#i figured i would do 13 for this list to match the 13 i did for songs of the school year earlier this year! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

dollsorwhatever · 7 months

Text

Creeproduction Spectra

Figured this would be valuable to post here as well since these are so new lol Despite spending almost an entire day complaining about Creeproduction Spectra having the wrong head sculpt and polypropylene hair, I did actually buy her from Paulmart the day she was first listed because Spectra is one of my favorite MH characters (along with Cleo ofc, and Wydowna- please make a collector or G3 Wydowna Mattel I am begging you) and because I was curious to compare her with my original Sig Spectra that came from the very first batch and is slightly different from later batches of Sig Spectra lol Original on the left, Creepro on the right!

Some things of note: -Can confirm she has poly hair! Appalling. I get that kanekalon is discontinued, but there are nearly identical saran matches for Spectra's original hair colors, so this was purely a result of Mattel being incredibly cheap. Mattel has recently made a pretty significant effort to make new saran batches of g3 dolls that originally had poly, so I really do not understand why they would do this for a reproduction doll that is primarily directed at adult collectors lol It's also horribly layered in a way that I find baffling? Sig Spectra has always had weird layers but the creeproduction has, like, a mullet. I'm not even bothering to style it because she's getting a reroot ASAP.

-Creepro uses the less detailed Spectra sculpt with less prominent cheekbones that was introduced with the final batch of Signature Spectra and used for most of her subsequent dolls until 13 Wishes. It also sits a lot lower on the neck than the original sculpt, which is why she looks slightly less relaxed than my original.

I honestly hate that they chose to reproduce this sculpt instead of the original (her HC doll also lacks cheekbones btw) and she would have been lesser compared to my original even if she didn't have poly. Spectra's original sculpt is one of my favorite MH heads they've ever done so it's pretty annoying to see them using the simplified version for her new dolls, especially considering they made switch in the first place because corporate allegedly thought the original was "too scary" for children. Despite my disappointment at her lack of cheekbones, I do actually really like her face and I find it a little hilarious that I managed to get such a good one after all the complaining I did lol

-While Creepro Spectra has a shorter neck than her original doll, she has a longer neck than the other Creeproductions; this is because the other Creeproductions (both waves) have shorter necks than their original dolls, but Spectra's original doll already had a much longer neck than the other characters. I guess she had some extra neck to spare compared to the rest lol (it's more accurate to say that the neck length is still the same, but all of their heads sit lower on the neck knob than their original dolls for some reason) -Her screening is mostly based on the version used for the late batch of Sig Spectra, but interestingly has a side glance! The only other version of Sig Spectra with a side glance is a variant from her second or third batch (with cheekbones) so it's interesting that they chose a side glance for the reproduction.

-Her earrings match the first batch Spectra (black chains instead of silver like subsequent batches), but the rest of her outfit is more reminiscent of the batches that came after. For example the belt on the first batch is much more simple than the one used on later batches, and the creepro comes with the more detailed belt. -Skirt is slightly shorter and her boots are also darker (improvements imo) -The silver necklace and bracelet shackle are made of a much more transparent plastic than the original (not an improvement) -Her top is mostly the same but the construction is slightly less fitted and the pleather feels a bit cheaper.

As much as I actually sincerely like her, I think it's overall a mixed bag; the poly is the worst part imo. I can look past the sculpt being wrong because she is really gorgeous despite that, but it's unacceptable for any doll to be rooted with polypropylene, and especially not a reproduction. And I can't help but think about how amazing she would have been with her original sculpt. Luckily I can reroot and I look forward to giving her knee length saran hair..... but I shouldn't have to do that! According to the retailer who first got these, they will get a wide release on Amazon exclusively in April of 2024 and he only managed to get them directly from Mattel because they hadn't decided to make them Amazon exclusives until after he ordered stock. So keep an eye on Amazon in a few months! Also according to a very reliable inside source on Reddit, there will also be a new batch of wave 1 Creeproductions in 2024 as well!

Don't buy from scalpers!

#monster high #creeproduction #spectra vondergeist

85 notes · View notes

mxaether · 1 month

Text

MITCH MARNER -VS- TORONTO MEDIA/TORONTO FANS/HIMSELF/EVERYONE (a playlist for when you love a thing so much, and it bites you)

track list and selected lyrics for each under the cut ❤️

1. I Want You So Bad I Can't Breathe - OK GO i want you, yeah, i want you/ i want you, yeah, i want you bad/ so bad i can't think straight/ so bad all my bones shake / so bad i can't breathe 2. Careful What You Wish For (the doctor said to) - Jack Harris something is missing/this predisposition/i feel like i'm living inside of my head 3. Who Made You A Monster? - Hael tricking the world to trust you/but everything that you say/is some kind of sordid lie/who taught you how to lie so well? 4. GOSSIP - Maneskin, Tom Morello welcome to the city of lies/where everything's got a price/gonna be your favourite place -- so sip the gossip, drink till you choke/sip the gossip, burn down your throat 5. Don't Be Nice - Watsky false modesty is a guilty habit/some people simply have it/but the fact is i would not have spent a decade doing this/if i did not believe i was at least a tiny bit ridiculously filthy at it 6. JEKYLL & HIDE - Bishop Briggs sweet and then you're sour/changes by the hour/never know which one i'll taste 7. End of It - Friday Pilots Club it's cruel you know/the way they've been treating you lately/get you real messed up on the daily 8. Nowhere Kid - Des Rocs inside of a maze you hide away/where nobody cares who you are/caught in a lie you can't escape 9. All For Us - Labrinth, Zendaya guess you figured my two times two/always equates to one/dreamers are selfish -- i'm taking it all for us, all/doing it all for love 10. Cruel Devotion - Night Club do you want me? tell me true/on my knees and now i'm begging you/loving you is such a cruel devotion 11. Who Are You, Really? - Mikky Ekko i have nothing left to prove/cause i have nothing left to lose/see me bare my teeth for you/who, who are you? 12. Heartbreak Feels So Good - Fall Out Boy is there a word for a bad miracle?/nobody said the road was endless/nobody said the climb was friendless 13. Some People - Dan Mangan cause it's too easy to be righteous when you eat what you've been fed/some people don't question what they've read/some people should 14. SELF-SABOTAGE - Waterparks i'll self sabotage/if you like when we talk i'll dislocate my jaw/what the fuck is wrong with me 15. Matches - Huxlxy bring me the ashes/set me alight/i'd rather burn than say goodbye 16. SICK - Chandler Leighton never let anyone see your guard down/too proud, just stop, keep my frozen/iced out, i'm six feet underground 17. Black Wave - K. Flay shaking in my own cage/what do i believe? i believe/waiting on a black wave/living under bad days 18. Middle Finger - Bohnes you show me love and then spit in my face/making your money off all of my pain 19. still feel. - half-alive when i'm furthest from myself/feeling closer to the stars/i've been invaded by the dark/trying to recognize myself when i feel i've been replaced 20. Rather Die - Barns Courtney i came to kill 'em, now i'm/wipin' the spit from my eyes/i take a beating but i/i'll never give up 21. Lake Effect Kid - Fall Out Boy oh i've got the skyline in my veins, forget your night time/sumer love on a gurney with a squeaky wheel/and joke us, joke us til Lakeshore Drive comes back into focus/i just wanna come back to life 22. Stronger - Kanye West n-now-now that, that don't kill me/can only make my stronger -- do anybody make real shit anymore?/bow in the presence of greatness/cause right now thou hast forsaken us 23. Bulletproof - La Roux, GAMPER & DADONI i won't let you turn around/and tell me now i'm much too proud/all you do is fill me up with doubt/this time, baby, i'll be bulletproof 24. What Do You Want - Nico Vega you can go ahead and hate me/for bringing in news, but you could still choose/ain't going to be a party/but you turn it all down, down, down/say, what do you want?/what do you want from me? 25. I'm Gonna Win - Rob Cantor you've seen me before, you'll see me again 26. Hero - Martin Harrix, JVKE

a thousand voices whisper noise/they plan my fall from grace/whoa-oh, i know/you say you want a hero, you don’t

#mitch marner #mm16 #playlist #my art #i guess #kind of #leafsblr #i had a lot of feelings after game 4

32 notes · View notes

sariahsue · 8 months

Text

Let Me Count the Ways

Chapter Nineteen - Epilogue

[Ch 1] [Ch 2] [Ch 3] [Ch 4] [Ch 5] [Ch 6] [Ch 7] [Ch 8] [Ch 9] [Ch 10] [Ch 11] [Ch 12] [Ch 13] [Ch 14] [Ch 15] [Ch 16] [Ch 17] [Ch 18]

“So who was he? The boy you loved so much.”

It was evening at the Eiffel Tower, and Chat Noir sat and leaned against a beam. The weather was clear, the sunset was golden, and Ladybug was curled up in his lap, lazing against his chest as he traced his claws across her stomach.

They’d gone on several dates in the last few weeks, and he thought it might be safe enough to finally satisfy his curiosity.

She didn’t answer immediately, just hummed absently while she considered. “I finally got over him enough to see what was right in front of me this whole time.”

Chat Noir felt his face flush. It might have embarrassed him a few weeks ago to display how easily she made him swoon, but he didn’t bother to hide it now.

“It would compromise my identity,” she said, “but I don’t really care anymore.”

He nodded, and his hold on her tightened. That was so much more than he had ever expected and wished for.

Ladybug launched into an explanation. “Okay, so do you remember that first year we fought together? How Chloe’s class got akumatized a lot?”

“Almost everyone in the class got it at least once.”

“Right. I was in that class. And so was the boy I was crushing on.”

Chat was intensely interested, leaning forward and shifting her in his lap.

“I’m explaining this to you,” she continued, “so you don’t make fun of me.”

“Why would I?”

“Because.” She let go of him to hug herself. “I’m not like all the other thousands of girls who had a crush on Adrien Agreste. I personally knew him. We were close friends back then.”

His breath caught at his own name, and it took several seconds for it to return to a normal pace. He wasn’t sure his heart would ever calm down. Not only did she love him now, but she had loved him the entire time.

That also narrowed down the list of people she could be. It had been several years, but he still remembered the roster. Chloe, Lila, Alya, Rose… all those girls he knew couldn’t have been Ladybug. They’d been heroes and villains he and Ladybug had fought either with or against. Their looks were didn’t match, their personalities were too different, and he ruled them all out one by one, until–

“I hate to give you bad news,” he said after several seconds of recovery, “but I know who you are.”

She shrugged, leaning against him again. “I figured you would. You got to know my class well after a year of fighting them.”

“More bad news.” He swallowed around the heart beating in his throat. “You didn’t get over Adrien.”

“I did!” she said, jerking backward. “I love you! More than anything.” Her eyes were wide and insistent, begging him to believe. “I love you with my whole heart. You’re the only person for me. I love only you, I mean it. Why– Why are you smiling?”

“Because you’re lying.”

Her face flooded red, like she’d just cast her Miraculous Cure. And just like the real Cure, Chat Noir was left with the feeling that everything was right where it should be, and safe, and whole. When he cupped her face, she grabbed his wrists to steady herself.

“You love Adrien,” he said, a smile coloring his words. “More than anything.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off with a kiss to the cheek. When he pulled away, her face was scrunched in confusion.

“You love Adrien with your whole heart.” A kiss on the opposite cheek.

Her expression was unwinding, growing loose with what he hoped was comprehension. He waited, holding her. This time, he was the one silently begging the other to believe.

“Adrien is the only person for you.” He kissed her on the nose.

Ladybug - Marinette - didn’t let him get far, holding onto his neck to keep him in place. Are you serious? her expression asked him. You’re not making fun of me right now?

He let his wide smile answer, and one more repeated line. “You love only Adrien, I mean it.”

Chat Noir leaned in one more time, kissing her smiling lips. When he pulled away, he found himself wrapped tightly around her and encircled in her arms. Just where he’d always wanted to be.

“That’s what I said,” she replied. “I love you, Adrien.”

