#I've waited for it for so long to get animated and genuinely made me appreciate Rampo so much more <33 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

owlyflufff · 1 year

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I'm asking 2 and 17 :))

Thank you for the ask anon, especially 17 cause I've always wanted to talk about my special little guy <33!

2. What was the first fandom you were involved in? This is an interesting question because genuinely I don't know or remember TvT. Mainly cause I don't engage in fandoms in general ^^;

How do I word this, it might seem sad that I don’t engage in fandoms but for me personally, it’s pretty freeing. As someone with low engagement in them, I get to enjoy things on my own without the fear of reading mischaracterizations, fanart that isn’t favorable in my eyes or gaining warp perceptions of characters I love.

Don’t get me wrong, of course I love fanon content, fanfics and fanart most especially (and I love reading analysis of charas too <33), but there’s also this odd gratification of having just that, of enjoying this content on my own.

In the end, I love enjoying fan content but only at a great distance so I never truly touched a fandom/ engaged in it (the Haikyu fandom is most likely my first proper fandom but even I tapped out of it rlly quickly as I’ve seen a lot of art of my NOTPs, NSFW works or oversexualization of characters and general mischaracterization TvT, and this is me saying this despite me having already filtered numerous words and done everything I could to filter content <//3)

3. Who is currently your main comfort/emotional support character?

A little happy to be able to talk about him because I just LOVE this character with all my heart <33!

My main comfort/emotional support character who is also my favorite character of all time is:

Ranpo Edogawa from Bungou Stray Dogs my beloved <33

Words can't describe just how much I love his character and how well written he is despite being a side character. To save anyone from spoilers, I'll only talk about the surface level of his character <33

For me, Ranpo is a comfort character and my favorite because he's such a fun character to watch and see his perspective overall. He's generally always happy and excited over things which makes his character so endearing and though he can be rash with his words, it's essentially due to his pride and intelligence and there are instances where it's honestly pretty funny like:

I genuinely don't know how to word my words for how much I love Rampo because he just makes me really happy whenever he's on screen or whenever I get to talk about him TvT!!!

He's a happy and silly character but behind it are his insecurities.

He takes a lot of pride in who he is and his ability but even he has his doubts and understands that there will come times where his intelligence can be curbed in the face of an enemy such as a piece of dialogue he said when the Agency went up against a certain rat (if some people know who I'm hinting at xD)

He may be childish and immature at times but he is no fool, when he knows that a situation is serious, he acts on it immediately and without hesitation.

Here is a character who once believed the world hated him, but then found people who loved, supported and cared for him in every way. In doing so, he would go to all ends as a means of saving them with or without an ability.

For all of Rampo's pride, it mellowed down and he grew so much from the person he was at the start of the series because of that care he has for the Agency.

Rampo' character growth, though subtle, will never fail to make me all emotional and give comfort.

To be loved is to be changed afterall and seeing it in Rampo makes me happier than anything else (along with Bokuaka ofc <3).

#it made me so happy to be able to talk about Rampo anon thank you TvT #and that's not even eveything I want to say #because there's SO MUCH I want to say about him #I love Rampo so so much he means the world to me you don't understand #he makes me so inconsolable my special littol guy TvT #Eli rambles #Hoots #With Season 4 airing right now I'm getting all emotional over Rampo again #so happy to see the manga chapters getting animated especially the Mushitarou one #I've waited for it for so long to get animated and genuinely made me appreciate Rampo so much more <33

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mingtinys · 1 year

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Soggy Cereal

pairing : choi san x gn!reader

college roommates!au , friends to lovers , fluff , valentines day fic !!

warnings : language

word count : 2.8 k

requested ? no

a/n : this was horribly rushed , barely proof read , and i kind of hate the ending , but i do want to post something for valentines !

You really should've just turned off your phone for the day. Maybe then you wouldn't be feeling so bitter. But after being bombarded by post after post of your friends being surprised by their significant others with vibrant bouquets, fancy brunches, expensive jewelry, and fluffy stuffed animals, it's a little hard to not feel so sour. Perhaps it's a bit unfair to hate an entire day, but February fourteenth just sucks, and you're ready for it to be tomorrow.

"What's wrong with you?" San asks, genuine concern gracing his features at the way you've been scowling at your phone for the past hour. You'd nearly forgotten he was even in the room with you. Too caught up wallowing in your own misery to appreciate the bowl of cereal he'd so kindly made you. He digs into his own, spilling milk on the counter in the process.

"Nothing's wrong."

The look on his face tells you that excuse isn't going to do you any justice. He chews as he speaks, pointing his spoon at you from across the kitchen island. "You're a shit liar. You've been glaring at your phone all morning, something’s up."

"It's stupid." Your response is short, clicking off your phone and placing it facedown so you won't be tempted to glance at it any further.

"No, it's not. C'mon, just tell me."

San slips from his spot across the island, bowl in hand as he takes up the stool next to you. "Please," he drawls, putting on the most god-awful puppy eyes you've ever seen him muster up. You've lived with Choi San long enough to know, unfortunately, he's not just going to give up.

". . . I've never had a valentine. And I know it's cheesy but it'd be nice to have someone confess their undying love with some stupid rose bouquet or overzealous box of chocolates. Just once, ya know?" You sink in your seat, elbows propped up on the counter to rest your chin in your hands. You refuse to look at San.

"What do you mean?" San's voice is a little too optimistic for your mood. "We get each other gifts every year!" By his terms, he's not wrong. While the cheap boxes of gimmicky drugstore chocolates are a nice gesture, they're far from romantic. Not that you've ever expected such from San, but it's just not the point.

"No, San, like a real valentine."

He blinks at you for a moment, the frown on his lips only stays for a millisecond. "I'm gonna pretend like you didn't just call me a fake valentine."

"You know what I mean. We only get each other gifts because we're friends and no one else will." You plop down from your stool, sliding your bowl of soggy fruity pebbles over for San to finish. You've always found it weird that he actually prefers his cereal mushy. He'll even wait a good ten minutes after making a bowl before he eats it so it'll absorb as much milk as possible. But as nauseating as you find the mannerism to be, it is quite convenient. It's basically become tradition for him to finish off what you don't eat once the texture becomes too soft.

But it's the first time he's ever declined your leftovers. Instead of immediately polishing off your bowl like usual, he sticks to you like a shadow. San follows you down the narrow hall and to your room, making himself comfortable on your bed while you begin sorting through your closet for your work uniform. "I thought you liked getting each other gifts."

There's a certain dejected undertone to his words that make you pause and rethink how you're wording things. You aren't upset with him. If anything, he makes days like Valentine's significantly more bearable. If it weren't for the small box of chocolates and singular rose waiting outside your door this morning, you'd probably be having a lot bigger crisis over being alone on days like today. But your point still stands, nothing about the gesture is romantically inclined.

Your eyes finally land on your uniform, crumpled up in the laundry basket that sits next to your dresser from the last time you washed clothes yet never put them away. "That didn't come out right," you sigh, watching the way San's frown deepens as you lay the articles on the bed next to him. "I really do appreciate the gesture, San. It's incredibly sweet. I just meant it'd be nice to receive something from someone who likes me more than just platonically."

The last thing you want is for San to feel like you don't appreciate him. In fact, you probably do a little more than a friend or roommate should. "Please tell me you get what I'm saying. It's not you, I promise, I'm just feeling a little . . ." You search for the proper word. "Lonely."

San looks like he's about to say something but pulls his lips into a thin line before any words come out. He thinks, then says "I get it." But the frown is still there. You know he's the one who asked, but there's a bit of guilt that gnaws at your insides for dumping all of this on him so suddenly. So you pad across the room to your desk and pull a small pink gift bag from the bottom drawer in hopes to remedy the sad look on his face. Confusion pulls at his brows when you extend the bag to him.

"I was gonna wait until after work to give this to you, but seeing as how you already gave me mine . . ." His face lights up at the realization. He's quick to snatch the present from your hands, His excitement tugs at the corners of your lips. "And be gentle with the bag, I wanna reuse it for your birthday in a few months."

You're not sure he even hears you, already tossing the tissue paper to the side and digging inside the bag. You'd love to watch his expression as he opens each component of your gift, but you're a few minutes shy of running late to the only thing that pays your half of the rent. So you begin slipping out of your pajamas and into uniform, not caring that San's just a few feet in front of you. You've learned to be pretty comfortable around him, given his bad habit of never knocking and the broken lock on your door that the landlord never got around to fixing. It was cause for him catching you in quite a few awkward situations for the first few months.

Though eventually, as the two of you grew more comfortable with one another, you were both willing to drop your guard around the other. Even to the point of just leaving your door open for him to come and go as he pleases. No one but San can say they've truly seen you at your worst and vice versa. Besides, San doesn't pay you much mind anyways, too engrossed in his gift to notice you changing.

You've just finished pulling your shirt on when you catch him eyeing you with one eyebrow raised. "What?"

He clears his throat theatrically, holding up the glittery pink card you bought for no more than two dollars. "'I think you're out of this world,'" He reads, turning the card to reveal a picture of a cheesy cartoon alien once he's done. "Really?"

"What? It's cute and it was on sale!" You giggle. The smile that breaks his playfully judgemental expression is enough to light the room. "Just keep going, there's more."

San neatly tucks the card back into its envelope. You take a seat beside him, watching while you tie your sneakers. At the bottom of the bag, underneath his favorite candy and snacks, sits a little box wrapped in shiny red paper. He holds it up, looking at you with an expression that reads what is this?

"Open it," you encourage.

He's gentle as he peels back the tape sealing what's inside, mumbling something about being able to use the wrapping paper for your next birthday gift as well.

While what's hidden inside the paper is no surprise to you, anticipation still grips your insides. The last of the paper falls away, revealing a hinged black box with a silver logo that sparks recognition in San's wide eyes. He looks at you, then the box, and to you once more before settling back on the box.

"This is . . ." He starts.

"I hope it's the right one, I went back to get that bracelet you pointed out a few weeks ago when we passed by the antique shop."

San opens the box and inside sits a silver chain bracelet, adorned with a singular little mountain charm. "I can't believe you remembered that," he whispers, delicately lifting the bracelet to examine it further. He then slips it onto his wrist, turning it this way and that to watch how it catches the light.

It was by no means some huge expensive gift, the owner of the old shop was more than happy for it to finally find a new home. But the way San's eyes lit up when he spotted it through the window was enough for you to know it was priceless. Though you knew he likely would never go back to get it for himself, and Valentine's seemed like a good enough excuse to get it for him.

"Thank you, Y/N. Seriously, I love it so much."

"I'm glad," you give him a smile, though it's nothing compared to his. "Now enough sappy shit, I have work soon." You snatch your keys from your bedside table and gesture for him to get up. He stands, though not without a groan of annoyance, "It's so stupid you have to work on a holiday."

"Like I have anything better to do today."

San follows you back out to the kitchen, spotting the long-forgotten remnants of your cereal still sitting on the counter. He lets out a soft "Oh!" and picks it up, taking a heaping spoonful into his mouth. It makes you cringe, the flakes so swelled up and half dissolved from how long it has been sitting there. It might as well be illegal to consume.

"You're seriously disgusting."

"And you're seriously wasteful. Besides I thought you were late, do you really have time to be heckling me?" He glares.

"I am and I’m blaming you." You state, glancing at the time once more.

You're halfway out the door when San calls out for you again. "Text me when you get off, I'll order takeout and we can watch shitty romcoms until you feel better."

While you're not sure watching movies about people finding their true love will necessarily make you feel better, San always does. So you don't think about it much and give quick confirmation before rushing out the front door and down the steps of your building.

To say work was horrible would be an understatement. As if watching your friends post their Valentine's gifts and significant others online wasn't already bad enough, serving table after table of happy couples was worse. Throughout the night, you were constantly subjected to copious amounts of PDA and extravagant confessions of love. Even witnessing a proposal at the end of your shift. Not to mention tonight's dinner rush was particularly bad at tipping.

But the cherry on top came when a customer, in a horrible attempt to impress his date, decided to nitpick at every tiny aspect of your service. Not refilling their wine fast enough, not checking on them enough, not being cheery enough, anything and everything he could think of.

The relentless critiques while being surrounded by the one thing you wished to avoid today stirred up every unresolved emotion from earlier. Turning your tastebuds sour once more. When your shift was up, you drove home as fast as you possibly could, completely forgetting your promise to let San know when you'd be back. The thought didn't even register until you pulled into your apartment's parking lot. That's right, San wanted to watch movies.

There's a part of you that wants to cancel on him. You're so tired and beaten down from the day that you honestly want nothing more than to tuck yourself away in bed and sleep for days. San would understand. He'd be disappointed, but understanding. Just as he always is. But when you open the door, the apology speech you'd been planning to let him down with dies out on the tip of your tongue at the sight before you.

Your usually messy and rather bland apartment is lined wall to wall with twinkling fairy lights. Their soft yellow glow illuminate the otherwise dim room. The scent of warm chocolate lingers in their air, mixing with the cinnamon-scented candle San always keeps lit. It's all very magical, yet confusing. You rack your brain as to why San chose today of all day to decorate.

Dropping your keys and bag by the door you venture further into the space. Peaking around the living room for San, you find the area to be completely vacant. You check the kitchen next, but there's still no sign of your roommate. However, what you do find is quite the arrangement of items set up on the kitchen island.

A bouquet of six tulips sit nicely in an ornate glass vase, vibrant in their color. Next to them, a tray of messily crafted chocolate-covered strawberries. Judging by the pile of dirty dishes in the sink, they're homemade. One of San's university sweatshirts is folded up neatly on the other side of the tulips. The one you've always told him you keep one eye on at all times because the design is your favorite and they sold out before you could get one. In the middle of it all sits a small, fuzzy teddy bear. It’s leaned up against a new box of fruity pebbles with a folded-up note in its lap. The writing on it is messy, but unmistakably spells out your name. You instinctively reach for it, flipping it open to reveal two scraggly sentences surrounded by pink and purple hearts.

"Not to be "mushy," but I am "cereal-sly" in love with you. Be my Valentine?"

"You're not supposed to be home yet!" San's startled voice breaks you from your thoughts. You nearly drop the note at his outburst. "I– did I miss your text? I thought I'd have more time, shit– um . . ." San looks frantically between the array of gifts and you. Then says, very unsure of himself, "Surprise."

For the first time in your life, you are truly at a loss for words. Because it's pretty obvious why San set all of this up, but your brain seems to lag at the thought of it. You feel like you need him to confirm before you can believe any of it. "Is this for me?"

He nods. "I know it's not exactly perfect, but after what you said this morning about not having a Valentine, I just thought . . . Well, I thought now might be a good time to tell you I sort of, kind of, maybe like you. Like a lot."

