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am-i-the-asshole-official · 23 days

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WIBTA For telling my partner I'd like to bring my ex into our relationship?

I'm copying this over from r/relationship_advice, because the responses are giving me the impression they don't really get what polyamory is & I'm hoping tumblr does. For reference: there's me (29M), my ex (28, Trans Man), and my partner (30M).

My ex and I were best friends in high school, went to the same college, & dated through the tail end of undergrad, for about a year and change. We ended things on very good terms, the only reason we broke up was a difference in life paths: I stayed in the city to get my Master's, he traveled constantly for his work (he's a sculptor who makes these huge custom multimedia pieces, they're genuinely some of the most beautiful things I've seen). We fell out of touch for the most part, but I'd see him popping up on social media occasionally, or he'd text me when he was in town and we'd hang out, along with some other school friends.

The last time I saw him before our present situation was about 3 1/2 years ago today. We went out for drinks, he came back to my place after, and we ended up hooking up. He stayed in town for about a week, and we hooked up a few more times, and then he left again. He sort of dropped off the face of the earth after that, but he'd always been pretty sporadic, especially when he had a big project, so I didn't think much about it.

Not long after that, I met my current partner. He's truly one of my favorite people in the whole world; he's incredibly thoughtful, and earnest, and passionate about his morals & principles (he's an environmental lawyer), and more than anything, he's someone I never feel like I have to pretend with. He asked for my number, we had our first date a few days later, and ended up staying awake the entire night just talking about anything and everything, so we went ahead and got 5am pancakes and called it our second date. We've been together for a little over 3 years now, we've been moved in together for about 2, and while we've had the occasional fight or rough patch I can definitely say I love this man, and I plan to spend the rest of my life with him.

So, the big change.

About a year ago (~2 years since seeing my ex, my partner and I have lived together for about a year at this point), my partner and I are having a night in, and there's a knock at the door. It's my ex, looking absolutely ragged, holding a 15 month old baby. As in, a baby who was conceived 24 months before then. Yep, it's pretty much what you're guessing. I let them both in, we had a sit down in the kitchen, and he told me everything he'd been doing in the past 2 years in between me cussing him out for keeping it all from me in the first place. I really do want to keep this as short as possible, so to give you the super condensed version:

She's my daughter, he's completely sure about that, there's no one else he's been with the math is even close to correct for

The second he found out he was pregnant, he more or less panicked. He's got a whole Thing about feeling like he's irresponsible/not a "real" adult, and this really set him off, so telling me felt like "admitting to fucking both our lives up" at the time. His OB/GYN said some pretty awful shit to him about not being more careful as a trans man too, which just made it all even worse

Because of all that, he'd genuinely planned to just never tell me I have a daughter & raise her completely on his own, but a few things compounded to force his hand:

The birth was really rough on him, and his recovery was slow enough he was having trouble going back to work, to the point where money was getting tight

On top of that, our daughter has celiac disease, and between paying out of pocket for blood tests & spending more on baby food she's safe to eat, things got desperate enough he went and took out a really dodgy loan from a scummy payday company

He was at our door because all of this had finally spiraled to a point where he'd lost his apartment, they'd been sleeping in his car for about a week, and he couldn't think of anything else to do

I think I was probably feeling every human emotion in existence at the same time through all of this, but the thing I remember most from the whole conversation was the way my partner kept drifting right back to the baby, and the soft way he looked at her. We put my ex & daughter up in a hotel room for the night and told him we needed to talk, and we'd discuss our options in the morning, but I think even then I kind of knew what our answer was going to be.

Sure enough, for the last year and a half we've been co-parenting our little girl, all three of us. We didn't want to juggle who's got her, or force my ex to find a place to stay, so we've turned my partner's home office into our daughter's room, and redid most of the downstairs layout so my ex could move into an actual bedroom, rather than just sleep on our pullout couch in perpetuity. We finally succeeded in convincing him that rest and recovery was more important than trying to contribute to the house finances right away, and it's been magical watching all that stress and terror slowly fall off him. It's like he's a little more alive again every time I look.

Which is where my question comes in.

I'd like to restate, I love my partner 100%. None of this changes that whatsoever. If I ask, and he says no, that will be the end of the discussion for me completely. But I have eyes. My ex is, objectively, a very attractive man. I know we work well together, and I have to admit I'm very curious to see where that same chemistry could lead now that he's not on the other side of the country half the time. I've also been noticing these little moments between him and my partner. Nothing I'd consider crossing a line, but I've caught my partner checking my ex out several times, as well as vice versa, and they get along remarkably well. Sometimes I'll go to enter a room, and see them both sitting there laughing and chatting and playing with our baby, and I'll just hang back to watch because it makes me so happy.

Add to all that, we're pretty deeply ingrained in each other's lives now. My partner and I don't often go out on dates alone anymore, but the last few times we did it felt as if my ex was missing from the table. We watched a movie together last night, and my ex sat in the middle of us with his feet in my partner's lap and his head on my chest, and it felt just as natural as my arm on my partner's shoulder. It's not about just having sex with him, and it's not that I'd want to invite any old person into our relationship. I know we already all love each other, and I think there's potential for that to become romantic between the two of us and my ex.

It just feels as though we're all holding our breath, waiting for someone else to say it first. My ex certainly isn't going to bring it up when he's living rent free in "our" home (it's his home too, but he doesn't seem to see it like that yet). My partner grew up sheltered enough that I'm not sure he's ever heard of polyamory at all, so he's not going to bring it up. That just leaves me.

My problem is, if I'm wrong about what I think I'm seeing, or if I bring it up the wrong way, I can't take it back. I don't want my partner to feel insecure or betrayed, I don't want my ex to feel pressured or put on the spot, and I definitely don't want my daughter to lose any of us, which I know could happen if we aren't all on the same page. Or worse, if we do all date and it goes badly.

Should I just keep this whole thing secret? Is that even worse? Would I be the asshole for opening this can of worms on everyone else?

Help!

#aita #am i the asshole

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kellykidd · 10 months

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Baby Severide - Chapter 1: Growing an Entire Human

*Gif belongs to its rightful owner, it is not mine*

Pairing: Kelly Severide x Reader Summary: When Kelly accompanies you to an OB appointment, the doctor brings some unexpected news.

Words: 1,569

Warnings: Doctors appointments, not great writing

Read on Ao3 here

Notes: The first chapter of a few. The entire fic isn’t quite done yet. Honestly, I wrote this for me, so if you like it, great, let me know. If not, great too, just don’t tell me. Medical info and such may not be right, sorry :) tagging some friends and mutuals as to celebrate my return to writing

Next Chapters: Chapter 2

Tags: @morganupstead @district447 @mustprotectmattcaseyatallcosts

——

“Hey babe, you home?” Kelly called for you as he opened the apartment door.

“Hey I’m here,” you sighed as you chuckled softly.

“How are my two favourite girls doing?” He asked, setting his duffel bag on the floor before coming to snuggle up with you on the couch.

“We’re ok, feeling like a beached whale though, baby.”

“We are in the home stretch. Take it easy these last few weeks.”

“Oh we’re taking it easy all right. I sat on this couch all day and did nothing, but watch The Bachelor,” you laughed, “how was shift?”

“A car wreck, nothing major. Then I came home early for you,” he leaned over and gave you a peck on the lips before getting up from the couch.

“Where are you going?” You gave Kelly your best puppy dog eyes.

“Well I thought I was going to shower,” he chuckled.

“Can you get me some water and a snack?”

“What about water and some breakfast?”

“Oh, the baby could really use some of your bacon and french toast.”

“You sit here, I’ll make us some french toast.”

“Don’t forget the bacon,” you teased as he went to the kitchen to start preparing your feast.

—

“Breakfast on the couch or the table?” Kelly called, plates clanging in the background.

“How about from our bed?” You laughed back, “I’ve had a long day.”

“You’re growing an entire human, that’s a long enough day as it is without you having to work from home too,” he brought the plates to your night stands and came back for you.

You got up from the couch with his help and started to waddle over to the bed.

“Hopefully only another few hours of working from home,” you sighed, getting under the quilt your mom made you as a wedding gift.

“Heard from the doctor yet?” He asked, sliding into the bed with a coffee in his hand.

“Called this morning. She got a cancellation for this afternoon at 3 to do another ultrasound and checkup so I don’t have go by myself,” you replied, digging into your stack of french toast.

“Our daughter is the luckiest,” he leaned down to kiss your belly.

“With your as her daddy, I have no doubt,” you moved your plate to your night stand and rested your head on his shoulder.

“As of now, I’ll only be away for one more shift before she’s born.”

“How long is Boden giving you for paternity leave?”

“I’m only going to take six weeks. Then I’m gonna use up some furlough, so I’ll be off with you for about eight weeks.”

“I thought you had more time saved up.”

“I get 12 weeks every two years. If we have more kids, I want to have the time to be off both times, baby.”

“I don’t know if I want them that close together though,” you laughed.

“Never know. We didn’t expect this one.”

“That’s true I guess. Hey, what time is it?”

“1:28, why?”

“I have a call at 1:30.”

“What do you need for it?”

“Just my laptop and AirPods.”

“I’ll grab them for you quick.”

He walked across the bedroom to the desk and brought you your things to start your call. He wondered out of the room so you could present in peace.

Kelly walked back into your bedroom near the end of your call. You were just saying goodbye to some coworkers since your maternity leave officially started as soon as your call was finished. You closed your laptop and put it to the side.

“Ready to go?” He asked.

“One thing first,” you smiled.

“Which is…?”

“Can you tie my shoes please?” You laughed.

“Of course, but let’s get going. I haven’t seen the baby in a couple months.”

“I know, I know, my shoes are on the floor by the door.”

“Let’s get you up then, we’ve got to go.”

—

As you pulled up to the doctor’s office, a flutter of excitement filled your heart. Walking into the office, you always dreaded that the OB’s office was on the second floor. You had a seat and waited your turn. Kelly always made sure you were there early after all.

“Mrs Severide?” A nurse called.

You stood up and Kelly held your hand into the exam room.

“There’s a gown on the bed with a blanket. Please put the gown on, the doctor will be in soon,”

“Thank you,” Kelly smiled.

The nurse left the room and you stood by the bed. Kelly sitting in the chair by your side. You started to change and your husband tied the sides of your gown together for you. He helped you onto the bed, draping the blanket over your legs and belly.

There was a knock on the door, “Hi, it’s Dr Calhoun.”

“Come in,” you answered.

Dr. Calhoun closed the door behind her as she came into the exam room.

“How are the parents-to-be feeling today?” She asked.

“A little wobbly, but happy to finally be on maternity leave,” you laughed.

“And how are you feeling, Kelly?”

“A little nervous, but excited,” he replied.

“Any concerns with the pregnancy since we last saw you? From either of you?” Dr Calhoun asked, pulling up your chart on the computer.

“Nothing that I’ve noticed. Just really tired,” you replied.

“That is to be expected, you’re in the home stretch.”

“Kelly said the same thing,” you laughed, “it does help my case of getting him to cook for me when he’s not on shift though.”

“Sounds like you’re doing well then,” she laughed, “let’s take a look at this baby girl.”

She pulled the ultrasound wand and gel out. Kelly held your hand.

“It’s gonna be a little cold, I’m sorry,” she announced.

She squirted the gel onto your belly and flicked the machine on. Swirling the wand around your belly, she turned the screen so you could see the image.

“She’s bigger than the last time I’ve seen her,” Kelly laughed, kissing your hand.

“She has grown a lot in the last month or two,” you smiled, “how’s she looking?”

“Active and growing well. Do you mind if I ask you guys something?” Dr Calhoun asked.

“Sure, is something wrong?” Kelly asked.

“Not at all. How big were you both when you were born?” She replied.

“I believe I was just under seven pounds, and I think Kelly’s mom said he was over 9 pounds. Why?” You replied.

“Your daughter is measuring larger than what we had originally thought. Almost nine and a half pounds. I’m worried about the risk of shoulder dystocia, and I’m thinking it may be easier on you and your baby if you opted for a c-section in the next week or two. A c-section isn’t an easier way out though and the recovery may be difficult.”

“But I’m only 36 weeks, shouldn’t we let her mature a little more?”

“Given her size already, she should be okay to deliver even tomorrow.”

“Kelly still has another shift left before he’s on leave. I don’t think I’m-“ you were starting to shift around on the bed.

“Babe, I’ll take some more furlough. It’ll be okay. Let’s just focus on you and the baby right now,” Kelly stroked your hair, “we’ll be okay.”

