#shoutout to lou for making me post this

[dandylovesturtles]

Top Ten Posts of 2023

I decided, why not? ^^

I'm limiting this to fics/analysis/headcanon/etc posts I made during the year and skipping over anything that isn't my actual creative work. That said, if you're curious, my actual top post was this funky screenshot from episode 2.

10. Everyone's just fine with Donnie modding the moon buggy? (362 notes)

It occurred to me that despite being MASSIVE nerds for the Jupiter Jim franchise, the bros seemed awfully chill with Donnie taking an actual on-set moon buggy and modding the hell out of it.

A few people argued with me in the notes that the Turtle Tank is so cool no one could possibly be mad about it and I do think that's fair. The Turtle Tank is easily my favorite thing Donnie made in the show.

9. Splinter and Leo talk post movie (443 notes)

And then his dad walks in and says, “I would like to talk to Blue, please. Alone.” And suddenly Leo doesn’t feel so good anymore.

This is the most recent tumblr fic I've done (I think lol), so seeing it make it this high felt pretty good. I love Splinter and his boys... they make me emotional.

8. A headcanon about the Disaster Twins (445 notes)

I have a headcanon that the twins are lowkey always trying to get each other to laugh.

This is still true.

7. A showcase of Donnie's injuries in End Game (462 notes)

So everyone talks about Donnie getting his shell shredded by the Shredder in Many Unhappy Returns but I feel like it’s underappreciated that that happened to him coming off of getting his ass beat in End Game like

One of the first posts I made when I made this blog haha. Poor Donnie |'D

6. Donnie records everything (617 notes)

broke: Donnie listening to what happened in the prison dimension woke: Donnie showing Raph Leo’s big damn hero speech since he wasn’t there the first time

The main reason why this has so many notes is because @roseverdict wrote a great fic down in the notes that you should all go read.

5. Leo asks Donnie a favor (829 notes)

“You might as well tell me what you need,” he says, turning to his computer and pulling up his list. “I’ll assess it and prioritize.” “No, no, that’s okay. It’s nothing,” Leo insists. “Nardo.” Donnie levels his best stare at him. “What is it?”

I love writing the Disaster Twins being soft and you guys love it when I write it too.

4. Present Donnie and Future Donnie have a little disagreement (CAS AU fic) (1,242 notes)

“What was I supposed to do, tie him to a chair?” “Yes!?” says Mini-him like he’s stupid, which warrants a scoff.

Shoutout to @skcirthinq who doodled a comic version of their conversation.

3. Casey Jr. and Uncle Tello troll Present Donnie (CAS AU fic) (1,701 notes)

Casey Jr, says Uncle Tello’s voice. Uncle Tello? Do you want to see something really funny?

This is my actual fic with the most notes! I'm glad you all enjoyed this silly little take on what was actually an incredibly intense moment in Cass's original comic.

2. Mikey contacts the Hamato ancestors (2,054 notes)

future Mikey: *trying to contact the spirits of the Hamato for advice and guidance in the apocalypse* Donnie’s spirit: Hello, you are now communing with Donatello.

I can't believe you guys gave over 2K notes to the stupidest joke I've ever made. Shoutout to @nonymous06 for this artist's rendition.

and finally, drum roll please.....

My top post of 2023:

1. A very silly idea for a separated AU (4,283 notes)

non-angsty ROTTMNT separated AU where the boys meet online and bond over their shared love of Jupiter Jim and skateboarding and Lou Jitsu. Then one day they agree to meet irl for the first time at a con and decide to dress as turtle aliens.

This post spawned an adorable fanart by @thatsmutbean , this hilarious fanart by @onionninjasstuff , and an entire fanfic called new phone who dis by @rbtlvr

This has been an incredible year! My love for ROTTMNT has not diminished in the slightest and I still have lots of ideas, so I hope you guys stick with me for 2024. Thanks again! Happy New Year!!

#no idea what to tag this as #if I put it in the main tag is that annoying #oh well #rottmnt

[lousirs]

this is a dump about the uglydolls movie novel 💋💋💋

Alrighty I'm basically a regular here SO LETS GET TO IT

lodoeheie so I just got the movie novel of uglydolls because i need to fill my hunger for uglydolls content and THERE R SO MANY LITTLE DETAILS AND DIFFERENCES IN THE BOOK???!!???

ok so Lou's monologue in the pipes are completely different and they kind of point out details about Lou like his loafers being expensive and allat

BUT IM NOT TALING ABOTU TAGT

there's this one part in the book where they are about to reveal Ox after the all dolled up scene and instead of Ox, Nolan was behind Lou???? I think it was just supposed to show how awkward Nolan is idk 💀💀

ALSO for some reason I feel like EVERUTIME Nolan made an appearance they always described him as "the handsome doll" and I find that so so silly but I love it

oh YEYEHA it's implied in the book that the dolls wear their own clothes when they aren't doing training which was not the case in the movie (probably due to animation complications)

in the gauntlet scene, in the book, it was Mandy who kinda taunted Lou to participate in the gauntlet rather than him deciding to buy himself. Also it made me think why he even decided to join it in both medias when he knew he'd fail but my friend and I just established that at that point he was probably already batshit crazy and had nothing to lose

the whole Ox flashback part was longer and had more details to it. So both Lou and Ox went for the gauntlet together and completed it but it showed that they failed and everyone thought it was Ox that caused them to fail when it was really Lou (kind of sad that Lou probably knew it was himself and had to put the blame on Ox)

it was also mentioned that both Lou and Nolan have somewhat of a muscular build so time to make some new head cannons

IM SO SORRY THAT THESE POINTS WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE AND THERE'S TYPOS EVERYWHERE

I just found thrse so interesting I'm so sorry

the book is pretty good imo (probably biased) and there's more stuff than what I put here so DEFINITELY go read it for yourself

why hello, we meet again... time for more rambling xD STRAP IN EVERYONE!

yes!! i've known about the novel for a hot minute. i haven't bought or read it (...yet) but i remember seeing silentreadersmatter (i believe?) post about it on wattpad... so shoutout to them lol. anywho time to respond to each thing mentioned in order (just about)...

lou with loafers!!: i always assumed he wore some sort of fancy shoewear... so it's nifty that they added clarification i guess xD

awkward nolan: awkward nolan is the superior nolan (in my opinion. i'm sorry lads)... i see nolan be depicted as a 'uwu soft boy bottom" most of the time... but i always thought he was just a awkward doll. like, an anxious mess that is trying his best but fumbles constantly. he's a ball of anxiety, and i love him. ANYWAYS

buff nolan real??: GOSH, I AM SO GLAD SOMEONE NOTICED THE MUSCULAR NOLAN THING. i always imagined nolan to be taller than the other dolls (he isn't really in the film but i always headcanoned it so because his uniform is smaller as if he was too big for it) but once i saw him be called "handsome" and "tall" and "muscular" in the novel, i flipped. the little baby boy is actually a BIG BUFF BABY. i have a doodle of this from a few months ago heheh... (thank you for giving me an excuse to show it because it's been lingering in my files for a while LMAO)

^^^ lou is just trying to act evil and devious but he got this tall, handsome muscular doll getting in his way xD

ohhh but i can just imagine instead of the robot dog taking lou to the washer, nolan personally picks him up and drags him there. now THAT'S a moment i want to see.

fashion: oh, i didn't know about the clothes thing! DAMNIT i want to see them all in casual clothing, so i know what kind of styles they wear!! i mean, there's a concept art with lou in a white jumper with a golden 'L' on it... but that's all.

i have my headcanons for what they wear, but it would be cool to see... especially since most other dolls normally do have numerous outfits for the kids to dress them up in.

gauntlet: yeah, lou kinda lost the plot around that point. i would take a guess that he was probably unnerved by just basically killing two dolls, one that he knew (possibly for a while) and one that was close to his old friend, so when he saw mandy still alive he was like "well sh*t." and then came the downward spiral of him trying to sabotage the others, before inevitably sabotaging himself. ...but i think the book's version of mandy getting the crowds to peer pressure lou to joining the gauntlet made more sense (lou's reputation would be at stake and his reputation is basically all he has) than him joining anyways in the film. i guess they tried to make it make more sense with the whole "I don't even have to win. I just need to make sure you lose." but ehh... eh....

ox's tragic anime backstory: yes!! they should've done this version in the film honestly. perhaps they could've even shown lou's regret for lying to basically his only friend. ...oh wait, i forgot. lou's meant to be a 100% evil villain who kicks babies. anyways, again i feel that the novel made more sense than the canon we got in film. i guess in the film ox got recycled because he was causing others to fail by accident? but the novel's version is much more interesting.

if i remember correctly (and if i don't, count this as a rewritten version lol) the assistant robots took ox away after he 'failed' in the novel. i can imagine a scene where we are in ox's perspective, being forcefully dragged away to the pipes whilst lou looks at him, dread and sadness written across his face, yet he doesn't try to stop the robots. he just stands there, biting back his guilt. ohh... if only...

STRONG BOYS!!: heheheheh strong nolan and lou... would be funny if nolan didn't appear strong, but is actually stronger than lou. but then again, how can you tell if the doll is strong? they all look like same. lou says his arms are bumped or whatever in ugly truth but WHERE? WHERE'S THE BUMPED ARMS LOU??

anywho, thank you for the novella lore dump! for anyone who is interested, go check out the novel as well. it's pretty interesting if you are deep into doll purgatory. (also it's mentioned that ox used to wear a fedora from what i remember)(THAT IS TERRIBLE. I LOVE IT)

#uglydolls #ask #asks #not art #uglydolls lou #uglydolls nolan #uglydolls ox #uglydolls mandy

[an-honest-puck]

Prompocalypse (Ep. 16) highlights and viewing notes because I don’t have the time to liveblog while watching but I do have thoughts that I will complete some other time lol

spoilers ahoy!!!

nothing like the power of a teen girl/tiefling's catty sarcasm to completely undermine a villain's monologue (shoutout to the d20 sound crew for the perfect music and timing on that one!!)

Gorgug learns about a new way of disarming people: kissing them

"Stop outing students!"

"I'M GAY NOW WOO"

Lou turning his adding-up-dice-humming into the first notes of 'Amazing Grace' that Zac immediately picks up on and starts swaying along

Brennan's gentle "yeah" when Siobhan admits to having a question that will be bad for the party, but also that she wants to play the game right

even more spoilery spoilers below!

Lou giving Siobhan a thumbs up after the above question

the fact that Goldenrod finds the need to justify to a bunch of teenagers that he's attacking this student because he's just an evil demon and not because said student is gay

Riz yelling "HOMOPHOBE!" at an honest-to-goodness dragon

"To be clear, I am very socially liberal; I am fiscally conservative!" + everyone's reaction to that (shoutout to Zac's very judgemental head tilt XD)

Brennan saying "I am a libertarian!" in Goldenrod's 'teacher' voice and then growling it again straight afterwards, as if Goldenrod just remembered he was a big-ass dragon XD

not Beardsley's "So convenient for you!" lmaoooo

Goldenrod: What? Everyone should be free to do what they want. I should be free to collect gold and destroy, and you should be free to try and run away! This is a cultured political philosophy!

Ally/Kristen: I'm down from hearing that [and not from his actual attack XD]

Brennan: *describing the gnarly metal music Gorgug's listening to*

Zac: *drops his dice*

"Ooh, beignets!"

the little grin on Brennan's face when he rolls the dice and then A WILD JAWBONE APPEARS!!!!!!!!!!

Jawbone hugs!!!!!! 😭

Jawbone: Y'understand me?

Adaine: No!

Jawbone's monologue about panic attacks which is too much to unpack here and is basically a whole post in and of itself

Brennan: *mentions Tracker*

Ally/Kristen: Tracker!

Jawbone: I CAME HERE TO FUCK SHIT UP and help children

"Jawbone rules! I'm so glad we helped get his life together"

Introducing, Jawbone: Not a Healer, but a healer of the mind and the soul uwu

Adaine (but mostly Siobhan lol): I would love to do an arcana check... on this absolute fucking unit

Adaine just double flipping off an honest-to-goodness dragon

Kalvaxus: Aren't you supposed to be some kind of high-falutin' elf?

Adaine: I'm a child. You are attacking a bunch of children, you coward.

Fig: Be careful, Adaine; he has a taste for the young ones

Adaine: I have a mental illness and that's fine!

Kalvaxus: Alright, let's not turn this into a fucking PSA after-school special bullshit

Emily's big brain idea to seal Kalvaxus to be the next lunchlad and promote Gilear to be the new VP

Lou's sick-of-Brennan's-shit "Is it [Kalvaxus's] turn?"

Kalvaxus, an honest-to-goodness dragon and the Emperor of the Red Waste: Teens are so mean!

Kristen, mockingly: "Stop making fun of me!"

Adaine: Yeah well at least we're not ugly!

Adaine's happy bobbing!!!!! :DD

"This medicine is great! :D"

Gorgug's Nat 20 (!!!) to summon GORTHOLAX!!!!!

"IT'S TIME TO SHRED, BABY!!!"

Penelope, dying: All I wanted to be- was queen :'((

Kristen: We know!!

Beardsley trying to figure out how to flip someone the middle finger when they only have 4 digits

Riz/Murph, despondent that he can't roll anything higher than a ten. Everyone else: "You can!"

"Should've gotten silver fillings, bitch!!"

"Man, when I grow up, I wanna be a guidance counsellor!" - Adaine

Fabian's "a-HA!"

the strangest bit of improv when the tables are turned and Siobhan makes Brennan improv something coming out of her character's Jacket of Useful Things ("I open up my Jacket of Useful Things and I say 'I need something that will beat Kalvaxus' and I put my hand in a pocket and I pull out...?) only for Brennan to pull out the whole goddamn lore for the jacket XD

Ally: Can I roll for a nat 20 and then be alive?

Brennan's famous last words: Uh, sure, go for it.

Ally/Kristen: This is to the corn god. I know I left for a while but-

[Brennan.exe has stopped functioning]

Brennan: *flabbergasted and now rapidly figuring out how the fuck to figure this out*

Riz/Murph: Praise be to Helio!!!

Fabian/Lou: He-li-o! He-li-o!

BONUS EPISODE UNLOCKED, BABYYYYYY

#fantasy high #there were so many good bits that i didn't include lolol #maybe i'll come back to this post one day and reblog more fun things from this ep! #until then: enjoy these lil bits! #d20 #dimension 20 #d20 fantasy high #d20 spoilers #d20 fantasy high spoilers #day says hey #d20 with day

[loving-jack-kelly]

Yo!! Hello!!! I am like 90% sure I've seen you post about dimension 20 before!!

I just got a dropout subscription and I'm thriving but I am looking for advice for where to start/go with the dnd-verse on it? I'm assuming that the separate campaigns are relatively stand-alone but I would love an opinion (or just input on what the actual chronology is lmao)

hehe sleeper phrase discovered i'm honored you came to me :)

so the first thing to know which you probably already do is that there is a main returning cast for some seasons, and then some campaigns are a different group with an occasional different dm. the Intrepid Heroes are Lou Wilson, Zac Oyama, Brian Murphy, Ally Beardsley, Siobhan Thompson, and Emily Axford with Brennan Lee Mulligan dming, so they play as that exact group multiple times. There's usually one or two of them in a non-main-cast campaign, too, including Brennan sometimes as a player when somebody else is dming.

So! In terms of watch order! I recommend starting with Fantasy High because it's the original campaign and also fantastic. There are currently two seasons, Fantasy High and Fantasy High: Sophomore Year, and they are both masterpieces. We're also getting Junior Year this winter which is extremely exciting for me personally because I Love Fantasy High lol. Fantasy High is a great starting point especially if you're new to dnd/dnd actual play shows (which you may not be so feel free to disregard this bit of advice lol) because multiple players are learning how to play in the first season, so there's plenty of opportunity to learn with them. It's also generally pretty light-hearted and funny, though it doesn't sacrifice story for comedy which I love. If you don't know, the concept of Fantasy High is that these young teenagers live in a world where everywhere else is a stereotypical fantasy world but their country is like. Classic high school Americana. It's silly, the characters are great, the storylines are great and only get better in Sophomore Year, it's an all around great time and great intro to D20!

