#this is all i can muster today folks

[aftermorgue]

records show that HAK SION is a 28 year old HUMAN who has lived in yeonghae for TWO YEARS. they are currently a SHIPWRIGHT at THE SHIPYARD, but other parts of their reputation must precede them — their faint aura of BURNT ORANGE, or how they remind others of DIRT AND BLOOD STUCK UNDER FINGERNAILS and THE RISING SMOKE OF A BLOWN OUT CANDLE. — (jung hoyeon, she/her, THE SHROUD in THE PERFECT CRIME )

ooc

hi everyone! i'm orin (she/they) and this here is sion, my mercenary slash assassin slash informant slash whatever; she's not having an identity crisis, she's just versatile. before i introduce her, i just want to say that i am currently in graduate school (boo) so i'll mostly be active on the dash on fridays and saturdays, but i'll try my best to check ims at least once a day. your patience is appreciated! feel free to text me whenever (yes, even double text) if you have any plots/ideas you wanna throw at me! <3

about

tw: death

an orphan sold to a mercenary group called the omens, active in goseong. when sion was nineteen, their leader / sion's father figure essentially let the omens be bought out by the royal family, which many were not happy about. he lost his life and sion barely escaped.

from then onwards, she wandered from place to place, trying out several professions and keeping herself afloat by bounty hunting and stealing.

eventually returned to goseong and started working as a noble's informant. (that's the nicer way of putting it, at least.) two years ago, they got caught meddling in political affairs and sion had to flee goseong once more. (her former employer is a wanted connection btw!)

now accused of stealing the mad regent's crown and she's really upset about it because 1) her life is hard enough as it is 2) she's had it up to here with the mad regent 3) if she was the thief, she'd have done a better job. (no offense @ the wildcard, ily.)

not very stoked to be stuck in yeonghae of all places, mainly because the whole sanctuary thing feels too good to be true + she's used to big cities like goseong.

pretty cold and distant, but she's rather skilled at pretending to be someone she's not, both in appearance and personality. (probably how she managed to stay hidden so far despite being a wanted criminal.)

has a day job as a shipwright; people tend to mind their business there and there's always lots of merchants around to steal from.

surprisingly self-aware and takes responsibility for her life choices. someone could hit her with the "not your fault you were sold into a life of crime" and then she'd be like "i could've left and chosen a different path but i didn't. now what?"

but she'd be lying if she said she doesn't think about leaving it all behind, settling down and starting a normal life somewhere. old habits die hard, though, especially in desperate times like these. (the desperation to be good but not knowing how to do so is one of my favorite tropes, sue me!)

somehow not at all bothered by or interested in the rifts. she believes that true power lies in connections and secrets, not magic.

sion was a little inspired by zevran (dragon age) and songbird (cyberpunk 2077) because i love them both and would die for them. <3

connection/plot ideas

goseong natives or anyone who stopped by goseong circa 83–89! did the omens step on your/your family's shoes? now's the time to enact your revenge!

anyone who she met when she was just wandering around aimlessly after getting booted from the omens (89–92) and maybe she robbed you, tried to poison you, the usual...

alternatively, she got rid of someone who was causing trouble for you/your community and you think of her as a "hero" of sorts.

you want to turn sion in so you try to trick her out of hiding by claiming to have information on her biological parents. one day, you just get a piece of paper slipped under your door saying "i don't care, piss off." she respects the hustle but like... it's really not gonna work, stop bothering her.

you think you recognize her from the wanted posters and she pulls a knife on you. (i'm half-kidding... it can go differently but she would do that.)

maybe someone she knows from way back when and is the reason why she ended up in yeonghae out of all places. (she hates it here but you make it better.)

any sort of fwb situation where sion only contacts you if she's either bored or needs a favor.

#⠀✗⠀ooc. #sn:intro #this is all i can muster today folks #happy to be here & can't wait to write with you all! <3

[winterchimez]

Read Your Mind | Lee Hyunjae

SUMMARY: both you and Hyunjae had a mutual agreement to begin this whole friends-with-benefits relationship from the start, but now his contradicting actions and behaviour make you question what you both truly are at this point.

PAIRING: fwb Hyunjae x f!reader

GENRE: angst, suggestive

WARNINGS: kissing, making-out, arguments, unrequited love (like the first ⅔ of the fic, but there's a happy ending folks 🥹), mentions of s*x

WORD COUNT: 3,661

A/N: i've been jamming to sabrina carpenter's read your mind lately, hence this fic was born! special shout-out to my fellow sabrina enthusiast @heemingyu for hyping me up throughout the process & reading it through for me as well 😭🫶🏻

update!! this is now part of emails i can't send fwd: series (collab with @heemingyu) ✨

You slammed your laptop down shut as soon as you saw that the clock on the wall struck at half-two. Not wasting any time, you quickly packed all your belongings into your backpack and left the lecture hall immediately. 

Oh, how you’ve always dreaded long lectures like today, which lasted for approximately three hours since your lecturer insisted on finishing up the modulus before letting you off for the long weekend ahead. 

As you made your way out of the hall, you were immediately joined by your group of friends, who were quickly catching up with you, telling you how there’s this new Korean BBQ restaurant in town and how you guys must try it since there’s a limited promotion going on there. It was a Friday night—of course, you had to agree. 

That was until your phone from your back pocket buzzed. 

You took out your mobile and quickly scanned through the notification that just popped up on your screen. 

🎁: Hey, meet me at my place tonight at 8pm? The usual.

A long exasperated sigh left your lips as soon as you saw that message since you knew what it exactly meant.

And how you have been doing it constantly for the past 6 months without anyone besides you two knowing about this whole deal. 

Your friends clearly noticed how quickly your facial expressions shifted and began asking if something was the matter. As usual, you brushed them off and told them how your family issues had come up again and that you wouldn’t be able to join them for the night.

Using your usual pouting facial expression to convince your friends that you’ll definitely make it for the next one, you hope that it will indirectly tell them how you feel sorry about it and stop making them pressure you with more questions. 

Waving them goodbye, you turn your heel in the opposite direction, making your way to the destination that your so-called friend has been expecting you to be.

Closing your eyes, you took in a deep breath before you eventually mustered up the courage to head to where you had to be. 

Here we go again.

You were now on his lap, straddling his waist while his grip tightened around you. Both of you were having a steamy makeout session, lips exploring each other’s like there was no tomorrow, while both of your hands began touching one another, which increased the arousal that you both were feeling at that moment.

Finally, after a while, he gives you a little moment to have a breather while he travels down to your neck and begins leaving a trail of kisses all the way down to your collarbone. Once he got there, he began sucking it a little too hard, one that you knew would definitely leave a hickey behind, and you’ll definitely need to use your handy-dandy concealer to cover them up the next day. 

His hands begin travelling up to your chest, where he begins squeezing one of your breasts, which is where he gets an elicit moan in return, turning him on for the next move he is about to pull. 

“Can I… take your clothes off, Y/N?” 

“Go ahead, Jae.” 

The next thing that happened was that both of your clothes were scattered throughout the floor, and you were now lying in bed with Hyunjae hovering over you. Both of your lips are now reconnected, tongues intertwining with one another, leaving no room for a breather. 

Just as you thought things would get a little spicier, the male suddenly stopped in his tracks. 

“No.” 

“Hyunjae? Is everything alright?”

“No. I’m sorry, Y/N. I can’t do this anymore.” 

Hyunjae then gets up and sits on the bed, and you follow by sitting up next to him. Gently placing a hand on his shoulder, you looked at him with the look of concern and sincerity in your eyes. 

“Care to share about what’s going through your mind?” 

Hyunjae sighed deeply before furrowing his eyebrows as he stared off into the ceiling. “I’m not sure, Y/N. I know we both agreed on this from the start. But lately, I just don’t feel like this was the same as before.” 

It was true. You both began this whole friends-with-benefits situation because Hyunjae had recently broken off with his ex, and he was feeling slightly lonely. Both of you were only coursemates and nothing else. Eventually, you both got close with one another when you were assigned to be lab partners in one of the subjects within the course.

You noticed how Hyunjae wasn’t as goofy and bright as he was previously, and you decided to check up on him and asked if anything was the matter and if you could at least extend a helping hand to him. Initially, he was reluctant to tell you the truth. After a period of time, he made the deal and spat out what had been bothering him for so long.

Making it clear that he was heartbroken and needed a company, you somehow convinced him that you could do that if he desperately needed them. Though both of you had made it clear to one another that he would not envision you as his ex whenever you did the deed, he merely needed company to satisfy his sexual desires. Adding to the fact that neither of you would fall for each other. You were more than happy to do that so long as you both did not break each other’s boundaries. 

Things started out fine in the beginning, and he started to feel better and presentable at lectures, which made it seem like everything was working out fine. In return, you got to expand your knowledge on romance since you have never had a partner in the past 22 years of your life. In other words, it was kind of a win-win situation for both parties. 

However, you have begun to notice how things have changed from all of your recent makeouts with the male himself. There was this awkward tension in the air, contradicting what you both had agreed on beforehand. There are multiple times—like tonight when Hyunjae suddenly breaks off the kiss and tells you both how you guys are done for the day.

Something was bothering him, and neither of you knew what it was all about because the male himself did not understand his emotions. 

Every time this happened, he felt guilty about it and constantly apologised for everything that had happened. 

But tonight, something was different. 

“I’m sorry, Y/N. But I think I really need some time alone to myself.”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I’ll just go to bed-” 

“I’ll walk you home, at least.” 

Oh. 

This was the first time Hyunjae asked you to give him space. Usually—even during the recent not-so-good makeout sessions, he would always insist that you stay for the night, reassuring you that his flat is way safer than going back home with the dimly lit streets at night. 

But this? It was something you had least expected to happen, though you didn’t question the male as you could tell it wasn’t the right timing to do so. 

Instead, you just nodded and quickly packed away your stuff before the both of you were ready to head out towards the front door.

The entire walk back to your flat didn’t take that long—it was about a five minute walk, to be exact. But what made this whole short-distance road feel like an eternity was how neither of you spoke a word throughout the whole journey. You could tell Hyunjae wasn’t in his right mind, his face was pale. Hence, you decided to just wrap your arms around yourself and walked close by next to him, respecting the peace and silence for now. 

As you reached your flat, Hyunjae didn’t say much and rather just muttered a simple “goodnight” before he smiled weakly and turned his heel back towards the direction of his residence. 

Whatever happened tonight, you knew that something had changed between the both of your relationships. 

This went on for an entire week. Ever since that fateful day, you’ve noticed how Hyunjae slowly returned to his previous self, where he always seemed so lonely and gloomy. He was quiet for a few days, but the usual message came in, and you find yourself back at his flat two days later.

However, it ended up the same way as it did, pausing suddenly when you both got down to the climax and decided to call it quits before walking back home once again. 

The cycle then continued. He would tell you that he needed to be alone and work on his thoughts for some time before eventually typing down the usual that would keep you busy and occupied with him throughout the night. You would return to him every time, knowing how you’d be left feeling confused and unsatisfied with the entire ordeal.

Yet, your heart yearns for the man, and you’re always hoping that you’ll at least be able to ease his pain and loneliness, even in the slightest bit. 

But tonight is when you decided that enough was enough and would confront him about it. What exactly was bothering him? Or rather, if he was actually getting bored of your company.

You needed to know. 

“Hyunjae, I’m here to talk.” 

When you replied to the male with your usual messages, being the gentleman he was, Hyunjae welcomed you immediately at the front door when you arrived. The usual deal would be that the two of you would get straight down to business without having much say, to begin with. Tonight was when you decided that this would not work out, and you both have to come to terms with one another before things go straight downhill. 