He gets antsy in your silence.

"And I know you said you wanted roses but everywhere was sold out. So that nice lady next door– you know Mrs. Kim– lent me some tulips she picked from her friend's garden. Oh, and everywhere was also sold out of boxed chocolate, but Yunho had some chocolate chips he let me borrow and I picked up some strawberries from that market down the street—"

It's pretty obvious San doesn't plan on ending his rambling any time soon. Words continue to waterfall from his lips, but they're all lost on you. Too overwhelmed by the thoughtful gesture and all the work he put into it to register the details of his story. You struggle to find the words to properly convey how much San, and all of this, mean to you. So you discard any semblance of a simple thank you from your tongue and instead take the opportunity to do something you've thought about time and time before.

You waste little time in closing the gap between you and San. Note still clutched in your fingers as you throw your arms around his neck and pull his lips in to meet your own. He reacts impressively fast, holding on to your waist and kissing you back eagerly. The rush of warmth that courses through your veins is like nothing you’ve ever felt before. It leaves your mind with no thoughts but those of Choi San.

In your opinion, the moment ends too quickly with San pulling back to look at you. But how can you complain when his eyes hold that much love within them? "You didn't have to do all of this," you whisper after a minute.

San just shrugs, letting his thumb graze over the skin of your cheek. "No, but I wanted to.”

"I love you too, ya know?" You refer to his note. "Even if you like gross soggy cereal."

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monkey-network · 1 year

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Good Stuff: The Super Mario Bros Movie

A fan shouldn't always sugarcoat it. Even if you get something you never figured you'd ever want but appreciate a lot, that doesn't mean a bias should bury any deeper feelings. What I'm getting at is Illumination's Super Mario Bros Movie can be so awesome and it was worth going to the theaters to see personally, but I can't get over the crippling flaw it has to say it was as great as I could say now. Better to be honest now than get increasingly unfulfilled later. First, though, I gotta give the props where they are due.

First, Bowser was The Best in this and I want him

For real, the animation was what I waiting for this whole time, no problems here. The film is fun. If it wasn't fun, that means Disney would've made it and it'd never come out anyways because of "creative differences". Illumination I found can make animations that are really bouncy fun, and it's best shown here. Plus the characters look incredible, DK especially, and there are moments where, in the best way, it felt like a cutscene from a video game I would want to play. Not to snipe at the Sonic movies, but this is seriously what I've wanted from video game movies since... Angry Birds 2? Like enough with the hybrid live-action crap, make a cartoon if the sourced game is about a CARTOON universe. "You mean like Ratchet & Cla-"

We do not... talk about that one.

This leads to something tricky I had in mind to discuss, and that's "faithfulness". Not long ago I watched the 1993 Mario Bros movie, a fiasco that one can argue was unfaithful to most of the source materials even with the few things they got right. Did we get something more suitable here? Well, I definitely wasn't annoyed with the fucking stupid discourse surrounding Peach's characterization and Mario's voice that's for sure. Many will cite this as having a great fuckton of references but I enjoyed the liberties they took whether or not they were references. The fact it starts out in Brooklyn made me already smile but the final act had my booty jiggle with unhinged glee. There's some corniness to it, especially with the certain musical needle drops they do, but even then it felt like they reveled in the corniness of those moments. This made me believe Nintendo and Illumination were looking to just make it excitable and enjoyable regardless of what fits where. It pains me though, knowing that there is that crippling flaw I mentioned at the beginning because while this film was fun, it went by fast. Ludicrously so... disjointedly so.

It was the Apex Cinema Speedrun, if you will

Many negative reviews claim this has a very thin plot and I honestly didn't consider that a wholly bad thing. A thin plot doesn't mean it wasn't cohesive or focused, or that there weren't any arcs to be had. The real problem comes in that certain moments don't feel earned when we barely get any time to cherish them. The pacing of this was kinda atrocious, the tight runtime truly being a detriment behind ideas for characters getting brought up well only to have shallow payoffs. Peach and Luigi especially had something about them I wanted to see more of, but before you got to see the plant blossom, they keep chugging and you're like "Ah, that's it?" They didn't need to spell everything out but let the characters breathe.

Bowser and DK felt like the exception

If this was the only movie we ever got again (knocking on wood), the fun of it all would soon subside for increased disappointment in the long run. I could say "This needs more movie" as a compliment, but that would mean I was fine with what we got. The live-action film, batshit as it was, felt consistent with everything it wanted to show and tell whether or not you saw the director's cut. That's why it became a cult hit, you remember how batshit it was. I genuinely enjoyed the film, but even with its many stand-out moments, it's gonna be hard to remember this film as much as I want to.

Except for Lumalee, I don't ever wanna forget them

I won't tout this overall as mid or "playing it safe" because they did so much right with this. When I say they stuck the landing with the Mario brothers themselves, that genuinely got to me. When we got the adventure, I relished the adventure. Like for the love of god, give me more of all this PLEASE! However, I won't give it a pass and call it perfect just because it tickled the Nintendo fan in me. Illumination's great when it comes to being in the moment, that's why I stopped hating on them, but in terms of their films having staying power this being a Mario film is carrying it hard from being a potentially forgettable one. For me, this is the movie adaptation of the Super Mario Super Show I never knew I wanted but looked forward to and felt was worth it. At the same time, my mind is fighting my heart strong knowing this Mario movie could've definitely been stronger. My final say is that it's a 6/10 movie with 10/10 moments. If you're looking for fun, this delivers no doubt, and don't let this review stop you from calling it a personal masterpiece.

What matters is that Mario finally made the Range

#The Super Mario Bros Movie #The Super Mario Bros. Movie #super mario movie #super mario bros movie #mario movie #Illumination #Nintendo #animation #movies #reviews #Good Stuff

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sparklingpax · 1 year

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Hi! You know, I'm here to thank you. Thanks for the content and searching for a lot of details on Super-God Masterforce! Honestly, I consider it one of the best works on transformers, and it's very nice to see people who share a love for this anime. I hope someday it will be appreciated as a classic of transformers, as it deserves. And it seems that we are on the way to that. I want to say that there is another person on this planet Earth who loves Super-God Masterforce, and is not so alone in this! I hope this thought warms you up a little! (I apologize for the mistakes, I use a translator)

HI THERE UMMM

First, let me apologize profusely for the fact that I took.....way too long to finally answer this, but it was only because I wanted to wait until I had a moment to sit down and write a thoughtful response to this >//<’’

(Also don’t worry about the translator, your message is clear and all :3 I’m going to apologize in advance just in case I have any typos in my response, as I tend to get lost in my own writing quite often haha ^^’’)

Getting this ask genuinely made my day, you are the nicest human being waaa 😭💙💕✨ thank you so much!!! And I'm glad too that there's yet another person who likes Masterforce out there!! >w< Like, there's so few of us, but we are strong, and we are growing!!! hehe >:3 I will continue doing what I can to generate content for everyone to enjoy ^w^

OMG AND YEA!! MASTERFORCE IS INDEED A CLASSIC AND DESERVES SO MUCH MORE LOVE THAN IT GETS??? Lowkey I feel like a lot of tf fans just write it off as "the strange one with lots of humans" or deadass forget about/have no idea of its existence and I just??? Like it makes me so sad and even maybe juuuust a little irked ;w; literally people are out there acting like some tf characters came from the comics and not from this series for example.....*lies on the floor and sobs*

But I will hold onto hope that someday, more people come to appreciate this series and hold it in higher regard. It's got great writing, cool designs (and in the episodes where the animation was on-point, really good visuals), a banger OST (insert songs of course included~), great characters who mostly receive a lot of development throughout the series, really interesting concepts that I wish were used more often in TF media, and just....the vibe of the whole show is so good 😩💗👏 I have so much appreciation in general for all the installments of the Japanese branch of G1, but I feel like Masterforce was just the best mix of everything that can be seen in other series 😎

So anyways, even if I am slow with my art and writing and everything, I will probably never stop making content for Masterforce, writing random ramble-y things about details of the canon lore I think are cool!! And I am honored you found my account and enjoyed it as much!

Apologies once again for being so late with this (😳🙏) but thank you so much for this ask 🥺🥰

I've kept it in mind on days where my personal life has been going badly (which is a lot lately qwq) and I start feeling bad about a lot of things, including stuff regarding my social media/art/etc--at those times I reminded myself that there are people out there who get me when I talk about Masterforce--and I smile and feel a bit better.

So ye! Sorry this is a bit long!! Here's a little doodle I made, to hopefully make up for the wait ^^'' sorry it's a bit rough 😳 but, it's the whole Autobot gang (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)💙

Have a nice day/evening also!!! :D

-Kuni 💖

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yeet-man · 1 year

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Mutual Appreciation Post!

My stomach is forcing me to take a lazy day so I thought I'd go ahead and do a mutual appreciation post :D and I'm sorry if I miss anyone- don't have that many mutuals to begin with so I don't think I will??

@outcast-thingz - my most recent mutual, I think. You have been an incredible person to talk to and interact with. You've helped me through various problems whether it deals with One's Rebirth or personal things and you're trying to cheer me up, I will always appreciate everything you've helped me with. And not to mention you're really fucking talented!! You're writing? Absolutely amazing, especially Outcast Squad!! I'm so excited to read what'll happen next! And everything you draw? Audhdjdjdb also amazing like omg. I genuinely hope I can meet you in person one day cause I feel like that's so much fun waiting to happen. Also, I love you in a platonic way and like, I need your hand in platonic marriage so please accept already 💍🧎

@bisexual-confusion - probably the mutual I've talked to the most and interacted with. Nerris, words can't even begin to describe how incredible you truly are. Like you were one of the first people I met on Tumblr and I will forever be grateful for it. If you wasn't for you and Kid, I don't think I would still be on this app anymore. You've helped me through thick and thin and again, I'm grateful for it. Not to mention you're also talented as well! I literally have every single drawing you've made for me or One's Rebirth saved on my phone 😅 and two of those are still my wallpaper! That just goes to show how much I love your art. I know we haven't talked much as of recently but just know that I still care about you and I'm so lucky to have you as a mutual takaramono and I platonically love you very much 💙

@red-riot-rat - I didn't forget about you! Never have, never will! You're one of the best people I've ever met on this app. You aren't on here as much which is a little sad, but it's okay! Life happens and I get that. I've had so many memories with you and I love each and every one of them. And the time we met at anime matsuri was amazing!! Even if I was a little nervous and we didn't hangout for long, it was still amazing! I really hope we'll be able to meet in person again one day since we never told one another childhood stories while drinking monsters 😂 this might be a little shorter than the others but it's all genuine from me nonetheless. I look forward to the next time we talk Kid! I love you! Platonically ofc

@lilfuwu06 - I didn't forget about you either :D we haven't talked in a long time but still, I care about you as well! I love all the conversations and interactions we've had. Granted I barely remember them at this point 😅 I still love them! And I'm glad you're back on the app again, I've missed you! I know I suck at words sometimes but you're genuinely so incredible. And I really hope we talk again soon! I can't wait to hear if you have some amazing stories to share with me while you've been away. And if not, that's okay! I know I have some stories to share with you 💙

#my mutuals #i care about you all #i always will 💙💙

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imhereforbrownies · 1 year

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Hello my divine queen... I'm writing with the request as I promised~ sorry it took some time, I had night shift so I was in state of uselessness all morning lol. Alright, let me get started so I don't take away much of your precious time~

When it comes to my personality traits, I'm convinced you're one of the people that know me the best but I would describe myself as a person with impeccable sense of humour, who's socially awkward beyond imagination with prominent sprinkles of anxiety and over-thinking. I also do like to consider myself to be open-minded and fairly patient (but the occasional anger outbursts are inevitable as the society we live in is packed with idiots).

As far as I'm concerned with my hobbies, I'm college student so I'm not allowed to have any of those... of course, I'm kidding :) my hobbies include unhealthy amount of day-dreaming, recetly I picked up playing the piano again, writing, listening to music, gaming, avoidance of fellow human beings and my responsibilities.

Some of my *favourites* that I can think of:

Movies and/or series - Hotarubi no Mori e, Doukyuusei (this is my comfort anime movie), Anna and the King, LOTR, Stranger Things (of course this masterpiece needs to make the list-)

Songs - any Imagine Dragons song, lots of The Neighbourhood songs, and some of the recent songs I'm obsessing over are Bon Jovi - You Give Love a Bad Name, Nirvana - Come as You Are, Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire, Metallica - Enter Sandman (I swear it's not just a phase mom...)

Places - my bed :) or nature (unless it's pollen season, allergy hits like a bitc-)

My dreams and aspirations include figuring the fuck out how I'm supposed to get my life together... genuinely, I don't have any specific goal at the moment, maybe just graduating from the hell hole college of mine hi hi... and after that just finding much needed balance in my personal life~

Zodiac sign - Cancer 🤟🏻

MBTI - INFP

Aesthetic - I'm spiritually in love with dark naturalism

And after long debate with myself, I'd like to know who would you ship me with from Stray Kids, even though I'm not super familiar with them yet. Thank you so so much in advance sweetie 💗

Hello, darling! 💞 Your request literally made my day, thank you so much for joining my celebration, I love you endlessly 💗

I literally squealed when I saw you requesting SKZ ship because I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THISSSSS FOR SO LONG ajbgsjvshgjds

Now let's get straight to it on my momma we lit!!!!

I took my time to think about this, not gonna lie and I finally made my decision to ship you with Felix!

My reasoning behind it:

- you're Cancer and INFP which is kind of perfectly compatible with his Virgo and ENFP :)

- Felix is sunshine and literally the sweetest freaking person on the planet Earth so I can be 100% sure that man would treat you right just as you deserve

- he'd also be very understanding towards your needs and would never do anything without your permission so GREEN FLAG (there's not enough of them in our lives and you know it)

- he can cook and bake and as far as I'm aware you enjoy cooking and baking from time to time soooo you could do cooking/baking dates hihi

- I know you're obsessed with his voice (who isn't?!) and I'm sure he'd enjoy that very much lmao

- He loves anime, MCU and is a gamer (he actually recently started playing Genshin I think?)... can this boy be more perfect for you????? don't think so

- he also loves Imagine Dragons sooooo tickets as Christmas presents I guess ?? hehe

- you're such a lovable, kind and amazing person and I'm sure Felix of all people would appreciate you so much and he'd definitely treat you like a queen so I could rest peacefully and not worry about your well-being lol so this was an easy choice :)

You come home, letting out an exhausted sigh as you let your bag hit the ground. You slip your shoes off and hang your jacket before you make your way further into your flat, the one you share with Felix.