THE END

----

Tag list: @clawsout83 @trippingovermyfeet @tbehartoo @yoonjae20 @random-cartoon-fangirl

Author’s note: Thank you for reading! I loved working on this story. When I started, I literally asked myself the question, “How obvious can I make it before he catches on?” and it was so fun to write him being super dumb about everything!

Special thanks to my betas, @jennagrinsoverml, @h-sunnywet-d, and @ladyofthenoodle. You made the story stronger, and I’m grateful!

(Self promo warning) Click here to see my other stories. (Lots of one-shots and a handful of longer stories.) Be on the lookout for my Square Dance fic in Nov. and my Big Bang in Jan. I’ve also got a ton of drabbles that I have ideas for, plus a few one-shots and longer fics that I’m excited to work on!

#ml #ladynoir #fanfic #miracuous ladybug #miraculous

58 notes · View notes

butterflydm · 9 months

Text

wot rewatch (book spoilers edition): 2x3

And here are my additional thoughts that contain spoilers through all the teasers and the books through book 13: A Memory of Light.

I was watching show-only reviews to try to figure out if it's safe to call Ishy 'Ishamael' yet but reaction seems mixed on whether or not Moiraine's words clued people in on the situation, so I'm going to stay ambiguous about him in my book spoiler-free posts for now.

I loved the changes that the show made to all Nynaeve's tests. They all make sense in context of the show and Nynaeve's character, they all tell us something about her, and there's also some great connective threads between them. We've known for a while (or guessed) that her first test would take place when she was a kid because her mom appeared in the casting lists... quite a few months ago. Ages ago. But I definitely prefer this one to the book version. It was so heartrending and touching.

2. The crimsonthorn strand throughout the tests is very interesting to me. I talked about this in the other post, but on a more spoilerly note, I like that the show is not defaulting to "all the Wondergirls feel a draw towards Green because They Like Men" and that Nynaeve is actually getting tugged between Yellow and Red in these last two episodes, as Liandrin tries to influence her. It makes me wonder if maybe they'll have Elayne incline towards maybe Brown ("I like to tinker with things") instead of Green. Though Nynaeve did put Egwene in the Green Ajah in her personal AU (which did such a good job in only using elements that Nynaeve was aware of when she went into the arches! No Elayne in Nynaeve's AU; and no Rand because she believes him to be dead).

4. Side note: thrilled that Nynaeve does not have to be naked for the test. The amount of times that women have to strip down for rituals in the books gets pretty ridiculous (especially when men doing the same kind of ritual -- ex. going to Rhuidean -- does not require them to strip). Stripping down to her shift makes the point well enough.

5. A thought I had about the people attacking the Two Rivers -- could this have been happening during the Andoran Succession Crisis that led to Morgase being Queen? And so the Queen's Guard, instead of keeping the roads clear of bandits, were busy with the civil war among the nobility, which let bandits get even as far as the Mountains of Mist. That could actually serve as a really good reason for the Two Rivers to basically nope out of being part of Andor -- "you were so busy squabbling amongst yourself that you let bandits rove the lands and kill innocent people". I'm not certain if the timeline matches up, but I will put it out there as a theory.

6. Her second test is based on the same worries that she had in the books -- that she's abandoned the Two Rivers and she won't be there when they need her and someone who isn't a good Wisdom will have taken over for her -- but shifted the details to hit harder in the show version, and to use characters that the show viewers are already familiar with. It really worked for me. I also liked them essentially using Perrin's lies about Rand to Tam in the books for Nynaeve here instead, where it makes a lot more sense -- she doesn't want to steal the only comfort that she can give a dying man by telling him that his son is dead.

7. Liandrin genuinely got herself invested in Nynaeve! I liked seeing that. I really like that the show is giving more emotional depth to our Darkfriends. Both Sheriam and Liandrin come across as very genuinely upset that Nynaeve hasn't returned through the arches. Because they both think of themselves as the good guys! Liandrin's motives in the show seems to be along the lines of "You need to have power so that others can't have power over you" while Sheriam's in the books were about being Black Ajah essentially to get ahead in the Tower but never expecting that she would actually need to do anything TOO terribly bad in exchange. Neither of them wanted Nynaeve to die or get hurt (they were both probably hoping to turn her to the Black Ajah). It's also really funny that it's entirely possible that they do not know that the other one is also Black Ajah.

8. Theory: being able to sense latent channelers may be a Talent rather than something either everyone or no one can do. Because it's one specific damane who comes out to point out the individual women to get dragged off to be damane, rather than it being the two women who were used to attack the village.

They are hitting the dehumanization angle hard. Egwene's 'training' is going to be so hard to watch.

9. Ishamael doesn't seem like he was expecting to find Perrin here, so I don't think Ingtar has been in regular contact with him. I really do wonder where exactly the Darkfriend social happened, timeline-wise, to the rest of the season thus far.

10. Ah, goodbye, Uno. I'll miss you, but you went out like a boss. Given the changes that were made to the plot, this does make a ton of sense -- Uno is not a man who backs down easily and he's also not a plot-relevant character really... ever, at any point. He's a fun character for flavor but someone who can be sacrificed to illustrate a narrative point without needing to change any of the story in the future.

11. Changing Logain to being able to see men who can channel as opposed to ta'veren makes a lot of sense on a practical level -- Mat was sitting right next to Rand, so if he saw ta'veren, then he would have seen both of them glowing; making it about Rand being a channeling focuses Logain's attention and memory in on Rand specifically.

12. Rand being kept out of the knowledge loop here kinda cracks me up because "Rand is on an information diet" is something that kept coming up in the books and it frustrated me so much because, in the books, it was consistently a result of his allies just never being willing to tell him a fucking thing ever unless he bullied them into it or spied on them. It makes a lot more sense here that he doesn't know what's going on with anyone else's plotlines! Taking something frustrating from the books and making it make sense is a really good habit that the show has been doing.

13. Lanfear continues to be the funniest girl in the world. She is just on cloud nine so far in s2, cruising along living her best life. Also, we see that her inn cheekily has her personal symbols as their sign.

14. Given how much Rand is experiencing the class divide in Cairhien and how much he's seen the poor get mistreated and looked down on by the rich and titled, I almost wonder if he isn't going to get a bit of Mat's arc from the books when he finds out that Elayne is a noble and needs to realize that she's not like the Cairhienin nobles.

15. Mat escaping from one abusive situation only to land right into another one definitely reminds me of the Tylin->Tuon pipeline in the books, of course. The main difference being is that we're dealing with mother figures in the show and not 'romances' (please take that word with a very large grain of salt). Possibly the biggest way that they can set Mat x Tuon up for success is actually showing us her relationship with her mother and how toxic and cruel the environment that she grew up in is. I feel like not killing off the old Empress at all and instead having Tuon take over a faction of the people and split off them off from the Empire would give us a sense that she really IS Not Like The Other Seanchan, instead of just wanting people to believe Mat when he says it despite there being no evidence in Tuon's actual behavior (I'm trying to remember who originally suggested that idea, but it was a while ago, so I have forgotten; I'm sorry!).

16. Liandrin grinding in to Mat how worthless and what an awful friend he is will, presumably, be some pretty good setup for him to show himself to be both loyal and vital in the final episode, though there will probably be more pain for him in the upcoming episodes (maybe involving what happens with Min's viewing about him stabbing Rand).

17. Lanfear is buzzing on such a high of getting show off of her Personal Dragon to a fancy group of lords and ladies at the start of this party.

18. Rand's conversation with Moiraine's sister is particularly fascinating! There's a queen of Cairhien but I suspect that it's not a Damodred (maybe I'll be wrong and Anvaere is the queen! We'll see!). That Anvaere reaches out to the mysterious ~outlander lord~ and shares so much with him is very intriguing, especially if we end up seeing her again later in the season (once Moiraine arrives in Cairhien?).

18. Here is where the cracks in Lanfear's illusion of perfect happiness with her New Lews Therin are beginning to show: he's keeping secrets from her, he's doubting her, and then he just leaves her behind. She is probably getting some very unhappy flashbacks right about now.

19. I wonder if Rand's bad experience with Logain here will inform his choices in the future. In the books, there isn't really a good reason for him to give Taim free rein over the school, but if it's more of a "Taim vs Logain" situation and he already doesn't trust Logain (and Taim appears less affected by the madness), then him trusting Taim might make more sense.

20. Mat being released from a prison cell and not knowing where to go and then (temporarily in this case) returning to his prison gives me echoes of "Mat inexplicably appears by magic in Ebou fucking Dar, a place that treated him like shit for months" from A Memory of Light, lol.

21. Perrin feeling wary about getting too wolfy because of his encounter with Ishamael feels like a much better reason that we got in the books... though I wonder if we'll follow it up by having him meet... shit, the guy who lost himself to the wolf; do not remember his name. But I'm thrilled to have him hanging out with Elyas and the wolves (Hopper?) for now.

22. Liandrin calling Mat Cauthon, agent of chaos, "nothing if not predictable" feels like it needs to bite her in the ass at some point.

23. Yeah, on rewatch, the sex dream is definitely Lanfear feeling like she can finally show her possessiveness and anger in Rand's dream. She is MAD at him for keeping secrets and leaving without her, but she can't show it when he's awake because it doesn't fit her carefully crafted persona. She does NOT like her men with an air of mystery -- she wants to know every tiny thing that he's thinking and feeling. I wonder if Rand actually did light the roof on fire or if Lanfear helped it along -- she's definitely taking advantage of his vulnerability in the aftermath of the fire. "If you ever leave me like that again, I will kill you." Yeah, that's absolutely Lanfear.

And, you know, her inn burning down does mean that she doesn't have to worry about dealing with it anymore. Now that she's had a taste of Rand in fancy coats, I think she probably wants to try to figure out a way to make it happen again.

24. Nynaeve's dream does have a couple of painful easter eggs in it -- Mat gets a wound over his eye; Perrin gets killed by an axe.

Nynaeve does forcibly bring back the arches in the books too, just without so much happening in the illusionary life. But I liked this a lot because of how much it gave us from the other characters who believed that Nynaeve was dead.

25. So, my theories about what we might get in episode four. Wow.

Rand's trajectory... I don't think he's done with Logain. But I feel like ep4 is going to be a big one for him, based on the title (Daughter of the Night). Rand may find out the truth about Selene in this episode, which would be a. be a pretty big betrayal but also b. might make him realize that it's not likely that the Dark One is actually dead.

Moiraine is presumably on her way to Cairhien right now, but it doesn't seem like she thinks Rand himself is there, but more that she's investigating the poem situation, so they may run across each other by accident.

Everyone is going to get to react to Nynaeve powering her way out of the arches (like a boss). I am very curious if Lan is going to spend an episode in the Tower before going after Moiraine... but if Actual Lan goes to the Tower... hard to imagine he wouldn't tell Nynaeve, at least, that Rand is still alive. He knows how deeply Nynaeve cares about the Two Rivers kids.

Unless Liandrin tricks Nynaeve, Elayne, and Egwene into leaving the Tower before Lan arrives there?

Where are Mat and Min going! Mat can't be going after Egwene & co to save them because... nothing to save them from at the moment. Where would Liandrin want him to be led? Falme? I mean, maybe, but he can't channel, so it's not a secure prison for Mat like it would be for the girls.

Perrin's storyline is going to teach us more about the Seanchan and wolfbrothering, I imagine. Maybe some scouting. He can truthfully tell any Seanchan soldiers (if he runs across any) that he's taken the oaths.

Will we follow right on from episode 3 or is there going to be a timeskip to give the characters some time to travel to new locations?

#butterfly watches wot #wot #wheel of time #wot on prime #wot show spoilers #wot prime spoilers #wot s2 spoilers #wheel of time s2 spoilers #wot 2x3 spoilers #wot book spoilers #a memory of light

62 notes · View notes

andydrysdalerogers · 2 months

Text

Cross-Checked ~ Chapter 14

Andy Barber x OFC Leighton "Leia" Andrews

Summary:

Andy Barber is having the best year of his life. His game is on point. It’s gets to play with his best friend and his fiancé just... dumped him?!.