I went right from Fantasy High to Unsleeping City, which is also fantastic (you'll notice a recurring theme here, I love every campaign I've watched so far lol). If you like the lighter parts of Fantasy High but want a little bit more tension, Unsleeping City is perfect. It's set in modern-day New York with a twist: there's a magical underside to the city. Lots of fantastic commentary on modern life in the storytelling that slaps, I won't spoil but it slaps, and also really wonderful characters! Unsleeping City also has two seasons, so you get to see the characters grow and change a lot over two full plotlines which is very fun!

If you like the more serious side of things, my personal favorite D20 campaign is A Crown of Candy. I watched this third and it made me cry hard enough at work that my boss asked if I was okay lol. The set-up is simple: fantasy world made of food, but make it Game of Thrones. It's intense, the stakes are high from episode one, it's incredibly character driven and everybody plays really, really interesting characters, and because of how high-stakes it is, every payoff is just insane. We all talk about Ally's poetic nat 20s and believe me, they exist, but Mr. Lou Wilson (love of my life) has a nat 20 near the end of A Crown of Candy that genuinely made me feel so crazy when it happened that I had to take a walk lol. Cannot recommend it enough, it's devastating and perfect.

A Starstruck Odyssey is really good again if you like the lighter end of thing but still want stakes and tension! The world is based of comics that Brenna's mom wrote which is really sweet, and it's a very different vibe because is sci-fi instead of pure fantasy, which is honestly really fun. Some of the characters are up there on my favorites list, shoutout to Skipper and Sundry Sydney!

In terms of the campaigns that aren't Intrepid Heroes, the first one I listened to was Misfits and Magic, which is a Harry Potter spoof dmed by Abria Ayangar, who's fantastic, and featuring Brennan as an utterly unhinged in the best way player. There's also Mice and Murder, which is a super great mystery with anthropomorphic animals that was shot on zoom over the first lockdown (a few seasons were so don't be shocked by that lol). I'm a bit more than halfway through A Court of Fey and Flowers which has been great so far, and I'm super looking forward to getting to The Ravening War, which is a prequel to A Crown of Candy, and Mentoplis, as well as the current season, Burrow's End. I have to watch Neverafter first though, which is the most recent Intrepid Heroes campaign.

Anyway! To summarize!

My advice is to start with Fantasy High and Fantasy High: Sophomore Year, and then pick which elements you liked best to decide what you want next! All of the campaigns that aren't explicitly linked are completely standalone, like I'm not missing anything important from the one's I've watched by not having watched some of the others, so don't worry too much about chronology or anything like that! The only ones that need to be watched in a specific order are the two with two seasons already, which are Fantasy High and Unsleeping City, but those are labelled quite clearly with season titles! Also if it's easier to keep track of, Dropout has the campaigns sorted into their own shows on the site so you don't have to choose seasons of D20, you can just choose A Crown of Candy.

PLEASE update me as you watch! I love love love talking D20 lol it's one of my favorite shows like ever!!

#dimension 20 #dropout #d20 is so so so good have SO much fun watching!!! the important thing is it doesn't matter how you watch just have fun with it!

[thinlinez]

End of Year Writer Rec

Disclaimer: I have never done a rec before but I feel like these writers who had made my 2022 with their wonderful fics deserve a shoutout! The list is in no particular order and I will also rec one fic from the writer from this year!

⭐ BrightGolden ao3: brightgolden @brightgolden

Reccing: Here's Your Perfect

In the world where mates are assigned to everyone and deposited to their door when an agreeable partner is found for them, Alpha Louis has recently been given his. However, he is nothing like the type of alpha that the omega academy prepares Harry for.

Your fics are my comfort and this one is no exception. I love how the way Lou's character evolved while H is his lovely self. Atticus is the perfect pup of course :)

⭐ Marchessa ao3: Marchessa @marchessa

Reccing: Now You're Lost, Lost In The Heat Of It All

The story of a great medieval Emperor and his consort.

Your Lou is fierce and your H fights to protect his countries. The way that they are falling in love is so sweet and I scream every time H touches Lou I swear. Their dynamic never fails to amuse me! Can't wait for the second installment.

⭐ bluegreenish ao3: bluegreenish @greenblueish

Reccing: Battle Of The Balls

The one where YouTubers Harry and Louis play Golf With Friends, go to the pub with Niall and return home six hours after posting the video.

I am the biggest sucker for banter and pure fluff and laughs. This one got me real good and I am glad that you wrote it based on your own fav Youtubers. This is really a nice and funny fic, too underrated :(

⭐ thebreadvan ao3: thebreadvan @thebreadvansstuff

Reccing: High heels on, 'm feeling alive 

Harry damages a car when drunkenly stumbling home after a fun night out with his friends. Feeling horribly guilty, he tries to find the owner and make it up to him.

Drunk H is the funniest and the build up is so great! Of course the smut is so on point, love it a lot. The idea is so fresh and simple too, I think that's why it's a fav of mine :)

⭐ allwaswell16 ao3:  allwaswell16  @allwaswell16

Reccing: Ace of Spades

Louis is a pirate, Harry is his captive, and no one is who they say they are.

I remember reading it for the first time, thinking that I had an actual NOVEL in my hands... Later, after months, I read it again and again, there are so many things to unwrap in this fic. The details and characterization... I don't wanna spoil it to anyone but this one is worth a whole night reading. It is so wonderful! Pure talent goes into writing this and you have it!

⭐ wabadabadaba ao3: wabadabadaba @wabadabadaba

Reccing: Liquid Gold

Louis has a biting kink and the only person he thinks can fulfill it is his vampire friend, Harry.

This was HOT and funny tooooo, i love biting and marking concepts so I can definitely see how great this idea is and vampire H? Applause plz.

⭐ devilinmybrain ao3: devilinmybrain (venomedveins) @thedevilinmybrain

Reccing: i want to be just as close as the holy ghost is

Louis wants only three things in life - to pass his classes, to find a cure for hangovers after a night out with the lads, and to get church going, goodie two shoes omega Harry to go out with him.

This one is my fav so far although the Oli one is a close tie... Your omega H is so beautiful and that bondmark covering is very very cool and fresh idea. Love it.

⭐ localopa ao3: localopa @voulezloux

Reccing: i’m still standing (after all this time) 

dubbed the modern elton john, harry is the biggest thing to come to pop music. topping the charts, there isn’t anyone who can dethrone him. until pop punk trio funeral for fire emerges on the scene.

The cute meet, the banter, damn Marcus, Funeral For Fire, there is a lot of angst I am not gonna lie, but of course, it is a fav and so good too!

⭐ fearsparks ao3:  fearsparks @onlythebravest

Reccing: dream about a summer night 

Working alongside each other as camp counsellors, Harry and Louis grow closer than they’ve ever been before. That’s not a problem, but now they have these newfound feelings for each other to deal with.

This fic reminded me of my own summer camp experiences and it was nice to picture the settings and everything. Of course, friends to lovers and the pining got me real good... Love how it played out!

⭐ Neondiamond ao3: Neondiamond @neondiamond

Reccing: On Thin Ice

As the goaltender for one of the best hockey teams in the world, Harry never expected participating in his second winter Olympics would be so eventful. His hidden long-term relationship with the captain of their biggest rival team may have something to do with it.

This fic kinda schooled me on hockey stuff and the smut is well written. It is fun to see them trying to hide :)

⭐ ohpleaselarry ao3: ohpleaselarry @ohpleaselarry

Reccing: Night Song

Whatever happens to Louis’ heart, he doesn’t care. It’s up to Harry now. It belongs to him; completely. a Howl’s Moving Castle au

Putting some twists into the original plot line is so creative, I haven't read the book yet, but the movie is a classic of course. There can never be enough Ghibli fics!

⭐ ishiplouis ao3:  ishiplouis  @pocketsunshineharry

Reccing: I Like You, Say It Back

the one where it takes a lot of time for Harry and Louis to figure it out. But they do, they always do, don't they?

I finished this in one sitting and I love your H in this one! Lou is always so gentle with him and H's sassiness fits him so well, love it!!

⭐ alwaysxlarrie ao3: alwaysxlarrie @alwaysxlarrie

Reccing: i swear i could give you everything

Louis Tomlinson was not a morning person, so he really should have known better than to start leaving secret notes on coworker Harry Styles' desk before he arrived at the office at 7:30 each morning. But he did have to admit that hearing Harry's reaction everyday was definitely worth it. Not being a morning person might be his downfall in this situation, though. Talk about self sabotage.

This fic made me laugh a lot especially the notes and when Lou got caught! It is a delight to read!

⭐ tommokat ao3: tommokat @tommokat

Reccing: Orange You Juice The Cutest

there's only one carton of orange juice left and two men have to decide which one of them gets it.

Cute meet my forever love, this one is more like a funny meet and Ernie was so funny too, love the witty dialogues and the bantering :)

⭐ iminthisstanshit ao3:  iminthisstanshit @iminthisstanshit

Reccing: Four Souls Of The Seasons

 the poetic fairytale in which they are the four souls of the seasons

Watching this fic growing and getting posted was a journey! I love how each of the boys are a season and they corresponded with their personalities. This is more poetry than fic I would say :)

⭐ huggieshalo (Candypie14) ao3: huggieshalo (Candypie14) @huggieshalo

Reccing: You Can Let it Go

An alternative story where Harry is Matilda, who never stayed with Miss Honey and had to leave with his awful family. After years of being closed off, someone shows him that his life doesn't have to stay the way it is…

Seeing H struggling in this was hard, but I am glad he finally faced his fears and confronted his family. This was a nice twist on the song and original movie of course!

Go show every fic and writer some love! Happy end of year everyone!

#fic rec #end of year writer rec #hlficlibrary #larry fic rec #i have never done a rec before #this was hard #happy 28th #😂

[asw4ng]

NEVERAFTER SPOILERS

OKAY JUST FINISHED NEVERAFTER SPITTING MY THOUGHTS HERE

i really loved this season. i think it was one (if not the most) strongest story and character wise

I saw complaints of too much rp not enough rolling but I didn't mind it, I think it was clear from the jump that this was more rp focused than other seasons, and the times where they did roll (like in battle episodes but also in rp episodes) it all felt incredibly high stakes

i also saw complaints of it felt convoluted or too much going on but personally i was able to follow it pretty well

for being the horror season I loved what they did, but I would've loved even more horror in general like from descriptions

but that's just me being a horror fanatic

I wish we got to see more of the authors and their presence

I think it would've been REALLY interesting to see what woulve happened if they lost, but I found all of the endings really sweet

one of my fave finales ever for sure

omg my favorite episodes in general was the one with all the backstories pretty much purely for ylfas, that was some of the best rp and writing I've ever seen out of them, and the concept was incredible and perfectly executed by emily and brennan

THE ACTING this season was phenomenal from everyone, special shoutouts to emily, lou, and zach

zach perfectly embodied a cat

god the seating this campaign was so perfect as well

fave character overall was def ylfa, one of my favorite emily pcs ever. her acting, story, and total embodiment of this preteen girlbeast version of death who ATE DEATH AND IT WANTED HER TO LIVE. HELLO

god I could make a whole post gushing about her

oh wait I did

anyway amazing season, I don't think it beats some of my other top d20 campaigns, but that's not saying a lot bc I adore all of them

as a whole season not that high but for individual pcs and performances, at the top

love you emily axford keep ruining my psyche /pos

oh and lou looked SO good this season

goodbye

still have a lot more to say but I will not these are my surface thoughts as I finish

#neverafter #neverafter spoilers #dimension 20 #emily axford #brian murphy #lou wilson #ally beardsley #zach oyama #siobhan thompson #brennan lee mulligan #ylfa snorgelsson

[alexstorm]

Mod do you think he’s THAT sympathetic and kind to not leave someone just because she won’t have anywhere to live for a while? She has her family and friends. It wouldn’t be his problem if she doesn’t want to “go south” (lol). And she can find another sugar daddy pretty quickly. I think she’s just convenient enough. Apparently she doesn’t want a traditional family like Taylor did, he hasn’t moved her in after 5 years whereas Taylor moved in like after 5 months, and she’s always free and on call. It sounds so pathetic, but unfortunately it is what it seems it is. I also kinda agree with the other anon saying that he probably thought she was his fantasy and maybe now he thinks that he can never really be successful at finding the right one so he doesn’t even try anymore. Remember that infamous “spit kink” interview? He said Miles fulfills his fantasies. So I guess he really kinda looked for a gf who could fulfill his fantasies and who better than a 70s Birkin/Alexa wannabe? She even started wearing vintage clothes (btw they’re always ugly and honestly no one back in the day wore ugly outfits like that, don’t know how she manages to dress up this bad and her stylist friend doesn’t help her either) maybe he even felt like he could help her build a career (hate to say it, but like Serge helped Jane, EW) he was there for her career at the beginning (going to that performance she had at a restaurant, making her MVs, bringing his designer and editor for her album cover) but he probably found out that she has no ambition or work ethic so he stopped and lost interest. He has said he is a hard-working person himself and we can see that. She’s quite the opposite. Also we don’t know about the inner circle dynamics, all of them are either married/have kids or have partners. Maybe he doesn’t want to look like this single dude lol. I remember in 2018 in LA times interview the journalist mentioned that all of them are married with kids except him, and he said that he’s “never felt more marooned before”. I think it really says a lot about him and his thoughts. Maybe he felt like with the band he’s finally found the friends he always wanted and now that they all have their own family stuff going on he feels left out but also apparently doesn’t want a family of his own (according to himself saying in interviews a few years ago he doesn’t feel ready yet) so he has to have this decorative girlfriend. I don’t think he feels guilty about leaving her. He didn’t feel that when he dumped Arielle or Taylor. And you have to forgive me for bringing up TS because I know you don’t like her lol but she has a song named Getaway Car and it’s basically about how sometimes you’re looking for a way out of a relationship, and another relationship becomes a “getaway car”. I agree with you that he probably saw her as this “getaway car” but the reason she’s stayed this long is the convenience. If I were them I’d listen to Getaway Car and learn my lesson lol. I’m sure we don’t even know 10% of him and what goes on in his mind. People stay in toxic relationship (or even go back to them after leaving) for many reasons. I also think that this is not even what Lou imagined it’d turn out to be. She wanted the full treatment his exes got, including attending public events, spontaneously documented romantic moments by paparazzi, posting him on her ig, having songs written about her, appearing in MVs, getting shoutouts during live performances, fashion show front rows together, maybe she even dreamed of having her photo as an album cover or something and that’s why she desperately, and unsuccessfully, tried it with that concert poster. He ended up never publicly acknowledging her and only sent her to events like Beatles documentary premiere or Celine fashion show with his friends and their partners. He didn’t even attend that La Creme Music Festival last year where she performed. He’s not there when she’d want him to be but she is (/should be) there when he wants her. C’est tragique.

Pooh ok, a lot to unpack here.

First of all, I don't think this is about Alex being sympathetic but simply him being averse to conflict. Dumping her like this would cause a lot of conflict and problems in the future. He knew the other girlfriends had a back-up plan/friends. It seems like Louise has nothing. Just because he broke up/cheated on other girlfriends doesn't mean he didn't feel bad about it. Have we all forgotten 2018? That was not a man who was happy about his cheating and now being with the side chick.

Secondly, some of you guys still haven't gotten used to that English humour, eh? That Miles/Alex interview was clearly them joking around. All he was looking for was an Alexa cosplayer. He just got lucky she was also French.

Re: him looking like the only single guy in this group is what we were talking about with his low self esteem. He needs to work on that in therapy. What does he care how it looks to the outside as long as he's happy about his life? To me this sounds like someone who would like to be single without being judged for it but feels like he needs someone by his side as to not stick out. If he doesn't want to go to therapy for that then he should get more single friends. Instead he settled for Louise looking equally miserable as before.

Not gonna comment on Swifty and that particular song as it has been brought up before. Aren't there people with different tastes in music here as well? Help!