He looked at you with a surprised look, where you could tell that he was definitely taken aback since you were usually the quiet one and would let the male take control of everything. A deep sigh left his mouth, and he invited you into his living room, where you both sat on the couch, distancing ever so slightly from one another. 

You hesitated for a moment before you decided that it was the right time to put together the right words to ask the male what exactly had been going through his mind for the past weeks. 

“What exactly am I to you at this point?” 

It seemed as if the male knew that the day would come when he would eventually have to face the question he had been avoiding for so long. In the beginning, he has always seen you as a good friend who would understand his point of view of where he was coming from and how he deeply appreciated the help you were willing to give him.

But lately, he has been having second thoughts and has begun questioning himself about what he truly felt about you.

Are the both of you still in this whole friends-with-benefits situation? Or even, are you both still good friends at this point? 

It took a minute or two for the male to speak up finally, and what he replied was something that had never once crossed your mind. 

“I fear that I might be crossing the line, Y/N.” 

“And why is that?”

“Honestly, I don’t even know myself.” 

This uncertainty back and forth has really started to get on your nerves, and the fact that you came here tonight to clear the air proved nothing at all. Hyunjae wasn’t sure of his emotions, yet you were desperate to know his point of view. 

Frustrated, you stood up from the couch and raised your voice slightly, facing the male to express your frustrations throughout the past week.

“Hyunjae, you keep telling me that you always needed some time alone, and yet you always want me back by the end of the day. If we’re not going to do this like how we have intentionally started with, then we’re both just wasting all of our time, really.” 

“Y/N, I thought that we could just be casual about all of this-”

“Casual?” You scoffed. “You never were my best friend to begin with. We are just lab partners, and I was merely concerned about your well-being, so I decided to help out a little.”

“And because I love you.” You choked. 

Hyunjae’s eyes widened upon that statement, and he was about to refute it until you managed to fire back again.

“Have you perhaps fallen in love with me?” 

Hyunjae? In love with you? That can’t be. Both of you agreed upon the rules at the start that all of this was merely helping one another out, and there was no room for falling in love with the other party at all. 

You knew that you had already broken the rule from the start, but it didn’t matter to you as long as you were aware that Hyunjae was getting all of the necessary help and support he needed. But with what Hyunjae has been going through lately, he knew that it was why he had begun to see you differently and how he could not touch and feel you like before. 

The question was if he was ready to move on from his ex. With your help, he should have gotten over it and begun to take things a lot easier, right?

If only your theory were right. 

“I’m sorry, Y/N.” 

That was enough to tell you that all of the efforts that you have put in over the past few months have gone down the drain that easily. 

You were getting teary-eyed, and you began stomping towards the front door, wanting to escape this suffocating environment that you were in. 

With one final sigh, you fired back at the male once more. “Why the fuss, Hyunjae? If you just say you wanna be mine?” 

Just as quickly as you opened the door, you were instantly gone. Tears begin pooling down your face as you take that long, dark, dimly light road back to the comforts of your flat.

Is it that hard to just admit you have feelings for me, Hyunjae? 

Back at Hyunjae’s flat—he was standing there still, fingers running through his hair in a frustrated manner as he took his phone and dialled the only number he knew who could knock in some sense of mind at this hour. 

“Sangyeon-hyung, I messed up real bad.”

You have never felt so dead over the next few weeks ever since that incident at Hyunjae’s flat. Neither of you has spoken a word to one another or even come close to having eye contact at all.

It was tough when you were both assigned lab partners for your chemistry subject and had to talk to your advisor to have your partner physically changed for the rest of the year. It was tough coming up with plausible reasons as to why you wanted him to be switched out with someone else—but ultimately, your request was approved. You were now paired with one of the girls from the class with whom you were not too familiar with, but that was fine by you so long as it wasn’t him. 

Obviously, your efforts did not go unnoticed, and the male eventually tried his best to reach out to you again. But every time you managed to get a slight glimpse of him walking your way, you have always done your best to keep yourself occupied or even walk away to avoid starting up a conversation with him. 

You even tried blocking him off of all of your social media and on your contacts list—he was already swarming you with calls or messages, trying to just talk to you or even apologise for what happened. But honestly, you were just not ready to hear whatever he would say to you, especially when you fell for the man before you started this whole friends-with-benefits relationship. 

I have been such a fool to think he would eventually love me back. 

It was a quiet afternoon when you decided to spend the rest of the day finishing your assignments before the final exams were due in about a week. The library has always been your comfort place to be on campus. Not only can you take a little breather from all the chaos on campus, but you also could take a little nap in between, especially during times like this when you’ve always pulled an all-nighter and your sleep schedule was all messed up. 

Standing up from your seat, you decided to walk down towards one of the halls to get some textbooks that would be helpful as your source of references for the current report you were typing on your computer. 

The peace wouldn’t last long, though, as you felt a presence behind you that you had avoided for the past month. The cologne was what gave his identity away, you would’ve recognised it immediately without a doubt because you used to spend the nights with him all the time. 

You tried your best to ignore the male, constantly trying to fidget through the shelves until you finally grabbed enough materials to return to your table. 

That was until he decided to grab hold of your arm, and now you were left with no escape and choice but to come face-to-face with the person you have been avoiding at all cost. 

“You don’t have to say anything, Y/N. But please, at least, hear me out for a few minutes.” 

Taking in a deep sigh, you laid your head down and looked at your books before muttering to the male. 

“Five minutes.” 

He then lets go of your arms and straightens his back as he clears his throat to finally muster up the courage to tell you what has been trying his best to tell you over the missed calls and messages. 

“First of all, I’m an idiot. I messed up so bad, Y/N. I know I shouldn’t have done nor said what I did back then-”

“Cut to the chase, Hyunjae. I have no time to waste.” 

“Listen. I haven’t been able to look at you the same nor touch you the way I did before because… I am starting to care a lot about you, Y/N. I’m not talking this from a friends-with-benefits stance, but rather as a friend.” 

You scoffed. “So this is what it’s all about? Coming here to apologise and tell me you have changed? I have to laugh if that’s what it is, Hyunjae. Look, if you are sneaking up on me just to tell me that you need me back to do whatever shit that we used to do, then I’m sorry, but I’m done with that phase.” 

He now grips both of your shoulders, trying to knock some sense into you. “No, Y/N. I’m not seeking a sexual relationship with you anymore. I’ve been a jerk not to notice how, during this whole time, I have begun to care a lot about you because you mean more to me as a friend.” 

“And because I have fallen in love with you, Y/N.” 

No. 

No way, it can’t be. Hyunjae has made it clear how he only needed company back then, and he was nowhere near or wanting to begin a new relationship after how messed up his and his ex’s one was. You’ve got to be hearing things, maybe your lack of sleep lately was the key to this. 

“You don’t, Hyunjae. You don’t love me. I was just merely a company for you.” 

“That was before, Y/N. But not anymore.” 

He now takes a step closer to you as he pins you against the bookshelf. 

“And I’m going to make myself clear, miss Y/N. I can now confidently say that I am ready to start anew and begin this new chapter with you. The old Lee Hyunjae that you have known is now gone, and I am willing to spend the rest of my life with you as your boyfriend.” 

Tears began forming in your eyes, and you had to try so hard to fight back the tears and respond to the male. 

“I can’t read your mind, Hyunjae. One day, you told me you needed space and to be alone, and the next thing that happened, you came back to me saying you wanted me back. I do not enjoy this joke in the slightest bit, Hyunjae.” 

He notices how your tears are on the verge of streaming down the beautiful face he has longed to yearn for over the past month, and he now closes the gap between you two, lips now brushing against one another.

“Then let me prove it to you.” 

He shuts you up by placing his soft, gentle lips against yours, and with that, the tears that you have held back for so long begin pouring down like there’s no tomorrow. 

He rests one of his hands around your waist while the other seemingly rests on your right cheek, slowly catching each drop of tears as he wipes them away. 

Oh, how badly you have missed this—the familiar sensation, his cologne, presence, and the soft, luscious lips against yours. 

Both of you were kissing one another as if it was just like the first time you both had done it—tongues were now intertwined, and neither of you were planning to let go anytime soon. 

“Hyunjae—God—Don’t—Stop.” You said in between the kisses as you tried your best to catch your breath. 

“Never planned to do so, Y/N.” 

As he breaks off the kiss and travels down to your neck to nibble and leave a trail of kisses behind, he whispers into your ear before continuing the deed. 

“You may have fallen for me first, but I have fallen for you harder.”

masterlist

taglist: @deoboyznet @kflixnet @k-films @flwoie @hokupi @zzoguri @kyusqult @tinkerbell460 @cheonsafics @sulkygyu (join my permanent taglist here!)

#deoboyznet #kvanity #k-labels #kflixnet #k-films #the boyz #tbz #the boyz x reader #the boyz x imagines #the boyz scenarios #the boyz fanfic #tbz scenarios #hyunjae #lee hyunjae #hyunjae x reader #lee hyunjae x reader #hyunjae imagines #hyunjae scenarios #hyunjae angst #hyunjae suggestive #the boyz angst #the boyz suggestive

[anincompletelist]

happy wednesday! :D

ahhhh thank you to @firenati0n @kiwiana-writes @magicandarchery @wordsofhoneydew @littlemisskittentoes @heybuddy-drabbles for the tags!!!! I love seeing everything ya'll are working on <3

have another scene from bridesmaids because I'm out of control and past repair at this point so -- enjoy the ride, folks! ;)

(under the cut since slightly nsfw!)

--

“Alright?” Henry whispers.

“Peachy,” Alex hums tiredly, pressing a slobbery kiss to his cheek. “Wanna sleep now.” 

“You’re positively dreadful,” Henry sighs. “If you think that we’re going to sleep like this—” 

“Paw-zit-ive-lee dread-foul,” Alex mocks him, sticking his tongue out. “You’re pretentious.” 

“I’m pretentious?” Henry squawks, slapping the outside of his hip. 

“The worst,” Alex mumbles. “Hate you. Like, so much. Dude. Bro.” 

Henry snickers at him, tightening his legs on either side of Alex’s hips. The motion sends him clenching around Alex’s spent cock and he whines, instinctively grinding forward when he should be doing the opposite. “You might want to try that again when you aren’t inside of me, dearest.” 

“You’re mean.” Alex musters up the meanest glare he can manage. “But also, like, if you give me a few minutes I can probably—” 

“Get off.”

--

OPEN TAG AS ALWAYS FRIENDS and I am kind of late to the party today but as always if any of you would like to share I would love to see anything you're working on @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @affectionatelyrs @nocoastposts @gayrootvegetable @zwiazdziarka @firstsprinces @getmehighonmagic @iboatedhere xx

hope you're all doing well! :D

#wips #rwrb #red white and royal blue #firstprince #rwrb fic

[wyst3r1a]

Pairing: Graves/Fem!Reader

Warnings: Suggestions of mental illness, fluff n comfort folks.

Summary: Stupid self indulgent Graves comforting you during a breakdown bc fuck I could go for that rn HAHA. Enjoy tho. He’s a tootie.

-.-.-.-

Normally, the sound of the front door opening and your boyfriend announcing his arrival home sets off a plethora of positive feelings inside you. Whether he be coming home from a trip out of town that kept him from you for only a few days, or coming home after months away deployed on a mission, the excitement of having him home safe was consistent. Especially if he was coming home earlier than expected.

But today, the sound of the door and his distinct voice heralding his early arrival made dread wash over you in such an enormous wave, you could’ve vomited on the spot.