He is exactly who you're searching for now as you take a peak inside your kitchen only to find it empty, yet there's a lingering smell of something delicious luring you in and so you cross the doorstep and make your way to the stove. He left some noodles for you that he cooked earlier, making you smile to yourself at his thoughtfulness.

"Hey," the deep voice coming from behind you makes you turn around quickly only to be met with Felix leaning against the doorframe, a small smile on his plush lips.

"Hi," you grin tiredly.

"I left you some noodles. It's the one you liked the last time," he states as he approaches you, making you curse your heart for skipping a beat at his sudden proximity.

"Thanks, Lixie. I really appreciate that," you murmur, looking at the food to avoid facing your roommate who leans against the counter right next to you, facing you with a smile on his stupidly handsome face.

"How was today?"

"Freaking sucked," you admit, letting out an exhausted sigh as you dare to glance up at him only to be met with sympathetic pout on his lips.

"I'm sorry to hear that. We could- we could game for a while if you'd like to. I actually made some progress in Genshin while you were gone," he states and you can't help but smile.

"Oh, you did? You have to show me," you state, suddenly feeling a bit more energized at the promise of spending time with him doing something you both actually enjoy. That might be just the right thing to help you get rid of all the stress that university life is giving you.

"For sure!" He nods with a grin.

"I-I'll just change and I'll be right back," you say, pushing away from the stove and heading for the door.

"I'll warm up the noodles for you," he offers.

"Thanks, Lixie!"

"No prob."

After you change into pair of sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt that maybe, just maybe used to belong to your roommate, you join him in the living room, your steaming bowl of noodles already waiting for you and so is Felix, controller in a hand and the game on the tv, yet his attention is on you the minute you enter the room, making your cheeks warm up.

"Thank you for the food," you murmur as you slide on the couch next to him, keeping a respectful distance.

"It's alright. You deserve to be taken care of," he states matter-of-factly, adverting his eyes to the screen, leaving you staring at him with lips softly parted. Sometimes you wonder if this boy is even real.

When you snap out of your little stupor you reach for the bowl and actually start eating, while watching Felix play.

As the time passes by, the noodles disappear from your bowl bit by bit while you and Felix engage in playful banter. He tells you about his dance practices and the new song he's working on with Hyunjin while you tell him about what a hell your major is these days, you both laughing at all the escapades you've been through so far.

Eventually, you put the bowl back on the table, leaving it empty before you adjust your position on the couch, looking for something more comfortable until you somehow end up with your head on Felix's shoulder. He doesn't seem to mind, too focused on the screen and the game and so you stay like that, ignoring the wild thrumming of your heart.

Felix senses you're getting tired and so he reaches for a blanket, covering your form before casually going back to talking, lowering his voice now, keeping his tone gentle and quiet as he tells you about all he managed to achieve in the game while you were away, the sound of his voice lulling you to sleep. You cuddle up closer to him, wrapping your hand around his arm as your eyes get heavier and heavier, your soft touches sending Felix into cardiac arrest even though he seems as calm as ever.

He eventually quiets down completely, the game practically forgotten now as he finds himself looking down at you, dozed off with your face nuzzled into his shoulder, fisting the material of his hoodie in your balled hand.

He can't help the way his heart clenches at the sight of you, not when you look so sweet, not when moments like this are so rare with the two of you. He leans closer to you, careful not to wake you up before he plants a soft kiss on your forehead, a small smile settling on his lips once he pulls away.

“I got you, darling."

#skz #stray kids #skz fanfic #stray kids fluff #fluff #250 followers celebration #shipping hours #kpop #lee felix x reader #lee felix #felix skz #lee youngbok

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wheeler-beretta-harwood · 2 years

Note

Hey S.T changing it up tonight. How about some questions instead (while I think of a new prompt)

1) Top 6 Favorite Wrestlers

2) Top 6 Hated/Dislike Wrestlers

3) When did you start watching wrestling?

4) What promotions do you watch?

5) First wrestling match you remember watching

6) Ever been to any wrestling shows/events?

7) Favorite Wrestling Story Line

8) Least Favorite Wrestling Story Line

9) 1st fanfiction you ever wrote

10) What do you love most about wrestling?

I can’t wait to read your answers 💜💚

Sorry in advance, I got a little carried away. So you don't have to read through all my rambling if you don't want to. These were fun questions, though, thanks for asking!

1) Top 6 Favorite Wrestlers

I feel like I need to give some background information, so prepare for a long answer to this.

1. Cash Wheeler/ FTR: Who would've guessed, huh? Cash's my favorite, across all categories. Honestly, he is criminally underrated. Have you seen him in the ring? He is ridiculously fast! And very precise! I love that when Dax is in the ring, he moves around like a hunter circling his prey. Everything seems very calculated, very planned. I like that. What I enjoy even more though, is when he tags in Cash and the whole pace changes. He's like a pitbull off the fucking leash. I genuinely feel like ya'll are sleeping on the man.

And FTR made me fall in love with wrestling again, with a style of wrestling I hadn't appreciated before. They always say they have no fancy moves, and it might be true, but their storytelling in the ring is unmatched for me.

On a very personal note, I have to thank these two little shitheads because they have helped me conquer my depression to some degree. For years, I have been struggling, losing all interest in things I've usually enjoyed, like drawing, writing/reading, and generally being creative. I just went to work, then went home and stayed in bed for the rest of the day/night.

It's funny to me that two guys who don't even know that I exist have helped me through some of the darkest times of my life and brought some joy back. I owe them more than I could ever tell. (And yes, I shed a tear while I wrote this). So if any of you ever says something negative about these two, go kindly fuck yourself.

[From here on, answers will get shorter]

2. Kenny Omega: God, I just love this man. I can't really describe what it is, but there is something poetic in the way he moves. There's just a certain grace about him that demands my attention when he's in the ring. Plus I love his geeky side. We actually have the same taste when it comes to Anime, so I like him even more.

3. Christian Cage: In my early teens, 20 years ago, I had a major crush on Christian. Over the years, the crush turned into general admiration, and he still brings a smile to my face everytime I see him. I've always enjoyed his work as a heel, and can't wait for him to turn again.

4. MJF: Maxwell is a star in the making. I mean, he already is one, but imagine him in 10 years. It's gonna be magical. His dedication to his in-ring persona is unmatched and he can turn shit to gold. Personally, I thought the whole campaign against Mox was a stupid storyline, but I enjoyed it because it was MJF. That's how good he is.

5. Scott Hall: I always say he was my first wrestling crush, but he wasn't really. I was 6 years old, he was like 30 years older, I certainly didn't crush on him. My brother owned an original Game Boy and had this WWF game called either RAW or Kind of the Ring. When he didn't play, I'd always snatch the Game Boy and played. And I always played as Razor Ramon. Later, when I saw him on TV, I immediately knew this was my guy. God, he was soooooo cool.

6. CM Punk: I loved him in WWE. The Pipe bomb will always be one of the best wrestling moments I have ever witnessed. And Punk is the reason, I started watching AEW. My brother tried to talk me into it for quite some time, but I always turned him down saying I was done with wrestling. Then, last year, he tried one last time and told me Punk would come back. I couldn't say no to that, and when he really walked out, I smiled like an idiot at the TV. Then, the start was a bit rough, because he didn't feel like 'My Punk' in the beginning, but I love his recent work.

2) Top 6 Hated/Disliked Wrestlers

1. Shawn Michaels: Hear me out, I don't hate the man because Dax hates him. I've hated Michaels way before I knew Dax existed. I just never liked him. Plus, the Sweet Chin Music is the worst finisher of all time. Yes, I know wrestling is fake, but don't make it that obvious. You really want to make me believe that your opponent is so beat down that he doesn't hear you stomp your goddamn foot 3293 times for 10 minutes straight?! Like he doesn't have a clue what might happen next?! It's a goddamn kick that happens many times in a match, but because you stomped like a little toddler whose mama didn't buy him candy, it'll end a match? Yeah, right.

2. Darby Allin: Hate is a strong word, but I just don't get him. When I started watching, I thought I'd love this guy because aesthetically, his style is my cup of tea. He was a let-down for me though. Plus, I hate the Coffin Drop as finisher.

3. Hulk Hogan: Just a douche in general.

4. Sammy Guevara: I don't dislike him, I am just very indifferent to him. Which I don't understand myself, his matches are good. I just can't warm up to him.

5. Charlotte Flair: same as Sammy.

6. Kelly Kelly: I am talking about young Kelly Kelly that got handed everything on a silver plate while not being all that good. I have no idea what she is doing now, and I honestly don't care.

3) When did you start watching wrestling?

As with a lot of things I have come to love, it was actually my older brother introducing me. I might have been 5 when I really started to get interested in the whole idea of wrestling, then it was part of my life until my mid-twenties when I stopped watching altogether. It was just recently that I started watching AEW (watched all the older Dynamite episode later) and fell in love with it again.

4) What promotions do you watch?

Right now, it's just AEW. I have fallen out of love with WWE years ago. When there was a way to watch here in Germany, I enjoyed Lucha Underground, TNA for some time, and I loved WCW back in the day.

5) First wrestling match you remember watching

Undertaker vs Undertaker, Summerslam 94. Because my brother loved The Undertaker, and he watched that match about 2374375 times.

6) Ever been to any wrestling shows/events?

I have been to two WWE shows here in Germany, maybe in 2004, 2005? And there also was a TNA Show close to where I live. But other than that, sadly no. I have made my peace with the fact that I will (most likely) NEVER see FTR live (just typing it actually breaks my heart)

7) Favorite Wrestling Story Line

Hmmm, honestly, about anything that includes CM Punk or MJF. I am a sucker for good promos, and these two ALWAYS deliver. So I am going with their feud against each other. MJF is just killing it, and I love how he blurrs the links between show and reality.

8) Least Favorite Wrestling Story Line

This was a tough one. And then I remembered it: There was this absolute shitty storyline with Kane and Lita...where he forced her into marriage? Then, at some point, she was okay with it...then 'pregnant' and then lost the kid? That was the most fucked up shit I have ever seen happening in a wrestling ring.

9) 1st fanfiction you ever wrote

In general, a one shot for the Anime 'Bleach'. In my high school years. I'm pretty sure it sucked.

Wrestling wise? The Cash Wheeler one shot 'Weirdo' that I wrote in March this year.

I actually didn't write a whole lot when I was younger, because I never got any feedback on it and thought no one liked it.

So I am more than happy to get some opinions here on tumblr. Although, in my adult mind, I probably would write some of it anyway. Like I would write Meant To Be, even if no one read it. I'd just do it for myself.

10) What do you love most about wrestling?

To me, wrestling is like dancing combined with drama class. There are (at least) two bodies moving together in order to tell you a story. In between, someone holds a monologue, explaining his intentions, thoughts, goals. More dancing. Dialogue. More violent dancing.

Honestly, I can't explain it. It's just, if it's good wrestling, it makes you feel. This year, I have seen the best match I'll probably ever witness. FTR vs Briscoes. Never ever have I felt a match like I felt this one. The four men had me wrapped around their fingers. I rewatched it every day for 4 weeks and was still amazed by it. It's a feeling I can't explain, and it's what I like most about wrestling.

#steph answers #steph rambles #answered asks #wrestling

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ticklishfiend · 3 years

Text

A Little Nervous (My Hero Academia)

Lee!Kaminari / Ler!Bakusquad

A / N : these prompts were absolutely adorable, thank you guys so much for them!! this was a cute fic to write lol, a little longer than my last one but hopefully you still enjoy!! and thanks for all the prompts i've been receiving recently, i've seen them all so far and they are all so cute and i'm so excited to get to them!!

Summary : After seeing Bakugou getting tickled by Kirishima, Kaminari can't help but feel a little...jealous. His friends aren't stupid, though, and they pick up on it right away. Once he explains how he's feeling, they're more than happy to help him feel a little better :)

Word Count : 2798

REBLOGS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!! MWAH <33

. . .

This is so stupid. So fucking stupid. This should NOT be affecting him as much as it was. But, despite his internal fight against it, the feeling of ghost tickles spreading mercilessly throughout his torso as he watched Kirishima squeeze up and down at Bakugou’s sides would just not let up. He was practically squirming in his seat listening to the boy’s cackles and curses to, “JUST FUHUHUCKING STOP ALREADHEHEHE!!” It wasn’t fair! How come the guy who hates getting tickled is being attacked in just the way Denki wants it for himself.

The Bakusquad had all been chilling in Bakugou’s room together (well, more like everyone burst in there and refused to leave, though Bakugou didn’t put up too much of a fight to get them to) and were all each doing their own things. Sero had been watching an anime on his phone, Mina was teaching herself a TikTok dance off to the side, Denki was playing on his Switch, and Kirishima and Bakugou had opted to watch a movie on the blonde’s laptop. Everything was seemingly pretty calm, no one yet to cause much of a ruckus...until Bakugou wouldn’t stop calling the movie Kirishima had picked out “stupid and not fucking scary,” to which Kirishima decided the best course of action would be to tickle him until he apologized for being so mean.

Which is where they were now. Mina scolding the boys for being too loud so she couldn’t hear the music to keep up with the beat, while Sero just laughed and cheered Kirishima on from the side. Denki was practically vibrating from his spot on the floor. He had been feeling pretty, um…”touch starved” the past few days anyways, especially after seeing Midoriya get gang tickled by his own group or friends days ago, but now this?! This was too much. He couldn’t take it. He just couldn’t.

“You’re way too ticklish, Bakugou, it’s fucking hilarious,” Sero spoke snidely from his spot on the orange beanbag across from Denki, Bakugou throwing his own rage-filled fit on top of the bed from the raven-haired boy’s teasing. Sero grinned widely as he looked over towards Denki, expecting a snarky comment from the blonde as well. But...all he got was a pair of wide eyes that immediately avoided his gaze, his cheeks flushing pink as his hands seemed to grip even harder on his gaming console. Sero’s brows furrowed. “Denks, you good man?”

Denki froze a bit, still not looking over towards Sero as he let out a little nervous chuckle. “What, me? Good? Oh, yeah dude, I am tooootally good. A+ over here, no need to fret one little bit, ha!” Denki laughed awkwardly before just falling into an uncomfortable silence again. Everyone in the room’s attention was suddenly on the blonde, and not the angry one.

Kirishima spoke up, a little worry in his voice. “Are you feeling sick, bro? I know you short circuited during training today, is it still making you feel-”

“No! No, I promise I’m all good! It was just...uh…” Denki internally cursed at himself for not shutting up when he could. He could’ve just left it at being good! But nooo he just had to feel like he needed to explain himself!

“Just what?” Mina prompted, grabbing her phone from it’s previously propped position against Bakugou’s dresser and sitting criss-cross over beside Denki.