#Alex Turner

[clumsyclifford]

some writing prompts from stuff that’s happened to myself or my friends in college

you’re my new roommate and you seem really fun and you suggest that we go exploring across campus…do you know it’s 1am? yes? okay cool let’s do it

we started watching america’s next top model together as a joke but now we’re both super invested

we were both kinda drunk and flirting after this party so i walked you back to your dorm and kissed you but now you won’t talk to me and i’m very confused about these mixed signals

we’re like the only two people who ever talk in class and when we disagree we go all out but when we agree we are an unstoppable force

you talk a lot in this class and the teacher is really chill and you EXUDE BDE you put your feet on the chair in front of you and i’m so intimidated you seem so cool but it turns out you’re actually really friendly

just joined the all-male/all-female acappella group on campus and…wow everyone here is really pretty…i thought you were all straight but it turns out most of you are gay and that’s a lot

i’m your RA and i live next-door to you and listen, it’s not that i don’t like hearing you play guitar, i just don’t like it at two in the morning please i really don’t want to have to keep coming over here asking you to quiet down

two-packs of red bull just appeared on everyone’s doorknob during finals week and i don’t drink red bull but you do and you come knocking asking if you can have mine

you’re making tea in the communal kitchen, i come in for something else and you ask if i want to try some. have we met before? no? …okay, sure, i’ll try some

bonus: holy shit this tea is good please make me some more

we met by chance at school and it turns out we’re from the same city and now we hang out when we go home for breaks

i work at [a dining location] on campus and you are here…with concerning frequency at very late hours. why do you keep needing pizza at 1am

i thought my sleep schedule was bad but you go to bed at 5am and sleep til 5pm how did i suddenly become the responsible roommate

of fucking course i get the dorm right underneath the people who are always banging. also the roommate who keeps weed in our room. i’m not saying i mind but you could have asked

you’ve been flirting with me over snap for like two weeks. when i asked you, you said you weren’t, but trust me, i know flirting when i see it, and you definitely were.

you’re my roommate for orientation and wow we have a lot in common and you’re really cute and oh hey, good news! we’re living on the same floor of the same residence hall

yes i do think you’re cute. no i still will not get high with you

just matched with the entire acappella group’s collective tinder account so i jokingly swiped right and they did too and now i need to figure out who runs this group’s tinder

you’re my best friend’s roommate and i don’t know you super well but we have similar taste in music so we regularly text each other playlists and song recs and it makes me happy

it’s super late and im about to go to bed when you call me crying and in a state of panic and i have to go help you right now what’s wrong babe

how many ways can starbucks misspell my name

this can go any number of ways but i’m fond of “every time they mess up my name i text you the new version of my name and you think i’m funny so i keep doing it”

we’ve been wandering around for like an hour trying to locate a party that’s allegedly happening and we haven’t found it but we did have a lot of fun looking. wanna get pizza and talk about life?

you’re my roommate and you have this great group of friends and you guys do game night like every week and you always invite me but i always say no, thank you you’re so sweet sorry i’m such an introvert

came into the campus dunkin and the place is full but you’re sitting at a table and you invite me to join you even though you’re clearly waiting on someone, wow that’s so nice i love you

it’s your first time getting drunk. you take five shots, say you feel dizzy and kinda weird, then go back to your dorm and immediately fall asleep

bonus: i sit outside on the steps with you for like twenty minutes chatting about nonsense because you seem like you need the fresh air even though it’s drizzling out

we’re in an acting class and we get a scene that’s supposed to end with a passionate kiss. hey, professor? hello? are we supposed to actually kiss, or……???

you’re my roommate’s friend and you recently injured yourself so you’re in a wheelchair and my roommate is supposed to take you to your class this morning but they are still asleep it’s fine i can take you, no problem

we came into the city with the class but stayed after they went back to campus and decided to go to the macys near penn station and holy fuck this macys is so big and scary where is the exit why cant we find the exit they keep saying it’s half an hour to closing and we just want to pay and leave but there is not a single cashier in sight why the fuck is this macys so big

#writing prompts #story prompts #au prompts #prompts #fic prompts #prompts does not look like a word anymore #sorry for exposing my roommate i love her to death shes amazing #wow my college experience has been pretty fresh tbh #not all of these are me but most of them are #a couple are from friends #i know the last one is unbelievably specific but i just. had to include it #that macys is literally terrifying i can never return #stuff #shoutout to lou for making me post this #had to go back and turn my laptop BACK ON just to do it #youre welcome

[flodaya]

But why were the old druck writers fired? I’m trying to understand this from a rational/logical point of view but it just doesn’t make sense to me??

bad reception by German teens: they hated the Ava/mailin storyline because for once the narrative painted the sweet innocent white girl as the antagonist, they couldn’t emphasize with Ava at all, the YouTube comments were a mess during the entire season; and think how mailin barely changed her ways or morals but the way she was perceived in s7 was never again questioned, instead they double down and added another white feminist character, lou, and completely side lined ava

low views: I’m assuming getting fatou’s season took some convincing, a black lesbian as the central character isn’t really common on German tv, but the views didn’t live up to what the team might have “promised”, you could see the network barley promoted fatou’s season compared to isi and Nora and mailin’s, the writers were the ones constantly posting about it on social media, trying to get coverage and shoutouts by bipoc and/or queer centric instagram accounts to reach more people

creative differences moving forward: judging by other rumours zdf/Funk wanted mailin and consti as the last two main characters, the old team allegedly fought for at least isi to get a season but in turn they were let go and a new team was hired to write the season

also it’s just common sense, isn’t it? like why would they just switch out the entire team (except Lukas) in between seasons, they’ve never done that before, not even when they introduced a completely new set of characters in s5, so it’s very suspicious that they replaced them all at once

#druck #ask #so yeah there are very plausible reasons to believe the rumor #my posts

[venushasvixens]

Ch. 10 Alone at Last - Life is but a Dream (Spike Spiegel x Reader)

✨Link to the previous chapter: https://venushasvixens.tumblr.com/post/655830335479758848/ch-9-home-life-is-but-a-dream-spike-spiegel-x

-

[A/N] I was so surprised that I got this chapter out so much more quickly than I did my last NSFW work (which took me a good three months to do.) My inbox is OPEN for requests for characters posted on the pin post at the top of my page. Shoutout to @sunflowersenshi for inspiring this chapter! Thank you guys and stay safe ✨🪐

⛔️ WARNING: this chapter contains strong sexual content and use of smoking

You couldn’t call yourself happy, but you were certainly content.

The one time your choice made in anger resolved a problem. Every morning before six, you would leave Spike’s room on cloud nine. You’re definitely not going to lie, but getting your back blown out almost every night can be exhausting. But its so fucking worth it. Sneaking out of your bedroom after you were sure the other crew members retired for the night made you feel like you rebellious teenager all over again.

It almost always took place in Spike’s room. His hand covering your mouth while he pounded his cock into your aching pussy happened at least once while you guys did it. Even now you could feel the grip of his calloused hands on your hips as he thrusted inside and out of you. He doesn’t make it any better when he whispers just how wet and tight you are, or calling you every filthy name in the book. It was a brand new experience every time, and you craved more.

That was until Jet assigned you both on the trail for a new bounty head.The reward was only going for one million woolong, but the effort that was being asked to put into finding it was too much. For the past week, day and night, you and Spike prowled the streets. Looking for any leads, it all led to a dead end. Frustration began to build quickly, since your time was helping Jet research while Spike sulked somewhere on the other parts of the Bebop.

Content, not happy. Doing all the work in a two person project was not really fun at all. You wanted to ask why Faye was not helping, but you didn’t want to overstep your boundaries. Lost in the midst of your new fixation, you completely threw the reward on Faye off the table. Sure it was a hefty bounty, but now that you were in a closer proximity working together, it would be a betrayal that you could never come back from.

Was it love?

It couldn’t be. Too soon to tell. The walk back to your room after your nightly escapades consisted of your bruised psyche as to what your attraction was to Spike. In the beginning, physical attraction is what brought you closer to him. You wanted his touch all over your body, resonating his intoxicating aura onto you. It was so much like a drug, not one dose ever being enough. But now it was the rest of him that you were so attracted to. His very presence could satisfy you, because that’s all you needed. You just needed him near you at all times.

You’re pretty sure Spike didn’t feel the same way. You could be friends with benefits at night and crime fighting buddies during the day. To him, it sounded like a win-win situation. The gnawing feeling of wanting more ache throughout inside you every time you think of this “nice” arrangement. A murmur to drop kick directly back into the void where it belongs, you thought.

Dusk turned to evening on some fucking crater city on Mars. Or Venus? You couldn’t remember nor did you care. What you wanted was sleep or dick, and you couldn’t have either.

Strolling on the lower levels of the city, the nightlife bustled from street vendors and nightclubs opening their doors to party-goers. The smell was so alluring, your stomach growling softly. Even though it wasn’t a happy memory, it smelled like home. You would always consider the diner of being your true home, with someone who cared deeply for you. The happy memory turned sour as you remembered your painful goodbye to Lou. The pain and tears in her eyes as you walked away from her tore you apart. You didn’t want to leave your mother figure for anything, but if you stayed one more minute in that godforsaken town, you would’ve stayed there for the rest of your life.

Part of the plan was to lure your bounty out, then Spike would finish the rest. That meant you were playing the part of the decoy. Like a bird performing a mating ritual, you had to flash and excite those bloodthirsty eyes that had preyed on so many girls before you. It made you feel sick, but if that’s what got your share of the bounty, then so be it.

The only other person to have seen your outfit was Faye, which was uncomfortable enough. It wasn’t the lack of clothing or how the dress hugged your figure, it was the backhanded compliments that were said throughout the entire fitting. Each comment was laced with sincerity and shot down by stating a flaw that you hoped were not too obvious. Next time, you would ask Ein. He would never treat you that way.

“Have you two catch eyes on him yet?” Jet comm in through your earpiece.

Tripping over your ultra thin high heels, you sighed out of frustration. “What club did you say he frequents?”

“We went over this, ( Y/N). For the last time, its called the White Rabbit. Has a giant neon rabbit over the club.”

“You’re right, my bad.” You replied, cringing at your mistake.

“Lighten up, she’s doing her best. We could’ve chosen Faye to do this.” Spike chimed in.

“She would get too carried away by trying to distract herself. Besides, I think you both work together a whole lot better.” Jet said smugly, revealing that he was onto something that you thought wasn’t so apparent. You instantly clicked off the ear piece, attempting to focus on your misguided directions that were sending you in the opposite way of the club.

Eventually you found your way in front of the bar, anxiety shooting you in different directions. You turned your earpiece for direct communication with your backup.

“Nervous?” You muttered quietly.

“Never, because I know we are going to get out of this alive.”Spike replied, the sound of people talking and glasses clinking, indicating that he already made it inside the club.

“I’m not talking about the mission.” You shot back. “He knows, Spike.”

“And if he does? It’s not like he’s going to kick you off. You’re the best thing that’s happened to the ship.”

The need to ask that you were the best thing to happen to Spike in a long time was on the tip of your tongue, but that would’ve made you sound so full of yourself. It made it clear that Spike wasn’t too worried about you and him, so it meant that you had to follow suit. The sheer terrifying thought of your hours-long encounters with Spike becoming exposed made your cheeks searing hot.

You couldn’t understand how Spike got in so quickly. The line to the club was stretching down the sidewalk. You could use your charms, along with an amazing rack and legs to absolutely die for. Waiting in line was out of the question, you HAD to get in now.

“How the fuck did you get in? This line is not going down anytime soon.” You hissed.

“I have my ways.” Spike hummed into your ear.

Was it terrible that you were waterfalling just by someone’s voice? Jesus, you needed it badly.

“What were your ways? Because it's looking like this bait is sitting her ass out here until you’re finished in there.” You muttered, leaning against a beam while the line finally moved.

“Give security a show.” He replied. “Like you do with me.”

You were so thankful for the dim lighting of the street, or else the entire club line could see the desperation on your face. You knew exactly what to do. Spike’s words of encouragement were enough for you to jaywalk across the street, right up to the security. Insults and groans of frustration rang out as you cut the next person.

“Excuse me,” you purred sweetly, “my friends are in the club and they’ve been waiting for me for a really, really long time..”

Unbuttoning the top of your tan trench coat, you flashed your cleavage that was popping out of the low cut collar of your dress. The medium gold pendant that matched your dress perfectly slipped in between the curves of your tits, and you proudly held onto it. Finishing with a raised eyebrow and a million dollar smirk, you had given the greatest performance for the night and was ready for the curtain call.

The poor security guard, face blank but cheeks red as hell, stepped aside, holding the door for you. The groans of frustration got louder into yells of anger as you slipped in the club, making you smile out of sheer excitement. The power that you had over people was outstanding.

Handing off your coat to the doorman, the slits of your dress stretched to the upper side of your thighs, bringing a nice breeze to your backside. Blue lights illuminated off the black and white walls, pairing nicely with the checkered floors of the same color scheme. Flashing off the walls were neon giant flowers showing off a special projector. The deep bass of the jazz electronic music throughout the club pumped through your chest, with sweaty bodies enraptured on the dance floor. You scanned the establishment for sight on Spike. Nothing.

“Do something, gorgeous.” He said, apparently having eyes on you. “Don’t just stand there.”

“Like what you see?” You asked as you made your way to the bar, which was crowded by a ton of drunk, loud people.

“I would need to get closer.”

Shrugging it off, you just ordered a shot of tequila. This should relieve your stress for the time being. Scrunching up your face from the alcohol, you shook your head. Chest warm and a little more relaxed, you ordered another one for extra measure.

“Hello there.” You heard a voice behind you, rasped and sultry.

It was him, the bounty. His profile explained his crimes in great detail, including robbery and assault. His main targets were beautiful young women and men, naive and just wanting to have fun. Seduction was his method before stripping them of their possessions, finishing off with some nice trauma for later. Flattered that you were chosen as the decoy, still scared the shit out of you that the possibility of injuries could not be ruled out tonight.

“Hi.” You smiled back, leaning against the bar counter. He waved one of the bartenders over, ordering a drink for him and you’re guessing one for you.

“Oh that’s kind, but no thank you.” You said.

“Please,” you moved closer to you, a hand on the small of your back. “I insist.”

“Fine, fine.” You giggled, tensing at his touch. It was cold and methodical, attempting to reel you in for the kill.

“Hmm.” You heard Spike over the headpiece.

Smiling at Spike’s jealousy, you continued your fake conversation with the bounty, laughing at his corny jokes and intently listening to his prepared speech about himself and what he likes to do. You were always down to talk about yourself, but not on this level. He went into every aspect of his life, including what he was allergic to, to talking about his performance in the bedroom.

“(Y/N), that’s just fucking weird.” Spike mumbled. You wanted to agree so bad, but the mask had to be kept on.

“So tell me about yourself.” He finally said as he moved closer to you. The space between you both was non-existent, and it made this whole interaction intolerable.

“Get him dancing, I’ll be down there.” Spike spoke. That’s all he had to say before you took the bounty’s hand.

“Dance with me and I’ll show you.” You smiled, hoping to mesmerize and entice him.

You watched as he giddily followed suit. Letting his hand go, you bit on your tongue as his hand glided from your back down to your ass, giving a nice squeeze. Just get him dancing and this will be over with. Slow and full of soul, you sway your hips to the beat, keeping eye contact with the bounty. He couldn’t tell his left foot from his right foot as he tried to match the beat. It was not that hard to do, you thought.

You could tell he had enough of this as he snaked his arm around your waist, roughly pulling you in. An odd look came over his face as he continued to try to dance, hoping that physical contact with you could make his moves any better. Where the fuck are you Spike? You thought.

Click. Click.

“Mind if I join in?” You heard him say behind you. Peering up slowly, you saw the barrel right next to your head. The bounty’s face was in complete shock, his mouth hanging open slightly. Trying to budge out of his grip, his fingers dug into your skin.

“It’s over, get the fuck off of me.” You snarled, trying to wiggle out of the way in the case Spike would shoot.

Despite the life and death situation, everyone around you kept dancing, ignoring the standoff.

“This is so unfair, I can’t let it end like this!” The bounty’s panic shriek was a far different scene from earlier. His grip loosen, allowing you to step away.

“Was it your right that you took innocence by force? And when you are done, you give them a present that they have to carry for the rest of their life.” You fumed, shaking at his audacity.

“We’ll show you fairness.”

A swipe of the leg, a swift kick to the head, and finally, after long last, the bounty was all yours.

It was about fucking time.

-

With the bounty head collected, and the woolong saved preciously in between your and Spike’s account cards, you both were finally ready to put this dreadful week behind you. You contacted Jet to let him know of the good news.

“Thank God. Good work, head on back you two.” He said, hearing the soft clicks of his fingers hitting the keyboard. It could only mean that he was already searching for the next bounty. If you had to go through this torture again, you were going to vacuum yourself into deep space, and never to be seen again.

Putting out the butt of a cig, Spike flicked it on the ground, squishing it into the pavement. Walking slowly next to each other, you both were in no hurry to head back to the Swordfish so quickly. The busy street had now died down to a few stragglers from the club heading back home, or tripping over their feet drunk. One in particular got too close to you, prompting Spike to guide your shoulders to the inside of the sidewalk. Making a detour into an darkened empty alleyway, you hoped that this would add more alone time with Spike.