The tears soaking your face and making your skin puffy and blotchy would not be concealed by the time he saw you, neither would the suffocating emotions that had overwhelmed you from the inside out. He was going to walk right in on your dirty little secret, something you had kept from him since you first met, and the panic of that knowledge made it hard to stand.

Still, you tried. Using the heels of your hands to wipe furiously at your face as you turn your back to the kitchen’s open entrance, if only to give yourself a few more seconds of time to compose before he saw you.

“Where you at, hon’?”

“Kitchen!”

It’s meek and your voice warbles and fuck, the anxiety is making the tears come harder. You can hear him traverse through the foyer, into the living room, discarding his coat and shoes and whatever else as he goes, until the sound of his steps are loud enough to deduce he’s in the same room.

“Hey, dollface. Miss me?”

The lump in your throat is impossible to talk around, and you cringe internally as the weak “mhm,” you have to settle for in response definitely sells you out.

“Hon’? You okay?”

There it is.

You can’t look at him as you bury your face in your hands, trying to muffle the vicious cries that are wrenched from you at his innocent question.

If Philip was taken aback by your outburst, he recovers quickly.

It seems like he’s in your personal space instantly, gently insisting you look at him with soft hands and a worried tone. The concern in his blue eyes is breathtaking, eyebrows upturned, forehead wrinkled. Calloused hands cup your cheeks, smooth away your tears.

“Oh, sweetheart, what’sa matter? Did somethin’ happen while I was gone?”

You shake your head in his hold, sniffing out a pathetic little, “n-no, I’m okay, I’m sorry,” that he tuts at, tilting his head and flashing a small smile that’s both parts amused and a bit scandalised.

“C’mon now, sugar, I might not be the best at picking up on someone’s feelin’s, but I’d like to think I have the brain to recognise when my girl is upset; especially when she’s cryin’, huh?”

You have to laugh at that. You look at your feet, embarrassment colouring your cheeks at you shift on the spot. He doesn’t push you. Just holds your face like he has all the time in the world, waits as you take a deep breath when you’re ready and look at him again.

“It’s um… Things are… Hard.”

“What things, baby? Can I help?”

You shake your head, worrying your lip between your teeth before mustering up a bleak, “I just… struggle? With my thoughts sometimes? A-And there’s not a lot I can do about it.”

Understanding crosses his face before his jaw sets, lips pursing together. He looks truly worried about you in that moment, and you want to bury yourself alive. This is exactly what you were hoping to avoid.

“I’m sorry, this is why I haven’t said anything about it.”

“What d’ya mean?”

“I don’t want you to worry about me, especially when you’re already dealing with so much-“

Philip sighs, muttering a quiet, “baby,” before he pulls you into an embrace. His arms are strong, warm and comforting around you as you allow yourself to bury away in his chest. His heartbeat is steady and soothing, his thumbs drawing circles on your back as his voice vibrates through his being and into your own.

“I don’t want you hidin’ shit like this from me, okay? I’m here for you, honey,” he says, “correct me if I’m wrong, but you worry ‘bout me when I’m away, right?”

You nod.

“‘Xactly. Two way street, doll. Let me worry about you too.”

He pulls you away then, smoothing your hair from your face and looking into your watery eyes. You feel warm in the way he looks at you. A little bit silly for ever thinking he’d take your struggles as diminishing to his own. Your voice is breathy and taut when you respond in compliance, and Philip smiles again, kissing the top of your head.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Good. Do you need to talk about anythin’?”

“Mn-nn. Just wanna enjoy you being here.”

He chuckles, nodding and stooping to catch your lips this time.

“I think I want a nice, hot bath. Wanna join?”

You giggle despite the hotness of your emotions still high in your cheeks, “sure.”

“”Sure?”” He parrots dramatically, swooping his arms under your legs, relishing in the little squeal and laugh you give as he hoists you up into his arms, “sure”, ain’t gonna cut it, angelface, I want a “yes Commander.”

You plant a kiss on his stubbly cheek, “Yes Commander Graves.”

“Mm. More like it.”

#call of duty mwii #cod #philip graves #alejandro vargas #captain john price #john soap mactavish #kyle gaz garrick #könig mw2 #simon ghost riley #x reader #phillip graves #philip graves x reader

[whatyadrawin]

The Fruit After the Flesh 18+ - Chapter 5-

Minors DNI!

Masterlist

Approximately 3,435 words

Pairing: Thomas Hewitt(HeadCanon) x AFAB reader

This chapters Warnings:  Mild sexually suggestive language, mention of medical issue, swear words.

A/n: Wow I had the WORST writers block, I baked a cake and ruminated on the story for a bit until it came back, and I feel right on track again. Thank you to everyone who waited, I will still be busy with schoolwork but I now can continue the fic train! As always, reblogs, likes and comments are extremely appreciated, and I hope you enjoy the chapter and art!

Tag List: @fan-goddess

Chapter 5

The morning came quickly with birds chirping and sunshine beaming into your bedroom, you wasted no time getting yourself ready for the day. When you went to the kitchen to make breakfast you noticed that you had no eggs in the fridge -ugh, I don’t want to make the 2hr drive to the next town for some eggs-, you lean back on the kitchen counter and think, you remember the Hewitts have chickens, -maybe they would let me have some eggs? I used all mine for the cake last night so I guess it’s a fair trade off-. This was a good excuse to try and see Tommy again, so you made up your mind to go visit.

Walking over to the Hewitt house was always a nice bit of exercise to get your legs moving, but the heat from the sun was strong today, and you foolishly didn’t think to wear a hat; your body is not accustomed to the Texan heat and you start to feel dizzy. You reach the edge of the Hewitt property and collapse from lightheadedness, your whole body starts overheating and makes you gasp for air as if you just ran a marathon. You look up at the house and see no one, so you try to call out but your energy levels are too low to make much noise and before you can keep your head lifted, you become so weak you can’t move or speak and instead just lay there, panting and helpless.

Tommy was tending to the cows in the barn, thinking of your smile last night after complimenting your dress, even if it was just a hand gesture. He really wanted to say more about how beautiful you looked but he couldn’t muster the words, he lived most of his life quietly ruminating to himself in his head. No one he had met as a child was kind to him because of the permanent scar on his face from a skin issue that wasn’t able to be fixed until it got too serious; Tommy never liked people looking at his face, the folks that lived in Fuller at that time were all very ignorant and cruel to people who were different than them. For once in his life, a pretty girl was kind to him and even interested in getting to know him better. He didn’t understand why you were nice to him, but he wasn’t one to question kindness, he would rather accept it and hope it lasts.

He heard footsteps crunching up the road near the driveway to his house, Tommy paused his work and looked out from the barn doors to see you shuffling up the road. He could tell something wasn’t right by the way your body was slouching and your feet dragging, he watched in shock as you fell to the ground. With a burst of speed, he launched himself into action, making his way down to where you fell. He could hear a quiet call for help come from you and just as your head lay down, he arrived to your body. He felt a knot in his stomach and kneeled to gently pick you up off the ground and bring you inside the house.

“MAWMA!” he yelled; his booming voice rang through the home.

Luda Mae came out from the back porch hurriedly “What’s goin’ on? Oh lord, is that *Y/N*?”

He raced over to the living room and gently lay you down on the couch, looking around helplessly. Luda Mae came and kneeled down next to you feeling your forehead,

“She’s too hot, get a towel and some ice water quick!” she shouts,

Tommy immediately obeys and runs to the kitchen grabbing the requested items, when he brought them back to where Luda Mae was, she quickly splashed water on your face and fanned your skin to cool you quicker. Tommy stood over you and had his hands up holding the back of his neck, he was so scared to lose the only friend he was able to make that it was making him sweat. With one more splash of cold water, you were able to get the energy to open your eyes to see a blurry Luda Mae and Tommy looming over you.

“I’m so sorry, I don’t know what happened” your voice was weak.

Luda Mae was smiling and happily shaking her hands upward in relief,

“Seems the heat got the best of you, gotta be careful in this weather hun”

You started to wake more, feeling a bit cold from all the water that was splashed on you,

“I really underestimated how strong the sun is out here, I just got so dizzy and weak” you explain,

“Well, yer lucky my boy was out there to collect you before blacking out” Luda Mae looks up at Tommy who was now relaxed with relief.

You feel embarrassed, “Oh god, I’m so sorry I scared you all. I think I need to go buy a hat and some UV protection”

You felt really badly for making them scared, you try to sit up but are still too weak to move and you slump back down. Luda Mae puts her hand on your arm and says,

“Don’t try to get up hun, you should rest here for a bit. Stay for lunch, I have some really moist chicken cookin’ up in the oven”

You feel so weak and tired from the heat so you agree to stay and rest, Luda Mae gets up,

“Don’t you move from there sweetheart; I’ll get you some cold water to drink.”

You respond “I really appreciate your kindness. I was actually on my way over here to ask about getting some eggs until I fainted”

“Ok hun, you just lay down there and try to rest some, you’ll be tired for a while. I’ll get you some eggs before you leave sweetheart.” Luda Mae walks toward the kitchen but turns and says “Tommy, you make sure to keep an eye on her now” she whisks off to the kitchen to get you the water.

Tommy goes and sits on a nearby chair that he barely fits in, he watches you with his chin resting on his hands. You look over at him, he is wearing a pair of really ragged jeans with work boots and only a dirt-stained white tank top. His skin was glistening with a layer of sweat and he stared back at you with his deep blue eyes, his hair was wet and tousled from rushing around, his mask still hid his face. He looked so good; you think about how easily he lifted your body and ran full speed with you in his arms.

“Thomas?” you speak softly, he lifts his head and sits up straight,

You continue “Thank you for saving me, I need to find a way to repay you.”

Tommy’s eyes widen and he shakes his head as he motions his hands downward to signify you needn’t worry about it. -he is so humble- you press on,

“You are such an amazing man, strong, kind, and humble. I just want you to know that I really appreciate having someone like you looking out for me, I haven’t felt safe like that in a long time… in your arms.”

You turn over to try and get comfortable, Tommy was taken aback by what you had said to him, you never fail to make him feel special. He shifted in his chair and rested his head on his raised hand watching you with a smile under his mask.

Luda Mae came back in and placed the water next to you, then she looked over at Tommy who was watching you in a haze of endearment.

She lets out a chuckle “You’re such a good boy, you make sure to get her whatever she asks for. Don’t mind your chores neither, I’ll get Charlie to finish ‘em.”

Luda Mae could tell he had feelings for you, and she would do anything in her power to get you two closer. In her eyes there was no one worthy enough for her boy, until you came, she saw how much empathy you had and how polite you were to everyone it was like you were a missing family member.

A few hours passed and you were woken up by a sweet voice calling your name, Luda Mae was leaning over you and gently placed her hand on your shoulder. You turned over to face her and she smiled saying,

“Lunch’ll be ready in five minutes hun, I just wanted you to be able to wake up slowly. Come on out to the porch when you’re good n’ ready, don’t you go n’ rush yourself now.”

Luda Mae walked off and you looked over to the chair and see Tommy still sitting there watching over you, as you start to sit up, he gets up and moves closer in case you struggle, you raise your hand and say,

“Don’t worry I’m ok, I feel way better actually, it’s as if I never got sick to begin with.”

He waits and watches you slowly place your feet on the floor, you begin to stand slowly but your knee muscles failed to clench and you fall, Tommy lunges forward and prevents you from hitting the floor by holding your waist, you look up at his face which was so close to yours and made you blush feeling butterflies tie a knot in your core; He gives you a concerned look but you are just frozen like a deer in headlights looking at his expressive eyes. He slowly raises you up to your feet as if you were a doll, he didn’t break eye contact and you felt light as air. He loosened his grip on your body and you snapped out of it,

“Sorry, I didn’t realize my muscles also needed to wake up” you let out an embarrassed giggle.