“Your baby has grown very well. I am not as worried about her progression as I am about your ability to recover and your baby’s risk of complications. I’ll give you a minute,” Dr Calhoun replied, walking towards the door, “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

She closed the door behind her and tears filled your eyes.

“What do you think we should do?” Kelly asked.

“If the doctor thinks this is what’s best, I think we should do it,” you wiped the tears from your eyes.

“I’m sorry I make such big babies,” he laughed, rubbing your belly.

“Just means we get to meet her sooner. I think we should do this.”

“When do you want to schedule it?”

“After your next shift. Make sure you don’t have to take any more time off.”

“I would happily take more time off for you and our little girl.”

“Thank you,” your eyes started to swell with tears of joy.

“Knock knock,” Dr Calhoun said, entering the exam room, “have you made a decision or would you like more time?”

“I think we’ve made a decision,” you smiled, “let’s do this as soon as possible.”

“Okay, I’ll leave some paperwork with the nurse at the desk. She’ll get you booked in and give you some instructions. See you both soon. Rest up. Oh and, as always, give us a call if something happens or if you have questions.”

“Thank you Doctor Calhoun.”

Dr Calhoun left the exam room and Kelly helped you change. You made your way to the front desk and booked your c-section. Saturday at 11:30am. Two days away.

Leaving the office, you felt excited. As Kelly started to drive you home, you noticed he seemed excited, but nervous.

“Hey, do you want to stop by 51 on our way home?” You asked, “to tell them the news?”

“Do you mind?”

“Not at all. Then it gives you a chance to talk to Boden.”

Kelly made a u-turn back in the direction of the firehouse. You were only a few minutes away. He smiled from ear to ear as you pulled up.

#Kelly Severide #Kelly Severide fic #Kelly Severide x reader #Kelly Severide x you #Chicago fire #Chicago fire fic #Chicago fire reader #One Chicago #one Chicago fic #Baby Severide fic

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phoenixyfriend · 1 year

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marriage of convenience and hair brushing/braiding for rexwalker, if you feel up to it?

Fanfiction Trope MASH-UP: Send me two (2) tropes from this list + a ship and I’ll describe how I’d combine them in the same story.

This ask meme is from over a year ago. Please don't send new prompts.

52. Marriage of Convenience 94. Hair Brushing/Braiding

Is it bad that my first thought is actually inspired by the Ob*kin fic Their fragrance came from you? There's a whole thing about Tatooine marriage braids that my mind immediately jumps to lmao

I think... let's say modern AU. Anakin is a single dad, has been for a few years. Padme died in childbirth, and while her will was made out in favor of Anakin and the kids, the executor of her will was her lawyer-mentor, Palpatine, who couldn't touch the trust funds set up for the twins (which are very large, and will become available when they turn 25, but can only be accessed for education costs before then), but did manage to somehow take almost all the liquid assets left for Anakin in bogus fees.

Anakin's still got the house, but as time passes, he's having more and more trouble with paying the property taxes. He's still managing, but the money Padme left for him is slowly dwindling, and the kids are going to start costing more as they get older, and he's already got Ahsoka living with him (she helps out with the kids so he can work, coding from home, since he's paying for her college tuition; she doesn't have to pay rent since she's a commuter student, and she's got a partial scholarship, but that's still a few thousand a year coming out of Anakin's pocket to put his little sister through underrad). Obi-Wan offered to help, but Obi-Wan lives on the other side of town and even tenured professors don't earn that much, compared to Coruscant's standard cost of living, especially since Obi-Wan adopted recently, a little girl called Reva, and--

Anakin's struggling financially, basically, which isn't a new circumstance, but he really doesn't want to lose Padme's house. Worst comes to worst, he can probably sell it back to Sola so it stays in the Naberrie family, and she'll let him keep living there, but... that's not a sure bet. The Naberries are comfortably wealthy, but it's still an entire house.

Rex, a college friend of Anakin's that went to the same aerospace program, comes back to town. He was on a military tour overseas, but got honorably discharged due to a head injury. Anakin offers to let hm sleep in the guest room, since Padme's house (it's still Padme's, in Anakin's mind), is a lot bigger than Cody's apartment, even if there are toddlers at large. Rex initially promises that he'll only stay long enough to find an apartment of his own, except he overhears Anakin on the phone with Obi-Wan about the finance stuff one day, and reaches out to a few people who have been in town more consistently for a better idea of what's going on without getting too deep into Anakin's business.

Rex manages to get a job locally; there's an airfield for hobbyists a few miles out of town, and the place is looking to hire a new engineer on staff to do repairs and checks on the small planes they keep on site. He starts making noises about moving out, and then, 'subtly,' suggests he just stay at Anakin's place and pay rent.

Anakin does not like the idea of Rex paying rent; friends don't do that! Anakin isn't going to make Rex pay rent in Anakin's home.

They don't talk about it for a few days, and then there's... IDK a night 'off,' where Obi-Wan or Sola or Aayla or Beru takes the twins for an evening, and Ahsoka goes out with friends, so Anakin can take some time off from being a Dad and just Relax.

He and Rex break out the wine, get tipsy not truly drunk, and Rex pokes at the 'just stay here' option again. The house is closer to the airfield than most apartments, and Rex can help take some of the weight off of Anakin and Ahsoka's shoulders with regards to childcare! Even if Anakin won't accept him paying rent!

Anakin argues this. Anakin's kids aren't Rex's responsibility, and Anakin doesn't need his charity (which is, of course, how he views Rex's suggestion). They go back and forth on the topic a few times, and then Rex throws out something about getting married 'for lower taxes' and 'it's not rent if it's my house too, right?' and it's. It's a joke.

Except they're both still thinking about it the next morning, with faint (but not faint enough) memories of a tipsy kiss before bed, and--

Months pass with the two of them circling around each other and Rex never quite moves out, and tax season rolls around, and Anakin is stretched so thin, even with all the cuts for children and covering a dependent's tuition and so on.

Rex quietly floats the idea of a convenience marriage again. It doesn't have to mean anything, if Anakin doesn't want it to. It's not an insult to Padme's memory, just a way of keeping her children in the house she chose for them. And it's not charity, because Rex will get tax cuts too, and better health insurance once Anakin can put him on the family plan he's got. It won't do anything for this year, but by the time the next year rolls around, Anakin will have less of a problem paying those taxes, even if that promotion he's been hoping for doesn't come through.

Anakin, eventually, agrees.

Just four months later, they tie the knot. It's a small ceremony, more than just a courthouse and a paper, just to... well, Anakin wants Rex to have this. Leia and Luke don't entirely understand what's going on, but Ahsoka told them that it means Rex is going to be staying for a lot longer than they originally planned, and they're pretty excited about that part. They're four, and 'Daddy's friend that we like a lot is staying' is pretty clear.

They don't have a 'traditional' wedding night, because they're still both looking at this as a platonic thing (it won't stay that way, but it still is for now). They do share a bed, because someone is sleeping in their guest room (IDK who, maybe a guest was too drunk post-wedding to get home and they just offered the room). Anakin's hair is long enough for an evening of people and, importantly, sticky toddler hands to have tangled it. He washes it out, comes to the bed, and looks so tired--because he had to wash the toddlers first--that Rex offers to brush it for him.

It's intimate. Gentlemanly, but intimate. They go to bed with warm cheeks and pounding hearts, and eventually, one of them rolls onto their side to cuddle.

Neither of them get much sleep that night.

#star wars #the clone wars #rexwalker #captain rex #anakin skywalker #ahsoka tano #skywalker twins #modern au #obi wan kenobi #phoenix answers memes

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nygmobblepot-trash · 8 months

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Just watched the first episode of Loki s2.

THEY'RE SO FUCKING CUTE.

*spoilers*

Mobius is so in love with Loki it's painful. His whole world got turned upside down and the timelines are falling apart. All he cares about is Loki. Even when Loki is basically bouncing off the wall terrified because something bad is coming. Mobius just doesn't care because it isn't important right now. He doesn't immediately start berating Loki about what happened at the end of time. He trusts Loki and cares about him (Sylvie even pointed that out last season).

So after trying to calm Loki down he takes him to OB (who is having a contest with Casey on who can be the most adorable). When they finally get an answer on how to fix the issue they both want to try something else. Loki doesn't want Mobius to lose his skin and Mobius wants the same... and I guess not wanting Loki to die of course. Also the bickering of who has it worse was perfect.

Regardless when the time comes Mobius steps up to the plate without complaint... besides writing "skin?" on a dusty computer and giving a thumbs up. Which was so iconic and I love that for him.

I also desperately need to know what Loki was going to say to Mobius in case he didn't make it. I'm sure he was still thinking about The One Who Remains and Sylvie. He was probably going to tell Mobius to find Sylvie but I need to believe he was going to have a heart-to-heart with Mobius. Maybe talk about fully what happened. All he told Mobius is that Sylvie and he fought, they tied (she won), and that he is coming. Loki is still unsure about the decision he made. He wanted to discuss it with Sylvie but Sylvie had already made her choice and decided to assume the worst of Loki. I think he has a lot of guilt. He either tried to do what he thought was right and would have doomed the timelines if he succeeded in stopping Sylvie or he almost did the right thing but couldn't commit to stopping Sylvie due to wanting a version of himself to be happy thus dooming the timelines. Basically, he's worried that he backed the wrong option and almost ruined everything (either because he believed that a dictator is better than a whole multiverse war or deep down he wanted control of everything) or backed the right option and failed because of his own selfishness.

--okay sorry back to my point. He knows Mobius deserves to know the truth. Hell, he probably wants Mobius to tell him he made the right choice or scold him for being selfish.

So in that moment where Loki may become lost to time (whatever that means. Death? An eternity of solitude, not belonging anywhere?) he apologizes. He admits that he might of fucked up big time and that Mobius was probably wrong to trust him. That maybe Lokis are incapable of doing good even when they're given free will. Maybe he really just wanted the throne.

Mobius is confused by the outburst and has no idea what Loki is even talking about but that doesn't matter right now. He sets his hand on Loki's shoulder immediately shutting the demigod up. A reassuring smile appears on his face.

"Tell me about it when you get back."

Tears well up in Loki's eyes. "But I ruined your life and now you're risking yours to save me. You deserve to know-"

"Know what? You keep forgetting I know everything about you. I wasn't lying when I told you that you could be good. I stole that line from your brother by the way. All you ever needed was someone to believe in you, not a throne. You aren't the same Loki that I met a week ago. You were a God that never questioned his actions because he believed them to always be just. Now you're a man terrified of doing the wrong thing. No matter the fallout we'll figure it out together. First, let's put an end to this whole time-slipping thing... it's honestly making my stomach flip."

Loki is too stunned to speak. It makes no sense. How can two people who know him so well have two different opinions of him? Why does another version of himself believe he can't be trusted while the man who studied every lifetime of every version of Loki trusts Loki with his life (skin?). Loki has to make it make sense. "It bothers you when I am in pain?" He asks still in a haze.

Mobius who had walked away to watch OB work doesn't look up from the control panel. "You're a jackass most of the time but that doesn't mean I enjoy watching you get yanked from past to present."

Loki's own words echo in his mind; 'I just want you to be okay.' The prune stick slips from his hands and clatters to the floor.

Mobius turns his head startled by the noise. "Loki," he notices the tears in Loki's eyes, "what's wrong?"

"I-" Before he can form a sentence a sharp pain shoots across his body as it contorts in ways it shouldn't. As the pain subsides and he gains control of his body he notices his surroundings have changed. Or rather the time has changed. Loki is greeted with an empty dark room.

He looks at the device OB had given him and reality sets in. Pruning stick. His eyes frantically scan the floor for something he left in the present. Of course, it wouldn't be here in the past. As his eyes shoot towards the door something catches his peripheral vision. Something written on the side of a monitor.

Skin?

But that's not possible. Mobius wrote that in the present. It can't be here in the past. Unless he's not in the past. He has never been pulled to the future before. He's running out of time. It's now or never.

Loki runs through the TVA searching for a hunter but only finds empty hallways. The device shakes in his trembling hand. The gage is almost back into the red. He's failed again. He'll never see Mobius again. The old variant of Loki was right; all he does is bring pain and unhappiness everywhere he goes. Glorious purpose, what a cruel joke.

A phone rings close by breaking his trance. With nothing else to do, he slowly makes his way to the odd occurrence.

Then he sees a pair of hands pry open a door. It's Sylvie. Her hair is long and she seems... happy? Emotions again well up in him as their last interaction stings in his mind.

Before Loki can talk he feels an immense pain starting at his back radiate throughout his body. He's felt this exact burning pain before and it isn't the time slipping. For the second time, Loki is pruned while staring at Sylvie. He has no idea who is the responsible party but he doesn't care. All he can do is shut his eyes tightly and pray that the plan works. He wants --no-- he needs to see them again, to make sure they stay safe.