Reeling from a sudden change in status, Andy decides it’s time to just focus on hockey. Until his best friend's sister comes out with news that rock the entire organizations world.,

Andy has always carried a torch for the untouchable Leighton but in her hour of need, is now the time to shoot and score or risk getting cross - checked again?

Warnings: Cheating (but not by the MCs); slow burn; friends to lovers eventually; SMUT!; pregnancy; jealousy; handsome goalies, evil exes...

A/N: The tag list is open!

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS. Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Banners by me!

Previous: Chapter 13: Fit For A Princess

Series Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 14: Mother Knows Best

Andy

Week 26

I’ve always appreciated Luke and Leia’s parents. Their father would be at every game until he passed. Their mother, Monica, would drive us to the early morning practices and take Leia to figure skating lessons. They took me in when my dad bailed, and my mom had to work nights to support us.

Monica was my support when Mom died and I was a scared 20-year-old, on my own for the first time. I had every respect for her.

Until I was 25 at least.

That’s when she checked out of all of our lives, Leia especially.

Monica had it in her mind that she needed to remarry rich to support her children. Her children that are amazing all on their own. She had a superstar son, who could have taken care of her and a daughter that started her own business. But to Monica, Leia’s smarts were not enough for a woman in a man’s world. She believed Leia needed to give up her dreams and marry someone who will take care of her.

This broke Leia for a long time.

Luke and I did our best to hold Leia up while she dealt with the ramifications of her mother’s words. It unfortunately led to Bret and well here we are. We had gotten her past it. I thought I had made her happy. We were going to be a real family now.

I did not have Monica Andrews on my bingo card.

“Mom? What are you doing here?” Leia was standing at the door, gripping it like her life depended on it. I moved quickly to be behind her.

“Hi Mrs. Andrews.”

“It's DeLaurentis, now, Andrew. Leighton, my goodness, you have really popped.”

I flinch at the backhanded compliment. “Umm, come on in, Mrs. DeLaurentis.” I pulled Leia with me to allow her mother in. I looked at Leia and she shrugged with a confused look that must have matched mine. I moved when she made it to the living room. “Mrs. DeLaurentis, these are my teammates, Linus Ullmark, Brad Marchant and David Pasternak and you remember Stella and Miranda. Guys, this is Luke and Leia’s mother, Monica DeLaurentis.”

Everyone greets her and she says her hellos. She turns back to Leia. “May I speak to you alone, Leighton?” I don’t like the way she says my girl’s name. Like its a swear word. It grinds my nerves.

As they walked into my office, I had a bad feeling in my stomach. I turned to Miranda. “Get Luke back on the phone.”

Leia

I was still in shock that my mother was back in town, and she was married. I don’t remember being invited to that. “I’m surprised to see you, Mother.”

“Well, I’ve been busy.”

I looked at her left hand and the giant diamond on her finger. “I can see that. Congratulations.” I stopped. “You married Summer’s father?”

My mother looks put out by my question. “Its not like he’s still married.”

“Mother, his wife died less than a year ago.” I was incredibly annoyed with her. Monica Andrews, sorry, DeLaurentis, had not been a shallow woman before my father died. She had been the typical stay at home mom that you see on old 50’s TV shows, apron and all. She had been my best friend, like any little girl would have. It was great. Until my dad died. She lasted five years. By the time I was 20, she was gone.

“Don’t talk to me like that Leighton,” my mother huffed. “How come your brother isn’t here?”

“He was named the Bruins all-star so he’s in Toronto right now.”

“Well, I would like to meet with both of you at the same time.” She looked at me up and down again. “We have some things to talk about.”

Andy walked in right them. “Mrs. DeLaurentis, it’s Luke.” He handed her the phone.

“Lukas, when do you come back?... Well, I don’t want to have this conversation twice... The day you get back would be best...” She handed the phone back to Andy. “I’ll meet you on Monday at the Cafe,” she said to me. “Apparently, we have a lot to discuss.”

I wasn’t sure if that was going to be a good thing or a bad. “Like what?”

“I’d rather not say since you have company or rather Andrew has company.” She gave a distasteful look to us. “I’ll see myself out.” She turned without a goodbye.

My knees were shaking and I grabbed onto the island. Andy saw me and immediately put his arms around me. “Hey, baby, take a breath.”

“She didn’t even ask about the baby or anything,” I whispered. “I don’t want to go alone.”

Andy snorted. “Like there was a chance that I would let you. The three of us will go, just like always, ok?” He cupped my face. “I won’t let anything happen.”

If only I could believe him.

Monday comes and I don’t want to get out of bed. I was in and out of sleep but Andy cuddled up next to me, running his hand through my hair and I was asleep. Cheeky brat knows how to calm me. I groan when the alarm goes off.

“Sorry, my queen. I have a team meeting.” He kissed my head, but I grabbed onto his arm.

“No, you are warm and you’re comfy. Mine.” I snuggle deeper into his chest and Andy lets out a low laugh.

“I am yours, my queen, but I still have to get up. You wanted me to wake you so you could get ready for lunch with your mom.” He kissed my nose. “Something about wanting to have that pregnancy glow so she couldn’t be a bitch about it.”

I vaguely remember saying that to him, but he is right. After the awful look she gave me about my bump, I don’t want to go in there looking anything less than perfect.

The relationship between my mother and myself is complicated at best. When my dad died, my mom tried to be strong for us. But it was like half of her soul left with him. My dad was smart, there was savings and a life insurance policy. But my mother got it in her head that she needed to find a way to provide for us. But she didn’t want to get a job. She had been a housewife and that’s all she assumed she knew.

And that’s all she wanted for me.

As I pull on the pale pink sweater dress and leggings, my mind drift to the day after Bret and I split.

“Why are you breaking up? He will be a wonderful partner and provider for you Leighton.” My mom sips her tea at the hotel we met at. Yeah, you heard me, hotel. Because my mother left the house my father had built for her. Lucky that Luke bought it from her otherwise our childhood home would be long gone.

“That is not what I want from my life Mother. I want a partner to grow with me, help me, not treat me like I’m a servant. Daddy didn’t raise me like that.”

“You have no idea what your father wanted,” she retorted. “Bret is handsome, wealthy...”

“Controlling, egotistical, narcissistic,” I finished for her. “He’s in Tokyo and he belittled me and dreams.”

“I think you are making a mistake Leighton.”

Andy pulls up to the hotel where they are serving afternoon tea. I’m grateful as I am not allowed more than one cup of coffee a day, which is a tragedy onto itself. I see Luke sitting in the lobby. “Why didn’t you go inside?”

“And be alone with the Mother? Do you hate me, Cubby?” He gives me a soft hug. “Missed you.”

“You were gone for four days,” Andy says as they man-hug. “Let’s not make her wait or suffer her wrath.”

Andy guides me with his hand on the small of my back, Luke leading the way. My mom is sitting at a table with Kyle DeLaurentis. Fuck my life. The new stepfather. I try not to have a sour face because I don’t need to hear it from her. “Hi Mother.”

“Leighton, Lucas and Andrew, this is a surprise.” She gave us air kisses before she turned to Kyle. “This is Kyle, my husband.”

Andy moves first. “Mr. DeLaurentis, it's nice to see you again. Andrew Barber.”

“I’ve been watching Andrew. Bruins are looking good. Lukas,” he offers his hand to Luke to shake. “Congratulations on the All Star nomination.”

“Thanks,” Luke says tightly.

“This is my daughter, Leighton,” my mom says.

“Leighton, you look beautiful,” taking my offered hand and kissing my knuckles. I try not to shudder at the ick factor that I am getting from Kyle. I went to school with his daughter, Summer, and spent time with their family and I hadn’t felt this before but now I do. Andy, thankfully, pulls a chair for me between him and Luke and we sit as the waiter starts to take orders.

“Andrew, can I ask why you decided to join us today?” my mother asked.

He shrugs. “Leia asked me to come.”

The waiter drops the drinks and an uncomfortable silence. My mother clears her throat and took a sip of her tea before she said, “you are living with Andrew now.” Not a question.

I looked at her. “Yes, I am.”

She scoffed. “An unmarried, pregnant woman living with a man that is not the father.”

I can feel Andy tense next to me. “Yes, she is. Except Leia and I are now together.”

My mother gives us a sharp look. “And what about Bret?”

“What about him? He left me, I told him I am pregnant. I never got a response. I’ve moved on with someone who loves and cares for me and my daughter.” Andy takes my hand and gently squeezes to try and calm me.

“Love, please relax,” he whispers. I try to take a deep breath, but she doesn’t let up.

“You should be with the father, Leighton. A baby cannot be raised in a broken home.”

“It’s not broken! She has a father! Andy is the father!” I stand up and move to the bathroom, trying not to cry. How can she say that? Our family is not broken. Me and Andy and Luke and Miranda are our own family. We make it perfect. The tears flow as I hit the door. I make it and take a few minutes to myself, letting the tears fall. Once I can gather myself, I clean up my face and head out. And ran right into my mother.

“That display was embarrassing, Leighton,” she says sternly.

“Embarrassing for whom? You?” I swallow the yell that wants to come out. “I am not some helpless woman who needs a man to take care of her. I have my business, I have my work with the team, I have Luke and I have Andy. Andy, who knows everything and still loves me. He loves my daughter, even if she isn’t biologically his. You have changed so much since Daddy died that I don’t even recognize you. You’re like a super Stepford wife and you only care about money and status.”

“You have no idea what it's like for your partner to die and leave you with two children to raise!”

“Raise? I was 14 when dad died. You didn’t raise me. You left us! I refuse to do that to my daughter.”

“You ungrateful little brat!” I saw my mother raise her hand and I went to block her when another hand stopped her.

“What the fuck do you think you are doing Mother? “Luke was raging at his mother. “Leia has gestational hypertension, and you are doing this? You need to leave!”

“Lucas, how can you treat your mother this way?”

“Easy. When someone is being a complete bitch to their daughter, I can easily make the right choice. Until you can apologize to Leia, stay away from her, don’t call.”

“Lucas,” she cries.

“I get it. You lost it when dad dies but that is no excuse.”

Andy had been holding me and he turned me to walk out of the hotel as the tears fell. I knew my mother had changed but it was shocking to see it. My mother had never tried to strike me before.

But she would no longer be a part of my life.

Suddenly, a sharp pain flashed through my body and I stopped and cried out. “Leia?” Andy holds me to him. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t know,” I cried. Andy lifted me up as Luke ran for the car. “Andy?”

“Its gonna be ok, baby. We’re gonna get you to the hospital.” He kisses my head as Luke pulls up. Andy puts me in the car, climbs in after me and Luke races away.

Please let my baby be ok.

Taglist:

@patzammit

@texmexdarling

@slutforchrisjamalevans

@firephotogrl74

@tinkerbelle67

@before-we-get-started

@bunnyforhim

@alexakeyloveloki

@sunnyhummingbee

@whiskeytangofoxtrot555

@peaceinourtime82

@saucy-sassy-sparkly

@kmc1989

@kandis-mom

@lokislady82

16 notes · View notes

84reedsy · 1 month

Text

The Mentorship, Part 16

The Mentorship

Characters: Curt Hennig/FemOC , Scott Hall/FemOC

Part 16 of ? (Parts not chapters, parts length varies)

Warnings/Considerations: Smut, Age Gap, Power Dynamics, Dirty Talk, swearing

Word Count: 2370

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part8

Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12

Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 (will update with links)

Tag List: @writeandsurvive @theweaselandthekilt (feel free to ask to be added)

Brinkley missed training with Curt. Scott and Kevin were great, but there was something different about learning from two people. Some of it was contradictory and therefore confusing. She was also fairly sure Kevin was a sadist who was out to cause her as much pain without leaving marks as much as he could.

But she had learned how to land a decent, loud chest chop that left a mark without killing her hand. But she still could feel the heat of Kevin’s open palm on her skin, he made sure to show her how not to do them as well, that is unless she was handing out receipts.

