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popculturebuffet · 6 months

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Disney 100th Birthday Special: Top 12 Disney Television Animation Shows

Happy Birthday all you happy people! And it's a very special birthday as it's the 100th anniversary of a company that, while I routinely mock on a regular basis for impaling themselves about a dozen time a year, has brought me a lot of joy. It was a 100 years ago that the wonderful world of disney began and 100 years later it's still bringing us some of the finest and funnest animation around and will likely continue for a hundred more as they create a whole disney planet serving up mickey shaped foods for all time around a disney owned star.

So before we can look forward to happiest dystopian future off earth, I thought hard about what I wanted to do for the 100th. I've covered disney a LOT on this blog: season 3 of ducktales AND the arcs for the two seasons before that, seasons 2 and 3 of both amphibia and owl house, classics like the Lion King and A Goofy Movie, a whole year worth of house of mouse reviews, shorts, various comics great and donald being pro illteracy.. the list could go on for an entire article itself.

So while I had PLENTY of options, from a shorts marathon to another movie, I decided the best way to honor this occasion was by focusing on a portion of disney near and dear to my heart: Disney TV Animation.

Way Way Back in the 1980s, DisneyTVA was formed by fresh faced executive overlord Michael Eisner. Eisner was looking to expand his new empire, and found a clever way to do it. See at the time while there were certainly good cartoons, most had the budget of a paper clip and a piece of string. It's why Disney took this long to get into the game: Walt thought he just coudln't get the quality needed on a tv budget and while he WANTED to at some point, he passed before that could happen.

Many laughed at this decision, citing it as a huge money sink waiting to happen.

Yeah critics not taking animation or kids watching it seriously isn't new and assuming they'll just watch anything is laughable. Yes low budget shows like Transformers got plenty of views... but transformers also put in high quality voice actors and intriguging designs. Take both of those and make the animation bouncier, and kids would notice.

And they did: The first Disney TVA show, Gummi Bears, was a massive success, leading to the planet sized one that was Ducktales and a whole legacy of classic shows.

There is a double edged sword here though: While most of these shows are high quality and well loved.. Disney tends to.. ignore they exist. They don't make merch, think adult and teenage fans aren't a think, and when it comes to merch don't usually tend to make it for these shows during or after their runs. There are exceptions and they are reviving stuff.. but disney has a bad habit to prefer cashing in on nostalgia than on what they have now unless it fits their narrow perameters

For me though.. Disney TVA is home to some of the best, most game changing shows in the medium. From shows I grew up with to shows that sadly just ended, Disney has made a ton of shows permeanntly embded in my heart. My doctor says I should get that removed but what does he know. At this studio are creators who are passionate, create unique works, and work very hard to stand out. Even when shows get slapped with the dreaded 2 season limits, they still stick in our hearts not just because of that nostlaagia pop disney wants, but because they were just that good and still hold up into adulthood. I've covered a lot of this library, owe my career to these shows and will never sotp being impressed by them.

So out of the 42 i've seen I whittled it down by 30 which was way harder than it sounded down to the very best. A few shows like Gargoyles I sadly just.. hadn't watched, so if something's missing it was either that or a very hard cut. Whlie the top 8 was shockingly easy, it was hard to narrow this list down to the very best. I'd also like to point out that this is my opinon: feel free to send me your own lists, i'd be curious to see how your own personal experinces shaped yours. But for now this is mine... and this is my top 12 best disney telvision animation shows.

12. The Weekenders Created by Doug Landale 2000-2004 4 Seasons, 76 episodes

Our #12 is a childhood faviorite of mine.. and also one of the two shows your most likely to hear me bitch about disney+ not having. IT'S BEEN ALMOST 4 YEARS.

But bitch complaning about disney being disney aside, the Weekenders is a charming classic that needs more eyes on it and it's weird I haven't covered frankly.

At any rate Weekenders is a slice of life show with a good yet simple hook: it follows 4 middle schoolers, Tino, Carver, Lor and Tish, as through their weekends from Friday after school to monday morning. It allows for the show to do pretty much whatever it wants, and what it wants is to be a fairly lowkey slice of life show. The only really zany element that I can remember, or that I saw in ToonrfiqTariq's excellent retrospective of the series, which you can find here, is main character Tino, a sarcastic but kind guy played by voice acting royalty James Marsden, talking to the audience zack morris style, which is really just a neat way to move things along so it's not that obtrusive. I highly recommend that retrospective by the way. Tariq is awesome and it helped jog my memory on the show.

The series is a fairly low stakes affair: our heroes have a fairly typical problem, they talk it out or deal with it as the weekend goes on, and at least once an episode they go for pizza at an ever changing pizza restraunt with a fun new gimmick each episode, something I loved already as a kid but love even more NOW as an adult knowing that gag was likely a LOT to do. Keep in mind they had to draw new backgrounds, exteriors, and a new costume for the guy running it every time. It's the kind of joke you think a series would've given up on for those reasons but nope, every episode has one.

Weekenders is a throughly charming slice of life show, helped by it's characters: In addition to tino we have the egotistical Carver (Phil LaMarr) thickheaded jock Lor (Grey DeLise) and immigrant nerd and vegtarian Tish. While the four coudl've easily fallen into their sterotypes there's just enough depth to the cast to make them work. Tish in paticular was my faviorite, not only being one of the first immigrant stories in a show I saw that was largely respectful and not just

It's a great show I genuinely wish I had more to say about. Find it somehow if you can, it's entirely worth it.

11. Phineas and Ferb Created By Dan Povmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh 2007-2015, 20XX- 129 Episodes, 2 Movies, Upcoming Revival

At a time when kids animation wasn't in the best place, Phineas and Ferb was the smash hit we all badly needed. Done by vetran creators and Rocko's Modern Life Alums, Phineas and Ferb was a fun, creative show about two boys who simply wanted to make the best out of summer... and happened to be child progidys only limited by their immgination, so they could do anything and the utterly catchy theme song helpfully outlined it. Having only watched the first three or four seasons, I still don't know if they ever found Frankensteins' Brain. It was over there.

While the a-plots with the boys were great most of the time and had a great supporting cast: Helpful scout Isabella, shrill voiced nerd Baljeet and bully turned buddy Buford, the real draw for most of us was the b-plot: each episode the boys Platapus Perry would sneak out, don a fedora and foil the plots of his arch enemy and best buddy Heinz Doofenschmirtz, an awkward mad scientest who rather than therapy decides to deal with the many, MANY traumas in his life by building various inators and talking to Perry. Their shenanigans inevitibly undo whatever our heroes did in time for their mom to never notice and just think their sister Candance needs help as she tries to bust them.

The show mostly used this loop for it's lengthy run, ocasionally mixing up the setting by visiting the kids grandparents or with a special, but it mostly went like this. This started as the shows strength as the repitition allowed them to REALLY play with the formula: lampshade it, subvert it, and play with it. Sometimes Perry would go to foil doof but it ended up being something benign like Doof trying to do a party for his Daughter or go on a date. Sometimes the boys would genuinely be trying to help Candance or she'd have her own concerns outside of bustin making her feel good. The show packed this with tons of lampshade hanging, catchy songs (after an early one made the network want it once an episode), and genuine heart. It's hard not to root for Phineas and his optimism and genuine cheer. Depsite "driving our sister insane" being a main lyric.. the kid has nothing but love in his heart for his sister and that simple goal of just wanting to do something fun or help someone each day makes this one of the sweeetest shows around.

So your probably wondering why it's so low. And it's really simple: it's constant status quo.. kind of wore it out for me. After a while there was no real reason for Linda NOT to know the boys were doing this. We never got any indication she'd care beyond "Maybe wear a helmet" or "Have candace watch you", neither of which would really STOP what they do every day. While Across the Universe was a great movie it having a MASSIVE snapback at the end is what eventually got me out of the show. It was hard to invest when the show wasn't willing to really change anything. In hindsight I do get some shows just function better as status quo shows and my bitterness has lessened and it's why this show ended up making the list: it's status quo could be frustrating.. but no one had more fun playing with it at the time than these two kids. And the hunchbacked old man what fights/is common lawed married to their platypus.

10. American Dragon: Jake Long Created by Jeff Goode Developed by Eddie Guzelian and Matt Negrete 2005-2007 2 Seasons, 52 Episodes AmDrag was part of the teen superhero boom on kids shows in the 2000's. Classics like Danny Phantom, My Life as a Teenage Robot, El Tigre and more came about at this time, with disney only dipping it's toes in twice with this show and another we'll get to soon enough.

That said.. American Dragon is an excellent show, mostly down to it's core: The show follows the titular Jake Long, a guy who on surface, from rapping part of his theme to his frosted tips to his skateboard comes off very much like an energy drink came to life and starred in it's own show. Which given the 2000's i'm very suprised never happened. But jake is somehow likeable.. he's a bit arrogant sure, but his arrogance is only in his skill: He genuinely does try his best as protector of new york, cares about his friends and cares heavily about his crush Rose. He's got a heart to him beneath the layers of axe body spray and Dante Basco's standout performance, what would easily have been his defining role as a VA had avatar not come along soon after, helps make this guy feel human.

What also helps boost it's show is it's myth arc. Like Danny Phantom a year before it, AM Drag breaks from the style of the time to have a dedicated arc and continuity. There's plenty of monster of the week stuff, some better (like the oracle twins, easily my faviorite side characters , who also have the fun gimmick of one being super cheery yet predicting horrible things and the other being jaded but seeing only good, with their powers being why (If you see every good thing that you'll ever get it makes it hard to enjoy them and if you see every possible horrible thing that happens to you, it makes the other stuff easier to swallow), some worse, and that can be a weaker part of the show.

But it's core arcs are what make the show it's most intresting. For the first season and a half we have the shows best: Jakes battles with the huntsclan, the foot clan.. if they were violent racists who slaughter magical creatures. Granted we don't SEE that on screen but the show does a good job showing us that no, that's what they are.

This itself would likely work.. but what makes it special and standout for the time it came out.. is the wrinkle they throw in: Huntsgirl, the Huntsclan's #1 guy and sidekick to the huntsman.. is Jake's crush Rose, a fairly well adjusted kind girl who simply dosen't know what she's been indoctrinated into, thinking Dragons are evil. This is a nice change of pace as at the time most relationships with teens and tweens in cartoons were either between some popular slab of cardboard of the characters best friend.

Instead Rose SEEMS to be the cardboard type.. but not only has depth outside of the hood, but the fact the audience can easily tell who huntsgirl is, Mae Whitman has a distinctive voice after all and as usual does a fantastic job only adds the tension: We know who rose is, but Jake doesn't and early on we don't know how much of her is real. And once the secret breaks we get the drama of both dealing with not only being on opposite sides but Rose realizing she was on the wrong one.

The arc after, focusing on a dark dragon isn't as strong in comparison, but it's also not entirely fair given they likely though they'd have another season and a half to wrap it up proper. That being said the series also has an interesting arc with Jake's overachieving younger sister, who goes from knowing about the dragon thing (his whole family does minus his dad for.. some reason) and showing some powers.. to being a dragon herself and often her brother's sidekick.

The show had it's weaknsesses, outside of the big bads there was never really much of an interesting Rogue's Gallery, Trixie felt a bit flat as a character, and again there was no good reason Jake's dad shouldn't know so we got stupid groundings and such. But we also got a compelling enemies to lovers arc with a lot of tension, a nice mythology, and profressor rotwood, Jakes teacher and magic hunter, a fun butt monkey for the show. It's a solid show that i'd love to see get a revivial.

9. Wonder Over Yonder Created by Craig McCracken 2013-2016 43 Episodes

Wonder Over Yonder is one of Disney's more infamous cancelations. Despite being DisneyXD's #1 show they not only barely promoted it, I wasn't aware the second season was going on till it was almost over and still need to get around to watching it, Disney cancelled it. Despite being well loved Disney cancelled it. It's not the worst cancellation on this list, that comes later, but it's still a pretty dang bad one. The fact they didn't put the show on Disney+ for some time dosen't exactly help.

Why Disney hated this show so much I'll never know as Wonder is one of the most heartfelt and creative show's disney put out. And keep in mind as I said i've only seen season 1. I know it gets even better with season 2's dedicated story arc and the introdcution of lord dominator. I've seen the musical number.

Wonder took inspiration from, of all things, dr. seuss, with Craig being an admitted fan of 60's and 70's astetics already, it just flowed naturally as we got the tail of a gentle tumbleweed whose kind and thoughtful to everyone he meets wether they desreve it or not and his tough as nails steed and best friend sylvia. The rolls are easily the best of Jack McBrayer and April Winchel's long careers, nicely contrasting each other in perfect ballance: Sylvia fights the battles wonder can't win with kindness or is too oblvious to realize he's in, Wonder wins fights simply by being too cheery and oblivious to beat.

Over their journey's they repeadtely run into our other main characters, Lord Hater, played by the awesome Keith Fergeuson, an over the top skeletial manchild who badly wants to be taken seriously but is too impulsive, stupid, and easily angered for him to actually achieve that depsite the help of Commander Peepers, his #2 and put upon lackey. Add in tons of great sets, fun scnearios and creative uses of animatoin and you have something unforgitable. McCracken really loves to play with storytelling here, from your standard genre breaks to simply taking a conventional tale like a kinight rescuing a princess.. and turn it into our heroes accidently assitating a stalking jerk and said princess easily clocking him one before they can all unite to save him. The show had so much fun with it's cast and heart in it it's really hard not to like and while it sadly ended too soon what we got... is something magical.

8. Clerks the Animated Series Created by Kevin Smith 2000 6 Episodes Like most of you are as you read this entry, I was suprised to find Disney TVA made this. To date this is Disney's only adult animated series, and the fox acquisition giving them a full studio for that tells me it'll likely stay this way unless they do something actiony for disney +. It's also far and away the shortest lived show on this list. only airing two of it's 6 produced episodes, neither of which was the actual first episode. ABC didn't like what they got, they buried it, standard corprate procedure, and thanks to DVD and Comedy Central airings the show went from quickly forgotten weird relic to one of the best animated adaptations out there and one of the poster children for shows too good to last.

I grew up with this show. Since I was too young for the kevin smith movies my brother was obessed with, the series was the first Kevin Smith related thing I ever watched and it's stayed with me since. The show's short.. but it's 6 episodes are absolutely STUFFED with great jokes. I could honestly spend the rest of the article quoting this series, from "Hey, it's ted danson" to "Why are we walking like this" to "The weed of crime bears bitter fruit you old hag!".... and that's just the second episode. Admitely in terms of tone, Clerks TAS.. is nothing like the movie. The original Clerks was a fairly low key film mostly driven by our leads Dante and Randall's conversation and the various people who came in. It was a character piece about being stuck in a dead end job, about ignoring rules versus blindly following them, and about two stoners who were in it for 5 minutes but became the backbone of this cinematic universe because their the best.

Clerks the Animated Series instead is a gleefully wacky romp where our heroes can't say fuck but do get into sitcommy hyjinks, from clipshows, to a rival buisness across the way, to the deadly motava virus, to a pastiche of the last starfighter turning into a pastiche of the bad news bears then a pastiche of temple of doom. As you can tell this show is kinda nuts and really just Kevin Smith getting to be all kinds of redicluous in the funniest way possible. He replaced being able to say fuck and talk about sex with hyjinks and turned randall from a charming if assholish slacker into one of the best dumbasses in animation. The show is a near constant laugh riot, beautifully animated too. It also naturally has the boys, with Jay and Silent bob still getting in lots of neat antics even if they can no longer deal on screen. Clerks the Animated series is one of the funniest shows there's ever been and I highly recommend seeking it out.

7. Milo Murphy's Law Created by Dan Povemire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh 2016-2017, 2019 46 Episodes

Meet the show disney somehow treated WORSE than the last two. I swear when I put this list together I did not realize these three would be clustered together.

But yes, when I said there was a worse cancelation I meant it: Milo Murphy's Law was the dwampy duo of Phineas and Ferb.. and got utterly buried because Disney was mad it wasn't the mega hit that show was, forgetting that was also a fairly slow burn, or that you kow THIS IS A DIFFRENT SHOW. So they not only barely promoted the second half of season 1.. but then just sat on season 2 for a full year, with many an episode airing elsewhere long before that and released it over a few weeks. They then just.. straight up ended production to make a phineas and ferb movie. In fact despite a full soundtrack apparently existed only ONE song's gotten released from the show in full thanks to said movie's soundtrack. To say Disney screwed this show over is putting it lightly.

And it's a huge shame this show got buried as it did as Milo.. is freaking awesome. I mean I gave it a shot from episode one simply because it had Weird Al attached. Even if i'd gotten burned out on the previous show, i'll give anything Al's in a shot.

And that shot was worth it as from the first episode to the last, Milo is a truly charming show with, say it again ya'll, "a truly unique premise" . Disney has a knack for those don't it?

MML follows Milo Murphy, a happy go lucky 6th grader who meets new kid in town Zack.. who soon finds out Milo has a family curse, based on, of course, Murphy's Law; if something can go wrong, it will. So the universe bends over backwords to try to murder this tween and anyone around him... hence why while everyone likes Milo well enough, only his feisty hustler best friend Melissa really hung around before Zack took a chance on his new pal.

What makes the series great though is that Milo... dosen't ever angst about having murphy's law. You'd think with his life being a constant never ending string of disaster dominos, the guy would give up or we'd have one episode of him bedguging all he's missed out on. Instead.. Milo sees his life as an adventure, enjoys in the shenanigans he gets into and simply packs his backpack to be prepeared and keep his spleen in tact. He's a sweet, kind, optimist who helps people no matter what and dosen't let his curse get him down or stop him from living his life. It's milo that makes the show this good, having to both work around his jinx as well as many an adventure coming from people's reaction to him: From his love intrest Amanda intitally avoiding him due to being a perfectionist only to let him in more once she realizes what a kind guy he is, to the local security guard played byc hristan slater being an absolute dick to him, we see how it impacts his life.. but how he also enjoys his life regardless.

The series also has it's own perry equilvent, Dakota and Cavendish, who genuinely drive the seasons story arcs, two time policeman and ambigously gay duo who try to prevent pistachos from being destroyed.. then do the opposite once i'ts clear it'll cause the end of the world. They add to the story.

What puts this show up here, and way above phineas is that it's not afraid of change: the basic status who dosen't, but the show has a story arc for each season, characters grow and change with Zack getting more used to the chaos around his bestie, the relationship with amanda I mentioned, and most importantly Dakota and Cavindish finding out about milo fairly early on and vice versa, allowing their plots to intersect. It's also really damn funny.

Honestly the show's only this low because the top 6 are REALLY that good.. and because season 2 kinda crams Dr. Doofinschrmitz in there on what feels heavily like an executive mandate. Sometims he cab be a bit overbearing.. but the show's still up this high because frankly, Doof was the best part of his previous show and still gets a LOT of great material, paticuarlly this bit.

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Also his friend there is Jeff. Jeff is a man who lives underground. He's great. And this series is, badly underated. I can't wait to see these characters again as it's been directly said that while their tabling it for the first two seasons apperances by characters from the previous two shows aren't off the table for hamster and gretel, they just learned from this one to wait, but while I wait.. what we got.. is still damn magical.

