thoughts now lmao, I’m tripping too hard they’re just thoughts, clouds, movements, let themmmm moveeee onnnnn.

I’m totally okay with having a drink today, if the subject arises from Hayley or someone, I would love a glass of bubbles. I’m also done with going the way I have always gone, thats not the way up.

So I talked to my mum about me possibly having a drink tonight, she doesn’t think it’s a good idea, but she said if I feel like I’m in a spot where I can control how much I have, then by all means have a few drinks and enjoy yourself, but if you feel at any point it start to go down, stop. My problem is not stopping, this ripples out to me drinking as a coping mechanism and not as something fun to do with people you love, and let go. That’s what I wanna do, I wanna let go. I’m scared a beast might unleash, it’s not going to tho, because this is the good place. I’m quiet nervous tho aren’t I? I don’t want it to open up the doors for me to drink all the time. I don’t wanna do that, I just want to enjoy this one time, im aloud to. I know I am stronger and bigger than alcohol, and I can control it easily because I monitor my alcohol intake. Count my drinks? I don’t want my family to make assumptions about me if I chose the drink, I have grown and that’s not my way of thinking anymore, I guess me saying that is me judging myself, I have the full capability to live as I am, I have learnt so much and I have implemented more into my life. I’m coming at this from a different angle, i probably won’t even drink tonight who knows? But if I choose to, I choose to do it properly. Follow my mums rules and everything is fine.

I’m not going to let go of myself, I’ve got ahold of who I am and I’m not losing sight.

[phoenix-downer]

Hearts Bound

~1905 words. Sora/Kairi. Set during KH4. Sora POV. Romance, Fluff, Reunion. For SoKai Week 2022, Day 7: KH4 and the future.

Summary: Sora takes on an ever-increasing group of Darksides to protect the people of Quadratum. But his heroic efforts mean he’ll need protecting too.

Sora rounded the corner, panting for breath. A throng of people surrounded him, but they were all running in the opposite direction. They were the smart ones, running from danger. He was the one racing towards it. 

That was his existence in Quadratum summed up in one tidy sentence: run towards the danger everyone else runs away from. Always speeding faster, closer in the hopes he might keep these people safe and run so hard and fast he’d find his way home. 

The hot, unforgiving pavement was rough against his feet. He missed the sandy beaches and dirt paths of home, the cobblestone streets of Twilight Town, the wooden slats of docks and boats and ships. Wherever the sea was in Quadratum, he sure hadn’t found it. He was stuck fighting in the same endless city blocks. 

The Darkside loomed up ahead, a few stray cars already in its grasp. How many more Heartless would he have to fight? This never ended, happening over and over again like his entire life was an old CD stuck on repeat.

At last he was within grappling distance. He swung his Keyblade, and the keychain extended into a nice long chain and hook. The hook wrapped around one of the Darkside’s horn-like things, and with a sickening rush Sora was hurtling through the air and soaring towards it.

Releasing the hook, he landed a sharp blow on the Darkside’s head. It roared, the sound waves making a small boom and hurting Sora’s ears. He’d be lucky if he didn’t have hearing damage once he got home.

After another flurry of blows to its head, gravity was already working against him. He was falling, falling, and the Heartless swiped its giant claw. He broke into a roll and soon met pavement, then scrambled to his feet and ran behind the creature. Time to grapple back up to the top again—hits to a Darkside’s head were always more effective. 

He’d fought so many of these things that fighting yet another one was more tedious than anything at this point. Grapple up to its head, land as many blows as he could, dodge, repeat. Oh, now it was time for it to summon its minions. Man, dealing with the small fry was always really annoying. The Darkside’s hand smashed into the pavement with a loud crack, and Sora wiped his forehead and waited for the little Shadow Heartless to come crawling out. 

A shadow emerged from the cracks, and Sora gripped his Keyblade. How many would it be this time? Four? Five? But that didn’t happen. Instead, the shadow got bigger, and bigger, and bigger. Sora groaned when he realized what it was: another Darkside. Two at once? Ugh, this was really gonna be a pain. 

Well, best to focus on the already-weakened one first. Once it was down he could take out the other one. He ran behind it and lodged the grappling hook into its head, then up, up, up he went. A loud bellow sounded out way too close to him, and he gasped and whirled around just in time to see the other Darkside’s shadowy claw coming right at him. Immediately he released the grappling hook and let himself fall to the ground. 

Great, so they were protecting each other. This was gonna be tricky. Sighing, he pulled an ether out of his pocket to enhance his magic reserves, then cast a hurtling ball of flame towards the weaker one. That really made it roar, and he took off running again. The good thing about Darksides being so large was that they weren’t particularly fast. That would be his saving grace in this fight—if he could be faster than them, he would win.

He continued using magic for a while in the form of fireball attacks on the weaker one, then dodged the stronger one. Finally, finally he could tell the weaker one was about to succumb. Best to get close to finish it off. He prepared his Keyblade again, only to see both Darksides reaching their awful claws high in the air only to plunge them into the ground. 

“Not good, not good,” he said, rushing through the air towards the weaker one’s head. Thwack, thwack, thwack, and—

Two more Darksides arose from the newly-formed cracks in the ground. 

“Four? Four?? There’s no way!” He groaned and stared at his foes. He was already winded from fighting the first two, there was no way he’d be able to finish off the original two and these new guys. These Darksides were like the freaking Hydra, the closer he got to defeating them the more that appeared. 