The next thing Loki feels is weightlessness. Is this death? He got pruned too late, right? Surely the universe making him see Sylvie again was punishment.

When he gains the courage to open his eyes he is moving through space at an alarming rate towards someone in a space suit. The person in the suit turns and he sees Mobius and the blast doors closing. Loki swears he sees Mobius smile as the men collide with so much force they are thrown through the doors just as they close.

As they lay on the floor neither are quick to remove their arms from each other. Loki uses one arm to prop himself up slightly while using the other to hold on to Mobius. As he stares at Mobius so many things come to Loki's mind.

I'm glad you're okay.

You still have your skin.

I came back.

Instead of saying any of those things his stomach turns and he remembers Sylvie. "We have to find Sylvie," is all that he can bare. Love is a dagger after all. If he doesn't reach out it can't disappear again.

#loki show #loki series #loki spoilers #loki season 2 #loki #Mobius #lokius

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jeonqkooks · 2 years

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our beloved summer; a drabble

note: i have no idea what this is 🤧 this is the product of me being emo while rewatching obs and thinking about that "when you get older" post from the other day

It’s Wednesday today.

When your alarm goes off with that loud, obnoxious sound that you’ve come to tolerate, you wake up.

The sun is directly in your eyes because you forgot to fully close the curtains last night. You grumble to yourself, turning over to reach for your phone. You read Taehyung’s texts and make a mental note to reply later. You scroll through your socials for a while, looking at photos of your friends and acquaintances. Someone just got their second degree. Someone just got engaged. Someone is entering their third trimester. You glance at the news. The world is a terrible place.

You get up and spend ten whole minutes making your bed because your sheets keep creasing and your comforter won’t fill in where it’s supposed to. You brush your teeth and wash your face. You do your morning skincare and watch a YouTube video. You think about looking for a new apartment, even though you love this place. Taehyung asks why you left him on read.

You go into the kitchen to make coffee. You forego the fancy coffee machine that Taehyung and Jimin got for your birthday a few months ago, because it’s too much work in the morning. It’s great for the aesthetics, but you don’t really want to spend an hour just to get some caffeine. You make a shitty cup of joe instead. Boil water, two teaspoons of instant coffee, two teaspoons of sugar, both creamer and oat milk. In college, Hoseok called this your trademark disgusting concoction.

You bring your drink to the living room and set it on the coffee table, where your laptop is already waiting for you after being abandoned last night for some much needed sleep. You sip your java and answer some tedious emails. You go through your notebook, crossing out some lyrics that definitely sounded better in your head and after a couple glasses of rosé. You feel stagnant because it’s been a few weeks and this song just isn’t fucking good enough. You remember that you haven’t called your mother in a few weeks. You should probably do that today, or tomorrow, or some time later this week; give her some meaningless life updates just so you could say that you have a relationship with each other.

You take a break from working when your poor back tells you to stand the fuck up and stretch it out. You go to the window sill to look at your houseplants. They seem to like how aggressive the sun is today. You try not to think about him. Instead, you wonder what Taehyung might bring over for dinner tonight. Some peace of mind would be nice.

You go to the kitchen again to get some water for your plants. You watch them drink it up and reach for the sun. No one can ever truly know another person. Maybe a person can never even truly know themself.

Your chest feels tight again, so you just look at the green leaves and smile. They can’t see you though; no one can. You don’t even believe yourself. You'll get better at this tomorrow.

It’s almost 10:30 in the morning.

Day 706.

#jungkook x reader #jungkook fluff #jungkook smut #jungkook angst #jungkook fic #bts x reader #bts fluff #bts smut #bts angst #bts scenarios #bts fic #fic: our beloved summer

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biggestxsimps · 2 years

Text

Obsessed

Quick A/N (Owner 2):

Hello! Owner 2 here, I just wanted to say thank you for viewing our account so far! I want to quickly explain something about this one-shot. This one-shot mentions killing. In this, both Ayato (Ayano) and Y/N are Yanderes. I've made it so Osano (Osana) likes Ayato and where Osorō likes Y/N type of thing. Disclaimer the female rivals in this are males to fit the story.

Kohai= Underclass men/younger

Senpai=Upperclass men/older

_________________________________________________________

The rush of adrenaline coursed throughout Ayato's body, his thirst for killing his fellow rivals growing each time one of them interacted with HIS senpai. He balled his fists, watching Osorō talk with Y/N from afar. A small growl fell from his lips, he just wanted Osorō gone and for good in that matter. Y/N laughed a little, crossing his arms in response, trying to mimic the delinquent boy's moves.

This made Ayato furious, his mind completely fogged. All that was on his mind was ripping the delinquent apart, putting him back together, then ripping him apart all over. He stomped off, leaving the other two boys there.

Y/N's POV:

I was having a great time with Osorō, mocking him was one of my favourite things to do. It was funny watching him get all flustered from embarrassment..But I already miss MY Kohai dearly. What if he's with another girl..or guy even?!

End of Y/N's POV:

Y/N panicked slightly, looking at Osorō as he spoke softly. "Uh Osorō, I just forgot, I was meant to go meet up with someone. I'll talk to you later." He smiled, the blonde sighed and nodded. "Be safe Y/N." After the two said their goodbyes, Y/N left and set off to find his beloved Kohai. He walked around the hallways, coming to a halt when he suddenly heard Ayato's..but also Osano's voice? He hid around the corner, listening in on their conversation.

"Senpai! Where were you? You're late..again.." The orange haired boy mumbled, Ayato letting out a small chuckle in response. "Sorry, sorry. I got a little..caught up.." he muttered, his mind suddenly flashing back to the sight of both Y/N and Osoro laughing with each other and looking so happy. His face turned slightly pale, the thought of losing his Senpai, all cause of one stupid delinquent.

Osano blabbered on about how Ayato was late, whilst he himself was off with the fairies. He was suddenly pulled out of his trance when he heard nearby foot-steps fade, his eyes lingering over to the sound as he watched Y/N walk away, past him. He smiled a little, at this point staring the boy off as he walked into the distance.

"Senpai! Were you even listening?" Osano asked, slightly irritated. Ayato nodded a little and looked back at him. "Yeah. Hey I'll see you later.." he said, before he suddenly jogged after Y/N, Osanos mouth gaped ever so slightly as he watched Senpai run off with no explanation or anything.

Ayato's POV:

I run after Y/N, calling out to them as I soon catch up, clearly out of breath. "Hey Y/N.." I pant, smiling sheepishly as I slowly stand back up right, looking over at him. My heart is racing a million miles per hour..I'd always get this weird feeling in my gut every time I spoke to Y/N in person. It makes me really happy for some weird reason.

End of Ayato's POV:

Y/N stopped dead in his tracks when he heard Ayatos voice, a slight smile appeared as he slowly turned around and looked at the younger boy with a slightly raised brow. "Ayato. What's up?" Y/N asked. "I was uhm..going to ask if you wanted to hangout at my place later on after school?" Ayato responded.

Y/N's POV:

Did I hear him right? Kohai invited me to hangout after school with him..just me and him. I immediately nod in response. "Sure, why not." I smiled, keeping myself calm so I didn't start freaking out over the fact that me and Ayato were going to be spending time with each other all alone...and at his house.

End of Y/N's POV:

The two boys were both beyond happy, both of them slowly getting what they wanted, apart from certain obstacles blocking their paths which they would both discard of very soon. Who would've known that the two love struck boys had both happened to have an unhealthy obsession with one another.

(Part 2)

As the remaining few periods of the school day ended, Y/N made his way out of his classroom and walked down the hallway to the lockers. When he arrived, he put his books away and grabbed out his bag before shutting his locker door as he made his way outside whilst waiting for Ayato.

Ayato's POV:

At the end of the day, I quickly scurried to my locker after being held back for some idiotic reason. Once I grab my stuff, I shut my locker door and quickly make my way outside before I glance around for my Senpai..there he is! My eyes land on the perfect boy. I smile and wave at him. "Y/N!" I called out and went over to him.

End of Ayato's POV:

Y/N's POV:

I look up from my phone, hearing my name being called out. I look to see Ayato not even a few metres away from me. I smile a little, my heart racing ever so slightly. I felt butterflies in my stomach, it was such a warm and fuzzy feeling. "Hey Ayato." I respond softly.

End of Y/N's:

The two boys begin to make their way out of school, starting to head over towards Ayato's house. After a bit of time, they soon arrived at his house. Y/N taking a moment as he glanced around the house. He still couldn't believe that he was spending time with his crush outside of school, let alone in his house!

Y/N took his shoes off, setting them to the side as Ayato does the same before he walked into the kitchen with Y/N following. "Make yourself at home Senpai. Would you like something to drink?" Ayato asked, Y/N nodding in response as he responded with "Yeah, just some water will be fine for me thanks." He smiled. Ayato filled the glass up with water before he placed it down on the counter as Y/N took some sips occasionally as they made small talk.

Some hours passed, the two boys were sitting on the couch, Laughing and talking happily to one another. Both of them are more in love with each other the minute goes by...Y/N couldn't help but stare at Ayato, his eyes slightly dilated. This is when Ayato noticed, he looked him dead in the eyes as he spoke softly. "So...is there anyone you like?" He asked, Y/N snapping out of his trance as he nodded a bit. "Mhm..what about you?" He responded, earning a nod also from Ayato.

Ayato's POV:

I tense up, slight anger ran through me when I heard his response. Who did Senpai like? Was it Osoro? That fucking bastard-. I keep myself calm. "Who do you like?" I asked, keeping myself together.

End of Ayato's POV:

Y/N's POV:

I listened to his question, suddenly raising a brow as I sighed a little bit. I took a moment before I spoke up. "I like you." Was all I said. I watched Ayato's cheeks grow redder in colour, a small chuckle fell from my lips. 'Cute..' I thought to myself.

End of Y/N's POV:

Ayato sat there, looking up from his lap as he smiled a little bit. All that anger and fear he held almost a moment ago faded within seconds when he heard Y/N's confession. "I like you too Y/N...very much." The raven male hummed contently.

Ayato's POV:

I just confessed to him- the one person who I loved most also has feelings for me as-well. I still don't believe it. Without hesitation, Y/N gently cupped my cheeks, placing his soft lips on mine. I rest my hands on his chest, smiling a little bit.

End of Ayato's POV:

Y/N's POV:

I kissed Ayato softly, slowly pulling back after a few moments as I looked straight into his dark eyes, a sudden wave of warmth hitting my body. Words couldn't describe how happy I was. I'd been waiting for this moment ever since I laid my eyes on him.

End of Y/N's POV:

Both Ayato and Y/N shared another tender kiss. The atmosphere is calm and quiet as the two boys cuddle close, Y/N whispering into Ayato's ear quietly. "I love you...so much.." Ayato smiled, looking up at the boy with a soft expression. "I love you more.." he muttered.

Both of them got their happy endings, well for the moment at-least.

———————————————————————————————————

A/N: Our account is purely male reader, so if you have any requests please ask here or on our wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/BiggestxSimps

Written by Owner 2!

#yandere #yanderesimulator #ayato aishi #ayano aishi #osana najimi #osano najimi #osoro shidesu #malexmale #malexmalereader #gay #lgbtq #bisexual #yn #ayato aishi x reader #gayromance #romance #drama #biggestxsimps

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faofinn · 8 months

Text

23. Coughing Fit

Fao hadn’t been back in England all that long, and he’d been sharing a room with Harrison for even less time. He was still mostly stuck in bed, still awaiting much more surgery in order to get him back on his feet, but they were doing what they could. Despite his best efforts, and the breathing exercises they gave him (which he even did, mostly), he’d picked up an infection. He knew the cough was good, knew it meant he was shifting the crap off of his chest as he should be, but it was absolutely killing him. Every cough, every deep breath was agony. The incision burned, it twisted, it stabbed. No matter what they did, how many painkillers they gave him, it never made it better.

He’d been coughing all night, unable to find a comfortable position to sleep in, and every time he dozed off he’d been woken by the coughing or the pain. That, or Harrison would start, and that would wake him. It was to be expected, they were so close and often hugging or even dozing in bed together. It was no surprise they’d passed it to each other, much to the dismay of the nursing staff.

Exhausted, Fao sipped his water and tried to stop the cough that had been building, clearing his throat. It didn’t work, and now that he’d started he couldn’t stop. It wracked his body, his incision so painful it almost felt like his chest was being ripped apart, his ribs just agony. He tried everything to no avail, it was just so painful he wasn’t sure if he was going to cry or scream or both. He was exhausted with the effort of it, starting to taste the coppery tang of blood on his tongue.