Denki blushed, he couldn’t help it. He felt so exposed right now, and he was worried there was no getting out of this...but...part of him hoped there really was no getting out of this.

The blonde whined, covering his flushed face with his hands after sitting his Switch down on the floor beside him. “I caaaan’t...it’s embarrassing…” Denki spoke in a low, whiny tone.

Bakugou made a scoffing sound from his place cuddled into Kirishima on the bed, Denki peering through his fingers slightly to look at him. “You think we give a shit, Dunceface? These morons and I know practically everything about you already.”

Kirishima beamed beside him. “Yeah! This is a no judgement zone, brother! Whatever goes!” Sero and Mina nodded their heads with approving smiles, looking back over towards Denki.

The boy whined one final time behind his hands before bringing his knees up to his chest, setting his hands on top of them like a prop. He peered over his knees like a child. “Well, it’s just that...when he - or when they both - or, more like when Kiri did it to Bakugou, but - or, I don’t know, I can’t say-”

Bakugou groaned loudly, cutting the boy off. “Spit it out, Sparkplug, I’m not listening to you ramble all night long!”

“But I can’t say the word!” Denki grumbled, his fingers tangling in his hair in frustration.

“Well, he said something about Kiri and Bakugou. Is this about Blasty getting tickled?” Mina asked genuinely, but it only made Denki blush even brighter and cover his face once again with a muffled whine. “Wait, is that it? Can you not say tickle?” Denki groaned even louder.

“Stooooop…” he muffled his gripe into his palms, but to say he wasn’t loving this attention despite his reactions right now would be a complete and total lie.

“Aw, you can’t, can you? Why not? Do you not like tickling?” Mina asked, leaning forward towards the boy in curiosity. Denki just shook his head slightly.

“No, that’s...that’s not it…”

“So you...like it?” Sero asked with a small smirk, leaning his head down and towards Denki to try and make eye contact with the boy whose forehead leaned against his knees. Sero’s eyes met the blonde’s, who only froze up at the smirk the raven-haired boy gave him. “Oh that’s it, huh? You like being tickled?”

“I...I mean...maybe a little,” Denki muttered in a barely audible whisper, but it was more than enough for his friends, who now all had growing smirks on their faces.

“Aw, Denki, if you wanted us to tickle you you coulda just said something, man!” Kirishima beamed before hopping off of his spot on the bed (much to Bakugou’s now cold displeasure). In a quick motion, Kirishima grabbed Denki around his waist, the blonde letting out a surprised yelp as he was lifted off the ground and thrown onto the bed haphazardly with a huffed “oof” sound.

“Blasty, grab his arms real quick!” Mina called from the floor, her and Sero both rising from their spots on the ground and walking towards the bed with a now furiously blushing Denki on it. Bakugou just rolled his eyes and, with a displeased grunt, grabbed both of Denki’s arms, holding them above his head as he laid with his back pressed against the bed.

“W-wait, you don’t have to-”

“Shut the hell up, Sparky. If we didn’t want to, we wouldn’t do it,” Bakugou grumbled, though the small smile on his face did not go unnoticed by the pinned blonde underneath him. “You wanted us to tickle you? Fine. But remember that you practically asked for this.”

“Aww, look at him! He’s getting all embarrassed!~” Mina cooed, wiggling her fingers in the air as she got comfortable on Denki’s left side, Kirishima taking his right while Sero prompted to sit himself down on his calves, effectively pinning the boy completely to the bed.

Denki couldn’t help the nervous outpour of titters that escaped from his belly, his eyes wide as the three soon-to-be ticklers all teased their fingers in the air above him, wiggling them in a teasy taunt.

“Oh gohohod-” Denki whined, squirming under them as their fingers inched closer and closer to his wiggling body. Mina lifted up his shirt just above his lower ribs, the cold air making him yip in surprise, making the others chuckle.

“We haven’t even tickled you yet!” Sero laughed, rubbing his palms over Denki’s knees and thighs, and though the action was non-tickly in itself, Denki couldn’t help but jump in anticipation at the sensation.

“Stohohop saying the wohohord!” Denki fussed through his giggles, internally begging them to just get on with it already.

“What word? Tickle? You don’t like when we talk about how ticklish you are? How you can’t handle a couple tickly tickles?~” Mina teased, finally wiggling just her two first fingers against Denki’s bare right side. This sent a jold through his already overly-sensitve body, the anticipation just making it worse.

“AH! Wahahait!!” Denki pleaded, even if he didn’t mean it one bit. He couldn’t handle waiting anymore. He needed this, and he needed it now.

“Aww, no more waiting, Kami! I wanna hear you laugh for real now!” Kirishima smiled before fluttering at his left ribs just underneath his armpit, and Kaminari let out a flurry of panicked giggles that could rival that of an overly-excited child. Mina followed suit, pinching at his sides in a gentle, but oh oh so tickly way. Sero prompted to wiggle his fingers just barely on the underside of his knees, which drove Denki up the fucking wall.

“OH GOHOHOD! OH PLEHEHEASE! IT TIHIHICKLES!” Denki cackled, throwing his head back practically onto Bakugou’s lap, who only smirked down at the hysterical boy under him.

“You’re fucking ridiculous, Pikachu. This ticklish? For real? They’ve barely done shit to you,” Bakugou got in his share of teasing, which only made Kaminari’s giggles seem to raise up an octave.

“STAHAHAP TAHAHALKING! MAHAHAKES IT SOHOHO MUCH WOHOHORSE!” Denki screamed when Sero started pinching at the tops of his knees. His laughs were sporadic, high-pitched and panicked, though very obviously excited. “SEROHOHOHO!”

“Aw, whatsa matter, Denks? Your knees a bad spot for you?” Sero asked, using one hand to squeeze his knee while the other fluttered on the underside of it. “Tell me, which is worse: the squeezing or when I use my nails?”

“I DOHOHON’T KNOHOHOW! JUST STAHAHAHAP!” Denki cackled in mirth, lying through his teeth as if he really wanted them to quit their teasy actions. They all saw right through him, luckily, and continued on their tickling rampage.

Kirishima used one hand to spider and pinch at his ribs, while the other started wiggling gently over his lower belly, teasing the boy infinitely. Mina cooed as her side squeezes made him shriek like a child, finding the ever growing blush on his cheeks to be as endearing as ever.

Bakugou decided he really wanted to get his hands in on this torture before it ended. He quickly pinned Kaminari’s hands underneath both of his knees, leaning his body over just enough to stretch his arm out and press two fingers into his lower belly, effectively moving Kirishima’s own teasing fingers out of the way. “Hey, Sparks; wanna see my favorite way to murder someone?”

“NOHOHO! BAKUGOHOHOU! DON’T DO IHIHIT!” Kaminari already knew what was coming, and this was something he knew he couldn’t stand for a second. He wasn’t going to make this out alive, and it seemed Bakugou was going to make sure of that.

“Too late. I wanna see you scream,” Bakugou smirked, and with that, vibrated his fingers into Denki’s tummy relentlessly, drawing screaming belly laughs out of the boy in milliseconds. He was in absolute stitches, writhing underneath their touch, screeching and hollering like he was literally being murdered. The squeezing on his knees made him arch his back, but that only brought his belly closer to Bakugou’s merciless fingers.

Mina moved her evil, evil acrylics up to Denki’s armpit, and that’s the moment he knew he was absolutely done for. He couldn’t take it, he could see the light and it was surrounded by wiggling fingers and teasing voices.

“Aww, look at him! He’s loving it!” Kirishima beamed, squeezing into his ribs like playing a piano without direction.

“I know, right? He looks so cute like this!” Mina cooed digging a thumb into the pit and effectively causing Denki to jolt hard underneath them, his laughs turning gutteral but still somehow panicky and excited.

“YOU GUHUHUYS SUHUHUCK! IT’S SOHOHO BAHAHAD!” Denki convulsed when he felt Bakugou use both his hands to dig small circles into his upper hips.

“Yeaaaah but you like it, don’t you?~” Sero teased, continuing his assault on one knee while leaning back to scribble over one of Denki’s socked soles, the foot wiggling around frantically but not enough to evade the ever so tickly touches of Sero’s fingers.

“PLEHEHEHEASE! OH GOHOHOHOD AHAHAHA!”

“I wanna hear him say it! Say ‘I like being tickled,’ and we’ll quit!” Mina beamed.

“I CAHAHAHAHAN’T SAHAHAY THAHAHAT! YOU DON’T UNDERSTAHAHAND!” Kaminari felt tears prickle at the corners of his eyes that were squeezed tightly shut, his body flailing uselessly under their pin.

“Sounds like you’re gonna die one hell of a death then, huh?” Bakugou chuckled, squeezing the boy’s hips mercilessly and causing him to buck like bull.

Kirishima chuckled. “He probably just doesn’t want it to end yet. Is that it, Kami? You want us to keep tickling you forever and ever and ever”

“OKAHAHAY! I LIHIHIKE IHIHIT! PLEHEHEASE! IT’S SO BAHAHAD!” Kaminari pleaded as he felt both of Sero’s hands return to his oh so sensitive knees.

“Nooo, that’s not what we want, giggle-bug! You gotta say the word too!” Mina giggled.

“Aww, giggle-bug is such a cute name. We’ve gotta start calling him that all the time,” Sero chuckled.

“NAHAHAH! DON’T DOHOHO THAHAHT! IT’S STUHUHUPID!”

“Yeah? Well so are you,” Bakugou smirked before leaning in close to Denki’s ear, his breath tickling him way more than it should have, causing him to yip and scrunch up his neck. “-giggle-bug~”

That was it. That’s what did him in officially.

“ALRIHIHIGHT! OKAHAHAY! I LIHIHIKE BEING TIHIHICKLED! PLEHEHEASE! I CAHAHAHAN’T!” Kaminari screamed, before all the hands on his body suddenly stopped their tickly torment. Bakugou backed off completely, moving himself off of Denki’s arms so the boy could bundle up into himself, while the other’s kept their hands on him comfortingly. Sero moved off of Denki’s legs, the blonde curling up into a giggle ball.

“Chrihihist…” he giggled into himself, wiping away a residual tear.

“You okay, babes?” Mina asked comfortingly, a smile laced in her voice that made Denki more relaxed than ever. He smiled up at all of them, the blush still having yet to leave his cheeks.

“Yeah...yeah I’m...thank you guys…” he let out one last giggle as all his friends (besides Bakugou, who rolled his eyes with a grin) all awed at him. Kirishima and Mina pulled him into a tight hug, Sero following before Kirishima pulled Bakugou into it with them (though he didn’t put up a fight, instead wrapping his arms around the huddle with a straight look on his face.)

“Anytime, Denks! That was so much fun, we’ve gotta do that again sometime!” Kirishima smiled brightly as they all pulled away from the hug. Kaminari was obviously still a little embarrassed, scratching at his neck sheepishly with a chuckle.

“So you guys don’t...care? That I like that?” Denki asked with insecurity laced through his voice.

“Sweetheart, with all due respect, it’s fucking adorable. If anything I’m thrilled you like it cause that just means I get to do it to you that much more,” Mina smiled, the hand on his shoulder rubbing him soothingly as he melted into the touch.

“Same here, man. It’s cute as fuck,” Sero chuckled, ruffling Denki’s hair playfully. “Alright, now...who wants to watch a movie?”

“Oh, oh, I say we watch Little Mermaid!” Kirishima raised his hand like a child in class, which only made Bakugou scoff and shove at his shoulder with a scowl.

“Uh, fuck that! If we’re watching any princess movie it’s gonna be Mulan,” Bakugou said, the others looking at him in a momentary shock that he would actually suggest any princess movie at all. He looked back at them blankly. “What? She’s a fucking badass and you all know it.”

“Mulan it is, then,” Mina smiled, hopping off the bed to grab Bakugou’s laptop. They all curled in together on Bakugou’s not-very-big dorm-sized bed, their closeness and warmth practically melting all of their bodies as they watched the movie together that night. Denki was huddled in the middle, cuddled close by Mina and Sero. He had never felt more loved and comfortable in his life, the smile on his face evident of this as he drifted off into the happiest sleep he’d had in a while.

. . .

A / N : hopefully you guys enjoyed that!! if u did pls reblog it, it helps my fics reach other ppl who might be interested in reading!! love u guys, thanks for all the support!! much love <33 xx

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ouyangzizhensdad · 3 years

Note

Do you think that making Chinese food is cultural appropriation? I'm white and started making some of the foods I saw in the shows I've watched since the untamed, but now I'm worried I'm appropriating the culture.

Hi anon,

As a fellow white person, I am also someone who needs to critically reflect on how I engage with different cultures. I can't give you the definitive answer you seek, the clear absolution from any potential wrongdoings; in its stead, I can only offer to share my current thought process on this topic. I’d still encourage you to seek other perspectives, and many people have written or spoken on this topic.

I believe we must first acknowledge that, on the terrain of the internet, discussions regarding cultural appropriation have reached a certain... extreme where some people view all forms of cultural exchanges as inherently suspect. They purport that so long as you stay within the bounds of ‘your’ culture, you will problematic behaviours. That perspective is inherent flawed. That is, it relies on a vision of culture as ‘bounded entities’ that exist in themselves. In reality, the ‘stuff’ that makes culture is emergent, existing only relationally, dialectically--it is a not a ‘thing’ that moves through time but an idea which is constantly negotiated and reproduced in relation to power and changing material realities to remain relevant and intelligible. The boundaries of cultural and ethnic groups are fuzzy, overlapping, and constantly being reworked and made meaningful. As an illustration, many of the food I grew up eating was influenced by ingredients and recipes immigrants brought in the 19th and 20th centuries, yet these dishes were understood as 'typically ours’. And it needs to be acknowledged that most of what is currently considered ‘white people food’ relies on ingredients that were introduced to our diet through colonialism and the violent dispossession of indigenous peoples (and, often, the current day exploitation of workers in the South and of migrant workers). No food can be truly ‘traditionally ours’, whatever the purported ‘we’ ends up being brought into the equation, and no eating behaviours can avoid the historical legacy and continuity of violence and power.

Of course, as people who exist in the world, we know that there are cultural differences. Bakhtin’s insights on language through the tensions between centripedal (ie towards uniformity, a common meaning) and centrifugal (toward diversity and change) forces can be expanded to help us conceptualise how we make sense of the way a ‘culture’ is perpetuated through time as something meaningful in our daily lives. Uniformity allows intelligibility, sense-making, but diversity and change are inescapable by-products of individuals and groups repeatedly going through life, meeting and trying to create intelligibility and sense together in a world that cannot stay the same. It is at the intersection of these two conflicting forces that something can be different yet considered the same--that we can create continuity out of change. But something perhaps less emphasized in Bakhtin’s discussions is how much power and material realities work on these forces. Power influences both centripedal and centrifugal forces, if only in orchestrating circumstances that shape how one encounters ‘different cultures’ or reproduces their 'own' culture.