You were able to stand normally, and take a few steps successfully so you tell Tommy you are ok now and he takes his hands away from your waist but follows closely behind you as you make your way to the porch where Luda Mae had a table set and some spiced chicken laid out near a bunch of potatoes and some salad. Tommy pulls out your chair for you to sit in and makes his way over to the barn to relieve Charlie. Luda Mae comes out from the kitchen with a pitcher of lemonade and smiles at you saying,

“How’re you feelin’ hun?”

You smile at her and respond “I’m feeling way better now thanks to you and Thomas, I really appreciate the care and this amazing lunch too, I couldn’t ask for better neighbors.”

Luda Mae laughs and pours you a cup of lemonade,

“Oh hun, that’s so sweet of you to say. It’s nothing I’m sure you wouldn’t do for us if the situation was switched.”

You reply hurriedly “Of course I would help if you guys needed it, no question! I just want you to know I’m grateful to have people who care about me in my life.”

“Well, were grateful to have someone like you around who treats my boy right. We all really like you, Thomas especially; He was so worried about you that he didn’t move an inch the whole time you rested.” Luda Mae took a seat and placed some chicken on your plate.

Charlie comes over to the table to sit down, he shoots a glare at you and says, “Girly, you better not get weak to the sun again, I aint in the mood to do that lunkheads work while he sits and watches you with goo-goo eyes.” He smirks and gives you a wink then begins to eat his lunch. Luda Mae stares at him with an annoyed expression and follows up,

“Don’t get snippy with her, I made Thomas watch her in case she got sick or needed help. Besides, you needed a good bit of work what with how lazy you been lately.”

Charlie gasps “You old bat! Y’know how hard it is to work in this heat? I’m too old now, I don’t need to be trudgin’ about the farm when Tommy’s strong enough to do the work of ten men.”

He continues to eat his lunch and Luda Mae just rolls her eyes “You’re welcome for lunch” she said sarcastically, Charlie just nods and gives a thumbs up.

You look around for Tommy to come eat but he is still in the barn, you ask “Isn’t Thomas going to come eat? He must be pretty hungry.”

Charlie looks at you and responds “He can’t eat the way he wants to with you ‘round here.”

You give him a confused look, Luda Mae adds,

“Don’t worry hun, he’ll get a big lunch later after he walks you home when you’re ready to get going.” Luda Mae gets a big smile on her face and continues, “Would you like to stay for dinner sweetheart? I love having you around, it’s nice having another lady in the house.” She gives Charlie a dirty look.

“That’s extremely generous of you Luda Mae, but I need to get going. I still have more to repair in the house and I want to decide on a paint color to freshen up the place.” You look over to Charlie and ask “What do you mean he can’t eat the way he wants to? He ate dinner in front of me before.”

He looks back at you and says “Y’think he wears a mask for fun sweet thing?” you shake your head and he continues “He’s hidin’ some real ugly under there“-

“You shut your mouth Charlie, you make everything so impolite!” she looks over to you and explains “Thomas had a really bad skin condition when he was a youngin’, it got real bad and we couldn’t get help until it took its toll on his face, the poor baby. He has a bit of a… different face now”

Charlie laughs and adds “Oh for fucks sake Luda, the boy barely has skin left to hide his teeth, he looks like a damn monster without the mask. You baby him like he’s a newborn lamb, last time I checked he’s a fuckin’ mountain!” He looks over at you while crossing his arms and leaning back with a smirk “I bet you don’t care much how he looks underneath, don’t ya girly? You probably like monsters”

You blush and look at your plate, he wasn’t wrong, Tommy could have a frightening face and you would still have a crush on him.

“Yeah, look at her, she’s blushin’ like a schoolgirl.” Charlie gets up and takes his empty plate over to the kitchen but passes by you and quietly speaks in your ear “Be careful sweety, he really is a monster.”

 Luda Mae whacks him with her kitchen towel and he scurries away laughing. She turns to you and apologizes,

“I’m so sorry about him, he’s incapable of behavin’ himself.” She sits back down and says, “Thomas is very handsome, his face underneath is just fine, it’s just a tiny bit scarred that’s all.”

You could barely hear her, your head was swimming with thoughts of Tommy being violent or dangerous like a monster -what did he mean when he said Tommy really is a monster?- The thought of Tommy being like a barely tamed wild animal who could break at any moment was frightening while also being strangely arousing. He was so gentle with you, he didn’t seem like the type to actively go out of his way to hurt someone but then again, you have been wrong about men before.

You ate the rest of your lunch and got up from your chair, Luda Mae got up from hers and said,

“You headin’ on your way now?” you nod and she adds, “Well wait there and let me get those eggs in a cloth for Thomas to hold when he walks you back home.”

You quickly respond “Oh, there’s no need for him to walk me home I’ll be fine, there’s already some clouds over the sun so its way cooler.”

Luda Mae gives you a look of dismissal, “Hun, I’d feel very badly if you got hurt or sick on your way back and there was no one to help you. Never you mind it being trouble.”

She walked toward the kitchen and you head over to the barn where Tommy was finishing his work, he was lifting hay bales into a storage area effortlessly. His huge muscles flexed every time he lifted a bale, and you couldn’t help but just stand there and watch this massive powerhouse sweat and grunt as he worked.

Luda Mae came with a folded cloth that had well over a dozen eggs, in it and called over to Tommy,

“Thomas, you’re going to walk *Y/N* back home. Carry the eggs I gave her and make sure she doesn’t fall.”

Luda Mae smiled and gave you a hug goodbye, Tommy walked over and grabbed the eggs and waited for you to start walking. You thank Luda Mae and make your way down the driveway with Tommy by your side. While on the road, Tommy made sure you walked in his shadow so that the sun couldn’t beat down on you again, you look up at him and you see his eyes squish up meaning he’s smiling under his mask.

“Thanks for walking me home Tommy. You know, I actually really like walking with you, it feels peaceful and safe.”

Tommy was happy to hear you shared his enjoyment, he liked having someone to look out for and protect, it was a nice change from his sordid history of slaughtering people which was something he never liked to do despite being good at it. All he knew was that he didn’t want to ever lose you, his life felt like it had more meaning with you around, as if the dark clouds of his mind were lifted. You were unlike anyone he had ever met and he would do anything for you, he wished he could tell you that.

You both arrived at your door and you took the eggs from him and stood still for a second, Tommy leaned over a bit to look at your face, he wondered why you paused quietly. You placed the eggs gently on the ground and gave Tommy a hug, he was so big you couldn’t even get close to touching your hands together. Tommy was in shock, he didn’t expect you to do that, but he welcomed the hug and closed his massive arms around your back and held you. He was still a bit damp from working and sweating in the heat, but he didn’t smell bad, he smelled like earth, and a musk that was like a spell being put on you. Normally most guys would smell terrible from hard labor, but Tommy smelled intoxicatingly good to you. He let out a relaxed sigh and leaned into you more,

“You really did save my life today, thank you again for being there for me.” You wanted to tell him how strongly you felt about him, but thanking him would be enough for now.

You loosen your hug and he lets you out of his arms gently, you add,

“I better let you go, you still haven’t eaten your lunch yet and I bet you’re really hungry.”

You smile at him and get another once-over on his appearance before he turns to leave. You never felt this way about someone before, he was like an enigma that invaded your thoughts all day every day, but you didn’t mind that. You wanted so desperately to know more about him, and now that you have his scent in your mind, you wanted more of that too. You remember hearing his voice when you were weak in his arms today, he called out for his mom with such a deep intensity, he had a powerful voice and you hope that one day he would be able to speak with you and say your name.

The day moved quickly and you were so tired from the heat that you skipped dinner and repairs and went straight to bed. You wished you could sleep with Tommy in the room again, you would sleep so well feeling so safe with him, but all you could do now was rest and dream of him.

#what ya writin #thomas hewitt #thomas hewitt x y/n #slasher community #thomas hewitt x afab reader #leatherface 2006 #texas chainsaw massacre #my art #the fruit after the flesh

[changingplumbob]

Pancakes Household: Chapter 9, Part 4

This is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween

Bob: Costume time! Okay friends and fans, it’s time for our Halloween special, who wants to make a pumpkin pie with me?

From beside Bob the droid chirps to indicate that people are tuning in.

Bob: As you can see I have chosen to be a rebel pilot today. I’ll be keeping this on for the bake and my bake sale but something tells me the boss would not approve of me turning up to work in it. Okay let’s run through all our ingredients

The drone chirps while Bob begins preparations. Eliza’s suggestion to get the drone may have stemmed from a place of wanting the flashiest one but Bob appreciated having a set of eyes he could look at when he talked.

Bob: Ugh, kneading, not my favourite part after I’ve already done a workout but hey, that’s on me

He continues to narrate his baking, even getting the drone to read out a question or two that viewers have sent in about the recipe. In the end he pulls one excellent pumpkin pie out of the oven, a perfect Halloween treat.

Bob: Come one, come all to Bob’s Bars! We don’t just have our classic beloved lemon bars today, we have cake and cookies for the sweetness you want on Halloween. If you’re having all that sugar, may as well get full eating it!

The first few customers seem unimpressed with Bob’s selling today but when some new sims walk up to purchase suddenly decide maybe the baking isn’t so bad.

Fergus: Hey Onyx could you- woah! What are you

Onyx: A knight obviously. I see you’re going with the classic skeleton

Fergus: No point fixing what isn’t broke. But could you please help me with my bike? Dad’s busy with the sale and I don’t want to interrupt mother when she’s practicing her speech

Onyx: Sure, I can try. Hop on and I’ll try explain, remember I only just learnt how to ride before my birthday

Fergus: Oh yeah, that’s right

So Fergus wobbles his way around the yard with Onyx doing their best to provide guidance.

Bob: Alright folks, my shift will be starting soon. Who’s going to be customer of the day and buy the last lemon bar?

Harvey: Hello. Do you have bake sales often

Bob: Why yes I do sir

Harvey: How convenient! And do you get positive reviews

Bob: Indeed I do

Harvey: Well then person I’ve never met I would like to buy the last lemon bar

After Bob makes the sale Harvey tells everyone around him how good it is while Bob packs up. It’s good to have friends.

Eliza greets the first trick or treater and offers them some candy. The kid leaves happy and Ginger comes out of the house very confused.

Ginger: *whines* What’s going on

Eliza: Ginger sweetie it’s just me, it’s just mother. Here let me give you a brush

Ginger: *barks* you may not look like mother but you definitely smell the same

Then it’s dinner time for the Pancakes left at home.

Fergus: Dad left us roast! Awesome

Eliza: Onyx will you be able to eat in that helmet

Onyx: I could ask you the same question. But I won’t, because I’m a good kid who deserves a horse

Fergus: *laughs*

The trio chat and eat while Ginger looks on. Sure she has biscuits in her bowl but that looks like real meat on the table. Why won’t they feed her that?

Onyx takes care of the dishes and Fergus decides it’s time for Ginger to learn another trick, playing dead. Mustering his drama skills he does his best to show her what to do, but she remains skeptical of the exercise. Fergus keeps trying though and eventually Ginger catches on, rolling to the floor.

Fergus: You did it! Well done Ginger, we’re stars

*doorbell rings*

Eliza: Onyx could you get that one

Onyx: Sure mother

They open the door to the deck candy all prepared and are greeted by a teen girl dressed as a maid.