But then he heard screams, heard the screams of all the terrified people caught up in this mess. The people who were just living their lives and had homes and families and friends. Who didn’t deserve to die today. For them he’d have to fight, even if—even if it was the end of him.

He rested a hand over his heart. “Kairi, if I don’t… if I don’t win, I’m sorry.” 

He really didn’t want to make her cry again. But this was just impossible. He could either run away and leave these people to die and turn against everything he stood for, or he could fight these Darksides for as long as possible and buy these people as much time as possible to escape. 

The answer was obvious. But he needed to steel his heart to do it. So he thought of Kairi, thought of her warmth and light and how strong she made him feel. Thought of her smile, her laughter, her hugs. 

There, he felt some of his energy returning. Sighing deeply, he raced back into the fray. If he could just take the weakest one out, then maybe he had a fighting chance of—

All four of them lifted their claws high into the air and plunged them in the ground. Sora didn’t wait to see what would happen this time, just stayed his course to the weakest one’s head. If he could wail on this one for long enough, then at least it would go down. Then maybe a few more people could escape. A few more lives might be spared. 

One of the other ones swatted at him. He gasped as the wind was knocked out of him, then tumbled to the ground. It took him a few seconds to get up, and one of the other ones swiped at him again, sending him flying. He landed against a nearby building with a painful thud, then slumped to the ground. 

His vision was woozy and his breathing was wheezy. His back ached where he’d hit the building, too. Not good, not good. With a shaking hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a potion, then fumbled with the lid before chugging the green liquid inside. That rejuvenated him a little, and he stumbled to his feet and limped towards the danger. 

If he could just—get that weakened one— 

Summoning his Keyblade, he aimed the grappling hook at its horns. The hook lodged itself properly, and he let the chain guide him up, up, up towards it. One of the other Darksides swiped at him, but he dodged it. Closer, closer, he was so close now. 

Another one grabbed the chain and snapped it. He gasped and started falling, then used his Keyblade to create a new hook. There. He caught himself, though the strain on his arms wasn’t fun. Up, up, up he went. He didn’t wait to get close enough to its head this time; he just summoned as much fire as he could and sent it hurtling towards the Darkside. 

There. He smiled in satisfaction as it roared and then started to disappear into black smoke. One down, seven to go—

An awful smoky claw slammed into his face and hurtled him to the ground with so much force he knew this would be it. If he survived the fall, it would be with a broken spine and brain damage for sure. 

Well, at least he’d taken one out with him. He closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable—

“Sora!” came a very dear, very familiar voice. Yeah, he must be about to die. No way Kairi would be here. His brain was just in its death throes and he was gonna see the light next or something. 

Ah yep, there it was. A bright light shining above him and taking over his vision as he fell. This was just like that near-death experience his aunt had. Which other loved ones would he see?

“Sora!” came Kairi’s voice again. Huh, his aunt had said she’d seen her long-dead grandma. Kairi wasn’t dead, was she?

“SORA, GRAB MY HAND!”

He gasped. Kairi’s face was above him now, and she held out her hand. He reached for it, and their fingers brushed against each other. 

She grasped his hand and shouted, “One Heart!” and he understood. He felt more than saw the big white wing burst out of his back, saving him from certain death by pavement just in the nick of time. Kairi’s wing extended too, and they swooped through the air, the wind rushing past their ears. 

“Light!” he shouted, and together they sent an explosion of light hurtling towards the Darksides. Was it his imagination, or was Kairi’s light bigger and brighter than ever before? Fighting these guys would be way easier with her by his side. All the weariness and injuries he’d gotten melted away as they soared through the air and rained down attacks on the Heartless below. 

At last, the final one dissolved in a cloud of black smoke, and he and Kairi floated to the pavement, their wings dissolving into specks of light. They were both panting for breath and sweating hard, or at least he was. She looked like an angel even without the wing. He couldn’t stop staring at her, taking in everything he’d missed in their year apart. Man, she was even prettier than before—something about her confidence and the way she carried herself. And that wasn’t even getting into her new look. Her hair was long again, she wore a stylish pink coat with a white blouse, pleated skirt, and long black boots, and her makeup was really nice.  

They were still holding hands, and man he’d missed this. Her warmth, her touch, he’d had to content himself with ghosts and flickers of memories. But now the real deal was here. She searched his face like she needed a moment to remember everything about it, about him. Like she was seeing a dead man walking, only he wasn’t dead, not one bit, not anymore.

He smiled, and she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder. “Sora…”

“Kairi,” he said, then wrapped his arms around her too. Tears filled his eyes as they clung to each other. He wasn’t sure how she’d arrived or why she’d come, but he was grateful she was here in his arms. There were so many feelings in his heart that he couldn’t put into words. But a gentle touch, a sweet caress, a tender hug, fingers wound together and hearts bound as one, that got close to getting his message across.

The rest they could figure out together. For now, he’d treasure this moment and make this new memory with her.

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

A/N: I love the idea of Sora and Kairi reuniting during battle as Kairi keeps her promise to protect him (plus show off her new skills courtesy of Aqua). Honestly the idea of Sora and Kairi reuniting in general just makes me really happy and I like to imagine all the different ways it could happen.

Seven fics for seven days of SoKai Week! Thank you all for your comments, kudos, and support! And thank you to Liv for all her wonderful comments and support on these stories as I was writing them, I really appreciate it. Hope you all enjoyed!