Kaeya once jokingly referred to Bennett as 'Bennett Guildson' in lightly scolding him over endangering himself, and Bennett most Definitely considered making that his actual name on his official Adventurer's Guild paperwork, send post-

Hey, been a while since I sent anything, huh? Not sure If you plan on writing anything, but when you do, I wanna see something with any of the robotic brawlers!

(What’s this? Me? Finally getting to the asks in my inbox? ABSURD!!)

(I’m so sorry I haven’t done these, I lost my motivation for fics after Belle’s update, but now I’m back >:3c)

(Also you guys get to enjoy some fluff besides the actual tickling so you guys are getting FED tonight)

***

Stu didn’t know how he’d become a guardian, but he wasn’t going to complain. 

It was common for brawlers in the same trio to live together but when it came to Stu ‘home’ was a tricky situation. Yes, he did have a house but he very rarely used his house, let alone was in it enough for it to be considered lived in. When you lived your life as a stunt dummy most of your days were spent in the robot maintenance section of Starr Parks getting put back together after a failed stunt.

So to be living in his house again for over at least 2 months now, and with other people now sharing the space with you is jarring to say the least. When Stu had heard about his new trio mates he hadn’t been too interested, during this point in his life a lot of stuff had lost interest in the stunt robot. He was just focused on his stunts and keeping the park goers entertained, but when he had actually met them and seen just how young and impressionable they were was a slap to the face, especially the youngest sister Bonnie.

Stu sobered up quickly and then began to panic from the state he’d let himself get into when Janet and Bonnie had shown up with basically no place to live (they had arrived at the park with little warning but had shown such prowess that the higher up had let them in). After many days of working and cleaning the neglected house (and keeping the robot out of maintenance long enough) the house had finally been in a livable state (for a human at least) to stay at. And after more months of decorating and bonding the house had become so much more lively.

Stu was knocked out of his thoughts when his sensors picked up the very familiar smell of something burning, he looked back to the stove top and cursed as he watched one of the pancakes he’d been making get burned and moved quickly to put out the piece of food. Once the fire hazard had been dealt with he cursed again as he threw it in the trash, he’d been about to get another one going when- “UNCLE STU!!” Bonnie yelled as she ran through the kitchen’s doorway, not having yet put on her boots, she stopped and slid a few feet before finally landing in front of Stu and wrapping her tiny arms around his middle in a hug. Stu laughed and patted her head “H-H-hey kiddo! Looks like someONES in a gOoD mood!” Stu said and Bonnie let go of him and started to stomp her feet in excitement “Today’s the first day I get to battle ALL BY MYSELF!!” Bonnie shouted and threw out her arms for emphasis. Stu laughed, “Good for you ki-kiddo!” Stu looked up to see a much more tired and less enthusiastic Janet walk in, she had her usual outfit minus the helmet and boots, her hair was a mess and she was moving much slower compared to her sister.

“Janet! Did you hear? Did you hear?!” Bonnie ran over to her sister and grabbed her hand with her sleeved hands and tugged on her towards the dinner table “Yes BonnieI heard, you wouldn’t stop talking about it since last night…” Janet said groggily as she allowed herself to be dragged by her younger sister, “Hey Stu…” Janet lazily waved to him. “Hel-lo Janet.” Stu said as he placed the remaining pancakes on a large plate and brought them over to the table as both sisters sat down. “Hey, there’s not a whole lot of pancakes here!” Bonnie said as she started to load pancakes onto her plate, “Yeah, and something smells burnt, Stu, did you burn the pancakes again?” Janet asked, seeming much more alert now.

Stu laughed nervously as he moved over to a cupboard “N-Noo-o-o-oo…” Stu said as he pulled out a can of oil and wheeled back over to the table and sat down. Janet looked at her plate of pancake and put 2 more onto Bonnie's plate, which she cheered to and Stu chuckled. They sat in silence for a couple of moments eating, Stu and Janet eating slowly while Bonnie was scarfing down her food, “Bonnie slow down! You’ll give yourself a tummy ache!” Janet said. “I can’t help it! I’m too excited to wait!” Bonnie said as she shoveled more pancakes into her mouth, Stu chuckled again “Yeah, l-liSTen to your sister.” Stu said as he placed the metal straw of the oil can to a small hole in his face where a mouth would be. Bonnie pouted but did as she was told.

Peace was restored, but Bonnie looked at Stu with a strange fascination. This had been the first time that they actually ate together in the same room as one another, and Janet and Bonnie had never seen Stu eat. Bonnie tilted her head “Uncle Stu?” “Yes?” “How come you don’t eat like the other robots?” Bonnie asked and Stu set the oil can on the table “I-I’m an older. Model. Of the roBOTS you s-see aro-ound the. Parks.” Stu said. “Yeah, but Barley’s an older bot and he eats people food!” Bonnie said putting another piece of pancake in her mouth, “Barley was uPGRADED to have a ‘b-b-better sto-o-mach’, iT CAN process human. Food.” said Stu. “And how come you don’t have the upgrade?” Janet asked this time and Stu put one of his arms around the back of the dinner chair, “To-o-o-oo expeNSIVE, e-especially when y-o-o-ou get as B-B-BUSted up as I dO.” Stu said and waved his opposite hand, as if to wave the thought away. “Is that why you still haven’t fixed your voice box?” Bonnie asked leaning over the table towards Stu, he, caught off guard by the question, coughed awkwardly and looked away “M-mAYBe..” Stu said and put the metal straw back to his ‘mouth’ and slurped at the rest of the oil. “Well I like your voice! It’s funny!” Bonnie said and put the rest of the pancakes in her mouth, “A-Ahaha.. Th-a-anks kid..” Stu said, but seemed upset. Stu wasn’t a bot to easily be upset about things, but his voice was a sore spot to discuss. He had a normal voice before, when he took an extreme fall and managed to knock his own head off from the force of him hitting the edge of a ramp and had lost bits of his voice box in the process, Pam had offered to replace the part but Stu didn’t have the means to repay her (he was already in debt to her for all the repairs she did on him, he didn’t need this as well).

Janet had picked up on Stu’s sudden mood shift but Bonnie had already jumped out of her chair and was pointing towards the front door, “Come on slowpokes! Let’s gooooo!!” she said as Janet got up and grabbed her helmet from the shelf next to the door “Calm down Bonnie! The events aren’t going anywhere, besides you still don’t have your boots on!” Janet said as Stu ‘stood’ up and watched Bonnie run over to the door and put her boots on “Come on, come on, come ooooon!!” Bonnie wailed impatiently as Janet took her sweet time to put her boots on. Stu laughed, “E-E-Easy the-r-re spitFIRE!” Stu said, putting the plates in the sink and tossed Janet her microphone. Bonnie huffed ran over and behind Stu and grabbed him by the hips to push him towards the door, “Let’s GOOOOO!!” Bonnie yelled and Stu, startled, put his breaks on and shrieked.

Janet jumped and Bonnie let go of Stu and looked up with fear and concern “Are you ok Uncle Stu? Did I hurt you..?” Bonnie asked and Stu could feel his internal fans kick on. Bonnie hadn’t hurt the stunt robot, but had rather tickled him, something he didn’t know he still was. “I-I-I-I Um, I yOU di-i-in’t hUrt- NO, I’m oKAAAAY?” Stu said, his voice glitching and fluctuating more than it normally did. Bonnie, confused, grabbed his hips again and this time Stu dashed forward and squealed, Janet laughed, “Was that you or your tire?” she asked and Bonnie grinned. “HEy! Do-o-o-on’t yOu have A MATCh t-to gEEeEt tO-OHOHO?!” Stu suddenly laughed as Bonnie placed her hands around his hips again and started to furiously squeeze the metal there.

“AAAHAH-AHAHA kiHIhIHIHIDdO NO-O-OHOHAHA!!” Stu laughed and hunched over as her tiny hands assaulted his metallic hips “I never knew you were ticklish Uncle Stu!” Bonnie squealed as she circled around to his front. “Me neither…” Janet said as she stepped closer to watch, “NEHE-heheHEE-ITheR DIHIHID I-I-I-IHIHI!!” Stu cackled and tried to wheel backwards but Bonnie followed his movements and her attack continued against the surprisingly sensitive area. Stu felt his sensors flare and his internal fan kick up a few notches to keep him from overheating but it did little to reduce the heat he felt in his face. Only Pam had known about his ticklishness, something he was embarrassed about, and he’d pray to whoever was listening to keep that a secret between the two of them, but now here he was having a child turn the battle hardened robot into a bunch of giggling bolts. “B-BOHOHONNI-EEEE NO-O-OHOHO!!” Stu laughed as he tried to pry her tiny hands off of him “KnOOHAHACK I-I-IT OoOOHOFF!!” Stu cackled trying to wiggle out of her grasp. “No way! This is the most amazing discovery ever!!” Bonnie cheered and moved her hands upward towards the bot's stomach.

Stu squeaked at the sudden shift and his laughter picked back up, “NOHOHO n-NOHOT T-T-THEHEHE-HAHA-HERE!!” Stu screeched, and he tilted too far back on his tire and fell backwards onto the ground “Stu! Bonnie!” Janet yelped in alarm and moved over to the two of them, Bonnie took this opportunity to pounce onto Stu to get better leverage and started to wiggle her fingers all over him “Where else are you ticklish Stu?!” Bonnie asked and Stu made a choked squeal at the feeling.

Stu was an absolute mess and was struggling to keep his hardware from combusting from the pressure (and embarrassment) from the situation “Tickle tickle tickle!! Who knew a robot could be so ticklish!!” Bonnie giggled and raked her little fingers over the middle of his stomach “AAAAAIEEEE-HEHEHE!!! B-B-BoOoOoHOHOHONNI-E-E! AHAHA-HAAA-HaHAhA!! NOHOHOoHoHoo M-MoOHOH-O-OHORE!!” Stu howled and (gently) pushed against Bonnie’s face in an attempt to get her off, he didn’t want to accidentally hurt her after all. “NEVER!!” Bonnie squealed out and laughed along with Stu “Janet! Help me out here!” Bonnie yelled and Stu frantically shook his head “N-NOHOHO-AIEEE!!” Stu screeched and tossed his head back “JAHAH-A-A-AHANET DOohOHoHOn’T Y-Y-OU DAHAhAhahA-DAHAHARe!!!” Stu cackled and twisted side to side to try and shake Bonnie off.

Janet hummed and looked down at the two before she smirked “Sure, I’ll help…” Janet said and reached forward, “J-JAhahaAN-E-ET NAHA-” “-EEEEHEHEHEK?!” Stu opened his eye at the sudden noise and looked up to see Janet pulling Bonnie off of him and squeezing her younger sister’s sides rapidly. “JAHAHANET YOHOHOU TRAHAHAITOR!!” Bonnie squealed and kicked her legs in the air while Janet laughed “What? You said to help!” Janet giggled and swung Bonnie around and walked away with her flailing sister in her arms. Stu took the moment to catch his breath, despite not technically needing it.

Stu slowly got back up, and clutched the kitchen counter for support as he heard Bonnie shrieking and Janet laughing along with her. Stu followed the sound out into the living room as Janet now assaulted her smaller sister's belly. “JAHAHANET NOOOOOHOHO!! IHIHIHI’M GONNA BEHEHE LAHAHATE!!” Bonnie howled as she now tried to wriggle out of her sister’s grip, “Should’a thought of that when you were taking a crack at Stu!” Janet laughed and Stu (had he had a visible mouth) smirked and reached for Bonnie's ribs “P-P-Payback’s nOt so-o-o-o sWEEt is it?” Stu asked and Bonnie howled “NO-NO-NO-NOHOHO AHAHAHAHA NOHOHO MOHOHORE!!” she laughed and kicked her feet in protest.

Janet and Stu tickled Bonnie for a few more seconds before they let her go, Bonnie held her sides and giggled for a minute before she pouted “Yohohou guhuys are mehehean..” Stu reared back with a dramatic gasp, “M-MEAN?! YoU young M-M-Missy sta-a-arted this!” Stu said and waggled his finger at her “You’re not supposed to team up on me!” Bonnie yelled and flailed her long sleeves at the stunt dummy robot. “Hey! Shouldn’t we be going? Don’t want you to be late to your match right?” Janet said and walked towards the front door, Bonnie jumped up and quickly ran over to her sister “YES! Finally! Let’s go!!!” Bonnie said and opened the front door and looked up to Stu. “You coming Uncle Stu?” Bonnie asked and bounced on her heels “YoOoU two g-go ahead. I-I’ll ca-a-tch up.” Stu said and gently waved his hand in a ‘shoo’ motion.

“Ok, but you better show up!” Bonnie said and ran out the door to go find her canon, Clyde. Janet looked at Stu and put a hand on her hip “You ok?” she asked “Y-Yeah, why?” Stu asked and tilted his head slightly “I dunno, you seemed upset earlier and your voice was glitching like crazy!” Janet said with concern “O-Oh. Ye-eah, I’m fine, do-o-on’t worRY ABOut me.” Stu said and gave her a thumbs up. Janet opened her mouth to say something when Bonnie shouted something and Janet looked out to her “COMING!” Janet said and closed the front door behind her.

Stu stood in the middle of the living room and let out a sigh, “H-H-How did I-I mANAGE tO Get stu-u-ck with THose crA-A-A-Azy kidz?” Stu laughed and grabbed his cape and headed out the door after his trio mates.

***

(UNGA BUNGA I'M BACK FROM THE DEAD)

Sonally Fic but 25 Years Later was just a dream...

Sally didn't know why, but her husband was acting very strangely. 

It had started ever since he'd woken up that morning.  He'd had a nightmare; that was nothing new.  Neither of them were at all short on traumas.  But... this time was different.  When she held him (as they often did for one another), he'd been tense.  Even with dreams of her roboticized, he was always very reciprocating in touch.  But he'd been distant at first. Then he started staring.

She'd noticed when he was getting coffee: Sonic never got coffee.  But as he stood in the kitchen, staring out at her on the couch in the living room, she found his gaze uncomfortably focused, and almost accusatory.  It was unlike him, and very uncomfortable.

"Say, babe," he said, making her jump.  "Do you think I look good in black?"

...what?

Sally blinked.  "I... sure," she said, cautiously.  To be fair, everyone looked good in black, but she couldn't for the life of her figure out what prompted the question.  "Why do you ask?"

In an uncharacteristically level tone, he said "no reason," shrugged, and walked away.  Not long after, she heard him sputter and cough.  He'd probably tried drinking the coffee.

It happened again around lunch. 

After she'd made herself a sandwich, Sally sat down at the table, only to feel the gaze of her spouse from the nearby doorway.  Pausing as she was about to take a bite, the chuirrel returned the look, raising an eyebrow.  This was starting to get irritating. 

"Is everything okay, Sonic?"