“Pretty sure he's just doing this to get a chance at touching my boobs,” Brinkley looked at the red handprint that was quickly dissipating. At least he kept them high and didn't land a cheap lower shot.

“Who could blame him?” Scott stared at her chest for a moment, “He did fess up and tell me he saw ‘em,” he smirked at her.

“What?? When? Oh….Omaha wasn't it,” she recalled him helping her put her top on. He hadn't obviously ogled her, but she was sure it was hard not to look at all, “And here I thought he was trying to just be a nice guy.”

“Yeeeep, he congratulated me,” Scott pulled on his knee pads, “Told him they get plenty of attention. And I’m sure he was being a nice guy, but…it’s boobs, baby. We’re guys…we’re gonna look at boobs,”

“Can't tell you how flattering it is to hear how you boys talk about my tits,” she rolled her eyes, but was indeed a little flattered that after all of the women they'd seen, they still found hers noteworthy. But she couldn’t help but hear the hypocrisy, she could imagine he wouldn’t be too thrilled if she was ogling the dicks flopping around in the locker room and then chatting hip the girls backstage about them.

Scott watched her as he laced up his boots. He should tell her how he felt soon. She put up with a lot on the road including his mood swings and drunken behavior and still was just as interested in him as she was on day one. She complimented him well, too. She made him want to be better - he hoped that part would last.

“You know,” she knew there was never a good time to bring it up, “We are going to have to work on the match. With Curt…” she was too inexperienced to work this match on the fly and they all knew it. She would have loved to have the four of them practice in a ring like before.

She'd seen Kevin and Curt speaking, but Scott was still icing him out. She definitely felt the dichotomy of the situation. On one hand, she felt protected by Scott, on the other, she just wanted to move past this and go back too how things used to be with Curt.

If only she knew what “used to be” meant.

“I know,” Scott’s tone turned more serious, “We can figure something out, if that's what you want,” he stated flatly.

“He and I talked a little. Said everything that needed to be said. I think we are in an ok place,” she knew this topic was a sore spot for him, but it was an elephant in the room they could no longer ignore.

“As long as you're ok, baby girl, so am I,” Scott said, his tone still serious, “Oh…and that reminds me,” his intonation changed.

She looked up at him, pausing from tying her own boots.

“Have you given any more thought to maybe messing around with Kev?” Scott watched her carefully. He could see that it still made her uncomfortable. It had been a couple of weeks since he brought it up. He guessed it wasn't likely in the cards. He was a little jealous that she had done it for Curt, but had to remind himself that her consent had not been part of the deal.

And he remembered the relieved look on her face when she'd realized it was him.

He had to wonder if she got a couple of drinks in her if she might change her mind.

“I haven’t really thought that much more about it…,” She admitted, “Would it make things weird? Have you guys done this before?” She had questions, but hadn’t been sure how to ask them. She noticed that Scott seemed flustered, unprepared for follow up questions.

“I don’t think it’ll make things any different. Not like Kev’s gonna fall for you or anything,” He could have kicked himself for how cold that sounded, he was not selling this well at all. He cleared his throat a little, “And there’s been a couple times over the last decade…” He tried to qualify it with a long time frame so it didn’t seem as frequent.

Brinkley nodded, not faulting him for his honesty, “Can I have a little more time?” She asked as she stood and straightened her outfit in the mirror.

“Baby, take all the time you want,” Scott walked up behind her, running his hands down her arms. She turned, reaching up on her tiptoes and softly kissed him. At that moment, Curt walked into the locker room and Brinkley felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Curt did not make eye contact with either of them, but Scott stared him down.

“Brink, why don't you give us a minute,” Scott asked, requesting that she leave the locker room. She looked worriedly between the two. She didn't want them to have it out right before Curt's match.

“It's fine, Brinkley,” Curt had to guard himself from calling her ‘baby girl’, he was still trying to gauge Scott’s mood. If he had to take a shot, he would, but any more and a full blown fight might break out.

She looked at Scott once more, still reluctant to leave.

“Brink” Scott asked once more, nodding his head toward the door. She left this time, pacing up and down the hallways nearby, never hearing a raised voice or the din of anything violent. She wondered what the world they could still both be saying. Her mind made the dark, but amusing joke that they were working out a schedule for her so she could fuck them both without stepping on each other’s toes. She decided to keep that one to herself.

Unable to stand the anxiety, she walked beyond that hallway, trying to distract herself with an informal Nitro Girls practice, letting Spice teach her some of the moves. It was a momentary fun distraction - she forgot about everything that had happened, even just for a moment. She wished she could confide in some of these women with what’d been happening, but she’d been so preoccupied with training or men that she hadn’t been particularly available to make many friends beyond who she rode with. And she could still hear Curt's warning of being careful of who to trust.

She could change that if she wanted, it would probably make time on the road more tolerable and keep her from grating on the guys’ nerves so much. She asked if she could hang out more often and at least Spice, Fyre, and Whisper seemed positive about it, none were particularly negative .

Brinkley left on her own for the gorilla, watching the time carefully. She found herself looking forward to those few moments before they walked through the curtain. She knew even that would stop soon once she transitioned over to the Outsiders. She wondered what the conversation had been and if Curt would tell her. She might be able to pry it out of him if she was slick about it.

She walked through the first curtains, relieved that Curt was already there, checking over his look in a mirror they kept in the corner. She noticed a spot he’d missed on the back of his shoulder that wasn’t oiled up. She grabbed the emergency bottle left in the gorilla for such a purpose and put a little in her hand.

She rubbed it on him without saying anything, glancing over to make sure he hadn’t missed anything else.

“Back to the green?” Curt questioned her original gear as he turned around and looked her over. She could have worn a trashbag and the crowd would have eaten it up.

“Yeah, don't wanna wear out the new stuff too fast. Plus you said these shorts make my ass look good,” she turned to show off her profile, “Still true,”

“Good to see you're still doing your squats,” he appreciated her display and her flirtatious banter, “worried you'd get lazy,”

“Not at all. In fact I've added another 25 pounds to it,” she bragged. He seemed to be in a decent mood, the conversation couldn't have been too bad, “When we get out to the ring…you can verify if you want,” she offered as his music started playing, sticking her tongue out at him. She knew she shouldn't offer such things. But it would help sell the kayfabe in the ring, she told herself.

Curt looked at her with much too serious of an expression, only grinning once they got to the ramp and he turned on his cocky charm.

He didn't so much smack it as subtly pat her backside as a football teammate would. He felt enough to know she was telling the truth. As he locked up with the jobber, he felt somewhat distracted and forgot the next few moves. He was good enough to fake through it. Part of him was irritated a bit that he let her get to him so easily, though.

Brinkley recognized his fog, jumping up on the apron as he elbowed the opponent in his face and leaned against the turnbuckle. She whispered the parts of the match she could remember. He would miss this when she was no longer his partner.

As she jumped down, she felt arms wrap around her middle and lift her from the ground. She recognized the thick, hairy forearms right away, still fighting against Scott though in all actuality she hadn’t been aware they were coming out to interfere. It was sometimes hard to keep a straight face working against Scott, she thought it might get easier the closer they got, but that wasn't always true.

She kicked and cussed at him, fans reaching out to pull him back but he stayed just out of their reach. She really tried to sell the struggle, nearly pulling him down to the ground with her.

“I like it when they fight back,” he murmured in her ear and she had to use all of her self restraint not to groan or give up struggling. She watched as Kevin kept Curt occupied as Scott started dragging her away, “Keep up that squirming, feels good against my dick,” he mumbled just low enough that the camera wouldn't pick it up.

“PUT ME DOWN ASSHOLE!” she screamed fighting against smiling, trying to thrash against him as he backed up the entrance way. She yelled out to Curt for help, he finally looked away from Kevin to see the ploy, amused at their impromptu setup. He booked it from the ring, taking the countout, but wailing on Scott who sold it beautifully. She joined in on stomping him just as Kevin yanked her by the wrist towards him. Curt switched targets aiming at Kevin now as he reached to grab Brinkley who Kevin held like a ragdoll on his hip.

She eventually swung her fist into his crotch, realizing it was a little more than a glancing blow and completely inadvertent. But he fell to his knees and loosened his grip on her, Curt grabbing her by the hand and pulling her back to him. He played up checking if she was ok as she pouted animatedly.

“Don't worry, baby, I won't let them get their hands on you,” Curt said loud enough for the camera. He enjoyed the way she hung off his shoulder until they got to the gorilla.

“What was that about?” She asked, knowing Scott and Kevin would be close behind.

“What? Didn't like it?” Curt laughed a little as the other two passed the curtain.

“Did you guys…were you all in on this?” She looked surprised between them.

“Figured you'd get a kick out of it,” Scott smirked, “You are getting a lot better at improvising,”

“Yeah…she got a kick out of it…” Kevin was a little more snide, his balls having taken the brunt of her blow, slightly sore.

“You guys…” she couldn't help but smile, knowing they came up with it together, “Does this mean we can practice the match tomorrow??” She was excited; the pay per view was just around the corner and she needed the practice to show creative she could actually work. She started to realize what the conversation had likely been about in the locker room - though it probably didn’t initially start that way.

However it had happened, she was thankful for peace being made.

“Yes and yes…” Scott took her hand again. She loved how often he would show displays of affection like this. The rest of the roster was used to seeing it by now, but sometimes some would make a playfully teasing comment, “we'll have all day tomorrow since we aren't on TV again until Thursday. And with all of us staying at my place,” Scott added at the end.

“Wait.. what?” She knew they were going to Orlando and that Scott and herself were staying at his house.

“Yeah, Kev, Curt, and a couple other guys will probably stop by to hang out tomorrow night…make a party out of it,” He shrugged.

Brinkley could hardly comprehend all the plans that had obviously been made unbeknownst to her. She couldn't say she was upset, if anything she was relieved that water seemed to be flowing under the bridge. But they would all be staying under one roof. The back of her mind spun a little bit with possibilities, though she tried to stifle it.

#wrestling fanfiction #wrestling #Scott Hall #curt Hennig #wrestling fic #wrestling fanfic #wcw #kevin nash #wwe #the Mentorship #fan fiction #1999 #pro wrestling #wrestling smut #cameos by a lot of wrestlers

12 notes · View notes

thnxforknowingme · 1 year

Text

New Directions Tournament Masterpost

Alright y'all, I have polls and I'm going to make it everyone else's problem.

Thank you to @blurglesmurfklaine for the idea of having a Glee character poll tournament. Instead of taking on all Glee characters, I am sticking to members of the New Directions. I previously created a sorter for the New Directions, so if you want to create your own personal, bespoke ranking of the ND members, you can do so here (this sorter won't work on mobile).

***Overall disclaimer that we are all here because we love Glee! All of these characters have their merits and there will be no bashing! Only fun!***

I have chosen the starting match-ups so that characters are grouped based on some level of similarity - basically, I wanted to give the post-S3 and minor characters a fighting chance, because otherwise I figured they'd mostly get knocked out in the first round.

You can make your choice either by which character you like more, or in the case that you are conflicted, by which character you think would win in a fight. If you vote, please reblog this masterpost or some of the polls - the more voters the merrier!

ROUND ONE (Complete)

Category: The Core 13 Artie Abrams vs. Kurt Hummel Finn Hudson vs. Noah Puckerman Sam Evans vs. Blaine Anderson Quinn Fabray vs. Santana Lopez Mike Chang vs. Brittany Pierce Tina Cohen-Chang vs. Rachel Berry vs. Mercedes Jones

Category: Here For a Good Time, Not For a Long Time Matt Rutherford vs. Jesse St James Lauren Zizes vs. Sugar Motta Joe Hart vs. Rory Flanagan

Category: The Newer Directions Unique Adams vs. Marley Rose Jake Puckerman vs. Ryder Lynn

Category: The Newest Directions Roderick Meeks vs. Jane Hayward Madison McCarthy vs. Mason McCarthy Spencer Porter vs. Kitty Wilde Alistair vs. Myron Muskovitz

ROUND TWO (Complete)

Note: Match-ups within categories for this round have been randomized (e.g. I didn't choose that Santana was going up against Finn, a list randomizer did).