6. Kim Possible Created by Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle 2002-2007 4 Seasons, 82 Episodes, 2 Movies, 1 Live Action Reboot Film

Kim Possible was one of my faviorite shows as a kid, and for good reason. Even over two decades later, the show still holds up as a smart, hilarious, and well done spy show. I also will gladly count it as part of the teen superhero boom as it hits a lot of those tropes too.

The setup however is nicely unique: Rather than work for a big spy orginzation (Though she does freelance in a few episodes for SHIELD expy Global Justice), or for money or what you'd expect from a world class adventuerer and super spy, Kim is just an above average teen whose fairly smart, popular and really damn good at both gymnastics and kicking people who does the job because it's the right thing to do and her organization is really just four people: herself, Wade, a child progidey who finds jobs for her, Ron, her best friend, eventual love interest, and overly panicky but loveable goofus, and Ron's pet Rufus who counts because he saves their lives quite a bit simply by being in ron's pocket and being smart enough. He's also a naked mole rat and the reason I know those exist.

While the show has a strong supporting cast with screen legends Gary Gole and Jean Smart as Kim's Rocket Science and Neurosurgeon parents, her annoying twin brothers, her sarcastic best girl friend monique, her annoying rival bonnie and my personal faviorite her authorative yet still resonable and utterly hilarious teacher Mr. Barkin, played by my boy Patrick Warburton, one of it's biggest strengths is Kim's Rogue's gallery.

Like I said with americna dragon a lot of the weakness for these teen hero shows is that they genuinely only have one or two major foes that are actually you know.. memorable. In contrast Kim has a LOT of intresting and fun villians of the week, not a huge pool but enough to keep it intresting with plenty of fun one offs. The main one is Dr. Drakken, played by John Dimaggio in one of his best parts and Shego, played by Nicolle Sulivan in her best role, an over the top , hammy shortsighted blue mad scientest and his snarky assitant who does most of the punching and is easily kim's physical equal. The two show up the most out of Kim's rogues, and while this on paper could get reptitive the two's banter is great, they play off our heroes fantastically, and they frankly never seemed to run out of great schemes for Dr. D to do.

There were other greats too, my personal faviorites being Senior Senior Senior and Senior Senior Junior, character actor Ricardo Montalban in his best role as a rich old man who after accidently blacking out paris, takes ron's suggestion he had all the makings of a super villian to heart and using his vast wealth to arch our heroes for fun while Junior.. badly dosen't want any part of this. Ther'es tons more I could gush about from DNAmy to the bebes, to my boy Frugal Lucre, a guy who works at a wallmart expy and barely spends money on his arching suplies.

The show's other weapon is it's writing: it's clever, hilarious, and the main duo are incredibly likeable: Kim is incredibly compitent but just as prone to teen angst as anyone her age, while Ron is incredibly panicky and goofy but far more compitent than he seems or he thinks himself to be. Our leads, Kristy Carlson Romano and va god Will Fridle in my faviorite role of his, have an effortless chemstriy between them, even before it turns romantic. You see how valuable their friendship is and how much they need each other even when they bicker.. and it turning romantic just feels.. natural. There's a risk there, and i'll likely go more into tha twhen I eventually cover so the drama (Either later this year if I can squeeze it in or early next year), but needless to say their the gold standard for friends to lovers and I love them.

The show is just.. damn good and worth checking out if you haven't. It's on Disney+ , all of it including the reboot film which is.. alright. not as good as the series but thanks to great casting and the creators involvment , still solid. Call it, beep it, reach it, it's a masterpiece and I badly hope those revivial rumors are true as i'd love to see this cast as adults.

5. Amphibia Created by Matt Braly 2019-2022 3 Seasons, 58 Episodes

Anoyone whose seem this blog before probably saw this coming. I mean I covered two whole seasons of the show and deeply love it's main cast. And Maddie. God bless my creepy frog daughter. So it being this high up isn't a huge shock.. but damn if it dosen't deserve it. Amphibia isn't perfect: some of the one off episodes, even those important later, aren't the best... but the show still plays one of the best long games in animation. The character arcs are well set up from the get go and we follow our lead Anne Boonchuy from reckless and irresponsible teen plunked into a frog world to a strong empathetic heroine who has to save both worlds from a tyrant and his abusive computer dad. Along the way there's betrayal, slice of life shenanigans, and lots of cleverly done worldbuilding. And some padding. There's just a touch padding. But the strong character arcs not just for Anne but her friends (With Sasha being my easy faviorite but Marcy not exactly far behind and complex and engaging enough to get her own spinoff journal), found family and even her earth family. It's a beautifully done three act story: what seems like a lonnnng time spent in the rural town of Wartwood ends up not only buliding up the show's supporting cast but characters who are vital to the world's salvation later. The second season shows how far anne has come while also building out the world, continuing Sasha's arc as she spirals further and giving us the glory that is marcy, cumilating in season 3, a fantastic season that reverses the premise to amazing effect and ends with a truly satisfying conclusion.. even if SOME of the getting there is messy. Hey it's #5 for a reason.

IT's a well built, hilarious, and heartfelt human into swamp water story, and one of my faviorites. I only don't say TOO much as I want anyon ewho hasn't to try this themselves. Amphibia is a masterpiece and if you haven't seen it it's WELL worth the binge with one of the best voice casts in animation (Something that's really true for everything from far out), really choice world building, and a satsifying ending. This section may of been short but damn if i don't love this show with a lot of my heart.

4. Gravity Falls Created by Alex Hirsch 2012-2016 2 Seasons, 40 Episodes

Another fairly obvious pick.. but one I weirdly HAVEN'T covered on this blog. I'll really have to fix that next year. Still just because something's obvious dosen't make it any less true. Gravity Falls is easily one of the most influental animated series of the 2010's, right up there with adventure time in kicking off the animation renaissance of that era and several of it's crew, including Matt Braly from the previous entry and a certain someone else coming up, going on to make stellar shows of their own.

It's rep and influence is well earned: Gravity Falls, like, as i've realized writing this, EVERY show on this list has a very simple elvator pitch: two kids spending the summer with their weird elderly uncle at his toursist trap get into paranormal shenanigans: Dipper as he tries to unwrap the mysteries of their temproary home and Mable as she tries to make friends, find a boy to smooch and genuinely ambles through life. She also gets a pig.

The simple setup belies not only a fairly intriguing mystery with a truly amazing twist halfway through season 2, but a fun arc villian in LIttle Gideon, the con artist next door, town hero and phony psychic, but a one of a kind, memorable and all time great vilian in Bill Cipher, a little triangle man who also happens to be a mad nightmare god trying to get into our dimension whose Chucky levels of deeply disturbing and terrifying as he is incredibly funny and charastmatic.

The rest of the cast is no slouch: Dipper and Mable are incredibly likeable, Wendy is great, played by personal faviorite of mine Linda Cardenlli and criminally underused and Soos, voiced by Hirsch along with Stan, Bill and MANY other characters, is a loveable dum dum 20 something who treats our heroes like surrogate siblings.

The real star of course, and the show stealling heart of the show is Stan Pines, the kids corrupt uncle and one of the most hilarious, and once we learn his deal heartbreaking and suprisingly complex, characters in all of animation. This show is on this list on it's own merits but woudln't nearly be so high without stan, a constant laugh machine, quote factory and powerhouse performance by Hirsch, who despite being new to voice acting steps into it like he's done this for decades. From teaching a bear to drive, to wondering if it's wrong to punch a child to "yes yes burn the child" and of course his greatest folly

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Stan constantly boosts the show by existing. Add in strong character ties, a compelling mystery and, like most shows this high up a hell of a finale, and you have a true classic that understadnably changed animation forever.

Also i'm pretty sure Stan killed at least two people in that clip. No one ever talks about that. I mean I knew he had a body count but still.

3. Recess Created by Paul Germaine and Joe Ansolabehere 1997-2001 4 Seasons, 65 Episodes, 4 Movies

Recess is the oldest work on this list, ending just before KP and American Dragon started (though it'd air long into their runs as this show ran forever and rightfully so). It was also part of my childhood, airing long after it finished and being tender the whole way through.

Recess is a masterwork: while many a show stuck with me from childhood this is one that thinking back I can remember the episodes vividly, and given my memory is spotty that says something. It's a show with a lot of style, having it's characters dressed out of the 50s and 60s, with a cold war subtext I never had, but keeping it in the present to relate to kids when it's airing. It creates a vibe tha'ts both of it's time (the monstickers ep is very much of the pokemon boom), and timeless (kids STILL collect pokemon cards and despite some morons best efforts have recess and still form little clicks).

It takes two simple things kids grapple with, unfair teachers and authority figures and cliques and social circles and simply blows it up to be as big as it was in our heads: I remember having epic duels with the kids I played with , wars, whole conflicts and recess meets things on that level: the world of recess is one where the playground has a lineage of kings, the kindergartners are a feral tribe, two kids can reguarly acess shovels, and the local snitch is some sort of combination of gollumn and a weasel while keeping it just grounded enough for adults to relate to. Where rebelling against authority involves elaborate heists.

It's a perfect kind of show for kids: it meets them on their level, as it did when I was a kid.. but is smart enough that as an adult you can still enjoy it. It helps that most of the cast is three dimensional:

TJ is a loveable scamp.. but a good chunk of his schemes aren't just to stick it to the man or get some reward for him and his running crew, but to help kids. TJ's just as likely to break out of detention as he is to help a kid this week simply because they need it. He'll even help Randall, the local snitch I mentioned, despite his better judgment, simply because it's the right thing to do. He'll have to be talked into it because.. it's Randall. Randall sucks, But he'll do it. Spinelli is the tomboy of the group and will fight everyone, but has a good side to her and struggles with being a girl when she relates more to being masculine, something that's only become more relevant with time and can be read a lot of ways. Mikey is the big kid.. but a soft kind giant who deals with being sterotyped for his side. Vince is the sports kid... and okay most of his plots are around that, but we do get neat bits like him being ashamed his brother is basically urkel and having to learn his brother still slaps because unlike Urkel he dosen't harass women. Gretchen is a massive nerd, and the first role in Ashely Johnson's long and storied career, but also gladly paticipates in the schemes, has a lot of heart, and struggles.

And finally we have my boy Gus, the new kid at the start and the one I related most to being a nerdy nervous wreck myself: but he's gladly accepted into the rest of the gang, and finds a home at long last after moving around his whole life. He's got layers to him: he's a military brat, he's never really had stablility int erms of friendship, and he's often put upon, having to deal with King Bob being a jerk to him for being the new kid or bullies. Yet he's got a good heart despite being the nervous one of the group the biggest heart of them and will gladly stand up for himself when the chips are down.

Not only are these 6 fleshed out and relatable.. but they have a wholesome friendship. They'll fight sometimes, kids do, but despite being vastly diffrent people who on paper shoudln't really be hanging together.. you never doubt they like each other or would drop everything to help one another. Mostly because a good chunk of episodes are just that. Gretchen and Gus are never picked on by their friends.. teased a little, maybe , Spenelli be like that, but these six kids love and respect each other on level that's just heartwarming. You never doubt for a second these six are friends, even with Gus not having their shared history. He just fits because they like him, he's willing to do what's right, and he's a good kid. TJ is brave and noble, Spnelli is tough but dosen't punch down, Vince is cool, Mikey is insightful and kind, Gretchen is smart and clever and Gus ahs a good heart. You see the good they see in each other and it shows our diffrences.. make us better. There may be cliques at recess, but when the chips are down, TJ can get them to work together.

The series also just had a knack for creating really memorable episodes that feel entirely relatable: a trading card style boom leads to TJ becoming a rags to riches tycoon, swinger girl who always swings trying to do what all kids did and reach the other side leads to a tale about things we can't explain when she seemingly dissapears, a simple punishment leads to TJ"s teacher psychologically torturing him, a fake swear word leads to an ENTIRE COURT CASE, all stuff that's somehow realistic. The show's premise was a tool box that allowed them to tell a ton of diffrent stories, a lot of which with really adult, meaningful lessons, and the show never really got old. It only ended because Disney's attempts to continue it simply didn't work out and even with the 5th grade eps as an epilogue, it has a hell o a finale in the movie. The whole run's on disney+ and I.. really need to revisit it.. and to review it next year if possible.

2. The Owl House Created by Dana Terrace 2020-2023 3 Seasons, 43 Episodes

Let's face it even if the article image hadn't tipped my hat here.. this one being high up .. was a given. I've gushed about this show at length, covering it as season's 2 and 3 ran out, written fanfiction on this blog, and since I started doing them the show's always ranked decently on my 20 best animated episodes lists I do each year, and will likely have a spot this year for the finale. My love of this show is something I don't remotely hide and have no reason to. So it being #2 on this list is an obvious pick.. but one i'm happy to be obvious with. In fact with these last two their pretty nearly tied in my heart and it was one inching out the other.

And the weird thing is.. I didn't even watch all of season 1. I watched the first half much as I could, but while I liked it I didn't get really heavy into it. The characters were charming, the designs great and it was nice to have a show where Wendy Malick was not only voice acting, but had a MAJOR role that really let her show off her chops. I've always loved her and it was a lot of fun to get a roll this good. It was also nice to have Alex Hirsch back. The show wasn't without style, a compelling lead, a hell of a romantic arc or other attractions.. but it wasn't till later in season 1 when classicsl ike encahnting grom fright and the finale REALLY made the show into what it became.

This lead to season 2.. which is one of the best seasons of television i've ever seen, and tha'ts with the fact that halfway through they had to massively reorganize the plot to fit into 10 episodes and 3 specials, something that's only really noticable in hindsight. And i'm not hyperbolizing: the show was good before.. but season 2 enriches everything, giving the characters more depth, paticuarlly king who goes from an afterthought in season 1 to the emotoinal core of the season and Alex Hirsch's best roll... which given Stan above says a LOT. Season 2 takes the foundations of the show and really plays with them, with pretty much everyone getting a deeper character, the school stuff forced into season 1 downplayed into just showing up as needed, allowing for way more story freedom and belos increased presence and hell of a true self reveal giving us one of Disney's greatest villians. Add in hunter as a new main cast member and best good soft boy, and you have a riviting saga that kept me enthralled the whole season. Even the weaker episodes add something, and the result is something that can't be topped: a show tha'ts funny, heartfelt, unmistakably queer and unquestionably well crafted.

It also managed to pull off one hell of an ending, not only introducing my murder child who learns his lesson the collector, but doing so with only three specials to wrap up what they shoul'dve had a season to. It's a show that like Gravity Falls before it is bound to really shake up animation and influence many a show to come an dI can't wait to see the results. A true epic about finding yourself, religious indoctrination and eldrich owl and tube shaped parasites, this show is something that may never be topped and was an utter joy while it lasted. Hoot.

1. Ducktales Based on DuckTales by Jim Magon /Uncle Scrooge by Carl Barks Developed by Matt Youngberg and Francisco Angones 2017-2021 3 Seasons, 69 Episodes Like #2... #1 is a show my love of has been transparently obvious: Covering season 3 started this blog, i've covered seasons 1 and 2's story arcs, and done a ton of other duck stuff from a full three cabs retrospective, to donald shorts to the very duck adjacent goofy movie. While I haven't done as much duck content this year, a shame really, and still need to finish my life and times retrospective some day... my love of Disney's Ducks has been something i've had since college and this series not only revitalized it but sent it into the fucking stratosphere with the gold standard for reboots. DuckTales is the only show here based on an existing IP, but still manages to be super creative with it. Matt and Frank took nearly 100 years of Duck stories (not hyperbole, Donald turns the big 1-0-0 himself next year), taking from the legendary barks comics, the worthy successor rosa comics, the giant pile of European duck comics, the shorts, the movies, anything Donald , Scrooge or the Boys had been in, every bit of the disney afternoon, and everything else they could shove in to creat the defintive duck universe: Something that fully and lovingly respects what cames before but uses it all to create something fresh and wholly it's own. The cast is a nice mix of reinventions of old characters and brand new ones just as good if not even better.

This can be seen well with the core cast: Scrooge only gets changed slightly, but those slight changes were BADLY needed: Scrooge is still a guy with flaws: he can get far too focused on the goal ahead and not the human cost, is egotstical as all hell, and disconected from the common person. He can raid a tomb better than anyone, sorry Indy and Lara, but god help him if he tries doing an interview or produce a film. It's a nice ballance: he's out of touch and crotchety as usual, but far less of an abusive asshole. It's also clear that while the bin stores a lot of his treasures, and he won't take one if it's owners need it, being more than happy to give Djinn his family's lamp for instance, with it only being a whole thing because Louie sold it. It paints him more as a historian than a theif and robber baron, while still keeping the nice flaws that make him who he is: he's still cheap, he just won't underpay his staff and in fact mostly recurits people other employers give up on for being too weird.

The rest of the cast is given a more extensive but needed overhall: My boy Donald is less of the likeably selfish ass he usually is, instead a loveable dad who still destroys everything he touches, but spends the first two seasons living entirely for his kids. He's more mature while still being the idiot we love.

Everyone else.. is a huge change as I said. The biggest and best.. is the boys. Usually Huey, Dewey or Louie are a hive mind of goody goods.. or obnoxious boys. Depends on what the story needs. It always annoyed me that when you have three characters there their not at all distinct and there's no real need for them. Thankfully the creators of this show understood that and thus evolved the boys into three seperate people: Huey is more like the barks comics versions, a junior woodchuck, close to his mom and uncles, and exitable.. but with a nice fine pace of neurodivergence and anxiety that not only makes him relatable to me but a fairly likeable kid: one scared of change but with all the potetial in the world. Dewey takes ab it after the more sterotypically 80s moments of the boys in the show, being a rad dude with a penchant for acting out.. but instead of a sexist bully or jerk like the boys could be, Dewey is a pure theater kid who badly wants attention and has no impulse control. He's basically Hank Venture , age 12 and i'm here for it. Finally Louie takes the boys more scheming moments from the comics and shows and boils it down into a gen z slacker who wants to work smater not harder, and not work at all if needed, who evolves from heartless lazy schemer and evil triplet to a keep observer whose just mildly shady.

While the barks 5 are all acounted for we also get nice overhauls for the ducktales three original core characters: Webby gets the best, going from just "small baby child babY" to a hyperactive girl who is easily near scrooge's level in adventureeing.. but has no idea how to socalize and still loves sparkles. She's empathetic, brave, and a contrast to what woudl turn out to be her old man: instead of growing to shut people out , she starts out badly wanting to let everyone end. Beakley likewise gets a glow up from "old lady stertotype whose constantly flustered" to "badass british former secret agent, only sane man and gender swapped brock sampson" , with Launchpad being made a loveable doofus, but still compitent since Donald's here to be the everyman.

The cast.. only gets better as it goes: Ducktales took a huge leap and decided "Hey what ABOUT the triplet's mom" turning della from a question mark that was answered all of once across nearly a century.. to a character just as vallad as her brother and uncle who have said near century on her: Della is Donald's opposite: brave, confident.. but a mess herself and stuck on the moon for half the series. Paget Brewster does a phenominal job.