The hedgehog smiled, though not as warmly as would be normal. "Oh, peachy," he shot, finally looking away from her and around the dining room of their house. "Do you ever miss the palace?"

She hadn't expected that question.  She put down her sandwich, thinking about her response.  "As much as anyone misses their childhood home, I think."  She looked at him again.  "There are times when I wish our house had the same echo.  But then it would be too big."

Sonic made a noise.  "Even for the kids?"

"Oh especially for the kids," she said. "Can you imagine Sonia falling down those stairs?  I sure don't want to."

And then he was gone.

It was almost dinnertime.  Sonia and Manic were playing together in the living room, and Sally had tried to relax with a book.  Tried.  Her nerves were high, because Sonic had disappeared, and it was his turn to cook tonight.  She was going to try calling him again when she heard the roar of an engine outside.

It did not sound like one of their cars.

Opening the door, Sally felt her eyes open like spotlights at what sat in front of her.  Sonic stood, leaning up against a jet-black motorcycle.  Sunglasses sat on his head, and he wore a black leather jacket, and... were those rocketshoes??????

Before she could say anything, her two impressionable young children raced out past her legs, excited and cheering.  

"Dad, when did you get a motorcycle," Sonia shouted, already enamored with the chrome pipes.  

Sonic smiled a goofy smile.  He had doubtlessly planned on smirking, but he was in full dad-mode. "Try five minutes ago, kiddo!  I thought I'd skip to you and Manic's punk phases while I was out today.  

Manic threw up his arms. "I CAN'T WAIT TO BE A PUNK!"

It was then that she spotted the sidecar.  

"Honey," she said, trying not to clench her teeth, "I didn't know you could drive a motorcycle."

Sonic shrugged.  "I'm a fast learner, Sal.  Besides, we've all got our wild sides."  As he spoke, he stepped over to the sidecar, patting its chassis.  "Who wants McDonald's?!"

Later that night, as they stood by their bed, Sally couldn't hold it in.

"Alright, spill."

Sonic cocked his eyebrow. "Spill what?"

"Sonic Maurice Hedgehog, you've been acting strange all day," she shot.  "And your behavior has ranged from obnoxious to mean-spirited.  If I've done something to upset you, I'll apologize, but you don't get to be dodgy with me about stuff just because you feel wronged."

The moment she stopped talking, she felt her eyes tear up a bit.  That was surprising. She hadn't fully realized how much this had been bothering her.  But now that she could give her thoughts material, she felt their weight in full.  

As her eyes and attention refocused, she found Sonic standing as the absolute archetype of shame.  His ears bent back, flush with his head.  His viridian pupils avoided her at all costs.  He swallowed.

"You're right, Sal.  I've been immature.  I'm sorry."

While she now suddenly found it very hard to be mad at him, his apparent guilt didn't erase his earlier behavior.  "Well?  What did I do?"

He sighed.  "Nothing, Sally."

"Sonic, now is not the time to bury it in remorse."

Sonic shook his head.  "No, Sal, you literally didn't do anything.  I... had a dream."

That gave her pause.  The nightmare.  "Last night?"

"Yeah," he said.  He still wasn't looking at her.

"What was it about?"

The hedgehog sat on the bed. "It was... weird.  It was now, but different.  Wrong."  He finally looked up at her.  "You got married to Shadow."

What the fuck?

If Sally had been drinking anything, she'd surely spit it out.  Her?  And Shadow?  She held no feelings of resentment toward him, but really, they weren't even particularly close.  He and Sonic had some odd corn of brotherhood between them, but that was so unconventional that it rarely led to any sort of quality time.  But her?  And Shadow the Hedgehog?  He'd lost her there.

Sally sat down next to her husband.  At first, she tried to choose her words carefully.  But she was tired, and soon gave up. "Well that certainly is one wild dream.  Of all our friends, Shadow lands very far down the list of people I'd enjoy sharing a home with."

Sonic shrugged.  "Well, you both were there.  And you lived in the palace.  And you didn't have any kids.  And he wears the royal cape really well."  He looked at her. "You're... happy here, right?"

Sally met his eyes with hers.  She'd be the first to admit that her history with the man next to her had been tumultuous. But, in the end, it made what they had stronger.  "When you're not being an ass in a mid-life crisis, yes."  She cupped his face in her hand, and his own came up to cover it.  "I am very happy."  

She took a breath.  "Sonic, there's no part of me that regrets what we have.  You are my closest friend. I decided to marry you, I decided to live outside the palace, and I decided to have kids. If I wanted a 'bad boy,' I'd have tried literally anyone except for you."  

And Ken, she thought, who would probably have run himself over on that bike.  "You are my husband because I decided to say yes.  And I am happy here."

Sonic smiled at her, and for a good while, they sat together, heads leaning against one another as they basked in the soft light of their bedside lamps.  

"Can I keep the motorcycle?"

She thought.  "Only if you take me for a ride."

🖌🎡 for the ship ask!

Aww, thank you for the ask! I'm assuming you mean Vincent and Hanako so I'm gonna answer that for them :> Also I got carried away but that's a question that speaks into my headcanon 🥲

🖌 - Who's a better artist?

Hanako. That's not under discussion even if Vincent would try to object 🥲 Hanako has the artistic soul she's manifesting all the time. I HC that since Japanese standards are pretty strong on hiding emotions, she found a way to express herself exactly in art, music specifically. Most preferably it would be by playing piano.

Her love for the instrument and music is strongly showcased in the lore, with choices of Chopin and Debussy (Romantic and Impressionism, music eras strongly rooted in emotions) portraying that she is an strongly emotional individual. Aside from piano, we also know about her dance skills and that she plays koto too from her 2020 character sheet, so it only "confirms" my own theory.

So I HC that if she can, she plays piano daily, sometimes several times a day if needed (to release her emotional baggage) That's why she played Nocturne Op. 55 No. 1 just to wait for V, and her choice of what to play is strongly dependent on her own emotional state.

First time she played something for Vincent, was Moonlight Sonata, specifically 1st Movement, and then she asked him "Is this how love sounds like?". To which he responded "This must be very sad love. The one I feel is passionate, strong, and chaotic." Her response to that was playing 3rd Movement, and repeating the question, but Vincent still didn't agreed "It's closer, but it still lacks something... It's too aggressive, lacks... Serenity." Making her confused how chaos can be serene, when it hit her, and to that Hanako plays him a third piece that reflects everything from passion to chaos and a glimpse of serenity. Piece that made her cry as she was pressing the keys (but Vincent couldn't see it) and when she finished, he addmited "Yes, this is how love sounds like. Who wrote it?" And after she was sure her voice won't crack she revealed "I did. It's the sound I have in my head when I think of you.".

There's also the poem! My headcanon is that the shard "Death of a Mercenary, author unknown" is written by her, since it can be found in her bedroom. Also in my fanfic Highway Tune I included, that Hanako relates the new experiences with Vincent to a poem "I sing the Body Electric" she learned while learning English.

""Pinch me, 'cause I feel like dreamin'." Vincent murmured, and Hanako couldn't help but smile. They are truly living a dream right now. "I just got a good morning kiss from the most gorgeous creature on this planet."

She couldn't help but scoff at him.

"What? I'm hopelessly romantic." He said in a defensive tone, making Hanako bite her lower lip not to start laughing. She decided to add her piece too, so V won't feel alone in sharing his thoughts.

"There is something in staying close to men and women and looking on them, and in the contact and odor of them, that pleases the soul well,

All things please the soul, but these please the soul well. "

They didn't dare to break eye contact as she quoted the poem to him. V looked amazed by her words.

"You always have to be fancier, huh?"

So yeah, Hanako lives and breathes all kinds of art, BUT! Vincent is just a little bit of an artist himself too :> He's not practicing it so strongly like Hanako does, but he has a paper sketch book!

Vincent picked up traditional drawing "after" his own father. One of the very little possession that are left of him was his sketch book his mother took. So he grew up knowing his dad sketched everything around. Since actual sketching paper was expensive, Vincent was learning with anything and everything he could. At very young age it was sand on the ground and a stick, if he went somewhere it would be napkins and pen, etc. It wasn't anything like "I want to be an artist." It was rather something as a kiddo to impress his mom that he's just like his dad, and something to kill time when he got older. It became therapeutic even.

So at some point when he got the money, and life put on his way an art store, he bought his own sketch book and nice pencils. From now on he was drawing everything that was on his head. Would it be his friends, Jackie and Misty, or a gonk he killed and looked at his massacred face too long so it left a print on his memory that he had to get rid of. At some point it would be Johnny, and his memories. There will be his fears too, like before the parade he was drawing how he and Takemura would talk to Hanako (which his imagination portrayed way differently than the future actually was). Then after the parade it was Hanako, staring at him, unamused, knowing that he's the biggest fool on Earth for trying to kidnap her (it was Takemura tho!). And from there he fell into the rabbit hole when he was loosing his mind in the Arasaka's Space Station.

Jackie, Johnny and Hanako were his obsession according to Professor Kusama. While the first two didn't bothered Arasaka psychiatrists, all the versions of their boss he drew, were definitely disturbing for them. He was drawing her emotions, faces she did at him that he mesmerized. Her profile, hypnotic eyes, and bloody lips. His dreams of her amid the flowers, and lustful desires. Something from his head that wasn't meant for sharing that ended up in hands of Arasaka's doctors when they searched his room after he destroyed it. He dropped drawing for a while after that. But at some point, Hanako was willing to pose for him, and he couldn't deny her.

🎡 - Who gets scared on the ferris wheel?

None. They both are pretty used to more dangerous stuff, with Hanako using AV all the time, and Vincent... Just doing dangerous shit lmao.

Heaptober Day 14: the seventh son

Being a seventh son sounded cool, but it didn't mean very much at all, apparently. People said that Silas would be a great wizard, would do amazing things, but he couldn’t figure out how to do them. He simply wasn’t good enough (he was). He read slower than everyone else, except when he looked through a magnifying glass, which wasn’t really a practical thing for day to day use. He liked the Magyk, sure, but his interests lay in the weird, obscure, and interesting ways of doing things, and he often got them muddled with the ordinary, which meant people thought he couldn't do much at all.  Sometimes he agreed with them, until he got back to lessons with Alther, and he was encouraged to do more creative things. Silas knew he would never be Extraordinary, but he was beginning to accept that. Sarah helped him realize there was more to life than Magyk, and Alther helped him realize it was okay to move on, He was already an Ordinary, after all. He didn’t need to reach above and beyond when his interests lay in living life to the fullest, and not in wasting away his children’s most impressionable years.  He didn’t think he would have seven sons. That was too much pressure to put on a child. But if he did, he would make sure his kiddo knew that they could be anything, not just a wizard.  You know the rest. 

WHAT'S GOING ON? THIS IS PART TWO OF ME RIPPING APART DHAR MANN'S VIDEOS ABOUT FATPHOBIA! Whoo-hoo!

Before I get started, here's an obligatory trigger warning: This post will be talking about fatphobia, bullying, homelessness, mentioned ED, fat shaming, shaming a person FOR EATING, and the abused thanking his abuser AS AN ADULT for tormenting him as a young, impressionable teenage boy.

If any of that is triggering, upsetting, or makes you uncomfortable in any way, you don't have to read this post. Please consume media that sparks joy for you.

This time, there won't be a response from me about this video, like I usually do with all my Dhar Mann posts. If you want to see my response, refer to my first post about fatphobia (the one about the plus-size woman being fat shamed). It does tie in with this post, as my thoughts on this video are the exact same here. Yes, even though this is about a (at the time) plus-size black teenage boy being targeted. Search for the "dhar mann talk" tag and it's one of the most recent posts. I don't believe anyone should be shamed for their weight. Your weight doesn't hold any significance to your worth as a person. Don't let anything or anyone tell you otherwise.

With all of that out of the way, let's get to the video!

To sum up the video, it starts out with a plus-size black teenage boy (Kurt or "Big Boy", as he's called almost throughout the entire video) who's on a basketball court at school with his friend (Mike), a few other teenage boys, and Mike's uncle (Frank) is their coach. Mike is the captain on one team, Frank is the captain on the other team. They're picking teammates, and everyone is on a team except for Kurt and another boy. Frank says to his nephew to not pick Kurt (he called him "Big Boy" instead) because "he'd never win with him". LIKE THEY WERE PLAYING FOR THE NBA. CALM YOUR DICK. HOLY FUCKING HELL. THEY'RE KIDS.

Mike, not listening to his uncle (good for him), picks Kurt anyway. Kurt is happy and thanks his friend for picking him. Mike gives Kurt a shirt that looks at least a couple sizes too small for him and would be pretty uncomfortable to wear. This isn't Mike's fault, obviously. Kurt politely asks if they had a bigger shirt. Obviously not an unreasonable request. They're playing a sport that requires lots of movement (honestly, pretty much any sport would apply here, except for maybe golf or cricket) so it's understandable to want to at least be comfortable and have room to move around. Frank mocks A LITERAL TEENAGER with the whole "You think you're shopping at Big&Tall?" line and then says that's the only size they had (why couldn't they supply inclusive sizes in the first place, or at least ASK Kurt what his size was IN ADVANCE?), which....umm, I'm actually GLAD plus-size clothing for men (Big&Tall, in this case) is more readily available and accessible now. I'm happy plus-size clothing in GENERAL is like that now.

Mike comforts Kurt and says the shirt might fit. The shirt does KIND OF fit Kurt, but it's obvious he's uncomfortable. Look at this screenshot here:

Frank laughs at Kurt, says he looks like Barney The Dinosaur, and the other kids laugh along with their coach. This is NOT setting a good example for children, Frank. You're a fucking teacher. You're a COACH. You're supposed to be teaching these kids about sports and shit. You're supposed to be setting a good example for these kids about teamwork and sportsmanship. WHAT YOU'RE DOING TO A TEENAGE BOY, WHO IS MOST LIKELY ONE OF YOUR STUDENTS, IS TEACHING NONE OF THOSE THINGS. You're teaching these kids that bullying their peers for things they can't help having is okay. Do better. (I'd say that he's an adult and should act like one, but I'm an adult and I barely act like one a lot of the time, so that'd make me a hypocrite.)

While I may be fortunate to have had a physical education teacher who never bashed on me or shamed me for my weight and she would cheer me on for whatever amount of effort I made the first and only year I had actual P.E., I know that many other kids who are plus-size most likely has/had horrible P.E. teachers or coaches like Frank.

To anyone who has/had a teacher or coach like Frank, I'm so sorry, kiddos. You don't deserve to be bullied by your own teachers. I wish I could give all of you a hug, but I can give y'all virtual hugs instead! *virtual hugs* /p

So they play a game of basketball, and Kurt is struggling to fully play because the shirt he was given was probably cutting off some circulation, especially in his arms (again, do I need to reiterate that this was NOT Mike's fault and is FRANK'S fault for his ignorance and negligence). Frank mocks his nephew Mike by saying that he told him not to pick Kurt. Why? Because according to him, Kurt will never make anything of himself in life due to him being fat. (AGAIN, THIS IS NOT TRUE.)