Category: The Core 13 6 Mercedes Jones vs. Blaine Anderson Kurt Hummel vs. Mike Chang Finn Hudson vs. Santana Lopez

Category: Here For a Good Time, Not For a Long Time Jesse St James vs. Lauren Zizes vs. Joe Hart

Category: The Newer Directions Unique Adams vs. Jake Puckerman

Category: The Newest Directions Alistair vs. Jane Hayward Kitty Wilde vs. Mason McCarthy

ROUND THREE (Complete)

Note: Because there was a very competitive race in the last round, and because I need to do something to even out the numbers for a tournament to avoid any more triples, I am going to pull a Mr. Schue and announce that both Mercedes and Blaine will be moving on to this round! Thank you for your impassioned voting - now both of your faves still have a chance to win!

That being said - I also didn't love all the comments that the Mercedes/Blaine poll got last round. You're welcome to extol the virtues of the character you vote for, but please avoid saying anything negative about the other character, or the people voting for the other character. I want this to be a fun poll tournament for everyone involved! Because it's literally a tumblr poll and it doesn't mean anything, it's just silly!

Starting in this round there are no more categories, and all match-ups are chosen by a randomizer. Here they are:

Blaine Anderson vs. Jane Hayward

Kurt Hummel vs. Mercedes Jones

Unique Adams vs. Santana Lopez

Kitty Wilde vs. Lauren Zizes

ROUND FOUR (Complete)

It's the semi-finals - who do you want to see in a final poll showdown? Kudos to Random.org for providing these match-ups:

Blaine Anderson vs. Lauren Zizes

Santana Lopez vs. Kurt Hummel

FINAL ROUND

This pair of New Directioners has been through so much together - now it's time for them to go face-to-face in a poll tournament. It's your last chance to do your civic duty and make your voice heard:

Blaine Anderson vs. Kurt Hummel

The winner of the First Annual New Directions Poll Tournament is Mr. Kurt Hummel!!

#poll #glee #the first annual new directions poll tournament

89 notes · View notes

fox-buried-in-maple-leaves · 9 days

Note

well. the character specific pride asks for geshuyan lol

dude /i/ don't know anything about geshuyan.

oblig @taraxacum-vulpes and @just-etienne as well.

Ask Game!

1. What's your oc's gender identity? What's their relationship to their gender?

Geshuyan identifies as a demiboy. But they prefer gender neutral terms, they/them and it/its are their favourites, but they/them is definitely the preference. They have no real connection to gender or any specific labels, they just use what feels right.

2. What's your oc's orientation? (Romantic/sexual/platonic alterous ect) Do they have opinions about it?

They don't particularly think about romance, it isn't uhm.. High, on their priority list? But for attraction, demiromantic/polyromantic and polysexual.

3. How did your oc discover themself? Did something cause them to question, or did they always know?

Geshuyan never held any connection to their original identity, even their name "Geshuyan" is a chosen nickname they prefer to their true name. As for how they discovered this, they always just felt it. But for their romantic attractions, it was just a matter of time. They never had any romantic interest until one day they realised, ah I'm in love with my best friend. And Geshuyan decided either they'd have her, or nobody would.

4. Is your oc's environment supportive about their identity? How does this impact them?

Not necessarily. Most people won't say anything, but most people also wouldn't exactly respect their choices for their pronouns. But Geshuyan has no qualms about threatening though people. So there isn't very much standing in their way.

5. How did you figure out your oc's identity?

IT IS ALWAYS VIBES. but also almost all of my characters start with gn pronouns until I flesh them out more. Geshuyan has kept said pronouns.

6. How does your oc feel about labels? Theirs, or in general?

Geshuyan is respectful, if anything. Its the least they could do. They enjoy labels, it helps them.

7. Is there something that could cause your oc to question their identity? What?

They question their identity every time they wanna fuck someone but not kiss them lol

8. Have they had struggles with their identity, be it due to internal or external reasons?

No because of that disconnect.

9. Are there cultural or lore specific aspects to their identity? If applicable, does their species affect it?

No not particularly.

10. Does your oc celebrate Pride? How?

Nope!

11. Is your oc open about their identity? Are they more lowkey or more blunt about it? Why or why not?

Open about wanting their damn pronouns respected, but they won't get into the specifics of their attraction. It'd be unnecessarily dangerous lol

12. Does/did your oc ever wish they could change the way they are? Why? If it's in the past, how did they get over the feeling? (this can be about internalized homo/transphobia)

Nah, again that disconnect allowed them to get away with a lot in terms of feelings.

13. Would your oc be open to a poly relationship? Why or why not?

It would depend if your affections could match their obsessions.

#☾*✲⋆. essence of myrrh #from the fate ; rowan #⋆｡°✩ Geshuyan

4 notes · View notes

stuffnonsenseandotherthings · 6 months

Text

15 people, 15 questions

Thank you to both @lurkingshan and @btwinlines for tagging me!

1. Are you named after anyone?

No, but my brother (7 years old at the time) was allowed to pick my name (a risky play by my parents right there) and he picked one that "matched" with his.

2. When was the last time you cried?

Yesterday.

I actually don't cry too often unless I'm frustrated or someone else is crying but I was reading Vagabonds by Eloghosa Osunde and the chapter "Gold" hit me right in the heart.

3. Do you have kids?

No and I don't think I ever will for a number of reasons.

4. What sports do you play/have you played?

I don't play any any more but when I was younger I used to do figure-skating, fencing, and ultimate frisbee (that one was very brief though).

I also do dance but not everyone counts that as a "sport" sport.

5. Do you use sarcasm?

Do fish live in water? Yes. It is my love language, my sense of humour, my personality entire.

6. What is the first thing you notice about people?

Probably their height (I'm pretty short, it's hard not to notice when someone is towering over you or when they're actually closer to your height for once).

Also their interests, if I find out someone has a specific interest/hobby within the first meeting then that's going to be my marker for them until I get to know them better (and I will shower them with things linked to their interests in an attempt to befriend).

7. What's your eye colour?

Blue with some grey.

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

I've watched 2 scary movies in my entire life and have no desire to see any more. Happy endings.

9. Any talents?

I can memorise lots of peoples names very quickly, normally within 20 minutes. Not a very impressive talent but it comes in handy.

10. Where were you born?

Luxembourg, have fun finding it on a map without looking it up.

11. What are your hobbies?

Reading, watching dramas, embroidery, language learning (we're on languages 4 and 5 right now), researching social and cultural history, dance, and musicals/theatre. I also love hiking but it's not something I get to do very often.

13. How tall are you?

Excellent question.

14. What were your favourite subjects at school?

I loved pretty much every subject I did at school (at least until I had to do exams in them) but the ones I never fell out of love with were Literature and Philosophy. History would have made the list but unfortunately the teacher I had for the last 2 years of school ruined it for me.

15. What is your dream job?

The job I'm doing right now. It's true that sometimes I hate it and I've cried plenty of times over it and have even contemplated quitting more times than I can count.... but it also brings me moments of great joy and I can't imagine doing something else, at least not at this point in my life. I think even if I didn't have to work, it's still something I would choose to do with at least some of my time.

I don't have too many people to tag but @waitmyturtles @respectthepetty @twig-tea and anyone else who want to give this a go!

8 notes · View notes

greycappedjester · 7 months

Note

I know it’s a lot of characters to sort but if you don’t mind sharing, where would you say the people in the DA fall in the spectrum of trust and fondness for Headmaster Ukai? On one side we have Oikawa who definitely does not trust or seemingly like him, and then we have Noya (I think?) who suggested the name Ukai’s army so he probably has some degree of trust/fondness for him. Where do most of the characters fall within that scale?

Oooh good question! I'd say it's currently*...

*in the 5th story for people who come across this post later. Since this list will certainly change

Least Trust:

1.) Oikawa-he doesn't trust practically anyone rn outside of his small group of friends and he especially doesn't trust people in authority and 2x especially anyone who was involved in the last war. Oikawa lives in rage and is definitely curently #1 to Stab an Authority Figure in their Sleep

2.) Daishou-this is definitely a lot less than Oikawa but I'd still say he'd be next in list sicne he is 1.) a Slytherin who aren't the most trusting bunch to begin with, 2.) raised around Uncle/Minister who never trusted Ukai and would likely let some of that slip, 3.) Knows how much of a fake his Uncle/Minister is and likely thinks Ukai as the other major war general hero is much the same

3.) Iwaizumi-oddly not because of that thing with the 2nd Task but that didn't help. Nah, Iwa-chan still definitely holds a grudge about that thing with Oikawa and the veritaserum from the begginning of 4th...even tho technically Oikawa took that by semi-choice

4.) Kuroo-similar to Daishou, he's way too familiar with politicians with fake public faces. Nothing really aganist Ukai in particular, just not big on public people who everyone seems to praise (which Ukai definitely was as a war general hero before this year with all the bad press aganist Hogwarts)

Ambivalent Range ie The I'm Just Not That Trustfull Bunch:

5.) Mika-matches up with Daishou in that she's not too trusting of anyone who technically has powr over her (by being her Headmaster)

6.) Yaku- Teenage Curmudgen(TM)

7.) Tsukishima- Teenage Misanthrope (TM)....ranks more trusting than Yaku since Tsuki's experience with Minister last year made his ostensible rival (the Headmaster) look better by comparison

8.) Makki & Matsu- Come On We're Still Slytherins Duo....really it's just that they have a bone deep rebellious streak and a long history of pranking

He's Alright, I Guess? Range:

9.) Kenma- Has genuinely never thought of the Headmaster much

10.) Ennoshita- Headmaster's way better than the Minister...2nd least trusting of the Crows so he sitll holds some resentment because of how the werewolf stuff was handled in 3rd story but likes that the Headmaster was able to keep it a secret from the press and student body

11.) Amani- Is a pretty friendly person in general

12.) Shimizu- Certified Teacher Friend (in a good, non-suck up way). I mean, come on, she's been a library assistant for forever. She was 100% the kid on the playground who would rather sit by the tachers and read quietly (this was me in elementary btw). She desn't really know the Headmaster but has genrally positive feelings towards the Hogwarts faculty

13. ) Yamaguchi- 3rd least trusting of Crows, too much time around Tsuki. Still has complicated feelings about 3rd story stuff. Pretty similar to Ennoshita, but Yamaguchi was raised more in the wizarding world so still has more of the Ukai-Great-War-General vibes

14.) Kageyama-Wait, what does this have to do about Quidditch?

Yes, I like Him Range:

15.) Yachi- "While there are some things I feel complicated about [insets paragraph] I also accept that human beigns are naturally flawed and that becasue he also did many good things like [inserts multiple paragraphs], I generally feel that our Headmaster is a good person though subject to human flaws as we all are" (Questioner has long since tuned out). Basically, Yachi's a good egg who recognizes flaws but aslo that everyone's a bit complicated

16.) Daichi-Genuinely appreciative of everything he's done for Asahi to let him attend and cover up aspects of what happened in 3rd.

The You Could Stab Me And I'd Say "Hey, You Dropped Your Knife" Crew....ie the just really trusting in genral bunch

17.) Bokuto- :)

18.) Hinata- :) (Oikawa voice in the background): He drugged you and left you in a forest! Hinata: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Headmaster is a Badass! Group/ Most Trusting and Genuinely Admire Him:

19.) Lev-Dude, Headmaster Ukai fought aganist the Giant! He's Awesome (But Scary)

20.) Tanaka- complicated family history which makes him greatly look up to a hero of the war who put a lot of Ghosts behind bars

21.) Asahi- Is very appreciative of Ukai for letting him attend Hogwarts and helping him with all the necessary paperwork

22.) Suga-Is so adamantly aganist his family's legacy that it fuels a bit of a blind side of viewing Headmaster's faults. He really does have some very secific blinders that come on when it comes to his family legacy. Overly trust figure of the oposite side is likely one of them.