Harrison had just started drifting when Fao started coughing again. He groaned, pushing himself up on one arm. The change in position set him off coughing too, his initial plan to tell Fao off quickly going sideways.

"Fuck me."

Fao groaned, trying to catch his breath and failing. The coughing had stopped, but the breathlessness hadn’t, and he looked over at Harrison, who was no better.

“Jesus.”

Harrison took a moment to catch his breath, feeling like absolute death. He glared at Fao for good measure. "Can't believe you gave me this."

“Not my fault.” He rasped.

He leaned against the back of the bed, his own ribs protesting and screaming. The pain from his shoulder was only getting worse with each cough, and he cou ld feel the muscles spasming with the effort.

"You okay?"

He shook his head. “Hurts.”

"Join the club." He managed. "Buzzer?"

Fao grumbled, just as the coughing started again. It just made the incision pain worse, and he whimpered, feeling as though he was pulling the incision apart.

As Fao started coughing again, Harrison's concern only grew. He knew how much pain he was in, and he'd not had his chest cracked. Guilt flared as he struggled for his buzzer, pressing it and hoping the nurse would be able to help.

The nurse came in relatively quickly, all things considered. Fao had just about stopped coughing at that point, but was struggling to catch his breath still, and the sip of water he’d managed hadn’t helped.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, turning Harrison’s buzzer off.

"This infection." He grumbled, his voice croaky. "We need something for the pain, he needs his obs checked."

“I can get you something for the pain, but neither of you are due obs for another hour.”

"You need to check it."

She looked over at Fao, frowning. He really didn’t look well, pale with his chest heaving, doing his best to stay upright.

“I’ll go and get the sister.” She said quickly.

"Told you so." He muttered, falling back into the bed.

The sister appeared quickly with an obs machine, and Fao didn’t even have the energy to argue. He had to fight to focus on what he was doing, unable to think of anything else. A shaky hand pressed against his incision, his eyes wide. “Pain.”

"We're getting you something for it, don't you worry." She said softly, connecting the obs machine. "We'll get you sorted."

He nodded, it becoming slightly easier to breathe. He hated it, it felt like he was never going to be able to catch his breath.

"How are you feeling, aside from that?" She asked gently, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.

“Can’t breathe.” He managed to get out.

"You're okay." She hummed, reaching behind him. "Why don't we put some oxygen on, see if that helps, hmm?"

He nodded. It had to help, surely. He kept his hand pressed to his side, the pain making his head spin, not to mention the inability to catch his breath. There was a flare of panic, knowing if he passed out things would just get worse, and he tried to fight it.

"That's it, just relax, okay? I know it's difficult. You're doing really well." She soothed.

How the hell was he supposed to relax? He felt like he was dying, and all she could say to him was relax. He whimpered, things just getting harder and harder. He looked across the room at Harrison, desperate for some more reassurance.

Of course Harrison couldn't be trusted to be left alone for five minutes. They'd been stupid enough to leave the crutches close enough for him to reach, so he did. He'd won the fight with the side of the bed and was halfway across when Fao looked to him, and he offered him an encouraging grin.

“Hars.” He rasped, reaching out for him.

The nurse turned, exasperated. "Harrison! You're supposed to be in bed."

Harrison gave as much of a shrug as he could, all but collapsing into the chair by Fao's bed. He stretched out to grab at Fao's hand, coughing himself.

"I got you, Wolfie."

Having Harrison helped Fao to get a bit more control, forcing a slower, deeper breath the best he could. He squeezed his fingers, humming. His cough sounded just as bad, but they were together and that helped.

"Just in an' out." He managed, squeezing Fao's hand back. "You're okay."

He whimpered, the fear still there despite the oxygen, though it was making it a little easier, stopped his head spinning a bit.

"You're doing really well, Fao. Keep up with that breathing, yeah? It's hard, I know, but your sats have come back up, it's working well."

He nodded slowly, focusing on his breathing, trying to control it, forcing himself to exhale slowly. It was starting to work, though the cough threatened again, and he tried to clear his throat.

"That's it, well done." The nurse praised gently. "Keep that up."

He nodded again, feeling useless. He just had to get his breath back, stop the damn cough, but every breath was agony, not just the incision across his ribs but his shoulder too, the muscles screaming at him as he tried desperately to gain control.

The other nurse reappeared, medications in hand. "Right you two, I've got your pain relief."

Harrison glanced up. "Fao first."

"Harrison! Again, really? You know you're not allowed to be up without anyone helping." She tutted at him, shaking her head as she headed to Fao's bed. "You'll end up hurting yourself."

Harrison shrugged. "Fao needed me."

Fao knew Harrison had been bad to get up, but he couldn’t complain because Hars really was a lifeline for him. He squeezed his hand again, offering him a weak smile as he continued trying to control his breathing. “Hurts.”

"Where's your cannula, Fao? There it is. Just got you something for the pain, yeah?" She said softly, flushing the cannula first.

He moved his arm slightly, so she could get at his cannula, nodding his consent. The flush was cold, but not awful, and the meds went in soon after.

"Better?" Harrison asked, his worry clear on his face.

Fao nodded again. The meds were helping, both the coughing and the pain, and he could start to catch his breath again. He squeezed Harrison’s hand again, managing a smile. “Better.”

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okwritingandpain · 7 months

Text

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da: The Beatles x Reader

Chapter 19

After the sing along at the diner, everyone was on better terms. John, Paul, and George were finally talking to each other again and everything seemed almost perfect. That was until--

"Who took my writing?" Y/N asked, searching through her drawer where she kept her book drafts. Ringo was looking through a magazine and looked up at her.

"Someone took your what?" He asked, walking over and looking into the drawer.

"My writing. It's missing!" Y/N panics. She had wrote a few chapters during her stay in the 1960s and she was hoping to take it with her back to her time.

"Well, let's find it!" Ringo walked out of her room and began searching the living room. The others were in the kitchen making dinner for the five of them. George noticed Ringo's sudden urgency as he threw pillows off the couch.

"What are you doing?" George took off his apron. He was mixing cookie batter for dessert.

"Y/N lost her writing." He explained, George began looking too and then John joined. Paul was trying to manage all the different course that the others were supposed to be working on. Y/N continued searching in her bedroom. Where had she put her writing? She was hoping to share it with the the others tonight.

"Are any of you going to come back and finish cooking?" Paul asked, but everyone ignored him. He glared at them as he continued to try and multitask. Y/N finally determined that her writing wasn't in her room, so she went out to help the others.

"Any luck?" She asked as everyone shook their heads. Paul looked away from everyone. John was under the dining table, searching through a basket that she had shoved under there a couple days before.

"Are you sure it's not in your bedroom?" George asked, sitting on the couch.

"Believe me it's not in there." She replied as they all thought for a moment.

"Is it at the studio?" John asked. That could be a possibility, but she hadn't brought her writing to the studio in a couple days. Paul seemed more annoyed than ever as he finished mixing the cookie batter. They kept suggesting things that seemed realistic, but she was always able to shoot down. Finally, Paul had had enough.

"Okay I took her writing!" He blurted, causing everyone to look at him with confusion. He couldn't have possibly taken her writing. She had never shared its location before.

"Really?" She asked a little defensive. He nodded, embarrassed. He walked over to his bag and pulled out her writing. He also pulled out another set of papers with music notes scribbled on it.

"Your work inspired a song." He said, handing his bandmates a set of music. "I call it 'Paperback Writer'." She watched him curiously as the others grabbed their instruments that were sitting in the corner of the room.

"I think that's rather lovely, but I don't think we should play it here. You know what happened last time..." She said, nervously. She didn't exactly want to be kicked out of her apartment. Paul made sure everything was turned off in the kitchen before motioning for them to follow him into the hallway. George and Ringo ran after him while John winked at Y/N. He led her out of her apartment and down the stairs. The others had already raced ahead and she could see them somewhere in the distance. John let out a chuckle as they ran up to the park nearby. At the entrance, people were parting for her to pass through. People were watching her and John move towards where the others were set up.

"Wait here." John smiled as he ran over to join the others. People watched her with bright smiles and cheering.

"Hello everyone." Paul yelled, "We have a new song to sing for you all more specifically, that lovely lady right there." He pointed at Y/N. She blushed as everyone looked at her again. "This song was based on what she does and what she loves to do. I hope you all get a chance to read her writing." Paul nodded to the others.

"Paperback writer (paperback writer)." They began to sing and the crowd cheered. Y/N blushed at the familiar song. "Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book? It took me years to write, will you take a look? It's based on a novel by a man named Lear. And I need a job. So I wanna be a paperback writer. Paperback writer." Her blushed deepened as people began to join in and crowd her. Girls were screaming in jealous rage and some were crying. Even some of the men were yelling in fury.

"She's so lucky!" One woman screamed loudly.

"It's a dirty story of a dirty man. And his clinging wife doesn't understand. His son is working for the Daily Mail. It's a steady job. But he wants to be a paperback writer. Paperback writer." They continued as they pointed at Y/N every now and again. Kids were dancing and she joined in with some of the younger kids. "Paperback writer (paperback writer)." She couldn't believe that they had written a song basically about what she did. It made her feel like she was going to cry. It made her think about the future as she wondered if she had fixed it or not. Was it some what back to normal again? "It's a thousand pages, give or take a few. I'll be writing more in a week or two. I could make it longer if you like the style. I can change it 'round. And I wanna be a paperback writer. Paperback writer."

"They wrote a song about her!" Another person screamed and Y/N couldn't help but try and conceal a laugh.

"If you really like it you can have the rights. It could make a million for you overnight. If you must return it you can send it here. But I need a break. And I wanna be a paperback writer. Paperback writer." Now everyone knew the lyrics and she began to sing along as well. Paul smiled at her as they finished the song with the repeated line, "Paperback writer". Once they were finished. Each ran up to her one at a time to give her a hug. First was Ringo who almost tripped on his way. next came George who shyly got past a few people before giving her a gentle hug. Next came John who kissed her hand jokingly in front of the screaming people. Last came Paul who gave her the warmest smile.

"Are you going away soon?" He asked out of the blue. She suddenly knew that they had to talk, but she didn't want this moment to end as she basked in the attention that she rarely got. After the band and her escaped the crowd, they went back to her apartment and Paul and Y/N talked in the kitchen.

"Did you have one of those weird dreams again or something?" She asked, making sure the others weren't eavesdropping.

"You could say that." He said, "It didn't show me much...just a better future for everyone and I know you want to go home, luv." Smiling at her, he handed her writing to her. She smiled.

"I appreciate all you've done for me." She said, softly. He let out a chuckle.

"I think we are the ones who should be saying that." He smiled as the others appeared behind her. "We've been working on a song that can take you into the future. You know without being hit by a car." She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. George and John gave each other a competitive look. Turning around, she kissed each of them on the cheek.

"We'll send you back tomorrow." George clapped his hands together as they sat down at the dining table.

#paul mccartney #paul mccartney x reader #george harrison #george harrison x reader #john lennon #john lennon x reader #ringo starkey #ringo starkey x reader #ringo starr #ringo starr x reader #the beatles #beatles fic #fanfic #beatles fanfiction #beatles fandom #time travel #cross posted on ao3 #wattpad

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inventors-fair · 1 year

Text

To the Victors: Sac Ability Commentary

Every single day you people make my life more difficult, and by that I mean that I make my own life more difficult but have a convenient group of polite scapegoats on which to pin my misadventurous inquiry. I really didn’t expect the designs this week to be as difficult to decide between as they were. Narrowing down 31 picks to even six for the winners/runners was difficult enough. That’s the nature of open-ended contests like this, though.

I think that the call for elegance in the open-format was a good one, though. People really acted on that, and weeks where there’s no obvious winner-among-winners because of so many good entries—well, I do like those weeks! It makes my job harder, no doubt, but whatever, this is what I signed up for and this is what we enjoy.

Something I noticed was that there were a lot of synergy-matters/high-self-synergy cards among cards presented here. That’s not a bad thing at all! I imagine, then, that that’s what people notice when they think of elegance: a card that operates well on its own and even better with others. The risks that some people took beyond implication were nice, though, and even if there weren’t a lot of really wacky cards that made me stop and gape, there were quite a few that made me happy with what information y’all absorb from the game and what clearly matters to you.

Per usual, Judge Picks are cards I’ve selected for personal reasons that stand out to me one way or another. Check ‘em out and read on.

@bread-into-toast — Mouldering Stitcher (JUDGE PICK)

I chose this card as a Judge Pick for its unique serenity and funky interactions that tie into a strong but fair drawback.