Then it cuts to Kurt sitting with Mike, who's working on his car and Kurt's working on his own thing. Mike says he believes one day he'll own a nice, brand new Cadillac. Kurt is very supportive and cheers his friend on. He says that he believes he'll be one of the biggest radio show hosts and has a title for it called "Big Boy's Neighborhood". Both of them are hyping each other up. Love to see men supporting men. Mike pulls out his Walkman (they were HUGE back in the 80s and 90s because you could listen to the radio from anywhere, I have a Sony Walkman mp3 player, but it's a newer model), and Kurt says that he's always wanted one but couldn't afford it. (I'll go into why in a second.)

Frank comes over to reprimand Mike, who has done NOTHING WRONG, for talking to Kurt. Instead of working, which Mike WAS actually doing. He tries to tell his uncle this, but he wasn't having it. Frank then reprimands Kurt, who also has done NOTHING WRONG, for just sitting and apparently "distracting Mike" (he wasn't). He asks if there's any work he was supposed to do. Kurt FINALLY stands up to Frank in a polite, mature manner. He says that just because he wasn't working with his hands, it didn't mean he wasn't working. Frank ridicules Kurt some more, Mike tells his uncle to leave his friend alone, and Kurt stands up to Frank AGAIN, still being polite and mature. UNLIKE THE ACTUAL ADULT ACTING LIKE A CLICHÉ MIDDLE SCHOOL BULLY WHO PROBABLY PEAKED IN HIGH SCHOOL. How fucking ironic.

What does Frank do in response to Kurt standing up to him? INSULTS THE KID SOME MORE. He tells Kurt that he must have "pig fat for brains" (which is not only insulting to Kurt, but also insulting to pigs, because pigs are intelligent animals), takes his small bag of Doritos, and says that he "doesn't need to be eating anything." He eats Kurt's Doritos IN FRONT OF HIM, tells Mike to quit letting his friend make him lazy (he wasn't doing that at all), and to get back to work.

THAT line made me livid. I've actually thought that I didn't deserve to eat anything because I'm plus-size as a teenager, and into my adulthood at a few points in my life. NEVER say that someone doesn't need to be eating anything. (Obviously except for poisonous things, inedible objects, and things that could and will kill them.) You could cause them to develop an ED, or trigger an ED if they already have one. THAT'S NOT A GOOD THING. EDs are no joke. Whether it be starving, purging, or binge eating, none of them are fun to have and/or to deal with. Even if they DON'T develop an ED, their relationship with food will be all sorts of fucky-wucky. Some even for the rest of their lives. Unless you get proper treatment, of course.

When Frank leaves, Kurt is obviously upset. Rightfully so. How he's feeling is justified. Mike comforts him and says to not let Frank get to him. Mike offers to take Kurt home, but then realizes that his friend and his mom got evicted and are homeless. (This is why Kurt couldn't afford to buy a Walkman.) Kurt, still distraught, says that he'll just walk. Mike invites him over for dinner and that he'd drop him off after, which Kurt agrees to.

They're at Mike's house, having dinner, and Mike's parents are talking to Kurt. They're being supportive. Frank walks in to have his sister's cooking. He sees that Kurt's there. Mike's parents introduce Frank to Kurt, tells him Kurt's gonna be on the radio one day, Frank laughs and says Kurt's not gonna be anything. Kurt brushes it off. He says that his mom says that he can achieve whatever he wants (which is true, to a reasonable extent), Frank cuts him off and says his mom was lying to him, and that his mom knows he's gonna be a big loser.

Mike's dad tells Frank to leave Kurt alone. Mike's mom also says the same thing. Frank asks Kurt if his mom doesn't feed him at home, and what he was doing "eating up all their food" (he wasn't; he just had a singular plate). Mike and his mom tell Frank to stop. His mom explains that they invited Kurt over for dinner, and she tells her brother to sit down and eat. Frank then asks Kurt again if his mom doesn't feed him at home. Mike tells Frank that Kurt and his mom don't have a home because they just got evicted, which is a shock to the parents. Instead of having sympathy for a teenage boy who was on the streets with his mom, HE MOCKS HIM. WHO THE FUCK DOES THAT? Especially to a teenage boy who didn't do anything whatsoever to deserve being evicted from his home and be out on the streets with his mom. I've dealt with being evicted. I've dealt with homelessness. Out of no fault of my own. It's not funny, cool, glamorous, or anything like that. It's terrifying. I'm still traumatized by that experience and it happened four years ago. Sometimes I have nightmares about that kind of thing. The very possibility of becoming homeless and going through that again scares the shit out of me. The thought of it is so triggering for me that I will resort to reverting back to things I used to do when I was a kid. It also doesn't help that I will NEVER be able to afford an apartment on my own where I live now and will probably have to rely on at least two or three roommates and/or family to get by. Thanks a lot, Boomers.

I would never wish what I went through on anyone. Anyways, back to the whole summary of the video.

Kurt gets up and leaves the table. Mike tries to go after his friend to make sure he was okay, but Frank stops his nephew. ONLY WHEN KURT LEAVES DOES FRANK ALL NONCHALANTLY SAY THAT HE'S STARVING AND THAT THEY SHOULD ALL EAT. Despite Frank making Kurt as well as his (Frank's) own family upset.

Kurt walks to where his mom is. His mom notices that he's upset. Kurt tells his mom that it's because of Frank. His mom comforts him and gives him the advice that she gave him before. Kurt is still obviously too upset to take anything she's telling him, bringing up that they're homeless and broke, and his mom is desperate to help comfort her son. She gives him his birthday present early, which happens to be a Walkman. Kurt is shocked. He thought they didn't have that kind of money. His mom says not to worry about that. She pokes some lighthearted fun at her son, he thanks her, and he asks her a question. He asks if she believes he'll be successful or if she's saying that to make him feel better. She asks if he believes he'll be successful (yep), and he tells her that when he succeeds, he'll buy them a house so they don't have to be homeless anymore or worry about getting evicted.

Fast forward to adulthood, Kurt becomes a bouncer, meets someone who works at a radio station, and he goes there. Just to have people laughing at him. He's distraught again and leaves the station, thinking that he made a bad decision. Frank happens to come by, see that Kurt was upset, and asks what's wrong. Kurt tells him what happened, and Frank mocks him AGAIN with the same shit he told him when he was a TEENAGE BOY, now as a YOUNG ADULT. He walks off, laughing.

Nice going! /s Kicking Kurt while he's down JUST LIKE OLD TIMES, RIGHT? FUCK YOU.

Kurt then decides that he's gonna lose weight and be the best radio show host. (Toxic much? Why would you try to preach that your weight = your worth as a person? If you're losing weight for yourself, great! I'm happy for you! If you don't want to lose weight, you don't give a fuck about what people say, and you're happy in your own skin, that's awesome too! Do it for yourself, not for anyone's approval. Try to love yourself and accept yourself in any form you're in. Don't fall for the bullshit that you have to be a certain size or look a certain way for you to love and accept yourself. The weight may be gone, but the rest of your issues will still be there. I have to clarify that I meant this in GENERAL, not necessarily for extremities on either side of the spectrum of weight...because there are things you MUST follow.)

Kurt gets back to the station, ignores all the people being assholes, he's doing his thing, and he's climbing up.

Fast forward to when Kurt is middle-aged. He has his own radio show, and he's one of the biggest names in the radio industry. After he finishes up his show, he goes outside to see a couple of young fans. A young black girl with her brother, a plus-size boy. They say how much they love his show, they got his merch, and the boy tells Kurt that he wants to be just like him. The boy doubts himself though because of people abusing him JUST LIKE what Kurt went through. Kurt empathizes with the boy and tells him a little bit about his own experience. Following them is Frank as an old man. They're his grandkids.

Frank recognizes Kurt, and actually apologizes to him for the torment he put him through as a teenager. WHAT A SHOCK. /srs

Kurt takes it with grace, but says that he should be thanking Frank for all the torment. Why? Because it "motivated him". The girl says that she loves that. (Okay, since she's a kid and there's still time for her to change her mind about certain things, I'm not going to be as harsh here. I don't bash on the kids unless they're doing or saying extremely fucked up things willingly. She didn't say this with bad intentions. I understand you're coming from a good place, and I appreciate that, but please hear me out. This wasn't at all like dealing with edgy thirteen year olds on the internet. This man you look up to was abused by your grandfather in his youth. Your brother is experiencing that same torment your idol went through...at a younger age too, it seems like. The kid looks no older than middle school age [ten or eleven at the YOUNGEST to maybe thirteen or fourteen at the OLDEST]. That's a huge problem. Kurt may have "toughed it out", but that might not be the case for your brother. Please don't excuse that kind of behavior.)

Dude...what the actual fuck? I can understand not being bothered by the hate, but this grown ass man literally VERBALLY AND EMOTIONALLY ABUSED YOU AS A YOUNG, IMPRESSIONABLE TEENAGE BOY, CONTINUING INTO ADULTHOOD, and you're THANKING Frank for all of that? Why should you thank your abuser for what he put you through? He didn't contribute ANYTHING to your success. So I guess abuse is a GREAT contribution to people's success now, right? /s It doesn't contribute to anything, in my opinion. Yes, what doesn't kill you can make you stronger, but can we normalize people becoming weaker to a point due to traumatic events? Because they exist. Demonizing survivors who have become weaker to some degree or just flat-out ignoring them isn't helping. You did the thing you wanted to do, Kurt. Frank didn't help you. The person who really helped you was YOU and your mom.

MOVING ON.

The boy asks Kurt if he thinks he'll ever be able to make it as a radio show host. Kurt asks if HE believes that. The boy says he does. Kurt gives him some advice and gives the boy his Walkman. The boy's ecstatic, they leave, and Kurt goes to meet up with his mom.

Keeping to his promise, Kurt bought his mom a house so she'd never be homeless again and never have to worry about being evicted. (HOW LONG WAS SHE HOMELESS FOR? OH MY GOD. THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO KNOW. I hope you at least let her stay with you or something. They never went into that, unfortunately.) She's very grateful. The video ends there.

My personal thoughts on the video: Another piss poor video....but worse! Because it was a COLLAB. And based on a true story. Good going with taking this man's story of being abused by a grown adult to exploit for your personal gain, Dhar Mann! WOW. LOVE THAT! Totally a good look. /s

What I took from this video is that if you're plus-size, according to Dhar Mann, you'll apparently NEVER be successful, let alone be taken seriously...which is an absolute lie. There are many plus-size people who are very successful. Another thing I took from the video is that apparently according to Dhar Mann, being verbally and emotionally abused as a teenager by a grown adult all the way into adulthood is "motivation" for you to work harder to reach your goals. (Nice going, Dhar Mann. Justifying grown adults abusing children. Who would've thought? /s)

Oh, and it's like MANDATORY to thank your abusers for tormenting you when you become successful! (Obviously this is an exaggeration. This is me using Dhar Mann's logic against him.) You want to thank them for making you stronger? Fine. You want to spit in their face and say, "Fuck you." to them? Also fine. You want to just never acknowledge them ever again? Totally fine. Whatever you want to do, that's fine by me, but can you not imply that "thanking" your abusers is mandatory in some way?

If you made it this far, thank you! I hope you're having a good morning/day/afternoon/evening/night. Stay safe, y'all. Love you. /p

pool day out

tags: (request) tw mentions of death, upset Gwen, Gwen has a meltdown, Wade teases Gwen, Wade cares for regressed Gwen.

description: big Gwen and wade hang out by a fancy poolside, babey Gwen slips out and spills the beans on big Gwen's worries. fluff ensues.

"So..." Gwen spun around to glare at Wade. "So?"

Gwen's raised brow set Wade's anxiety through the roof, Wade was only scared of one thing in this world and it sat right in front of him, with a sour look upon her face... yikes whatever he did it wasn't good.

With a heavy sigh Wade dropped his duffel bag by a beach chair and sprawled out.

"Whats with the face? did the wind blow he wrong way?" "very funny!"

Gwen quipped back, tossing her bag onto his stomach, causing the man to let out a pained wheeze, "Geeze, what ya got in here kid? a buncha bricks?" The joke only seemed to sour his friends mood even more. "Oh come on! we are in a five star hotel, with a two day break to relax! don't tell me... have you been hanging around the rabid man? he's a bad example! he's all 'responsibility this! no killing war prisoners that!' he cant be left alone with young impressionable murder machines like you!"

The man sighed and tutted, babbling on about how Charles should control his man pet, which only seemed to stoke the budding rage growing in his counterpart.

deep down Gwen knew the crazy maniac sat across from her was right, they were on a break to rest before an upcoming mission, in Hawaii of all places! in the most best kept secret that she had ever laid eyes upon. It was straight out of those sappy romantic comics she'd read when she had a particularly bad day at home.

Home.

That's all Gwen could think about.

its been a year since she showed up in the comic world with no real sign of the outside. This was all becoming a bit to permanent for her liking, and all the things she had done were slowly weighing down on her increasingly smoll shoulders.

The male mercenary practically gave himself whiplash when he turned to face the sniffling girl.

"Uncle...Uncle Wade?" uh oh, he knew what was happening. where was the choccy milk when he needed it? "Unc Wayyyyyyyy" Gwen wailed, flinging herself into her uncles arms.

"Woaaahhhhh kiddo? whats goin on buddy?"

All Gwen could do was heave and hiccup, going on about how uncle wade was gonna be written out with all of her friends.

This wasn't the first time Wade had experienced one of the regressors meltdowns,

the first one he saw was the week after a close friends 'disappearance'. Everyone knew what happened to the friend was a bit more permanent then a simple disappearance but Gwen became far to distressed when it was addressed as anything other then a run away. All he could remember was her... sat in front of the window for a full month, refusing any temptation to leave her spot in fear she would miss her friends return, and all she would talk about was how they were to important to be written out.

needless to say that was the worst time in recent memory for everyone, and Wade still had nightmares about it.

"Heyyy, come on don't talk like that! of course i'm not gonna get canned! The pool... is too cool~" The usual sarcastic and foul mouthed anti hero retreated into his old caring ways, picking up the distressed girl in front of him in order to cradle her, in hopes it would lull her into a sleep or ease her nerves. "I know a lot has happened lately darlin, and everything feels icky and those little eyes have seen to much but.... uncle Wade promises everything will get better. He'll make sure it will. Do ya think uncle should call Ronnie and ask for a week off work so you can have more rest hmm?"

The tears and hiccups slowed as soon as Gwen felt the strong arms of her friend, causing Wade to grin. He secretly loved that he was smoll Gwen's favourite person, and the fact that she trusted him with her regression much less her worries melted his heart (although he would never admit it.)