23.) Noya- 2x admiration since Ukai also helped his uncle get in when he was a student and then helped Asahi and just in general has been just very cool about helping students of various creature legacies (like veelas, werewolves, dhampir, etc) into Hogwarts. Also Ukai's a war hero

Bonus:

Akaashi-who needs trust when I've got foresight?

In other words, Akaashi's too weird on what "trust" as a concept even is to put him on this list. How do you view trust when you genrally know for a sorta-fact how people will behave?

#hq at hogwarts

18 notes · View notes

highwaytothedangerzone502 · 2 years

Text

India Lima Yankee - Chapter 40

Pairing: Rooster x Female OC

Word Count: 2084

Warnings: Mention of death, swearing

Summary: Juliette Kazansky discovers Maverick is back in town for a special training detachment, but she's more than a little blindsided when Rooster arrives too. Having not spoken to him for almost ten years after their less than amicable break-up, Juliette can only imagine how the next few weeks are going to play out when she remains head over heels in love with him while he wants nothing to do with Juliette other than to forget her.

Or so she thinks.

Notes: None.

Chapter Songs: Wanted Dead or Alive I Bet My Life

Chapters: Chp 1 Chp 2 Chp 3 Chp 4 Chp 5 Chp 6 Chp 7 Chp 8 Chp 9 Chp 10 Chp 11 Chp 12 Chp 13 Chp 14 Chp 15 Chp 16 Chp 17 Chp 18 Chp 19 Chp 20 Chp 21 Chp 22 Chp 23 Chp 24 Chp 25Chp 26 Chp 27 Chp 28 Chp 29 Chp 30 Chp 31 Chp 32Chp 33 Chp 34 Chp 35 Chp 36 Chp 37 Chp 38 Chp 39 Chp 40

Rooster

A bitterly cold wind blew against the aviator's face as he floated down towards the snowy ground in a daze. In the far distance, near the fiery wreck of the helicopter he'd shot down seconds ago, Rooster could see a tiny person running towards his location. Hopefully, it was Maverick. Otherwise, that would be another obstacle added to the rapidly lengthening list of them in Rooster's head.

He landed in a small clearing in the forest, sitting for a couple of minutes to gather his wits. Having been nailed by a SAM caused more than a little mayhem on your body and your brain, whether one was expecting to be shot down or not.

If that's not Mav on his way over here, I better scram. The thought sent Rooster into motion, and he began the process of stuffing his parachute away, not wanting the bright colors to capture any attention from potential enemies in the air. As he hastily rolled the fabric up and tried shoving it into his bag, Rooster noticed the small figure from earlier sprinting at a breakneck pace towards him. They wore a red and blue helmet along with a flight suit, so their presence didn't send the aviator into panic mode. In fact, it provided him an insane amount of relief.

It was Maverick.

"You all right?!" Maverick shouted, still running towards Rooster at full speed.

Bradley stood up to greet him, expecting a monster hug with the way his surrogate dad wasn't slowing down in any way, shape, or form. "Yeah, I'm good. You all right?"

BAM!

In the blink of an eye, Rooster found himself staring up at the blue sky, having been brutally shoved to the ground, simultaneously stunned and enormously pissed off. Both he and Maverick ripped off their helmets, tossing them angrily into the snow. Rooster stood in a huff, asking furiously, "What the hell?!"

Maverick ignored him, demanding, "What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" Rooster repeated, staring at the captain with an 'are you absolutely stupid' look. Wasn't it obvious?

"You think I took that missile, so you could be down here with me?!" Maverick snapped, matching Rooster's outrage. "You should be back on the carrier by now!"

"I saved your life!" Rooster exclaimed slowly, annoyance dripping through his tone with his careful pronunciation of each word to try and get it through Maverick's thick skull that he would be dead without him. The sheer dumbassery of the man before him was astounding. This was how Mav thanked him for saving his life? This was what Rooster got for going against direct orders? This was some bullshit!

"I saved your life," Maverick countered, exasperated. "That's the whole point. What the hell were you even thinking?"

The God damn fucking audacity of this man... "You told me not to think!"

Rooster watched the revelation dawn on Maverick's face, the words he spoke to Rooster just last week evidently flashing through his mind. Bradley threw his hands up in frustration because he gave up trying to please this man. If he didn't follow Maverick's teachings, he got yelled at. If he did follow Maverick's advice, he got yelled at. He couldn't win.

Mav bent over, bracing himself on his knees as he caught his breath. Rooster let him, allowing the course of emotions running through his own blood to settle down. As annoyed with Mav as he wanted to be, Bradley reminded himself that had this not turned out the way it did, had he not reached Maverick in time, his dad would be dead, and it would do no good to have their last words to each other be angry ones, even if they were slightly warranted.

Maverick stood up, and the two men glanced around at their surroundings. Finally, the captain said, "Well... it's good to see you."

Rooster sniffed, the cold causing his nose to run. "It's good to see you too," he replied, the gravity of their situation suddenly crashing down on him. He hated that his voice quivered slightly when he asked, "So, what's the plan?"

Maverick met Rooster's gaze, the gears visibly turning in his head. "We can't stay here. If we do, the enemy will capture us."

Needing some humor to deal with the stressful situation, Rooster replied, "Yeah, but if we go back to the carrier, we'll be turned over to Juliette."

"Enemies it is," Maverick agreed. "It'll be a quicker death."

"She's going to kill us for getting shot down."

Maverick waved a dismissive hand. "Just propose to her like you were planning to before she can say anything, and we'll be fine."

"You knew about that?!" Rooster's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "How did- is there anyone else that knows?"

"I saw your mom's ring on her finger, and Juliette told me everything. Sounds like her brothers and mom know, having inadvertently found out after Jack made a joke about you being her fiancé."

"Shit..."

"Sounds like they're okay with it, so I don't think you have to worry." Maverick motioned for Rooster to follow him. He did. "Joking aside, she's probably worried sick about us."

"If she doesn't think we're dead."

"Well, despite my apparent best efforts, I refuse to die," Maverick said, falling into a fast jog. Rooster, with his longer legs, had a hard time not outrunning his captain. "At least according to Admiral Cain."

"When did the dick say that?" Rooster demanded, flashing back to the hard-eyed admiral. He didn't like him, mainly because the admiral was trying to find ways to get rid of pilots overall, meaning Rooster would be out of a job. If he couldn't be a pilot, Bradley didn't know what he would do.

"After I ejected from a test plane at Mach 10.3."

Bradley slid to a stop. "You did what?"

"Yeah, landed in some tiny town a couple hundred miles away. Probably looked like some alien from another planet after I saw what I looked like. When I asked where I was, this kid replied with 'Earth.' Had I not been so out of it, I would've laughed."

Rooster didn't respond, the knowledge that he could've lost Maverick forever in the past fifteen or so years without having made amends, striking him harder and faster than the SAM that knocked him out of the sky. He could've lost his dad again, and for what? Because Mav wanted to protect him? Because Mav set him back four years? Yeah, it warranted an angry reaction and maybe some tense interactions for a while, but now that Bradley thought about it, Maverick hadn't deserved all that Rooster did to him, all that he said to him.

No wife. No kids. No one to mourn you when you burn in.

Bradley shuddered at his own words because they weren't true. Maverick did have kids who would mourn him: Rooster and Juliette. They both would've been devastated, even the former with his built-up anger. That was their dad, maybe not by blood, but by bond. Maverick would go to the ends of the earth for either of him, and he'd more than proved that a mere twenty minutes ago.

Maverick had the Dagger Squadron as his unofficial kids too. Rooster had seen it in this fifty-plus-year-old man's eyes- when he first met the group of early- to mid-thirty-year-olds- essentially decide, "Yeah, they're all mine now." In return, all the Daggers had looked at this fifty-year-old man who took them under his chaotic wing and decided, "We will fight God for this man." They would mourn Maverick if something were to happen to him.

"Bradley, what is it?" Maverick asked, tilting his head in concern.

"I'm sorry," Rooster said hesitantly, unsure if now was the time to be apologizing. They were in the middle of hostile territory with enemies surely searching for them. But if not now, when? If they died, Rooster didn't want Maverick thinking he still hated him. "I'm sorry for how I've treated you all these years, for what I've said to you recently, like how no one would mourn you when you're gone... it's not true. It's- I know why you did what you did."

Maverick nodded appreciatively. "I hurt you, Bradley. In trying to protect you, I hurt you, and I'm sorry. I don't blame you for what you said. To bottle up that anger for as long as you did, I'm honestly surprised you didn't blow up at me sooner. I never held what you said against me, and I never will. It's water under the bridge."

"You weren't just trying to protect me. You were doing it because mom asked you to." The slight doubt Rooster held about the truth of his second statement disappeared at the sight of the color draining from Maverick's face, causing him to turn a deathly shade of white.

"H-how did- I never told anyone that," Mav stammered, shaking his head. "Not even Jules. How-"

"She overheard part of your conversation with Ice about someone asking you to do it. We put the pieces together because if Juliette didn't ask you to pull my papers, that only left one other person. Why didn't you tell me Mom asked you to do that? Why take the full brunt of my anger?"

"You were struggling, and you had a hatred towards the world at the time. Juliette and I both knew you wouldn't forgive whoever pulled your papers, not for a long time, and I didn't want you resenting your mom, not even after she passed. I'd rather you hate me than have any resentment towards her. She was terrified to lose you the way she did your dad. I never told Jules about your mom asking me because she was already agonizing over keeping the secret from you. I didn't want to add one more to her plate."

"Did Mom realize the position she put you in?"

Maverick sniffed, wiping his nose. "Yeah, and she apologized profusely for it. She promised me you'd understand if I told you the truth, and maybe she was right, but I couldn't risk you resenting her in any way. She was your mom. I was just the man who tried to fill in your dad's shoes."

"Just the-? Mav, you were there for everything you could be. You took care of me and mom; you used your paychecks to support us; you were the one I brought whenever it was 'Bring Your Dad to Dinner' at my elementary school; you helped me buy my first suit, my first tux; you helped me with my homework even when you had no clue how to do it yourself; you came to all my baseball and football games when you weren't on deployment, and you always made sure to call me on my birthday, no matter where you were. You were more than 'just the man' that filled in Dad's shoes."

You were my dad. The words lodged in Rooster's throat, afraid he'd go too far if he spoke them. Maybe Maverick didn't view Bradley as his kid anymore after all this time. Yeah, he'd take a missile for him, but that didn't mean he saw Rooster as his son anymore.

"Look-" Bradley continued, trying to regain control of his racing thoughts- "all I'm saying is if you had told me the truth, despite my volatile behavior back then, I would've forgiven you a lot sooner had you told me the truth, and I wouldn't have resented mom. I knew she didn't want me to go into the Navy. She never said it outright, but I could tell by the way she always asked me to consider other lines of work in case the Navy didn't work out. I would've been mad and upset, but I would've understood."

"I'm sorry, Bradley," Maverick said, his voice cracking ever so slightly. "Look, I want to continue this conversation, I do, but right now, we need to hurry. Enemies are probably on the lookout for us, and I promised Juliette I would get you home. When we return to the carrier, let's finish this talk, okay?"

Rooster nodded, following his dad as they began their jog through the snow to an unknown destination, but he trusted Maverick. The seasoned captain would do nothing to risk Rooster's life, not again, and would do nothing to get the young aviator killed. Mav wanted Bradley to survive, and so Bradley entrusted him with his life.