We live at a moment where the world seems to have reached an apex of connectivity--where goods, people, ideas (and viruses) move across distance and borders at speeds that defy comprehension. Yet the way goods, people and ideas move (through which canals and systems? in which direction? to the benefits of whom? at the expense of whom? to what reception or use? in the service of which institutions and ideologies?) or are, inversely, incapable or unwilling to move, is influenced by power and material realities. It is inescapable.

In a roundabout way, what I’m trying to say is that it's useless to try to live life in 'your lane' by turning to a baseline 'culture' because we simply do not have a baseline culture to return to that is 'safe' from the influences of other cultures or the taint of the historical legacy and continuity of violence. So how do I personally reconcile that with how I engage with content that is produced from different cultural contexts, and how I engage with cooking food that is influenced by different cultural contexts? For me the guidelines I take into consideration are respect, attribution and avoiding forms of dehumanisation. These emerged out of witnessing how other white people have acted as well as critically reflecting on how I have acted in the past, and trying to do better (including of course, by listening to different perspectives on the topic). [just in case, warning for examples of racism/micro-agressions] I've been in China with white people who would praise the cooking we were eating in the same breath they were making jokes about dog meat. I've witnessed in Japan a dude decide not to come to an izakaya with Japanese colleagues, fucking off on his own to Akihabara instead, because he was disappointed he couldn’t talk about anime with them--too obsessed with the idealised version of Japan he’d created in his head to treat the Japanese people he met as people. The internet is full of white people telling you how to cook food from places they've never been and taking credit for 'popularising' that dish or 'making it better'. That's not even talking about the tendency for food to become a mark of a cosmopolitan, metropolitan identity in the West--the open-minded, the liberal, the traveler, the hip white person up with the times and beyond the mainstream. Hell, I've even seen people who act as if eating ‘ethnic’ food prepared by immigrants is the singular proof that they were people who cared about immigrants' well-being.

Food is rarely just about food, even when consumed at home. At the same time, we’d be remiss in all these discussions of power to dismiss how food is also one of oldest things we, as humans, want to share with others--including strangers. Feeding is nourishing and giving, eating is accepting into ourselves something made by others. Most people appreciate it when the value of a dish that holds importance for them is recognised by others--although, of course, many might understandably also resent that they have been discriminated against or mocked for eating that same food. Every time I’ve been invited in an immigrant household or at events with mostly immigrants, I’ve felt this sense of almost trepidation emanating from them, waiting for my reaction, and satisfaction once I was seen eating and appreciating the food they had served me--as if the acceptance of the food that was tied to their identity was a form of acceptance of who they were. Of course this can’t be disentangled from past experiences where other people might have been disrespectful, dismissive or outright racist: but the excitement they had in sharing food that had meaning to them and seeing others appreciate it was genuine.

Beyond situations of clear cultural sharing, where we get closer to what appears to be ‘cultural appropriation’, I believe that we cannot act as if there is something inherently sacrilegious in the idea of adapting recipes or using a specific ingredients in new ways--that’s centrifugal forces at play, and they have provided us with many dishes we love today: from immigrant creations like butter chicken to things like spicy kimchi. We cannot work with the assumption that people will only react with hostility at the idea of other people cooking the food they grew with, even in ways that are different from how they’re traditionally used and are thus “not authentic”. I still remember an interaction I had in a Korean grocery store, once upon a time when I lived in a metropolitan city. A man in front of me at the cash register who had been buying snacks and chatting with the employee in Korean looked at my stuff and suddenly asked me if I knew the name of the leafy green I was buying. I wasn’t necessarily surprised because I had overheard in the past customers and employees commenting in Korean about being surprised about the ingredients I, a white person, was purchasing, thinking I couldn’t understand them. I confirmed to him that I knew I was buying mustard greens. He then asked me what I was planning to do with them, and I explained that while I didn’t think it’s a traditional or common way of using it, I personally liked to add them to kimchi jjigae because it compliments their bitter/strong taste and I like leafy greens in my soups and stews. He said it was interesting, and that he was kind of impressed. The employee chimed to tell me I should be honoured at the compliment because the man was actually a chef who owned famous Korean fusion restaurants in the city. That was clearly someone who took Korean food very seriously and clearly had a certain degree of suspicion regarding how white people interacted with it, but he was also curious and interested in seeing how I approached ingredients without having grown up eating them.

Another point of contention is also that we cannot ignore that food is a sensual experience and that, while tastes are greatly influenced by our environment, they are not solely so. I grew up hating most of the food my parents would serve me, and started cooking in my early teens to avoid having to eat it. Before I started cooking, I would often just eat rice with (in hindsight horrible) western-brand soy sauce instead of the meal my mom had made. When I ate Indian food for the first time during a trip at the ripe age of 16, it blew my mind that food could taste like this. Of course I never wanted to look back, and with each years I discovered that a lot of Asian cuisines fit my palate better than what I grew up eating or other cuisines I had tried. When I was a teenager we visited my mom’s friend in France and I hated what she served us so much I’d simply choose to nibble on bread, prompting her to try to stage an intervention for my ‘obvious’ anorexia. Yet, being in China made me realise ingredients I thought I hated had just been cooked in ways I disliked. Do my taste buds absolve me from any need to think critically about how I interact with food? Of course not. But sometimes the reason we want to cook certain recipes and foods is just that it tastes great to us, and we want to reproduce the recipes we enjoyed with the ingredients and the skills we have. Or, really, sometimes we just want to try new tastes because we do a lot of eating throughout our lives, and it seems a waste to limit ourselves to a narrow number of dishes for decades to come.

So that’s where I currently am in my thinking about this topic, as a white person who cooks dishes influenced by a number of different places but who is also not trying to cook in a way that is necessarily authentic. Some things that I keep in mind that you can ask yourself now that cdramas and cnovels have made you interested in Chinese cooking is: are you taking this as an opportunity to support immigrant businesses when getting your ingredients? are you supporting white creators when looking for chinese recipes (some suggestion of youtube channels: Made with Lau, Chinese cooking Demystified, Family in Northwest China, 西北小强 Xibeixiaoqiang, 小高姐的 Magic Ingredients)? are you being respectful (not reproducing harmful stereotypes in how you talk about chinese food and the people who eat it)? do you use your interest in Chinese food to create a narrative about China and Chinese people that denies them, in some way, of their complexity and humanity? are you using your interest in Chinese food to create a narrative about yourself?

In conclusion I will leave you with a picture of some misshapen baozi I’ve made.

#anon ask #caution: word vomit ahead

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razrbladekiss · 3 years

Text

Tyrants | Chapter Three - Presage

WORD COUNT: 2.4k

WARNINGS: Brief mentions of Wendy’s drug use. Nothing explicitly *bad* goes on here, just some of the usual SOA shit is hinted at. :) Tig <3

MASTERLIST

Ninety degrees was horrendous. Ninety-six degrees saw Isla spiraling toward a fully-fledged mental breakdown, desperate to climb out of her own fucking flesh and melt into the parking lot outside of St. Thomas.

Seeing the Sons sporting leathers, hoodies, and long-sleeved shirts underneath their cuts made her skin crawl, too.

She'd thrown on the flounciest summer dress she owned, thin and wispy, and she was still roasting to death underneath the Californian sunshine.

It felt like they were living in the fucking ass-crack of hell.

Though, with their current state and Charming's infestation of ATF and other federal agents, hell wasn't too far off the mark.

"Thanks for the ride." Isla expressed her gratitude as she slid off of the back of Tig's bike, pulling the helmet away from loose blonde curls.

"No problem, baby--you good to get home, yeah?"

"Yeah. I'm meeting Gem here, so she'll take me back to T M in time to pick my car up," she confirmed, readjusting herself.

She couldn't risk Tig Trager getting an eyeful of her asscheeks today. Not again, anyway.

"Perfect. See 'ya later, beautiful." Isla leaned in for him to peck her cheek--which was habitual for the pair--and she did the same.

Her smile was wide. She was beaming. "Bye, Tiggy. I love you."

"Love you too, kid." He reciprocated the smile, squeezing her hand as she broke away and padded toward the steps, brushing her fingers through wind-tousled strands.

Things were, for the first time in about a week, finally looking up. Resuming a sense of normality, perhaps.

She and Trager had been on precarious terms since that day, and had been avoiding one another altogether. Which, for them, was strange.

Days went by without even so much as a word being uttered between the pair, no backhanded comments, or even sideways glances.

Usually, they'd be bickering like kids, arguing nonsensically until Clay or Chibs broke them apart--but it was all just their little bit of fun. Because they bounced off of one another.

They lauded the relationship they shared because, really, it was one of the strongest.

He'd been her official favorite since the very day that they met--he and Bobby were the two she liked to talk to whenever she felt that she couldn't confide in her father.

But the last few days were so fucking hard. She was struggling with the weight of all that she did, coupled with the stress of not being able to discern Tig's current feelings on her.

And after she'd lashed out, had bitched at him for no fucking reason, she was pretty certain that Tiggy didn't want to know anymore.

That was thrown out of the window this morning, however, when Isla's clutch blew out, and she needed a ride from the garage to the hospital to see Abel.

Of course Tig was there for her. He always would be.

"Hey." Isla spoke softly as she held the little blue bear close to her chest. "I stopped by the gift shop on the way up here--Jax said he's already got bears and balloons comin' outta his ass, so I thought what's one more?"

Gemma couldn't help but smile, gesturing for the blonde to sit with her opposite Abel's isolette.

"He'll love you for it," she joked, though she knew that she was appreciative. For her company more so the stuffed animal.

With their commitment to the club and the current battle against the ATF, Jax and Clay weren't as hands on as what they usually would've liked.

Of course, Teller was at that baby's side whenever he got the chance to break away from SAMCRO, but he wanted more. He wanted the satisfaction of knowing that his little boy was being provided with the best possible care at St. Thomas.

And he was. He absolutely was. But he needed to know--for his own peace of mind, he needed to see that. So, his mother was there every waking fucking moment, giving him that love he could only get from his Grandma.

"How's he doing?" Her query was braided around a whisper, worried she'd disturb Abel's peaceful rest. "Jax said he should be coming home soon."

Gemma simply affirmed with a nod, gazing affectionately at her grandson.

It was heartwarming to see so much love, so much adoration from a woman who had a reputation for being a fucking cunt--thus proving that Gemma's main priority was her family, and their health and happiness.

That, somehow, made Isla love her even more than what she already did.

It also made her a tad jealous of Jax and the fact that he still had his mother in his life.

"He's gettin' stronger and stronger everyday. Tara said he'll be set to leave Friday--"

"Tara?" Her brow lifted as she put the bear amongst the pile of gifts. "I thought she was a doctor, I didn't think she had anything to do with the babies?"

Gemma's smile faltered a little. "She's a pediatric surgeon. Been takin' care of Abel since the start."

"Oh."

Now, she would've known that if she'd taken the time to visit her best friend's kid since he was born. But she hadn't--she hadn't even considered taking a trip over to St. Thomas to check in on Jax's baby.

And it was for the simple fucking reason that she couldn't bear the thought of facing Wendy and having to be nice to her. Especially after what she fucking did to that poor little boy.

She subsequently landed her own flesh and blood in the hospital after shooting heroin while pregnant? And she wanted Jax to pardon her for it?

Isla wasn't a hateful person, she didn't care about what people did in their spare time because that was their time.

But the moment an innocent person was harmed due to the carelessness of others...That was when she felt a scathing animosity.

"She's good with him." Gemma stated bitterly, snapping Isla from her ire-fueled daydream. "Kills me to say it, but she's a gem. A real fuckin' star."

"I'd bet. She was always good with kids."

"Yeah?" Suddenly interested, the older woman crossed over her arms. "Who's kids?"

Finally, Isla took a seat beside her on top of plush blue leather.

"A few of the girls we were in high school with had kids pretty young and Tara was usually super keen to hold them, or just hang out at their places whenever we weren't at school. Or it could've just been the wannabe doctor in her, now that I think about it."

"She's pretty maternal," Isla hummed in agreement, "but I'm glad she and Jax never had kids when you were teenagers--I don't know how that would've looked for him."

Suddenly, she was staring at Gemma like she had two fucking heads.

"I don't trust her." She elaborated, drawing another confused glance from Isla. "She and Jax would have been a fucking disaster had she stayed--"

"And things worked out so much better with Wendy?" A little more vehemently than intended, the blonde asked.

Now Gemma was the one shooting dirty looks.

"Look, Gem, I'm just saying. Jax and Tara are history now, yeah? You don't have to trust her. Just thank her for what she's doing for your grandson because when he's outta this place, you won't need to worry about her."

"And you're so sure about that, huh?" Skeptically, she asked. Arms folded over. "You know what they're like--like two fucking magnets or something. They always find a way back to one another."

That line gutted her.

It hurt her--it was agonizing--but she wasn't sure why she was so beaten by it. Because it was the truth, wasn't it?

Tara and Jax were, at one point, the strongest couple she'd ever known, and when it fizzled out he was fucking broken. She hadn't seen him so downtrodden since JT had passed, and he was suddenly left without the strength and guidance of his father.

She was his everything. Isla was a fool to think he'd be able to see her back in Charming and not feel something for her. His first love.

"I think we should throw Abel a homecoming party on Friday--if he's coming home then, that is." Gemma shifted the topic of conversation, getting to her feet.

"Absolutely. I'll help."

"Yeah?" She asked a little doubtingly, reaching over to pick Abel up. "You don't have to--I know you work Friday's."

Isla waved her off, standing beside the brunette. "I do, but it's no bother. If everyone's gonna be there, then I wanna show my face too. Offer a helping hand of some sort."

"Alright, perfect," Gem stated softly, holding the baby close to her chest. "When we get back to T M, we can figure out what we need to get."

"Sounds like a plan--" Isla was cut off by a soft knocking at the door, irritating her a little bit because she'd only just gotten there and hated the idea of having to leave already.

She made a mental note to stop by a little earlier tomorrow.

"Hey, sorry to bother you--" Tara stopped herself when she needed her estranged friend, almost dropping the clipboard she was holding against her chest.

Isla Telford was the last fucking person she expected to see today.

"Hey," with a fake smile, she greeted.

The tension was palpable.

Gemma felt the irritation washing over her favorite of the duo, urging her to turn her attention back toward her grandson before she said anything to worsen the situation.

Because she would've.

"Uh, I've gotta run a few tests on Abel before we determine that he'll be ready to leave this week, if that's alright?" Tara gestured to Gemma, ignoring Isla's presence.