After a few more moments of silence Gwen had mustered up the courage to nod and lean into Wade's affection, silently telling him that she was ready for nap time. one last hearty chuckle left Wade's throat as he picked up his phone and dialed the number of their boss. "Alright munchkin, give uncle a minute to call Ronnie, then he'll find the fluffiest pair of pjs for ya so we can get comfy for a cartoon day. How''s that sound?"

A small grunt was the only response he received from the already half asleep girl, who was ready to drift of and dream of happier days that were to come.

Love your MHA/Hetalia quirk headcanons! Do you think Matthew would be invisible like Hagakure, or maybe have permeation like Mirio? What about the Nordics? You can't tell me Iceland wouldn't be the same as Todoroki ;)

Matt: For Mattie I had something totally different in mind! I wanted to stay away from the whole ‘no one remembers me’ thing and give him something very unexpected instead! I think he’d have something like Present Mic! Where his voice pierces people’s ears and makes them bleed. So he communicates in sign language or writes in a notepad cause him talking at a ‘normal volume’ will still damage peoples ears!!! So he’s just quiet :) but out in the field, he’s a very scary opponent!!!

Tino: I actually intended for Tino and Berwald to be adults here. Tino does not have a quirk but he’s very supportive of his husbands hero job!! He is a teacher for elementary school kids! His classes are mixed with quirk and non quirk having kids so he still has to be strong in order to wrangle them all. He always teaches them that no one is better than anyone else because he doesn’t want these kiddos to feel bad about themselves. He always felt like an outcast in school cause he didn’t have a quirk so he makes sure these kids feel their best and are proud of themselves no matter what! Little kids are impressionable!!

Berwald: Ber is the ‘Iron Fist’, a pro hero :0 he is getting close to retirement because he has kids now and doesn’t want to be out in the field as much as he is now. He’d still do hero work!! Just not nearly the same amount. He can turn himself into metal, making him a SCARY opponent. If you punch him you’ll break your fist. And if he punches you? He’ll break your face. He stops in at the hero academy he graduated from to make speeches and stuff but he is the kind of guy who avoids the public eye when he can :)

Matthias: This guy is nuts lmao he can shape shift parts of his body into things, if that makes sense. He can turn his arm into a sword, his fist into a hammer, his legs into springs so he can jump high (thats his favorite move). He also enjoys turning his head into a square and saying he’s Minecraft Steve. As an opponent, he’s very strong!! This guy lifts weights like a champ and when he does springy legs, he can move very fast! He wanted his hero name to be ‘The Shifter’ but everyone started calling him ‘The Shitter’ so now he’s gotta think of something else lmao

Lukas: For him I used Tara from Teen Titans as a reference :) Lukas can lift up rocks and the ground and throw them around. He isn’t a great combative fighter but he can do some serious damage! Imagine you’re fighting and you just get fuckin slammed by a slab of concrete that he lifted from the parking lot??? Ouch. He inhereted this quirk from his dad and was trained at a young age so he’s very skilled in fighting and controlling himself. Thank goodness...you wouldn’t want him to accidentally throw a rock a little TOO hard...ouch. By the time Emil is a freshman, Lukas is already graduated and is trying to find a job as a sidekick or something in a small hero agency just to get himself started

Emil: Emil has power simaliar to Bakugo but instead of explosions, he just shoots lava out of his hands. It’s very freaky to watch and his hands are very scarred and mangled from it. He wears gloves at all times. He inhereted this as a mix of his father’s earth manipulation quirk and his mom’s fire breathing quirk. He can shoot a stream of lava a few meters (meters again bb) and of course itll severly injure whoever he’s fighting. Emil is a quiet guy and he doesn’t actually intend on being a hero after school, that was more of a childish dream. This will look really good on his resume though :) he actually dreams of being a writer and has many short stories that have gotten writing awards

johnkat month day ????: the inevitable johnkat babies

HEEHOO ITS TIME TO TALK ABOUT MY BASTARD CHILDREN

okay so on the top we have our signature johnkat kiddoes, cason and casey. very creative names i know. anyways! this is what happens when you dont use protection kids. poor dear sweet casey was certainly not created on purpose, but nonetheless planned to be loved dearly. unfortunately for everyone involved homegrown organic hybrids do not usually turn out well, especially with species so far apart from eachother genetically. nobody knew what to expect, but everything involved with her being painful was not one of them. the poor thing could hardly breathe without crying in pain, and it was a miracle she made it to two years old before inevitably kicking the bucket. it was horrible and quite traumatic. nobody wanted to repeat that again, and the next in line, jones, odd child of rose and kanaya, was safely ectobiolotized. jones, though her mothers cared for her dearly, never really had any friends growing up. maybe because if you stared too long you could hear the whispers of something dark, and rather brooding. cason, surprisingly, is the second oldest. he was a gross ectobaby like jones, but still not quite planned. it was a rush, since no one was sure how long the mutantblood lifespan was. and truly, they wanted to make up for casey. casons younger years were spent being absolutely coddled. he could do nearly anything, and get away with it. which would stick in his mind for the rest of his life. a ghost sibling no one else could see certainly helped with getting away with cheating on first grade tests. with everything at his fingertips, cason was bound to turn out the way he did. tippie is the youngest of the group, and child of nepeta and terezi. though she was cared for as best as her parents could manage, they werent sure how the whole parenting deal was supposed to go. maybe thats why she ended up being so impressionable. tippie saw this aloof, jerk of a boy in cason and thought that, maybe she could fix him. just like her novels told her. of course that wasnt going to happen. this poor girl who sought to be his moirail, cason only saw another pawn to his chessgame of life. and through all of this, there was casey. ghost life is not kind to children, even with (vriska) taking her under her wing, she couldnt find a purpose in post-life. all she had then was her brother, and making sure he is happy. even if theres nothing else to do. its not like anybody else could see her, after all.

I have to ask how did Qrow and Juanes family react to the kids in Missing for a Year

Missing For A Year Part 3

Ruby: “Miss Goodwitch, thank you so much!” *Large Anime Tears fall down her face*

Glynda: “You’re welcome Miss Rose, although I do recommend keeping a closer watch of your children while at events in the future.”

Both Ruby and Jaune nodded rapidly to her sound advice, who will make sure to take the advice to heart.

Ruby/Jaune: “We promise we will!”

Glynda: “Good. Now.” *lifts up her riding crop directly at the ice block*

*CRACK!*

The ice prison around the two newlyweds had been broken apart, freeing them so that the two can freely move again. Much to the joy of the two leaders and displeasure of a disgruntled ice queen.

Qrow: *approaching* “Well I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Does it kiddo.”

Ruby: “Uncle Qrow!” *petal bursts out of the ice cube and launches herself at him*

Qrow: “Oof!” *catches her while laughing* “Geez pipsqueak! I’m not as young as I use to be, you could be a little gentler...”

Ruby: “Sorry I’m just so excited to see you again!”

Qrow: *hugs her tightly* “Yeah me too.”

Ruby: “I’m sorry it took so long.” *hangs head in shame*

Qrow: “Hey none of that alright. What’s happened has happened, no use in crying over spilled milk. Just seeing that you’re alive and well is all I need.”

Ruby: “You too. I know we’ve been gone for awhile but we missed you all so very much and I wished we could’ve come back sooner to you all.”

Qrow: “Well maybe remember to stamp your letters next time.” *he jokes*

Ruby: “It was a honest mistake!”

Qrow: *laughs and ruffles her hair* “Whatever you say kiddo.”

Ruby: “Meanie...to think I almost named one of my children after you.”

Qrow: “Probably a good call that you didn’t. Don’t need to have a kid named after me until I’m at least in the grave.”

Ruby: “Oh ha-ha.”

Jaune finished swiping of all the ice residue on his person then rubs his hands together rapidly to warm them up. Being trapped in a large ice cube wasn’t very comfortable in the least. His mother helps her son by removing her scarf and wrapping it around his hands.

June: “Are you alright sweetie?”

Jaune: “Yeah just a bit frosty.”

Yang: “...Did he?”

Taiyang: “I think he just did.”

Jaune: “What? I can make puns too. You all didn’t originate them.”

Taiyang: “Ok fair enough.”

Jaune: “Oh yeah by the way...are we cool?” *gestures between himself and his father-in-law*

Taiyang: “Well considering that you pretty much married my daughter behind our family’s back, I should be furious. But since you’ve already made me a grandfather I can’t really stay mad at you.”

Jaune: “Really?”

Taiyang: “No.”

Jaune: “Figured.”

Taiyang: *laughs* “Relax kid, I’m just messing with you. Glad to have you in the family.”

Jaune: “Thanks.” *smiles*

June: “Speaking of grandchildren...YOINK!” *takes an infant Rowan/Summer from Taiyang and Yang*

Taiyang/Yang: “Hey!”

June: “Hello my little darlings~ I’m so happy to meet you two. Look at how big you two are already. I’m your Granny June and I love you both so much! Oh you’re both so cute~” *she coos as she cradled the two infants rocking them to and fro*

Jaune: “Uh mom, I know you’re excited about your new grandchildren but you should really-.”

June: “Oh come now Jaune I’ve raised eight kids including you so I think have this under-!”

Summer: *gurgling noises with her face turning green*

June: “...oh no.” *face paled*

*BLEEEGH!*

What Jaune tried to warn his mother about was that Summer was unfortunately cursed with his inherited motion sickness. As such Summer did not like to be rocked otherwise it would lead to her spit up all over said person’s shirt.

June: “....oh dear.” *looks down at her ruined dress*

Ruby: *gasp!* “Mrs. Arc I’m so sorry!” *grabs a tissue and tries to clean it off*

Jaune: “I tried to warn you.”

June: “That’s ok, this isn’t something I haven’t gone through before. Although I would be more than grateful if you could take back these two while I get cleaned up.” *handing their babies back to them*

Ruby: “Are you sure you don’t want me to help? I feel really bad.”

June: “It’s alright dear. I’ve raised eight children after all, so there’s nothing to worry about. Jaune, be a dear and introduce your children to the rest of the family before your sisters complain about not seeing their new niece and nephew, ok?”

Jaune: “Sure.”

As June Arc was making her leave most, of not all of Jaune’s sisters swarmed them just as she said they would.

Rouge: “Oh my goodness look at you two!”

Saphron: “You’re so small and look so cute!”

Vert: “What’s their names little bro?”

Jaune: “Uh, This is Rowan and Summer.” *points at each of his children*

Bleu: “Do they have all their necessary shots?” *adjusts her glasses*

Jaune: “What? No, they’re barely three months old!”

Noir: “Why didn’t you tell us you two eloped?”

Blanc: “And how did you get pregnant so fast?”

Ruby: “W-Well we wanted to marry after the war so that’s what we did.”

Violet: “How can you tell which is a boy and girl?”

Arc Siblings/Ruby: .....

Violet: “What? It’s a legitimate question.” *shrinks in embarrassment*

Nicholas: “Girls.”

At the sound of his voice all the Arc women made way for the patriarch of their family. He walked towards the brand new couple/parents, his towering figure nearly encompassing them in shadow.

Nicholas: “Son.”

Jaune: “Hey Dad...long time no see. Heh”

Arc Sisters: *winces*

Terra: *facepalms*

Ruby: *whispering* “Really?”

Jaune: “Uhhh. So! ...How are you?”

Saphron: *mouthing ‘NO!’*

Jaune: “I mean. What I mean to say is-!”

Nicholas: “Stop.” *raises his palm*

Jaune: 0x0

Nicholas: “What’s done is done. There’s no use to bringing up the past.”

Jaune: “Right...”

Nicholas: “But I am very happy to see you alive.....and apparently with a wife and children.” *rests his raised hand on Jaune’s shoulder*

Jaune: “...Thanks Dad.”

Nicholas: *nods then removes his hand* “So if I heard correctly, this one is Rowan and this one is Summer right?” *gestures to the two infants*

Ruby: “Yessir. My tiny little blessings.”

Nicholas: “...heh. I see you’ve adopted June’s nicknaming habit.”

Ruby: “Yep.”

Nicholas: “Mm. Looks like you have a keeper my son.”

Jaune: “I’m lucky to have her.” *one arm hugged Ruby*

Ruby: *smiles*

Nicholas: “Good. Don’t do anything stupid to mess it up. You hear me boy.”

Jaune: “Wouldn’t dream of it sir.”

Rowan/Summer: “Ahh!” *make curious baby noises*

Nicholas looks down to see both Rowan and Summer then bends his knees, lowering his large frame to look into the little ones. They looked at the older Arc curiously, looking at his aged but still strong facial features and Summer was brave enough to reach out touch the older man’s beard. This caused Summer to giggle as the hair tickled her tiny fingers, causing Nicholas to laugh softly at the child’s pure laughter. Rowan followed soon after Summer and he giggled as well once he felt Nicholas’ beard.

Nicholas: “Hello little ones, I am your grandpa. I am pleased to meet you.” *he said with what could be called a genuine smile*

Ruby: “ohhhh” *she watches the display in amazement* <3

Qrow: “WOW Nicky, I think you just made a genuine smile on your face.”

Nicholas: “Qrow...”

Qrow: “Hey don’t scare the babies now! They’re impressionable.” *while smirking*

Ruby: “Qrow be nice.” *she chides her honorary uncle/mentor*

Qrow: *raises his hands in mock surrender*

Ruby: “Hey Rowan, look this my Uncle Qrow. Isn’t he cool?”

Rowan: *head tilts* “Ah?”

Ruby: “Yes he’s the coolest uncle ever. You want him to hold you?”

Qrow: “Uh Ruby I don’t-.”

Ruby: “Here you go.” *moves Rowan into his arms*

Qrow: “Wait Ruby don’t-! Ok here we go. Uh hey there kid. Nice to...meet you.”

Rowan: ....

Ruby: “It’s ok Qrow, he’s only a baby. He won’t bite.”

Qrow: “Right. Um, heh, You look a lot like your mom. Kinda surprised that your supposed to be the boy.”

Rowan: .... *hrk!* *BLEGH!*

Qrow eyes widen but it was already too late, all he could do was look down and see that Rowan had just spit up all over his new shirt. Both parents gave nervous looks but also tried not to laugh at Qrow’s expense. Taiyang, Yang, Nicholas, and the seven Arc sisters, however, did not follow their example, laughing their guts out.

Rowan: *giggles and points at Qrow*

Qrow: “Oh now you find me funny. Don’t ya, you lil’ gremlin.” *eye twitches*

Ruby: “Hey I’m sure he didn’t mean to do that!”

Yang: “Hahahaha! I don’t know Ruby, he seemed pretty determined to puke all over Qrow!” *covering her mouth*

Qrow: “Well at least I know you’re your Mother’s kid. You’re a brat through and through.”

Ruby: “Hey!”

June: “Ok I’m back what did I-...Oh dear. Apparently both children have motion sickness.”