Zhafira: Trick or treat

Onyx: Uhh… what

Zhafira: *laughs* I mean for me

Onyx: Oh, right. Have some candy?

Zhafira: Why thank you

Onyx has just decided they should ask what high school the stranger attends when she turns and skips off down the drive.

Carson pops over to visit and become best friends with Onyx!

Onyx: Where’s your costume

Carson: I’m dressed as someone who doesn’t care about Halloween

Onyx: Your loss. Hey, have you seen a girl at school?

Carson: There are many girls at school

Onyx: I mean a specific one, she’s a brunette with a bob cut

Carson: You don’t know a name

Onyx: She left pretty quickly, but she was cute and I wondered why I hadn't noticed her before

Carson: People keep aging Onyx, so more teens. But sorry I don’t really find many people cute at our school so haven't noticed

Onyx: You said that last year. But if you know you’re bi you must have been attracted to someone once right

Carson: I mean, it’s going to sound stupid...

Onyx: You’re my best friend, sound as stupid as you like

Carson: I mean I’ll find a guy or girl pretty but my daydreams are usually romance filled instead of woohoo filled

Onyx: Huh. So are you like, anti-kissing

Carson: I don't know, growing up is confusing

Onyx: You’re telling me

Previous ... Next

#sims 4 #the sims #the sims 4 #simblr #my sims #ChangingPlumbobStorytime #R0904 #OnyxPancakes #FergusPancakes #BobPancakes #ElizaPancakes #HarveyFoster #CarsonFoster

[callipraxia]

Things I Learned This Morning:

1) Using print instead of script, which would be faster but less tidy, I may hand-write not far under 1300 words per hour when things are going well. (The exact number was 1267 words)

2) My brain harbors an irrational hatred for the number 4 apparently? (I kept almost skipping it and having to go back and erase the little number above fourth words because I wrote 4 as 5, for instance, going straight from 223 to 225 before I caught myself.)

3) Taking a pencil and individually numbering every word you wrote takes a really long time.

4) Apparently my brain also cannot handle writing a series of numbers that consistently go above two digits. I transpose digits, forget the first digit, write 8 instead of 3, write 5 instead of 8, write 2 instead of 9….I made it through the first 1000 but counted the remainder in blocks of 1-100 in the interests of staying tolerably sane.

5) My print is indeed much more legible than my script, but also, oww, my elbow feels like it’s about to crack right now and my hand feels all twisted up inside, ow ow ow.

(Backstory: I’ve been stuck in a rut for a while, so I decided to say “what the heck” and try to force myself to write a rough draft of one of my fanfic ideas for NaNoWriMo. I’m printing because I am currently Resolved to write a complete rough draft and then revise it, all before posting anything. Then, in theory, I’ll post it by chapter on an actual *posting schedule*. However, since I have never managed to muster the kind of discipline needed to keep working on a project nobody has seen and praised some part of for that long in my entire life…we’ll see. Plus, it might be easy enough to make it to the word count minimum today, but I only just finished the setup phase of the first scene, getting Pacifica from “the alarm clock rang” and through “Pacifica reflects on what mornings in Northwest Manor were like compared to her new life” to the point of “Pacifica has gotten out of bed.” That kind of writing is super-easy for me, but the kinds where things actually happen can be…much slower going. Which means I’ll have to apply even *more* discipline to make quotas on some days. So basically I, a deeply scattered and undisciplined person, am basically attempting to overhaul my personality for at least a month, lol. Wish me luck, folks….

For my GF peeps, I hope that you’ll enjoy the results if this project does amount to anything, even though it is a bit of a departure from my ‘usual’ material. You see, I have a lifelong, deep-seated love for books set in schools/based around school years, and I have decided to combine that with my desire to write some post-canon material. We’re picking up very shortly after the finale, with the first day of school in Gravity Falls - the Pineses should have some involvement, here and there, but mostly via phone and Internet. I’m sufficiently addicted to the “greater scope” that I don’t think I‘ll end up with something that is purely YA or a “girls’ book,” but it will involve focusing on more girls and therefore “girl stuff” than canon/anything I have written previously - Pacifica, Wendy, and Candy are all projected to be narrators, with Grenda also at least being an important character and possibly a fourth narrator. Compare to FWJB, where the narrators consisted of ten dudes, Bill, and Mabel…and although I put him in his own category, Bill does seem to use he/him pronouns when interacting with English-speaking mortals, and so one could very reasonably argue that the narrators consisted of eleven dudes plus Mabel. Soos may well get some narrator time, but this one also seems on course to primarily focus on the kid characters. Gulp. We’ll see how it goes….)

#writing #writing life #writer problems #nanowrimo #nano 2023 #gravity falls fic #gravity falls fanfiction #gravity falls fanfic #fanfic #fanfic problems #fanfic writing #wish me luck I’m gonna need it

[lumine-no-hikari]

Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #58

It is 11PM where I live. But I am finally home. M and all our cats were waiting for J and I to return home. It's good to be back.

I ended up going to sleep very late the night before, and the sleep I did get was very broken. Then we woke up at around 6am. I have less than 6 hours of sleep, and over 7 hours of being in a car; it's hard to keep my eyes open as I write this. But I wanted you to know that you are being thought about by someone, somewhere. And I wanted to show you all the beautiful things I saw today. I'll leave pictures and brief explanations of them; I think that's all I can muster, because words are hard right now.

The hotel we stayed at in Pennsylvania had breakfast! I'll show you the lineup; you'll catch my reflection in some glass in one of these, if you look carefully:

Here's what the rest of the dining area looked like:

This is the plate I fixed for myself! I know it doesn't look fancy, but it's still very good:

This is the small table that J and I sat at to eat:

These flowers are made of cloth, but I still really liked how they looked as the morning sun splashed upon them!

Here are some pictures of the airplane that J examined after we were done with breakfast:

While J and the mechanics went over the plane, I decided to pass the time by finishing up weaving that tree. It's still amethyst on copper wire. Been working on this one a while now; good to finally have it done:

While weaving this tree, I was lucky enough to converse briefly with the pilot who is selling the plane. He has made a whole career of flying airplanes, and he has been all over the world! I felt very privileged to be able to listen to his stories and to hear him speak fondly on cultures that are very different from the dominant culture in the United States. It was very rare and refreshing; I feel like a lot of people in my country tend to look down on other cultures, and I feel very sad in response to that. I'm glad that this person doesn't turn his nose up at people who live differently than he does.

The plane that J examined was in good shape! I think he feels good about going with this one! I am excited for him, and I'm very proud of him for all the things he's had to overcome in order to get to the point where he felt he could do such a thing.

Before we left, I affixed this to the whiteboard at the airport over there:

It's just a very small thing. I imagine no one will pay it any heed. But still... if there's some way I can help you, any way I can help you to turn yourself around, to bring you safely home, to see a world in which you can have peace... I'll do whatever I can think of. But I'm not very smart, admittedly. So all my weird handicrafts, these letters, this request on your behalf... this is the best I have, at least for now. I'm sorry that I can't seem to do more.

...Still, I daydream sometimes of a world in which you have a quiet house to yourself, someplace where your friends can easily find and visit you if you want, but also where no one can bother you if you don't want folks to come around. A garden. Maybe some beekeeping equipment. A lake or ocean nearby if you wanna go swimming. A nice kitchen with a lot of space to prepare all sorts of tasty things. A spot to paint pictures. A spot to read wholesome things. Plenty of flavorful teas. Soaps scented with roses and vanilla. Fluffy towels. A nice big tub to soak in at the end of the day, if you want to - big enough even for you to stretch fully in and still be submerged. A toasty fireplace. Plenty of comfortable, but sturdy clothing, and warm, fuzzy pajamas. Soft beds and comfy pillows and weighted blankets. And a reasonably sized screen to put Mushi-Shi on (I think you'd like this series; very mysterious and awe-inspiring). Maybe a few cats, or dogs.

I dream of peace and wholesomeness for you. A life in which you don't have to fight if you don't want to. A life in which you are not commodified, objectified, and consumed by other people who care nothing for who you are, instead prioritizing whatever prestige that they think they can get from being in your presence. I can't even begin to imagine how stressful such a thing must be for you. I'd probably end up feeling overwhelmed and very lonely almost all the time in such a position. I'm sorry you had to deal with this for such a long time.

...In any case. I managed to snag this picture of the sky on the way back:

...But then it started to snow, and the snow chased us all the way back home. The scenery on the way looked like this the entire way back: whited out, blurry, and with poor visibility:

Though I couldn't get any good pictures of scenery for you, we did pass a lot of roadsigns with funny, interesting, or curious city names. Some of my favorites were:

Toftrees Waddle Altoona (this one is fun to say! "Al-tooooona!" give it a try, haha!) Sayre Tipton Hollidaysburg Gallitzin (is this the name of a city or a Pokemon? Haha!) Hollsopple McElhattan (mackel-hatten!! Dunno if that's right, but it's fun to say!) Waverly Lounsberry

...There were more silly ones. And a place called "Rubisch Road" that I laughed entirely too hard at because I pronounced it as "rubbish", even though it might be "roobish". J was very amused at my cackling! Ahahaha~!

We stopped for snacks at a Wendy's. It's a burger place that isn't especially high quality, but it's still pretty yummy! The employees in the back seemed stressed out, so after we put in our order, I made sure to meet their eyes and thank them. The one in the purple shirt got a great big smile on his face, and it was beautiful. It's important to treat people like people, especially when they're stuck for a long time doing a job in which most people talk down to them, berate them, refuse to acknowledge them, and generally fail to treat them like actual human beings. Service industry jobs like these are some of the hardest ones there are, so it baffles me that they pay so little.

When when we got our food, there was an extra order of fries. The manager, who had bangs dyed blue and a grin on her face said that there had been a "miscommunication", and somehow that led to us getting free fries, I guess??? I certainly won't complain, because they're pretty tasty!

We drove for a long time, and then we needed gas. So we stopped at a place called "Sheetz". I wanted to see what kinds of snacks they had, because snacks are essential for any road trip! And I ended up finding SOCKS!! Specifically, unicorn and rainbow heart print cozy socks!! I was not expecting that, hahaha! I took a picture of them after we got home. Here:

...You can bet that I'll be wearing different ones on each foot! Because that is how I do!!

...Fwhoof. It's really getting hard for me to formulate sentences and to keep my eyes open. I wanna write more to you, because I had so many more ideas, but... it's almost 12:30am now, where I live. I have to go to bed, or else I might turn back into a pumpkin (wait, what???)!!!

Hey, you. Don't forget, okay? You're lovable and worthy and good. And you gotta keep yourself safe and you gotta make it through the end of it all okay this time, or else lots of people are going to be really, really sad. Understand? Make good, kind, gentle, and peaceful choices so that you can come back home. We're all waiting for you. We're whispering little lullabies, just for you. You're not alone.

I'll write again tomorrow, as I always do.

Your friend, Lumine

#sephiroth #ThankYouFFVIIDevs #ThankYouFF7Devs #ThankYouSephiroth #final fantasy vii #final fantasy 7 #ff7 #ffvii #final fantasy vii crisis core #final fantasy 7 crisis core #final fantasy crisis core #ffvii crisis core #ff7 crisis core #crisis core #ff7r #final fantasy vii remake #final fantasy 7 remake #ffvii remake #ff7 remake #final fantasy vii rebirth #final fantasy 7 rebirth #ffvii rebirth #ff7 rebirth #final fantasy 7 ever crisis #ffvii ever crisis #ff7 ever crisis #ffvii first soldier #road trip #unexpected socks #wholesome

[nickgerlich]

Best Of Show

Ever since the introduction of personal computers, which traces its roots to the 1970s with first-gen Apple, Commodore, and Radio Shack computers, as well as the paradigm-shifting Kenbak-1 in 1971, our lives have become increasingly ruled by electronic gadgets. Without them, many of us would have a hard time working, not to mention simply existing. They have become ubiquitous.