I emphasise the series characters.. because tha'ts it's heart: it has solid plots, revamps and what not.. but it's a giant, instnatly loveable cast of characters: The side cast is MASSIVE pulling from all over duck history: Fehtry makes his debut, Gladstone is taken from easily one of my most hated characters in the comics to a far more loveable schister, Rockerduck finally debuts, Glomgold is turned from "Scrooge but evil" to someone badly trying to copy scrooge and the most glorious weirdo in all of fiction. Seriously Keith Fergusons glomgold is fucking majestic, and while he's never really a major threat his overinfalted ego, lack of planning, obessions with sharks and bombs and general haminess made him one of the best parts of this. You also get Magica as a genuine threat , and a mess later, Scooge's parents having a more active roll, Fenton having more of his own personality and weird swing for the fences complete and utter makeovers like Doofus Drake going from doofy kid to a very weird child who needs therapy, Donald's neighbor nemisis being his therapist or taking the zombie from voodoo hoodo, one of th emost racist and questionable things in duck comics history.. and instead making him into an unstopable juggernaut frankenstein curse ont he rich.

And of course the original cast.. is impecable. My adopted Daugther Lena is the clear standout, having covered her whole story arc on here and loving the character a lot, A cool teen TM who ends up being a traumtized girl badly needing a home, her stoic and neurodivergent sister violet, the egon to her venkman, fuckboy Mark Beaks, great final boss Bradford, gay icon Storkules, gay icon Selene, everyone's least faviorite dick Zeus.. I really coudl go on for some time and easily could but this article has taken a while. The show just had a knack for memorable loveable characters and making this world feel truly alive and humungous and scope, with gorgeous art designs.

It also had a great throughline, with Scrooge going from a man who pushed everything a way.. to the man who truly has everything, everyone growing along the way, and a finale that while a bit messy and leaving us hungering for more, really got to the hart of the show: a family that comes together after being torn apart and adds a LOT to them. It's a show unlike any other, and was truly the dream of a life time.. and I coudln't put anything else at #1. Thanks for reading.

#ducktales #the owl house #recess #kim possible #amphibia #american dragon jake long #the weekenders #clerks the animated series #milo murphy's law #gravity falls #wonder over yonder #phineas and ferb

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vintage-rejects · 2 years

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Hello! I’m here to participate in the Peaceful Team Fortress 2 Bot Protest! If you don’t already know, there’s a serious bot problem within the game! Due to years of neglect, the game isn’t incredibly friendly for new players! Many people still play the game, as it’s such a beautiful peace of work! I’m here to stand by those people today! However, my love for this franchise doesn’t revolve around the game entirely.. No, I’m here to represent a very specific side of this fandom! The ones who focus on the beautiful characters of this franchise! The people who make up headcanons, theorize about lore, and create their own fan characters for this game! I’m more connected to that side of the fandom.

Team Fortress 2 means so much to me. I was in an incredibly toxic mental state about 2 years ago. I was incredibly sad, scared, and various other things under the sun. I was becoming a shell of myself, almost to a point I couldn’t recognize who I was. Somehow, I remembered these animated clips I saw years prior. I don’t recall why I watched them all those years ago, or why I even remembered them at that moment. Though, I searched them up and found them. The “Meet the Team” videos. Curiously, I rewatched them and my life shifted completely.

Immediately, I began reading fanfiction out of complete curiosity. I consumed animated content hesitantly. I was slowly easing myself into this new—yet rather old—fandom I’ve never truly witnessed before. Per usual, I broke the news to my best friend of 8 years. I was expecting them not to share my interests, as we have that problem a lot. It’s always made me sad we never had one fandom in common… Until, they excitedly said they like TF2 as well! I was ecstatic, and immediately consumed all the content I could of this game! I impulsively downloaded the game, watched 2-hour long videos about the game, laughed at shitposts, and read every comic I could. I never felt this good in ages!

Team Fortress 2 unlocked my creativity, after it’s been stifled for so long. I have written words upon words of roleplays. I have thought up so many headcanons, these characters have started to feel like my own. I’ve made too many Spy fan characters, I really need to stop— I’ve written an essay about how this game saved me. I’ve told everyone in my life about it, because I love it so much! I’m closer to my best friend because of it. This game means a lot to me. These characters mean a lot to me!

I’ve tried to take breaks from TF2, but every time I do… I miss it immensely. I love these silly, weird, older men. I love them so much. They make me unbelievably happy. Especially Spy. I cannot tell you exactly why he clicks so well for me, but he does. Anytime I see Spy in anything, I get so stupidly happy. Every Spy meme makes me laugh, and I could watch him move for hours. I love this character a lot. He’s the closest I’ll ever get to a comfort character, I think. He’s my baby, my son. My little man. I love him. He’s wonderful.

These characters are wonderful! They’re so complex and interesting! They’re so filled to the brim with life! The writers put so much love into them! Not to mention, the animation and comic art is beautiful! TF2 just drips with personality!! It’s amazing!

My favorite part is the fandom. The TF2 fandom is one of the more wholesome fandoms I’ve ever seen. I’ve never really seen a controversy within this fandom (maybe it’s because I’m a very recent fan). Everyone is incredibly welcoming, and sorta treat you like you were always there. As soon as I started this blog, and posted my little silly posts, people much more known in this space replied like they’ve always known me. So many people reply with enthusiasm, and show the same exact passion I have for these characters!

Not only that, the SFM community is amazing! They make beautiful animations whenever they can! They’re dedicated, talented people! SFMs are always a blast to watch! They’re very lovely! Not to mention all the fanart people make! It’s incredible! Each piece of art is made with love, passion, and dedication! It’s so exciting to see people express themselves with something they love so much!! We cannot forget those who spend so much time on fanfictions! Or Headcanons! Those who take time to write out requests solely to make others happy! They’re very inspiring people!

I also want to stress how funny this community is. God, these guys are hilarious! Every joke lands and gets a very ugly laugh outta me! You guys are super funny, remember that!!

Finally, I want to address how this community is very strong. Like today! They’re standing together to save a game they love so much. That is dedication! It’s incredibly inspiring.

Team Fortress 2 means a lot to me. It gave me my creativity back. It strengthened my friendship of over 8 years. It introduced me to such a loving, hilarious, talented community. It gave me a small platform to express myself. I’m very thankful for having this silly, little blog. I’m thankful for every follower I have. I’m thankful TF2 exists, frankly. It’s given me so much I adore. I want to see it prosper for years to come.

#SaveTF2

#save team fortress 2 #save tf2 #savetf2 #saveTF2 #tf2 #team fortress 2 #tf2 spy #tf2 medic #tf2 sniper #tf2 demo #tf2 demoman #tf2 scout #tf2 pyro #tf2 solly #tf2 soldier #tf2 engineer #tf2 heavy #tf2 merasmus #vin talks

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gothcsz · 7 days

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𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒆 / Chapter IV.

PAIRING: Javier Peña x Original Female Character

SUMMARY: The beginning of the end...

WORD COUNT: 7.5k

RATING: 18+ Mature topics such as sex, drugs, murder, the occult, religion, cannibalism and other triggering matters will be explored in this body of work. Minors DNI.

CHAPTER SPECIFIC TAGS: The start of a very wicked love triangle, slowburn slowburn slowburnnnn, mentions of religion (Catholicism), porn WITH plot !!!, some characterization, other things that I'm probably forgetting.

DISCLAIMER/WARNINGS: The Javier Peña referenced in this body of work is solely based off of the character that appears in Netflix’s Narcos and not the actual person. Very canon divergent and I will tweak things as I see fit to compliment the narrative of this story. While efforts have been made to be accurate in terms of canon timeline, a lot of details will be fictionalized, including the usage of the song(s) that Paloma will perform throughout the story.

A/N: this took me longer than i anticipated solely bc i hate rereading my writing </3 i'm tryin suuuuper hard to get javi's characterization down so i hope i'm doing him justice fr 🙏🏽 the plot is slowly getting started and i'm just rly hype for it bc i love the whole southern gothic vibe like it EATS!!! anyways i'm always open to feedback and all that other fun stuff so feel free to interact with this post or blog! thanks to everyone who has kept up with this so far!! y'all are real asf <3

♰ read on ao3. ♰

♰ playlist | pinterest | series masterlist ♰

“ You know, most guys woulda thrown in the towel by now. ” Paloma tells him, legs steadily peddling her bicycle as Javier drives in his cruiser alongside her.

“ Most guys are idiots, querida. ” He replies cooly, one arm dangling lazily out of the driver’s side window and his aviators sitting pretty on the bridge of his nose.

Paloma’s laugh rings out beautifully and he can’t himself from smiling. “ S’no wonder they quit on you. You’re stubborn as hell. ” He grumbles, thinking of the various times that she’s rejected his offer to drive her wherever she needed.

Javier was an asshole about it at first, being excessive with his proximity. Mostly because he enjoyed watching how flustered and annoyed she got. That sharp tongue of hers paired with an eye roll an addicting response.

It was entertaining, to say the least.

Amidst his constant patrolling, Javier got to learn more about her little by little. Details like what her routine consists of and how she interacts with others.

It’s very clear that she’s beloved by almost everyone. Paloma is kind, witty, talented… beautiful. It’s thoughts like these that had him second guessing how he was approaching the Sheriff’s orders.

It was making him feel like a stalker, honestly, so he decided to pull back. She is grown, after all, and she’s reminded him of that fact almost daily.

So, Javier gave her the space they both need. Not following her around everywhere or posting up outside her job. During his downtime, he is able to put more analytical attention on the current homicide case. Starting with the guy that had lingered at Nina’s funeral.

He asked around, trying to get any information about a potential boyfriend or anything of that nature but came up empty handed.

Paloma grins proudly at his words. “ You say stubborn I say strong-willed. I do appreciate you easing off, though. ” She looks over at him and he admires her beauty beneath the summer sun.

Brown hair clipped up into a messy updo and a soft, yellow sundress adorning her body. A hidden gem in this vast and obscure town.

“ ‘Least I could do. Helps me think, too, drivin’ around. ” Javier keeps himself from reminiscing on his days in Colombia and the endless amount of stakeouts he’d been apart of. Sure, his ass would get numb and most of the time they acquired nothing but it helped him analyze any and every detail he could examine; often the copious amount of time he spent trying to piece everything together lead to a bigger break in the investigation.

He’s just applying the same technique here. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to make anything out of it all.

“ Ah, so the car is your go to spot? Mine is the abandoned tracks over by Montrose. For some reason, I think better there… if that makes any sense. ” The conversation continues easily and naturally. That is another thing he’s come to learn about her, Paloma is very amiable.

“ It makes sense, muñeca. You shouldn’t go by yourself, though. Don’t know who could be followin’ you all the way out there… ”

“ I think it’s an officer that goes by Peña and I’m pretty sure he’s stalking me. ” She teases him and he rolls his eyes, letting out a dry chuckle.

Javier really wants to urge her to let him take her to work but he knows she’ll challenge him.

Thinner strands of her hair stick to her neck and other damp areas of her face; the sweat on her thighs which he can see gleam beneath the hot sun each time she pedals. That leather seat she’s sitting on must be uncomfortable.

“ I’m sure he’s just trying to make sure that you don’t run into any trouble. Which is why I think you should let me give you a ride to the library before you pass out and die of heat exhaustion tryin’ to bike there. ” Javier tilts his head to the side to look at her and she stays quiet, thinking over his words before letting out a defeated sigh.

“ Fine, but only because it’s hot as shit and I may or may not be jealous of the A/C in your cruiser. ” He can’t help the smirk that tugs at his lips as she caves in, rolling the vehicle to a smooth stop and putting it into park so that he could mount her bicycle to the back of it.

Javier’s eyes trail over her form as her back is turned to him, grabbing her things out of the small basket on her bike. If her father knew the scandalous thoughts he had about her he’d have him quartered and drawn. That does have a wave of guiltiness wash over him since the man is trusting him fully to look out for her and her wellbeing.

Which he is, in that regard Romeo has nothing to worry over, it’s Javier’s attraction to her that’s messing with his conscious.

It doesn’t help that Paloma plays into it, feigning innocence when she gets a reaction out of him.

“ I got it. ” He insists, taking ahold of the metal handle and brushing up against her as he does so. Feels her body stiffen at the sudden touch yet he keeps a satisfied simper at bay.

“ Thank you, officer. ” She recovers smoothly with that intriguing timbre she uses when they banter flirtatiously.

It is so wrong yet so right of them to continue whatever this is. Seeing just how far they can take it before the inevitable happens. Javier will hold off as much as he can, really he will, for the sake of his job and budding friendship with Romeo… if she ever decides to be explicit in her demands, however, it’s going to take a lot of willpower to not give in.

Once the bike is secured and she’s in the cruiser, he hops back into the driver’s seat and begins the drive into town.

The ride is silent at first, Paloma shoving her face in front of the small vents on the passenger side and letting the gust of air cool her down. He catches glimpses from his peripheral as she digs through her bag to pull out a satin handkerchief, wiping her face and neck, then her thighs.

He can’t help as his stare follows the motion of her dragging the fabric along her smooth and sweaty skin. Almost jealous of the damn thing, imagining it to be his touch instead.

“ Y’know, I wouldn’t be in this predicament had my car been fixed… ” she breaks their silence, peeking over at him as she fixes up her hair. He’s definitely picking up what she’s putting down.

“ I did volunteer myself to take a look at it, didn’t I? ” Javier responds as she sprits some perfume onto her wrists and behind her ear, rolling on some deodorant and just like that Paloma’s freshened up. Now the cab of his cruiser smells like her and it’s going to drive him fucking insane.

“ If I remember correctly, yes. ” He stops at an intersection, finally being able to look at her properly.

“ You free Saturday? ”

“ You askin’ me out on a date? ” Paloma’s eye twinkles in pure mischief.

“ Your dad would kill me if I did that. ”

“ In front of the whole town, too. Make an example outta you. ”

“ I’m tryin’ to stay very clear of that, so no, baby, unfortunately I’m not askin’ you out on a date. I’ve got time to stop by and take a look at it before I go in for my shift. ”

Paloma purses her lips in thought as Javier trudges forward, the terrain changing from dirt road to asphalt as they near the library.

“ Yeah, you can come by at lunch. Daddy’s out all weekend on some huntin’ trip with his friends so… I’ll be home alone. ” It’s tantalizing, the way she drops that tidbit of information at the end. Javier is well aware of Romeo’s absence but he hadn’t stopped to think what that meant for him and Paloma.

As if there is a him and Paloma.

She flirts and eyes him like she would let him have his way with her but she is also strong-willed and and clever enough to be leading him on.

He’s just now built some rapport with her and he doesn’t want to jeopardize it. They can continue flirting without crossing the physical threshold.

“ Alright, nena, I’ll see you at lunch Saturday. ” He’s in front of the main entrance to the building now.

“ It’s a date, officer. ”

“ You must want me dead. ” He huffs.

“ Don’t worry, I won’t tell him. ” She pauses, biting down on her lower lip, “ It’ll be our little secret. ” Paloma whispers before opening the door.

He begins to swell in his pants as her voice drops into a whisper, words coated in seductive suggestion at the idea of them fooling around inconspicuously.

“ Wait, your bike–– ” He’s already reaching down to unbuckle himself when she stops him, leaning in through the open window of the now closed door.

“ Don’t worry about it. You can take me home later. I get off at 6. ” She winks at him, pulling back and turning on her heels to walk inside.

Javier slumps in his seat, head falling back against the headrest as he reminds himself how fucked he is.

–––––––––––––––––––

When Saturday afternoon rolls around, Javier’s heart is racing in anticipation of his alone time with Paloma at the Leighton residence.

All week he’s been plagued with profane scenarios of what could potentially unfold. Partially because he hasn’t gotten laid since returning to the States but also for his unwavering carnal desire for her.

The fact that she is irrevocably off limits only intensifies his yearning. He wants Paloma so bad because he can’t have her.

That’s lead to him finishing into his fist in the shower, images of her kneeled before him with her mouth wrapped around his dick at the forefront of his mind.

The first time it had happened, he felt like a damn teenager getting off to his crush. But then it continued to happen and at that point he just let his fantasies run amuck.

It’s not like he’d ever tell her or anyone for that matter, so his illicit imagination will continue to be just that: fleeting thoughts. Guilty pleasures only he can indulge in.

He pulls onto the property with ease, cutting the engine and sitting there for a minute to collect himself. It’s embarrassing for Javier to give himself a pep talk at his grown age, ‘keep your shit together’ his new mantra.

With his metallic toolbox in hand, he’s ready to knock against the screen door when he hears music playing faintly nearby. He follows the tune, rounding the corner of the wraparound porch to the backyard.

The music is recognizable now, Fleetwood Mac and his eyes fall on the girl lounging peacefully.

Paloma’s in a hammock, her long legs crossed over one another and hanging from the side. She’s reading a romance novel, he notes, from the incredibly cliché cover of a buff man with a half dressed woman in his grasp. He can faintly hear her humming along to the song, fingers tapping in rhythm against the hardcover of the book.

“ Hola muñequita. ” Javier greets suavely which has her peeking over her book then smiling wildly when she sees him.

“ You made it! ” Paloma excitedly stands from her spot, allowing him get a better look at her. She’s got on a red bikini top and a jean mini skirt. He wasn’t prepared to see this much of her bare skin and it throws him off entirely. So much for that pep talk.

It is a magnificent sight, though. Thankfully his sunglasses shield her from his wandering gaze, but with the intensity of his stare, she can probably feel it.

Javier knows her figure is divine, all the different outfits she wears both around town and on stage showcased her assets tastefully. However, seeing her in a top that’s almost too small and a skirt that’s definitely too short has those carnal desires ramping up viciously.

It doesn’t help that she’s got a dainty, golden cross necklace hanging from her neck. It rests teasingly against the smooth skin right above her chest. So many things he fantasizes about doing to her and none of them holy. The piece of jewelry reminds him that he needs to back off.

Amidst his leering, Javier notices a faint scar running from the left side of her hip up to below her breast and he’s curious to know how it got there.

“ You had an inclination that I wouldn’t make it? ” Returns to the conversation before it’s painfully obvious that he’s checking her out.

Paloma smirks, meeting him halfway as he descends the steps of the porch to approach her. Her hands cross behind her back and she stares up at him through her mascara coated lashes. “ Figured you’d probably wanna spend your Saturday afternoon at home instead of playin’ mechanic. ” She sways lightly and he narrows his eyes at her.

He can see right through her act, not that she’s being very subtle.

“ I’m a man of my word. Already been puttin’ off this visit longer than I should have. ” Can’t help himself from bringing his finger up to twirl a strand of her hair, enjoying the silkiness of it against his touch before letting it fall softly against her.

If they hold their gaze a second longer, one of them will break and while Javier is certain that it’d be blissful, it would also be a mistake.

“ Here, I’ll take you to her. She’s in the shed. ” It’s like she can read his mind, nudging her head in the direction of the small structure and she turns to begin leading him there, in which he follows wordlessly, not being elusive at all as he gets a better look at her from this angle. The skirt is just barely covering the curve of her ass, and a flash of red is revealed each time she takes a step.

He bites down on his tongue harshly, adverting his gaze and thinking of literally anything else to keep his erection away.

Surveys the area of the backyard, not seeing a pool or any body of water anywhere and he wonders why she has the bathing suit on.

Not that it should matter to him. She’s probably just tanning, you pervert. It’s hotter than hell out today.

Paloma’s humming again as she goes to remove the wooden plank that keeps the door of the shed closed, grunting as she struggles to pull it free. The soft sounds she emits do nothing but make it harder for him to show some fucking resilience.

“ Do you need help–– ” Javier’s cut off as she successfully slides the thick piece off, resting it against the metal wall and dusting her hands off on her skirt.