Like I said, there were a lot of good cards to choose from this week. This card sets a unique mood in the way that it has to constantly rebuild itself with the sacrificial aspect, but it’s a strong boy, that’s for sure. I think that the utility in exiling and scrying feels slightly less directly connected to the decayed aspects, which is a sacrifice (metaphorically) you have to make. This is definitely a limited-oriented card, but it has a lot of uses as sac outlet that casual constructed could for sure make use of it.

The obvious go-to is the Gravecrawler interaction, but that’s been said and done before, hasn’t it. At uncommon, with this flow of ideas, though? I do love this card a lot. The statline and the inability to block (usually) is enough of a drawback that this card absolutely plays its role and has to be carefully built around if you’re running for it. But, with so many decayed creatures in limited, whaddaya gonna do but sac, right? Man, this card feels smooth. I’d be willing to fall apart for it. Overall, really good show from a really good week.

@curiooftheheart — Ob Nixilis, the Conqueror

And here we have the second Ob Nixilis this week, which I do want to say, I like a lot. He feels very planeswalker-y, utilitarian with interesting back-and-forth choices, and for seven mana, I don’t expect anything less. My favorite parts are a) the art direction, although I can take or leave The Unluckiest, because I can feel the ways in which he’s wanting to go forth and—well, conquer. Tally ho! and b) the incredibly relevant +2 ability. Like, that is what’s gonna win you games. Is it as good as Ugin? Well, no, but it’s not trying to be. It’s trying to be demonic, and I like that.

The sac ability itself is a little odd to me. Considering you can only activate planeswalker abilities at sorcery speed during your turn and it’s already restrictive, sacrificing more than one walker and doing it at instant speed literally wouldn’t do anything. It doesn’t add an additional time and it doesn’t change the timing window. That’s to the best of my rules knowledge, anyway; the sorcery speed changing would only mean that if an opponent had a trick to take care of another planeswalker during your turn, you could sac it in response, and then Ob would still have to go through his motions, assuming it was your turn. That -11 feels like it wants to be Tibalt, Cosmic Impersonator. I don’t know, the brutality of the first two abilities doesn’t feel like it quite ties into what the -11 is trying to do. Still, I see the conqueror angle of it; it’s almost kinda weak, which is saying a lot. Regardless—this card is straightforward and punchy.

@deg99 — Seafarer’s Fraud

I’m trying not to chuckle at the art direction here. Well, there you go! In terms of what piracy is trying to do in MTG, I honestly don’t know enough about how pirates work, although I’ve faced down a couple strong Beckett Brass decks. To use this enchantment, though, you have to be super hard in on the archetype. Nothing wrong with that! Quite specific. If there’s anything wrong with having one of these cards in limited, I don’t see it. Great for mana-ramping.

If I do have any issues, they’re not with what the card’s doing. Perhaps there’s something iffy about the fact that the “spells you don’t own” (not “do not,” MTG’s picky about these things; see Tasha) sacrifice doesn’t account for any part of the card itself, but it implies something about the archetype, perhaps, and what kind of deck you’d want to build. I’m getting the vibe that this is a draft chaff card that people deep into Commander want in their decks. Absolutely nothing wrong with that! Pirate players gonna pirate. For this contest, it’s a little...too specific to have elegance outside itself, if that makes sense? I think it’s a well-designed and potentially very powerful card. It’s also not where my brain was going with this contest exactly, although, to be fair, I was vague. In the end, my favorite part is the fact that apparently this pirate’s trick is working? After all, they can enlist other pirates who don’t know the difference! And stealing—oh, stealing business, tricking with gold, I see it more clearly now. Heh. Okay, I’m chuckling freely.

@demimonde-semigoddess — Malignant Fossil

“Malignant.” I wanna hear about your use of that word. I know it’s supposed to be kind of evil, but is that the word that’s best ascribed here? Is this one even evil? That name is implying a lot of things about this object that are making my scratch my head. These aren’t necessarily criticisms, because I do genuinely want to hear about your thought process and the like. In fact, I have very few direct criticisms about the mechanics here. This card’s a bit of an odd gem. I’m getting a Horizons-y vibe; was that your intention? I can’t imagine the premier playability, but that’s my brain.

I love how you’re using both the treasure and the clue capabilities in a way that subverts and distorts perceptions of them. The lack of cantrip on the filtering means the two mana feels like a treasure while also being more powerful in some ways, which helps tie into the eternalizing cost (!), and the clue feels flavorfully darker. BTW: it’s “YOU draw a card and YOU lose 1 life,” see Metalspinner’s Puzzleknot from Kaladesh. This is one of those things that I feel like I have to drill both into myself and a random contestant every week, so now it’s your turn to take the brunt. That said, getting a zombie token that has those abilities is really funny. If I haven’t said it before: I think this card would play phenomenally in limited and even Pauper. It’s got a lot of quirks and I want to examine and inquire a bit more; while it’s good, it’s also a tad impenetrable.

@dimestoretajic — Liesa, Saint of Martyrdom

Good on you for using Kaya’s wording here. I was about to wonder, but there you go, she does the good work. And having played with ONE Kaya, I think I like this trick going forwards. Lots to love about the potential here, and I like the way this card plays. I think presentation-wise, this card didn’t need flavor text, because as much as I get the connection with the name, there’s a LOT of rules text in here. Small potatoes, though. This is definitely a limited-commander-bait kind of card, and hoo boy she wants a lot of mana. Nothing wrong with that, though; the world could always use another Baneslayer.

I guess the sacrifice ability itself is a little lackluster, but it ties in with the above line, and there’s nothing wrong with a winmore. This card can absolutely take over games. A wording note, before I continue: the first ability is just “Whenever you sacrifice a nontoken creature.” You’re the only player who can sacrifice your own things. File that for the future, because it’s one of those things that you always need to know, y’know. In general, though? The card’s good, but I don’t feel the sense of elegance. A bomb is a bomb, no doubt. This is a P1P1 for sure. It’s in the unfortunate position of being in, well, this contest, with a LOT of contention. For what it’s worth, I’d be interested to hear deeper thoughts about the martyrdom angle; is it really martyrdom if it’s involuntary, or at least, is it the gift that Liesa is purporting?

@dumbellsndragons — Reckless Combimancer

I want to like this card. I want to Torpor Orb, this guy, and then Eater of Days into an Ulamog or Progenitus. It’s just so weird to grok! The build-around-ness that you have to do to make this actually work is for thinkers. Frankly, I think it’s really neat and also really complicated, clearly an idea where the mechanics came first. I think the combination aspect of the flavor works pretty well, too. Would this card be great in a commander toolbox, or some constructed nonsense? Maybe! Is it good? I have no earthly idea. I don’t think it’s “good” automatically but it’s also far from bad and making it work is...weird.

Look, I think I do like this card, but it’s definitely asking a lot beyond elegance. This is hardcore math, and not hardcore as in actual mathematics, but more than most MTG players are willing or able to do easily without already knowing what they’re doing—but that’s fair enough, I guess, if you want to make a deck with this card; you gotta make a recipe out of this pile. Most MTG players are so casual, though, that it begs the question: what are the bounds of complexity here? All that aside, I was pretty down on this card, but not as much anymore, tbh. Someone’s having more complicated fun than me with it and all the more kudos to them.

@evscfa1 — Scavenger’s Copse (JUDGE PICK)

I chose this card as a judge pick because of its directness in what it’s asking to do and making me concede elegance in design space I don’t usually delve into.

I just now remembered the Ghave deck I saw played recently, as well as its matchup against someone’s new-brew Atraxa deck. And you know what, in the end... Wow. This card could be incredibly fun, couldn’t it. The amount of counters-to-power-to-cost ratio is something to contend with, and I just remembered Karador as a commander, and ooooooh boy, this card could do fun things there. I think Abzan space feels a little combo-y at times and samey with the counters, but this card isn’t asking for much except to do more of that. It’s powerful and hard to deal with and still requires a big cost. Nothing wrong with that in the least.

Should it be sorcery speed? In this era, probably. Does it matter too much? I don’t think so, not when you’re already losing a mana-producing land slot and then a creature to get all your goodness out here. This card’s not asking for much flavor-wise, although I can for sure feel the Indatha vibes. I assume that the Copse/Corpse wordplay was intentional, and I misread it once or twice admittedly, heh. It fits in where it wants and needs to. Love that.

@fractured-infinity — Glistening Mass

Ah, the toxicity in our city! Permeating Mass is so weird. There aren’t too many cards with this effect, probably for good reason, but regardless. I like this card and I think you did everything you could to balance it! I especially like the fact that this feels commander-oriented for sure. Hey, does everyone want the ability to spread this oiliness around? Take care of things that maybe I can’t take care of? Boom, have an ooze, spread toxicity. This both helps to make toxic cards spread more toxic around for your proliferation, as well as to prevent the board from gumming up too much because you gotta sacrifice things.

That said, the fact that it’s a good blocker is a bit of a pain in the butt. Maybe making it a 3/1 would have been better, so that oozes kill oozes more easily and to encourage attacking. Attacking 1/3s into each other is...not as much fun, you know? Small notes: You need a comma after “opponent” and after the “{2}” symbol. Besides that? I think this card’s definitely one of the more unique results of the sacrifice clause that I could’ve expected. You guys reached into some cool corners this week.

@greensunzenith — Cell Coordinator

This one was a favorite for a while. It didn’t fall out of favor, but I think there were just a lot of thoughts that swirled around and a lot of cards that were hard to compare against one another. Correct me if I’m wrong, but “cell” refers to, like, a group of initiates, right? Some kind of cabal? Mechanically, this card does a lot well on the limited front, so let’s get back to that. If this guy dies, the retention of deathtouch on your tokens is quite strong even if they aren’t as coordinated in the end. Trading off for better board presence, at instant speed no less, is very fun, and the fact that you can sacrifice itself in response is really cool.

Was that intentional? There’s something in the flavor that’s not meshing for me exactly, but I understand that it can be sacrificed with a more mechanically-oriented card. Maybe it’s the fact that you can sacrifice more assassins to make assassins, or the fact that, well, I’m not sure what the initiation is; are you intending that they’re dying and being reborn into assassins? Maybe I’m overthinking this; this is one of those cards that you just have to hate-pick when you see it going around the table. Ooh, I also just noticed that it’s an Advisor type. Neato! I still do very much enjoy this card, and it suffers for nothing. I wouldn’t call it the deepest, because the two abilities are in direct conversation with one another, but it’s still fun. To play, I mean, not necessarily to play against. This thing’s a pain in the ass. Love it.

@grornt — Intrusive Journalist (JUDGE PICK)

I chose this card as a judge pick mostly because of its resonance and its feeling of completeness.

Like I’ve said at least twice now, there were a LOT of great cards this week. This one definitely made people react, and I think I have to respect that. Choosing from among cards this week, we got a lot of scholars and students and plenty of clues to go along with it. Investigations abound and I feel that people wanted to play around in that space. Well, a card like this that generates early advantage to draw into clues while also allowing for further clue usage is pretty darn great. Transform them into the demon of your dreams!

Or nightmares, I suppose. Drawing a card off the sacrifice is the icing on the cake here. Yep, you may not get to use your clues for your research, but you get that knowledge regardless. It almost feels like a demonic contract or a result? Or at least, it feels fitting somehow. The creatures get its due and you get card advantage. This is one of those things that make the archetype feel like it’s flexible, and I think that’s what I appreciate about it the most as a card. Innistrad’s clues and investigations felt great, even if this card could just as fit well into the Back Alleys of New Capenna (2039). Nothing wrong with that! It’s simply a good card that allows for surprise and revelation, beatings that you have to work for.

@helloijustreadyourpost — Shadowborn Fanatic

This is the elegance and simplicity that I think I expected more of, even if I’m happy with the diversity in cards that came along. Looking up the demons that could go off on turn four, Spawn of Mayhem and Desecration Demon are ripe for the Pioneering, and there are definitely some commanders that would appreciate a boost. Krav/Regna might like to get him out early, yeah? Lots of options! I don’t know precisely what this card would see play in, although it could be a core set-kinda thing. Shadowborn cards have that vibe.

Aside from that, this card’s not asking anything more than what’s on the tin. I feel that there’s something—excuse me, I’m about to get meta and meditative. I’m wondering exactly what I meant by elegance, and what that looks like to other people. When looking even at the examples that we posted, I chose a very specific kind of card to show off, something which is fairly inflexible but that supposedly had a place in limited/constructed: play with auras. And this card is just as much “play with demons.” What’s the as-fan of demons, though? What set is going to ask for demons like that? It feels bluntly utilitarian. I like that for when I need blunt utility. Is that too harsh? I’m not even sure if there’s criticism to be had here; it’s more that I’m curious what elegance means in terms of flexibility vs. specificity with other MTG players. I like what you’ve given me to think about. I’m not as disposed to the flavor text. It’s aight. If I was a demon, it wouldn’t summon me, but it’s...serviceable. Try to wrench yourself from the quagmire of demonic expectation and get weird with it next time, IMO.