So prominent has this industry become that it had to have its own trade show. The first Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was held in 1967 in New York City, and showcased what folks then thought was the bleeding edge of home electronics. I’m envisioning record players, reel-to-reel tape decks, and color televisions. It all seems so quaint now.

Skip forward to the present, and CES, now held in Las Vegas, just wrapped. The scope of CES is much broader than in 1967 by virtue of a rapidly accelerating rate of new product development. Anything and everything from viewables, usables, holdables, flyables, and wearables is included.

And, as one might expect, if your new product did not include the letters AI in the description, you probably should have just stayed home.

Some of the new items at CES this year are already available, but as is always the case at trade shows, some of the items are merely vaporware, a concept that has not quite come to fruition just yet, but might if participant reaction is good, and investor money flows. One-offs are a dime a dozen at shows like this.

There is also the worrisome reality that, just because a new item—one that is indeed ready to roll out to market—captures the fancy of people attending CES, there’s no guarantee that the rest of us will buy it. Who remembers 3D TV from a decade ago? Yeah. And what about those curved LED TVs? Uh-huh. Better mousetraps sometimes are simply overkill, and we’re just fine with the basic model.

But hope springs eternal in the breast of human entrepreneurs, who are constantly trying to push the needle a little bit farther. After all, innovation is one of the hallmarks of a capitalist society. We are freely motivated to do so. Truthfully, we as a society are dependent upon it. To summon a time-worn comparison, we need only look to the island nation 90 miles south of Key West, where people have Frankensteined 1950s-era cars together because that’s the best they can do.

One of these years I want to snag a ticket to CES. I fully realize I may be sleeping in my van, unless I can muster up the fortitude to swallow $400 a night hotel rates. But I want to see this extravaganza of electronic showmanship, which may be more accurately described as one-upmanship. Everyone is gambling on the future, and it is only fitting the show is in Las Vegas.

CES has also become the darling of practically every major media outlet. Google “new gadgets CES 2024” and you will see what I mean. Each of these outlets has produced their proprietary list of what they think were the best of show. It would be fun to return to these lists in a year, five years, and beyond, to see which of these products actually gained traction.

As for me, one of my faves was the Adobe Edge Camera, a huge improvement on outdoor security cameras. It was also a fave of Wired Magazine. Pretty much everything available today requires mounting or placement within the narrow range of your home’s wifi signal. That typically is 50 feet, given that it needs to send video and still pictures. I already have a bunch of cameras inside and out, but the invisible tether is maddening sometimes. I want range.

The Adobe Edge, though, comes with a base station that is paired with your router, and then extends your signal to one mile. You read that right. One freaking mile. Anyone with land will understand why this $199 product could be worth its weight in gold. Stir in a $4 per month subscription to access AI features—there’s those two letters again—and you can have peace of mind. And so will Adobe with a revenue model like this.

So have at it, my readers! Google the new products from this year’s CES, and report back in the comments in our class discussion board. Be sure to cite your source, and feel free to add photos.

Dr “Take My Money Already, Adobe!” Gerlich

Audio Blog

#marketing #CES2024 #gadgets

[bonnicula]

Doin Numbers

Today Bonnicula's Cursed Castle hit the top 1% of Twitch for the first time by the fractional hair of a rounding error. But goddamnit I'll take it. It's been an intense 9 months of working at it so it feels awfully good to hit a milestone that I didn't think we'd make in just our third quarter of streaming.

Ooh. Just look at that blue, baby. Feels good.

Take a screenshot though, it'll last longer. But I wanted to talk about numbers for a bit, how I think about them and what they mean to me.

A lot of streamers say "don't worry about numbers. Cover up your viewer count, it'll just get in your head." See, I personally like the numbers. I check mine every day, and I track most of my fellow streamer friends too (I don't talk numbers with them though since I know it does make some folks anxious). I like watching lines go up and down. I like seeing the different fluctuations that happen week in and week out, the vagaries of holidays school schedules and trends lifting people up and casting them down. Of course it's always nicer when number go up but I take the number go down in stride, with all the dignity and poise I can muster. I've had dips but the progression has been steady. I intend to continue that trend as best I can.

But paying attention to numbers really does show you just how variable things are in the streaming space. I go up and down tens of thousands of positions in ranking from day to day. It can look chaotic and arbitrary at first. But in time it narrows your focus in on the numbers that matter and the numbers that you can ignore. Twitter follower count? Meaningless without analysis. Quality community mutuals that engage with and retweet your content are worth a hundred followers gained from a viral tweet or a giveaway that never touch your content again. There's folks with tens of thousands of followers on twitter that struggle to get engagement on a tweet, let alone a going live notification. Twitch Follower count? Same deal. There are channels with ten times my follower count that have lower viewership and I'm sure the inverse is true too. Having a network of co-creators to raid and cross-pollinate your communities with is invaluable. Average viewership is the only number I look at that doesn't need much deeper analysis beyond active chatters versus lurkers. Either way it's as close to an objective metric of progress as we have. You didn't ask but you want my takeaways so far? Quality presentation and a focus on retention is key. You have to catch someone's eye and then hold that eye. Be engaging with chat as much as you possibly can, even in collabs. Reward interaction and engagement. Incentivize return visits. I have a channel point redeem called 'Enlist In The War Effort' that allows folks to commit to sticking around for the entire stream in exchange for a popup picture of an amethyst, a sound effect, and a counter by their name that goes up. Folks love it. It's the biggest brain thing I've ever implemented.

So that's my piece. Numbers in and of themselves are nothing to worry about. Your own excellence is the focus, the draw, the glue that holds it all together. Focus on a sharp presentation that makes folks swing in and say 'I love your setup!' Then hold those folks by being friendly and engaging and rewarding them for sticking around. Shit, if all else fails give them an onstream pet to feed and take care of. My Schmoo does his job well. Think about your skills and what you can offer to people out of them to keep them with you. The numbers aren't always what they seem, and the only one that really counts is you, baby.

#envtuber #vtuberuprising #vtuber uprising #small streamer #vtuber

[dfrobertson]

This month I try to get better at putting out work in a consistent manner. The prompts are from the Spooktober challenge by the.plottery on Instagram.

Todays prompt is: A story written from the POV of a pumkin

The is saturday's prompt which I switched around with today because the weekend was very busy. Also I intend this as the opening to a smut story. Maybe I'll revisit this one.

Once a year some of us will be able to rise from the dirt and walk among the creatures roaming in the night. But just one night. Luckily that night was Halloween, the busiest night for all the monsters to be free and walk among the regular humans. I really hoped it would be me, that could muster the strength to get out. For I had plans. 

It is hard to come by news on the patch. We listen to what some humans talk about when they walk past us. Some of us live near those info screens by the highway and all that can travel down the vine. I do not recall how I got this info but on Halloween night there was going to be a party. A big one and I have heard that some other supernatural folks would be around.

This party was part of my plan. Get chosen to leave the patch. Get a cute face on. Snatch a sexy outfit. Get to the party and let loose. If I could move, I would jiggle with joy and anticipation, but so far I could not move. I waited patiently for two weeks and focused on growing even more plump and juicy. After all, I wanted to look my best on the dance floor. I wanted that all the boys and girls looked at me when I entered the party.

The time passed quickly and with the rise of the full moon, Halloween night began. I could feel the excitement all over the patch. It was tingling all over, rising to a glorious crescendo. Reaching that a few pumpkins shot up, with twisted vines forming a lanky body underneath. The life-giving energy spread like a wave over the field. It started at the far side of me. I saw one, two, and then three of my siblings go up before I myself got lifted up.

I looked at my new arms and legs. The green vines that formed my hands ended in sharp-looking points. I took a few careful steps and began to test my range of movement. satisfied with my newly gained mobility I waved to my siblings and ran off into the night. When my mission took me into the suburbs I was able to collect some stuff from decorations and porches. A witch's hat, a broom, candles, a dress, stockings, and a knife.

I hoped that no one saw me get ready by the side of the lake. For it must have looked like a woman stabbing herself repeatedly in the head. There was no police showing up so I guessed that I was fine. I took a good look at my reflection in the water. My carved face had a cheeky smile and the candles gave me a cool flicker in my eyes. The witch’s hat was tilted, giving me a playful look.

I engorged some of my vines with water to fill out the dress and stockings with the right proportions in all the right places. I thought I looked cute and sexy. I was ready for the night on the town. I cut the last stretch of my journey through the forest before finally arriving at a large barn. Through the gaps in the woods and the doors streamed colorful light and the sound of music was everywhere. I entered to the sound of “What is love” from Haddaway. I immediately got to the dancefloor and started moving my hips and stomping my feet. Of course, I noticed the giant furry dude at the bar looking at me. This night was going to be amazing.

#queer writers #queer fiction #writing #writing challenge #writing prompt #writers on tumblr #pumpkin #halloween #smut #writing smut

[atherina]

flower crown

Feine sighed as she sat down on the royal garden's grass. She stared blankly into the vivid setting sun as she took in the beautiful evening view of the barely visible stars poking out from behind the misty, translucent clouds.

"People don't give us Princesses enough credit. the common folk know naught of being constantly nitpicked by judging eyes and harshly berated if you picked the wrong fork for eating food. They get to love and laugh freely, but I’m to be engaged to some idiotic prince next month."

She sighed in exhaustion, back still aching from the harsh lessons she had to endure to become the perfect princess.

"Is that how you royalty see things these days?" An amused chuckle emitted from behind her, startling the 18 year old princess. Whipping her head around to scold the person for making fun of a Princess -and one who was next in line for the throne, at that!- she was stunned when she met gazes with the unfamiliar figure.

She took in all their prominent features rather quickly as she at them quietly, analytically looking at them from head to toe. They had short, wavy sky blue hair, with cerulean eyes that looked like a clear sky on a sunny day. Their smile was impish, teeth poking out behind her cherry pink lips. She looked around Feine's own age, or possibly older.

A red blush quickly painted Feine's cheeks, as her eyes darted all around the place to avoid any possible eye contact with the beautiful stranger. Suddenly, a hearty laugh erupted from the stranger, which pulled her from her thoughts back into reality.

"Ah, you royals have grown soft, haven’t ya!" Her grin was cheerful, and full of mischief.

"The fact that you use the phrase, 'the common folk', shows how detached you are from society, no? But seeing as you very clearly need help, and I’m on the verge of losing my job anyway, I’ve got an idea!" She patiently picked some citrine-hued flowers from the garden's flowerbed.

"But on another note, you don't know who I am, do you?" She hummed in thought.

"Though I know who you are. Everyone does. The 'spoiled princess' Feine Relunir, who's always eager to gain, but never to give. To start, well, you've never noticed me, but I help maintain these gardens."

"I've worked here for about a few years, I suppose. I've grown fond of these dear flowers, watching them grow from buds to flowers. My name is Cerine, the Assistant Gardener.”

She turned her teasing gaze to Feine, handing her the flowers she had picked beforehand.

"And today's activity will be weaving flower crowns." Her eyes shone as her lips perked up to form a gentle grin.

Feine mustered up a smile, trying her best to match the energy of the undeniably friendly girl in front of her. Her cheeks ached from the simple task, as a result of not doing the action in so long. She hesitantly grabbed a few flowers, handling them with great care.