“ Appreciate it, though. ” She flashes him a toothy grin, the wide doors creak as she pulls them open; revealing a beautiful vintage car.

Javier lets out a low whistle, perching his sunglasses on the top of his head and placing his toolbox on the ground as he walks around the vehicle to get a better look at it.

His hands fall to his hips, circling the area slowly and shaking his head in disbelief. “ You’re tellin’ me the mechanic didn’t jump at the chance to fix this thing? ”

“ Like you said, most men are idiots. ” He can’t help but laugh, exhaling from his nose.

“ S’always interestin’ to see it in practice. ” He returns to the front of the car, propping open the hood and getting a better look inside. “ You got the keys? ”

“ In the visor. ” She replies, “ Good luck tryin’ to get her to start. All she does is stutter before given’ out entirely. ”

Makes a note of that to himself, acknowledging her with a hum; already seeing a few things out of place and he’s eager to get to working on it. Before turning to law enforcement, Javi had the inkling to become a mechanic. Plenty of his uncles worked in auto shops and he has vivid memories of spending hours there with them learning everything he could under their supervision.

Experiences he holds near and dear to his heart, part of the reason why he’s so clever and dexterous.

“ I’ve got some stuff I gotta get done. Try not to miss me… ” Paloma’s voice rings out and Javier hadn’t noticed that he zoned out.

He glances at her over his shoulder, “ I’m more interested in gettin’ to know Darla, if I’m bein’ honest with you, hermosa. ”

–––––––––––––––––––

Paloma had to excuse herself before she quite literally jumped on Javier and had him take her against the hood of her car. The way he looked with his hands on his hips, eyes focused on admiring the vehicle had left her in a trance that she was sure if she stared any longer, she would have started drooling.

Something about the promise of seeing him sweaty and greased up had her mind spiraling with different erotic fantasies that would surely send her to straight to hell.

So she properly let him be, busying herself with a few chores she had to get done before leaving for the creek with Sloane later. It is the first time Paloma will be meeting August and she’s nervous even though she doesn’t look it.

She’d finished the book Slo had passed on to her in a matter of days, intrigued to learn more about August’s ideas and the concepts he’s clearly very passionate about. When she relayed this over to Slo, the middleman between the two, she wasted no time in conjuring up a plan for them to meet. Originally, it was going to be more intimate with just the two of them but Paloma stressed that she was not ready for that so Sloane was quick to make it a group affair by suggesting they hang out by the creek.

It’s why she is currently clad in a bathing suit, with the summer at full send; being down by the water seemed like the best way to spend the latter half of her afternoon.

Right now, though, she’s more focused on not trying to fuck her dad’s friend slash fellow deputy sheriff.

Some time passes, and when Paloma takes a look out in the direction of the shed, she sees that he’s ditched his flannel, leaving him in a white undershirt and his broad shoulders are now on full display as he leans over the hood.

That’s when she sees it. It glistens beneath the sunlight, a silver pistol tucked between his jeans at his lower back. She knows officers carry a weapon on them at all times, but the unorthodox placing of Javier’s further adds to the appeal of this alluring man. God damn him and his desirability.

Paloma’s mind now wanders to the repeated wet dream she keeps having, the one where Javier takes her on the wooden railing of the porch. Specifically, the variation where he’s kneeled in front of her, her dress covering his face as he devours her entirely.

She’ll interlock her fingers in his hair and tug at it, in which he’d respond by wrapping his lips around her clit and sucking on it harshly. That leaves her wailing and panting his name over and over and over again…

The force in which her thighs clench together is enough to snap her out of her delusions. She’s no better than a man, really, and she huffs to herself as she reenters the house to grab the six pack of beers, her guitar and notebook before sauntering over to him.

She’s more than capable of handling just being around Javier without thinking sinfully. It’s why she’s walking like a woman with a purpose, trying to prove to herself that she can be totally normal about this… budding friendship she has with the older man.

“ How’s it goin’ in here? ” Her voice cuts through the sound of the radio that continues to play softly. Paloma had brought it in here for him to have some entertainment before she hurried off to the house.

Javier pulls back, lips twitching up into a smirk as he eyes the beers in her hand. “ Goin’ fine. Whoever you took her to really fucked it up. No wonder he couldn’t figure out what the problem was. It’s everythin’. ” Back of his hand wipes sweat from his brow, some of his hair matted against his damp skin. “ I thought you didn’t drink. ”

“ Never said that. I just said on occasion. ” She reminds him, popping the cap off of two beers then handing him one. He thanks her softly, wiping his hand on the already stained rag and tucking it into his back pocket.

Her knees almost go weak at the action, but she’s a woman on a mission, remember?

“ So what’s the occasion today? ”

“ It’s hot as fuck outside. ” They share a laugh and tap their bottles together before taking a long sip.

“ And the guitar? ”

Paloma sits on the wooden chair nearby, her spot whenever she comes in here to keep her dad company while he’s in the middle of construction something. Most recently, some planter boxes she’d requested for their garden.

“ I figured since I had some new company, I could play something for you. It helps move the writing process along. ” Kicks her sandals off, tucking her legs beneath her and laying the guitar across her lap.

“ I’m gettin’ a look behind the curtain of Paloma Leighton’s lustrous writing process? Well I’m honored, truly. ” She rolls her eyes at his sarcasm but giggles along, taking another sip of the cool beverage in her hand and gulping it all down.

She notices the way his eyes train on her throat and how it moves each time she swallows. Paloma wonders if he thinks about her the way she thinks about him…

“ Don’t feel too special. I’m almost always playin’ somethin’ for someone. ” Sets the finished bottle aside, thumbing through her notebook until she finds the adequate page and folds the tattered front so that it lays flat on the thick arm of the chair.

As she does this, Javier lights a cigarette and puffs out a cloud of gray smoke. “ You do it all yourself? ” Can hear the curiosity in his tone and for some reason, it makes her blush.

“ For the most part. The band just helps bring it all together. They add the umph to it… s’not always the case, though. Sometimes I oversee the entirety of it. From the lyrics to the melody and everything in between. It’s real fun. ” She begins to tune her guitar, brows pulling in concentration as her ears perk up to catch any inconsistencies until she’s thoroughly pleased with how it sounds.

–––––––––––––––––––

Javier doesn’t say anything, instead he watches fondly as he takes a pull from his cigarette then brings the beer bottle up to his lips, alternating between the two at a comfortable pace. The more he learns about Paloma, the more the enticement grows and it’s dangerous, really, considering that the infatuation is slowly moving from purely flirtatious into something else.

Something more, and he’s trying real hard not to see it like that.

He’s never been one to want something more out of his partners. The feelings and monogamy complicated things more often than not, and Javier already lives a complicated life. He didn’t need to make things tougher on himself by half-assing a relationship.

It’s why he exclusively seeks out sex and why he didn’t mind paying for it in Colombia. There was a mutual understanding there that it would never be anything more than just mutual pleasure.

In the short months that he’s been here, Javi has finally began finding some kind of peace in Seminary, all things considered, and while fucking the sheriff’s daughter would be a bad move–– catching feelings for her would be a hundred times worse.

“ It’s a little morbid, m’still workin’ on it and it’s fairly short. S’just the chorus. ” Javier nods, letting her know that he’s listening as she begins to sing.

“ If I die young, bury me in satin Lay me down on a bed of roses, Sink me in the river at dawn Send me away with the words of a love song. The sharp knife of a short life, Now I know there's no such thing as enough time. ”

Her voice is softer, southern accent complimenting her strums on the guitar and while he enjoys the electrifying performances she puts on stage; he loves hearing her like this.

Rich and smooth. Like miel (honey).

“ You’re right, it is morbid. ” He comments, truthfully, and Paloma lets out a breath.

“ I tried not lettin’ what happened to Nina get into my writing. No need to keep dwellin’ on it but damn is it hard to keep it away. Figured I’d just get it out of my system and get back to workin’ on my other stuff. ”

“ There’s nothin’ wrong with dwelling on it… ” He begins, already regretting the start of this discussion. Again, he’s not very good at finding the right words to say.

“ I know, but for my peace of mind it’s best I just get on with it. ” Her shoulders rise and fall in a shrug, fingers plucking at the guitar strings again.

They spend the next hour or so talking about any and everything, Javier focused on cleaning up the engine of the car as Paloma keeps him company. They get to know each other better, in a trivial sense. Favorite movies, foods, the basics. It’s how he finds out that she has an irrational fear of reptiles, loves sleeping with her windows open and prefers waffles over pancakes.

Javier allows himself to enjoy the casualness of their conversation by telling her that he enjoys reading spy novels and about his favorite arepa spot in Bogotá.

The latter gets her attention. “ I can’t believe you lived there for so long. I just can’t imagine that… like at all. A whole different country… just wow. ”

He doesn’t want to stay on this topic for much longer, knowing she means well and is simply curious. Eventually she’ll start asking about his job and what he did down there and that is simply not a conversation he wishes to have at the moment, so he just gives her a curt reply.

“ Yup, lotta crazy shit… ” He returns his attention to the engine and Paloma catches the hint and doesn’t say much else after.

“ Paloma! ” The sudden call of her name has them both turning their heads to the opened doors of the shed where he sees a girl her age standing on the porch, searching the area until her eyes fall on the two of them and she beelines in their direction.

“ I’ve been knockin’ on your front door like a crazed woman for the past five minutes! There’s a random truck parked out there, what’re you doin’–– ” When the girl’s gaze lands on Javier, her entire body language switches and he raises his brows at the change. “ I didn’t know you had company. Who’s this handsome fella? ”

Javier is no stranger to being the center of attention for women, especially not by pretty ones. They always give him the same amorous look and their movements suddenly became more sensual. This introduction is no different. Her bottom lip is taken between her teeth as she eyes his figure, gaze trailing over his exposed arms and then his face.

Perhaps this is what he needs, a distraction to keep him away from Paloma. As badly as he wants her, it’ll only sprout more problems in the long run. He shouldn’t be chasing after women younger than him, especially since he wanted to leave his lothario ways back in Colombia and start anew.

However, between his pining for Paloma and the dry spell he’s been under, Javier isn’t necessarily seeing things in a new regard at the time being.

Always thinking with the wrong head. It’s his achilles heel.

“ Javi. What’s your name, gorgeous? ” He smirks flirtatiously, wiping his hands clean on the rag again and reaching out to take her hand in his in a handshake.

“ Sloane. ” She squeezes his hand gently before letting go, sultry smile still present on her countenance.

“ Sloane, pleasure to meet you sweetheart. ”

–––––––––––––––––––

Paloma doesn’t like the nasty feeling she gets as she watches the interaction. It’s clear as day that they’re flirting, and honestly what did she expect out of her best friend, and now, charming acquaintance?

She’s well aware of his rapport in Colombia and the daily flirtatious behavior towards her. Paloma’s also aware of how willing Slo is to fuck anything in her line of vision. Yet, not being on the receiving end of the former is odd and has her feeling things she doesn’t want to feel.

What really has Paloma’s skin crawling is the way he calls her sweetheart and introduces himself as Javi. He’s never told her to call him that.

Honestly, she probably would have felt more green if he had called her hermosa or any of the other Spanish names of endearment he’s reserved for her.

Reserved for her? She sounds so possessive.

Sloane giggles, “ You’re the one who’s been followin’ her around all over town on daddy’s orders, huh? Paloma, you didn’t tell me he was this hot. I woulda told you to count your blessings had I known. ” They exchange a look that Paloma really can’t stand catch sight of, so she interjects.

“ Sorry I lost track of time. Javier’s been lookin’ at Darla tryna fix her. ” His name rolls of her tongue smoothly and this has a smug smile sprouting on his face.

No cowboy or officer or Mr. Peña. Just Javier.

Paloma gets up from her seat, sliding her sandals back on and leaving her belongings where they lay.

“ There’s a part or two that’s missin’ but it shouldn’t be hard to get ‘em. Other than that, my work here is done. ” He turns his back to the two women and Sloane mouths over to her.

Oh my god?!

Paloma shoots her a look as Javier slams the hood of the car closed.

“ Thank you, Javier, I really appreciate you doin’ this for me. ” Her tone is genuine, despite the jealousy that had consumed her just then.

“ No problem, cariño, I’ll let you know when I get my hands on those missin’ parts. ”

“ That sounds great! How much do I owe you for–– ” He cuts her off with a wave of his hand, collecting his things.

“ Don’t worry about it. M’doin’ this out of the kindness of my heart. S’what you do for a friend, right? ” Speaking of hearts, hers skips a beat at being considered a friend and she feels her cheeks getting hot. Get a grip!

“ Yeah, I guess so. ” Paloma refrains from saying thank you again, not wanting to overdo it but she really is appreciative of his hard work.

Maybe she could find another way to show just how much she appreciates him doing this for her…

“ Gabriel’s waitin’ for us out front, baby. We’re already runnin’ late. ” Slo’s voice snaps Paloma back to reality and she nods. Javier clears his throat and side steps her.

“ Hope y’all have fun. Be safe, hermosa. Call me if you need anythin’. ” Warmth spreads within her chest at his words, which would have annoyed her had they been coming from anyone else.

There has definitely been a shift in their dynamic, but Paloma can’t quite place what it is. The bitterness she felt just then definitely a factor.

“ Sloane, darling, hopefully I’ll see you ‘round town soon. ” And just like that, the warmth is gone as he addresses her best friend, a wink thrown in her direction before he’s leaving the two girls in the shed.

“ Okay, you have a lot to catch me up on. Frankly, I’m pissed you haven’t sent him in my direction. I mean, look at him. That’s a whole man right there, dear lord I was about to cum just by shakin’ his hand! ” Paloma cringes but she doesn’t let it show, instead pulling excitement from their afternoon plans to uplift her mood.

“ How about we get goin’ before Gabriel ditches our asses and we’re left walkin’ all the way down there. ”

–––––––––––––––––––

It’s not much longer after that that they make it to their destination and Paloma rejoices in the feeling of the cool water against her hot skin. She ditched her mini skirt along the way, currently sitting in a more shallow end, head falling back against her shoulders as she soaks in the sun.

She can hear Gabriel and Sloane splashing around nearby, and she contemplates joining them when the sound of her name gets her attention.

“ Paloma, yeah? ”

She head snaps in the direction of the voice and her breath gets stuck in her throat once she sees the source.

He’s tall, a bit lanky but lean with golden hair that’s tousled due to being in the water and light eyes. Gaze traces over his frame and the dozens of differently sized tattoos that litter his skin. They compliment him, she thinks, and for the second time in such a short period of time–– Paloma is rubbing her thighs together at the sight of a man.

This man, though, much more age appropriate and everything about him screams intriguing.

“ Depends who’s askin’. ” She can’t help but tease, one eye closed and her right hand coming up to block the sun from hitting her face directly. She’d forgotten her sunglasses at home and that annoyed the shit out of her once she realized.

“ A friend of a friend. May I? ” Gestures to the empty spot in the shallow water besides her and she nods, “ You’re much prettier than I remember. ”

Eyes follow him as she lowers himself besides her, their bodies softly brushing up against one another and she shivers slightly despite the blazing temperature, “ We’ve met before? No way, I definitely would have remembered you… ”

“ Technically–– no we haven’t met but… I was with Slo that day at the library. M’August. ” He introduces himself and her stomach knots.

That’s when it hits her, a very vague recollection but a recollection of him nevertheless.

“ Right, wow, that feels like forever ago. ” She shakes her head, gently swaying her hand beneath the water. Suddenly, she feels much more nervous. She’d spent a good part of her week obsessing over his book and now he’s sitting right next to her while they’re both half naked.

His explicit poem comes to mind and she shakes that thought away quickly before her whole body turns into a bright shade of red.

“ Time is a very tricky concept. You want these? ” He conjures up a pair of shades and her brows raise at the action. “ Noticed you’ve been scowlin’ ‘cause of the sunlight. ”

A small smile spreads on her lips and she nods, he passes the accessory over to her and their fingers touch briefly against each other and she swears she feels electricity.

Paloma really has to stop being such a helpless romantic. That never ends good for anyone involved.

“ Thank you, August. You’re so observant. ” She slips them on and lets out a small sigh, her head falling back between her shoulders.

She can feel his eyes all over her, but she doesn’t mind it. “ Slo tells me you’re a fan of my work? ”

Paloma can’t help the laugh that slips from her lips and her eye widen once she realizes that that wasn't the most appropriate reaction for her to have. “ That… came out really wrong. I’m so sorry. ” She shakes her head at herself, “ I did enjoy the Paragons of the Sacrificed book. ” Is honest in her opinion, looking straight ahead at the glistening body of water to avoid further embarrassment by looking at him.

“ Don’t apologize, I know Slo has a tendency to… overexaggerate. ” They shared an amused laugh at the expense of their friend but it’s all in good fun. She feels some of her nerves lessen.

“ I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the book, though. S’the whole point why I wrote it. Sharin’ new things to new people. ” He explains.

“ New things, indeed. You cited a lot of notable publishings. Got me lookin’ more into the history of Catholicism…. I can’t help but feel a little ignorant, y’know? So much knowledge out there and I’m so… uneducated. ” Paloma scoffs at herself, self depreciation at its finest.

“ Oh, that just isn’t true, little dove. ” The nickname has Paloma looking over at him; he’s gives her such a warm and charming look that sends the butterfly in her stomach into a flurry. “ Is it alright if I call you that? Seems very fitting… paloma is dove in Spanish. ” A fact she’s very well aware of, since her mother reminded her about it all the time growing up.

“ Yeah, I quite like that. No one’s ever really called me it before. ” She replies almost sheepishly and he brings his large hand down to rest on her knee which has her breath hitching in her throat.

“ Doves represent peace, love and purity… your parents sure did somethin’ namin’ you that. ” His squeezes his grip on her knee briefly before pulling his hand back.

Pure? That’s possibly the last word she’d ever used to describe herself.

“ As I was sayin’... all you’ve known your whole life is what people tell you. Until one day you make the decision that it’s time to see the world through your own lens and not through that of others. It takes some of us more time to come to that realization but that’s not what matters… what matters is your willingness to learn, to open yourself up to challenging ideals…. morals… Like you said, so much knowledge out there and we’ve barely scratched the surface. ”

Paloma doesn’t realize this, but she’s hanging on to every word he says, every syllable he speaks. He sounds so enticing and his words are like twinkling stars at the edge of a very dark sky.

He’s leading her to him… towards something and like a moth to a flame; Paloma begins to follow.

They spend the rest of the day just… talking. He tells her more about a group that he is apart of, lost people like himself who accompany him as he continues to share his stories and philosophies all throughout Texas, seeking an answer to a greater being.

That leads Paloma to learn that he’s from Fayette which is a few towns south and that he, Sloane and Gabriel all grew up in the same trailer park together. They’re the closest thing I have to a family is what August tells her and she feels sentimental as the statement tugs at her heartstrings.

She also learns that all three of them have a criminal past, which surprises her entirely and he explains to her that it was during their adolescence and it wasn’t anything major. Just stupid shit to pass the time.

She believes him without asking any further questions.

It’s not until they’re both getting bitten up by mosquitos that they decide it’s time to head back.

“ It’s finally nice to put a face to the name, August. I hope I get to see you again… maybe read another one of your books? ” Paloma bites her lip as they walk side by side.