***

Tags: @lgg5989 @shanimallina87 @polikszena @summ3rlotus @souslesyeuxde @gleasonmalfoy @icemansgirl1999 @supernaturaldawning @thedarkinmansfield @lyannaforpresident @lapilark @getmyprettynameoutofyourmouth @simpofthecentury @shadeops21 @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @double-j @picklejuicesposts @bradshawsandbridgetons @majdoline @jakexfmc @catsandgeekyandnerd @peachiicherries @multifandomcnova @fandomsstolemylife00 @bookloverhorses

16 notes · View notes

elaynajeanne · 1 year

Text

Readerly Exploration 1, Semester 2

Due Date: January 30th

Reading(s): Tompkins, Chapter 1, “Becoming an Effective Literacy Teacher”

The Big Take-Away(s):

Effective teachers 1) understand how students learn, 2) support students’ use of the cueing system, 3) create a community of learners, 4) adopt a balanced approach to instruction, 5) scaffold students’ reading and writing, 6) organize for literacy instruction, 7) differentiate instruction, and 8) link instruction and assessment.

Nuggets:

I enjoyed looking through the book lists on page 10 and 11 and seeing if there were any books I had read or heard of. The sad truth is I had only read Smoky Night and The Giver. I read Smoky Night for my mini lesson and my mother read the whole Giver series to my sister and I in middle school. When my Inquiry Project is complete, I would love to come back to these books and consider purchasing some for my future library.

It was also a good review for me to look through the chart on page 13 with the systems, their terms, and applications. I have an awful time remembering which term is which so this was very helpful for me, especially having them compared like that in writing right next to each other.

I enjoyed reading through the characteristics of a classroom. Respect is something I am personally nervous about building in my own classroom. I am nervous I am going to be so stress and try to plan too much out that I forget to remember that my students need time to be students or that mistakes and misunderstanding happen. I am also nervous about setting expectations that are within the students ZPD. Lastly, I am nervous when working alongside families, as I have not had any experience yet but have heard some interesting stories.

Figure 1-5 on page 23 was interesting to look at as it had the levels of scaffolding and how they interacted with reading and writing right next to each other so I could review and compare again.

Paragraph:

Readerly Habit: Choose an excerpt from your assigned course reading(s) and share with a family member to get his or her insight and perspective on it.

I was originally thinking about doing the readerly habit of looking up unknown terms before actually reading the text, but since chapter 1 was mostly a review for me, or at least used a lot of familiar terms, I decided this was not a good habit for this chapter. I then decided I would talk to my mom about the chapter as my habit. Thus, my next step was to actually read the chapter. This was honestly very helpful for me, as it reminded me of terms I had forgotten or concepts I needed reminded of. I did find the book list very helpful, and like I mentioned above, I would be very interested in going back to take a look at some of those texts after I have finished my inquiry project on what makes a good children’s book.

After I finished reading the chapter, I called my mom and we had some really good conversation. She was able to relate the 8 steps to being an effective literacy educator to Duolingo, which I found very interesting. My struggle with this analogy was that I did not have the best experience on Duolingo, but she has been enjoying it. When I put my own personal opinions aside, I do see how the different steps in Duolingo match up with the 8 things the chapter mentioned. This analogy put these effective teaching practices into a example I had seen before and beyond the scope of teaching literacy. All in all, I enjoyed the insight my mother gave me on this chapter and feel like this conversation I had with her was very helpful.

Multimedia Document:

Readerly Habit: Choose an excerpt from your assigned course reading(s) and share with a family member to get his or her insight and perspective on it.

Below is me and my mom after talking about Tompkins’s Chapter 1.

My Mom is the BESTEST!

2 notes · View notes

yungchaeng · 2 years

Note

#4, #10, #13, #37, and #43

4. At what age did you realize Santa was not real?

What do you mean Santa isn't real? :)

10. What is the biggest lie you ever told?

This one

13. Do you have any tattoos? If yes what do they mean?

Sadly not, but I'm planning to get some soon. I plan to get a matching tattoo with my mom along my rib and the idea of some small tattoos on my fingers is also really appealing to me, but i'd have to figure out what I'd get first. Lastly, I've wanted my right forearm tattooed for the longest time and I'm absolutely in love with the style of a specific tattoo artist (@pilgrim_ttt on IG) so figuring something out for that tattoo with him would be a dream (but he is all the way in Bali)

37. Have you ever played a game involving stripping?

I haven't, but that sounds really fun (i should get on that, asap)

43. What countries have you travelled to?

I've travelled to some countries within Europe (Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, France, The UK and Greece) and outside of EU I've been to Nigeria, but I look forward to adding a lot more countries to the list as soon as I'm done with/free from the shackles of uni (such as Bali to go get that tattoo)

#serpendity-stuff #but for real #i was about 7 or 8 when i realised there was something fishy about that dude santa #but i kept pretending i believed for years cause i was scared id stop getting gifts #scammer lifestyle

3 notes · View notes

lobsterplush · 30 days

Text

Day 13-14: 3D lacing

I'm probably not the first person to try this technique, but I didn't learn it elsewhere. I figured it out on my own and have been putting it in projects ever since. 3D lacing adds sides to an alternating square knot:

Lark's head knots attach to the open square loops on the sides, one knot per open square loop. Then, you fold the sides down...

...and build an alternating square knot while stitching the open square loops together:

^Open square loops of the original alternating square knot are colored in blue, matching the first diagram.

These diagrams are drawn loose so you can see the structure but would be tighter in-project.

/\/\/\/\/\

Odd numbers of lark's head knots:

This makes the sides an alternating square with an extra half knot. An open square loop is stitched in on each row.

On alternating squares with even numbers, the open square loops line up evenly. But on odd numbers the open square loops will be offset. Odd number alternating square knots do take a bit more planning.

/\/\/\/\/\

^Circles are square knots, in relation to how they fold corners.

Okay so. When it comes to the spacing of square knots on an alternating square knot, the grid is ALMOST the same horizontally and vertically. But open square loops on the side are a little bit wider than the square knots side by side on the top.

This spaces the first few square knots farther apart than a normal alternating square, and can make a distinct crease on the corners of wider sides. If you want rounder corners don't make all the lark's head knots into square knots on the first row, but add them in gradually.

Even if you start with loose alternating square knots they tend to grow closer together as you go. (Unless you really pay attention, but that ain't me.) So the width of a 3D project's sides are measured by the square knots, like a regular alternating square, not by the width of the open square loops used.

/\/\/\/\/\

If you're working towards a bend rather than away:

Unless the project is really open or shallow, you're not going to be able to hide the overhand knots on the inside. This is my favorite method for securing the cord ends- Two cords per open square loop are brought over and into the loop, an immediately brought back to the outside of the project on the outsides of their cords. Like a backwards lark's head knot. Then those two cords are secured with an overhand knot.

The hardest part in planning a 3D project is trying to hide the overhand knots, but sometimes they just stick out.

/\/\/\/\/\

Adding and subtracting cords in the middle of an alternating square rather than the sides to make it bend is not going to be covered. I plan to try some tests for another Macre-May, but for now my 3D projects are kinda square and blocky.

(Macre-May Prompt list)

Extensive sample pictures below the cut:

^Three square knots wide, but I started with two square knots on the first row for a rounder edge.

^I begin stitching!

^I complete one side.

^I narrow the side alternating square knot, then used the outermost cords to wrap over all of the others to make a really thick square sequence. When I got to the other side I did those steps in reverse, using the other side as a guide so they match.

^I work down towards the bend.

^Backwards lark's head knot.

^Overhand knots tied and cords cut.

^SMOL BASKET WOOHOO •°☆▪

#Macre-May #Macre-May 2024 #macrame #art challenge #words are kinda hard #tldr; look at the pics and you get the idea

0 notes

pinkchaosstories · 1 year

Text

Blood and Thorns - Chapter 13 (part 2)

Chapter 13 (Part Two): Rosewood and Honour (Read Chapter 1 (part one) here) - (See here for a complete list of chapters)

“Master Bloodswell, the Lady Frigga Thorneheart and Miss Razi Wood for you.” They walked into the library together hesitantly and the servant left, leaving the door ajar. Frigga had been in the Bloodswell home before but never by her own choice and never the library. It was filled with ornately decorated dark wood shelves housing hundreds of books, a fireplace to one side with a gorgeous stone hearth encircling it, and a maroon velvet chaise lounge in front of it. A portrait of a young Rosalind and their parents, Victoria and Jun, was hanging above in a golden frame. Off to the side was a medium-sized round table in front of a large window flanked by four chairs, three of which were simple, high-backed seats with plush red cushions, and the forth chair was a wingback armchair, black with maroon velvet that matched the chaise lounge, in which sat Rosalind. They looked tired, much messier than Frigga had ever seen them before to say the least. Rosalind was usually so well-kept and proper, uptight even, but the sight before her now was uncharacteristically casual. She hadn’t expected them to be in formal attire by any means, but Rosalind was just a straight-up mess, a few buttons undone, eyes heavier than normal, hair somewhat unkempt, and their head leaned on a palm, like they were having a hard time staying awake. The table in front of them was covered in papers and books as well as two tea cups, an empty teapot, a plate with a few crumbs, and a bowl of rice recently finished. Rosalind did not glance up at the two women, still focussed on their work with one hand supporting their head, the other holding a pen. “Well, here you are,” they mumbled in a tone that suggested irritation, boredom, or both. “Do I need a lawyer?” They dryly smirked with a soft exhale.

Frigga frowned slightly; had that been a joke? “Why would you need a lawyer?” “You might be here regarding the coven’s last meeting,” Rosalind said, placing their pen back in its holder, eyes not looking up from their work. They sounded tired, scratchy, possibly like they had a sore throat. “Perhaps my assistance in her arrest has rendered me suspicious. Or,” they hesitated for the briefest moment before organizing their documents, “you could be here about your engagement that ended recently.” Frigga stepped to sit in the chair closest to Rosalind, but she was interrupted by them. “Not there,” they demanded, motioning towards another chair on the opposite side of the table. She acquiesced and sat there instead, off-put by their curt manner. She glanced to Razi who opted to stand behind her chair. How did they know about the engagement being called off? Why would that be relevant to them anyway? “I told you, I don’t blame you for the actions of your mother. I’ve come to ask for help.” Rosalind froze and finally turned their wearied gaze to their guests. “You want my help? With what?” “Frigga’s trapped,” Razi explained. “Can’t figure out how to get her out of, what’d you say it was, Frigg?” “A contract,” Frigga answered. “My aunt had me enter it after the break-in. I’ve been reconsidering my place as heir lately, but she said that because I’ve been hesitant, the coven might fall apart so she made me swear to go through with accepting the heirdom. The spell uses some kind of energy transformation magic, and while I can understand most of it, I don’t know enough about it to determine a way out.” Rosalind’s eyes narrowed slightly but their voice remained devoid of emotion. “You want out of a contract? That’s none of my business.” The women were stunned by the indifferent reply, but maybe they shouldn’t have been. While Rosalind didn’t have a reputation for being cruel or rude, they were someone who did not get involved in matters of their coven. Frigga had heard once or twice of other coven members getting offended when they didn’t interact more, but she had hoped their significant contribution to their mother’s arrest had signalled a shift in that disposition. Apparently not. “We were ‘oping,” Razi said with an audible frown, “your family might have a similar ritual or somethin’, ‘cause the information we got on it wasn’t super helpful.” Rosalind leaned to look at the clock on the fireplace mantle, and then glanced at the door behind the women before settling back in their armchair to thumb through their datebook. “If I were to help, it would be framed as an attempt to oust you. I don’t share my ancestors’ grudges against your family, but I’ve no reason to help you out of a contract you agreed to.” “Rosalind, I had to come to you,” Frigga stammered as her cheeks warmed. “You’re the only one that might be able to figure out what my aunt did or how to dismiss it!” “I understand, but I don’t want to do anything that might cause others to suspect me of carrying on in my mother’s footsteps. Helping you break your promise to your aunt, thereby ridding your family of an heir? A perfect example of something my mother might do,” they drawled, seemingly tired of the conversation already. They glanced up at Frigga from their book and snapped it shut. “I’m sorry your aunt’s a bitch but putting my family’s reputation at risk so you can run away from the consequences of your actions isn’t something I’m willing to do.” Frigga stared in disbelief and Razi’s face contorted in anger, but Rosalind did not seem bothered and continued with a bored tone, “I’m not your on-demand necromancer, Frigga. You might be the First Family’s Heir Apparent, but I will not be at your beck and call like everyone else.” They glanced at Razi pointedly, a cynical smirk tugging at their lips.