Despite all that action from earlier, your dress and makeup were still done nicely, with only a touch up on your lipstick needed. Glancing out of the corner of your eye, you could see Spike, eyes fixated on your body. Wandering over your figure, resting nicely onto your exposed cleavage. You were beaming with anxiety, your heart racing with the realization that you were finally alone with Spike, with no one else around you.

“Do you still need a closer look?” You asked, smiling.

“I think I may need a quick touch too.” Spike hummed, pushing your back onto the brick wall behind you. His hand traced from your back down to the curve of your ass, you looked around the alley to make sure there was no one around. As his hand trailed around the backside of your body, you instantly relaxed. This is what you needed, some of his physical therapy.

“You looked so fucking hot tonight.” He whispered lowly. “Took everything in me to not blow off the bounty and just fuck you on the dancefloor.”

“You wouldn’t have been worried about everybody watching us?” You said, letting out a soft moan as Spike’s lips made contact on your neck. Humming so sweetly as he licked and sucked on all the spots that were oh so tender, you held onto his torso for support.

“So they could all see how good I can make you feel? Yeah.” He chuckled darkly before biting down. You hissed in pain, but found pleasure from the teasingly animalistic nature you both shared when kept abstinent. Another hot, passionate kiss engulfed your mouth, Spike’s grunts getting deeper and more rasped. It was a level up as you massaged the outline of his cock in his pants, doing small circles around the tip. He was so sensitive, that he could have come just from you touching him like that. He didn’t want to rush this, he wanted to take his time with you before you both had to head home. Growling in sexual and actual frustration, Spike’s kiss got rougher. He was craving you, and he needed you now.

Pulling back suddenly, you felt calloused hands bunching up your skirt, hooking your panties to the side. It was so quick you didn’t have enough time to react, except to hold on for dear life. Spike brought his fingers up to your lips. “Open.”

You obliged, opening slightly. He slid his fingers into your mouth, allowing you to suck and bob your head back and forth. Spike watched in lustful fascination as you got his digits wet, remembering how you looked exactly like this when you first sucked him off. He never got tired of seeing it. Taking his fingers from your mouth, Spike reached down in between your legs. You anticipated his touch, but there was no movement down there. Whining, you looked up to see Spike smirking, gazing slyly as you pathetically worked for your pleasure.

“Please, please touch me..”

“You really want me to touch you?”

“Yes, yes! Please!” You keened quietly, the wetness from your pussy starting to drip from your leg.

“I need to hear you beg for me.”

Panting, you breathed a jumble of your words together. “I-i need you, I w-want you inside of me, I want all of you inside me.”

Feeling his fingers slip in between your folds, you breathed a sigh of relief when you felt him rub up and down your slit. Barely grazing your clit over and over, he finally pushed himself into your entrance. Your breath hitched in your throat as you forgot how long his fingers were as he pumped them inside and out of you. Curving his digits, he found one spot that could make you easily bring you to orgasm. The repetitive motion was starting to build it up, tingling ecstasy all around your body. Moaning into Spike’s chest, he gripped your body close to him as he worked on you.

Just as you were about to cum, Spike pulled himself away. You opened your eyes, disappointment starting to descend on you. It quickly vanished as you heard the buckle of Spike’s belt clink as he pulled his pants and boxers down, letting his rock hard cock spring free. “Turn around.”

Obeying, you pulled up the skirt of your dress, wriggling down your panties to your ankles. Yanking your hips towards him, Spike spit into his hand, generously rubbing his throbbing cock. You didn't have to wait as you felt all of Spike fill you up fast, basically slamming into you.

With no chance to catch your breath, he pounded into hard and fast, the sound of skin smacking in the alleyway getting louder and louder. You yelped loudly, suddenly having your mouth covered by Spike.

“I know it feels good, but you have to be quiet. Understood?”

Like you always did on the Bebop, you nodded, biting on your bottom lip.

“That’s a good girl.”

Starting slowly again, Spike began to get reacquainted with you. Soon enough he built up the strength and speed to wreck your hole harder. Every time his cock plowed in and out of you, you could feel the wetness from your pussy spurt onto your thighs and ass. The realization made you so fucking hot.

You couldn’t stop moaning and into your hand, it felt so fucking good. Oh god, how you missed this.

“All of this..” Spike grunted in between thrusts, “for me?”

You nodded vigorously, tears forming on the corner of your eyes. As much as he cared about his own high, he wanted to take you with him so that you both could release with each other. He cared about your needs just as much as his. To be honest, Spike got super horny with the thought of him making you cum. It was all he could think about as he watched you dancing in the club, the memories of the weeks before where his face was buried deep in between your legs, his tongue flicking and sucking on your clit. How he wished he could hear your sweet moans and cries for him, calling out his name as he tortured you.

“I-i forgot how big you are.” You let out breathily, trying to keep the volume at a low.

His stamina never faltered, keeping up the pace for you and him. Feeling a wave of warmth descended his body, he could sense the build up of his orgasm approaching. The walls of your pussy clenched, tightening over his cock. He let out a hiss, knowing that this meant you were close too. His arm wrapped around your waist, bringing himself down to you. Kissing and running his tongue over your neck sloppily, you reached up and ran your fingers through his hair, tightening your grip.

There was so much more roughness you craved, but you had Spike all to yourself. You finally had alone time with him after so long. It began to be too much to handle, the cup becoming very full, and about to spill.

“S-spike, I-I’m almost there,” you cried softly, trying to find a firm hold on the wall in front of you.

“Good i-i am too, cum on my cock,” he growled in your ear as the pace picked up even faster, “cum for me.”

It was like he had a power over you, cumming on his cock at his command. You screamed into your hand, biting down on it as your legs shook from the sheer force of euphoria blooming out of you. Spike gave one, two, three quick hard thrusts before ropes of cum spilled inside of you.

The sensation left you shivering and panting, feeling a warm wet trail leak down your leg as Spike pulled out. Your skin on your ass tingled from the sensation of Spike’s hips. You definitely could tell it was going to be a slight challenge to sit down, but you’ll be fine.

As you reached down to roll your panties back up, you felt a tug on your waist. Turning around, it was Spike bringing you closer to him. Pinching your chin in his hand, he brushed your lips with his as a parting gift. He smirked out of the corner of his mouth, his eyes hooded and satisfied.

“What?” You smiled.

“We should hold off more often.” Spike joked.

“I don’t think so, this week was complete torture. Plus, I hate seeing you cranky.” You replied, your voice still hoarse.

Spike sighed. Taking a cig out of his coat pocket, he lit up the dark alleyway from his lighter, letting the cig dangle from his mouth. There was a nice, quiet peace between you both as you gathered scattered thoughts and emotions back into place. It was soon interrupted by the beeps on your ear pieces.

“Hello??” You could hear Jet say, instantly killing the mood. “Is anyone there? Are you guys anywhere close to the ship?”

You huffed. Walking over to Spike, you snatched the cig out of his mouth and took a good, long drag. You needed that. Spike wasn’t even mad that you did that, he understood exactly how you felt. He tried not to think about it since it would get him hard, but seeing you smoke was a turn on. Tiredness laid onto him, putting away his sinful thoughts. Staring up at him as you finished it off, you stomped the butt into the ground, and motioned to the entrance of the alleyway.

“Let’s go home.”

#fanfiction #faye valentine #90s anime #cowboy bebop #jet black #radio free mars #spike spiegel x reader #spike spiegel #life is but a dream #you’re going to carry that weight #spike spiegel headcanons #swordfish

[philtstone]

Listen LISTEN u already KNOW I am nothing if not a HO for the way u write casual intimate touches,,,,,,,,so how about,,,,,,,“don’t want to let go hugs” for,,,,,,drum roll pls,,,,,,,sarah/bucky 👀👀👀

part of this verse and specifically relevant to a plot point in "clover". shoutout to @firstelevens for gently coaxing me through the unreasonable volume of nerves i experienced posting this. there be angst ahead. im a little sorry in advance

you can also read this on ao3 :)

Sarah's been thinking of her mother all afternoon.

She's not sure why. Maybe because her back and feet ache, that dull tiredness that comes from a long week of work. Or maybe because the house is so full. People are moving in and out through the porch and the living room and the kitchen and the backyard. Her mother always ran a full house. If there was a person needing something, they were let in through the front door. Sarah's long come to realize that the most prevalent need was for a friend, even if it was wrapped up in an ask to borrow plastic tablecloths or extra sugar or get a recipe they just couldn't crack.

So she's got her mom on her mind. There's a tenderness to her remembering. Also a fragility. Her mother, who had given up college not because of some oppressive social tragedy but because she had wanted to. Her mother, halfway pregnant without meaning to be and jumping feet first into a new business she didn't know much about running, her husband’s hand held firmly in her own. There's a reason there used to be about four years difference between she and Sam. More or less nullified now, but anyway. Sarah wonders what her mother had felt, in that moment, filled with love for the life she had but faced with the unchangeable reality of what she never was given to mourn the loss of in the first place.

Sarah is thinking of all this when she enters the house, laughing at some nonsense Sheira's spouting. Sheira always spouts nonsense when tipsy on coolers, and she's outside on the porch now, perched in her husband's lap and hooting her head off at Mr. Liu's whacky stories. Annette's in the backyard, mediating an age-old debate between her mother and Ms. Gloria regarding some brand of seasoning, and Annette’s boyfriend's talking knitting patterns with Carlos by the landing floor bathroom.

Sheira protests Sarah's leaving, but it’s loose, distracted, the way comfortable friendship can be at this hour and with the knowledge you're all home.

"No, I'm just gettin' some water –” Sarah’s saying. “I'll be right back, you keep on making a fool of yourself, girl."

"Now Sarah, you know my wife's always foolin'."

"Mr. Langston you better keep your thoughts to yourself, or I'm leavin' this lap. Go on, Sam honey, deal the next hand. Look at this. I’m bettin’ on him, ‘cause Captain America won’t cheat."

“Yeah, but old Sammy will.”

“Aw you know my poker face ain’t worth a damn, Lou, c’mon –”

Sam's losing at cards to some of the dock guys. He's got a full smile on, one that he's shot over at her every so often since about four thirty when she passed him by in the kitchen. It's closer to eight now. They've got half the street over -- Sarah's not sure how it happened, but one thing led to another. Maybe it's 'cause Sam's home. It's close to the end of the summer, wind turning, kids feeling some kind of way about going back to school. Cass has been babbling all week about how he's gonna have to start thinking of college next year -- a whole three hundred and sixty-five days from now. AJ is already scandalized on his behalf.

Just now, the kids are running up and down through the house. She heard something, an hour or so ago, about a game of cops and robbers tangled up in a Tik Tok challenge Sarah's had just enough Mom Bandwidth to declare acceptable for consumption – vaguely, she's aware that Bucky's been corralling 'em, and that is enough for her. It's nice and cool indoors when she slips through the screen door and pads her way toward the kitchen. Laughter filters in through the windows from all corners of the place. There's music playing. There's a kind of loving in the air. Sometimes, Sarah thinks she tricks herself into not savoring it as much as she should.

You're so practical, Mama, Cass told her a few months ago, grave in the kitchen while he helped her with the overfull garbage bags. I think you run our house a sorta way and it makes everyone forget that's not just how things are, like, everywhere.

Sarah has to stop her pilgrimage because Elling Clancy's string bean self has just raced patter-footed past her, holding an old nerf gun with her hair in its customary tangled nest and hollering something about Sugar shorin' up their defenses.

"Elling! Don't be slipping on my hardwood and bustin' your head open now!"

"No Ms. W!"

She is about to move on when she hears the much quieter murmur of voices coming in through the living room. Sarah pauses, leaning back, and looks in through the door. She feels her whole self soften, one hand coming up to flutter against the slipping strap of her sundress.

Bucky is with little Nina Calleigh by the foot of the couch. Sarah's sure Nina must have tired out from the older kids' game, needed a rest or a break or a distraction; there's a bent copy of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe open but abandoned on the floor by their legs, and one of AJ's old dinosaur figurines discarded by what must be Bucky's half-finished glass of sweet tea. They're engrossed in something, he and Nina, heads bent low together over it, a secret little conversation all of their own. At four, Nina's started loving those. She's determined to communicate everything either as a yell or a lispy whisper in your ear, both done with equal force and conviction. Doesn't help that her older sister is Sugar, and Sugar sees it her God-given duty to full body slam the whole world at any given opportunity.

Bucky moves his arms, lifting Nina up from her place on the floor to prop her against his chest. For the first time Sarah spots Alpine as a raggedy little ball of white in his lap, one of her tiny white feet poking out over the strong bend of his knee. Nina wants to cuddle with the cat, Sarah realizes, but keeps grabbing at her with abrupt movements and getting scared when Alpine startles.

"Gentle, we gotta be gentle," Sarah hears, feeling her lips twitch up into a small smile when it's followed by Nina's protesting,

"But I am been' gentle."

"'Kay, give me your hand. See? Like this." Together, they pet the cat once, Nina's chubby brown hand held delicately under the smooth metal plates of Bucky's fingers. "She doesn't get scared like that."

"Oooh," says Nina, pretty and wide-eyed, small bubbly voice filled with wonder. "She's so sof'."

"You wanna pet her again?"

"Yah! Can I pet her the whole night?"

Sarah can’t tell what it is. The way he is holding her, maybe, bracketed carefully upright but with enough space that she can be her own little person as she overbalances in the generous movements that four-year-olds so favour. Or the look in his eye, an open, selfless thing with no one around but Nina to see it, not quite adoring because he would never allow himself that with a child that wasn’t Sarah’s. This is something she has come to learn about him, has had to work to understand. But God, she feels it, that look, right in the center of her own chest. She watches him continue the conversation, listening intently to Nina’s small declarations, one hand reflexively coming up to cup the back of her head and tuck back the loose, flyaway curls haloing around her dimpled cheeks. Something sweet, aching, and long-forgotten wells up from a deep place in Sarah’s heart.

She makes it the rest of the way to the kitchen, slides down against the cabinets beneath the sink. By the time she has wrapped her arms around herself her cheeks are already wet.

She doesn't really know why she is crying. She tucks her hands around her mouth, tries to keep it quiet. It's not too hard at first; it's a quiet emotion that she's feeling. She pulls her knees up, and closes her eyes as tightly as she can, like maybe it will stop that way.

Footsteps creak on the kitchen landing and then she feels a warm body beside her. Her brother’s wide familiar hands cup her shoulders like he used to do when they were kids.

"Hey now," Sam says, somewhere above her.

"How'd you know I was gonna be here?" Sarah mumbles, face still covered, not without a touch of frustration.

"I'd like to think I know my sister."

"Shit," Sarah says, sounding far more watery than she means.

"You've had this look on your face all afternoon," Sam says, more gently than Sarah expects. "Been keepin' my eye out. You need a minute?"

Cass is nearing the end of high school, AJ about to start it, both turning into beautiful young men. She's so much older -- different body, different heart, different mind. Last week she heard on the news about another Black child in Baltimore, hurt by the people meant to protect her, and felt some measure of relief at her own decisions.

"I'm bein' so silly," Sarah whispers. She can feel Sam waiting on her, listening. "I don't know what's wrong with me, Sam. I don't know --"

She knows – he’s always been good with them. Even at his lowest points, those early days he’d visited, she had noticed. With her own boys, and their friends, and their cousin Lola’s brood last Thanksgiving – and there has been a quiet acceptance to it on both their parts, that this is it. They’re happy. Sarah is so overwhelmingly, achingly happy sometimes, at the fullness of the life she’s fought tooth and nail to build.

"I don't -- can you be grateful, like so grateful, I don't even know -- but there is a part of your heart that breaks anyways, I, Sam --"

"Oh," Sam says. "Oh, Sarah, yeah, of course. What happened?"

"Nothing," Sarah says, which is not a lie, and begins to cry in earnest. Sam wraps her up in a hug. She can still hear the sounds of the party, too-close, like it’s just outside the kitchen door waiting to jump in.

Sam shifts against her and Sarah realizes there is another presence pausing at the doorway. A child’s small voice asks a question. She stills, trembling, unable to calm herself. There is a rustle of movement, then toddler feet against Sarah's cracked laminate tiles.

"Hey bubba. You know where Cass is?"