Nicholas: “No dear, it’s just the boy knows how to get back at others.” *he smiles in pride of his progeny*

-Fin-

A/N: Boy did this one take me awhile to get done. I had a lot of ideas for how this were to go and tried to fit them all in so hope I met your expectations. Thanks again for your support! 😊

P.S. I did my best to make names for the remaining Arc sisters and I decided to simplify and translate the names of the girls in accordance to their color from the portrait we saw in Volume 6 in Saphron’s house. Also keep in mind I have no idea what the age difference is just know I did my best and this will be my head canon until proven otherwise.

Rouge = Eldest (Red w/ Short Hair)

Saphron = Second (Orange that was Upside down. Her name is closer to orange so yeah)

Vert = Third (Green)

Blanc/Noir = Twins (Ok so they had blue bows but the also look to be wearing black and white so I went with that to avoid confusion)

Bleu = Sixth (Blue w/ Glasses)

Violet = Neña (Violet, no brainer)

Jaune = Youngest (Yellow. Ok so he appears to be the youngest from the photo as most of the time the most recent child is at the center of most family pictures. But again I could be wrong but I stand by what I said until CRWBY says otherwise...probably)

Returning a Favor | A Marvel AU Fanfic, Chapter 1

Uhm, Ive never actually posted on tumblr before, and also never written about Marvel, so I hope if anyone even reads this, you will hopefully be nice ^^

So, anyways, this is a scene from an Idea I had, it takes place in the time between Spiderman Homecoming and Avengers Infinity War. If you like the idea or my writing style, make sure to let me know, so I can continue my Idea^^

I actually recommend to listen to some music while reading this, I suggest a dark academia, royal core playlist on youtube. (I think its suits this story the best, but you do you)

Okay I should stop blabbering, Lets go!

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Title of Chapter: Ballroom Talk

Word Count: 2,4k

Other Chapters: Ch.1, Ch.2

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The music hangs heavy in the air, as you leaned against the wooden railing of the staircase. Dozens of couples twirled and turned over the marble floor and the golden chandeliers, lit with real candles set the ballroom in a magnificent golden light. Golden specks of dust whirled through the air and the movement of the puffy skirts only made them twirl even more.

You looked down your crystal glass, hmm, empty. Sighing you placed your glass on the platter of a waiter that walked by you. Your gaze crossed the room, looking at the majestic oil paintings, probably worth thousands of dollars. Decadent.

Your eyes met brown. Great, the eyes you were trying to forget. You adverted your gaze and turned around, the skirt of your dress swaying as you made your way down the side of the ballroom, trying to get away. “Excuse me.”, said a voice behind you. You sighed.

“look, I don’t have time for this right now.” You turned around and he stood in front of you. Towering at least 2 feet over you normally, he now was eye to eye with you. Heels do seem have a good point. “I know, I’m really sorry, but I was told to do this.”, he said, so he knew too, that it was just an annoyance, rather than a mission. Gosh, he sounded so much like a teenager, it was almost embarrassing.

“I know too. But I am not joining your little team of ´Revengers´”, you painted quotation marks in the air and even though the half mask on his face managed to hide his emotion quite well, you were sure you could see him snarl. You chuckled lightly. “Let me guess, your friends are right out there, ready to crash the party any moment”. You nodded your head towards one of the stained-glass windows. “Okay, kiddo.”, you began. Actually, you weren’t quite sure how old he was, he seemed at least your age, if not older, but you liked the way it railed him up.

“I know that normally, we would have a nice fight of words and then your teammates come crashing in, saving you, because you obviously aren’t strong enough to handle me on your own. You and your friends set everything on fire, I get away and yet again you think you’ve won because you’ve killed another ten old bastards, that don’t mean anything to us. But you need the accomplishment, and we don’t want you to feel like you always destroy everything without any results. And yet you do.”

He opened his mouth, trying to defend himself, but you simply talk over him. “Let’s face it. You couldn’t find a point to start your search, so you thought you would show up here, thinking that we are dumb enough to not disguise a hidden meeting better than a ball. And you thought you could crash this meeting but then noticed, that it is a real ball. And now you want information, so they sent you in her, totally blending in with everybody here.” You reach for his neck and fix the collar of his button up.

“But now you noticed that there is no one important here, that actually has information. And I know that your teammates probably realised this, but I’m not quite sure if you are intelligent enough to do too, so I’m throwing you this bone.” You make an eccentric pause. “Peter, have you noticed that not even one important person is here.”, you pointed towards the dancefloor. “And you know why? Because there is a hidden meeting, but we all know that you and your little team aren’t even remotely clever enough to even think about this, so we sat up this ball. Of course, that’s not the only reason, its also to get rich old bastards on our side, feeding them with bacon wrapped dates and hors d´oeuvres and telling them that we are this”, you pinch your fingers together. “Close to curing cancer.”

“Are you serious?”, Peter brushes his hand trough his hair. “So this is all a setup to lead us into the false direction?”. “You look distressed”, you say and reach for the tablet of yet another waiter that walks by. “Here, try some of that, it will calm you down, but yes, this is just a setup”. You take the glass and press it into Peters’ hand. He doesn’t seem to pay attention to you though, his hand lays on his ear and the other, with the glass, he raised up to his mouth. “Did you hear that Mr Stark?”, he asked.

You try to swallow a giggle. “So, I was right”, you say and turn around, making your way down the corridor. “You really couldn’t think one step further and realise that we aren’t dumb enough to hide secret things better, tsk.”

It takes Peter a few seconds to notice you are leaving, but when he does, he is sprinting down the corridor after you. “Wait!”, he yells. “Come on Peter”, you answer annoyed, it comes out as a snarl. “Why are you so relentless? You had the mission to get information, I gave you information. Its not my fault that the information is that you suck”

“Hey! We don’t suck!”, he defends and jumps around, side to side, trying to move in front of you, but your massive skirt is blocking his way, making him dance around you. Though you must admit that even though this tight corset and the puffy skirt annoy you, you can’t seem to help but thank the 18th century fashion for making people stay away from you.

“Why don’t you just go back to your friends outside, because as you can see, there is nothing interesting here, just a bunch of old dudes, dancing with young and impressionable girls on the search for a rich sugar daddy”, You say. You are really done with this shit.

“I don’t think we have that what we want yet”, a voice came from in front of you. To be fair, you didn’t expect anybody else here, which made you stop in your tracks. You needed a Minute to calm your muscles again, trying to keep your masquerade on. “Oh, thank god”, Peter huffs out from behind you. Great, you are stuck.

You raise one side of your mouth to a smirk. “Captain America, didn’t expect to see you here. Thought you would be busy with squeezing yourself into those tight spandexes.”, you say. “Though I must say, tailcoats suit you much better, you should make them into your uniform, rather than that ridiculously patriotic Costume you always wear.” “I could say the same to you, oh, wait, you look like the wallpaper of my grandma exploded on you”, he says and grins. “Ouuh, burn”, You say mockingly. “You know you could just say you like me better without clothes”, You say and glance back over your shoulder. Only to find that Peter is blushing, you look back at Cap, he’s blushing too. Double kill.

“Well, if you would excuse me Gentleman, I’ve got a dinner date to keep”, You try to manoeuvre your skirt around Cap, but he positions himself right in front of you. “I don’t think so.”, he crosses his arms over his chest. “That’s not very nice, to keep a lady from following her plans”, You say and try once again, but he takes a step sideways, blocking your path yet again. “Let’s see it like this”, Cap begins. “You can either talk with me right now, or we will take this outside and you can see if you were right with the assumption that it takes more people than one to fight you.

You sigh. “Nice move, America. Taking advantage of the girl in heels, so it can’t run away.” You turn around and look at Peter. He has taken off his mask and you lock eyes with him. “Well then kiddo”, you say and open your hand. “Give me your glass, if you don’t use it, then don’t mind if I do” He hands you the wine glass and you throw your head back, downing it in one swift motion. You place the glass onto a side table and motion for Captain America to follow you. “You want to dance?”, you ask. He lifts an eyebrow. “So, you really wanna fight”, he asks. “Nah, not now. I mean it literally, if I have to spend more time here, then why don’t use it”

He turns around to look at Peter. “Go outside, I will meet you there, if I don’t come out in ten Minutes send them in” You can’t help but snicker at this and now its your turn to cross the arms over your chest. “Are you so afraid of me? The mighty Captain America- Oh wait, the mighty one was Thor, wasn’t it? Well anyways, I’m gonna spend the rest of my evening on the dance floor”

With those words you make your way back to the ball room. The music is still the same, eerily beautiful, like from an old historian drama. You reach the end of the hallway and look at the Captain. He reaches into the inside of his tailcoat and pulls out a velvet mask. “Glad to see you thought about bringing one yourself, I counted on the fact that I would have to lend you one of mine.” You tap onto your mask. A light beige, velvet half mask, adorned with blue pearls and light blue lace. It matched with your dress.

He holds out his elbow and you interlock your arm into his. You make your way to the dance floor, its not a formation dance, so you don’t stick out when you two join in in a free space. He places his hand on the side of your body and you reach out to place your hand in his. You begin the turn around the floor, not thinking about a choreography.

“Okay, Mr. America”, you say, now quieter, although the music and the chitter chatter all around you should make it hard for anybody else to hear your conversation. “You have this one dance, if you want to talk any longer, we will have to fight. And we both know that a fight will end in at least on person to be hurt. And I don’t know why, but I don’t think it will be me.”

He meets your stern gaze with just as much aversion. “I do think too that one dance is more than enough”. “By then, start your questions”. You turn outwards and twirl yourself back in under his arm. “Why are you doing this ball?”, he asks. “Like I said, its easier to have meetings that shall not be interrupted, if you have something where the people that could interrupt are occupied” “So, I guess that’s why you are here too, because they don’t want you to interrupt either?”, he asks and you can hear his intention right through. “I am really sorry, but I think we both know that you will not be able to question my loyalty”

He leaves your hand to place his on the other side of your waist and you place yours on his shoulders. With a swift motion he lifts you up as the music reaches its climax and with a turn puts you back down on your feet. “Next question”, you say. “You are running out of time”

“Why this masquerade?” You sigh. “I know, it’s very cliché isn’t it; I also don’t know why it has to be in this Victorian style, but I guess it should make the people here feel more at home, old people like old stuff, don’t they? But of course, I shouldn’t tell you about old stuff, I mean, you’re the 100-year-old” He rolls his eyes. “You know that’s not what I meant”. “Ugh, I know, you see, this is a disguise for a meeting, but its also a coming together of really rich people, and really rich people tend to do really bad stuff. Its easier to gather blackmail bait when people feel safe because of a mask that isn’t hiding anything.” “So, it’s a trick to steal money from the rich?” “No, its to steal Power from the rich. If you want to really win this game of power, you got to have the rich and powerful on your side, not only the handymen. And based on the facts I do know; you don’t even seem to have the handymen on your side. The Avengers, always there for the people”, you sigh mockingly. “but doing nothing more,  than leaving a trail of misery and destruction. Cut to the chase, what is really the reason you and your friends are here?”

“Where is the secret headquarters of Hydra?”, he asks, and you drop your smile. “Oh, straight to the point I guess”, You say and take a step away from him. He grabs your hands and pulls you back in, this time his hand lands on your back, holding you firmly in place. He leans down to your ear. For other people it must look like you are a couple, but the snarl in his voice is more than enough to find out the real affirmation between you two.

“Cut it, we know that you and your little crew have connections to hydra” You lean back, trying to bring space between you two and snarl back. “You should be careful who you make assumptions about, some people are not very happy to be affiliated with those people.” “Those people!?”, he gets louder. “Last time I remembered you blowing up a part of Siberia, destroying everything in a 100-mile radius. You are nothing better than Hydra.”

“I am not in affiliation with Hydra, but remember this for the next time we meet, America.”, you hiss and now you lean into him. “I will rip everything you love apart if you don’t keep your dirty hands of my business. And I think we both know that I won’t hesitate. But maybe I shouldn’t threaten you” You lean back and push against his chest, stepping away. “If you dare once again to interfere with my business, I will destroy everything any of you are fond of. Your little boy, Peter. This naïve and sweet boy. How about we start with him? Or maybe start with something that hurts. I come to know about a certain woman named… What was it? Peggy?”

With these words you turn around and storm of, you don’t hear footsteps behind you, and you are really sure that he won’t be following you.

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Thank you for reading!

Have a great day!

Survey #292

“dear god, let’s make this fucking clear: dear god, there’s nothing that i fear”