“ Likewise. Next time I’ll make sure to bring it to you personally. Don’t need Slo playin’ messenger and misconstruing our words. ”

They make it back to Gabriel’s truck, he and Slo leaning against it and sharing a joint as they eye the duo. Paloma slips her skirt back on.

“ ‘Bout fuckin’ time. I need a shower, bad. ” Sloane huffs, passing the joint to Paloma whom rejects it which gets an eye roll out of her friend and then handing it over to August who accepts it with no hesitation.

Paloma sees a motorcycle nearby and her curiosity gets the best of her, “ S’that your ride, August? ” Flips her hair over her shoulder, looking at him. He lustfully eyes the exposed skin of her neck and shoulders before nodding.

“ Sure is. You ever been on one before? ” Thick smoke emits from his lips and nose as he passes the joint back over to Gabriel who finishes it off wordlessly.

He’s so quiet, Paloma observes, but her attention returns to August.

“ No. They look real cool, though. ”

“ You should let me take you home. Give you your first ride on one, little dove. ” The offer is rather suggestive and she doesn’t mind it. She’s very interested in getting to know him better.

Paloma would have taken him up on it had she not been wearing the outfit that currently adorns her body. “ Maybe next time. ” She smiles at him softly and he nods, she looks away sheepishly as she blushes.

They share their goodbyes then she’s piling in to Gabriel’s truck after Sloane and on her way back home.

The events of the day replay in her mind as she stares out of the window. From Javier to now August… she feels giddy. It’s different, the attention she’s being showered in foreign to what she is used to.

Two very attractive and very different men seem to have slipped their ways right into the center of her life. Instead of complicating it for herself, Paloma decides she’s going to have fun with this and let things play out organically. It’s the most exciting thing to happen to her in a good, long while.

“ Oh fuck. ” Paloma curses as she sees her father’s vehicle parked by the front yard and him sitting out on the porch.

Looks like he’s gotten back from his hunting trip early. It is nearing ten o’clock and she just knows she’s about to be interrogated on her whereabouts.

Paloma’s relieved that she hadn’t taken August up on his offer to bring her home on his motorcycle. Now that would have sent poor Romeo over the edge.

“ Oh, baby, I feel for you. ” Slo pats her thigh compassionately and Paloma groans. Dread creeps up her spine making her wither uncomfortably.

“ He wasn’t supposed to be back ‘til tomorrow mornin’. Ugh, he’so so not goin’ to let this go. ” The truck stops and both Gabriel and Slo flash her an understanding yet somber look.

“ Thanks for the ride. I’ll call you tomorrow, ‘kay Slo? ” The girl nods and they both hug before she’s exiting the vehicle and preparing herself for what’s to come. Paloma tugs her skirt down, noticing that it had ridden up much higher than what was appropriate.

“ Where the hell have you been, girl? ” He asks once she’s close enough to survey him. He’s drinking, that’s never a good sign.

“ We went out by the creek and–– ”

“ The creek? With who? At this time of night? Paloma, how can you be so reckless. Especially with what the hell has been goin’ around here. ”

Her face scrunches up in anger as he talks to her as if she was some teenager who missed her curfew and not a grown ass woman who was out with company.

“ And dressed like that. ” The tone in his voice makes something within her snap and she crosses her arm with attitude, getting defensive.

“ Like what? I was by the water and I’m wearin’ a bathin’ suit. S’that illegal now? ” Paloma is so ready to go inside, shower, and get in her bed.

“ Is this what you do when I’m not around? Sneakin’ off lookin’ for trouble in the dead of night? ”

“ It’s only ten and I really didn’t expect to stay out this long. I got preoccupied. Why are you makin’ such a big deal outta this? ” She defends herself and it’s ridiculous, really that she even has to.

He doesn’t say anything else and she just rolls her eyes. “ I’m going inside. ” And that’s exactly what she does, walks right past her dad and indoors where she intends to take a very long, hot shower to help her forget about this spat of theirs.

Most of their arguments go like so, he blows up on her then shuts down completely. Sometimes he apologies, other times he doesn’t, but Paloma has been living with her father’s dramatics long enough to know how to deal with them. That’s never been the problem; the problem is enduring his intensity.

The shower runs while she takes a good, long look at herself in the mirror.

Paloma is getting to the point where she’s ready to have that sit down talk with her father, the one that’ll end with her telling him that she’s skipping town and putting herself first for once. Her time in Seminary is coming to an end, and while the last thing she’d ever want to do is hurt her father intentionally; she knows she has to do it in order to live her life.

The steam from the scalding water envelops the room and it isn’t until she can’t see her reflection anymore that Paloma strips naked and finally steps inside the shower.

#pedro pascal fanfic #javier peña fanfic #javier pena fanfic #javier peña smut #javier pena smut #javier peña x ofc #javier pena fic #javier pena narcos #javier peña narcos #javier peña fanfiction #javier peña fic #javier pena fanfiction #pedro pascal character fanfic

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lilypadding · 1 month

Note

can you tell us what tags you use on the regularly? can be for anything, stuff you align with, laugh at, find cool etc etc

THANK YOU FOR ASKING I AM SO HAPPY !!!! HUGS YOU HUGS YOU HUGS Y

okay so I'm pretty bad at tagging things/having a tagging system, I had a blog back in 2016 (middle school) and I was so efficient at tagging my reblogged supernatural gifs, dan and phil clips, and voltron posting but when I lost access to that blog and made this new one I told myself not to take it as seriously (and somehow thought it'd be cringey if i was ultra organized?? which doesn't make sense and I'm still upset at myself for,,) SO for the first half of this blog I didn't tag anything I reblogged at all, I'd just go to town and go through tags I liked (mainly danganronpa) and reblogged infinitely. and I LOVE text shit-posts so it was a mix of everything I enjoyed and found funny

recently though I decided I want to be more organized about things I reblog, at least the main stuff. nagito komaeda is a character that my loved ones will have to pry out of my cold dead hands when i decease so i tag most things about him/art of him with just #nagito, similar to #hajime because they're the 2 characters i blog about the most, and of course the ship between them as #komahina -- I scroll through that one whenever I need comfort lols so having posts that I already love tagged as them on here is helpful for that.

if i see any general danganronpa art that isnt mainly nagito and/or hajime, ill add the #danganronpa/#dr2 tag (though not always)

((unfortunately since I got into that habit of not tagging ANYTHING when this blog started, half the time, I don't add tags even though I should. it's really more a vibes feeling, if I'm in a tagging-mood things will be tagged, and if I'm not then I don't))

i tag #taylor swift in case any of my followers want to mute posts about her since my main thing is dangan, and I know a lot of people dont like her. i also tag general other interests like #persona 5 and #sims 2 (the lore in this game goes CRAZY i cant even WHATEVER U GET IT)

i tag #suggestive for anything mildly NSFW again to help filter that content out for anyone uncomfortable seeing that

my #lisa tag is for my partner, anything that reminds me of her. tags like #ref are usually for posts that I want to re-read later or revisit, or anything that will be useful to me one day. sometimes ill see something interesting but dont have time to read it then and there so i reblog in a rush. #reminders is a recent one, it's for the same thing except more personal/more for me. and if i ever use #for me, it's essentially for the same.

ive started trying to use #lilyyaps for any post that I'm directly writing/shit-posting because I've never had a personalized tag for me yapping and posting (i was allergic to it until recently)

but yeah that's the extent of any "system" i have, all vibes no thoughts. nothing strict or crazy as u can tell. THANK you for asking though I really really appreciate the opportunity you handed me to yap <3<3

#lilyyaps fr #ty for sending an ask i owe you my left leg <3 #LAUGHS MANIACALLY

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lord-westley · 1 year

Note

Hi, this is @hinox-headcanons, this is my main blog. I'm sending this in for my Revali matchup! Thanks so much btw ❤️

I'm biromantic asexual and autistic with adhd and a couple other chronic illnesses. I frequently need a lot of medical care because of them (I'm actually getting my blood drawn this morning 😰). I'm really short, only like 4' 10" (147 cm), with a thin but toned figure. I have long wavy brown hair that's usually either braided or up in a bun, and my style switches between masculine and feminine a lot.

I can be kinda excitable, but I'm also really smart and protective over my loved ones. I'm usually a little overprepared for anything, I'm good at giving advice and telling stories or jokes. I'm very emotionally intelligent and compassionate, I tend to downplay my own needs though. I struggle with self care and standing up for myself a lot. I have a tendency to laugh off disturbing things as a coping mechanism.

My hobbies include drawing, writing, baking and sewing, and I'm pretty good at all of them. I also like to dress up a little and look my best when the situation (and my illnesses) allow for it.

I think that's all for now! Sorry if this description is kinda long, I got excited 😓 I hope you have a great day hun, remember to drink lots of water. I can't wait to see what you come up with! 😊

Hi Friend! Thank you for your patience with me to complete this. I hope you have a great 2023.

I want to note I know little to nothing of Revali so I hope it’s okay despite being ooc 👉🏻👈🏻

If there is one thing I know for certain, is that Revali wants to protect and care for you

This particular bird constantly watches over you when he has the time (though he pretends he’s not)

He understands that you struggle with health problems and wants to constantly be there to help you through it but isn’t quite sure how

Humans are so much different than the Ritos. When he first began courting you, the first thing he did was hit up a library to educate himself on it

But now many months later, he takes pride in being your sole protector and caretaker whenever you need help

However despite wanting to wait for your silent permission to help, sometimes Revali will push forward even if you protest

He knows that you push aside your own feelings often which pisses him off so much

Like who the hell made you feel that way- that you feel the need to hide your pain and feelings absolutely willing to fight them

He’ll make you a hot drink that you enjoy, run a bath and even light incense to calm the air

And despite not being very verbal about his affection. Revali will reassure you that he will always be there for you. And that if you wish to talk, he’ll listen

Revali will sit by you, he will hold you tightly, he’ll do anything you ask him to as long as it means making you happy

Anyways, no more sad sappy stuff-

YOUR HEIGHT god he loves how small you are- holy heck he is 6’3, this bird towers over you

Because of how small you are, he constantly loses you in crowds which of course makes him worry and panic but once he finds you he pretends he isn’t lmao

Ritos have a strong sense of culture and taking care of their appearances, so once the two of you began courting Revali SO wanted to braid your hair (idk how considering he has wings but go with it)

He loves how different the texture of human hair is compared to feathers, but as gentle as he is- sometimes your hair gets tugged on

During those days, Revali tends to decorate your hair with clips and colorful feathers

Revali loves how excitable you can get, how your eyes light up with the biggest grin on your face

And when you tell stories, he can’t help but be absolutely enamored by you. The whole time, Revali gives his full attention to you and only you

If someone dares interrupt he gets so cranky and tells them off

Revali listens very well during your rambles- even if you think he isn’t. And you can always tell he was genuinely listening when new art supplies or fabric suddenly appear in your craft room

He isn’t very forward with love, more prefers casual and doing things without prompts. Meaning he loves to fly around finding items for your crafts, carefully placing them in a spot that he knows you’ll see immediately

Proudly displays your paintings around the home (with permission) and brags about how awesome and talented his s/o is to anyone nearby

Also!! Any clothing or jewelry you make for him, he will happily wear! Absolutely loves flaunting his new pretty accessories

All in all, Revali loves you with his entire being and will go to the ends of the world for you

#Westley Writes #BOTW #BOTW x reader #Revali #Revali x reader #for my friend

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the-cybertronian-insertable · 10 months

Text

Info:

List of known Cybertronian Reader-Insert Tumblr Writers (WIP) List of known Cybertronian Reader-Insert AO3 Writers (WIP) Recommended Reads (WIP)

/CR Posts Collected: 580

Recommended method of searching for specific content utilizing this blog: Pick out a writer from the list above, select the spyglass next to 'posts', type in the username of the writer then whatever character and/or 'rating' (modesty panel [sfw] / valveplug [nsfw]) you're looking for. This isn't a fool-proof filtering method, but it's the best I have to offer.

-Hypothetical FAQ-

What’s this blog about?: Reblogging and sharing links to cybertronian (or cyberformed/techno-organic) reader-insert fiction. Posts regarding rare-paired (possibly obscure) canon characters may also pop up once in a while (ex: Mainframe x Jackpot).

Is this an NSFW blog?: Not entirely, but there will be NSFW literature shared around (due to this, I’ll be auto-blocking minors despite barely being an adult myself; irony will be the end of us all.). Sexually NSFW posts will be tagged with ‘valveplug’ while SFW posts (labeled as such for a lack of sexual content - this doesn’t mean they’ll be free of adjacent mature themes) will be tagged with ‘modesty panel’ to make it easier for y’all to find what you want using the blog’s tag search.

I don’t see ‘x’ writer’s; who’s made ‘x’ post; works anywhere on this blog but I know they make related reader inserts-?: Recommend them, then! The ask box is open for more than just questions! Hell, recommend writers/works from external sites (AO3, Fanfiction.net, Etc..)!

Can I become a member?: I’m not really looking for members right now but if you’ve got a blog dedicated to writing /reader-inserts I may consider inviting you if you ask (I won’t go out of my way to ask, so you're gonna’ have to take the initiative here chief). Though, I haven’t thought through how that’d work yet so you’ll probably be left as an option pending until I get.. I don’t know, rules? Sorted out.

What if I’m a writer for the related topics and don’t want my works shared here?: Aye, you just let me know pal’, I’ll remove what references to you I can find and slap your usernames on a blacklist. (In the case of external accounts, I’ll ask for a bit of non-intrusive proof so I know it's you asking and not someone who dislikes you for some reason or another. Ex for AO3 users: A short clip of you scrolling up and down on your dashboard profile while logged in).

Who runs this blog?: @slug-gore-bug / @notoriousslug

Disclaimer: I, slug, won’t be reading through all the posts I reblog before I do so as I lack that kind of time on my slime. If I reblog something ill-fitting of this blog, just lemme’ know and I’ll look into it. On that note, though: don’t bring interpersonal drama to my doorstep. I don’t participate in ‘cancel-culture’; this is a library, not a courthouse, xir.

youtube

Transcript:

-Galvatron and Sixshot stand Infront of a command console. Galvatron brings a picture of Unicron onto the console screen. -

Galvatron: This is Unicorn -referring to the picture of Unicron/'Grand Galvatron'- the earth will soon be a part of me.

Sixshot: *moans in awe of rotund girth.*

Galvatron: But before I can fulfill my ambitions, I need a lot of transforming parts, they are very vital to my final transformation -turns towards Sixshot- the weakest part of my body is my head, I can't just have any transforming parts I must have the best parts and thats from the best wARriors-

Sixshot: *voice muffled and nasally* of course my lord.

Galvatron: Now besides myself -points at Sixshot- I consider you to be the next best warrior Sixshot, your transforming technique and your parts are some of the best in the GAlux-C. -screen pans towards a silent Sixshot- Do you understand that? -screen pans back to Galvatron- Well of course there are many others who would sacrifice themselves to serve me bUT your my first CHOICE Sixshot *begins laughing manically* -screen pans to a pissed off looking Sixshot with a laughing Galvatron still in frame-.

#the cybertronian insertable #hypothetical faq #transformers

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sharkys-failboat-clips · 8 months

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hey, i'm sharky! welcome to my clip dump. the dedicated blog, anyway. i'm one of failboat's moderators, and i've been in his community for, as of writing this, over 6 years. which is more than a third of my life. which... doesn't really sound like something to be proud of lmao. anyway, i've witnessed a lot of weird and funny moments over that time, and i figured someone oughta make clips of those moments. so that's what i'm doing now! and why you're reading this post!

by the way, this is one of those things where i see other people doing something and i'm like "i wanna do that too!". so don't be surprised if i suddenly stop uploading clips. frankly i'd be shocked if i end up keeping this going for a while lol

submitting clips

look, i have a busy life, what with school and prepping for college, and there's probably MONTHS worth of content to look through. that's why i need YOUR help to find good clips! now, i'm only looking for the best stuff, not just something mildly interesting. i hope you don't mind me being picky. ...then again, i tend to laugh a lot at this guy's content. but anyway!

Here's how you can submit:

the "Submit a clip" button at the top of this blog

under this post via reblogs/replies (you cannot attach video files this way; links are not clickable in replies)

you can TRY sending an ask? i believe in order to send a link with an ask you need to break it up. generally they do not work

eventually i want to have a video on the channel dedicated to submissions. will update on that later

if you post your own clips, please let me know if you're ok with me uploading them! and whether or not you want credit for making the clip

Submissions must include either:

an already clipped video file with a link to the source (be sure it's high quality and shows nothing other than the video itself! i dont want to see video UI or any amount of the rest of the page. just to save me some time lol)

a link to the source with the clip timestamped (either in the post or linked to that spot) and a description of the clip

a link to a clip made using youtube's tool with a description of the clip

you can optionally include a title with your submission but be aware i may not use that title

Clips may be sourced from:

vods on stream storage or unlisted streams (PREFERRED)

videos from the main channel or dinghy (most of these are edited streams, if the moment can be found in a vod use the vod only unless the editing enhances the bit)

videos not on any of failboat's channels but that he appears in

i'd prefer that sources be only from within the past ~5 years. i'd rather not dig up anything too old and potentially cringe-worthy i hope you understand lol

this info is absolutely subject to change. if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know!

Links

The clip channel

My main blog -> @pankomako

#pinned post time haha

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animeomegas · 2 years

Note

After your post, I thought how many ideas Tik Tok gives.

Naruto.

Shino is so shy and sees all sorts of cute couple videos or videos on how to seduce an alpha. And he wants all this too, but he can't. Use ninjutsu for work no, use it so your shy omega doesn't have to explain anything to you yes.

Kiba sees a video of puppies and children and gets baby fever. Or he does a tik tok with alpha pranks.

Naruto could see different things for the nest and want them. Or see diy and want to repeat them with alpha in order to do something together for his nest.

obey me

Somehow the alpha showed a human tik tok and all the demons got hooked on it.

Beelzebub is my favorite so I think he has seen a lot of food videos and I would have to repeat it all for him to try.

Leviathan would watch anime clips and save the ones he wanted to watch. Separate those that he wanted to see with alpha.

We could send him cute videos with compliments or excerpts from anime and write it with us to make him embarrassed.

I think Asmo himself would run an account with makeup and personal care, sometimes posting a couple challenge.

mystic messenger

Alpha can help Zen start an account with songs, maybe videos from rehearsals. I think this could help him become even more popular.

Yoosung would probably find double games that he wanted to play with the alpha. And I can't stop thinking that he's sending videos to the alpha "send this video to the alpha and let him choose" or all sorts of funny videos while sitting next to him.

I decided to share my thoughts.

I also wanted to thank you for your creativity, I'm about to graduate from university and your blog helps me relax

Yes! I love this! Omegaverse Tiktok headcanons are great XD

Shino - Yes! He sees all these cute relationship challenges and cute date ideas and he really wants to try them, but he won't bring them up because he's embarrassed 🤭 He might make a mini playlist if you ask him to, that way you can watch what he likes without him having to tell you.

Kiba - Kiba is weird when it comes to baby fever, like he doesn't really get it that often?? Because he normally has a newborn or young toddler that shatters any allure that a new one might have haha. Does that makes sense? He has so many babies, he doesn't get baby fever haha. He just wanted a huge family pack and is also terrible with birth control and very fertile. He does however find the parenting life hacks incredibly helpful because fuck does he need them. If Tiktok can give him an activity that will keep all his pups occupied for an afternoon, then he's down for that.