"And... pray tell, what exactly do I that now, Commo- I mean, Cerine?" Bad habits are hard to break, and that includes the mean name-calling she'd gotten so used to using.

"Simply wrap one stem around the flower of the next, pull both stems to the side, and add another. Wrap that stem around the first two, pull all three stems to the side, and continue. When the stems end, they will be woven into the line well enough to stay put."

Cerine slowly guided Feine's hands to perform the actions, and they soon formed a neat flower crown.

Feine stared at Cerine in amazement, watching her as Cerine glanced at the mixtures of vivid orange and dark grey in the sky, slightly panicking.

"Ahem, I have... 'commoner' tasks to get back to! Cleaning and all that, Princess Feine! See you soon! Please meet me here at 6.30pm tomorrow!" She hurriedly waved a goodbye at Feine, before rushing off.

After seeing Cerine's figure dissapear into the horizon, she uttered an unspoken thought.

"You can just call me Feine...." Before she realised what she said.

"What am I doing? I'm royalty! I'm a Princess! Commoners should only be allowed to address a Princess by her proper title!" She said, frantically trying to forget the slip-up she'd made. But before she could fret over her mistakes any longer, her mind was only occupied with a singular thought.

" I wouldn't mind... seeing her again. She seems nice... "

#gxg #lesbian #not my gifs btw #oc x oc #ah yes daily dose of girls loving girls

[dailycharacteroption]

Daring General (Cavalier Archetype)

 The cavalier has a few archetypes related to being the implied leader of large forces, and it’s hardly the only class to have such things, the warpriest in particular coming to mind.

However, I think today’s subject is the first I’ve seen where it gives you your own armed force as part of the class abilities, in the form of a souped-up version of the Leadership feat.

In any case, the Daring General archetype is built around being an incredible commander in addition to a warrior, commanding the respect of their troops.

These figures might command proper armies in a nation, or they might be the leaders of mercenary companies. Regardless, they can be quite potent alongside their forces on the field of battle.

However, it should be incredibly obvious that this archetype requires a *lot* of bookkeeping, and is not suitable for every game. Even when it is, it should be extremely obvious that trying to take a whole army down into a dungeon is a really bad idea, tactically.

With those caveats out of the way, let’s take a look at the archetype proper!

 At first, a daring general starts out like any cavalier, but eventually, they attract or are gifted their own force to command, which eventually doubles, then triples in size. Additionally, they also gain multiple cohorts, though their subsequent cohorts are typically weaker than their earlier ones. Additionally, their followers and cohorts must all be of martial professions.

What’s more, these military leaders can assign certain roles and positions to their cohorts, ranging from a groom to care for their mount, a squire to assist in armoring up and protecting them, or as their standard bearer. What’s more, they can assign the soldiers in their care to roles at footmen or honor guard, making them more offensively or defensively inclined, and these apply to mass combat as well.

When leading their forces, the general may have their soldiers take up a challenge with them, bolstering them in combat against their foe.

The most powerful become such tactical geniuses that they can direct allies with various teamwork tactics as much as they wish.

Interested in leading a massive force with a retinue of cohorts and bonuses for the mass combat subsystem? This archetype might be for you. Just remember that this archetype is really only meant for campaigns where such rules would be useful, so keep that in mind. Don’t forget to also protect your troops as best you can, however, unless you want your leadership score to go down the tubes. In any case, enough of this archetype stays the same that you can build them pretty much any way you wish, though probably favoring teamwork feats and combat support over pure mounted combat.

 This archetype may have some extra bookkeeping involved which might give some folks pause, it’s also worth noting that the extra cohorts is a free set of NPCs that the GM can use for whatever purpose they need, not to mention the fun of coming up with lore for these subordinates. Also, while the archetype demands you pick cohorts with martial class levels, nothing is stopping you from taking monstrous cohorts with such levels, aside from GM say-so and lore stuff.

  In most settlements, the vanara are content to live peacefully alongside nature, but legend tells of a great general among their kind, one who led his people to victory against a cosmic threat under the blessing of the mischievous monkey god himself. Now, a map that supposedly leads to his lost tomb, and clues as to the nature of the storied threat, has been found.

 Riding atop a mighty crab steed, the merfolk warlord Shakai musters her army to subjugate the surface world. Alongside her are her loyal retainers, a cecaelian archer, a triton warrior, and a merfolk huntress. Their group is surprisingly well-equipped for the surface, but who exactly are they claiming the coast for?

 The party is part of a garrison under the command of the greatest military leader of their nation, but concern creeps over them as they notice him acting oddly, his behavior seeming off for one so legendary for his charisma and battle-prowess… Investigating the truth will unveil a shocking conspiracy!

#pathfinder #archetype #cavalier #daring general #vanara #merfolk #giant crab #Ultimate Intrigue

[sergeant-spoons]

38. Breathing In the Last Days of September

Leslie Sheppard

Taglist: @thoughpoppiesblow​​​​ @chaosklutz​​​​ @wexhappyxfew​​​​ @50svibes​​​​ @tvserie-s-world​​​​ @adamantiumdragonfly​​​​ @ask-you-what-sir​​​​ @whovian45810​​​​ @brokennerdalert​​​​ @holdingforgeneralhugs​​​​ @claire-bear-1218​​​​ @heirsoflilith​​​​ @itswormtrain​​​​ @actualtrashpanda​​​​ @wtrpxrks​​​​​

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The English papers weren't all too different from their American counterparts. 

At least, not since the war broke out. 

Sensationalized stories with boastful victories shadowed the ever-tightening war rations, the holdup in funerals in certain areas for lack of adequate coffins, the infighting and fear among politicians behind closed doors every minute of every day. Obituaries did not appear until twelve pages in. They were posted weekly in the Swindon papers and daily in the London. Most were soldiers, some were nurses and other military attachés. Leslie wondered what happened to the old folks who passed away at home or in the hospitals but never made it on a page because of the war. Uncomfortable, she flipped over to the sports section and tried to entertain herself with cricket reports (though she spent most of the time trying to figure out what cricket even was).

"If it isn't a bright, sunshiney day in merry old England," declared Tink as she waltzed halfway into the room, then stopped and stood with her hands in her pockets, rocking back and forth on her heels.

"It is nice," agreed Kiko, sitting on the wide windowsill and doodling leaves and flowers on the back of an empty envelope.

"How are ya likin' Aldbourne so far, Tink?" Leslie asked, half-heartedly reading a wanted ad for a nursemaid in Chelmsford.

"Well, Aldbourne's been swell, except..."

Leslie tipped the paper down, turning her full attention toward her friend.

"Except?"

Tink hesitated, then dipped her head, glum. "Charlie couldn't make it."

The newspaper fell, abandoned, into Leslie's lap as a frown flashed across her features.

"He canceled on you?"

"No, he..." Tink sighed. "Yeah. Yeah, he canceled. But he had a good reason!"

Kiko frowned and took the telegram from Tink's hand.

"And that reason would be..?"

"His brother broke his leg, apparently," Kiko relayed.

Leslie huffed. 

"Yeah, right."

"Oh, no, don't..."

Tink couldn't seem to muster her usual defenses of her fiancé. Leslie and Kiko shared a look of concern and Tink shrugged, thumbing at her suspenders.

"I didn't even know he had a brother," she quietly admitted.

Leslie hopped up, slinging the newspaper onto the now-vacated armchair behind her. 

"Let's go out!" 

She grabbed Tink's hands and spun them both around. 

"Just the three of us. We'll make it a girls' day!"

"We can take the bikes," Kiko suggested, "no one'll be using them today."

Mama E kept five bikes parked behind the garage that were free for the mechanics' use if the higher-ranking officers of the 506th didn't get to them first. Leslie hopped in place and grinned at Tink until she received a smile in return.

"Well? Whaddaya say?"

"I say let's do it!"

The three girls shared a cheer and, after snatching up sweaters (Tink) and jean-jackets (Leslie) and borrowed Class A uniform jackets (Kiko's, originally Penkala's), raced out into the mid-morning sunshine. They found the bikes and climbed aboard, and though Leslie would have preferred a motorcycle, she didn't mind the exercise. She would have found herself a sweet ride if they'd been here more than a week; she was looking forward to taking Don out for a ride when they got the chance. Last Autumn, just after she'd received the news about her nephew's birth, was the last time they'd gone out like that. But hush, she ought to focus on her present company. These last days of September had snuck Don into her introspections often enough; it was Kiko and especially Tink who merited her attention now.

They set off through the base, waving to a friend or two as they passed them by. Danny Huff gave a shout and tried to race them on foot, and Tink took up his challenge only to realize they were about to start up a hill. She won regardless, though as soon as Danny had conceded his defeat, she dropped off her bike and splayed out on the grass, panting. Kiko and Leslie came up to her, the former concerned and the latter laughing, and after she declared her legs may never recover, they helped her to her feet and she was just fine.

Continuing on, they scaled several more hills, upon which Kiko (who was unfamiliar with bicycling) dismounted and walked instead. She would not give in until Leslie or Tink noticed her exertion and stepped down first, exclaiming something about the slope and the opportunity to catch their breaths. On a particularly windy road, Leslie reminded her friends that the ride back down to the base would be a fun one as it was mostly downhill. That cheered them, and their spirits were further boosted when they came to the top of the tallest hill yet and discovered a small copse of silver birch trees shivering in the wind. The place made for a perfect place to catch their breaths, so they leaned the bikes up against the birches and sat down in the grass. Tink exclaimed that her legs were itching from the grass and Leslie took off her jacket and offered for it to be sat on. Her friend happily accepted, and Leslie glanced up at the sun's aura, hoping it would warm the day just a tad more.

"Hey, look-" Kiko pointed down the hill. "-it's Easy."

Tink squinted. "How can you tell?"

Leslie stifled a laugh. "Because that is definitely Sobel."

Indeed, a man sped ahead of the group, his chin rocking up and down and his fists punching the air with every step. It was almost comical how far he brought his knees up as he ran. Even from such a distance, his bellow, though unintelligible, could be caught in the breeze. All these characteristics made him seem like the captain Easy despised, but the one that confirmed it was how he ran without an ounce of gear whereas all the other men did.

"Yeah, that's Sobel, alright." Tink agreed. "Sheesh."

As Easy ran their drills, the mechanics high above looked past them to the town even farther beyond. Aldbourne appeared as a table model, shrunk so far by distance that when Leslie held out one hand, she could visually cup two or three buildings in a single palm. Kiko brought out treats wrapped in yesterday's paper from her pocket and revealed them to be candied orange slices she'd picked up in town yesterday on a date with Penk. The girls snacked away, lounging on the grass, and as Tink stretched out, she raised her hands toward the sky and remarked that the wind was getting cooler now that it was Autumn. Leslie drew a ribbon out of her pocket and asked Kiko to tie her hair back for her, and as Kiko complied, Tink started to talk about her time in Exeter.

"...and so I moved there with him for a while, after he graduated. The war was on, by then, and it was spooky, living with the blackout curtains and the air raid drills. And I don't mean Halloween-spooky, I mean kind-of-scary-spooky."

"Did you ever go to London?" Kiko, who'd decided to braid Leslie's hair, asked.

"No. Charlie went there for work sometimes, but I didn't come along. Never wanted to, either."

Leslie swallowed a sticky bite of orange. "What's he do? For work?"

Tink laughed softly. "Good question. This and that. It's mostly work for the government, I think."

"You think?"