That stung a little bit.

"Yeah. It's fine." The response was blunt. Terse, to a point.

"Great."

Isla realized that she wasn't wanted in that space any longer. She grabbed her purse, turning toward the door. "I'll meet you outside."

"Yeah, alright," Gemma put the baby back into his crib, smiling at Isla. "You want my keys?"

"I'll wait on the steps--I'm gonna smoke--"

"Before you go," Tara cut in. She cleared her throat, trying to smile--but she just couldn't.

Telford sensed where it was going, however. There wasn't a reason for her to stop Isla in her tracks, in front of Gemma no less.

She wondered how long it'd take for it to be brought up.

"Thanks."

Gratitude genuinely swept over the doctor, letting Isla know she was truthful in her acknowledgment--or, was it more like a form of praise? Because Jax definitely told Tara what they both did for her, and she was astounded that the woman would even float the idea of helping out.

It was a strange notion. To know what she did--when she looked and acted like that--was fucking weird. And nobody would've believed her if she said that Isla helped to dispose of a dead body, which did make her laugh a little.

She knew how to hold, load, and fire a pistol, but she wasn't capable of committing the unspeakable the same way that Jax, or Chibs, or Clay were capable of it.

But she was slowly earning her title as 'Daughter of Sgt. At Arms/ Man of Mayhem.' And she wasn't sure how she liked that.

"You're welcome," she spoke plainly. "Hope everything is alright now, Tara."

"It is."

"Good." Her retort was immediate, laced with that same genuineness the other woman expressed. "You free this coming friday?"

Hesitantly, she nodded.

"If all goes to plan--and Abel is good to come home--we're gonna throw a little party for the boy," Gemma confirmed with a nod. "You wanna swing by? Everyone'll be there--Donna, Ope, their kids, Wendy, the rest of the Sons. You should come. It'll be nice for everyone to see 'ya again."

Wendy's name falling from those pink lips, in such a positive light, maimed Isla. She and Jax were starting to get along a little bit better now, but she was still wary of that woman.

"Yeah. It'll be great," the older woman added.

Tara felt cornered. She knew that she wasn't really wanted, and she also knew that was a way for Isla and her menopausal best friend--old enough to be her fuckin' mom--to keep the doctor as close as possible without explicitly saying that they wanted to keep an eye on her.

"Sure. I'll stop by."

"Brilliant." Gemma conceded, slipping past the pair. "Address hasn't changed, sweetheart."

It was passive aggressive, sickly-sweet, and it was Gemma to a fucking T. The woman was loathing every second she had to spend with Tara Knowles and she wasn't even trying to hide it.

But it didn't have to be for very long, she thought.

"What was that all about? Why'd she thank you?" Gem queried as they got outside, passing the lighter to her left.

"For not breaking her fucking neck when I had the chance to all those years ago, probably."

Isla sparked her cigarette, pacing alongside her as they headed toward the car.

"That's bullshit."

"How so?"

"Just is." She could read Chibs's little girl like a fucking book. "But I won't press--if it's something between you and Tara, I don't care to hear. Just lemme know if it goes south. I can put a bullet in her for you, baby."

Isla would've laughed had she not known that Gemma was deadly fucking serious about blowing Tara's brains out.

But it was a relief. For her to give it up just like that--uncharacteristically so--was a kind of relief that she never thought she'd feel from Gemma Teller.

She was used to being protected. Used to being viewed as the one that needed to be shielded from the horrors that shrouded the Sons. But Isla wasn't innocent, nor was she fucking stupid.

The security was appreciated, however. Because, lately, things just didn't seem to be going too great for her.

And, if she'd learned anything, they'd only worsen from here on out.

"You don't have to go full mama bear mode, Gem. I'm a big girl."

She laughed, turning to face Isla.

"I know," smoke blew from her nose, "but you've gotta protect the ones you wanna keep close, y'know? The ones you love."

The tip of Gemma's boot pulverized her cigarette into the sidewalk as she fished for the car keys, avoiding eye contact all together.

"I haven't been able to protect everyone I've wanted to from the shit that goes on in this town, honey, but I'm really tryin'. And I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you or my boy."

#tig trager #tig trager fic #tig trager fanfiction #sons of anarchy fic #sons of anarchy fanfiction #sons of anarchy fandom #jax teller x oc #sons of anarchy #jax teller fanfiction #jax teller

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b00t-s · 3 years

Text

We're all gossip-y bitches sometimes

this is part two

Janus xey/xem

Roman she/he

Patton he/him

Virgil he/him

See the character intros for more info

TW. Swearing, arguments, alcohol, drunk characters, the word v//mit is used once, characters being characters, past trauma mentioned, tiny tiny tiny sprinkle of angst but just a passing of it at end, and nothing to intense

Again, tell me if I'm being insensitive. Shout at me if I am.

Summary: Patton goes to talk to Janus about Roman. The group opens...'some' bottles. Virgil adds on some...interesting opinions.

Events occur few hours after this.

Janus just finished xeir nightly shift when Patton came bounding up to xem. Janus raised an eyebrow at how ecstatic he looked.

"Yes?" Xey managed out, forcing back the hundreds of snarky comments xey could of said right then.

"Can you hang out at My house later?" Patton practically beamed out.

"why would I want to 'hang out'? It's just a social construct created to give people a higher sense of being." Janus remarked, flipping to closed/open side to closed.

"So you'll be there?"

"hmm. Will doom-and-gloom be there?

"doom and---ohhh, Virge. Yeah, probably," Patton realised now that this was a bad mix of people to invite "probably-probably not for long though!"

"Fine" Janus replied, taking off xeir apron. Xey ignored the obvious lie. "I'll be there in an hour." Xey knew one way or another xey would end up there due to Patton's... effective persuading.

"Great!" Patton exclaimed "oh yeah, and...um...it's raining outside so..take my umbrella, kay?"

His tone more serious all of a sudden, Patton nodded to Janus' heavily made up face, so well done an ignorant bystander wouldn't of noticed the thick layers of foundation on xeir face.

Patton handed xem a translucent umbrella, patterned with cute frogs and flowers, to Janus. Ignoring the distasteful cartoons, Janus nodded and took the umbrella.

"See you soon, Jan!" Patton cheerily waved as he bounced off.

Janus folded xeir apron, opened Patton's umbrella and braved the outdoors.

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

Janus arrived at Patton's house exactly on time, bone dry, despite the heavily flowing rain. Patton expected nothing less of his friend. He invited xem inside, amazed as always by his friend's everyday fashion.

Jan was wearing a casual yellow shirt over a long sleeved black shirt. Fishnet gloves adorned xeir hands, and xeir ruffled hair was let lose.

Xeir fashionably messy hair was topped with a neatly placed black fedora, which of xey never took off. Xey even scarred persuaded Thomas to let xem wear it to work.

Patton offered xem a smile, and walked xem upstairs. "Hi Jan!" He grinned.

"Hello" xey replied mundanely.

Xey absent-mindedly glanced at Patton's outfit, which contained a violet cashmere sweater, bell bottomed jeans, circular silver glasses and a sunflower clip in his perfect curls.

It was a good look, xey had to admit.

When they both reached Patton's room, Janus stood still, taking in xeir surroundings.

Patton's room was covered with things from the 2000's; Tamagotchi's, stickers pressed up against the pastel wall, stuffed animals, wristbands, old CD's, care bears posters and butterfly clips littering the floor in a deadly trap.

A trans flag was pinned above the single bed with blue tack, right next to some inspirational and motivational quotes.

The whole place looked like it had been puked on by unicorns.

It hurt Janus' eyes.

Xey was a little overwhelmed by all the spiraling colours and nostalgia-inducing objects, so xey sat cross-legged in the middle of the pink carpet. The world slowed down.

Janus wondered, not for the first time, how a 29 year old could be this cheerful.

Or appear this cheerful.

"Jan?"

Janus gave a small twitch of xeir head, realising that xey had spaced out. "Hmm?" Xey replied.

"Hey, you were up with the clouds! I was just saying, I think Virge is here" Patton chirped.

"oh"

"he...might be staying for a little longer then i said"

"How wonderful." Janus muttered, knowing this would happen but hating it anyway.

"oh, don't be like that! I'm sure you guys could become friends!" Janus snorted. "Or...at least not kill at each other whenever you're in the same general area" Patton corrected.

"Anyway! I'm going to greet him at the door!" He suddenly proclaimed, skipping downstairs.

Janus was disgusted at how naïve this man was.

But that was a lie.

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

Patton slowed his happy skip to a casual walk. His grin slipped into a content smile as he reached the end of the stairs. Being so happy takes its toll on people, he thought. Soft tapping of the door interrupted his thoughts as he opened the door to reveal Virgil.

The first thing you notice about this man was his unfair tall-ness. He nearly had to duck to get inside; being too skinny didn't help. Virgil was wearing a plain black hoodie over a mcr top, completing the look with a short, pleated skirt and docs. His face was slathered in white foundation, accompanied with dark eyeshadow under his eyes.

"Virge!! I'm glad you could make it, even if you are late!!Again!" Patton hugged his friend, genuinely glad for his presence. The taller man patted Patton's curls awkwardly.

"Heyyyy Pat-" Virgil did the awkward pats on the back everyone does when they want to get out of a hug but don't want to say it in fear of hurting ones feelings. "Traffic-"

Patton withdrew from the hug and smiled. "okay! at least you're here safe! Can't control the traffic"

"Janus is waiting for us upstairs" Patton continued. He hurriedly carried on speaking before Virgil could spit out an insult about xem "say, you know what I hate about stairs? They're always up to something!" Patton laughed at his own joke, whilst Virgil pretended to face-palm, hiding a snigger.

"Alright, Alright dAd, didn't you say snake face was waiting for us?" Virgil mocked. Patton chuckled uncomfortably at the nickname, but nodded nonetheless.

"Yeah, we shouldn't leave xem waiting"

They both entered his room, having walked the short journey there in a comfortable silence. Patton noted Janus had not moved from were he left xem; xey had just shifted to read a book xey most likely found lying around. Janus looked up upon their arrival, xeir face immediately twisting into a mocking grimace upon seeing Virgil. "ah, you brought the racoon"

"Janus play nice--"

"you're one to talk, you participated in 2012 Tumblr" Virgil threw back

"must you be so wounding" Janus dramatically threw xeir hand against xeir forehead.

"okAY, that's enough guys." Patton firmly said. Janus pulled a face in reply, and Virgil returned the favour. Patton sighed. He just wanted them to get along, which was probably a high expectation by itself.

Perhaps he had booze leftover somewhere.

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

Twelve near fist fights, two crying sessions and many, many, many bottles of alcohol later, it was nearing eleven pm and the group was drunker than a litter of catnip high kittens.

They all crowded into a close-knit circle on the bed, nearly falling off but not caring.

"ssso your telling me that flashy asss hhimbo sssssaid I wasss hot but then rude and that I wore too muchh makeup? What a *hic* bitchh" Janus hissed.

Patton giggled. "yeeeeee, be nice though! She was kindaaaa alllllllll over the place!" Patton continued bluntly, "But how would you feel if I set you guys up????~"

"oh pleassssse do, I would just love that" Janus may be trashed but xey still knew sarcasm. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending who you are, Patton did not.

"yayyy! This is gonna be great!!"

Virgil butted in then, waving around the bottle he was holding "hold on, just holllld on a minute there, you're planning to set up that" he vaugly gestured in Janus' direction "with Princy??? Xey've known her for what, 4 minutes? Life isn't a disney movie"

"Dare I detect a hint of jealousy there emo?" Janus purred "am I that lovable?" Xey hiccuped.

"ooooooooh" Patton leaned into the circle, loving the drunk drama.

"wouldn't you like to know weather boy" Virgil droned back, finishing off the bottle.

"Honey, I would dare ssay that was a yesss"

"nO"

"oooooo, you liiiiike meeeEe"

"you disgust me"

"kinky"

Patton shook his hands excitingly at them, nearly hitting Virgil, causing them to shut up. "I can't believe you're finally open to a relationship after what happened! With my best friend no least! Boy did I try to get you to go on more dat--" Patton suddenly clasped his hands over his mouth as if he just said something nasty.

Everyone went silent. Janus stared at Patron, xeir mouth slightly parted. Virgil laughed nervously to try and break the tension. It sounded strained.

Janus began to speak to stop Patton from starting to spout drunken apologies. "Well thatssss jusst a liee, I've dated pleeenty of people over..well...that...period..of time."

Everyone went silent again, not quite sure on what to say.

Virgil's anxiety was heightening due to the social awkwardness and the influence of the alcohol.

Patton was fidgeting in his lap.

It was Janus yet again who broke the uncomfortable atmosphere.

"Sssso, *hic* you ssaid you wanted me to go out with thisss idiot?"

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

first-previous-next

updated masterpost

tag list: @arrowthenon-binaryroyalty, @spellingwillbethedeathofme,

ask if you want to be added or removed from tag list

and we meet our boi virgil

context is for losers

i could of probably cut out unnecessary things in that but y'know I'm new and I like it

these posts will be in chronological order, unless flashback, but it's not following a set-in-stone story line, so asks are, yet again, much appreciated.

I procrastinated too much during the making of this

#sanders sides #sanders sides fanfiction #sanders sides fic #janus sanders #genderfluid!janus #patton sanders #trans!patton #virgil sanders #alcohol mention #Janus what have you agreed to #hiss hiss bitch #this story is all over the place plz #roceit #platonic moxiety #This won't and never will be a moxiety fic I'm sorry #their father ans son relashionship #no hate on the ones who do ship it #it just isn't my cup of tea #Ok-ish

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yeehawitstheplague · 4 years

Note

I've been extremely touch starved lately and I do be dying for some fluffy cuddles n kisses n shit-- Can I just get some cute fluff stuff with the Quinnster, plz n thx 🥺👉👈

ngl this was so fun to write, i’m so weak for soft Caleb 🥺

also used my hc for Caleb’s horse

. . .

Your gaze was fixated on the paper in front of you, stroking soft lines with your pencil. You’d gotten a bit inspired while just sitting around the saloon. Caleb wasn’t around at the moment, you figured he was either out in trial or in his workshop; so you found yourself sketching pictures of his horse, Jesse.

At least thats the name you gave him, Caleb told you he didn’t really have a name in their past life but did like the name Jesse for him. Jesse seemed to like it too, always nuzzling your arm when you would greet him coming back to Glenvale after trial. He would stand near the entrance and wait for you to come back from time to time. You saw him more like a big puppy dog than a horse at times.