What internet browser do you use? Chrome. What brand water do you drink? (Smart Water, Dasani, etc) Mom just grabs the Great Value jugs. Do you have a job? No. Are you full-time or part-time? N/A Are you watching TV right now? No. Or are you listening to music? Yeah, "Mr. Crowley" by Ozzy. Such a great song. Would you go to jail for 3 years for $1,000,000? No. I would NOT survive in jail. When's your birthday? February 5th. I cannot fucking believe I'm almost 25. Thoughts on kids? Too impressionable for me. Even with my niece and nephew, I feel like every single word I say just like... stamps into their brains, and what if I say something that negatively affects them? I feel like it's my responsibility as an aunt to be a fountain of wisdom when I'm definitely not. I just get nervous around kids. Worst punishment you've ever received by your parents? I wouldn't call it a "punishment," but when I skinned the everliving fuck out of my knees and Mom was patching me up while I was just sobbing away, my dad literally roared "SHUT UP!" from my parents' bedroom, and it's stuck with me forever. Honestly, I think it may be a root in my extreme fear of men yelling. Worst punishment from Mom, probably this time where she smacked the shit outta my arm as a kid and left a clear handprint for a while. Are you the type who is completely against abortion? Why? No, I am firmly pro-choice, despite being pro-life most of my life. I don't feel like writing a moral essay, but basically, I absolutely cannot agree with forcing a woman to carry a human they don't want for whatever reason for nine fucking months, endure one of the most traumatically painful things known to man, and then properly and adequately care for that child. That is such a huge fucking responsibility that should be forced upon *nobody*. "But adoption!" Yeah, go tell that to the thousands of children waiting on you. This is leaning on exactly what I said I wouldn't do, so moving along. Have you ever read a book that actually changed your outlook on life? "I’ve read some books that were phenomenal, but I wouldn’t necessarily go so far as to say that they 'changed my outlook on life'." <<<< This was Johnny Got His Gun for me. Does your favorite flower hold any meaning to you? No. What would you do if your favorite animal became endangered? I would fucking freak. Have you ever owned an expensive eyeshadow palette? No, but I honestly do want at least one, primarily with a deep black and then some nice grays and neutral colors. Do you own a tripod for your camera? Yes. Are your nails always painted? Quite the opposite. What's one thing you've had a toxic reaction to? A breakup. Which holiday is your favorite to decorate for? I honestly don't really decorate because I just don't have the motivation, but Halloween is the best. Were you popular in school? Nope. Are there any foods that often give you heartburn or indigestion? BANANAS, dark sodas (like Coke or Dr. Pepper), peanut butter can... It's hard for me to tell much now because I have chronic heartburn and am medicated for it. Works great, so I don't experience this much. Is there something you intend to buy in the near future? Yes. Once my tattoo is done (I'm setting the appointment the next time we leave the house, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH), what I have left is going towards Venus' new terrarium. She really needs a 40 gallon. Is anyone in your family artistically talented? What about musically? I was the art kid, and family still insist I should be an artist. What cute behaviors or characteristics does/do your pet(s) have? Omg, Roman has so many. He nuzzles me all the time, will collapse into my hand to pet him, he insists on being the little spoon at bedtime (no, really), he literally tries to groom me with his teeth, licks my face... He is just a doll. My little buddy for sure. Now onto Venus. She loves to chill next to me in bed or find a cozy place under the covers, and omgggg does she love to slither around the bed doing the periscope thing. So curious. What's the screensaver on your computer? I don't have one. What’s the sexiest thing about a guy? I am WEAK for nice shoulderblades/muscular shoulders ok. What’s the sexiest thing about a girl? I am an ass bitch and I will not hesitate to admit it ayyyyyeeeee. Who were you with at midnight on January 1, 2021? Nobody. Who was the last person to send you a message on social media? My sister Misty. She's planning to surprise Mom (her stepmom, anyway) by showing up in a few weeks with her fiance and all her kids she's never met but desperately wants to. My mom is the only "real mom" she's ever had, and she just feels so bad that she has a by now teenage daughter (among three other younger ones) that has never met her "grandmother." It's just an expensive and long trip, but Misty's finally called it enough and is just driving down here with everyone. Mom is going to fucking sob. ^ What qualities does this person have, that you appreciate? Nice timing for this, since her fiercely anti-mask bullshit is all I can focus on about her lately... but there are good things about her. She truly is a very loving, passionate woman that, just like me, feels deeply and expresses it. What was the last thing that caused you to scowl, or frown? Does grimacing count from a sudden bodily pain? Have you smiled at any point during the last hour? Yeah. I'm watching the VOD of Arin Hanson playing Kingdom Hearts 2 for charity, and he went on a total fucking laughing fit. His laugh is so precious, so I just couldn't stop grinning. What was the last thing you consulted Google for? Ensuring "grimace" was the right word for my former expression, even though I was pretty positive it was correct... I don't know if anyone's noticed, but my English skills are degrading, particularly in spelling. It's concerning me. I was an English whiz my whole life up to now. My only guess is it's related to how godawful my memory is also declining. So, did anyone send you a "Happy New Year" message when midnight hit? No. When was the last time you were on a carousel? Probably not since I was a teenager being goofy with Jason or somebody. What is the closest you have ever been to an elephant? I have a picture on my dA of a beautiful elephant walking RIGHT by its fence at the zoo. It was pretty amazing, considering just how incredibly immense their enclosure is. Have you ever played Halo? No, it's not my kinda game. Have you ever read a National Geographic magazine? Oh, I'm positive I've read sections while in waiting rooms of various places. When was the last time you had a pillow fight? I have no idea. Realistically it was probably w/ Jason since that sounds like some cute playfighting thing we'd do, but I don't remember a particular instance. Name somebody who you think deserves more respect: "Retail works. The horror stories my mom has on the daily is absolutely ridiculous. People can be so incredibly rude." <<<< I absolutely agree with this; what friends and strangers alike rant about is just depressing. Nobody, especially those working through a goddamn pandemic that's killing thousands, deserves the disrespect that comes their way. Have some goddamn decency and know half the issues you bring up to retail workers isn't even their damn fault. Ohhhh, I could rant about this. In your own words, define what the word sexy means. So you mean like, what I think is considered sexy, not just the general definition? If that's the case, uhhh. Self-confidence (but absolutely not arrogance) is very attractive to me as a bitch who lacks it entirely, as well as good manners, being outgoing, and just... charm. I don't quite know how to describe that "charm" other than I'm really drawn to people who are unique and happy with it and just seem to have an aura about them that feels good to be in. What is the most popular tourist attraction where you live? I'm going to look at this question as if you're asking about my state and not general location because 1.) there ain't shit here and 2.) I'd prefer to keep relatively where I live quiet on the Internet. Looked it up and apparently NC's biggest tourist bait is the Biltmore Estate. Never been there myself, but it'd be pretty dope. Without looking - do you know what brand your underwear is? I'm in my own home and pjs, who the fuck wears underwear with that criteria lmao. Are you any good at volleyball? NOOOOOOOOO. I went to a volleyball camp thing once when I was younger and that shit hurts the hell outta your hands. I didn't stay long. Have you ever had a water balloon fight? Why of course. Do you think some babies are ugly? Quite honestly, probably most, especially newborns. Don’t you miss Chuck E. Cheese? I do; going there was one of the most exciting possible things to me as a kiddo. Do you think Fall Out Boy is gonna be a classic band, like Queen or AC/DC? Possibly. I mean they sure are pretty successful and well-known. Do you love stuff-crusted pizza? Eh, it's not my preference, but I'll eat it. Do you apply lotion after you bathe? No, but I really should, given how dry my skin is. What’s your favorite color? Pastel pink. Who did you have your most amazing kiss with? I'd like to not think about this. Has a YouTube video of yours ever gotten over 10,000 views? Lol definitely not. I think at least one on my older channel hit 1k somehow???? It was a birthday gift I made for someone. Would you ever get a tattoo on your collar bone? lol I already have one there. At some point I'm getting it covered, though. Do you like Robert Frost poems? I do! Do you go to church every Sunday? I never do. Have you ever been in a relationship on-and-off for more than a year? No, I don't play that game. You want me or you don't, so I'm not wasting my time on your uncertainty or just our lack of stability for whatever reason. If you had to get famous for one of the following, which would you choose: music, acting, writing, modeling? Absolutely writing. What do you think of girls with huge boobs that don’t wear bras in public? ?????????????????? i don't?????????????? care???????????????? they're not my tits??????????????? What is the last thing you tried on in a store? I don't know. I avoid trying shit on like the plague. And then it ends up being too big/small. I wonder why. Is sleeping naked more comfortable than in clothes? I've only ever fallen asleep naked once, and accidentally at that, so I really don't remember how I felt about it? Consciously though, I would feel very, very vulnerable so don't have plans to when I have my own place. Have you ever had a dream in which you were making out, or more, with someone? HAHAHA Y'AAAAAALLLLLLL THIS WAS DEADASS THE ONLY LUCID DREAM I'VE EVER HAD LMAOOOOO Do you feel as though you have a good memory, or are you forgetful at times? Do you feel that your short-term memory or long-term memory is better? My short-term memory is absolutely atrocious, like to the point it seriously affects my ability to get shit done. You can give me something that needs to be done and I will forget in a heartbeat. Now, my long-term memory is astonishing. I can remember many things from my childhood in incredible detail. Have you ever had a concussion or some other sort of brain injury before? Did you need to have surgery for it? I've had a concussion or two. I can't remember which. I didn't need surgery. Do you have any sort of mental illnesses or disorders? What do they involve? Yeah: chronic depression, crippling social anxiety, generalized anxiety, avoidant personality disorder (AvPD), obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD, bipolar II, and I think that's it. My head's a mess and a half. What’s the longest that your hair has ever been? How about the shortest? When is the last time that you got it cut? About to the small of my back; how it is now, which is pretty much shaved on the left and fades to near my chin on the right. I actually got it cut last month; we've gone to a family friend for years whose shop is just an extra building by her house and very rarely has more than two clients in it. We had masks on, of course. At what age did you start getting gray hairs, if you happen to have any? I don't have any. Somehow, given my stress level at all times, haha. What are some ways that you style your hair? Do you use any sorts of products in it? It's too short to style. I don't use any products in it but obviously shampoo. Who was the last person to truly get on your nerves? What do you think caused you to feel that way? Probably my mom. I think she was in a rotten mood for one reason or another and just being snappy and generally rude. Do you recycle? Is this through choice or do you live somewhere where it’s compulsory? We do; it's by choice, and it'd be immensely ignorant not to where we live considering it literally gets picked up with the other garbage. Do you prefer plain, carbonated, or flavored water? Do you think you drink enough water throughout the day? I've never tried carbonated water, and flavored water rarely works for me due to artificial sweeteners giving me beastly headaches. So I'll just take really cold, filtered water. Have you ever needed to call the police, ambulance, or fire department? I had to call the ambulance for my mom right before her cancer was discovered because she was literally immobile and in ungodly pain. When was the last time you visited the library? What was the purpose of your visit? At my old college, as the newspaper photographer, I took some artsy pics up there. I will probably forever worry that leaving school resulted in the biggest career opportunity slipping through my fingers through that newspaper. Do you see a lot of wild animals where you live? Are any of them dangerous? I guess about the normal amount you'd see in the country. Some dangerous animals live here, sure, that's probably everywhere, but you very rarely see any. Aside from when you were born, have you ever had to stay the night in the hospital? For suicidal thoughts and one attempt, yes. Have you ever experienced a panic attack? Ahhhh, do I know those well. Thankfully, it's been a long time since I had an all-out panic attack. Would you ever want to go into the medical profession? Was your answer different pre-COVID? Nope. Well, besides being a vet, which I haven't wanted to be since I was a kid. Where you live, are people paying attention to whatever restrictions are in place to help control COVID? Many? No. Because it's apparently a fuckin hoax or not as bad as the government wants us to think. Fucking cretins. Do you get a real or artificial Christmas tree? Artificial. Real ones aren't worth the money nor mess. What’s your favourite type/flavor of popcorn? Caramel corn. Do you drink oat milk? No, but I'm interested in at least trying it. The dairy industry is absolutely repulsive if you look into it, and I'd love to do what I can to take as little part in it as possible... even though I am a dairy fiend. I seriously wish I could go vegan, I am just WAY too picky for it. Do you love thrifting? Oh fuck yes. I've been very few times in my life, but I'mm all about it. Do you consider using only lowercase letters your aesthetic? I do find it visually appealing; I like the flow of similar letter height. I never do it for "serious" things, but on places where it's "for the aesthetic," it's likely that's how I'll write something. Do you say “mood?” Way too much lmao. Do you own fairy lights? No, though I would like them if it wouldn't look stupid in my room. Do you own glass straws because the metal ones kind of gross you out because you can’t tell if they are clean or not? ... I didn't know glass straws were a thing. I have a handful of metal ones though, but I always forget I have one in my purse when I go out... Have you made a TikTok? No. Do you own airpods? No. Are you afraid of Mercury in retrograde? I don't believe in a planet's position or whatever having any effect on people. Do you make life choices based on astrology? Definitely not, considering I don't believe in it to begin with. How many pairs of converse shoes do you own? Maybe like, five? Number of jeans in your closet: Zero. What accent do you have? Not really any, but sometimes I sound kinda southern with specific words. Do you have a big butt? Yo I got a Hank Hill ass, so no. Do you count how long you and your gf/bf have been together? In my past relationships, yes, I assigned our anniversary to memory. I don't really... know why, like it doesn't really matter how long you've been together, I just do. Have you graduated? From HS, yes. I dropped out of college three times lmao. Rihanna or Lady GaGa? Ohhh, not sure. Maybe GaGa, but both ladies have songs I love. "Disturbia" doess beat all of her songs, tho. The fuckin BEAT. Do you use fake eyelashes? Never tried 'em. Which was the last book that really captivated you? The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. What makeup brands do you use? I'm not loyal to any, really. I would be if I could afford expensive shit, but yeah, that ain't my life.

Sun Signs and Cosmo

FF.net link: Here

AO3 link: Here

Characters: Tachikawa Mimi, Takenouchi Sora, Inoue Miyako and Yagami Hikari.

Words: 1200+

Notes: It was so hard to try and get the kiddos Solar Signs. I wanted to give each one a sign because fun, but we also only have Miyako’s canon one! And Sora, kind of, considering Our War Game.

To be honest, I gave Hikari the one I had left hence why it doesn’t really make sense. 

Anyway, this was so much fun to write and pretty much got written by itself.

Enjoy!

“What is that exactly?” Sora had gotten back to Mimi’s room with more popcorn, considering Miyako had eaten the first two bowls all by herself.

“To be someone interested in fashion you should have noticed these are magazines, Sora,” Mimi rolled her eyes, pointing at the Cosmopolitan she had in her hands. “I bought this one in John F Kennedy’s airport, it’s the September issue!”

Sora had no idea, but the September issue was the most important issue in every fashion magazine, specially for Vogue. But that wasn’t a Vogue, of course, it was Cosmopolitan, making no sense to Sora.

“Mimi was about to read our horoscopes for the month!” Miyako shouted excited, “Western zodiac signs are so much fun, aren’t you excited Sora?”

Sora, of course, couldn’t care less about such zodiac signs, they only made sense in the western countries, and maybe not even there. She couldn’t believe even Hikari was paying attention, with her back straight and eyes wide open.

“I thought we were watching Cluetales?” the redhead took a sit next to the youngest one, sharing the popcorns with Hikari.

“It’s called Clueless, but this is so much more interesting. Oh Sora, you’re such a Pisces.” Sora could notice Mimi’s accent got more Americanized whenever she talked about, well, American subjects. Sora didn’t want to argue about it though, so she just enjoyed how Mimi haunted her younger friends with whatever the magazine was saying.

“What is that supposed to mean?” It was their first girl sleepover in the longest time, and they were all excited to spend time together without the boys. Nothing against them, of course, but they could get rather annoying. Plus, Mimi had promised them that she would gift them the best skincare products she was recollecting for her kawaii online store she was about to launch.

“You’re born February 28th, right?” Sora nodded, “that means your Sun was aligned with Pisces when you were born. Here it says that as a Pisces you ‘are known for being incredibly creative, empathetic, and creative, but they can also suffer from being overly emotional, impressionable, and closed off’ OhmyGod Sora!!! This is so accurate, so you!!!” Both Hikari and Miyako were nodding, wide eyes and clapping. Sora considered calling Yamato for help.

“Tell me mine again, please! May 30th!” Miyako got close enough to Mimi so she could be reading herself the magazine, even if she didn’t understand English that well.

“Yes, yes, Gemini…”

“Pay attention, Sora! It’s even scary,” Miyako was acting like a baby seeing the sea for the first time, her curious nature hitting hard.

“’Geminis are the liveliest of the Air sign gang - versatile, youthful, curious and fun. ... Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury, which makes them fast, witty and super into communications…’”

“It’s insane how accurate!!” Miyako could not stop fangirling, Sora wondered a way of running away. Perhaps she could act like she was having a stomachache… or pretend she had an important exam she had to study for…

“Could you read mine, please?” Hikari was blushing, but she would have to be a fool not to agree with the descriptions so far. They were on point. “May 3rd .”