She waved off the question. "Anyway, I came back home once I got a flyer 'bout the Mechorps from my cousin Janie, and you know the rest. But, oh, Exeter was nice. Lots of old buildings. If you think New England's got some old buildings, regular England's got 'em beat by a couple thousand years."

Leslie and Kiko shared a confused look, and Tink wagged her finger, realizing.

"Oh, right, you've never been. Well, New York City, but everything there's been all modernized, ya know?" She nodded sagely. "The mills up in Massachusetts and New Hampshire are really somethin'. Fueled the whole Industrial Revolution way back in the 1870s."

Leslie looked curiously at Tink. "I never knew you were so interested in history."

"I'm not, really," she confessed. "My cousin Janie goes to college for history. I used to help her study, but then I left with Charlie and my brothers took over that job." A small smile graced her lips. "Actually, I think this is Janie's last year before she graduates."

"Oh, nice!"

As Leslie bobbed her head, feeling the braid swish about, Kiko sat back and pondered for a minute.

"I think I'd like to go to college someday."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. I'm not sure for what, but... No, I know. I'd study flowers."

Tink plucked a dandelion from the hill. "Like this?"

"Well, uh..." Kiko stifled a smirk. "That's not quite a flower."

"It's not?" Tink studied the green-stemmed, yellow-petaled plant in her hand. "But it looks like a flower."

"It's, um, it's actually a weed."

Tink pouted. "Phooey."

She tossed the dandelion aside and pointed at the bushes down the hill.

"Those are flowers, right?"

"Yes, those are flowers."

"What kind?"

"I think they're rosebushes," Kiko supposed, "but summer's long gone, and those are the last of the blossoms dying with the cold."

"Aww."

As her friends spoke of flowers and Kiko proved her unexpected knowledge of botany, Leslie lay, content to listen. Easy had disappeared behind a hill a few minutes ago, but she still watched for their reemergence. The sun had come out from behind the clouds, and Leslie turned her face up toward the sky, feeling its warmth on her cheeks and shoulders and closed eyes. She was starting to feel better, as September gave way to October and New York City seemed farther with every passing day. She didn't startle so much at sudden noises, and this morning, when Eli Shackley sleepily brushed past her to get to the bathroom, she didn't shy away. Her flashlight, a savior, now rested beside her pillow rather than in her hand. For the last two weeks, on the S.S. Samaria and English dry land, she'd kept it on all night until she wore the batteries out, shining a faint, blanket-dampened light to stave off the darkness. She'd attempted to sleep with it off last night. Aside from a spook from an owl outside, nothing went bump in the night, and her dreams, though strange, were not nightmares.

"Lady? Yoohoo."

Tink waved, trying not to startle her, and Leslie blinked out of her reverie to see her friends looking at her with creased brows.

"Where'd you go?" Kiko asked, half-teasing, half-worried.

"I was just..." Leslie waved vaguely at the sky. "The sun was warm. Guess I drifted off a bit. Sorry."

"No worries," Tink reassured. "I was just telling Kiko about the time I went to see the Exeter Cathedral. Charlie couldn't come because of work, but I was happy to go by myself. They had a service and everything—boy, was it something to see."

Leslie sat up and crossed her legs, turning her full attention toward her friend. Tink looked pleased, and Kiko's expression of concern eased.

"Well, go on! What was it like?"

"Majestic! Awe-inspiring! Fuckin' huge!"

The girls laughed.

"There were so many glass-stained windows I lost count, and the old gothic pews stretched as far as the eye could see..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#leslie sheppard #audra 'tink' luchette #kelani palekiko #leslie sheppard ficlet #leslie sheppard 38: breathing in the last days of september #destiny carries a wrench #band of brothers #band of brothers oc ficlet #band of brothers oc #band of brothers ficlet #hbo war show #hbo war show oc #hbo war show oc ficlet #hbo war show ficlet #oc ficlet #oc fanfiction

[artidoesthings]

Nameless Heroes - CH 1

ITS HERE ITS HERE ITS HERE I DID IT (kinda rough but whatever)

Wordcount: 972 

Chapter 1

A New Year Begins

Since the beginning of known history, there’s been a certain sort of folk that had persisted over the ages, a certain type of person who rose up to face challenges others simply wouldn’t. Earning fame and fortune in the process, legends being told of their exploits even centuries after they occurred.

The heroes and adventurers of the world, brave sorts wielding mastery over weaponry and magic, prophesied to defeat great evil, or choosing to do so on their own. Wherever they came from never mattered, only their deeds.

Even in eras of peace, adventurers and heroes still had a purpose. Monster slayers, defenders of cities, explorers mapping out uncharted lands, and other roles to fulfill.

And so, between many of the world’s most powerful kingdoms, a grand school was constructed, Paragon Academy for Adventurers and Heroes, an establishment that would go on to have many future legends graduate from its grand halls.

And today, one white haired teen stood outside it, standing outside the imposing castle, gripping the edge of their cloak.

Lux sighed, mustering up every ounce of confidence they had. They’d been accepted to this school, they were supposed to be here. But it sure didn’t feel right. They felt like they were about to step onto some sort of sacred ground. Something a mere mortal couldn’t touch.

It's fine. They assured themselves, I can take one step. They moved to do so, all they had to do was walk a few steps forward, surely they could- 

 CRASH!

Lux was sent tumbling down, their bags sliding all over the walkway. No students made a move to even help, walking past as if they didn’t see a thing.

“Well… that's one way to do that.” Lux sighed a bit, gathering up their stuff. 

“Hey, sorry ‘bout that.” A new voice said, Lux turned to its source. Eyes widening slightly.

A boy made entirely out of greenish-blue slime looked over to them, holding out Lux’s sword. 

Slimes, along with many other groups across the kingdoms, were quite rare to see. But, due to recent changes, they were no longer considered ‘monsters’, and thus, became more common. But, this was Lux’s first time seeing one.

“Erm. It’s alright. You actually helped me a bit.” Lux laughed nervously, taking back their sword. “Are you a new student as well?”

“Yup! Mire’s the name and potion making’s my game!” The slime boy grinned.

“I’m Lux, it's nice to meet you.” They returned the smile, “Should we head in together?” 

“Yeah- lets get going!” Mire grabbed Lux’s hand and started running, “We’re gonna miss all of the intro stuff!” 

Following the growing stream of students, Mire and Lux weaved their way into the entrance hall. Two grand staircases led to upper floors, as well as a balcony above the students, where some of the teachers had gathered. Watching over the students.

“New and returning students of Paragon!” A voice boomed through the hall, commanding everyone’s attention. 

A taller man stood atop the balcony, looking down at the students, who all quickly silenced themselves. Save for a… certain one.

“Who’s that?” Mire whispered.

“You don’t know?” An avian student with ashy blond hair looked over, eyes widened, “That's Paragon Academy’s headmaster! Now shut up, I want to listen.”

The headmaster’s speech continued, “I am glad to see many new faces in the crowd, as well as many returning ones. I hope this year will be as wonderful as those past, and that we can all work to make this world a brighter place for all.” 

Lux noticed a female student roll her eyes, sighing. Another nearby student snickered. 

“With that, I release you all to your dorms. Classes will begin tomorrow.”

The noise instantly resumed, and Lux turned to Mire, who asked a very obvious question.

“What dorm do ya got? I’m in Phoenix.” 

“I am as well.” Lux said, “That’s… quite convenient.” 

“Not like I’m complaining! I have at least one friend now!” Mire said, causing Lux to stop in their tracks. Shocked.

“A… friend?” They raised an eyebrow, they’d only known Mire for what, ten minutes? And he already considered Lux a friend?

“Yeah, duh! Two new kids who clearly aren't noble, no offense by the way, us against the snobs we get stuck with!” Mire said, “Sounds pretty good to me!” 

Lux couldn't argue with that. Besides… It would be a good plan to gather allies… er, friends, early. They thought. Although they preferred to find people with common interests, Mire seemed nice enough, to say the least.

“Well, it sounds even better to me. How about we head to our dorm and see who else we’ve got?” Lux prompted, met with another one of Mire’s seemingly signature grins.

The Phoenix dorm was near the training hall and armory, located in a high tower; fitting, considering its namesake. The main room of the dorm had several windows letting in the sunlight, draped in fiery oranges and golds, several students milled about, unpacking, chatting, and looking around their new accommodations.

“Damn-” Mire whistled, “This place is nice.” 

Lux went past Mire, who started poking around the room, and went towards the bedrooms. Carefully taking their bags to settle in. It’d been a long journey here, after all. 

A few other students were in the room, namely a taller and older-looking one and a merman talking, and Lux easily slipped past them, claiming one of the beds as their own, throwing their bags to the side. 

“Paragon Academy, huh.” They muttered to themselves, staring up at the bed’s canopy. “Didn’t think I’d make it.” 

Lux felt themselves getting tired, unbothered by the fact they were still in their uniform, they fell asleep. The most prestigious school in the world, a new friend made, and a whole year ahead of them…

#nameless heroes #IM ACTUALLY WRITING THINGS #now to follow up lmao

[leonbloder]

All Things End

There's an impermanence to things in this world that can be jarring sometimes.   When confronted with the fact that nothing seems to last forever, we often despair and find hope hard to muster, despite what faith we may hold on to for comfort.  But we should know that despite this impermanence, new things can be born when the old passes.   There is an endless rhythm of dying and rising embedded in the universe. It's part of what Christians know as resurrection. The thing about resurrection is that dying has to happen before new life can happen.   The dying part is what most of us want to avoid at all costs.   To quote a line from a David Crowder song, "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die."   It's tempting to want things to stay as they are if the way things are is great.  Come to think of it, it's also tempting to want things to remain as they are, even if they aren't great when we are more afraid of the unknown than we'd like to admit.  The other day, I listened to an album by the Irish artist Hozier, and one of the songs caught my attention.  The song is called "All Things End," and the chorus goes like this: 

There's something so beautiful and comforting about that line.  It addresses the truth about the impermanence of things but doesn't lose hope.  Knowing everything ends should never deter us from starting again, waking up, rising and rumbling, or simply living in joy.  

[Seriously, if you haven't listened to Hozier before, you should.  His work is inspired by religious and literary themes, ranging from folk and soul to blues, all in one album.]

Jesus often spoke to his followers about this very idea.  He urged them to avoid becoming so attached to the material world that they missed out on the deep spirituality that impermanence, dying-and-rising, and resurrection had to teach them. 

He told them they should not spend so much time fretting about what tomorrow brings when today has more than enough to occupy them.  

These lessons echo Hozier's song and speak those same timeless truths in a way that might be more poetic but equally inspiring and encouraging.  

There is no reason for despair when we are faced with impermanence.  We love in the moment, for the moment.  We open our hearts to what may be slipping away from us bit by bit.  

And then we grieve for a time when what was is no more. 

But we also should know that something new, restorative, life-giving, and hope-filled will be on the other side of our grief.  This is all part of the eternal rhythm of resurrection, and we are a part of it, too. 

So, if you are finding yourself feeling low because you are experiencing loss, and you are fearful of what comes next... 

Or if you are coming to grips with impermanence, it is causing you to despair a bit because you can't see how or why you should welcome it and look for something new to be born... 

I have this to say to you:  Rejoice because you have an incredible opportunity to step forward into what comes next with great hope.  We live in an impermanent world, but it also smacks of eternity to those willing to see it, hear it, and embrace it more fully.  

You don't need to guard your heart against impermanence.  The God who makes all things new will not let you down.  

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.  

#presbymusings #dailydevotion #leonbloder #dailydevotional #leon bloder #faith #spiritualgrowth #dailydevo #spirituality #christian living