Naruto - Listen, Naruto, if he had access to social media and YouTube and stuff, would learn how to make his nest from them. He didn't have anyone to teach him how, so he loves seeing how other people do it so he can copy and take the bits he likes. He will order weird shit for his nest sometimes though. He acknowledges that some of the stuff is weird, but don't you dare call his ramen pillow weird, because he'll defend it 😤😤

Beel - Yes, he watches food Tiktoks and then eats more than normal, so Lucifer bans him from it.

Levi - He spends so much time on Tiktok, I can't even say. He loves it, but it also triggers his envy when people have better cosplays than him or better anime collections and set ups. So, maybe it's best to limit him sometimes.

Asmo - Easily Devildom Tiktok famous. He loves the app and showing his adoring followers his beauty routines and sex toy collections makes him happy lol.

Zen - Yes, that would be so good for exposure!! He would so go viral singing with his shirt off XD

Yoosung - this made me laugh because Yoosung really would send those 'send this to your alpha' Tiktoks. He eagerly awaits for a reply every time and takes them seriously haha.

Those were great!! Thank you for sharing them with me!!

and oh my gosh!! Congratulations on graduating, that's amazing 🎉🎉 I'm glad I could help you relax, goodness knows students need it XD Have a wonderful day! <3

#asks #hcs #omegaverse

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krakenartificer · 1 year

Text

I posted 2,048 times in 2022

That's 356 more posts than 2021!

65 posts created (3%)

1,983 posts reblogged (97%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@oma-goodness

@turtletotem

@frenchtoastpanda

@ms-demeanor

@radwolf76

I tagged 2,044 of my posts in 2022

#too tired to tag - 319 posts

#laugh rule - 101 posts

#reblog - 95 posts

#undescribed - 92 posts

#video - 92 posts

#recovery - 72 posts

#leverage - 69 posts

#meme mutation - 57 posts

#gpoy - 55 posts

#read out loud to spouse rule - 49 posts

Longest Tag: 136 characters

#like. nerds feeling superior and basing their identity around being ‘smart’ is bad. but so is basing your identity around being ‘stupid’

My Top Posts in 2022:

I just watched a video clip of David Tennant being asked what “is the most Scottish thing that Captain America could shout from behind his shield”

And I’m re-reading the Tiffany Aching books

And now I really want to see Steve Rogers in a kilt yelling, like ,,, idk,,,, “Nae Fascism! Nae Genocide! Nae Nazis! We willna be fooled again!” or something like that

135 notes - Posted September 3, 2022

Behold! The most uselessly complicated piece of fanart (I have) ever made!

(Minor spoilers for @derinthescarletpescatarian's web serial Curse Words)

Medium: macrame and embroidery Fiber: acrylic

What is it, you ask? Why, it's a picture of the lake monster's tentacle, magnified 80,000x!

The what? you ask. Well let me just let Max explain it:

The four materials detected by the enchanted microscope showed up in the photos as four distinct colours. Mostly blue and red, with a generous dash of green throughout and rare fine threads of yellow. With the four materials easily distinguished, the structure of the tentacles was obvious. A whole lot of long strands, twisted together. “It’s rope,” Kylie gasped. “Or thread or cotton, I guess, given how small it is.” “It’s much finer than thread or cotton,” Max said. “These filaments are subcellular in diameter.

But that's not all! The description goes on!

These parts are just twisted like rope,

See the full post

147 notes - Posted October 23, 2022

Leverage fandom

There's an episode where someone else is running the briefing for some reason, and Nate gets impatient like "We know all this!" and Hardison says something like, "On the contrary, while you are familiar with this already, some of us have focused on technology and have no knowledge of {whatever it was}. This is new information, and I am fascinated, quite. Please, go on."

I would like a gif of "I am fascinated, quite. Please, go on." (or whatever the actual line is). Does anyone have one, or at least know which episode that is?

232 notes - Posted March 27, 2022

As I was heading out the door to watch the Superbowl with parents-in-law, the image popped into my head of Eliot and Nate discussing the Big Game, and Parker saying "What big game?" and Hardison being like, "? ?? You don't know about the Superbowl?" and Parker being all scornful "Of course I know what the superbowl is." and then just as Eliot is calming down, she adds "It's the safest day of the year to steal stuff from a residential neighborhood."

(And then she totally misinterprets Sophie's astonished expression, and conscientiously adds "in the United States")

280 notes - Posted February 14, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

You know what Leverage needs?

A bibliography.

Like, obviously don't interrupt the show for it. But somewhere ... on a website, a wiki, something ... there should be links for all the outrageous bullshit the marks get up to.

When Breanna explains how an already-bad policy exacerbates racism? I would like a link for that.

When Harry explains the loophole in federal law that makes this theft legal? I would like a link for that.

When Eliot goes off about the ways working-class families are being harmed by something we consider "normal"? I would like a link for that.

And more than any of that, I would like a link to people who are working to change it. Like you know how we all got together and said "Yeah, medical debt is horrendous and this charity buys it up and then forgives it, be a superhero like Parker and delete someone's oncology bill!" -- could we do that for, like, all of this?

Just because I learned it from a TV show doesn't mean I don't want to share it with everyone I know. Quite the opposite, actually.

530 notes - Posted November 23, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #I posted (on average) an extra one per day; that's kinda fun #tumblr wrapped #lotta leverage this year #also a lot of being on tumblr while I'm non-verbal #I'm curious to know which 4 posts I didn't tag #gpoy

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calypsoff2 · 2 years

Text

Seventy Six.

That girl of mine, that is all I think when I look at my tagged pictures and see that image of Junior, the way he looks confused and I’m just trying to hide; I hid behind my whole child, what is wrong with me, but Rylee is a brat. Like it happened a few days ago and the blogs ate it up, like the picture was posted but then blanked out, I mean they can get sued, I don’t play with my son, but I can’t do that to the fans “causing a stir and you can’t even speak yet, well your sister caused that stir. Oh boy” it’s a Saturday so maybe if the girls can miss school activities and we can do a photoshoot, so much has happened that I really don’t have actual pictures of Junior, I missed a lot but I think but that is the agenda today, I’m going to get Dennis to do something at home, I think I’m going to post a family picture of my girls and my son, my biggest gift. I will have to speak to Chris, but I just woke up “boy!” I know this child isn’t lifting his head up to my boob “you hungry? You just woke up” he’s worse than his dad, my son has been very much into the boob, he’s on it. Doesn’t like anything else but breast too “hey handsome, you happy baby. I’m happy too, I think we will make this a permanent thing, you in the bed with mommy” he loves rolling over and then gets sad that he’s stuck “see, now you’re stuck in my arm” he gets so anxious and angry at himself “it’s ok, you the one trying to get to the boob” lightly rolling him back, I am so happy I have a boy. He literally gives me so much love; I feel like of course I’m more here for him then anything but he makes the family whole, we needed this “you think your dad would be angry if I shave your hair?” I just know he will be, so I won’t bother, I better message Dennis and get things sorted. I also need to get this show underway, I just know the world needs a good family show, like we have them white birds Kardashian’s, I mean I know I can do better, just need to get Chris on board with this which he will, after he complains; as he does, nothing shocking with that. Dennis has footage already, we can use some of that, but we need to start with all that, I think we can give so much content too.

“How to get my husband back from Miami” I said as I walked around the dining table “tried sending nudes?” Jen said “good point but I have done that, and it didn’t work, he jerked off” Jen giggled “well he is working, I’ve heard he’s doing well actually. People are impressed by him” sitting down on the chair “by his appearance or his voice?” Jen smirked “I think the girls like him, as him” she put it right “mhmmm are you joining us? You terror” Rylee is here “joining you mom” she sat next to me “girl, I have saved that clip of you on live with your dad, I’m sorry but the way you fell out and made that noise” Jen cackled “if you keep laughing auntie mom is going to get mad with me” looking at Rylee as she sat down “I think mommy is being very good to not be mad, try and not do that again. You really threw me off, I wasn’t ready to be showing myself” Rylee knows she did wrong, she knows it so there is no point in pushing it “is everything pretty set for Savage?” Jen nodded her head “indeed but we need your husband to do his photoshoot, he looks well in Miami. I’ve never seen the man so happy” side eyeing Jen “like him on the beach just laughing, have you seen the headline” Jen laughed “I was about to mention that” Tina walked into the dining room “you saw it too, they put Chris moving onto a Rihanna lookalike” frowning “huh” why am I not seeing this “look here” Jen turned her laptop to me, pulling her laptop closer to me “oh honey no, she does not look like me and she is not me, who is this rat?” Looking at the pictures of Chris and these friends on the beach, they are playing ball on the beach. He does look very happy there, who took these pictures too. Mean mugging the screen “lookalike Rihanna, my ass. As if they think that rat looks anything like me, fuck that” I am annoyed at them even assuming we lookalike, we don’t even look anything close “they having fun” I mumbled “they are, but is he coming back?” Jen asked “he will be once I’ve cried down the phone” I want him home now, I am so over him being there, I want him home now “once she cries down the phone, you are something else” Jen laughed “I saw it and I was like she looks nothing like Rihanna, they are trying to make something out of nothing and that is sick” nodding my head agreeing “do we have the new CEO here” looking to the side of me “yes auntie, I’m mommy” I laughed “Rylee Brown, the new Fenty CEO, she wanted to join” Mel smiled at Rylee “Rylee Fenty-Brown” she corrected me “oh chile, you get that Fenty in” I chuckled at my daughter, she isn’t going to let anyone change her name.

Staring at the sketches that have been done for the show “this is going to be big, but we need Chris to do his photoshoot prior” nodding my head “am I in this shoot or?” Tina pulled a face “you said he’s doing it alone” Mel busted out laughing “she just wants to do some kinky shoot with her husband, this bitch” Mel knows me, but she is right “no because I want to get Eve out, so he needs to come back, I can get on that train because I want him back anyways. So will Chris and I make any type of connection during the show” Jen laughed “you do, I mean seeing Chris. I want him to be comfortable so when he is wearing the black boxers in the robe, he will be fitted in some black Timberlands, he will be walking and you will be located here in the lift, he opens the lift and they both have sex. Joking, of course you know, whatever. But then you go up, but we don’t want it to be a sex tape now, we want it to be items shown but we will of course have you both there, humping. Sorry Rylee, close your ears” looking to the side of me, placing my arm around her laughing “she is ok, you not hearing this are you” I laughed “I am happy with that, are you all staying for the photoshoot? You can see y’all nephew and nieces turn up, also has Mel not told y’all” I pointed “not exactly but they know now, I am moving to Barbados and Robyn won’t get over it, she thinks if she keeps whining about it then it will change my mind, I can’t live under you anymore” I shook my head “you’re running away Mel, it’s stupid. The kids love you here” which they do “so much so you got Herb to go to Miami, right. I need space, I need to go” shaking my head, she is just so annoying, why don’t she just move to an apartment in New York, not Barbados.

A notification popped up that Chris has posted, I was just about to call him to rant but let me look at this first, tapping on the notification. The image loaded and it’s him and that Teyana girl, scrolling to the caption ‘me and the sis’ I was about to say about her but now he posted about her being the sister I can’t say much now, going back on to his number to call him. He needs to come back for the Savage thing anyways, there is work to be done here “twin” he picked up straight away which I love he does “poppa” I grinned “I like that you miss me, we need more of this” pulling a face “shut up, we don’t. Had fun on the beach huh” Chris laughed out “yeah, I don’t know why they acting like she looks like you, any woman they like to pin on me” rolling my eyes, Chris is lucky that he posted that about her being his sister because I was going to rant at him “you were mad wasn’t you? I know you because Herb is here because of you” letting out an oh “who told you that?” I said acting dumb “him, you don’t trust me at all. The thing is, like I am not going to argue because I hate doing it when we are apart, but you don’t trust me at all, when you were away did I do that to you? No I didn’t, I was busy with the kids, I let you be you” oh he is angry “mhmmm you’re mad, I am not the one roaming with females you have known for a week, let me find out they are in the penthouse on my dime” Chris sighed out “I am just going to put the phone down, on god I am being nice to you” clearing my throat “you need to come home” I said “home? I am going Cali now” I sniggered “you’re not?” I said, “I am, I am filming the video for Go Crazy” is he real “don’t piss me off” I said, “don’t piss me off” he retorted “so when were you going to tell me this information?” I spat “if you gave me the chance!” he barked at me “wow” putting the phone down.

I didn’t exactly call him back because he can call me back, and besides I am busy with the kids as they have this photoshoot. I don’t want it to be professional just cute, I mean it’s turning out to be a whole photoshoot without me, I don’t want to be in it, there will be one picture of them all and be done with it, I won’t be posting him always, that won’t be happening, they can see his face and then stop saying shit. I mean this is all Rylee’ fault, she is so stupid, but she is being so cute. Being the older sister in the middle with her siblings “smile here girls” Tina is doing the most work, makes me laugh, she is trying to make Junior laugh and it is working “Chris” Mel said behind me “he called on my phone” turning around “thanks” walking off with Mel’ phone in hand “took your time to call back” I said as I went back inside the house “because I know you’re stubborn and I am not that type of person, you are” here he goes “a bitch” I said it for him “I don’t want to argue with you, I don’t want this but remember you wanted me to be an artist, what you think that came with? Honestly, don’t play stupid either, you knew this. I will come home right now and drop this; I don’t care for it. You are so insecure for what? Makes no sense” now he wants to speak on me being insecure “literally do not care, like you do you, but you do need to come back for the Savage shoot” I am being deadass but he thinks I am being spiteful “I am going Cali” I laughed “but when was this discussed?” I questioned “when was you roaming in Europe ever discussed? Huh? I get why you didn’t now, too much effort to explain” he is being spiteful “then you can drop everything and come home, fuck it” he is being clever “using your power, ok. I am still going Cali either way, if you want the shoot then tell your team to come to me. I am not going to ever let you think you got the power over me, now it’s a different tone, at first it was ok she is upset about the female friend but now it’s you being power hungry so you know what Robyn, I ain’t coming because you barked. You wanted me to have this, now you backtracking. Enjoy the house when Mel goes, it will get pretty lonely” he put the phone down on me, he is an asshole.

I want to keep it simple, just a simple Rylee holding Junior with Imani and Tianna sat at the side of her. And they are all smiling, so I will post this “he is so cute, like for real. These my babies” Mel said looking at the picture on Dennis’ Macbook “I want this picture; I remember Rylee being born. Oh my god. Why the girls look so grown, what a perfect little family, yes this the picture” my phone pinged, the picture finally arrived on my phone. Unlocking my phone and tapping on the message “I feel emotional about my girls growing up, especially the eldest two. I just don’t know where time has gone” tapping on Instagram “for real, just blinked and that was it” tapping on the picture and then adding a caption ‘My greatest gifts’ pressing send on the post “kept it simple, I didn’t want to write anything emotional when I feel the least bit emotional right now, locking my phone “you need to let Chris live” Mel said “I am but I am a woman, I am going to complain. He need to accept that, he is being spiteful too, but let him, I am going to take care of my babies and keep it moving” I won’t chase him, he can do the Savage shoot in Cali, I will send my people there, no problem for me with his petty ass, he is so petty.

#Chrianna #Chrianna FF #Fanfic #Fanfiction #Chrianna Fanfic #Chrianna Fanfiction

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hueningshaped · 2 years

Note

every time you answer my asks i become more and more sure that we share a brain wth🤨🤞🏻💗 it's okay beffie now it's my turn to ask you a difficult question: what's your favorite twice era!!! and yes i can't wait until snsd announce their comeback date, sm better not do them dirty like they did for their 10th anniversary😾 "2 in 1 deal" ?/?-!/!!- HELLO??? nooo!!!!! that's YOU!!!! ALL YOU!!!!!!! NOT THE BEOMGYU VID. i am giggling so hard oh my god loml😭😭 and I LOVE YOU STOP YOU ARE SO CUTE!!!!! i can't believe i got two gifts i am so in love oh my god,,, popping star beomgyu and THE VIDEO OF HIM INTERROGATING THE CAT??? you are literally out for blood i might burst from adoration☹️☹️☹️☹️ and YES i did see his hair i was so confused at first cause i could not tell what color it was but 🫣🫣🫣 moment of silence for bamtoris and his scalp🫶🏻 i saw some clips of the concerts and 💔💔 the performances??? the looks??????? THE MENTS?!/!/!/!/? seeing yeonjun like this made me tear up so hard until i saw how hard the others laughed and i just had to laugh too because they definitely didn't let him live that one down backstage😭😭 also i saw a video of their ghosting performance where they used those confetti guns and i actually ascended. ghosting is a song that is so dear to my heart it's one of my absolute favorite txt songs, probably even my number 1 and having them in those outfits + with the confetti😭😭❓❓i got so weirdly emotional i am so happy that they get to do this and that they finally have their own tour i hope that every concert they have is as happy as these were😔😔 seeing posts like these is just absolutely ruining me i am so happy that i get to live in the same day and age as them😭😭 i also hope you can have some fun on your vacation even if you don't get a lot of time to yourself!! "pathetic right"🤨🤨 beffie i am a moa first human second, loving txt is my only personality trait🫡 I'M TELLING YOU WE'RE LITERALLY THE SAME!!!! the person i become when i have less than six hours a day to myself.... unspeakable actually🫥 dw nothing seems forced i read your replies to my asks like they're the morning paper i always look forward to them<333 also please this is so embarrassing but i'm pretty sure my tastebuds stopped developing at the age of four because why am i literally THE pickiest eater😐 i don't like tea or coffee because i don't like anything that's bitter, although tea isn't even bitter but it's just not sweet enough?!/!/!/!- humiliating tbh. what about you do you like tea or coffee more!! and since the weather's been weird: what's your favorite season and do you prefer snow, rain or sun!! thank you for the gyu pics they really did something inexplicable to my brain i love them so much<333 and actually i am doing sth rn👉🏻👈🏻 i'm working on a new blog because i've had this one since 2016 and it's actually so crusty🤢 i don't even reblog anything on it anymore and i kind of want to go back to having an actual blog (it'll probably be fic recs and stuff??) and i want to be able to interact with you off anon too☹️ i hope that you can enjoy your vacation and if not i hope you'll be back home soon, take care of yourself beffie MWAH🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 -🧃

hey hey hey. reading your asks = best part of my day (genuine) (serious), so serious rnnnnn 🥹🥹🫶🏼💗💗💗💗❤️ sorry it takes me so long to get back to you i just get really stressed about not being able to reply fast since i need to be on my phone and i cant really be on my phone here *collapses on knees* BUT ITS OKAY ❤️❤️❤️💗💗💗💗💓💓💓💓🌈 i read thru ur asks and it makes me so happy hehe nonetheless! My fav eras are either signal or what is love !! sorry i couldnt choose one T__T but the looks, the songs, the colors of the album, just everything is so memorable and cuteeee 1!! Also i havent even seen this yet but i saw it pop up on my recommended – have u seen this ? :0 Stop it ur too kinddd RESPECTFULLY ur the kindest . EVER. 🪷😖 im so glad u liked ur gifts U DESERVE ALLLLL THE GIFTS IN THE WORLD AND MOREEE hehehe although it was all bc of beomgyu (thanks mr bear gyu) I LOVE YOU !!!!!!! u are the cutest, it is fact. omg right his poor scalp but honestly that color is all ive ever wanted ndfjnkvn gosh just seeing all that content makes me cry ive had to get off all sns bc im a big baby but seriously those behind the scene photos they posted wow they look so good but when DONT they haha also super random so u have a favorite txt dance practice or performance video ? :0 but awwwwwwwWWW yeonjun :( man txt just doesnt let him breatheeeee its so funny (sorry yj nothing personal, this is payback bc u were born perfect) NO i refuse to see ghosting above all bc that song is personal to me haha (that song + nap of a star + our summer makes me cry so bad every time) !!! 🙀🙀sheesh beffie we really are the same but ah ur words are so touching, i wish i could give them to txt bc it’s true i hope they are happy and healthy (like u) always <3 that link of kai then and now made me tear up ohhhhhhhhh goshhhhh my big hueningkai omg,,,,, makes me realize how much time has flown by,, it makes the present all the more sweeter, i too am happy that i get to live in the same universe as them, we are lucky arent we? I’ll do my best in making sure i at least enjoy myself haha loving txt is OUR job !!!! full time !!!😈😈😈 omg i get u but beffie i dont think its ur tastebuds theres nothing wrong with having preferences ok?!!!!1 drinking bitter or eating bitter foods doesnt seem enjoyable anyway !! i dont enjoy drinking tea unless it’s milk tea and milky haha and i cant have coffee bc i cant have caffeine haha i just drink decaf lattes and drink boba and these drinks from my culture,, im a very beverage-y person 😭 BUT ANYWAY (not sure why i rambled so much) and my favorite season is autumn bc i love the cold and the changing colors of the leaves even if the daylight ends sooner during this time :’( we dont get much snow so i think that makes me biased with me picking snow as a preference but i also find sun comforting when it isnt beating down on me haha sorry i cant give one word answers i have to tell a whole story jjgnrjfnfdfdgnjd ty for being so patient with me hhh IM happy to know u receive the gyus so well <3 omg ur new blog sounds exciting !!! and omg im sure it isnt crusty awww and i’d LUVVVB to interact with u off anon too (if ur okay with it) just lmk !!!! (if that made sense) 😼🫶🏼 ~~~ ty for ur kind wishes as always i hope u have someone in ur life that is as kind to you as you are to me 🥺 <3 hope to hear ur enjoying ur freedom from uni and taking care and staying hydrated much much love beffie also do u have a favorite movie or movies ? :0 i ask the broadest questions omg (also this made me laugh hehe, hopefully it makes u laugh too or my humor is just DUMB) but anyway stay safe always !!!! talk to u soon 😽😽😽🌟 + some more gyus ^^^