You watched him stand peacefully outside the saloon, drinking out of the water trough and nibbling at some apples you would find him ever so often. You continued to work at your paper, focusing in on the smaller details in his face when you heard him whinny outside. You glanced back over to see what got his attention, only to see Caleb returning home. He wore his usual duster coat and carried his rifle, so you assumed he just returned from trial. He gave Jesse a pat before taking a step into the saloon. He didn’t realize you were there until you greeted him. He turned his head to the table you were sitting at and smiled.

“Hiya, darlin’, didn’t see ya there” he said, laying his gun down by the edge of the bar table. He walked over toward you and gave you a kiss to your temple before looking down at your drawing.

He stared at it for a moment, taking in all the details then smiled. “I’m sure the ol’ boy will appreciate your work” he joked.

You giggled, “Yeah, just figured I’d pass the time, nothing else really to do”.

Caleb looked at you for a moment then out to Jesse. He then grabbed your hand and motioned for you to follow.

“Let’s go for a little ride, you and me”.

Your eyes lit up, eagerly standing from your spot and following behind him.

You couldn’t remember the last time Caleb took you for a ride on Jesse. It had been a long time since the two of you had really just had one on one bonding time, with him being so busy with his duties and you catering to your trials as well.

Caleb whistled for Jesse to come, petting his nose before quickly throwing a bridle on him and handing the reins to you to hold him, while he put his saddle on. Jesse looked at you with big brown eyes as you spoke kind words to him. He was a gorgeous animal, a red roan is what Caleb said he was if you remembered correct. And he was always so patient with the people he trusted, meaning only you and Caleb. You smiled to yourself remembering how Caleb would joke about Jesse beginning to like you even more than he did Caleb.

Caleb tightened the strap on the saddle one more time to ensure it was fitted in place then turned to you.

“You wanna lead him this time?” he asked.

You were surprised, “Can I?” you asked, much like a child.

Caleb chuckled, motioning for you to get on. You took his hand as he helped you hoist yourself up on the large animal, scooting closer to the front end. Caleb threw the reins over Jesse’s head and to you before throwing a leg over and sitting down behind you. You held the reins in your hands the way Caleb had taught you before, low and loose. Shoulders relaxed and back straight.

“Thats a girl, go and give ‘em a kick” he said. You gently bumped your heels at Jesse’s sides, asking him to move forward. He began walking down the dirt path around the town. You were practically beaming in excitement, you’d never done anything like this before. Caleb wrapped an arm loosely around your waist, watching you work with Jesse. He adored how well you and Jesse got along, he often made the joke that Jesse knew you were the one before he did.

At first, you did some rounds around the saloon just to get the hang of things then Caleb pointed over towards the exit of Glenvale.

“I found a little spot not far from here the other day, I wanna show ya”.

You nodded and sent Jesse in that direction. The dusty, dirt trail turned to dark soil as you entered the ominous forest that you found yourself walking through each time you returned to Glenvale from the campfire. Caleb directed you to the entrance of a secluded cave that sat not far from where you came. You pulled Jesse to a stop and Caleb hopped off to tie his reins to a nearby tree. He offered out his hand to help you off and guided you into the dark cave. You were lying if you didn’t say it made you uneasy. You gently gripped Caleb’s hand, staying very close as you walked through the tunnel. He chuckled looking down at you.

“Ain’t nothin’ to be ‘fraid of, doll. I been through here a few times, ain’t nothin’ roaming around” he assured you. You trusted him.

Soon enough a dull light could be seen at the end of the tunnel.

“There it is” he said, pointing towards the light. He led you up the opening where the light was coming from to reveal a hidden crystal oasis. The walls of the rock cave were covered in sprouting, glowing crystals, shining together to make the light you’d seen. And in the middle, lay a pond of clear water, seemingly untouched. It was a gorgeous sight of scenery.

“Saw that light peeking the other day and came across this beauty. I figured you’d like it”.

He knew you well, you loved ‘hidden treasures’ like this. You peered down at the water, glistening in perfection. It had been forever since you had been swimming. You remembered the hot summer nights back on Earth when you would go swimming with your friends, some of the best memories you had in your past life.

You neared the waters edge and began to strip yourself of your shirt and pants, until you were in just your undergarments.

Caleb watched you with a smirk. You rolled your eyes at him before beckoning him to come with you.

He shook his head.

“Nah, you do your thing, darlin’. I’m fine just watching”.

You huffed, but went ahead and stepped into the water. It was smooth and cooling on your skin as you sunk in deeper. At its deepest, you could keep your head above the water on your tip toes. Otherwise you were completely engulfed in this relaxing atmosphere. It was perfect, too perfect not to share.

You turned to Caleb again, who was rested on the rocks above, hand rested on his chin, watching you contently.

You beckoned for him again.

“Come on, it feels nice”

you said. Caleb shook his head again with a smile.

You neared the edge of the pond and looked up at him with puppy dog eyes.

“Please” you begged.

Caleb chuckled before giving in. He stood and removed his clothes down to just his boxers. He neared the waters edge before undoing his leg brace. He figured he’d be alright without it just this once, considering you were practically weightless underwater. He shuddered as he sunk in, not being used to this feeling since he was a kid.

But he had to admit, it did feel really nice.

You smiled as you swam toward him.

“See, what did I tell you?” you gloated. Caleb chuckled before pulling you into his arms. You wrapped your legs around his waist as he held you. Tall as he was, he could stand at the deepest with the water just washing over his shoulders.

For a while, you both really didn’t say anything. You just took in and basked in each others presence. You rested your head in the dip of his shoulder, mindlessly running your fingers through his damp hair. Caleb would run his hand up and down your back, while laying soft kisses on your shoulder and neck.

You missed this, your alone time with him. Its what made this hellish world worth surviving for. For a while, you would often think to yourself ‘what am I fighting so hard to live for if I’m just gonna be sucked back into another trial’. You eventually answered your own question when you fell in love with someone traditionally assigned to be your enemy. You never understood what drove you to Caleb, but you didn’t care to remember now. All you knew was that he loved you and you loved him.

In those mindless times when you would lay in his arms at night and he would lull you to sleep with the sweet words he whispered to you. How you were his everything, how you tamed the anger that burned like a furnace in his bones, you were his sun, stars and moon. He would protect to his last breath because you are everything worth fighting for.

You could almost cry sometimes because you could feel the genuine nature coming from his voice. He made you feel safe, even in a world were everything was out to kill you. He was your home. And you were his, no matter where you were.

The shine of the crystals glistened on his skin, compelling you to gently touch the shininess. Tracing patterns on his skin where the lights fell. You felt Caleb shift slightly as he waded over to a shallower part of the pond, sitting you on the ledge, giving you a slight height advantage over him for once. You giggled placing your hands over his shoulders.

“So this is what it feels like” you teased. He rolled his eyes before letting you press your lips to his. His hands fell on the sides of your thighs, pulling you slightly to him. His body was always so warm and inviting. You broke from your kiss to his star dazed eyes.

He swore you were the only person that could do that to him, make him all soft and starry eyed just from a kiss. You pulled the wet strands of hair out from dangling in his face, taking in his features. You could swear you could see faint remains of freckles in his cheeks and across his nose. Probably more prominent in his youth and faded with age. You gave gentle pecks where you saw the remains, making him smile and softly scrunch his face.

“You’re cute, ya know that?” you said.

Caleb made a face.

“Thats more your genre, darlin” he defended.

You simply shook your head and kissed him again.

“You’re cute to me”

He laughed,

“Whatever you say”.

His eyes wandered across your glistening body. You were the most gorgeous sight he’d laid eyes on. He appreciated and adored every piece of you. Every scar, blemish, and imperfection you despised on yourself, only gave him another reason to love you. It made you unique, it made you: You. And that’s something he wouldn’t change for the world.

You caught him staring.

“What?” you questioned. He softly shrugged. “Just admiring what a piece of beauty ya’ are”.

Your cheeks tinted pink, playfully slapping his shoulder “Oh stop”.

“I mean it, darin” he said “I ain’t gonna lie to ya when I say, ain’t no woman I ever met or seen that ever made me feel like I do about you”.

Your eyes softened.

“I know I don’t say it enough, but I love ya’. More than anybody ever could. And I’m thankful that you care about me the way you do,” he paused for a moment to look up at your eyes.

“You make me feel whole again, like I’m human.. Ain’t nobody ever made me feel like that”.

You could feel your emotions welling up inside. You cupped his cheek before wrapping your arms around him. You held him firmly, wanting to make him feel safe and loved. You loved this man more than words could say. You knew he was a broken soul, most everyone here was. But with everyday you were with him, you did your best to love the missing pieces of soul back into him. To show him the kindness and respect he never got before. And each day, he fell more and more in love with you for it.

You whispered a soft ‘I love you’ to him, he didn’t reply, he only held you longer.

What seemed like hours had past, before Caleb took notice of the growing darkness outside the cave, turning back to you.

“We should probably head back”.

You frowned, throwing your arms back around him.

“But I like our bonding time” you whined.

Caleb pulled you back into his arms again, giving you soft kisses to your face.

“We still got the rest of the night. Ain’t nobody coming ‘round. Hows bout we go back, and pour us both a drink, yeah?”

he suggested. He was right, nobody was gonna come around and this spot wasn’t going anywhere. You nodded, letting him place you back on the ledge to dry off. He joined you after.

Once most of the water had run off you both, you got dressed and went back to find Jesse where you left him. You admitted you were a little tired, so you opted to let Caleb lead this time. You jumped on the back of Jesse, curling close behind Caleb. Wrapping your arms around his mid section as you rode back. His free hand rubbed the knuckles of your hands wrapped around him. As the glowing lanterns attached to the buildings of the town in the distance caught your eye, you peered back up at the content face of your beloved cowboy. You smiled to yourself, wondering how you found such a hidden treasure in someone assigned to be your enemy. But once again you didn’t care to much to think on it, you just accepted that you were very fortunate. You were snapped from your thoughts by Caleb’s voice.

“We should do that more often”, he said looking back at you.

“I miss our time too”.

You smiled, snuggling closer into him.

“Sounds good to me”

#dbd #caleb quinn x reader #caleb quinn #deathslinger #dbd deathslinger #deathslinger x reader #deathslinger headcanons

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redditnosleep · 7 years

Text

My Student Submitted The Most Disturbing "Living History" Project I've Ever Seen

by gretelcat

One of my least favorite parts about being a middle school history teacher is the bullshit “Living History” assignments we give at the end of every school year. Kids are supposed to sit with their grandparents and video tape, voice record, or transcribe their oldest memories for posterity (and for an easy way to bring up their GPA).

I have been doing this for seventeen years, and when I collected the projects this time around, I assumed they would be as dull, if not duller than usual. This had not been a particularly bright class.

So I went home, poured myself a glass of wine, and prepared for a long night of “I only owned two pairs of pants when I was your age” and “My brother got beat with a newspaper for hitting a baseball into a neighbor’s yard.” And of course, these projects were peppered with innocent, old-person comments that were so horribly sexist and racist you just had to laugh.

Now, I had a girl in my class whom I will call Olivia. She was pudgy, quiet, and proved herself a consistent B student. I expected her project to be as unremarkable as her, and perhaps that’s why I was so profoundly disturbed by what I witnessed that night.

Olivia had submitted two discs for some reason, so I began with the one marked “interview.” My screen hiccupped twice before a grainy image of a living room came into view. The place was a hoarder’s hell. Olivia was curled up in an armchair clutching a notebook and looking like a scared animal. Across from her sat a man with a somber countenance, smoking a cigarette and staring at her expectantly.

“Go ahead,” a woman’s voice whispered from behind the camera. Olivia’s owlish eyes flashed towards the screen, then back to the man.

“I am here with my Great Uncle Stephen,” she began almost inaudibly. “He is going to tell us about his oldest memories from being in the army.”

Great Uncle Stephen looked like he’d rather be in a goddamn trench at the moment, but he waited patiently for the questions to begin.

Not surprisingly, Olivia read verbatim from the suggested questions sheet I had handed out to the students. He answered her curtly. Once or twice I heard her mother whisper “speak up, Olivia” from behind the camera. Typical, boring shit.

So I was intrigued when Olivia set down the notebook and asked, “Did you like being in the army?”

That was totally off-script. Great Uncle Stephen emitted a chain smoker’s wheeze. “Nope. Glad to get out of my town though.”

“Where did you go?”

“Balkans.”

“Uh-huh,” she said. I doubted she knew what the Balkans were, and my suspicion was confirmed when she asked, “Was Baukiss very different from here?”

“Yes.”

Mom cleared her throat from behind the camera, perhaps encouraging Great Uncle Stephen to be a little more forthcoming.

But Olivia seemed genuinely interested. “Uncle Stephen,” she asked, “what is your very worst memory from the army?”

The old man crushed his cigarette in the ashtray and then slowly lifted himself out of his chair. “I’ll be back,” he mumbled. The camera cut off.

When the screen flashed back on, everything was the same except Great Uncle Stephen had several pieces of paper in plastic sleeves laid atop all the crap sitting on his coffee table. One, he held in his hand.

“I was a kid when I enlisted,” he said, looking at Olivia. “Your brother’s age,” he told her. Olivia nodded. “I never saw combat. Both of my deployments were to cities in Eastern Europe that had been destroyed by civil wars. Everything was a mess. I felt like a janitor for fuck’s sa-”

“Ahem!” Mom coughed.

Great Uncle Stephen sighed and looked at his paper. “My unit was assigned to a school that had been obliterated by all the violence. Broken windows, caved in rooms – and for some reason, the part that got to me the most was that the school had been like this for years before we got there. No one had lifted a finger to fix it. I saw kids walk by it on their way to go beg for money or whatever shit they did-”

The camera dipped towards the floor as I heard Mom whisper harshly at Great Uncle Stephen. I couldn’t make out what she was saying, but it wasn’t hard to imagine.

“Do you want to hear this goddamn story or not?” I heard him bark in response. “Then you better let me tell it how I want.”

“Mom,” Olivia chimed. “Please stop interrupting.”

“Are you presenting this in front of the class?”

“No, Mom, we’re just handing it in to the teacher.”

“I’m sure he’s heard the word shit before,” Great Uncle Stephen contributed helpfully. I wasn’t a “he” as a matter of fact, but other than that the statement was accurate.

The camera was lifted and after a couple of blurry focus adjustments, the shot was the same as before.

“Ahh I’m talking too much anyway,” he grumbled. He lifted the piece of paper in his hand close to his face. “In the basement, I found this letter. I didn’t know what it said but I had a buddy of mine translate it. So I’m gonna read it now. And then I’ll tell you what I saw in that basement.”