"Yah. He’s playin’ in the backyard."

"Can you go hang out with him a minute?"

"'Kay."

"Okay. Thank you."

Three swift footsteps, and then he is there beside her.

"What --"

"Hey, hey, it's okay.” Sam, firm and reassuring. “She's fine."

"Sarah." There's quiet urgency to it. "Are you hurt anywhere? What happened?"

"She's just feelin' a little fragile right now," she hears Sam say, quiet above her.

“What …”

Sarah looks up, chest gasping, feeling a bit cracked open at the edges. Now that she has started crying, she does not know how to stop. It's always been like this. She hates crying, she remembers, ‘cause it’s always been like this.

Bucky is looking at her intently, brows drawn together in a soft shape, mouth parted slightly in the middle.

"Hey," he says softly, when she meets his eye. She is suddenly desperate to explain herself. She lets go of Sam, grabs onto him, brings her hands to his face. She presses one to either side and pushes her thumbs uncoordinated over the warm shell of one ear and the high curve of a cheekbone, feeling as though if she does not touch him she will fall apart.

"I love you," Sarah says, breath stuttering with the force of it. She is still crying, but she's moved beyond caring now. "I love you. I love you so much, I don't say it enough, but I --"

"Okay," Bucky says quietly, like he understands. "Okay." Then he folds her into a hug, letting her face press against his heart, beneath his chin. It’s not tight, not like the kind that squeezes, but there’s an unquestionable firmness to it. She can feel him press his mouth against the top of her head over the uneven crown of her braids. He is steady and present. She's pulled into his lap. She doesn't want to let go. She doesn't know what to do with all the grief that's so abruptly welled up inside of her, tangled into something beyond words. She can feel the murmur of some exchange above her head, and then the creak of Sam's feet leaving. They sit there for another minute, and Bucky is warm and solid and thrumming around her, and Sarah cries.

When he eventually shifts beneath her, Sarah operates on instinct and tightens her hold, nails digging into the hard curve of his shoulder blade. There is a beat, like he is making a decision, then Sarah feels a slight tensing of muscle, and the small swoop in her belly as she is lifted easily into the air.

She keeps her face pressed against the soft t-shirt covering his shoulder as Bucky walks them quietly from the kitchen into the living room, then beyond, to the den. The quiet click of the door shuts behind them, and Sarah is placed gently down on the rusty orange cover of the daybed, before he climbs up behind her on sock-clad feet and pulls her to his chest. He wraps himself around her from behind -- arms solid around her torso, knees bracketing her wide hips where her skirt has crumpled up around her thighs. He leans back against the wall, takes Sarah with him, and keeps them there, pressed together, only breathing steadily in the mundane fresh-laundry smell of the room.

The change in location helps her recalibrate. It's been so long since he’s stayed in here, Sarah thinks. Bucky’s a tidy creature by nature and habit, so he hasn’t really left much clutter behind. His books are on the shelf though, now, by her filing cabinet of tax stuff and the laptop Sam keeps at the house. Beside that is the small stack of college brochures she knows he’s collected in case Cass’s anxieties flair up again. Meticulous, like she said; over-prepared. Sarah has dealt with the hard press of survival by becoming a crisis-to-crisis kinda person. She’s always joked that there’s someone in her corner, throwing her in with Bucky and his compulsive twelve-step contingency plans.

She can hear a quiet echo of kids' laughter through the window, out into the backyard.

"Sarah," he says quietly, after a while. "I love you too."

"I know that," Sarah says. Her voice is stronger now, but raw. She looks down, rubs her thumb over the strap of his watch.

"You tell me you love me all the time." She stays quiet. “What’s going on?”

It is hard to explain. For many reasons, but foremost, because she doesn’t know if she can do it in a way that leaves him forgiving of himself.

“I think I had to grieve a little,” Sarah says.

He shifts around her, then runs his hands down her arm. Again, it is a movement light but unquestionably firm, and present. She can feel him press a kiss to her neck.

“Okay,” he says, and does not ask further.

They will go back out in a bit, she thinks, and be full of love for the life they have again. But in a minute, in a minute.

#my writing #sarah wilson #bucky barnes #sam wilson #i found a dream #sarah x bucky #sarahbucky #fleur de louve #fleurdelouve #the falcon and the winter soldier #tfatws #marvel #touches prompt meme #i talked myself out of posting this four times and then talked myself back into posting it another 5 #which makes it sound very dramatic. its not. i just feel very unequipped #this felt very organic when it manifested in my brain at 2 in the morning last week and now ... who can know #sam x sarah #and very brief #sam x bucky #but platonic

[sitp-recs]

Hi dear! Thanks to you I came across The Ordeal of Being Known. I've just finished it and I'm speechless, it's sooooo good! Definitely one of the best fics I've read in a while. So I just wanted to send you this to thank you for all the reclists you've done, you truly opened my eyes to so many gorgeous fics and for that I'm eternally grateful. 💗

I’m 😭 wow I can’t believe my tiny commentary helped you find this gem, I’ve been so absent lately and a decent rec for TOOBK on my blog is waaay overdue but I’m super pleased to hear that. @lou-isfake is a very talented writer and whenever someone mentions that fic it makes me so happy to know it’s been getting the love and appreciation it deserves! I’m sure you’re all over it but I’m linking the sequel here if anyone else wants to check. Thanks for reaching out anon, messages like yours make my day so much better!! I’m sure Lou is thrilled as well ❤️

Edit: @teacup-tai was the first person to like this post and I wanna give her a huge shoutout for being the first one to mention this fic to me back when it had just been published. Her usual enthusiasm made me so excited I had to check it right away - good thing I could still manage long fics back then lol thanks Tai, love you!

#asks #anon #the ordeal of being known

[thevalleyisjolly]

What the Taste Buds Had Left: A Crown of Candy PVP Scenario

[THIS POST IS ALL SPOILERS FOR A CROWN OF CANDY’S SEASON FINALE]

Like many fans, I was relieved that the last episode of A Crown of Candy did not end in PVP.  Like many fans, I was also a little excited to see how a PVP would have played out.  Now, obviously we can’t reliably predict any outcomes.  There’s always roleplay and player agency, to say nothing of dice rolls, so even the most likely outcome is never guaranteed.  However, we can look at the circumstances of each character going into a theoretical PVP, and potentially how that might affect their performance.  

First, a huge thanks to Kyber Bonsai, Tillie the Paladin, and gluegunshots, who put together the transcripts for Episodes 16 and 17 on the D20 wiki!  The transcripts were my main resource in gathering data, and saved me a lot more time and effort than if I had to go through the episodes, pausing every five seconds.  Thank you for your invaluable work in making D20 more accessible!  Thank you also to the D20 wiki editors!  Most of the stats and information about magical items came from the character pages on the wiki, so thank you for your hard work!  Thank you to Samir Barrett (@sketchmasterskillz), whose amazing official art for ACOC is included below.  And a quick shoutout to the folks at CritRoleStats, whose pre-combat “What Do The Mighty Nein Have Left” posts inspired my own efforts here.

Data Collection

The data reflects the current HP and remaining abilities of each character at the point when Saccharina and Ruby make their decisions.  Data collection began with the first spell slot used in Episode 16 (a 2nd level Pass Without a Trace from Liam before the battle started), and ended with Calroy’s death.  I focused on HP and limited-use abilities such as spell slots and magical items.  

For the sake of brevity, I have chosen not to include in this post every single class feature that each character has, and have instead highlighted limited-use abilities.  Unless otherwise stated, assume the character has access to their regular class and sub-class features.  Most of the class features that I’ve omitted can be found in the standard 5th edition Player’s Handbook, and the D&D 5e wiki contains the information for additional subclasses.  I’ve also assumed that apart from magical items and Lou’s Great Weapon Master feat, no homebrew edits have been made.

For magical items, I’ve elected not to describe every single magical ability, except those with particular homebrew features (e.g. Payment Day, Swirlwarden).  All magical weapons are +1 weapons (except Payment Day, which is +2).

While I was able to determine max HP for most of the characters going into the final battle, I was not able to determine Saccharina’s, as she did not take any damage in the fight, nor in the episode after she levelled up.  At Level 9, her HP max was 58.  She has an unknown Constitution modifier.  If Emily followed the Player’s Handbook when building Saccharina, Constitution would be her second highest score as a sorcerer.  Whether or not Constitution is her second highest ability score, I think it’s safe to assume that Saccharina would not have a negative modifier, giving us a range from +0 to +4 (I’m assuming she does not have a Constitution of 20).

Given those factors, we can estimate her Level 10 HP to be between 59 and 68.  She already had her two levels of cleric when we met her, so every level up since then has been sorcerer levels.  Sorcerers have a d6 hit die, so the lowest increase she could potentially have is +1 (1 + 0 CON mod) and the highest increase is +10 (6 + 4 CON mod).  Since she has healing spells, her exact HP doesn’t matter too much unless it comes to very high damage from a single attack (à la Lapin and Keradin), which it could, but that’s impossible to predict.  Suffice to say that for the purposes of this scenario, Saccharina has full health.

And now, on to the fun stuff!

Saccharina - Storm Sorcerer 8, Tempest Cleric 2

[ID: The official art for Saccharina Frostwhip by Samir Barrett @sketchmasterskillz. Saccharina has green skin and a neapolitan mohawk.   She wears a silver tiara, a blue-green outfit dotted with dark spots and a light brown front panel, a white cloak, chocolate pauldrons with cherries on the shoulders, and waffle shinguards.  She holds a spoon-shaped staff in one hand which crackles with lightning energy, and her other hand outstretched to the side also crackles with lightning energy. She stands with a confident posture, and is looking to the side with hooded eyes and a smile.]

HP: Full (between 59-68 HP) AC: 20 Remaining Spell Slots: 1st level (4), 2nd level (2), 3rd level (1), 4th level (3) Sorcery Points: 5/8 Luck Points: 2/3

Feats: War Caster, Lucky

Magical Items Winterscoop Staff: 0 remaining charges; resistance to cold damage Freezerburn: Magical sword

Cinnamon HP: 65/178 Breath Weapon: Unknown

Cinnamon was one of Saccharina’s greatest assets in the battle.  Thanks to the enemy soldiers targeting Cinnamon with their attacks, Saccharina ends the battle with full health and most of her resources.  While both her 5th level spells are gone and the Winterscoop Staff is out of charges, she still has a good number of higher level spells, as well as access to healing spells.  There is the caveat that depending on how long it took between the end of the battle and the start of the PVP, the Haste spell she cast on Cinnamon in Round 4 of the battle may wear off (the battle ended during Round 11).  If it wears off before PVP starts, Cinnamon can still attack on her turn.  If it wears off during a round of PVP, he is stunned for a round, which could prove decisive.

In a PVP, Cinnamon could once again be her greatest asset, provided he is not stunned.  While it isn’t clear whether or not his breath weapon recharged after its last use in the battle, he’s still a large enough threat with his HP and melee attacks that an attacker would most likely focus on downing him first.  Lou revealed in the Adventuring Party’s for Episodes 16 and 17 that he’d been tracking Cinnamon’s HP and that in the case of PVP, he’d eliminate Cinnamon first to try and deescalate the situation.  Given that Amethar is one of the characters who could drop Saccharina to 0 in one turn (depending on her HP), this may give Saccharina the round advantage she needs to bring down Amethar first.

Lou was absolutely correct in identifying Saccharina as his biggest immediate threat (other than Cinnamon, of course).  With a 4th level Lightning Bolt and a Channel Divinity to deal maximum damage, Saccharina could easily drop Amethar at his current HP to 0 with one attack if he fails his save.  In fact, despite having the lowest max HP of the party, Saccharina is easily one of the most dangerous PCs, thanks to Emily’s excellent build.  With a 20 AC, a spell save DC of 17, and her levels in cleric, it would take a massive single attack to pose an immediate serious threat to her.  However…

Ruby - Arcane Trickster Rogue 9, Shadow Magic Sorcerer 1

[ID: The official art for Ruby Rocks by Samir Barrett @sketchmasterskillz.  Ruby has pink skin and red locks of hair tied back into a high tail.  She wears a jewelled red tiara, an all-red outfit with puffed sleeves, and curved toe black shoes.  She is standing partially crouched, with her hands before her in fists, and looking to the side with a focused expression.]

HP: 55/78 AC: 17 Remaining Spell Slots: 1st level (4), 2nd level (3)

Feats: Squat Nimbleness, Magic Initiate

Magical Items Sour Scratch: Grasping Arrow (once/long rest), Acid Arrow (once/long rest) Flickerish: Shield (once/day), 1d6 Superiority Die (Disarming Attack) Locket of the Sweetest Heart: Advantage on death saving throws if other locket is within 5’ Water-steel Dagger: Imposes three conditions requiring saving throws - extra damage, poisoned condition, prevents target from speaking

Ruby has been very strategic throughout the battle, saving her spells and limited abilities for a potential PVP at the end.  The battle has taken out a chunk of her health, only about a third, but enough to put her in danger if she takes an attack from Cinnamon or Saccharina.  As a rogue, she does have Evasion and Uncanny Dodge, which could allow her to mitigate some of the damage from such an attack, although she would still be brought down low and could potentially go down at the next attack.

Of the six PCs, Ruby is one of the best placed when it comes to her resources and abilities.  She has all her spell slots, and full access to all her class abilities.  In particular, as a first level Shadow Magic sorcerer, Ruby has the feature Strength of the Grave.  If damage from a non-critical and non-radiant hit reduces her to 0, she can make a Charisma saving throw (DC = 5 + damage taken) to instead drop to 1 HP.  Paired with the Locket of the Sweetest Heart (if Liam is nearby and on her side), this provides her with a little more wiggle room if she drops to 0.

Rogues in general are very versatile.  Most of their class features are not limited use, and can be used in a variety of situations.  For a partial caster, she doesn’t have very many damage-dealing spells, but her hefty weapon arsenal compensates for that, with Sour Scratch, Flickerish, and the Water-steel Dagger all having considerable abilities and also meeting the requirements for a Sneak Attack weapon.  As we saw with Ciabatta, 5d6 Sneak Attack paired with the Water Steel Dagger is a deadly combination.  Ruby also has Yak, who can grant her advantage on an attack or check.  She may not be as openly formidable as Amethar, but she is just as dangerous in many ways.

Amethar - Storm Herald Barbarian 5, Battle Master 5

[ID: The official art for Amethar Rocks by Samir Barrett @sketchmasterskillz.  Amethar has pink skin and a green beard.  He wears a jewelled crown of purple and gold, an elaborate outfit of striped red and purple, a purple suit of armour and boots, a furred purple cloak, gold vambraces, and various jewels decorate the ensemble.  He holds Payment Day, a gold-coloured sword with an enormous blade, in his hand, and has a strong stance with a serious expression on his face.]

HP: 48/116 AC: 17 Rages: 2 Superiority Dice: 2

Feats: Great Weapon Master (modified - roll +2d6 damage instead of flat +10)

Magical Items Payment Day: Extra damage die against creature who hit you in the previous round; if you roll a Natural 20 against a creature who has killed a member of your family, they must make a constitution saving throw (DC 16) or be killed

Amethar has been in the thick of battle, getting the kills on Grissini and Calroy, which is reflected in his HP (under half of his total).  However, he has not used his Second Wind yet, which could give him the boost he needs to withstand a round of attacks from Saccharina and Cinnamon.  While he’s already used up his Action Surge, he still has two attacks per round, and if anyone kills Ruby, Payment Day’s special ability could come through once again.

By design, high level barbarians are really difficult to kill, and Amethar’s levels in fighter make him even more scarily efficient in dealing damage.  Rage halves any bludgeoning, slashing, or piercing damage, which effectively makes Saccharina and Cinnamon the only ones who can consistently deal full damage to him, since Liam has used up almost all his magical attacks.  Unless Saccharina or Cinnamon deal significant damage in the early rounds of combat, Amethar is unlikely to go down until the end.

Having said that, Amethar is such an obvious threat that from a purely mechanical perspective, it makes sense for all the other characters to focus on him (à la Critical Role’s Battle Royales where nearly all the players focused on Grog).  Ruby can be very deadly in her own right, but she’s not going to present the same immediate danger as someone who doesn’t take full damage from an attack.  If Amethar tanks and absorbs attacks from other PCs, this could give Ruby leeway to either get her own attacks in or to make an escape.