@hoiohoi — Soul Stringer

This card is definitely doing things. Let’s start with the flavor parts that I like. I think that the first two abilities play into the name, and I want to take that unique name and twist the artsy side of it into a chain/thread/linkage, which I believe is what you might’ve been after? The “each creature” part of it is pretty neat. It’s also trying to do a lot of things at once which might not service it well enough.

The first activation is an interesting one that feels more limited-oriented, a hate-card for if you’ve got a nice mirror match that you can use with an advantage; I can imagine cheap token-makers in a certain limited meta would make this card stellar. The indestructible part of it is also quite fun if you have the resources to make that happen even more so. What kind of deck would you play this in, though?

The fact that (with diminishing returns) you can do instant-speed reanimation isn’t really something to scoff at, either. Actually, it’s somewhat busted in late-games; if you have a five-drop, you sacrifice it, getting back a 3-2-1 that died earlier in the game, then rinse and repeat so that all the previous turns become trivial to your opponents’ progress. It’s a remarkably frustrating ability and Saffi Eriksdotter says hello, too. In short: at this point, the card’s incredibly fragile for combos and wants to do several different things, each of which needs to be the focus of this card—which isn’t quite there yet. Try to hone your vision and really visualize the card in greater environments, for and against you.

@horsecrash — Gurzen, Cowardly Captain

I think I’m a bit stodgy. This card’s otherworldly good for a legend-focused build like Shanid or Arvad. I love the fact that you chose a unique sacrifice ability for this contest that emphasizes both a flavor adhesion and a mechanical distinction that’s asking for play outside limited formats but which also allows for fun within them. In terms of how this card probably plays, I love it. In terms of how it feels, this isn’t my kind of humor at all.

Perhaps it’s the name and flavor text being so direct about the intentions. If the name subverted things, hey, the flavor text would be all the more surprising to answer the question then posed by the rules text in seeming contradiction. If the flavor text allowed the player to feel some sense of dramatic irony, then I’d feel more disposed to such a direct name. I am probably in the minority here. You have big fans of this card, and I’d want to play with this one for sure, but it’s lacking in the nuance that drives the emotional connections I’m looking for. Good use of the emdash there, too, but get rid of the spaces around it.

@i-am-committing-tax-fraud — Brutal General

Captains and generals abound, wow. I feel that a lot of people were touching on the same beats for a lot of these cards, and that makes for a lot of repetition, it feels, but also a lot of intrigue. People seem to have similar feelings about a lot of the same sac outlets, or at least they have flavor vibes that they wanted to bring across in mechanical ways. I feel that this particular card takes that top-down notion and really runs with it. I see exactly what the name and flavor text are doing in connection with the mechanical desires.

Again, what it earns in cohesion it lacks in subtlety. Making one’s self menacing is an interesting tactic, and I actually quite appreciate the nature of this card’s counter usage. The flavor text outright telling what’s happening feels like something that the implied directions already give us. This is one of those things where I get weird about presentation and everyone’s heard it a million times already. A card with strong flavor cohesion induces surprise through a combination of elements in conversation with each other, or through an adhesion of elements that naturally evoke resonance. Not quite getting that right now. Card’s deec still. Why no subtype?

@i-am-the-one-who-wololoes — Tricksters of the Lonesome (JUDGE PICK)

I wanted to make this card a judge pick for a surprisingly impactful resonance that didn’t click with me until I really started to dig in, and then, what a pleasant surprise.

Surprisingly, I want to start with my single nitpick of this card, which is the name; the rest of it, without that introduction, plays on some really nice pieces of lore. Consciously or unconsciously, you’ve touched upon some lovely mythological aspects here! The temporary unearth and the flavor text combines the sinister nature of European nonhuman folklore with the Greek tragedies of the underworld, plus this really macabre notion of what the sacrifice means here.

Do I even need to talk about the mechanics? This card’s stellar. Appropriately costed for such a strong effect, great with tokens, great with reanimation shells, a reasonable rare, a unique cost, yadda yadda. This card could be printed just about anywhere but would be kind of tricky to use for its resources. Great with that one white enchantment from BRO that sends things back to your hand. I want to get back to the name for a second, though. TL;DR, the trope of “came back wrong” is already resonant in the flavor + mechanical combination, so we know who the faeries are tricking already: lonesome, desperate individuals. Ergo, the name can have another angle to further carve out depths about the world, characters, time period, location, situations, etc. that the tropes don’t already cover. Your audience knows a lot! Have faith in them.

@little-red-rabbit — Scrapomancer

I think the deathtouch is the most interesting part of this card. I like how it’s turning scrap into rats, and how those rats play an important role on the board with creating a whole row of blockers. I don’t think you need any flavor justification for the ability beyond “it’s made of trash,” and that’s okay. The mood you’re going for of trashbot-making-cute-trashbots is pretty strong! It might be a little much that it can sacrifice itself; I feel for flavor reasons it would be better to sacrifice “another nontoken artifact” instead. You don’t need “you control” there, because the fact that it’s sacrificing means that it’s only you who can control it.

There are a few things I’d like to iron out. The name is still cute, but “-mancer” is usually a wizard’s title, and this little guys isn’t a wizard itself. “Deathtouch” doesn’t need to be capitalized in the second ability, and oop, might wanna check the spelling. I feel the flavor text could be slightly shortened by taking out “alone,” taking out the comma after “heap,” changing “with no given command” to “without orders,” and adding the apostrophe to make it “wizard’s” because of the possessive. Overall, a fun and positive card!

@ozthearistocrat — Curio, Detective’s Familiar

I feel that this card is so self-evident that there’s nothing I can add to it. Hilarious, in a way, and also self-satisfying, but also amusing, but also it plays well for sure. There were so many clues this week, my goodness. At this point in the commentary, I’ve kind of had my fill of them, which is unfortunate, but that’s what repetition and the alphabet end up making. I really do like this cat, and there’s nothing BAD I can say about the card. The flavor text makes me want to metaphorically smack you with a newspaper, but not to the point where it’s anything but jocular. Eloise is a pretty cool character, you know? I think so, anyway.

Curio seems like the kind of card that would be a fan favorite wherever they showed up. Perhaps a Horizons set, or perhaps a non-premier Innistrad expansion, or maybe Conspiracy murder mystery, which honestly I contend would be a really fun set to do. It plays into the archetypes, it’s funny, it’s fun, it’s advantage, and you’re generating value with creature sacrifice. Huh. Actually, I didn’t think about that as much; Innistrad’s got a lot of that, doesn’t it? Could be pretty fun to look into.

@railway-covidae — Inspector Snoop (JUDGE PICK)

I wanted to make this card a judge pick for selecting a unique environment in which it’s implied to exist, and for highlighting limited nuance through that.

I’m actually a bit concerned with the amount of inspectors and journalists that you folks are looking to sacrifice this week even without the relations to investigation. What kind of world or card is this bad boy looking to build off of? Kaladesh, perhaps, but the name is...kind of generic. The rest of the card’s worth talking in-depth about, so here, I’ll hand you the metaphorical newspaper and you bop yourself in the head while thinking about resonant names. Let’s talk about mechanics!

The fact that this can enter and then counter something later on given the energy you’ve stored up prior is a massively advantageous tempo card. It’s unfortunate that it’s telegraphed, but you don’t necessarily have to worry about that, because your opponent is also worried about a creature that can swing in and gain you energy every turn before the counter. This is actually a stunningly strong card if you know how to be a tempo player, and in an environment with more energy uses, I think the balance makes this both a great limited rare as well as a contender for uniquely interesting energy-oriented environments. You know what, props to you for actually making me think about new things. This is the kind of weird sacrifice that I wanted to see more of.

@reaperfromtheabyss — Ruthless Grandmaster

I see where this card is starting to get its cleverness, and I don’t hate what it’s doing. It’s hard for me to feel the resonance, and I think that there’s that underutilization of nuance that’s making me a little wishy-washy. In what environments does this card want to exist? I assume limited, because lord knows that there’s no constructed deck that would touch this card that I can think of. Tokens are easy fodder, and yes, those tokens are pawns in this game. I can see where this is going.

Thinking about the previous cards and what I’ve liked about them, I think there’s this fine line between what a card’s presenting by itself and what it’s asking for from the rest of a deck. This card says hey, pay attention, you’re going to want to build around me because I have requirements that make your deck better. But what does it do against evasion or multiple attackers, against the fact that it could protect itself but at the cost of another chump-blocker, and that eventually you’ll run out of the big cards? What is this card supposed to be doing, exactly? I feel that this card wants the spotlight without disciplining itself to the kind of deck it wants to be in. The designer’s joy of a first strike and deathtouch and sacrifice are all there, but in this package, I as a player and judge have to ask: how does this card win me the game or support other ways in which I win the game? I don’t think there’s an answer right now.

@snugz — Evolutionary Catalyst (JUDGE PICK)

I wanted to choose this card as a judge pick because it’s really weird.

And also, it’s good, but it’s so so weird. Haste in GU? The green gives it, yes, but is that...reasonable? I mean, I GUESS, but still, it doesn’t feel right, and you know darn well why. Making lands into hasty creatures isn’t the same! So far, there hasn’t been a UG creature with straight haste itself or even a spell that gives it to creatures that’s not through a loophole. But this thing is just...good? That’s the problem with this card: it’s frustratingly good and I know it’s so much different than a lot of other cards here but, man...

There’s practically no lore, but a good amount of flavor. I think. What precisely is this supposed to be depicting? A catalyst chemically is something different than a mechanical one, mmmaybe, and what exactly is that on the body of whatever it’s supposed to be? Maybe a pod, a gauntlet, a helmet? Call me uncertain, because I’m uncertain. Still: it’s a restricted evolution card that we’ve seen similarly and I do still like that. You know what? This card’s got a lot of science fiction vibes that I like that you’re leaning into. It’s beyond Simic, but (thank goodness) not at Warhammer. I’d play this card and that’s about all I can say, I think.

@sparkyyoungupstart — Advanced Payment Plan

I’m an occasional fan of cheeky names on cards and weird references if they’re clever enough. Leaning into the Orzhov side of things was a good call, considering the lore of debtors. With that, this card’s got a lot going for it that is fundamentally broken in its colors. Hybrid means that both white and black need to have mechanical outs, and the first ability is Treasure production via sacrifice, which absolutely falls outside of white’s color pie. The redirection of sacrifice is something that’s also, I’m fairly certain, outside white’s pie, although it’s quite a rare effect to see.

The only counterargument is that white gets damage redirection and prevention, and that’s absolutely valid. I still believe that the amount of sacrificial abilities through the colors is too high in the black direction to make that any kind of primary ability, and it doesn’t negate the first line of rules text which, as established, isn’t in white’s pie. As an uncommon hybrid enchantment, this card definitely should be rare. You don’t need “Pay” in that first line, either, and “Token” should be lowercase, but those are small potatoes. I feel that this card could’ve used more feedback to redirect it to firmer ground.

@spooky-bard — Unscrupulous Osteologist

God, I’ve been on that date. Anyway. Love the creature, feel the Horizon vibes. The name’s a) gummy in the mouth i.e. inelegant, and b) not particularly world/fantasy resonant. Let’s get back to that and first talk about BONES. Thank you so much for having this scientist sacrificing other creatures and not itself, which makes sense. Love how he’s on the trail but needs to keep going on the trail in order to be as menacing as he needs to be. Card advantage and sacrifice, yes please. Overall, great mechanics that speak to the kind of deck that you can play around with!

I’m curious why bones are in short supply, honestly. They don’t seem to be in short supply with the guy in the background, heh. In all seriousness, there are perhaps slightly different ways of making the name and flavor text more cohesive with that excellent art direction. I love the way you’re playing with the flavor text for sure. I’d want to make it slightly snappier, since it’s definitely meant to be darkly humerus—well, femur—and requires either packed brevity or precise resonance. I feel you’re going for the latter, which is good! The flavor text is still good, don’t get me wrong, I literally just want to play around with it for a bit, maybe truncate, maybe re-angle. “To the enterprising inquirer, all death is caused naturally.” Hm, no, but... Hmmmm. I’ll think about it.