Razi had been about to snap at the implication when the door behind them swung open and Marcus Magnus-Monroe practically danced into the room holding two fresh mugs of coffee. “Oh, hey Frigga!” he exclaimed happily as he whispered past them to Rosalind’s side of the table. The women whipped around to look at the man who was also a complete mess. He looked like he had just woken up and was in an oversized shirt that hung off one shoulder, his hair was unkept and unstyled, and were those…? Rashes all over his neck? “Fancy meeting you here!” He waltzed up to Rosalind who’s cynicism had disintegrated the instant he’d entered the room, and planted a kiss on their cheek while setting down a mug in front them. He had the happiest of smiles on his face. Frigga and Razi stared dumbfounded as Marcus plopped himself down on the chair Rosalind had demanded Frigga not sit in, his easy affection obliterating the room’s tension. Once settled in his seat, the realization that there was someone in the room he did not know dawned on him. He shot out for his chair and offered a hand to Razi to shake, “Sorry, don’t think we’ve met, I’m Marcus,” he said enthusiastically. Razi looked between him and his hand before hesitantly shaking it, “Uh, yeah, I know who you are. Razi Wood.” He grinned as he shook her hand. “Good to meet you, you’re a friend of Frigga’s?” She dropped his hand with a somewhat icy, “You might say tha’,” before retaking her place behind Frigga. Marcus nodded before sitting down again and finally caught Rosalind’s tiredly irritated gaze. He smiled lazily at them. “Did I come in at a bad time, baby?” “Yes.” Rosalind grumbled, but on their lips was the smallest of smiles. They sipped from the mug Marcus had brought with a small huff. “Sorry about that,” Marcus sipped at his mug unbothered and clearly not sorry, “But it’s too early for drama.” “It’s 10:30 in the morning,” Razi objected, her aversion to the man’s privileged lifestyle obvious to her love. “Exactly,” Marcus insisted, his voice melodic and breezy. “Sorry to interrupt, what were we talking about?” “Is this why the engagement was called off?” Frigga breathed. “How long has this been going on?” Rosalind lost some of their composure, a soft tinge of red splayed across their cheeks and Marcus perched his arms on the table and perched his head on them, waiting for someone to clue him in. “These two,” Rosalind started to explain, glancing pointedly to Frigga and Razi before returning to the man beside them, “have asked me to fix problems she made for herself.” “I was manipulated into it!” Frigga defended while glowering at Rosalind. The scene in front of her was confusing, but she saw Rosalind wasn’t going to help her out of the kindness of their heart. She’d have to try a different approach. “Which wouldn’t have happened if your mother hadn’t hurt my brother, mind you.” Rosalind glared back at her, an angry grumble sounding from them. “You said you don’t blame me for my mother’s actions, but now you’re trying to guilt me into helping you with them? Either I’m responsible or I’m not, but don’t change your mind when it suits you.” Marcus looked to Frigga, concern on his face. “What’s wrong? Is there something I can do to help?” Both Frigga and Rosalind looked at him, she with softness, them with fatigue. “I mean, I know I’m not magical, but this sounds important.” “Why do you care?” Rosalind asked looking like they hadn’t needed to. Frigga saw the way they were looking at him and thought she saw tender, loving resignation, a look she never thought she’d ever see on the necromancer’s face. It was a feeling she recognized, one of compromise, and to see Rosalind yielding to Marcus of all people? Someone she had barely seen them interact with ever? Bewildering. Marcus shrugged nonchalantly, meeting his host’s pliant gaze with a confident, easy smile. “If I can help and it doesn’t put me out much, why not?”

Frigga was touched by Marcus’ kindheartedness. “I don’t think there’s much you can do, Marcus,” she responded and held out her right forearm, displaying the faint mark staining her skin. “After my brother was hurt in the break-in, my aunt forced me into a magical contract which binds me to accept the heirdom.” Marcus peered at the mark on her arm, his head tilted slightly and a small wince at his eye. “Wait, you’re being forced to be the heir? You don’t want it?” She shook her head. “No, I… it doesn’t suit me.” He frowned. “Can’t you just ask your aunt to revoke it then? Why bother forcing you to do it if you don’t want to?” Razi replied, “The old lady already knows Frigg doesn’t wan’ it, and did this anyway. You think after doin’ this, her aunt’s jus’ gonna let her go?” She closed her eyes and breathed her frustration out. “Frigga already looked through the books at the manor, but she figured th’ Bloodswells might have somethin’ similar and might 'av some insight into how t’ cancel it.” Marcus grinned and clapped in his excitement. “Wonderful! I’m sure Ros would love to help!” He tossed a glance at his paramour. Rosalind’s face remained unchanged behind their coffee, but their gaze slipped away from Marcus. An idea sprouted in Frigga’s mind; Rosalind clearly had a weakness for Marcus, and she knew she could count on him to want to be helpful. He’d already offered to help, after all. “Actually, they were just saying they wouldn’t help me,” she answered in a woeful tone. “Even though their mother’s actions directly resulted in my aunt forcing me into this mess and the magic they work with is exactly the type that might be helpful in this situation.” Razi continued, and Frigga heard the woman’s poorly concealed smugness, “So Frigga has t’ be miserable for the rest of her life jus’ ‘cause someone doesn’ want to get their hands dirty.” Rosalind’s face immediately turned sour and they scowled at the women across from them. Frigga heard them curse under their breath but their scowl tempered when Marcus turned his eyes on them. They very purposefully avoided his gaze, but the man’s effect on them was obvious. “Is it true, Ros? You won’t help them?” Marcus questioned softly, his hand reaching to rest on Rosalind’s shoulder, recapturing their gaze. “Isn’t there anything you can do?” They faltered, the pair’s eyes locking in a conversation Frigga wouldn’t hazard a guess at, until Rosalind said defensively, “I didn’t say I wouldn’t help, I merely asked why I should!” Frigga barely held back laughter when Marcus lovingly leaned closer to them, his voice turning from wounded-puppy pleading to a warm, loving timbre. “Because you’re a lovely, powerful witch who cares about other people?” The man softly tucked a stray lock behind their ear and Rosalind’s lips thinned with the effort of resisting him. The scene in front of her was bizarre to say the least, but Frigga would put her questions aside for another minute. Rosalind was wrapped around Marcus’ finger, that much was obvious, and they seemed close to caving. Frigga saw they’d need another push. “All I want,” she said, breaking the silence, rising from her seat to took Razi's arm, “Is to be able to decide for myself how to live. That’s something you understand, right?” Razi looked at Frigga and placed her hand on top of the witch’s. They locked eyes and had a wordless conversation of their own. Frigga asked Razi to pile on too, and Razi didn’t care for the situation nor did she care for exposing all her tender spots to a pair of blue bloods. But in the end, Razi smirked and continued “Bloodswell, you know, hell, everyone knows that Frigga’s heart lies elsewhere. She shouldn’t be her aunt’s puppet. She should be out there, doin’ what makes her happy, instead she’s miserable ‘ere.”

Frigga looked from Razi back to Rosalind and Marcus and saw the other witch’s stare aimed at her. The expression on their face was unreadable; maybe it was pensive, maybe it was compassion, or maybe it was just weariness. She’d give it one last push. “You of all people,” Frigga pleaded, “know how important making your own choices and being true to yourself is.” Marcus was looking at Frigga and Razi while they begged for Rosalind’s aid, but he then looked back to the irritable witch beside him. He had the sweetest puppy dog eyes, and Frigga thought she saw a tear in his eye. Rosalind had slumped in their chair somewhat, their demeanour had given way to annoyance and discomfort. They sighed, “You’re right,” they muttered to Marcus. “It is too early for this shit.” They took a sip from their coffee mug, plonked it down on the table in a weak display of protest, and rubbed their temples. “Fine.” Marcus scooped Rosalind into a hug, kissing their cheek joyfully. The women grinned and looked at each other, a shared feeling of success swelling in their chests. Razi squeezed Frigga’s hand that was holding onto her arm in comfort and Frigga put her other hand over top of it. She knew they would figure this out together. She looked back to the pair at the other side of the table; Rosalind was captive in Marcus’ arms and not entirely upset about it. Frigga and realized the two hadn’t answered her question earlier. “But seriously,” Frigga began, “is this why the engagement was called off?” Marcus released his partner, who immediately returned to their coffee to soothe their damaged ego, and considered. “I uh… I guess you deserve an explanation, huh?” He asked as his knee started bouncing. Frigga nodded incredulously as she retook her seat and motioned to Razi to sit in the last chair. “This seems unlike both of you?” She looked to Marcus as Rosalind would likely not volunteer much. “Can I leave?” Rosalind grumbled. “Not yet, baby,” Marcus teased while picking up his own coffee cup again, causing his love to slump in their seat a bit further and sulk. What an unthinkable sight, Frigga couldn’t think of a time they’d ever sulked before. Marcus savoured his beverage a moment before replying, a thoughtful look on his face. “I mean, maybe a bit, but I was thinking about calling it off anyway.” Frigga frowned. “Why?”

“You didn’t seem happy about it,” Marcus answered simply, “and it was my dad’s wish anyway. I think we would have had a great marriage, and sure it would have been good for the city and the coven, not to mention my family, your family, basically everyone would’ve benefitted if we’d gotten married, and honestly I’m kinda bummed that everyone will be let down and I’ll be disappointing my father and-“ “But?” Razi cut off the long list of Frigga’s insecurities with a bristle. Frigga was grateful for the woman’s boldness. Marcus looked wide-eyed at Razi for a few breaths, clearly surprised at the woman’s boldness, but then looked back to Frigga unbothered. “But, then I heard you weren’t happy and wouldn’t be happy with any man. I thought it would be better to release you from your promise so you could have a chance at being happy. And, yeah, I was kind of sad about it, but-” “You don’t seem t’ have stayed sad long,” Razi interrupted again, grinning wickedly, brushing her hand across her own neck, mirroring where the rashes on Marcus’ neck were plainly displayed. Razi grinned and looked back to Frigga. “Told ya the vampire bites,” she joked causing Frigga to hide a giggle and Rosalind to roll their eyes while turning bright red. Marcus chuckled while covering his very fresh hickies with a hand and cleared his throat. “Oh yeah, I kinda forgot about that. I guess I have to apologize, technically this started while you and me were still engaged, and I guess I’d be lying if I said Rosalind didn’t have something to do with my decision, but…” And Marcus looked at Rosalind, meeting their silent, questioning gaze, and his face softened. “Ros let me get to know them, and there was never gonna be a chance of escape after that.” Frigga’s heart warmed seeing her friend happy. Marcus had been nothing but a gentleman during their engagement, and she’d felt awful for using him. She knew she would never have made him happy, so to see the man so clearly smitten, even if the subject of his affection was beyond her understanding, was a relief. Rosalind straightened in their seat again, the slightest quirk of a smile on their lips. “Can we stop talking about this?” they asked curtly, “or do you need to know more about my personal life?” “Aw, come on, baby!” Marcus chimed as he gently placed a hand on their knee. “You know this is unexpected and who wouldn’t have questions?” “I fail to see how it’s their concern?” “But Ros!” he whined, “I wanna talk about how wonderful you are!” They huffed impatiently. “I don’t even want to help them, must you tell them our personal business too?” He waved the concern off and fluttered his lashes at his host. “Oh, please! I know you’re a kind, generous, caring, helpful person!” “No,” they replied sharply, without room for debate. Marcus grinned playfully and his voice sang in the way Frigga recognized as the tone he reserved for teasing. “No, nothing you can say will change my mind. I, of all people, know how generous you are.” The emphasis on the word “generous” made the women chuckle and rendered Rosalind speechless. Marcus victoriously snickered and kissed Rosalind on the cheek before turning his attention back to Frigga. “So how can we help?”

1 note · View note