#ask >3<

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theminecraftbee · 3 years

Video

cubfan, on the subject of whether he’s pg or not:

#hermitcraft #(technically i guess)#mcc #cubfan #hbomb #inthelittlewood #this clip made me laugh A LOT i needed it on my blog #...hermit swearing #rare but powerful.

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rin-itoshi · 3 years

Text

mc’s departure | obey me

summary: how the brothers would react to MC returning to the human world after a year in the devildom

contains: fluff , angst , ?!!!!&;@;&:idk

♯ LUCIFER

he’s the one to see you off, reminding you of the many things he had taught you so that you’d never forget.

his pride is much too large to admit that he will miss you to death and that he loves you dearly.

after you’re gone, he’s gone for hours at a time, holed up in his room with as much as work as he can take on.

he overworks himself with the intention of getting rid of the heavy emotion on his heart.

everything reminds you of him, even the paper clip on his desk that you had once found under his bed.

he gets easily irritable, feeling rather empty now that you’ve gone and left him alone in this now quiet house.

barely leaves his room, only works.

never cries but gets quite emotional when he finds a belonging you left behind.

♯ MAMMON

he cried every single night up until your departure but never showed you that side of him once

after you left, he cried non-stop, not caring if he looked like a cry baby in front of his brother’s who watched him with pitiful eyes.

once his eyes dried up, he soon never returned home as he partied all day and night.

he forced himself to attend parties after parties in order to forget about you.

it never works because everything reminds him of you.

sometimes he sits in his car and just stares into space, wondering what you’re doing now that you’re back on earth.

literally cannot stand the mention of you or your name or he may break down.

pretends to be okay but can’t go a day without getting upset about your absence.

money soon becomes pointless when he realizes no amount of cash will bring you back to the house of lamentation.

♯ LEVIATHAN

curled up in his bath tub and cried himself to sleep.

stopped leaving his room in general, continuously playing games all day and night.

couldn’t look at his ruri-chan figures because they somehow reminded him of you and how much you used to admire them with him.

every inch of his room has your touch on it and it makes his heart ache painfully.

struggles to attend online school but manages to make it through the day by zoning out in class.

claims he doesn’t care about a normie like you but genuinely misses you

sends you messages, forgetting you can no longer contact him without your D.D.D

writes about how much he misses you on his blog fully aware you’ll never see it.

♯ SATAN

reading. that’s all he does.

he hides in his room and reads every single book he has stacked up along his room, even rereading them if he finished everything.

uses books to get his mind off of you—or more so the lack of you.

will sometimes get excited about a stray cat he sees but stops himself when he realizes he can’t tell you because you aren’t here.

gets angry. a lot.

the smallest things set him off and he can longer feign a smile when he hears your name or anything related to you.

he misses you so much that he wants to tear out his hair and rip apart all these book page by page.

his room is in shambles and he can’t seem to think straight anymore.

♯ ASMODEUS

loses his interest in everything.

forgets his skin care routine and lets himself go without caring about it.

forces himself to go to parties and tries to sleep with someone to feel better but when it fails, he stops sleeping around in general.

like mammon, he doesn’t come home often to avoid seeing the house he had lived in with you happily.

cannot forget about you no matter what he does, and that frustrates him the most.

wishes he had done something to stop you or at least slept beside you one last time.

neglects himself for a while.

♯ BEELZEBUB

poor bby isn’t hungry for once.

can’t seem to eat now that you’re not sitting beside him, giggling about something he had said.

spends a lot of his time doing weight training and exercising to get his mind off of you.

misses all the meals you used to make on the nights you were in charge of cooking.

sometimes forgets you’re not around whenever he’s about to go downstairs to eat dinner.

clings to belphie in hopes to fill the gap in his heart.

accidentally broke down your room door in an angry fit when your absence finally set in.

♯ BELPHEGOR

either he sleeps even more or somehow gets less sleep.

no matter what, he feels sluggish and blank.

locks himself in the attic, almost as if he was never released in the first place.

even though he hated humans, your absence affected him the most after he had grown to love you as a human.

nearly went demon mode on diavolo when he found out that you were being sent back to the human world.

partially wishes he never met you but cherishes his memories with you too much to ever wish for that wholeheartedly.

sleeps in your bed often to hold onto your lingering scent that was fading quickly.

complains to beel that you were nothing but a stupid human who turns their backs on demons like them, but he never means anything he says.

“Why is it so quiet in here?” Diavolo asks as he opens the front door of the House of Lamentation with Barbatos at his side. The man’s golden eyes scanned the entry hall, noticing how it was so eerily dark and quiet that it almost felt like something out of a horror movie. It felt like no one had lived here in over two thousand years. “Hello?”

Upon receiving message from Diavolo, everyone had exited their rooms for the first time in a while, looking like they were dragged through the mud. The state they were in made Diavolo jump with surprise, shocked to find that even Lucifer looked like he was ill. “What happened to you guys?!”

“What is it that you need, Lord Diavolo?” Lucifer asked as he ran a hand through his hair to compose himself a bit in front of the red haired man. “If is nothing important, may I kindly ask you to leave and return another time?”

Diavolo sighed, shaking his head lightly as he crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t know what’s up with you guys, but I brought everyone’s favorite person along with me so sing your praises now!”

Mammon huffed, “If ya’ talking about that butler of yours, ain’t nobody care right now! We got bigger things to worry about!”

Barbatos simply smiled, taking no offense to the sly insult thrown his way.

Diavolo cocked a brow in confusion. “What? Of course not! It’s-“

The person stepped out from behind Diavolo, catching the attention of every single male in the room. The seven brother’s choked, staring at the one person they had longed for these past few days.

“[y/n]!” They shouted in unison, practically flying down the stairs to get to you. Mammon was the first to reach you, wrapping his arms around your entire body as he tackled you to the floor. The other brother’s climbed on top of you two, hugging you so tightly that you feared this would be where you’d die. “You’re back!”

Diavolo chuckled boisterously. “This is amusing! You lot are acting like you didn’t know they’d return today!” His laugh came to an abrupt stop when he saw the flat expressions coming from each and every brother. “Oh- Did I not inform you?”

“Obviously you didn’t.” Belphegor scoffed with a roll of the eyes, burying his face in the crook of your neck to inhale your scent. “[y/n]...”

“Ya can’t ever leave again! I’ll seriously get angry at ya if this happens again! Ya either go to the human world with me or ya don’t go at all!” Mammon snapped, cupping your cheeks while getting dangerously close to your face to yell at you.

“I’ll severely punish you if you ever leave this manor without giving me a heads up as to where you’re off to. You’re not just an exchange student anymore. You’re special.” Lucifer explained, a panicked glint in his tired eyes as he reached out to pat your head gently with his gloved hand.

Satan sighed, pressing his forehead against your back. “If you leave again, I don’t know if I’ll be able to control my emotions, so don’t leave.”

The avatar of lust whined loudly, “my beautiful self can’t handle a life without you! Don’t ever go anywhere without me again!” He clutched onto her waist tightly.

“Don’t... Don’t go anywhere.” Leviathan said with a sad frown on his lips as he held your hand, bringing it up to rest against his cheek. “It’s so empty without you.”

“Let’s eat dinner together, [y/n].” Beel suggested, his voice full of emotions as he drooled at the thought of dinner with you.

A million emotions ran through your veins as you sat there, basking in the warmth of their touch. It was overwhelming to receive so much love all at once but it was amazing.

A smile slowly crept onto your lips as you leaned into their touch, enjoying the way they clung to you as if you’d disappear any moment now. “I missed you guys, too.”

“What a lovely reunion!” Diavolo exclaimed happily, snapping a view blurry photos on his D.D.D to send to the group chat later.

After the heartfelt moment, they quickly disappeared upstairs to fix up their appearance before rushing downstairs to the kitchen where you stood. They clung to you like bugs to a light, hounding you about your sudden departure, only to find out that you had gone up there with Diavolo and Barbatos to help the man experience human world activities he had never gotten to try before. Diavolo was sure he had told them that but seeing as they were genuinely distressed, he assumed the message never reached.

Even though they were beyond pissed with Diavolo and his carelessness, they were just glad you were back. Them being here with you really was their idea of a perfect life.

a/n: UH YEA K GOODNIGHT

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lumosinlove · 3 years

Text

Vaincre

It’s here!! Thank you all for the support of this universe, it truly means so very much to me. Every time I get a comment, or get to read the fan fiction you all write, see the art you create...it just fills me with so much joy. I’m so excited to share the Sweater Weather sequel with you, Vaincre! Go Lions!

cw: brief mention of past injury and past abuse

part i: July

I’ve been holding my breath

I’ve been counting to ten

The media wasn’t kind. There were network shows and blogs. Magazines and papers and podcasts. Not to mention Twitter.

Remus had heard his name on all of them, even if he wasn’t listening. It was part of Alice’s job to make sure he knew what was being said about him. It was his job to tune most of it out. Some outrage. Some elation. Some confusion.

This is my question, one podcast asked. I mean, I’m happy for Black. Lupin, too. I’m happy for the hockey world to have this happen, it’s about time, I mean, tune it, come on, and all that.

I’m confused about the, you know, ‘let’s put the PT on the roster.’ I’ve seen college clips, like, those have been released, we know that he got injured, we know all that. He’s fast, we know that, too. But a lot of guys are fast.

Just…what a move by Coach Weasley. A good move? I don’t know. I really don’t know.

Remus had always loved to run. It cleared his head. It had been one of the forms of exercise he had been able to do first once his shoulder had healed, before weights or any sort of strength training. His therapists had recommended it. Endorphins, they had said.

But Remus liked it because it was the closest he had been able to get to gliding on the ice, even when he still couldn’t stand to even look at a rink.

A good move? I don’t know. I really don’t know.

Remus was used to not knowing. He was beginning to think he thrived on it. Would he play hockey again? Would he ever find love? Would Sirius want him?

Was this really happening?

He didn’t think of dreams as coming so late, but, then again, why should dreams be put on any sort of time schedule?

Now, he banged out the screen door and onto the rickety, well-loved porch of the lake house that had been passed down through his family for years. His mother and her brothers split it up in the summer, overlapping for a week or so, and there were always little gifts left behind for each family at the trade-off. A bottle of the best maple syrup, or some of the local honey. They were small, but Remus smiled when he saw what his uncle and aunt and cousins had left for him and Sirius after his parents and Julian had given them the month of July with the house to themselves. A little flower arrangement with two hockey sticks, carved out of wood, sticking up in the middle.

Sirius had plucked one from the dirt, twirled it over in his fingers, and smiled.

“Your family will never stop surprising me.”

Green Lake was deep, prime for fishing, and gorgeous. The smell of the water, of the soil and sweet summer air was as good as home to Remus. He breathed it in now as he bent to lace up his sneakers. He could smell the fire pit that they had lit last night, one that he and Julian had roasted thousands of marshmallows over.

“I showed Jules how to roast the perfect marshmallow here,” Remus had said that first July night, leaning back against Sirius’ chest.

Sirius had blew out his burnt-black one. “Like this?”

Remus had scoffed. “No, you heathen.”

Sirius looked good here, surrounded by the woods and rusty cabin, wearing the old fleeces that never seemed to leave this place for when the sun had yet to warm the chilly mornings. Some mornings, they’d make their coffee, tangle their socked feet together on the small couch until the sun began to get high and they’d strip it all off in favor of swimsuits and sunscreen. Other mornings, Remus would rise, pressing a gentle kiss to Sirius’ sleeping face, and take to the dirt road that ran around the lake.

Sirius, just off of the hard won playoffs, needed to rest. Remus needed to train.

A good move? I don’t know. I really don’t know.

They would leave in two days for Pascal’s Cup Day celebration, and then to meet Remus’ parents, his little brother Julian, and Regulus back in Gryffindor for Sirius’ Cup Day. And August training. Remus stretched his hands to his toes and closed his eyes. A strange type of adrenaline filled him whenever he thought about practicing with the team, about the fitness tests that would come first. He’d have to prove himself again and again. He wanted to. But part of him wondered what would happen if he couldn’t.

The screen door squeaked open and shut again, and Remus jumped, looking up to find Sirius, still sleep rumpled, standing there in running shorts.

Remus laughed, reaching up to trace a pillow crease in his cheek. “You’re supposed to be sleeping in while you can.”

Sirius let out a grumbly sort of yawn and gathered his hair, long from the summer and just brushing his chin now, back into a small half-up bun.

“I can’t believe you do this before coffee.”

“Too acidic. Gives you running stitches.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Sirius sighed, and threw his arm around Remus’ shoulders as they walked up the steep driveway to the road.

Remus kissed his wrist. “I’ll miss being here with you.”

Sirius smiled. He was tan from the summer, hair dark as ever and his skin sun-kissed.

Remus leaned into his shoulder. “I mean look at you. I like seeing you this relaxed.”

Sirius bit his lip as the rounded a bend, waving at Mrs. Barrow, who was tending to her garden.

“I don’t think I knew I could be this relaxed,” Sirius admitted. “It was always train, train, train, you didn’t get a Cup, try harder.”

Remus was familiar with the notes that appeared in Sirius’ voice now from years of Sirius’ small slips in conversation, even when, to Remus, Sirius had only been they youngest captain in the league, cold and reserved from even more years of his father’s abusive, relentless attitude towards hockey and Sirius’ skills. Even when Remus had only been the team’s physical therapist, closeted, crushing on Sirius, and surprised by the cracks Sirius showed when he had gotten his ankle smashed by Severus Snape, Captain of the Slytherin Snakes—the Gryffindor Lions greatest rivalry. Pain, it had seemed, and fear of never stepping on the ice again, had given Remus his first glimpses into a different Sirius beneath it all, a boy who was filled with much more than just a need to win, but for whom the want of winning only made him love his sport, and his team, more.

“And now that you have a Cup?” Remus asked. “How’re you feeling?”

They came to the road and Sirius balanced on one foot, stretching his thigh. “Now that I have you,” he said. “I’m feeling just fine.”

Remus snorted. “Yeah, the Stanley Cup Champion part has nothing to do with it.”

Sirius laughed, but took Remus’ face between his palms. “If I didn’t have you, and I had only a Cup, all I would be doing right now is thinking about another Cup.”

Remus put a hand on his chest, fingers finding the number twelve pendant that rested there.

“Now, there’s more,” Sirius said simply, and leaned down for a tender kiss. “Like your mother’s peach pie.”

Remus punched him in the arm as Sirius laughed loudly.

“You’ll have to beat me if you want a slice of that!” Remus called as he took off.

Sirius made a wounded noise, but sprinted after him until they were side by side again.

“I don’t think I can leave this beach,” Leo mumbled into the lounging cabana they were spread out beneath, and Logan looked down at him from where he was reading—trying to read—one of the books Finn had given him. He didn’t know how many books Finn had tried to get him to read over the years, but he knew he never made it through more than a few pages without looking up, getting distracted, or having to go back.

“Non?” Logan asked.

Leo shook his head. “The sun. The sea. I’m in heaven.”

“What about hockey?”

“Brr.”

Logan laughed and settled back into the pillows, setting the book aside and rolling towards Leo to feel his sun-warmed back and leaned down to kiss his temple. A private beach definitely had its perks—and so did three hockey salaries.

“We’ll just stay here, then.”

They’d had a good summer. Leo’s Cup Day, Finn’s, his own, all in their hometowns and accompanied by large parades and fanfare. Logan had finally gotten to take Leo home to his sisters and parents for the first time. It had been nice to see Finn around his family again, too, after what felt like eons of avoiding him in that small gap between being at Harvard and then them both making it to the NHL, and to the Lions.

Leo’s sleepy smile up at him melted Logan like ice in the sun.

“Okay, good,” Leo said, then his eyes went behind Logan. “There’s the ghost-on-toast with our drinks.”

Logan snorted and looked up to see Finn—and Finn’s tiny blue swim shorts that he insisted weren’t see-through—walking towards them through the sand from the resort bar with a tray of drinks in his hands.

“Hey, lover-nuts,” Finn said as he set the tray down in the shade. “Got us some snacks, too. That bar tender loves me.”

“You are so pale,” Leo laughed. “I love you, though, please put more sunscreen on.”

“Keep your sandy feet off my towel,” Logan nudged Finn’s foot with his own as he reached for his drink. Finn just smiled and nodded at the book.

“How is it?” Finn asked.

Logan just looked at him.

He laughed and ran a hand through Logan’s salty, damp hair. “I know. I’ll read it to you later. I just thought you might want something for the beach!”

Logan held up his cocktail. “I have something for the beach.”

They settled back under their cabana, the thin, white linen curtains fluttering around them in the three o’clock breeze. Maybe Logan, as he closed his eyes between Leo and Finn, Leo’s hand still on his thigh, Finn’s arm pillowing the back of his neck, never wanted to leave this beach, either.