A chill ran down my spine. Mom zoomed in to Great Uncle Stephen and his letter. His palsied hands trembled as he held up the paper. This is what he read:

Dear Sir,

I never loved my country. So many of these skirmishes are born from patriotism, a power struggle for the shards of a once-great empire, but I do not care what name my home has on a map. This fighting is senseless and I stay as far away from it as I can.

It was not these attacks and disorganized violence that took the lives of my wife and child. It was illness. Mercifully, it happened quickly for the baby. Nadja suffered for longer. I watched in horror knowing I could do nothing for them. My only solace is that I was there for them every step of the way. I stopped going to work one day, and no one came after me. I doubt they noticed I was gone. Since the school was simply across a field, visible from my window, it would have been easy to go for a few hours each day and come home quickly to care for them. But what was the point? All I did was clean floors. I was as useless to the world as I was to my family.

I tried to take Nadja to the hospital, but the journey was too long and taxing. I brought her home and she died that night.

After Nadja and the baby were gone… well, I don’t remember much. I didn’t leave my hovel, barely ate and slept, thought many times of taking my own life. Tempting though it was, I felt paralyzed by my own helplessness.

The one thing that kept me sane was my radio. I never turned it off once. Even though I didn’t listen to the words being said – in fact, the channel I got the clearest was in English (I think) which I don’t speak a lick of. But the voices, the music, and the true knowledge that life existed beyond this violent city sustained me.

I have no idea how long passed before I saw the light of day again. I was dizzy from hunger, so finding food was my priority. My radio came with me, of course. Since I first holed myself up, it has gone everywhere with me. It talks to me as I sleep and as I wake. I don’t know what it’s saying, but I know I would die without it.

Once I had some water and food, it occurred to me that the only thing left to do was go back to work. So I did. The following morning, I simply returned to the school where I was a janitor and got back to work.

Nobody made a big deal out of it. Like I said, Nadja had been sick for a long time, and those who worked at the school knew it. I appreciate that no one had pestered me to come back to work during the hardest days of my life. The teachers never said much to me, but we smiled at each other in the halls and that mutual respect was perhaps the reason I decided to come back at all.

The place had gone to the dogs without me, so I simply grabbed my broom and rags from my closet and set to cleaning. Everyone is grateful to have me back, I know. And the best part is that nobody minds my radio. I bring it with me everywhere and keep the volume low enough not to disrupt the students. No one has ever complained. In fact, I suspect they like it.

The schoolhouse is not very big, but does require a lot of maintenance. The floors are always sticky and stained, so I spend most of my time mopping. Kids make messes – I guess that’s why I’m still in business. Sometimes I have to move things around to make sure I get every spot on the floor beautiful and clean, but I take pride in that.

And the repairs! The school always needs tune-ups here and there, and I am happy to help. Some days I’m reconstructing a desk that broke as I whistle along with the radio, other times I handle more serious, structural issues. Days when I have work like this, I feel truly instrumental, like a cog in a larger machine. How could this school survive without me? It took me a long time, but I once again feel that I have purpose.

There is a larder behind the school that is full of preserved food. In lieu of payment, I am allowed to take as much food as I need. That arrangement is fine – what would I do with money anyway? I used to bring the food back to my home, just one field away from the school, but when I started sleeping in the basement no one seemed to notice. This school is special to me and I cannot leave it unguarded.

When I am besieged with memories of my wife and baby, I turn up the volume on the radio to drown out such thoughts. It works for me every time.

Except this morning.

Because this morning, I woke up to dead silence.

I frantically examined the radio to see what had happened. I honestly cannot tell you how many days in a row I have been using it. Did it simply live out its life and die naturally? I have spent the entire day trying to fix it. Most of this time, I have been crying. I am losing my mind without it.

I have given myself until sundown. If I cannot fix it by then, I am going to take my life. I am writing this because the sunlight is starting to die and I know what my fate shall be.

I have thought about taking one last walk through the halls of my school, saying goodbye to the students and teachers. I know I will be missed. But I cannot bring myself to leave this room. I cannot go anywhere knowing that my radio is dead in here.

There are no more tears in me. It feels now like I can’t catch my breath. I vomited what little food I had in my stomach and I am growing dizzy again, like I did after Nadja died. I am not long for this world.

But before I take my life, I have closed the door to this room and stuck a chair beneath the handle. It is the only room in the basement and has a small casement that lets in just enough light for me to see what I am doing. If anyone is kind enough to come looking for me, they should not be met with this gruesome sight. Perhaps they will see the door is blocked, smell my rotting body, and simply forget I ever existed.

But I have placed both my radio and this note outside the door. Kind sir, if you are reading this, I have one humble request: please fix it. Save my radio. It did not deserve to die in its sleep and I am ashamed that I cannot revive it.

Now I am ready to join Nadja and little Ludmilla in heaven. I hope this school can find another janitor who loves and cares for it the way I do.

The hour is now. Do not forget my radio.

Stanislav

When Mom zoomed back out, Olivia had tears in her eyes. “Thank you for sharing, Uncle Stephen,” Mom said, her voice choked. “I think we have enough.”

“Wait!” Olivia chirped. “He said there’s more. What did you find?”

Before Great Uncle Stephen could open his mouth, the image disappeared. My jaw dropped. Was that it? What did Great Uncle Stephen see?

I promptly remembered that there was a second disc. This one was unmarked, but I hoped it contained the rest of the interview.

There was no video, only audio. The voice that started up was Olivia’s.

“Hi Miss Gerrity. I’m sorry about my mom, but she refused to record the rest of what my uncle was saying. But I asked him to continue and secretly recorded the story as a voice memo on my phone. I remember you said earlier this year that history is written by the people who win wars.” She sucked in a breath and commenced crying. “But everyone’s history is important, even if they are sad, pathetic people and even if they never won a single thing in their life. I haven’t slept through the night since I finished this project, but you have to hear what my uncle has to say.”

There were tears in my eyes, too. The sincerity of her words was beautiful. I was also flattered that she had remembered some trite phrase I threw around because it was what my history teachers said to me.

Before I got too sappy over it, the audio began again.

“Fine,” came Mom’s frustrated voice. “If you want to hear the rest of the story, fine, but this is not appropriate for a school project.”

“Let me finish,” Great Uncle Stephen snapped. “If it’s too much for you, help yourself to a snack in the kitchen. But Olivia wants to know what happened.”

I heard her mother mumble something and walk away. Olivia and her uncle were alone. I imagined her looking at him expectantly.

“So did you find the radio? Or did it get ruined when the school got blown up?”

He rasped and I heard the distinct click of a lighter. “That letter,” he began slowly, “had a date on it.”

“What date?” she inquired hungrily.

“It was dated two weeks before we started rebuilding the school.”

“Didn’t you say the school had been destroyed like two years ago?”

“Yes,” replied Great Uncle Stephen. “It had been.”

There was silence as I felt goosebumps on my arms. The images that came to my mind were almost too overwhelming to express, but Great Uncle Stephen put them into words effortlessly. Clearly he had spent his whole life thinking about it.

“This man, this Stanislav, went to a vandalized, falling apart schoolhouse and cleaned up blood and rubble like it was spilled drinks and dust. He smiled at dead bodies in the hallway and believed they were smiling back at him because they liked his radio. He moved around corpses so he could sweep the ground under them. The roof was half collapsed, so when it rained, he must’ve gotten soaking wet but was so oblivious that he didn’t even feel a thing.” I could hear Olivia crying steadily. “I found the larder he was talking about. It was all pickled, preserved food that probably tasted like shit. Most of the stuff was moldy.”

“Did – did you see the dead body?”

“Yes. Hanging from the ceiling, but still amazingly… lifelike. He wasn’t rotting away. This hadn’t happened years ago.”

“Did he look peaceful?” she asked, a chord of desperation in her voice.

“Couldn’t tell you. The smell was rank, and his face was blue and his eyes were bulging. Like this.” I imagined him demonstrating.

“And the radio?” Olivia wept.

I heard Great Uncle Stephen take a long drag of his cigarette. “It was there, alright. And it was still on.”

#creepy #horror story #gretelcat

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akalittlemisscrazy · 5 years

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Backpacking Escapes: Siem Reap

Siem Reap. A backpacker’s dream and our last stop after 50 days of traveling. Of course the big attraction of this city to tourists is the temples, particularly Angkor Wat. For our first day we rented bicycles for $1 a day as suggested by a blog Rachel had read. All I can say is dear God I’m impressed if they actually managed to actually cycle all 3 circuits in 2 days without melting. With a proper dirt bike I may have been able to, although I would be very tired after a grand total of approximately 150 kilometres. But honestly what killed us was the heat. I’d recommend bringing A LOT of water or at least some money for the street vendors (who thank goodness sell ice cold water for normal prices instead of trying to rip you off. Absolute life savers).

We cycled the small circuit; a total of 43 kilometres in 36*C heat on the most rickety bikes I’ve ever seen. Even though I was a bit stiff by the end of the day I sti enjoyed this experience. The highlights of this route include Ta Prohm (accurately nicknamed Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider temple) with some spectacular Strangler Figs engulfing the doorways. I love how despite all the restoration and conservation efforts, they have haven’t pushed the jungle completely back. This keeps the mysterious forgotten world aura surrounding these temples in tact.

Srah Srang was once the 'Royal Bathing Pool' for ritual bathings. It was so perfect I just couldn’t resist dipping my feet in, much to Rachel’s amusement as she watched in confusion as I suddenly threw my shoes off saying “Why not?!”.

Bayon Temple is so drastically different to all the other temples that it is somewhat curious to explore. It originally had 49 towers; today 37 towers remain with almost 200 faces carved facing in 4 directions. Despite its slightly cluttered feel, this temple was mysterious and beautiful in the evening golden light.

Angkor Thom means ‘city centre' and is actually the collective name for the area including the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Make sure to fully explore these areas, particularly between the inner and outer walls as there are many wonderful carvings that are still well preserved down here. See if you can find the 5 headed horse, the elephants and the 5 headed Nagas.

Our final adventure for our first day here was our “shortcut” home. And by “shortcut” I mean Google maps told us there was a road running down to join the riverside track. In reality this was a very narrow dirt path winding through the jungle, then along a road that was more pot holes than actual road through the village-like outskirts of Siem Reap. On the bright side I’m fairly sure we were the highlight of the day for many many children who all rushed out to say to hello to us as we passed by, then sprinted back inside to tell their parents about the strange girls. Honestly I’ve never said hello so many times in such a short space of time – it was so endearing 😊. The people here are so friendly, warm and open.

Angkor Wat sunrise is probably the number one thing you’ll hear people recommend, for a very very good reason. I mean, just look at this beauty:

I don’t think words are even necessary; these photos speak volumes for themselves. No filters - that's just genuinely what it looked like. Yes it meant dragging ourselves out of bed at 4.30am but at least today we’d had the sense to book a Tuk Tuk driver for $12 each who took us to Angkor Wat for sunrise, then to all the way out to Banteay Srei (which by the way is worth the journey away from the city. It's only a small temple but it has a wild beauty around it and the grounds are also lovely), then finally around the Grand Tour of Angkor.

Another major advantage of getting up early meant we had a lot of the temples to entirely ourselves. Literally Queens of Backpacking ❤️

For our day off we decided to simply wander. Something about the twisting streets screams 'explore me' and it has one of the best vibes we’ve had from any city. It is quirky and interesting, and the people are so lovely. We decided to walk towards the riverside and stumbled upon an old map for the 'Historical Quarter Walk' which held a view interesting sights.

Before long we arrived at the Royal Gardens Park, nicknamed Bat Park for a very good reason. We flopped on a bench in the shade for a quick drink and both had the same sudden almost simultaneous moment of realisation. Rachel’s jaw dropped as I gasped 'Holy cow...'. Looking up we realised the trees were full of hundreds and hundreds of fruit bats hanging from the branches.

Having found our own little peaceful corner watching these bats occasionally flutter from tree to tree, we spent the rest of the afternoon lounging here. The park is very quiet and sleepy during the day but wakes up in the evening. Apparently if you want an outdoor Zumba class this is the number one place to go. We passed 3 on our way out of the park.

Another highly recommended activity I’d found on Pinterest was the Happy Horse Ranch. Another 5 gold stars to Pinterest – this was BRILLIANT. We’d started going into animal withdrawal so a three hour hack seemed to be the perfect cure. This is the best way we’ve come across to see the picturesque countryside. Endless fields of rice plantations and lotus flowers stretched out all around us. There’s nothing quite like feeling of wind running through your hair as you canter through such a peaceful gorgeous place. And to top it off all the horses here looked happy and healthy. This place easily gets a 10 out of 10 and I’d gladly go again. Our guide (Kong) was very friendly & helpful, the views spectacular and the horses perfectly matched to our experience levels (a.k.a. we can both handle a slightly fizzy spooky horse, personally it makes the ride more enjoyable than plodding along on an old cob! Even if it is slightly more difficult to shimmy past a water buffalo threatening to charge at you when you’re also trying to persuade your horse it’s absolutely fine if she just keeps on walking).

Artisans Angkor was simply an incredibly lucky break. We’d been googling free things to do in the city when I came across a brief mention of this silk workshop around the corner from our hostel. It ended up being so much more – by simply turning up at the door you get a free guided tour around the workshop where they make wooden carvings, stone carvings, silver inlays, jewellery and some stunning silk garments. You really get an appreciation for the amount of skill and how long it takes to make these masterpieces. Some of the stone sculptures take 4 months to complete. The tools they used are recycled from old motorbike and tuk tuk springs. These artisans also help with the restoration of the Angkor temples, recreating some beautiful statues based on the original designs. During your tour you may even get to try carving yourself (then realise how hard it is and watch amazed as the guy turns your scribble into a masterpiece).

The next day we returned to the workshop to get the free shuttle bus for another free tour (I love that Asia is cheap, but free is even better ❤️), this time around the silk farm itself. Hats off to whoever first looked at a cocoon made by a worm and thought “You know what? I bet that will make a really nice fabric”. I learnt so much here and it didn't cost us a penny. Artisans Angkor use over 60% of their sales income to give back to the local community and provide so many people with jobs & support. Definitely high up on my recommendations list. It's such a shame more people don't know about this. Go go go people.

And that's it....

The end of my Backpacking Escapes series. For now at least! Thanks to the fellow travellers I've met along the way I've now got a list of new places to visit and things to try as long as my arm, and I can't wait for more adventures. South East Asia has truly been a dream, and I would say it's been a once in a lifetime trip - but how can it be when I'm so in love and so desperate to come back?! I'm certain this won't be my last visit to Asia, but rather the first of many.

Bon voyage for now my friends! I've got a couple more blog posts planned but it's time to go home. To those of you still travelling make the most of every moment! And those of you who aren't....

What are you waiting for??

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