“You could only be Taurus, of course!” Was it really that obvious? Sora wondered. “’Taurus, known to be intelligent, dependable, hardworking, dedicated, and stubborn…’”

“It does sound like me,” the younger Yagami whispered; Mimi enjoying how astonished her younger friends were.

“And of course, me, December 16st, Sagittarius!” She moved her finger quickly, as if she had memorized by now where her horoscope was. “’Loyal, sophisticated, independent, and kind! They are unique, artistic, and have unerring judgment’. That’s so me, I can barely breathe!”

“Are you scared, yet?” Miyako wondered, Sora shrugged.

“They only are common traits in people, they could fit anyone.” She felt bad for being the party pooper, but she was so bad at lying. Was that a Pisces trait, too?

“Ok Sora, I didn’t want to go there yet but you’re pushing me. We will have to go to the romantic compatibilities of the signs.” Miyako gasped, Hikari covered her mouth. Sora, as much as she hated to admit it, felt her heart skip a beat. “Do we have any voluntaries?”

“Me, me! Oh please Mimi, me!” Miyako moved her arms as if she was in the middle of a large crowd in a concert, and not in a medium sized room with only three more people.

“Any specific sign compatibility you would like me to read?”

“Cancer…” Miyako whispered, very unlike the Inoue, considering she was never quiet. Mimi knew exactly why she wanted her to look at Cancer, though.

“Cancer because…”

“Just pure curiosity,” her hands were sweating, her heart was racing. “Please?”

“Gemini and Cancer compatibility…” after reading about their houses, one being air and the other being water. One being ruled by Communication and the other Emotion, and Miyako’s eyes almost watering by excitement, Mimi concluded, “The best aspect of the Gemini-Cancer relationship? Once they realize they’re allies, they can soar to great heights together.”

“That is great! Oh, that is perfect!”

“However!” Mimi interrupted, “Here it says that your best match would be with a Libra or an Aquarius.”

“And who falls into that category?” She tried to go though all her acquaintances, but she had no idea how horoscopes worked. Yet.

“No way…” Mimi looked directly at Hikari, and then she thought about herself, folding the magazine in annoyance. “That would be Takeru or Koushiro.”

“That is, no…” Miyako stood up, feeling dizzy. “That is impossible!!!”

“That’s what the horoscope says,” Mimi puffed up her cheeks.

Sora, noticing how tense the scene was getting decided to intervene, as best as she could. “Hey! The description with Cancer was pretty great!”

“But they were not soulmates, Sora.” Mimi pointed out.

“I mean,” she bit her lower lip. “You could read mine? Maybe that will show once in for all that these are not real,” Mimi’s eyes lit up, feeling her inner witch come alive.

“Say no more! But if you get Koushiro I swear-“ Miyako sat next to Hikari this time around, who caressed her back assuring her there were no hard feelings for what the horoscope had stated. “With Scorpio, I suppose?”

“Why Scorpio?”

“Or do you want me to see Aries? Whatever, I’ll check both.” Sora stayed confused, looking at Hikari and Miyako for support, but they were as clueless as she was. “This is so unfair! I don’t even need to look into Aries because the Pisces and Scorpio match is perfect!”

“What does it say?” Hikari wondered. Sora took the time Mimi was reading to check where Scorpio’s birthdays fell in the calendar and blushed deeply as she noticed Yamato’s was there. Maybe, just maybe she wanted to hear what the horoscope said.

“Their similarly intense emotional natures, their shared sensitivity to the undercurrents of life, to the more ethereal magic of love. This is a relationship of harmony and fulfillment. You have it all figured out, Sora!”

“Don’t be silly, they are all nonsense.” Sora convinced them to stick to the original plan and play the movie while applying Mimi’s very expensive skin care products. Sure, it had been fun to dive into western’s way of thinking how personalities worked according to the stars and planets, but they were nonsense.

In no way Sora wanted her horoscope to become a reality.

Right?

Broken Engagement Au (Chapter 1???)

“I’m not going to write another long fic while I already have a WIP,” I say through gritted teeth. “I’m not going to do it it’s a stupid decision and I’m not going to do it.”

So @fandomsnstuff is to blame for this and I can say that because she’s an incorrigible enabler, but here’s 1500 words of broken engagement because I can’t get over it.

CREDIT: Taako’s last name has been shamelessly stolen from Bureau of Badass by Chemicallywrit and miceenscene on Ao3, and @bureauofbadass on tumblr. Because it’s been my modern au name for Taako ever since I read that fic the first time, which, if you haven’t read it, drop everything and I’ll see you in a few days. Now that’s some writing.

Check the #broken engagement au tag on my blog for more snippets!

————————

“Angus?” Taako says mildly from behind his desk.

“Hmm??” The kid hums from where he’s hanging upside down off Taako’s ratty classroom couch in the corner. His glasses are half falling off his face, but he’s got a book held up a few inches from his nose anyway. The thing is, the book is right-side up.

“Whatcha doin’ there, kiddo?” Taako asks, marking through another sentence on the paper in front of him with a frown.

“Well, sir,” Angus starts in that tone that always makes Taako bite down on a grin, “I read them too fast right side up. I think my comprehension is suffering because the words go by too fast.”

“Bullshit,” Taako says, ignoring Angus’s language, sir! “Your comprehension is fine and you know it. You’re just a show-off nerd,” he teases.

“Says the one who had a powerpoint about LGBT influences in 16th Century literature ready last week for the eventuality that someone in your class called Mercutio ‘kinda gay,’”

“Hey, that was a good lesson –” Taako starts in, but the kid sits up abruptly on the couch, putting the book down and picking up his phone. Taako can hear another buzz of a message coming in as the kid is scrolling through it.

“My dad’s here, sir,” he says, “he’s on his way to the room now.”

“About time.” Taako puts the essay back in the section folder, slips it into his bag to grade when he gets home. The grading is endless. One of his least favorite parts of the job. Who needs grades anyway? All his kids are smart. Seems dumb to hold them all to the same arbitrary standard.

“I’m sorry for keeping you, sir,” Angus says, and he’s moved over to the desk he threw his backpack down on when he came into the room almost an hour ago. He looks a little unsure, and Taako curses himself silently in his head.

“It’s ok, kid,” he says, trying to make sure he sounds like he means it so Angus won’t feel bad, “I told you, it ain’t no thing for me to stay after a bit to talk to your old man.”

Angus is… a special case. Taako’s never had anything like him in a class before. Kid’s only just turned 12 years old and he’s already starting high school. A real whiz-kid, but it’s a tough world out there, high school being full of teenagers of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, for a literal kid –

Hence Taako.

He’s been teaching at Neverwinter Academy for almost four years now, grateful every second of the time that anyone deigned to give him a job (and thank the gods for Principal Davenport), much less at a premier private school where he’s largely allowed to make his own curriculum with only a few guidelines. It’s a good job. Taako likes it. It’s stable and it’s safe and no one’s going to die from Taako’s lecturing and he actually kind of has a knack with the kids, weirdly enough.

Hence Angus and Taako.

Neverwinter Secondary Academy has a mentorship program. Kids who seem to struggle a bit academically get paired with a faculty adviser to help see them through. Well Angus is anything but struggling – he’s gotten straight As on every assignment Taako’s given thus far – but all the same, Taako was contacted at the beginning of the year about the kid. He was placed right in the program anyway, not for academic reasons for once, but for social.

You have a knack for getting close to the students, Davenport’s email had read. While I see no reason why Angus shouldn’t succeed at NSA, he might have some difficulty adjusting socially. His parent originally contacted us about the idea, and I have to say I agree that giving Angus an extra support figure can only be beneficial.

Taako had agreed, of course; how could he say no? And meeting Angus had really cinched it. Kid’s only been in Taako’s class a little over a month, but he’s already maybe one of Taako’s favorite students, like, ever. Not that Taako plays favorites. He likes all his students just the same, thank you very much.

(Angus is definitely his favorite.)

It didn’t help that the kid’s a goofball smartass nerd, either, which is the exact archetype that makes up like… 98% of Taako’s family and close friends. It doesn’t help that he’s got a single parent keeping everything together at home based on the school records and the email chain back and forth. It doesn’t help that his dad, who he mentions about as often to Taako as people talk about like… the weather, seems like a really genuine guy who’s trying really hard based on the email chain they’ve had going. Angus’s dad set up the parent/teacher conference, even, to check in on how things are going, one-on-one with Angus’s adviser. It’s almost disgustingly practical and good and loving and it seems like everything in this kid’s entire life has been engineered to make Taako fuckin’ love him.

It’s really not fair. He teaches like 90 students. He’s not supposed to have favorites.

And yet.

There’s a knock on Taako’s door and they both look up, Angus smiling immediately, which definitely isn’t cute, Taako, Christ, and Taako gets up from his desk and smooths his shirt out. He dressed normal today and everything. He knows the kids like his… eccentric style, but parents? Parents are always a different game. And knowing he was about to meet Angus’s dad today gave him pause that morning. Still. The soft blue button down and slacks are a touch rumpled from a day’s work. He could look better.

He gets up and goes to the door, Angus trailing along behind.

*****

Neverwinter Secondary Academy could be a maze for all Kravitz’s skill navigating his way to Angus’s classroom, which is of course the farthest from the front office that any in this place could be, surely, and he’s already late after being kept at work, and he’s sure that Angus’s teacher is at the very least unimpressed with him and more likely annoyed, which is just what he needed -

He finally finds his way, sees the sign reading T. Peynirci, and he takes a moment to smooth out the wrinkles in his jacket from the day (which of course does no good because it never does), before he raises his hand and knocks on Mr. Peynirci’s door.

And Taako opens it.

“Ah,” Taako says, and then nothing else, his hand hovering in midair where it was clearly extended for a handshake -

“Dad!” Angus says, “this is my adviser and English teacher, Mr. Peynirci,” and there’s a little bit of a sneer in it that Kravitz doesn’t know the context for, “Taako, this is my dad.” And it’s exactly how an introduction should go, all crossed t’s and dotted i’s -

And Kravitz’s brain is on high alert, emergency sirens blaring.

And his first thought, infuriatingly, is how good Taako looks, now, still, after all this time. Which is ridiculous because Kravitz can hardly recognize him (he’s wearing glasses, for Christ’s sake) and also because he hasn’t seen Taako in over twelve years and he’s supposed to be past those thoughts by now -

The second thought is who on Earth entrusted Taako with the care and keeping (and the education) of a bunch of impressionable teenagers, much less his son’s mental, emotional, and social well-being -

The third thought is that Angus is right there and Kravitz has been staring blankly at Taako for what is likely about to become a second too long -

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Peynirci,” he says, reaching out and shaking Taako’s hand, though he doesn’t want to touch him, does he? (He does, he does so much.) Nice to meet you, he says, and he shakes Taako’s hand, and he can feel his grip, too tight, can see, perfectly, the moment Taako’s eyes go from shocked and awed to empty, except for a spark, just a spark of malice, right there. He regrets everything.

“Likewise, Mr. McDonald,” Taako says, releasing Kravitz’s hand, and Kravitz nearly winces from it. Because it was one thing, wasn’t it, to make the decision to pretend that Taako was a stranger, but it’s another to be on the receiving end of it, to see Taako introducing himself as though he’s going to trip over Kravitz’s very name, as though he’s never had to say it out loud before this moment. As though Taako didn’t spend years falling asleep and waking up beside Kravitz, didn’t spend years going out and pressing himself against Kravitz in dim bars, tipsy and warm. As though he didn’t spend a year wearing a ring Kravitz selected for him, and sized to fit just so. As though he didn’t almost take that name and make it his own.

“Let’s sit down, shall we?” Taako says, and he smiles without any of his teeth.

Hey yall, emotional abuse, physical pain (not self harm, just illness pain), brief mention of periods, and shitty parents tws coming up.

So i generally try to keep my personal life off here unless I won’t be posting for a while and want to let you know why (like i did with my ear infection.), but I’m having a really bad week and a half and desperately need to vent. Feel free to completely ignore this because I don’t expect anyone to respond, I just need to get everything off my chest--although any suggestions as to what the fuck I should do are more than welcome.

My dad and stepmom have been controlling any emotionally abusive for pretty much my entire life--because you know, abuse doesn’t just start randomly and it’s not something that you can easily fix.

Anyway. When I went home for my ear infection, my stepmom got kinda mad about it. Mad might be the wrong word, controlling is probably better. I didnt tell her or my dad that I was coming home to see the doctor for a few reasons:

I knew if I told them, they’d tell me i should tough it out and go to class

They’d say that i was being over dramatic and that it couldn’t possible hurt that bad

They’d ask why I couldn’t have seen a doctor in Milwaukee (where my college is and 1.5 hours from home), why I needed to come home for something like that.

So I didn’t tell them. While I was home my stepmom texted me asking how I was doing. At the time she didn’t know I had an ear infection or that I was home, so of course like the idiot I am, I was honest and told her I came home sunday night. Seriously I think honesty is my fatal flaw. She, of course, asked why and I told her that “I cant think right now, let alone take a bus somewhere I’ve never been before. I tried to get into the dr at school, but they dont have any openings until wednesday.” I was able to get into my doctor at home on monday, two full days before I would have been able too at school, so it seems logical that id go home right? I couldnt hear out of my right ear anyway, so it’s not like I would have been able to pay attention in class and actually learn anything. 

She drops it or that day.

But my stepmom, being my stepmom, of course texts me back a few days later (fthursday or friday i think) because she thinks that I should have tried harder to find a doctor here. She said, and I fucking quote this entire goddamn text 

Hey so I just want to clarify with you ... you could have gone to a dr there you know? You guys didn’t have to come all the way home and back. good lord. Just find a clinic thats an urgent care or er. you might have had to pay more out of pocket, but so what? And you have 2 insuraces, so that wouldve helped more too. Just saying. So I thought I’d let you know instead of doing all that craziness back and forth. Make it easier on yourself next time kiddo.

And this has me fucking livid because:

I literally explained to her why I didn’t find someone in Milwaukee days before. 

She’s insinuating that it’s too inconvenient for my mom to come get me.

And my stepdad had off on tuesday, so he gladly took me back too school. No questions asked. No complaints. He even bought my antibiotics for me (which I was totally prepared to pay the $10 for myself) before we left.

She’s talking down to me as if I had no idea that I could do this.

I can’t afford to pay more out of pocket right now, even if I might (read: MIGHT) get reimbursed for it later.

Going home literally WAS making it easier on myself.

So I send a screenshot of this text to my mom of course, and she replies almost immediately just going off. My mom and I havent always had the best relationship (she has some emotionally abusive habits too, but she knows about most of them, acknowledges them, and tries her best to fix them), but I know that she will always be there for me. She’s that person who will drive an hour and a half just to come make sure someone is okay, and she has done so 2-3 times in my 2 years at college. She doesn’t care if I’m 45 and living on the other side of the country, she will drive or by a plane ticket to hep me if/when need it. So my mom is beyond pissed off that my stepmom would ever imply that coming to get me, take care of me, is an inconvenience.