@stareyedesper — Alexander, Living Sylex

As reasonably as this card is projecting what it wants to do, the picture of its environment evades me. In what decks is this meant to be played or signaled? Herein lies an interesting issue: the higher rarity your cards are, the more they need to signal what they’re meant to do. Alexander here displays high utility, but the purpose of their existence as a mere vessel for destruction feels so utilitarian that I don’t know what else to do with them. When do I play this card? How do I build with it? Do I want to use this card?

Alexander is clearly asking for three colors to be played, but those colors have access to other tools that do so many similar and focused things without asking for anything in return. I feel that this card needs more signaling qualities or perhaps personality to truly emerge as a star. When I look at a card like...Yasharn, for example, it’s a card that revolves around itself, but it’s a rare bestial creature that aligns itself with a world. I understand its place on Zendikar. Alexander here isn’t giving my imagination anything to work with. It’s not a badly designed card, but it feels defiant of definition.

@wolkemesser — Magistrate of Mercadia

Lots to love here and a lot to be frustrated with on my end, or rather, there are two specific wording clauses that are making my eyes twitch. Still, I want to calm down and praise this card for being a huge pain in the butt and a commander that everyone would love to hate. If you were to open this and start building with it, then good lord would you make enemies. At the same time, it’s curious how you’re allowing yourself to cheat out some pretty crazy creatures with the second ability. I’m so glad that you emphasized once per turn, and so even though this card is still insane in the right dredge build, probably, you capped it to prevent insta-Thoracle. My goodness, that was close. And I’ll touch briefly on the flavor, because I assume that adding a name would’ve been too long. Well...I mean, when you’re comparing it to Sisay, a named character, not having a name is a bit weird. Still, I feel you. Interesting story tie-in too!

The first annoyance is “cast that card for as long as it remains exiled by paying its mana cost.” All you’d have to say is “cast that card for as long as it remains exiled,” because it’s implied by the nature of the game that you have to pay costs, and otherwise it would say “without paying its mana cost” which is the default. Secondly, “Activate this ability no more than once per turn” should just be “Activate this ability only once each turn.” The first one is frustrating but the second one’s a common wording mishap. Overall, this is a spicy card with a few oddities.

@yd12k — Tasigur’s Machinations (JUDGE PICK)

I wanted to choose this card as a judge pick because it has a strange build-around-me feel that invokes flavorful, interesting play that’s refreshingly unique.

I saw a little bit of chat going on in the channel, and I’d like to say that this probably could’ve been five mana, but aside from that, the card itself is pretty darn magnificent to see. Morph/Manifest decks feel so few and far between and I actually really want to see one in action. Considering the amount of ways to make this work in limited, holy crap. Morph is fun and this card is fun and generating advantage is even more fun. It’s a way to generate bodies that are sometimes actually bodies and the fear of removal is so real. What a bomb.

Flavorfully, what this card does is really put the fear of morph into your opponents. Maybe there’s a card that can be turned face-up, maybe not! Maybe obscuring one’s face turns into smoke, maybe it turns into cheap one-or-two drops. This is a limited and commander card only, basically, and I love what that’s doing. It’s a black sacrifice card, which I’m almost disappointed we got so many of this contest, but it does something so unique that I can’t help but love to point it out. Someone’s gonna get a kick out of it.

That’s all! Tune in when we tune into things for tomorrow’s contest. @abelzumi

#mtg #magic the gathering #custom magic card #sac ability contest #commentary #inventor's fair

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serenescribe · 8 months

Note

for the new ask game!! hope you're having a fun day!

1/ my favorite fic of yours:

i want to say all of them but thats not how this works TvT so ill limit myself: anything you wrote for the selkie au (beloved selkie son <33), hollow moon (im still haunted whenever i see the moon outside), everything goes dark (i dont even know anything about feh?? but i fell in love with the setting and extreme dubious morality) and the silver sleeps for 100 years after mal's ob fic (utter hell; broke my heart and tore it to shreds. i will shatter like glass if i attempt to re-read it i think)

6/ something i remember vividly from reading one of your fics:

the flashbacks from 'everything goes dark' come back to haunt me every now and then. i vividly recall the growing dread i felt reading through them and the gut churning horror of reading those final ones; terribly fucked up lilia my beloved 🫶

7/ what made me the most emotional after reading:

two for nero got a visceral reaction out of me the first time i read it but what actually made me most emotional was the absolute descent into madness that hollow moon was. the build up of silver's condition and the way i kept going 'there's no way it can get worse' only to get proven wrong a few paragraphs later had my inside tied in knots and tears dripping down my face before i even got to the end ;;; ALSO that fic where lilias "i love you's" aren't enough to wake silver up anymore tore me apart. i still think about it a lot

12/ a fic of yours that ive re-read:

so many!! i re-read two for nero twice, i go back to the selkie fics a lot, also re-read the silver sickfic, the diasomnia cuddle pile anddd that's all ive got off the top of my head o/

Fanfic asks - for the askers

micaaaa my beloved!! i love our selkie au dearly and i still want to write more for it when i am not crushed under the weight of old english and essays :'D excellent picks for fav fics!! i'm glad to see some appreciation for everything goes dark bc i'm still very fond of that; i went a lot more descriptive than i usually do and i'm still quite happy with it!

again, i am so SO glad that hollow moon fucked people up. mission goddamn accomplished!! the way everyone was probably just like "it can't get worse" only for me to sledgehammer them with the next paragraph. truly a train wreck in the slowest possible speed. it really does get worse before it gets better. (and aaaa god that fic ;;; tore at my own heart while i was writing it)

happy to know that you reread some of my stuff <3 thank you for sending this in!! :D

#ask box #0rchidm4ntis #pops confetti yippeeeee mica time

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positivlyfocused · 1 year

Text

I’m Getting Better At My Out Of My Body Experiences

The more proficient I get with my Advanced Positively Focused practice, the better control I’m having in my Out of Body Experiences (OBE). I like seeing that progress. Exhibiting more control over such experiences indicates significant progress towards becoming ordinary among super humans.

That’s a paraphrase from a book I read. Dan Millman’s Way Of The Peaceful Warrior transformed my life trajectory. In his book, Dan quotes a main character:

“You have tried to be superior in an ordinary realm. Now you must learn to be ordinary in a superior realm.” - Way Of The Peaceful Warrior

I love the juxtaposition of that quote. Many want to be super human among ordinary people. They want to set themselves apart. I once did, that’s for sure. But some time ago, I opted for the better alternative. I opted to become ordinary among a community of super humans.

Now that I’m exhibiting early super human powers and sharing how to do that with others, I’m fulfilling my long-held desire.

It takes practice and persistence

In that last two weeks, I’ve enjoyed a steady series of extraordinary events. My dreaming experience radically transformed. These days, dreams are long, rich and vivid in their detail. My dream retention proves my increasing ability to merge with a greater part of me. The part that travels freely through alternate realities.

The word “dream” is a misnomer. That term disparages what’s really happening when the body sleeps. What happens when the body sleeps represents sacred connection to All That Is. We return to our Broader Perspective awareness. There we travel through infinity. The cool thing is we can do it consciously aware of what we’re doing.

When my body sleeps, I’m not in it. Instead, I’m exploring, creating and interacting with the power and love of other literal super humans. Beings who no longer exist in the physical realm.

I share with clients what I know these nightly experiences actually are: the closest, easiest-to-reach alternate dimension available to us all. Every point of consciousness experiences this dimension while our bodies sleep. Even objects thought inanimate experience them. But consciously experiencing this realm then recalling and retaining the experience, represents an advanced capability.

Anyone can do it. It just takes a teacher who knows what they’re doing, practice and persistence. Exploration of other dimensions is a “given” as eternal beings. But human consciousness blocks those experiences for ordinary people.

Super humans though travel these realms consciously. And benefits of doing so are clear.

Projections of consciousness

OBEs indicate even further advancement. These days, in nearly every meditative session, I experience an OBE. Sometimes, I experience so many I can’t remember them all. But I know practice and persistence will remedy that. After all, my ego needs practice too. It must get used to being in a foreign dimension.

I also must get used to the experience. Right now, my control isn’t the best. OBEs I’m enjoying come as spontaneous events. Not something I directly control. I can’t deliberately visit some place I want to for example. Not yet. Instead, they involve random visits to alternate dimensions. Or experiences in locations familiar to me, like the following:

I saw myself I found myself walking down the street that felt like Mississippi [a street in my neighborhood]. A woman was coming from the other direction. The scenery was extremely vivid as was this woman. She had long brown hair that flowed in the wind. Her face was narrow and stern, but the energy she emanated wasn’t stern. As we converged, she looked at me strangely, as though I did not belong there. And of course I did not, for I was projecting! (Massive Source Confirmation).

This one happened this morning (Feb 21). What’s cool about visits like this is OBE pioneers document identical early-stage experiences. Robert Butts and Jane Roberts‘ early experiences were exactly like this. Robert and Jane are famed as the conduit through which Seth spoke. Oliver Fox is another OBE pioneer. He lived in the early 19th century. Fox documented his experiences in a book called Astral Projection. Yet another pioneer, Robert Monroe created a technology-enabled process for astral projection. His book, Journeys Out Of The Body chronicles his journeys. Each of these pioneers enjoyed the same early-stage experiences I am enjoying.

More powers on the horizon

These people’s experience confirms my own. I’m just beginning with this highly-advanced ability. And I know my experience reflects improved capability. For example, in the projection above, I recognized the woman recognized me. She knew I didn’t belong in her dimension. And I retained that experience when I returned from visiting there. As I wrote above, in past experiences I forgot what happened upon returning. But now I’m retaining more of the experience.

I also notice my forgetfulness happens in highly advanced trips. When I visit multiple dimensions, my ego gets overwhelmed. One recent sitting demonstrates this. The moment I lay down, I experienced an enormous variety of dimensions all simultaneously. It was almost totally overwhelming. I couldn’t remember specific details. But I remember the collection of various dimensions as a single unit. Here’s what I wrote about that event:

^^A description from my journal of a massive number of dimensions experienced simultaneously along with other OBE projections experienced in session 181 on Saturday, Feb. 18.

I know my capacity for these experiences is improving. I know this because I recognize progress I’ve already made. And I know more such progress lies on the horizon. As do more abilities. Abilities known only in what Dan Millman calls “the superior realm”. The realm that is quickly becoming my new home.

Wanna join me?

#positive thinking #positive life #out of body experience #occulltism #occult #happiness #positive thoughts #spiritual growth #spritualgrowth #spiritual enlightenment #spiritual life #law of attraction #positive affirmations #positivealways #positively focused #positive vibes #spiritualawakening #spiritual path

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cursedsleep-blog · 1 year

Text

Updated Feedback for Streets of New Capenna

I think my original feedback to SNC was godawful for a lot of reasons, not to mention that it was ruder than it really should have been, so I am writing this.

I think New Capenna has a lot of potential but the set and the setting didn't get enough time or polish.

Story

The main story felt kind of rough. I'm not sure if there were rewrites or something, but it felt underwhelming in the end. A lot of important/interesting questions (like about Halo's effects/purpose and Elspeth's past) were left unanswered. Also still disappointed we didn't get a Riveteers story.

The confrontation with Ob Nixilis felt like it was way faster than it really should have been. Felt like the only real impact was killing Xander and crashing the Font. Maybe should've been a 2nd set with the resulting takeover (and the Angelic Awakening too).

Also the angel situation should not have had to be explained on Tumblr.

The side stories were mostly just OK. I liked the pigeon one in particular.

Setting

Going to split this into smaller sections

Humanoid Cephalids: This feels like the human sliver situation to me. Having them for more diversity was a good idea, but I feel like more Dominarian designs may have helped there. I also noticed and did not like that basically all the guy cephalids were big blurple bald guys with tentacle staches and the girls were blurple women just with tentacle themed hair.

The City and the Citizens: Stacking 3 cities on top of each other was cool, but I don’t feel like the set gave enough of an idea of what it was like to live in the city. For all the talk of how this is the big mob set, I have a clearer idea of what life was like for Ravnicans under the guilds than I did for Capennans under the families. The same goes for plain old daily life in the planes.

The Family Concepts are Cool, but Feel Underdeveloped:

Despite the lack of interest in the city outside of the families, I didn't really get a good sense for how any of the families worked & the lack of any apparent pre-angel law/order does not help. Staying away from cops and stuff was 100% the right choice, but there needs to be some sort of law or something: even law/criminal investigation controlled by the Brokers/Obscura would be good, as long as there is a real reason the Family's operations and crimes/murders are kept on the down low.