Theo - Eldritch Knight Fighter 10

[ID: The official art for Sir Theobald Gumbar by Samir Barrett @sketchmasterskillz.  Theo is a red gummy bear with big white moustache.  He wears an entire suit of golden plate armour and a golden helmet, with a purple sash and a red cloak.  He holds a purple lollipop shield in one hand, and a sword shaped like an orange popsicle in the other.  He stands at attention, with a focused expression on his face.]

HP: 116/140 AC: 21 Remaining Spell Slots: 1st level (2), 2nd level (2)

Feats: Heavy Armor Master, Tough, Alert

Magical Items Battlepop: Compelled Duel (once/day) Swirlwarden: Use reaction to move up to 30’ and take attack meant for ally

Yeah, you read right.  Theo’s HP max is 140, with an AC of 21 (I had to calculate this three times because I couldn’t believe it).  His current HP is equal to Amethar’s total max HP.  Theo may not be a barbarian, but he’s not going down any time soon.  He’s also been fairly conservative with his abilities, leaving him with the majority of his spell slots, as well as his Action Surge.  He also has a good list of cantrips, notably Blade Ward (resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage until the end of his next turn) and Green Flame Blade (1d8 + spellcasting ability modifier fire damage to target w/in 5 feet).  And of course, he has Princess to give him Help on attacks and checks (Find Familiar is so, so useful).

As Murph remarked in the finale, Theo doesn’t do what the other characters do, which is deal lots of damage.  As Brennan subsequently remarked, Theo doesn’t do that because what Theo does do is not get hit by attacks.  One of Theo’s potential roles in this hypothetical PVP scenario is to tank in the action economy.  Like Amethar, he’s a big threat because he’s difficult to down.  Thanks to the feature War Magic, he can cast cantrips as an action and make a weapon attack as a bonus action, so if he casts Blade Ward on himself each turn, he essentially becomes a foil to Amethar.  If Amethar and Ruby focused their attacks on trying to down Theo, this could allow his allies the breathing space they need to heal or make their own attacks.

In Lou’s strategy that he discussed in the final Adventuring Party, he placed Theo as the last on Amethar’s kill order.  While his order of kills is heartbreaking from a roleplaying perspective, it’s a very astute calculation.  Given his build, Theo is likely to be one of the last characters left standing, if not the last.  Even if he consistently uses Swirlwarden to tank damage for his allies, his considerable HP makes him unlikely to drop anytime soon, short of some really impressive damage rolls.  Amethar could try and team up on Theo with Ruby to bring him down to more manageable health, but that would leave them open to other attacks.  Murph really went a 110% in making Theo a bodyguard, and honestly, good for him, it’s what he deserves.

Liam - Gloomstalker Ranger 6, Assassin Rogue 4

[ID: The official art for Liam Wilhelmina by Samir Barrett @sketchmasterskillz.  Liam has pink skin, a red nose, rosy cheeks, and short dark red hair.  He wears pink overalls, a red and white striped shirt, red boots and gloves, and a red and white hat.  He carries a large pack containing a bed roll and a lantern, and has a quiver of arrows and a book attached to his belt.  He is mid stride, looking down at his feet with a neutral expression.  A small pig with peppermint stripe markings trots beside him, wearing a purple collar with the letter “P” and looking up at Liam with a happy expression.]

HP: 77/90 AC: 16 Remaining Spell Slots: None

Feats: Crossbow Expert, Sharpshooter

Magical Items Crossbow: Bursting Arrow (once/day - used), Ice Knife (once/day) Locket of the Sweetest Heart: Advantage on death saving throws if other locket is within 5’ Seed of Change: ???

First, props to Ally for their roleplaying!  Most of the characters going into the battle anticipated a possible PVP at the end and saved their resources, but in-game, no one told Liam the full —or even half— story.  This means Liam did not have any reason to hold back during the final battle, which is exactly how Ally played him.  Liam used up all of his spell slots during the battle, as well as the Bursting Arrow feature on his crossbow, leaving him with his crossbow’s Ice Knife feature as his sole magical attack.

However, Liam is still a force to be reckoned with.  He still has two attacks each turn, and he’s absolutely deadly in the first turn of combat, where Dread Ambusher gives him a bonus to initiative roles, and Assassinate gives him advantage against any creatures who haven’t taken a turn in combat yet, with any hit on a surprised creature being a critical hit.  Dread Ambusher also gives him a bonus 10 feet of movement in his first round, and an extra attack with a bonus 1d8 damage if it lands.  He also has 2d6 Sneak Attack, which paired with his other features, means that Peppermint Batman’s still got a few tricks up his sleeve.

From a roleplay perspective, Liam is the biggest unknown here.  While he told Theo that he would protect Saccharina, that was without knowing the full story, and without being in the circumstances of an actual PVP battle.  Ally’s WiFi cut out during the Adventuring Party when the cast discussed what they would have done in a PVP, which means we don’t know for certain who Liam would have sided with.  If he defends Saccharina, that increases her numbers advantage.  If he sticks with Ruby and Amethar, this potentially tilts the combat in their favour with another big damage dealer.  He’s in a good place with his HP, which means he’s unlikely to go down soon, but he’s also got the lowest AC in the party.  Who knows what might happen?

(Let’s be honest, Ally rolls a narrative nat 20 that results in something unbelievable, unpredictable, and world-altering happening.  They are too powerful, and cannot and should not be stopped)

Cumulous - Long Death Monk 10

[ID: The official art for Cumulous Rocks by Samir Barrett @sketchmasterskillz.  Cumulous has blue skin and poofy light pink hair.  He wears a pink outfit similar to a sleeveless gi with pants, a purple belt, and purple arm and leg wraps.  He holds a white staff in his hand.  Swirls of pink cloud come off of him.  He is mid action pose, with his legs in a mid-dash position and one of his hands brought forwards in a fist.  He looks to the side with a focused, stern expression on his face.]

HP: 85/85 + 6 temp HP AC: 18 Remaining Ki Points: 4/10

Feats: Mage Slayer

Magical Items Fluffwind: Whirlwind Stance; triples long jump; Gaseous Form (once/day)

While not the absolute juggernaut that Theo is, Cumulous is best placed of all the characters in regards to HP, with full health and 6 temp HP remaining from killing a Meatlander.  Although monks in general are not going to see the same staggering amounts of damage as other classes, and are more of a support martial class, Long Death monks excel in the kind of combat we saw in the finale - lots of lower-level enemies that are fairly easy to kill and gain temp HP from.  With a good AC, Cumulous can take a few attacks before being in trouble.

Unlike other martial classes, monks don’t often get the dramatic killing blow.  While they have a lot of attacks, each attack doesn’t deal that much damage by itself.  Monks consistently erode away at an opponent’s health, or stun them so that their allies can get their hits in.  Cumulous burned through a fair number of ki points during the battle, leaving him with a little under half his total, so he’ll have to be strategic about how and when he uses his ki.  Most of the other characters have a good Constitution and decent ACs, so it may be in his best interest to save his ki for mobility.

Cumulous has two big assets in a PVP battle, which are his mobility and the many hogwild (and unlimited) features that monks have.  With Unarmored Movement and Step of the Wind, he can move up to 150 feet in a turn, which includes across liquids and on vertical surfaces.  He has Slow Fall, allowing him to negate up to 50 points of falling damage, and he’s immune to poison and disease (which may come in useful against the Water-steel Dagger).  Thanks to being on Team Saccharina, he doesn’t have to worry about area of effect spells targeted at him.  If all else fails, he can book the fuck out of there to a safe distance and use Gaseous Form to escape from there.  

Conclusions

As I said at the beginning, there is no real way to predict the outcome of a PVP.  Besides raw mechanics, there’s roleplay, player agency, and of course, the dice.  Even looking at how each character is placed doesn’t necessarily translate to performance.  Mechanically, Ruby has the most resources left available, but that doesn’t mean she’d be able to overcome a worse case scenario of four PC attackers and a dragon.  Cumulous and Theo are doing the best in terms of HP, but would have difficulty downing another PC by themselves.  Amethar and Saccharina both have the potential to deal massive damage, but sorcerers are called “glass cannons” for a reason, and even with Rage, Amethar is sitting at a low HP.  Liam is an unknown quantity who could tip the scales in favour of one side or the other, but he has used up most of his devastating “war guy” abilities.

With the multitude of different factors (e.g. initiative order, possible crits, sheer buckwild shenanigans), it could realistically be either side left standing.  Team Saccharina has the advantage of numbers and several very hard to kill PCs, Team Ruby has the advantage of big damage dealers (not to mention rogues and barbarians are A Challenge to deal with on their own, never mind together).  As part of a team, each character has a better chance of survival and “winning,” with other characters being able to balance out their teammates’ weaker areas.  #teamworkmakesthedreamwork  All this, of course, without including the possibility of NPCs being convinced to join the fight.

But if there’s one thing we’ve seen in A Crown of Candy, it’s that there doesn’t have to be just two choices, either or.  There’s a third possibility, not between the two but something more, of change.  The fact that this is just a thought exercise bears that out.  Many thanks to the Dimension 20 cast and crew for an amazing season!

#dimension 20 #a crown of candy #long post #acoc spoilers #disclaimer: i am not a professional dm and master combat analyst

[piastri]

Ok so this is my end of season appreciation post and my REALLY late positivity post:

so I properly started being active on here this year and although I’ve been watching f1 for years being a part of this fandom has made my viewing experience SO MUCH better. Thank you all for the awesome content you have provided!

messages to people I talk/ interact with most on here:

@callumilott Lou aka the queen of the junior series fandom on tumblr and also someone I consider as my big sister on here. You’re one of the kindest people on here and were one of the first people to reach out to me and as someone who is incredibly shy thank you for that 💕

@marcusarmstrng Agnes my fellow marcus stan I’ve loved talking to you and finding out that we have so much in common (from books, 1D, hp houses and our favourite drivers) we’re practically twins 👯 thank you for blessing me with your terrible puns and lifting me up whenever I feel down ❤️

@nyck-devries Lieke i have adopted you as my little sister. I remember talking to you guys for the first time was figuring out when listening to xmas music was acceptable (I still stand by Agnes, August is wayy to early). I love that you always speak up for what you believe in and the way you deal with pesky anons?... iconic.

@jurivips Alice we mainly only talk through asks but i need to shout out ur hilarious tags. Whenever I see you’ve reblogged something I always check to see your tags and they always put a smile on my face :)

@alexanderalbons Brown girls represent! Zeal we don’t actually talk but I feel like I’ve come to know you so well just through your tags ‘otp: throat infection’ 😫😂 thank you for all of your awesome Alex gif sets they’ve made me laugh, cry, smile and get horny (*cough* hand gif set *cough*)

I want to shoutout our lil junior series family on tumblr, staying up with you y’all for macau was a memorable experience and I can’t wait to do it all again next yr! @roberttheminiczar @robschwartzman @robshw @fabioquartarar0 @ilott @maxfewtrell @damsindistress @jackaitkens @youreamonocoque @mick--schumacher @elegantdinosaurgoatee @verstappit @dybaclerc @abbyjaimes03

these are some of the first blogs I followed whom I adore thank you for making me feel included :) @grosjeans @godbastian @maxemav @italianoaussiepapi @papitohulkenbergito @maxstappen @riccciardo @blinksompedersen @manielx333 @riccflair-dripp

other blogs I LOVE: @messymindmessyblog @tororuhroh @totovolff @albonappetit @formula-what @maxverstappen @sebxvettel @fanthaastic @sjarl-eclair @antisoucials @babysharles @ricciardo-dan @k-raikkonen @realmahdrid16 @ovcrtakes @jetmode @maxdevrijns @landofnorris @hyphenverstappen @formula-sainz @landoavocado

I’ve put off doing this post for so long because I just know I’m going to miss people out which I hate! But just know that if I have ever liked/reblogged/followed or interacted with you in any way thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️

#long post #i’m sorry i have no clue how u do the read more thing #also tumblr’s limit of 50 tags is annoying #ILY ALL

[bunnyboys]

just a stupid post of me being a huge dumbass and loving  people

after the god knows how many-ed time of me changing my blog content, a lot of new friends have arrived (and a lot of old ones stuck around) i felt the need to express my love to every single one of you bc you all mean something to me and im being a sap but sometimes i just NEED to share so I LOVE YOU ALL, thank you for sticking around, thank you for making my hard days easier, thank you for sharing your thoughts and art and love with me 💓

@alexmanes @alcxmanes @roswaliens @deepspacepine @loveonmanes @cylonbarnes @astronomypartners @mothmanbreadloaf @thesunsetshope @mushusims @aliencowboys - yea so special shoutout to you guys bc joining discord was one of the best decisions i made this year and i’m so happy to know you / getting to know you guys uwu

@istealifly @ofrainbows @ardentlyadmire @gayshrug @shangharry @littlechilllarrie @aaronexplainsitall @conscious--ramblings @doctorrainbows @pinkislouder @dietsodasociety-mp3 @harryenthusiasm @hiatusniall @teamnouis @vibrantbloom @finngardiumleviosa @dontneedmyheart @goldenfive @warmvinyl @medicinehoney @tpwkshirt @kindofsharethat @thechainmp3 @tummlinsonn @sebastiianstan @ciaoloueh @gayspaceagenda @reignberries @loveloveolivia - do i even need to explain, you guys mean the most to me and literally every single one of you has done something for me that i will never forget so yeah just needed you to know that and also love you always hashtag ride or die xx

ABC - @acomebackstory @aheartofgold @amortentialarry @aliencurls @aloneinmyminds @aurrorpotter @babyhoneylive @belladonnatroy @birogers @bisexualalienblast @bichaelmanes @bisteveharringtons @blurberrys @buckyslawyer @cafelesbian @catfasteve @chaoticbisexualalien @cptgoose @curlyraconteur

DEFG - @dykebucky @emmacharlottewatson @evnbuckley @felicityollies @flicker-album @flickertours @flushoney @fondleeds @fuckinghatekissingyou @grungebucky

HIJKL - @harryandkeanu @jimmytfallon @jupiter-lou @justicesmith @katiestevns @lauraharrier @leupoldfitz @littlelouies @louisuwu 

MNOPQR @marrymybed @moonstrucklesbian @mustbeseeingblind @mysteriobi @nightwideopen @novaquill @ohstarlings @oldbrooklynsoul @pussiesaregod @quentincldwter @rogersbf @rogersnbuck @rosegoldeyelids 

STUVWXYZ - @softguerin @sugarbabykink @sunlightbi @thechain @thortiddies @thefvlcon @thimblekiss @vlamis @vlamito @winston-wilson @yousaidpartytwice @zariadriannatomaz

#does the alpabetical order make any sense? no. do i care? no #this whole post is a mess but im on my p*eriod so y''all better accept this love declaration #i just spend an hour on this. first thing i actually am able to focus on without getting distracted #after the last two hellish days ive had i need to spread love #might hop into some asks later to be even more annoying

[fanfic-inator795]

RotTMNT/Baron Jitsu fanfiction: Dating… With Children - Chapter Eight

(Also on AO3 if you want to leave a comment or kudos)

Plot:  Benjamin Draxum hardly considered himself a man of high social standing. Not because he was uncouth or unworthy of it, mind you, but simply because he didn’t have much of a social life. Hard to have one when he usually spent his days at work, cooped up in a lab for so long that he often had his lunches in there, and his nights at home reading or doing research for more personal projects. But perhaps meeting handsome semi-retired movie star - as well as his four young sons - could change all that…

((Apologies for the long wait! Writer's block hit me hard this time around... But not only have I finally finished this chapter, but I managed to get a couple drabbles written out as well to make up for the lack of content, which I should have posted shortly. Anyway, hope you enjoy both them and this chapter! ^v^ Also, shoutout to @halloweennut, whose own celeb AU inspired a few small bits for the beginning chunk of this chapter, heh))

Lou could still remember when he was a younger man, fresh off the set of his first movie. A passion project from an already decently famous director with a foreign, previously unknown actor as the face of it. Lou had been so excited when he first walked into that small LA television studio, only half listening as his manager tried to ‘suggest’ answers to certain possible questions, and instead just tried to take it all in. Not only was he going to be a movie star, but now he was going to be on one of the most well known talk shows in America! Talk about a good head start! As was to be expected, he'd ended up completely acing his interview, charming both the live audience and viewers at home and cementing himself on the path to stardom.

But that had been years ago, the excitement and ‘newness’ of it all being long gone, even after taking a bit of a break from the business. As far as Lou was concerned, you be on one talk show, you've been on them all.