I reply a simple “i know” to my stepmom, because I know better than to give her a long winded explanation. She’ll just come back at me with an even longer block of text basically telling me how wrong/stupid i was to not just see a dr in the area.

And of course, of fucking course, she replies with a long block of text anyway basically telling me the same fucking thing. She does this several times and I keep doing the “i know” “yeah” “okay” thing because I just didn’t have the fucking ENERGY you guys. 

But then she says 

my goodness you’re a peach sometimes. Just trying to help and maybe you guys didn’t think of that. 

So by this point in time my patience was completely GONE. I have absolutely none left. I know when my stepmom calls me a peach it’s just her “nice” way of saying “you’re being a fucking bitch.” ((Keep in mind this entire time I was taking screenshots and sending them to my mom so she could be mad with me.)) And so I fucking went off in the nicest way possible. I tell her

no, you’re trying to be in control of the situation that had absolutely nothing to do with you

I was going to just try going to a dr the next morning, but then my mom called and I was crying and she asked if I wanted to come home, so I said yes. It wasn’t an inconvenience to her, though it feels like you’re trying to make it seem that way. And [stepdad] had off so he was easily able to take me back.

I’m not an idiot, im an adult fully capable of doing things myself. But i also recognized that I needed help and accepted it when my mom noticed I did as well

Because yes. I was in so much pain that I was actually crying from it. I usually have a decent pain tolerance (horrific period cramps will do that to a person), but for some reason whenever I say that I’m genuinely in pain my stepmom never seems to think it could be “that bad.” And... that’s exactly how that went. I was soooo prepared to just tough it out and wait until Wednesday if I absolutely had to. But then my mom called and I may be 20 years old but there are those times when you’re an adult and you just need your parent. You need your parent to tell you it’s going to be okay. You need your parent to hold and comfort you. You need your parent to take you to the dr. And for me this was one of those times. I so very rarely ask for help but this time i needed it, and there’s no reason for my stepmom (or anyone) to make me feel like I should be ashamed of that.

So she said something brief to that and I didn’t reply back. Ne next moring she sends me another text starting off with something along the lines of “I’m hurt by how you treated me last night...” and I didn’t read the rest because I knew it would make me mad. I did, however send a screenshot to my mom again.

The next day I call both my mom and my paternal grandma to talk about this entire conversation.

My mom thinks that I should cut off ties with them for at least a few months because this has been overwhelming me so much. I agree with her, but I’m concerned about my younger siblings (not that they’ll get hurt or anything, but that I won’t be able to see them) and also my aunt is getting married in may.

And my grandma was livid too. She’s never liked my stepmom because she’s always thought that she’s treated me like shit. (For a long time i mistakenly believed that my stepmom was a better person than my mom, but I was an impressionable child/teenager then). My grandma and I talked about times when stepmom made me feel bad about myself or treated me as lesser than my half siblings. And my grandma agrees that I should keep my distance, but she asked me to not cut ties, and to keep a decent amount of peace, until after my aunt’s wedding.

Which I understand. I get it. I love my aunt a lot and I truly dont want to cause any problems at her wedding, she deserves the world. But at the same time I don’t know how much longer I can take this you guys. I’m supposed to go to a water park for a night with my dad, stepmom, and siblings during my spring break (it was a christmas present from my dad to the family) and I’m absolutely dreading it. I don’t want to go. My mom says I should just lie and say I have to work, but again, fatal flaw here is honesty, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that. I want to see my siblings too, but I really need to start taking care of myself.

I’ve spent far too long worrying about my family even after not living at home for the last two years. I need to take care of myself. I do. But I honestly don’t know how to do that without causing a family feud in the process.

And the reason this was all triggered again today (after not having talked to anyone on my dad’s side since saturday) is because I got a call from a random number while I was in class today. It was a call from my home city and whoever it was left a voicemail. In the back of my mind I started worrying that it was my dad and that he wanted to talk me into not being upset with my stepmom (he’s a terrible person too but that’s a rant for a different day).

I have yet to listen to it because the idea of talking about this with him makes me nauseous. At the same time, not knowing who called is making me overwhelmingly anxious. I don’t know what would be best:

Ignoring the voicemail, or listening to it and potentially having to talk to my dad?

Toughing out being around my family until after the wedding, or risk causing a family feud by cutting ties?

I just... I’m so lost you guys.

Tony knowing Peter's order (coffee, ice cream, whatever) without having to ask

Peter really, really loved Friendly’s.

Like, really loved it.

Tony didn’t really know why, exactly. It wasn’t like he saw anything exceptional about a chain restaurant selling sub-par diner food. And yet, the kid’s face always lit up whenever they drove past one.

And that’s how Tony Stark found himself frequenting nearly every single Friendly’s on the drive from Midtown to the Tower.

It was their thing, a mode of unspoken communication. Peter would slip into his car, radiating the brand of exhaustion that only stems from some shitty high school drama, and Tony would wordlessly pull into the closest Friendly’s.

The kid was give him a tentative smile, and by the end of the meal, he’d be motor-mouthing his way through some random story. He couldn’t really tell if it was the food, or the atmosphere, or, and this was an option that he only dared to consider after Pepper pointed it out, Tony’s presence in and of itself.

He couldn’t help the hope that it was the latter. That the kid just enjoyed spending time with him.

But either way, Friendly’s belonged to Tony and Peter. It was their turf. A fail-safe place where Peter felt relaxed.

So when Rhodey practically demanded to meet the kid, Tony knew exactly where to take them.

“You can help me pick him up from school tomorrow.” Tony offered, pulling out his phone. “Then we can get some early dinner. Kid’s always half-starved by the last bell. They don’t feed him enough for lunch.”

“Weird that you know that, but sure.”

“Oi.” He shot a glare at the other man. “Do you wanna meet the kid or not?”

“Oh, I wanna meet the kid.” Rhodey smiled at him in a way that made his next words seem a lot less sincere. “I’ll be good. I promise.”

“Sure you do.”

He opened Peter’s messages and shot him a quick text. Kid deserved a fair warning, after all.

TS: Mind having an after school snack with Rhodey tomorrow? He’s dying to meet you.

It took the teenager all of five seconds to reply.

Kids these days.

PP: mr. rhodes??? yes!!! yes yes yes!!! !!!

God, he really hoped he wouldn’t regret this.

Peter slid into the back of the Audi with a shaky smile on his face. Tony gave him what he hoped was a calming glance before pulling out of the pick-up line and onto the road.

“Hey, Pete.”

Rhodey blinked at the nickname, then added his own greeting. “It’s nice to meet you, Peter.”

“H-Hi Mister Rhodes, Sir. I, uh, I’m, well I’m Peter. But you… already knew that cause you said my name, so…”

The Colonel chuckled, glancing at Tony. “Do you really scare the kid that much?”

“He doesn’t scare me!” Peter blushed at his outburst, shyly dropping his eyes to his knees. “I-I mean, I, uh, I just…”

“He stutters when he’s nervous.” Tony switched lanes and glanced at Peter fondly in the rear-view mirror. “He’ll get over it in a second, don’t worry.”

Peter blinked. “I-I don’t, I don’t stutter, Mister Stark.”

“Sure ya don’t, kiddo.” He took note of how red the poor kid’s face was and sighed. “Take a breath. You’re alright. I promise that Rhodey’s entirely un-threatening.”

“I’m not nervous.”

Teenagers: the most stubborn brand of humans on the planet.

“Mhm.”

“I’m not.”

“I heard you the first time.”

Rhodey intercepted the conversation with a strange look in his eyes. Tony tried not to dwell on it. “So, Peter, got any plans after high school?”

Smooth one, Rhodes.

The kid blinked. “I mean, uh, college? Engineering. P-Probably something biochemical. B-But Mister Stark thinks I should do electrical.”

“That’s because he did electrical.” Rhodey nudged his friend’s elbow. “He’s biased.”

“Oi,” Tony shot back, “don’t tell me you wouldn’t be trying to recruit him for the military if you’d seen him in action. Kid’s brilliant.”

Peter flushed again. “Mister Stark.”

“Don’t ‘Mister Stark’ me. It’s true.”

Rhodey twisted in his seat as best he could, braces whirring. Tony caught him winking at Peter out of the corner of his eye. “So tell me, kid, ever thought about serving your country?”

“No.” He didn’t mean for his voice to come out so firm, but the concept of Peter in an active war zone made his heart swoop down to his feet. “Hands off, Rhodey. Get your impressionable youth somewhere else.”

“Oh I’m sorry, Tones,” his best friend stared directly at him, a contemplative look on his face, “didn’t mean to rob your nursery.”

Oh, yeah, Tony thought, I’m definitely going to regret this.

Peter’s face lit up when they pulled up by one of their usual haunts. As soon as they were out of the car, Rhodey dropped back to Tony and nudged him in the side.

“Friendly’s?” Thankfully, the Colonel saw Peter’s excitement and had the good grace to whisper. “Really?”

“He loves them.” He shot him a look. “Don’t ruin it.”

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of Rhodey’s lips as Peter practically skipped through the doors. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Their waitress was a friendly older lady who seemed to have no idea who Tony was. She led them to their table, and Tony pushed Peter into the booth first, eyeing the closest exits silently.

He always put Peter farthest from the door, in whichever spot had the most immediate cover. And today, since Rhodey was here, he could use himself as a human shield.

He’d be between Peter and anything dangerous. Good. That’s exactly how he wanted it to be.

They ordered their drinks and sat quietly for a second. Rhodey seemed to be silently contemplating him and Peter, much to the kid’s obliviousness.

Tony, meanwhile, watched the kid fidget for all of three minutes before sighing heavily and sliding out of the booth.

“Go on, kid.”

Peter just looked at him. “What?”

“Don’t act like I can’t tell you need to pee, bud. So go.”

Tony set an internal reminder to let the kid do something very unstressful when they got back to the Tower. He could practically taste his anxiety. “I-I’m good, Mister, uh, Mister Stark.”

“Go, Pete.”

The kid relented, awkwardly shuffling away while running a nervous hand through his hair.

Rhodey had half-opened his mouth to speak when the waitress returned, setting their drinks down and addressing them with a too-bright smile.

“Are you ready to order?”

Rhodey glanced at Peter’s empty seat. “Actually, I think we’ll need-”

Tony, however, was already gathering up their menus from the suspiciously sticky table. “We’re ready.”

The Colonel raised an eyebrow at him, but didn’t protest.

The waitress pulled out her pen and flipped her order pad to a fresh page. “Would you like any starters?”

“The mini mozzarella sticks, please.” Tony smothered a stupid smile at the memory of Peter stacking them into a small tower.

“And what else can I get you?”

“I’ll get the Reuben.” He gestured to the empty spot beside him. “The kid’ll have chicken tenders with fries, and a grilled cheese.”

The waitress laughed a little. “Big appetite, huh?”

Tony shot her a charismatic smile. “Oh, you’ve got no idea.”

She straightened, a wave of motherliness swooping over her face. “Kid’s are like that, huh? But we love ‘em anyway.”

He bit his lip briefly before shrugging, passing his and Peter’s menus into her outstretched hand. “Sure do.”

She gave him another gentle smile before redirecting her attention to Rhodey. “And for you, Sir?”

He seemed to flail for a minute, still blindsided by Tony’s easy agreement. Then, he shook his head and let out a disbelieving laugh. “I’ll, uh, I’ll just have the All-American Burger.”

“Lovely.” She flipped her pad shut. “It’ll be out shortly. Oh,” she shot Tony a wink, “and be sure to flag me down again when your youngster demands his ice cream.”

Tony winked back, enjoying the way it seemed to further his best friend’s slow decent into madness. “I will.”

As soon as she was out of earshot, Rhodey fixed him with a serious stare. “Holy shit, Tones. The kid’s, what, thirteen?”

“He’s fifteen. We picked him up from a high school, Rhodes. Get your math straight.”

“Like I know what age kids are in high school these days.” After a moment’s hesitation, the man pressed on. “You shouldn’t, either, by the way.”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re Tony Stark.” He rubbed a hand down his face. “So, spill. How long have you known?”

“Known what?”

“About Peter.” Rhodey gestured at the faded backpack sitting by Tony’s feet. “Why didn’t the mother come clean when he was born? Or did she, and have you been hiding it this whole time?”

Suddenly, his best friend’s thought process dawned on him. “He’s not mine, Rhodey. Jesus. Not biologically, anyway.”

“You know his order, Tony. That waitress just insinuated that he was yours and you didn’t correct her.”

He sighed, already tired by the conversation. “He’s not mine.”

The Colonel didn’t look convinced. “Then what is this?”

“I don’t know how to explain it, alright? It’s just… the kid’s my responsibility.”

“Why in the world would he be-”

“Hey, Mister Stark.”

Tony shot Rhodey a look that clearly conveyed a message of shut it, and slid out of the booth to let Peter in. “Hey to you too, kiddo. Enjoy yourself?”

The kid scrunched up his face. “That’s gross.”

He laughed, ruffling his hair a bit as they settled back into their seats. “So, tell Rhodey and I about school today. Learn anything groundbreaking?”

“It’s high school, Mister Stark. I can’t think of anything less groundbreaking than high school.”

“Well, that’s a shame.” He smirked. “Guess I’ll have to teach you something revolutionary in the lab to day, as compensation.”

“Oh, yeah?” Peter gazed up at him with adoring eyes. “What?”

“Dunno.” He forced himself not to shift under the weight of trust he could see on the kid’s face. “I’ll think of it on the spot.”

They were interrupted by their waitress setting down a plate of mozzarella sticks at the center of the table.

“Oh, cool!” Peter popped one into his mouth, then winced when it burned. Tony just rolled his eyes and shoved his lemonade into his hand. “Did you order while I was gone?”

“Yep. Don’t worry. I got you your chicken tenders.”

“Mm.” He smiled brightly as soon as he’d swallowed his mouthful of stringy cheese. “I knew you would.”

He elbowed him in the side, careful to be gentle despite the kid’s super strength. “You want ice cream after?”

Somehow, no matter how much Tony spoiled Peter, every new offer lit up in his eyes like starlight. “Can I?”

He gave Peter a fond smile, the one that he never seemed capable of replicating when the kid was absent, forgetting all about Rhodey’s watchful gaze. “Of course, buddy.”

“Awesome!” Peter broke one of the mozzarella sticks in half. “Are you gonna get some, too?”

If he was being honest, he didn’t really want ice cream. But he also knew that Peter would feel more comfortable asking for it if Tony did too, so ice cream it was. “Duh.”

One glance at Rhodey affirmed that he’d be going through some rigorous questioning later.

But than again, he’d sit through a thousand interrogations if he could make Peter smile like that again.

He blinked at the thought.

Damn it. I’m in deep, aren’t I?