“Back to Gryffindor tomorrow,” Logan said.

“Group chat says most guys’ll be back this week,” Finn said, squinting at his phone over his sunglasses. “We gotta be back for Dumo’s, and then Cap’s Cup Day. That’ll be nice, man.”

“I like that they’re bringing it to Gryffindor Pride,” Leo said, rolling onto his back. “Should have thought of that. Or, I guess…” Leo trailed off and Logan frowned. They couldn’t do that. Not yet, at least. Leo caught Logan’s expression and rested a reassuring hand on his thigh. “I’m glad we get to go, even if its for them on the surface. That’s real thoughtful of them, you know?”

Logan nodded. It was thoughtful. When Remus and Sirius had brought it up to them, he’d found himself getting a little choked up.

“We want you guys to be able to experience that, too,” Remus had said. “If you want. No matter what you decide to do public-wise in the future.”

Finn clicked his phone off and chucked it to the side. “Hey, don’t take me off island time yet. We’ll order to the room, eat on the deck, hike up and stargaze…”

Finn rattled off the perfect list, tilting towards Logan until their lips met.

“And then we’ll go win another Cup.”

Leo and Logan punched him at the same time.

Thomas sat in the shade with Kasey as they watched Alex try to take on Natalie and Noelle at pool basketball.

“I really think they’re going to accidentally drown him,” Thomas said thoughtfully.

“He probably thinks that, too, and is just too competitive to stop,” Kasey replied.

Thomas laughed, and held out his beer to cheers.

“This is a nice house the O’Haras have, man,” he looked at the sparkling ocean beyond the steps and fence, and at the pool with the grill and lounge chairs. They’d only come up for the weekend, between training and visiting their own families, and before returning to Gryffindor for the season.

“Tell me about it.”

“Cheating!” Alex spluttered from the pool as Natalie put all of her weight on him to dunk him under the water. Alex pointed very seriously to the foot marker on the side tile. “We agreed from that to Thomas’ chair, I was too far away!”

“Too bad!” Noelle shouted as she made another basket.

Thomas didn’t think it was the alcohol that made him feel a little fuzzy at the edges as he looked over her in her swimsuit. She was all curves of tanned muscle, softened the summer around her stomach and arms. Thomas was a goner. But she seemed pretty gone, too, so he guessed it was all right.

“This moment’s always rough,” Kasey said softly from beside him, and when Thomas looked at him questioningly, he gestured vaguely with his beer. “The end of July. One more month, but not really. Alex’ll go back for training, you know? It’s like a trick. I always think, I get three months with these two. But it’s more like two and the first week of August.”

Thomas nodded. “I know. Noelle, too. Her training camp starts on the eight. I’m just…”

Kasey sighed in sympathy.

“At least you have Nat, you know?” Thomas said. “Not that I’m saying you have it easier, I just…”

Kasey shook his head. “I know. Believe me, I’m thankful for that every day. But…when you miss someone, you miss someone.”

Thomas nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, exactly.”

Last season hadn’t been too bad. His relationship with Noelle had been new. They only really knew FaceTime dates, and squeezed in weekend flights that sometimes left them more exhausted than sated. They had been taking it slow. Thomas had been kissed by Noelle—a lot. Enough to make him dizzy with it. Only, then she’d met him at the airport in Quebec, they’d spent a month with her family in France…

And Thomas wasn’t sure he knew how to do just FaceTime anymore. There was a new yearning, knotted just below his heart. He knew what her skin felt like under his hands now, knew what she looked like right when she waked up, even her skincare routine before bed. It would feel like being away from the ice for too long, the knot pulling tight. He thought this year was going to be harder. Maybe he knew it, but if he did, he was pretending it might be easy still.

“T,” Noelle called, floating on her back, dark hair fanned out in the water. “C’mere!”

Thomas smiled, setting his drink down. He would come, whenever she called. Wherever.

Cole Reyes didn’t know if Adele Dumais staring at him the way she was was a good thing, or a bad thing. He was nervous enough without the seemingly disapproval of Pascal Dumais'—the Pascal Dumais of the Gryffindor Lions, oldest player in the league—teenage daughter.

“Don’t you talk?” Marc, one of his sons, asked.

Cole blinked. “Uh. Yeah. Yeah.”

Adele waved her brother off. “They’re always super nervous at first. Remember Sirius?”

Marc scoffed. “I was a baby.”

Cole let out a breath. Now they were casually talking about Sirius Black, who had lived in the very room Cole had been sleeping in for a week now when he was a rookie, too. It was the same with Logan Tremblay. He felt like he needed to keep the room pristine, like he was living in some Hockey Hall of Fame museum that he had not earned the right to be in yet.

“You’re still a baby,” Adele shot back.

“Kids,” came Celeste, Pascal’s wife’s voice from where she was setting the table. “Come on now.”

“Sorry, maman,” Marc said softly.

“Sorry,” Adele sighed more reluctantly.

“Go help your father with the grill, you two,” she said. “Everyone will be arriving soon.”

Katie, Celeste and Pascal’s youngest daughter, perked up from where she was sitting beside Cole, drawing. Not Pascal, Dumo—Cole kept having to remind himself that he could call Pascal by his nickname now, that it was all official, that he was a Gryffindor Lion, too. Katie hadn’t left his side since he arrived a week ago to billet with the Dumais, and he still wasn’t sure what to make of it.

“Even the Cup?” she asked.

Celeste laughed. “Oui, ma cherie. Cole? Would you mind going to get the flowers for the table? They’re on the kitchen counter, just inside.”

“Oh, sure, Mrs. Dumais,” Cole nodded, glad for something to do. The thought of the Cup arriving gave him the chills. He’d have to be careful not to touch it. He was scared to even look at it, to be honest. His mom would be laughing at him right about now. He wanted to call her afterwards, tell her everything.

“Call me Celeste, I told you, please,” Celeste smiled. She was lovely, with her dark hair twisted and clipped up and a summer dress as green as her eyes, silky against her olive skin.

Cole flushed, but smiled. “Celeste.”

Cole made his way through the sliding door from the back yard and through the dining room. The kitchen was one of the biggest rooms in the house—and it was a big house. Beautiful copper pans hung shining above the island, along with some herbs that Celeste grew and dried herself. It looked like something out of a magazine to Cole, and it was nice, but it wouldn’t beat his mom’s kitchen in the small apartment they shared in Boston. The small space would fill up to the brim with the smell of spices, or cobbler. The thought sent a pang right to his heart. He missed home, that was for sure. After being away for so long, for so many hockey camps, he’d hoped he would be more used to it by now.

The flowers were right where Celeste had said they would be, and he was reaching for one when the back door that led to the garage dinged open. Cole froze, sure that he was about to run into captain Sirius Black completely unprepared, when a girl stepped through instead. She was dressed in denim shorts and a white tank top, had dark brown skin, and a Gryffindor College hat over her hair, which was plaited back into many small braids.

She smiled when she saw him. No sign of surprised, or of the nervousness Cole felt when he met basically anyone.

“You must be Cole,” she said.

Cole nodded. The girl was gorgeous. Cole was a mess of nerves already. He didn’t need the stare of the teenage daughter of one of his idols, but he especially could not handle a beautiful girl right now.

“Yeah,” Cole said. “No, yeah, um. Yes.”

The girl strode forward, setting her bag down on the counter, along with a water bottle decorated in stickers. He caught a few Lions ones. She offered her hand, which was slender and had two golden rings on it. “I’m Layla. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Cole took it, trying to place her. “Nice to meet you.”

“Oh, I babysit for the Dumais family,” she said in explanation, then waved her hand. “Well, this year, at least. I’m actually—we’re going to be working together.”

Cole blinked. “You mean the Lions?”

She nodded. “I’m in the middle of my undergrad for physical therapy. Dumo’s amazing and he got me an internship under the new PT. You know. I’ll probably get you stick tape or something,” she laughed. “Congrats, by the way.”

Cole tilted his head and she raised an eyebrow.

“On making it to the NHL?”

“Oh,” Cole laughed. “Oh, I, yeah, thanks. You, too—or…yeah.”

Cole was going to stay in his room in the basement and never come out.

“I gotta—Mrs. Du—Celeste wants these flowers outside,” he said, picking the vases up.

“Sure thing,” Layla smiled.

“Layla,” came a shriek, and a moment later Katie Dumais came sprinting into the kitchen and wrapped herself around Layla’s legs and smiled at Cole. “This is my new hockey player.”

Cole couldn’t help but laugh. He didn’t have a lot of experience with kids, but Katie sure was cute.

“Yours?” Layla gasped as she smiled at Cole. “He’s all yours, is he?”

Katie nodded. “Like Tremzy and Sirius. His name is Cole, like when Santa Clause doesn’t like you.”

Again, with the casual mentions of Logan Tremblay and Sirius Black.

“Oh, of course,” Layla laughed. “Well, I’m sure Santa Clause has never not liked you, babes. Let’s go let your mom know I’m here, okay? Your new hockey player can come with us, too.”

“He’s yours, too!” Katie insisted. “You’re here all the time, so he’s yours, too, don’t worry.”

“Oh, good,” Layla said. “I was worried.”

When Katie looked at Cole expectedly, Cole managed, “I guess everyone does need a hockey player?”

“Exactly!” Katie squealed, and Cole could only follow them outside, heart pounding.

It was good to be back in Gryffindor. Remus and Sirius had dropped their bags in Sirius’ entryway, said hello to Regulus, showered, and then hopped right back in the car to get to Pascal’s house.

“You two look disgustingly happy,” Regulus said, leaning forward from the back seat.

“We are,” Sirius grinned at him in the review mirror. “I am also happy,” he stroked the leather steering wheel of his Range Rover. “To be back with this baby.”

While Sirius’ hair had grown longer, Regulus had shaved his short. The curls were barely curls at all anymore, but Remus was happy to see that his seemingly ever-present dark circles had receded some.

“Why, thank you, Regulus, you look happy, too,” Remus snorted. “When do you leave for NYU’s orientation?”

“August 23rd,” he said. “Been texting with my housemates, too. They seem cool.”

“Maybe one of you will pull a Finn and fall in love with each other,” Sirius said.

“Twice,” Remus laughed, and Regulus did, too.

“I think I’ve had enough romance drama to last me a life time, thanks,” Regulus smiled. “But, yeah. I’m just…I’m focused on friends right now, I think. Normal, non-hockey creatures like you two. But that’s not to say if something came up…or I guess someone. Who knows.”

Sirius’ smile was softer this time. “Focus on whatever you want, Reg. You deserve it.”

Regulus just grumbled something about hockey gods, and then they were pulling up to the Dumais’. There were silver and white balloons lining the driveway and the fence to the backyard where, as Remus slammed his door, he could already hear laughter. A zing of excitement shot through him.

“I missed this team,” he sighed as Sirius took his hand.

Sirius pressed a kiss to his temple. “Your team.”

“Our team.”

“Jesus Christ,” Regulus said, and gave them a shove forward.

Thomas gave a loud woop when he spotted them coming out to the backyard. Regulus immediately made a B-line towards Leo and the Cubs.

“Yes! The Captain!” Thomas said and pulled Sirius into a hug. “Missed you, man.”

“You, too, T,” Sirius said. “Ready to tear it up?”

“You know it.”

Remus smiled as Thomas hugged him next. “I forgot you two train together before pre-season.”

“You two?” Thomas raised an eyebrow, the small gold hoops in his ears glinting in the sun. Remus noticed he’d shaved three stripes into one side of his head. They were a little wobbly. Maybe Noelle had done it. “You’re not coming with us?”

“You know how this one is about his routines,” Remus said, wrapping an arm around Sirius’ waist. “Wouldn’t want to mess anything up.”

“Please,” Sirius said. “I want you there more than I want a second—”

Remus and Thomas punched him at the same time.

“I know you weren’t just about to say that,” said an accented voice from behind Remus, and they turned to see Pascal standing there. He looked as he always did, smile lines around his eyes, gray streaks at his temples. He wore a white t-shirt and had Katie on his hip. She was definitely getting too big to be carried around like that, but Remus couldn’t see a time when Pascal would ever refuse her. He’d probably carry Adele around like that, too, if she’d let him.

“Dumo,” Sirius smiled, and took the two beers he was holding out, handing one to Remus. He kissed Katie’s forehead. “Good summer?”

“The best,” Pascal laughed, and nodded towards the edge of the yard. “Especially with the promise of seeing that thing again.”

Remus followed his gaze, and his breath caught, just as he knew it would. The Cup stood there, its guards near by with drinks and plates of food in their hands. It sat proudly on a table, surrounded by white tulips—no doubt Celeste’s doing.

“I’m excited to see you two bring it to the parade,” Pascal said. “That will be a wonderful day for everyone.”

Remus glanced at where Logan, Leo, and Finn were standing with Kasey Winter, Gryffindor’s goalie, and his partners Natalie, with her long blonde hair, and Finn’s brother Alex, who played for Tampa Bay.

Sirius’ smile lit up his face. “It will be.”

Remus peered around him. “Is that our rookie?”

Sirius scoffed. “A rookie can’t call a fellow rookie rookie, rookie.”

Remus blinked. “What did you just say?”

“That’s Cole!” Katie said. “I love him.” Then she turned and shouted his name again. He looked up from where he was standing quietly beside Jackson Nadeau, another player, and Remus suppressed a smile at the way his eyes widened when he saw Sirius.

“Oh, here we go,” Sirius mumbled.

“Oh, hush,” Remus said, and sounded far too much like his mother to himself. “You’re going to be throwing hands for him the second someone gets close, and you know it.”

“I don’t know how to tell rookies I’m just a person!” Sirius whispered as Cole began to make his way over. “They act all…”

“Star struck?” Thomas offered.

Sirius just glowered at him.

Cole Reyes did not look as young as he was. Even at 19, he was jacked, and tall, with light brown skin, green eyes, and a stripe shaved into one of his eyebrows. His hair was shaved at the sides, but longer on the top and in tight curls.

Remus glanced somewhat self-consciously down at himself. He could only put on more muscle healthily so fast. He thought he’d been doing well, but looking at Cole…

“Hello,” Cole said hesitantly and Pascal set Katie down and clapped Cole on the shoulder.

“Reyes, meet Sirius. Sirius, meet the boy who is a much better billet than you ever were.”

Sirius snorted, and Cole laughed—nervously.

“Hi, Cole,” Sirius said, and held out his hand. “I know we spoke briefly over the summer, but it’s nice to officially meet you.”

“You, too,” Cole said, smile slight. “Thanks for the call. My mom freaked out. I mean—well, me too, but my mom…” Cole stuttered out, wincing.

“Loves me?” Sirius laughed. “I get that a lot.”

“He’s so humble,” Remus shook his head jokingly. “Hi Cole, I’m Remus. Welcome to the team.”

“You too…?” Cole said hesitantly. “Well, the roster, I guess.”

“Cole,” Katie said, taking his large hand in her small one. “Come meet Tremzy. He’s my best friend.”

Sirius feigned a pout. “What about me?”

Katie smiled sheepishly, throwing herself at Sirius’ legs, “You, too!”

“Always one-uped by Tremblay,” Thomas laughed, shaking his head. “How’s it feel, Cap?”

“Wonderful,” Sirius said dryly and then looked down at Katie, petting her head. “Go on, go show Cole your best friend.”

They watched her lead Cole through the crowd for a moment before Sirius huffed.

“See?” Sirius whispered to Remus. “It’s like he’s scared of me.”

“I’ve never heard you use the phrase spoke briefly in my life. Who are you, Alice?”

“I was trying to be professional!”

Remus laughed. “Why?”

Sirius just rolled his eyes and dragged him over to stack their plates with food.

The party went well into the evening, the sky pink and blue in the setting sun. There were lanterns floating in the pool where Evgeni and Jackson were playing chicken with a delighted Marc and Louis, or sometimes one of Coach Arthur Weasley’s boys, on their shoulders. Logan was sitting with Cole and Finn, cradling a sleepy Katie against his chest, Leo and Regulus laughing with Kasey and Alex.

Remus found Sirius again standing alone in front of the Cup. His hair was falling into his face, the curls gentled by the evening breeze and the Cup’s silver surface reflecting the silver of Sirius’ eyes. Remus went to stand beside him, and neither of them spoke for a moment.

“I’m nervous,” Remus broke the silence.

Sirius nodded. “I know, mon loup.”

Remus sighed, resting his head against Sirius’ arm. “Yeah?”

“Of course,” Sirius switched his drink to his other hand so he could run his fingers through Remus’ hair. “This is…big.”

“It’s what I’ve always wanted,” Remus whispered. It felt dangerous, to say the words aloud. “It’s everything that I lost. Last time.”

Remus could still feel Fenrir Greyback rip at his shoulder, even if it was years ago now, while they were still at college. Being in the NHL meant that Remus would have to play against him again whenever they met Vegas.

Sirius turned towards him, hand on his cheek.

“You will have this,” he said earnestly, and then smile, reaching into his shirt for his necklace, the one Remus had gifted him last Christmas. He brought it to his lips. “Loops.”

Remus smiled at the now familiar sight, touching the pendant when Sirius’ let it drop.

“You know,” Remus said. “You’re everything I’ve always wanted, too.”

Sirius’ smile was one of Remus’ favorites, and he tucked him against his side. Remus followed his gaze to find him looking at Cole again.

“I’m not happy with the way it happened,” Sirius said softly, and Remus knew he was thinking of the pictures that someone had leaked of them kissing. The pictures that had upturned their entire lives. “But I’m glad I get to hold you like this in front of new faces. I wasn’t thinking about trades—I try not to—but getting Reyes, if things had been different, would have meant we were back to square one at parties like these.”

Remus nodded, taking a drink. “And he seemed okay with it. With us.”

“I was thinking we should invite him to train with us. With me, you, and T. Maybe Dumo would join, too. I know he usually goes with Sergei, but Sergei might be with Kuns and Nado, even though they usually like it just them. The Cubs—”

“Okay, Captain, okay,” Remus laughed.

Sirius pressed a hand over his eyes, laughing. “I just don’t like it when they’re nervous around me. Like Leo was. It’s so much better now that we’re friends.”

“You’ll get there with him,” Remus said. “Yeah, invite him to train with us. The more the merrier.”

Secretly, Remus wanted to see how Cole trained. He couldn’t shake the analytical side of him, the physical therapist side. Cole was built for such a young age.

“If I didn’t know better,” Sirius said softly, mouth close to Remus’ ear. “I’d say you were checking him out.”

Remus spluttered. “I’m not! I want to know his routine!”

Sirius cracked up. “This is your superstition, isn’t it? Cracking other player’s codes.”

Remus just shrugged, smiling into his cup.

“Have you cracked my code?” Sirius asked in the low voice he used that made Remus not want to be surrounded by people.

Remus looked up at him. “Maybe. It certainly has nothing to do with a piece of toast at five o’clock.”

“My pre-game toast is very important to me.”

Remus leaned up to press a quick kiss to his lips. “No, you just like honey and cinnamon.”

Sirius rolled his eyes. “Okay, I’m going to talk to Reyes now.”

“Catch him if he passes out.”

Sirius just glowered over his shoulder as he stalked across the grass. Remus looked around at the back yard, at the team, together again. His team.

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