Still, the experience wasn't necessarily a bad one - especially when the studio put in the extra money for a decent backstage spread. Licking his lips slightly, Lou picked up another ham and cheese-topped cracker, quietly munching on it as he watched the various stagehands pass by. He was moving over the dessert side of the table when one of the show’s managers finally approached him. “Five minutes until you’re on, Mr. Jitsu!”

“Mm,” Lou nodded. He took a cookie to go and then stood at the designated spot behind the curtains, knowing the drill well. Popping the treat in his mouth, he took a moment to smooth out his outfit - a crisp white shirt with a light blue jacket and pants and a loose red tie, making the whole thing a sort of call back to the jumpsuits he used to wear - and make any last-minute quick fixes to his hair before the commercials ended.

Finally, the stage lights came back on just as the cameras began rolling, and the audience cheered as their favorite New York hostess strolled back on stage. “Welcome back, everyone,” Jessica grinned, soaking in the cheers from her audience. Jessica Jacklynn was more of a local famous favorite than a national one like other late night talk show hosts, but she still had plenty of fans thanks to her cool demeanor and always being on the search for exciting drama with her guests. “We’ve got a pretty special treat for you all tonight, a man who I'm sure needs no introduction, but I guess we’ll give him one anyway-” The audience gave a bit of a laugh at that. “Here to celebrate the seventeenth anniversary of his film, ‘Teriyaki Shakedown’, give it up for… LOU ‘JITSU’ HAMATO!”

Huh, it wasn't often people included his real last name - and even less often, if ever, his real first name. Most people just introduced him by his stage name. Heck, Lou himself usually did that too, not having much of a connection to his family name and only using it to sign official papers. ‘Guess she did her homework,’ Lou thought as he walked out onto the stage, a professional grin plastered on his handsome face.

He struck a couple ‘action poses’ for the cheering audience and shook hands with Jessica before setting down on the dark red couch opposite her desk chair. (From what he heard, Jessica was somewhat famous for actually standing on her desk when things got really exciting, and wondered if she'd end up doing that tonight at some point.)

“So Lou, seventeen years,” Jessica began, smiling sweetly now, “It’s been a while, though I bet the time just flew by for you, huh?”

“Oh yeah,” Lou nodded, “Seems like it was only yesterday I was tossing stunt doubles into bowls of soup.” The audience laughed again. “Heh, it's kind of funny that that film is more remembered than my first just because it started my catchphrase. But hey, it's a good catchphrase! And apparently still pretty applicable to non-soup situations.”

“Mmhm,” Jessica nodded, “Well, we all love a good action-hero catchphrase. But, we aren't just here to celebrate the past, we want to know what you've been up to since! After all, it has been a while since your last film-”

“Yeah well, you can thank the box office for that,” Lou joked, earning more laughs.

“Fair enough, but I understand that you've had other things keeping you busy as well?” Jessica inquired, leaning in a bit on her desk, “Things like trying to take care of four little boys, maybe?”

Lou’s smile faltered ever so slightly as he nodded. “Yes, I suppose you could say that…” Lou never minded the spotlight of the press, and could even handle the paparazzi! But when it came to his kids, well… It was a whole different story.

Even without reporting it to the press, the news that Lou Jitsu had adopted four young sons had still broken a few days after he signed the papers. Almost immediately, news and celeb magazines wanted info and pictures. They'd pop up like a nasty swarm of gnats, hoping for several pictures and wanting to ask the boys questions after questions.

The first time it happened, it caused poor three year old Mikey to hide his face in his father’s chest, obviously freaked out by all the sudden people and flashes, while his only slightly older brothers were still a bit too surprised and confused to know what to do, the three of them crowding around Lou’s tall, protective legs. It took threatening to throw their cameras into the nearest tree to get them to finally leave, though even that didn't discourage much of the media circus.

He had accepted one interview, hoping to relieve some pressure, from a local New York newscaster who simply wanted a cute fluff piece from the semi-retired action star (as well as to get the full story first before any other media outlet could). ...Unfortunately, said newscaster ended up being a huge jerk, doing everything from asking if Lou purposely chose to adopt ‘minority kids’ (as if Lou himself wasn't a minority? The guy was an idiot too) to asking if he was trying to ‘prove something’ to other celebs who had adopted kids by adopting so many at once, even going so far as to imply that his kids were simply charity cases. Honestly it took all of Lou’s self restraint not to just rip the stupid poofy blond hair right off the guy’s head by the time the interview was over.

And of course, once he allowed one reporter to talk to him, everyone else just tried even harder to get an interview too. It eventually took Tang Shen - as well as several other people in the industry who considered themselves Lou Jitsu’s friends - threatening the various members of the paparazzi on social media, as well as the public finding some other piece of celeb news to obsess and gossip over, to finally get it all to stop somewhat.

Though, thinking back on all that, Lou was beginning to wonder if he had made a mistake accepting the invitation onto Jessica’s show, possibly inviting that whole mess back into his life... However, Jessica was calm and professional as she continued. “I think we all remember a couple years ago when we all heard that action superstar Lou Jitsu was suddenly a father, and for what it's worth… We couldn't be happier for you!”

Lou blinked. “Oh… Well, thank you!” He nodded, quickly composing himself, “Yes, they are very good boys, even when they don't always listen. But hey, what kid does?”

“True, true,” Jessica agreed, “And I bet they love having fun just as much as you did, eh Lou?”

Lou chuckled. “Well, fun for them, and maaaybe a bit more on the side of stressful for me. But what can I say? I love my boys, even after the hundredth time I’ve told them to take off their shoes before running into the house.”

Chuckling along with his listeners as he relaxed on the couch, he began spinning various anecdotes about fatherhood and his new family that were funny and even relatable as they were heartwarming. The audience was practically eating out of his hands - not that Lou really cared, he just liked talking about his boys! Though, if he could entertain people with them then, hey, two birds with one stone.

“-and oh, you should've just seen the mess they made, and the faces they made when I caught them. They knew they were in big trouble - they got cheese and sauce on the CEILING! It was unbelievable!

"Ha! I can imagine!"

"Yes, and all over a ‘which pizza topping is the best’ argument! I wanted to be mad, believe me, but at that point, it felt like all I could do was laugh!" Lou shook his head at the memory. "Heh, I am sure I must have seemed crazy, but then again I was pretty crazy for leaving four kids under ten in the kitchen alone anyway. And it is like I told Ben, if you are going to have a food fight, you might as well do it as a child so you have a better chance of getting away with it-”

“Wait,” Jessica stopped him, “Ben?” She raised an eyebrow, smirking a bit. “Who's Ben?”

Again, Lou’s grin fell ever so slightly. Had he said Ben’s name? Shoot. “Well, ah… A-Anyway, after all that-”

“Oh, don't tell me you've been holding out on us, Lou!” Jessica told him, her eyes curious and mischievous as her now-curious fans throwing in a couple encouraging cheers, “Come on, you can tell us! Is there a new certain someone we should know about? Someone we already know?”

“Heh, I doubt it...” Lou mumbled. Draxum definitely wasn't the public type, he barely even had a social media page! There was no way he'd want his and Lou's 'story' shared with the whole city, much less the rest of the world. However, even knowing this, he also knew that his hostess wouldn't let it drop if he tried to play dumb and completely deny it. So, he decided to just choose his words carefully.

“I… may have started dating again-” The applause and surprised shouts were practically thunderous- “but, I want to respect my boyfriend’s privacy. It is what he deserves, after all. He is fun, smart, good with the boys-” he cracked a smirk, “Definitely handsome, aaaand… That is all I am going to say.” And his smirk only stubbornly remained as groans filled his ears.

“Are you sure you can't give us anymore?” The so-called Queen of Drama inquired, batting her eyes a bit, “I just know our audience would-”

“Now, I believe your people found some deleted scenes from the studio that you wanted me to give some insight on?” Lou asked, not even looking at her now, effectively ending the conversation, “Because, hey, isn't this supposed to be about ‘Teriyaki Shakedown’? I have got plenty of stories about that story too, you know! Does anyone here want to hear about how I came up with my Hot Soup finisher? Maybe a little demonstration too, if we can find some soup?”

Much to their hostess’ dismay, the audience unanimously answered, clapping and cheering once again. Remaining professional as ever, Jessica just smiled as she tucked a strand of dark brown hair behind her ear. “Well, I guess we know what we’re doing after commercials. Stay tuned for more stories and stunts with our favorite butt-kicking star, Lou ‘Jitsu’ Hamato!”

----------

“Great show tonight, Ms. Jacklynn!” “Wonderful job, Ms. Jacklynn!” “That was such a good idea, finding an excuse to get the Lou Jitsu on the show!” “I'm just surprised he said yes! Feels like it's been forever since he's been on something!” “And yet the moment someone says his name, his fans go totally rabid! Now that's what you’d call someone with star power!”

Jessica nodded as she continued making her way through her stage crew, only briefly acknowledging their comments and praise. Even the executive producer of the network only got a minute of her time. “I just really have something I need to get done before I head home,” she explained, not bothering to reveal anything else as she finally made it to her private dressing room.

She sighed, kicking off her high heels. Hosting a show was nice, but now it was time for the real fun. After all, content for shows and blog posts didn't just fall out of the trees most of the time. Sometimes, you had to go searching for it… And other times, you had to make it yourself. She had been hoping that with enough flirting, perhaps she could make some viewers see sparks between her and the semi-retired star, leading to plenty of publicity for the both of them and possibly start certain favorable rumors. But this… This was MUCH more interesting!

“Funny, Lou,” Jessica mused as she turned on her laptop, “You never used to shy about who you dated…” Even before she got into the showbiz game, she could remember seeing and hearing about all the various arm candy he’d have at movie premieres, award shows and Hollywood parties. Whether they were a new face on the movie scene, some beautiful model, a rich heir or heiress or even a co-star, Lou simply had no problem showing them off and having fun in both public and private for however long the fling lasted.

So what made this ‘Ben’ guy so special? What was he trying to hide?

Jessica went to Lou’s social media page first, naturally. She ended up scrolling through four months worth of content, but unfortunately came up with nothing. All Lou seemed to post were cute pics of his kids, random opinions on random things, Lou Jitsu memes and the occasional food or outfit pic when he had something to show up. Guess he was just as private about his personal life online as he was in person. Jessica scowled a bit at this, but didn’t give up yet. There was information out there, she knew there was! She just had to dig a little deeper…

She began searching for anything Lou Jitsu related on all social media sites. Most of it was useless - a fan mentioning they were doing a #JitsuMovieMarathon or someone taking a pic with an obvious Lou Jitsu impersonator. Those were the most frustrating. But finally, after over an hour of searching, she finally found something.

The Facebook page of a nobody with a followers number that indicated that anything he posted most likely stayed trapped within his circle of friends no matter how interesting or cool it was. There, she found a picture of Lou in a fighting ring with some guy she didn’t know, the caption explaining that this guy just couldn’t believe someone as awesome as Lou Jitsu was fighting in their gym.

But that wasn’t the most interesting thing. No, what was most interesting was the slightly blurry face in the background of the pic, tall with auburn hair and eyes wide with amazement. Jessica hummed to herself. He could’ve just been another fan… But there was something about him that seemed to claim otherwise.

This hinting feeling was indicated about twenty five minutes later when she saw the tall, redhead man again in another picture, this time on Twitter. It was slightly out of focus and far away, and Lou was wearing sunglasses, but it was them, there was no doubt about that. “Can’t believe it! A celeb date night on MY shift!” the girl had tweeted, adding an obnoxious amount of emojis and wishing the former star luck before adding “#HotSoupLove!” .

Jessica smirked. Hot Soup Love, indeed. “Now we’re getting somewhere…” It took some cross referencing and a lot more digging - whoever this guy was, he had little to know social media presence whatsoever, which made it even stranger that he was dating LOU JITSU of all people - but finally, she found him.

His stern, serious picture stared back at her as his information was revealed, thanks to the research lab website that introduced him: Dr. Benjamin Draxum, head of Genetics and Biochemical Research. “Doesn’t exactly seem like the ‘dating’ type, or the type of guy that a guy like Jitsu would go for,” Jessica commented, opening up a word post on her own social media page, “But hey, that just makes it all the more interesting.”

She always did love being the first one to break the story on any potential celebrity gossip, and this was certainly a story twist that no one would see coming…

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

Draxum’s eyes shot opened at the sudden alarm. He groaned, hating how early these Monday mornings always seemed to be. His eyes then shifted towards the windows, his body still lazy enough to ignore the alarm. Even behind the curtains, he could tell the sun was just barely starting to rise. So then, why was his alarm-?

It was then his tired brain finally realized that it wasn't his alarm going off, but his simple ringtone. He reached over and picked up his phone, and then glared at the screen when he saw it was a number he didn't recognize. Why they were calling over an hour before he had to wake up, he had no idea. It was probably a telemarketer, but just in case it wasn't, Draxum reluctantly answered the phone. “Hello?”

“Hello,” a seemingly human voice replied, “Are you Dr. Benjamin Draxum?”

“Yes, and who is this?”

“My name is Samantha Vics. I work for the NYC Inquiry and I was wondering if I could ask you some questions.”

A newspaper? (Or, maybe a magazine, he didn't know for sure given that he didn't really read many of either.) Well… He wasn't expecting that. Better than a telemarketer, at least. “About what?” He asked, wondering if perhaps something happened at his lab and they needed a statement from someone who worked there.

“Well, I was hoping you could tell me a little about your relationship with Lou Jitsu.”

…………… What .

“Excuse me?” He asked after several seconds of silence. Maybe he just misheard-

“Your relationship with Lou Jitsu. You are dating him, aren't you? I was hoping maybe I could ask you a few questions about that. How you two met, how long you two have been dating, what it’s like dating an action star as famous as him-”

Draxum took a deep breath through his nose. “...Excuse me for asking but, which section of the paper did you say you worked for?” He was just barely managing to keep his tone even.

“Oh, it's not a paper, sir. It's more of a local and national pop culture and celebrity-focused magazine, why-?” Draxum hung up, releasing his sigh. He wanted to go back to bed for the next hour and pretend that the whole incident was just an annoying dream.

...That's what he would've done at least, had it not been for the two more phone calls he received that morning. One from some talk show host named Jessica, and another from the Today Show, asking for a comment to use during their ‘Trending Now’ segment. Those two simple words sent enough dread down into Draxum’s stomach to switch his phone to silent, effectively ignoring it as he got ready for what was sure to be a long day.

His temper only rose when he ended up running into more people outside of his apartment, at least three or four. More ‘reporters’ - weren't these people supposed to be researching and reporting REAL news?! - trying to ask him questions, as well as ordinary people passing by, whispering as soon as they saw him and watching him as if he were some sideshow. He lost track of how many times he said “No comment”, practically shouting the words by the time he got to his car. At least they were smart enough to get out of his way once he got behind the wheel.

He didn't drive to work right away though, curiosity finally getting the better of him as he instead pulled into an empty alleyway where he could check his phone - four missed calls now - in peace. All he did was type in his name into a search engine, and about half a dozen articles from various blogs and gossip rags came up.

“Beautiful Brawn Meets Brain! Lou Jitsu Dates NYC Doctor!”

"Just WHO Is Jitsu’s New Boyfriend?!”

"Hot Soup Love!”

"Is Lou Jitsu Into Scientists Instead of Supermodels These Days? These Pics Would Say Yes!”

“What the hell?!” Draxum scowled, reading title after title before finally clicking on the earliest post. Honestly it was more speculation than an actual article, with the only ‘facts’ being the two pictures that included both him and Lou, as well as his name - which was only used once. After that, he was just referred to as ‘Jitsu’s Boyfriend’ or ‘The Scientist’. That definitely irked him.

And one of the photos… That was the diner they liked going to. The diner that would no doubt be swarmed often now in the hopes of getting another shot at seeing the Big Apple’s newest celebrity couple, the public and media alike most likely not caring if they disrupted a date. This made Draxum’s heart ache as much as it made his anger rise. He really liked that diner...

“How did they even find out about us?” He wondered out loud as he continued scrolling through. Sure there were the pictures, but something would have to prompt people to go looking for them, given they weren't originally posted by paparazzi. It was then, in the back of his mind, he remembered Lou saying something about having a talk show gig.

His eyes narrowed as he immediately switched from the Internet to texting. “We need to talk,” he typed.

Thankfully, Lou didn't wait long to reply, his words serious for once. “I know… I have to take the boys for school, but I will meet you at your lab for lunch. Maybe before then I can call up a couple people, do some damage control.” So he already knew. Draxum texted back that he would see him then. Just as he started his car back up, he received one last text.

“Ben… I am so sorry.”

Draxum didn't reply back.

The drive to work was average, save for his still-set-to-silent phone getting more unknown callers. He would have to start blocking numbers soon, maybe even change his number. He scowled just thinking about it as he walked up the walkway to the research building. It was ridiculous, couldn't these people just take a hint and leave him alo-?

* CLICK ! CLICK !*

Draxum’s whipped his head to the side so fast it was a wonder he didn't get whiplash. His eyes had just barely caught the tail end of a flash of light, and as he stared at the seemingly-normal bush that sat near the parking lot, he could see hints of black and plastic within it. Unable to help himself, he clenched his fists. “HEY!”

The scrawny figure didn't hesitate to move, jumping out of the bush and dashing down the street with their camera in tow. Had he not been in work clothes, he might have chased the photographer down. But he was as tired as he was furious, so he settled for simply letting the lab’s security desk attendant know that he'd spotted a ‘suspicious person’ outside.

His interns thankfully were smart enough not to say anything, stiff in their seats and already engrossed in their daily tasks. That's what Draxum tried to do as well, to just pretend that everything was normal despite feeling like the entire city - the entire world - now had their eyes on him, desperate for any little scrap they could get. ...Naturally this made focusing on work fairly hard. In between in-putting data from current tests and doing research on upcoming projects, he’d switch to social media, reluctant yet too curious to stop himself.

By this point most of the ‘articles’ had stopped, given that there was no new information coming in and nothing new to add. But that didn't mean people didn't have anything to say - the comments sections were an absolute nightmare...

Some people claimed Lou was only dating him so Draxum could (somehow) get his kids into a good college, or free medical care (he wasn't that kind of doctor, morons). Others simply called Draxum out for only wanting to date Lou for his status and money, with some speculating that he was only faking being a doctor. They wondered what they saw in each other, how Lou could possibly think of ‘going out with someone like that’. Every quality or accomplishment Draxum had or might have had was just ripped to shreds by fans and gossipers alike, all of them agreeing that the famous action star could certainly do better.

Draxum wasn't the type to care what people thought of him. ...He had to keep reminding himself that. That these opinions were worthless in the grand scheme of things… Still, even the least social people could still feel the crushing weight of words and insults if enough was thrown at them. “Unbelievable,” he muttered, his anger more numb now even as his disheartened frustrations remained.

The morning hours of his shift took an eternity to get through, but eventually the noon hour rolled around, and there was a knock on his doorway. “Hey,” Lou quietly greeted, holding up a logoless bag. With the media circus going on around them, it made sense that his boyfriend would pick making a sandwich for him over stopping somewhere and buying one. Draxum nodded, thanking him as he took the bag, but didn't open it.

As soon as they were alone in the room, his interns heading to the cafeteria faster than he had ever seen them go, Draxum asked his first question: “Why did you think it was okay to just… To just tell the whole WORLD about me without even-?”

“It was an accident,” Lou told him, as apologetic as he was defensive, “I-I was on that show, just telling stories about the boys and, well, your name just… slipped out.” He winced, silently berating himself for such a stupid mistake before continuing. “But I swear to you, Ben, I did not give them anything! All I said was that I was dating someone and left it at that. I didn't say what kind of job you had, or any personal information about you, or even your last name!”

Draxum was still scowling, though at least it didn't seem to be directed completely at his boyfriend now. “And it would seem they didn't need you to tell them that stuff, when they could just find it on their own.”

“Hmph, right…” He still wasn't sure how Jessica was able to find all she did about Draxum with just a first name, but he did know one thing: He was NEVER going on her show again. ...Unfortunately, whether he made a reappearance or not, the damage already seemed done. “Ben, I… I am so, so sorry. I never wanted something like this to happen! Especially not to the man I care about.”

Draxum stared at him for a moment longer before sighing. “I know… And I forgive you.” It would be unfair to keep blaming him for such a minor mistake.

Lou managed a weak smile at that. “Thanks… So uh, I was able to get in touch with a couple of my old managers, and they are going to try and get the story pulled.” Though by this point, it was already far too late. The original reporters had done their job, and it wasn't as if they could control every single person on social media. They had lost the war before starting a single battle. “I, I could still make a public statement. Not sure how much it would help, but…”

“Couldn't hurt to try,” Draxum agreed. Still, while Lou didn't even attempt to ask it, it still hung in the air between them, and the idea of it still sort of broke Draxum’s heart. Even worse, he didn't even have a solid answer to it.

“So, uh… A-Are you still coming over tonight?” Lou asked, “Because if you are, there is this back road behind my house, which may help with-”

“I think,” Draxum suddenly began as he forced himself to not look away, already feeling cowardly enough as is, “that I need some space.”

Lou’s glasses were at just the right angle to catch the fluorescent lights of his lab. Between that and the shading from his poofy hair, Draxum couldn't quite tell what his expression was. Still, the man’s voice remained steady. “Take all the time you need,” he quietly insisted. He then said his goodbyes, and walked out the door - and both of them hoped it wasn't for the last time.

Draxum stared at the open space where his boyfriend had stood, and nearly followed him out the door - but stopped when his phone lit up yet again with another unfamiliar number. He glared at the device, blocking the number before slamming it down on his desk.

Some space between them was for the best… It was for the best...

----------

The nice thing about the media machine was that new news became old news pretty quickly.

Sure, it still took him a couple days and blocking at least a dozen more numbers, but eventually Draxum stopped getting calls asking for interviews or comments. His co-workers made sure to stay out of his way as well, even though he could tell they were VERY curious and we're just barely holding back questions. And even if Draxum still made it a habit to look over his shoulder while walking around, the attempts that various members of the paparazzi made to try and get a shot of him also became few and far between.

After all, there was no point to the pictures if he was the only one in them...

“...” Draxum sighed, his eyes once again going from the book he was reading (a book he'd already read twice over, and was only trying to force himself to read it again as a distraction rather than for pleasure) over to the coffee table, where his phone sat, its silence adding to the much too quiet atmosphere of his apartment. Part of him almost wished it would ring or alert him about a text, but he knew it wouldn't happen. It hadn't happened for nearly two weeks.

“I wonder how he's doing,” Draxum mumbled to himself, eyes going from the device to the dark sky outside his living room window. He wondered about Lou and the boys both… He was sure they’d had to deal with twice as much hounding from the paparazzi, if not more, but he really hoped that they were enjoying some well-deserved peace now too. With days of silence from both sides of NYC’s newest hot couple, the media and celebrity gossipers alike eagerly moved onto the next scandal, leaving #HotSoupLove in the dust.

It was a relief… But there was also little actual comfort to it, for Draxum knew as soon as there were signs of the two of them being together in public again, the cameras and microphone-wielding pests of the city would pounce on them once more like snakes from the shadows. Each date outside of one of their homes would be a spectacle for the world to see, and Draxum hated that.  What he hated even more, however, was the fact that if it weren't for these vultures and the mess they would bring to his life… He would've probably called Lou as soon as the coast was clear...

Draxum had never needed space, he just refused to give the paparazzi a chance to get what they wanted! He had just wanted some peace and quiet, some time to hide from the prying eyes of his newfound public audience. But Lou… He had never wanted to be away from Lou, not for this long at least.  He truly did forgive him for his mistake, and each time Draxum thought of him - of the fun conversations or the things Lou would do to make him smile, of all the small gestures meant only for him and the moments they would also share with Lou’s young family - it only made his heart ache… God, did Draxum miss him. He missed ALL of them, and wanted nothing more than to see them again. To go back to the way things were.

And yet his hand refused to pick up the phone.

Draxum growled, carelessly tossing the book aside before leaning back on the couch and shutting his eyes. He hated it… Hated that to be with the one he loved, he'd have to risk being exposed to the world. Hated that a single phone call between them or a simple night out could also invite thousands of eyes and invasive questions. Hated that, for their relationship to work, he would have to also most likely deal with dangerous rumors and insulting comments and possibly even threats (depending on how rabid that particular part of the Lou Jitsu fanbase was) on a daily basis.

...But most of all, he hated himself for being such a coward. He didn't care how reasonable it was to hide, he was still allowing them to control this part of his life. He was giving them the power to decide the fate of his relationship instead of fighting for it... But since when was Benjamin Draxum not a fighter?

Deciding to do what he should've done two weeks ago, Draxum stood up and got his laptop.  It didn't take very long, about an hour at most. Editing was minimal, and as he prepared to post it on his rarely-used Facebook account (which had amounted followers in the thousands in just a few short days with the number continuing to rise), he finally picked up his cell and sent a simple text:

“Hello, Lou. Sorry for taking so long.”

It only took a couple minutes to get a reply. “It's fine, do not worry about it.” It was a normal enough reply, yet something about it still made it seem like Lou was walking on eggshells with him rather than being his normal, carefree self.

Draxum scowled slightly as his thumb flew across the keys. “No, it's not fine. Yes, I was upset and-” Scared? Angry? Disgusted by society? “-worried about dealing with… this whole situation. But not anymore. By the way, I’m posting something online right now, and I just wanted to give you a heads up. I'd suggest you watch it though.”

That time, Lou’s reply took several minutes. “Should I be worried about this?” He finally asked. He could almost see the man raising an eyebrow at him, wondering whether or not the scientist was about to do something that could get him anything from a bunch of flame comments and haters to getting arrested.

Draxum chuckled despite himself, not exactly being able to blame his boyfriend for being concerned. “No, if this blows up in my face, I should be the only one in the crossfire. That being said, I did want to ask one last thing. Are you free to go out tomorrow? I'd like to take you back to the diner we like.”

He could see Lou thinking it over (thanks to the ellipsis word bubble) before giving him an answer. “Yeah, sure, I should be free...but are you sure u want to go back there? and not somewhere else?”

“Yes. Very.” He was certain that Lou was still a bit unsure, but nevertheless they agreed on a time that Draxum would pick him up before saying goodnight. With that taken care of, Draxum made his post and then promptly shut off his laptop, letting his video do the rest…

-----------

“Hello. My name is Dr. Benjamin Draxum - though I'm sure most of you out there don't care about that. You'll just call me ‘The Scientist’ or ‘Lou Jitsu’s boyfriend’. Speaking of Lou and my relationship with him, that will be the subject of this video. You all want answers? Then fine, you've got them.

“We first met about five months, at an art museum auction event. When we first met each other, he invited me to join him and his family for the rest of the evening. I accepted. Afterwards, he gave me his phone number, and after a long conversation over the phone where we got to know each other, he invited me over to his house for supper. Again, I accepted.

“Ever since then, we've been spending time with each other and going out on dates when we can. We talk on the phone, visit each other’s homes, and do all the normal, average things that literally any other couple would do on dates. Those are the facts. And because I have revealed all the facts that are there, I will not be accepting or answering anymore questions, from the public or the media, in this video’s comments section or through the phone or email. However, I understand that this will not keep people from asking anyway or from speculation, nor will it keep mine and Lou’s relationship private despite the more intimate details of it not being anyone else’s business. I fully expect candid shots of us together the next time we go out, no matter how much I may ask of others to respect our privacy. ...But again, I accept this, and I will give you all one last fact about me:

“I care about Lou Jitsu, fully and genuinely, and as long as he will continue to allow it and as long as I still have these strong feelings for him, I will continue to be with him. Thank you and goodnight.”

Jessica had watched the video three times now, and each time she found herself a bit hollow afterwards. It hadn't been the first time someone famous (or even just in the middle of their thirty seconds of fame) had made a video to help clear up certain things or vent about something. But those were usually a lot more dramatic, where they'd eventually start screaming or crying or insulting people - But Draxum had done none of that.

He had spoke as if he was giving a lecture on whatever it was he studied. He was clear and concise, only presenting the facts with little emotion whatsoever. Even how he presented himself on the camera was professional, sitting up straight on his couch at home, well dressed with brushed hair. This was hardly some dramatic speech or him boasting about how he was sure ‘their love could conquer anything’. ...At least, it wasn't that in words or tone.

But in his eyes and the way he stared down the camera - not caring how many were watching or judging - revealed his true feelings. His passion, his determination to fight for his relationship, maybe even his love.

“I gotta hand it to you, Jitsu,” Jessica smiled, finally closing the screen, “You sure know how to pick them…” She also had a feeling that they'd be one of the few celebrity couples to stay together - and if that were indeed the case, she'd definitely have to come up with a better couples name for them than #HotSoupLove.

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

As far as he knew, no one had followed him to the Jitsu household. No paparazzi desperate for interviews, and no cameramen hoping for candid shots. Though, if there had been someone, he wasn't sure how much he would actually care. At this point, nothing was going to stop him from finally seeing his boyfriend again.

So, Draxum walked up to the house, moved to knock on the door, and-

The door opened, Lou already knowing he was there. He was smirking, but there was gratitude and admiration in his smile. “Well well well… Don't we know how to make a viral splash?”

Draxum smiled back at him. “Well, I didn't exactly have much of a choice. I had to let the world - and you - know where I stand.”

Lou’s smile fell a bit. “...Except you did have a choice. You know that, right?”

“I do… But it wouldn't have been a choice I'd be happy with,” Draxum told him, taking a step forward. He took Lou’s hands, squeezing them with care. “I want to be with you, no matter how much I may have to deal with from everyone else.” Though, after a moment, he frowned. “Of course, I'm not the only one this affects… Even if I'm not around you all the time, I'm sure you and your family will have to deal with all of that extra attention as well, so-”

Suddenly, Lou was grinning ear-to-ear. “Wow, last night really was the first time you have been on social media in a while, huh?”

“...Yesss, why?”

He chuckled. “Tang Shen saw what was going on, and heard about how our house was practically swarmed with people wanting comments that first day. And well, heh, you're not the only one who can make an online video. Just recently she decided to, ah, 'renew' an old threat directed at the entire paparazzi community, and told them that anyone who tried to talk or take pictures of my children without my consent would be VERY sorry. My boys will be just fine.”

Draxum was grinning now, holding back his laughter. “Well, that settles it. I definitely have to meet that woman one of these days.”

“She always flies in around Christmastime, just a heads up. And as for me, I am pretty much used to the whole ‘rabid fanbase, occasionally stalked by media people’ thing by now. Although…” His smile softened. “It really is easier when you have someone helping you deal with it.”

Not willing to hold himself back anymore, Draxum closed the distance between them, kissing Lou softly. Lou deepened the kiss, wrapping his arms around his shoulders. Yes, this was where he belonged: Beside his boyfriend, taking on whatever came their way together.

As they broke apart, they could hear tiny feet coming down the stairs. “I will have to go drop the boys off at O’Neil’s place, and then-”

“Draxum!” “Dr. Draxum!” “Drax!” “DRAXUMMMMM!”

From out of nowhere it seemed, he felt one, two, three, four small bodies (though that last one was pretty heavy) run into his legs, knocking him off balance and onto the ground. “Wh- Boys?!” Lou shouted.

Of course, his sons just ignored him, too excited as they all shouted at once. “We haven't seen you in forever, Dr. Draxum!” “See, I told you guys he'd come back!” “Yeahhh well, I always knew.” “Nuh uh, Leo!” "Yuh huh!" “DRAXUM I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE BAAAACK!”

Unable to help himself, Draxum laughed, managing to wrap his arms around all four of them. “I've missed you boys, too…” And that was the truth.

It took about fifteen minutes to calm the boys down and get them to April’s house (and to get Mikey to let go of Draxum), thanks to Draxum happily promising to visit them again later. With that settled, the reunited couple made their way to the diner.

As was to be expected, the diner was pretty full, now infamous for being #HotSoupLove’s ‘place’. But the two barely gave anyone else a second glance as they caught up with each other and enjoyed their meal, nor did they hesitate in taking a nice walk through the open Central Park afterwards. Not even the annoying occasional flash of a camera out of the corner of their eye or the whispers as they passed people by could sour their mood.

They were dealing with it all together, and that was all that mattered.

(( I know Jessica Jacklynn was just a referee/commentator, but I feel like she would totally be the type of character to host a late night talkshow and just be all about the celebrity gossip and drama. Lol, anyway, hope this chapter was enjoyable and not too wordy. please leave a comment if you can!))

#rottmnt #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #baron jitsu #baron draxum #lou jitsu #my writing #human au #fanfiction