On the note of the law, as I was double checking to see if their were RTR-esque outfit guidelines I missed, I finally noticed Rogue’s Gallery had a Broker’s symbol on the sides of where the photo was being taken. If Brokers and maybe Obscura were supposed to act as the law despite also breaking it for power, that should’ve been made more clear and been more prominent.

Again, like with the unclear Angel situation post-set and having a decent amount of Angels in the set, it feels like either communication broke down and/or like there was a decently-big rewrite and that it was too late to change some things

Brokers:

Didn't feel criminal enough for the most part. The strong-arming and contract forcing implied in the sidestories seemed to be MiA, and what crime there was just seemed to be generic murder (i.e. Lagrella the Magpie)

Did not feel very magical or interested in the elements of their colors (barring the one Vermin guy who contracts with animals). One or both go for most of the other families too.

Obscura:

More of the Obscura’s mystical side could have been nice (sphinxs, seers, spirits, etc.)

How they operated seemed unclear, especially how they controlled information. What they did have just seemed to be surveillance, smuggling for no discernible purpose, and more generic crime like robbing a vault. Felt more like Dimir then a faction with White.

The hologram things suck. I know I'm taking care to not be rude this time, but it feels uninspired and un-fantastical and I feel the need to be blunt on this point.

Hard to tell apart from the Brokers, visually and operationally.

Maestros

Still too similar looking to the other Blue factions, and they maybe could have been more interested in their colors non-mechanically.

The art theme was great, though the hotel/hospitality aspects while interesting could have been explained/pushed more.

Riveteers (Also My Original Comments Were Real Bad On Them in Particular):

First off, shouldn't have complained about the boxing ring aspect, I did not know my history there.

The worker outfits helped make them distinguishable from the other factions, but I lot of what they wore still felt pretty generic

That said, after looking closely at them again, I noticed a bunch of them have a gold, scale-shaped trim or pattern on the insides of their coats. That is neat, but again I literally never noticed until today (April 27 2023). It and whatever other fashion choices were made could’ve been made more clear either in the stories or on the cards.

It still sucks that they didn’t get a story, as it may have helped flesh them out more (and I was personally curious about how the faction worked/used its colors).

Tangent below:

Calling the lack of a story for the union faction sus may have been out of line or excessive, but then again (as I finally got around to finishing/publishing this after the MAT leak) hiring the goddamn Pinkertons is too!

Like, not relying on trigger happy cops to retrieve stuff seems fine, but WotC/Hasbro REALLY HAD TO GO WITH THE GODDAMN PINKERTONS?!

Alright back to the point of the feedback, sorry for the tangent, but I had to get that out there.

Cabaretti:

The party-goer styling was generally enough to make them distinguishable.

More magical/elemental than some of the others, but still maybe could've been a bit more 'natural' with their parties, techniques, buildings, etc.

Halo being basically potions/energy drinks (even if they were Soylent Green) kind of hurt the flavor of being a party faction.

On that note, the Cabaret faction not having alcohol does feel off, especially in a plane based in the Prohibition era. Maybe its not reasonable due to rating boards, but if there is any faction where it should be pushed, this is probably it.

If nothing else, maybe grapevines and bottles/glasses/imitating customs around alcohol could have helped with the flavor.

Mechanics

All 5 family mechanics were good/fun, and so were the new Hideaway cards. I really liked the Alliance cards that did different things on their 2nd trigger and Gala Greeters, and Shield Counters were successful as a fixed regenerate IMO. They all did play together quite nicely as well, though as I’m about to get into some stuff sort of overshadowed that.

Limited

WU/WG were overtuned, with Inspiring Overseer being ridiculous. Raffine’s Informant and Jewel Thief was also too damn good, especially compared to cards like Brazen Upstart.

Removal was also bad, and Limited felt like it was too much about 2 color decks hitting 2 drops. A bit more removal that didn’t care about Shield counters may have been a good idea, and some existing removal needed better efficiency.

GR Treasure also had no good payoffs beyond splashing, Jinnie Fay, and Stimulus Package. UB 5-MV Graves also seemed weak. On that note, putting the Hearse in a set testing 5-MV graveyards seemed excessive.

Having said that, I don’t think any archetype (except maybe GR Treasure?) was unplayable, but the depth of WU/WG seriously warped the experience for the worse.

Misc

Some things probably could have been more fantastical than just ‘Human with weird looking holograms’ or ‘Fantasy race doing completely normal thing/normal crime thing with no interesting changes’

Titan of Industry and All-Seeing Arbiter were cool concepts/designs and great uses of the “modern magic city” setting. The former does feel more like a Riveteers card conceptually tho, and I do wish the latter had some Ward. Bootlegger’s Stash and Halo Fountain also work well in the same vein.

Giada, Font of Hope is so pushed (and boring) that I don’t think I ever want to play an Angels deck with it. Hope to see her again though, unless she is meant to be gone for good. (I wrote that bit before MOM)

Finger guns were neat, but didn't feel right for the setting without being fleshed out/having reasons and magic techniques tied to them.

Speaking of guns, the violin cases with actual violins in Perrie's story were cool, but stuff like the Arc Spitter felt too Izzet or Kaladesh IMO. (And I was a bit sad too see them return to semi-prominence in MOM)

No matter what anyone says, bug vehicles are cool!

The alt art was outstanding!!! :D All of the artists did a great job!

Wrapping Up

I do worry that blazing through settings like this is going to make finding/creating fan favorites harder. Kaldheim became a favorite due to its concept despite being crunched into 1 set, and Kamigawa was just fantastic and made sense as 1 set, but I worry other planes/settings may not end up getting so lucky.

Overall, the concept and faction ideas are great, but I think a bad story, being poorly fleshed out, OP commons, and being stuck in a single set (rather than 2; 3 would have been way too much) hindered things. I do hope to come back, but with a more fleshed out world.

#cw: alcohol #magic the gathering #streets of new capenna #cursedsleeps mtg feedback #fuck the pinkertons #dammit why aren't bullets working properly

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the-real-tc · 2 years

Text

Bad Business Chapter 2: For Better

Author's Note: Thanks for all likes and re-blogs so far, everyone! I appreciate the encouragement. Here's the next installment. Things are still relatively calm, as you'll see. This time we have a small side plot involving what I'd call Heartland magic, you know, that not quite true-to-life horse-healing stuff that's nevertheless entertaining (or at least I hope it is). While it may seem like nothing much is happening in this chapter, I can tell you it's laying a foundation, so pay close attention.

Special thanks to tnwalk7rach for her help with this chapter as she provided invaluable information. Any inaccuracies are solely my fault, as creative liberties were taken.

***

Chapter 2: For Better

"I'm so glad to get that announcement out of the way," Amy sighed after making sure Lyndy was tucked in safely for the night. "It was driving me crazy keeping it a secret. As it is, I think Lisa and Lou were getting a little suspicious."

"I'm relieved to get it out of the way, too," Ty said in agreement.

"You're not planning to bubble-wrap me again this time, right?" Amy said to her husband as they prepared for bed.

"Uh... No," Ty said, a grin creeping up on his lips. "I think I'm over that 'super-over-protective' phase."

"Well, good!" Amy said while sliding under the bedsheets. "Because bubble-wrap spooks the horses."

"Does it, now?"

"Mm-hmm," Amy replied with a mock-serious nod, brushing her fingertips across his chest. "Noise-sensitive equines could be set back weeks just by being exposed to the stuff. Snap-crackle-pop! Instant horse trauma."

"Now you're sounding like an old Rice Krispies cereal commercial," Ty said, snuggling in close to Amy. He rested his chin against her shoulder and brought an arm over her belly.

"Ty..." Amy began slowly.

"Hmm?"

"How would you feel about it if I decided to ride during this pregnancy?"

Ty hesitated before answering, leading Amy to believe he was not thrilled with the idea. "I think... if your Ob/Gyn says the risks are minimal, then I think you should follow her advice," he finally answered.

"You didn't really answer my question," she said.

"What do you mean?"

"Be honest: would you or would you not be okay with it if I got the all-clear?"

Ty inhaled sharply. He knew Amy was not trying to bait him, but he felt cornered, nevertheless. "Amy, I will always have your safety and that of our baby as my highest concern. But I know I can't bubble-wrap you. I don't want to be that guy who dictates everything his wife does because he's too insecure. If you want to ride this time around, then go for it."

"Okay," she said. "I'll see what the doctor says when I go in for my check-up."

"All right," he said agreeably, but to Ty's ears, his wife did not sound as if she fully believed him.

***

"Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?"

After donning one of Jack's old shirts that she had claimed for sleepwear, Lisa looked at her husband over her shoulder with a quizzical expression. "No. Why do you ask?"

"Tonight," Jack said, moving to stand close behind her so he could place his hands on her shoulders. "You didn't make a peep about being the reason why Scott can take on Cassandra as full partner at the vet clinic."

"Why should I have? It was a group decision," Lisa said, trying to deflect any praise.

"Mm-hmm," Jack murmured, bringing his lips to her cheek. "And who was it that brought the clinic to the group's attention in the first place?"

"Well, I may have suggested it," Lisa conceded. "And though I voluntarily abstained from the final vote, the rest of them still had to unanimously choose to support Scott."

"That could not have been an easy task with Dan Hartfield being involved," Jack grunted, trying without success to hide his personal disdain for the man.

"Actually, Dan helped convince the others," Lisa said. "Some of them were concerned there was too much of a personal interest on my part since Ty is family, after all. I pointed out Ty has his own practice at Heartland with Amy apart from the clinic, and Dan mentioned how much Scott has done for all of us in the horse business in Hudson."

"Really," Jack said dubiously.

"Yes. And you'll never guess who seconded the motion."

"Who?"

"Val Stanton."

"I have to say I had my misgivings when Dan roped the two of you into this," Jack said with a shake of his head, "but I admit I was wrong in this case. This little investors' group has been doing a lot of good."

Lisa did not reply immediately, but simply gave a cold, abstract "Mm-hmm."

Jack instinctively interpreted her chilly response to mean she was thinking once again about Lanny and Paige. "I heard about the reward the group is offering in the Barick murder case," he said quietly, lowering his hands from Lisa's shoulders to encircle her about the waist. "Your idea again?"

"No. Tanner Gunn's idea," Lisa answered, turning now so she could wrap her own arms around his frame as she leaned into his chest. "It was an easy decision to put up the reward money. After all, Lanny was one of the original members of the investors' group... That poor family..."

"Yeah," Jack said, now rubbing a gentle circle into Lisa's back. "I sure hope someone out there can provide answers."

"Me, too," Lisa said with a soft sigh. "You should have heard Paige's family at the memorial and press conference today, Jack. It's been a year, but the pain there is still so raw."

"I tell you, if someone had done that to Marion, I wouldn't have rested until her killer was brought to justice," Jack said passionately. "As it is, losing her in that auto accident wasn't easy, either. But it was an accident. It was something I could come to terms with, even if it wasn't fair."

"That must have been a terrible time for you. For all of you," Lisa murmured. "I wish I had known you then. I wish I could have been there for you."

"I know. But you're here now, and I'm grateful."

"I wish I had been able to meet her," Lisa said wistfully as they separated and climbed into the bed. "I knew about her only vaguely, which is really a shame."

"The two of you would have got along very well," Jack declared.

"Really? You think?"

"Why, sure. You love horses. Marion loved horses. She would have liked the way you treat your animals and staff at Fairfield."

"Would she have liked me—with you?" Lisa asked. It was a question that occasionally occurred to her, but had never found an opportunity to broach the topic with Jack.

"Oh, I don't think that would have been a problem for her," Jack said dismissively, pulling the covers over them both.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Having a step-mother younger than she was wouldn't have been strange?"

"'Strange'? Naw. She would have loved you, Lis. Where is this coming from all of a sudden?"

"Oh, I don't know. Just thoughts about family, I guess," Lisa said, lying back while Jack switched off his bedside lamp. "Amy's announcement... Things are going to be busy around here again with a new little person. I love my life with you and everyone else at Heartland. But sometimes, I wonder..."

"You wonder what it would be like if you'd had kids of your own," Jack said knowingly, inching nearer to her. Lisa slid readily into his arms, bringing her head to rest beneath his chin.

"Yeah," she whispered. "But then I think, if I had been able to carry the ones I lost to term, I think: I would want them to be exactly like the family I have, right now."

"Well, good," Jack said happily, kissing the top of her head. "Because I think if Marion had been able to choose the kind of woman to look after her children and grandchildren, she would have chosen someone exactly like you."

"Would she?"

"You love them as if they were your own," Jack said earnestly. "You've been able to do things for them I couldn't, and I'm not just talking about money."

"No?"

"All right, it's true you have spoiled them more than I ever could, but it goes beyond that. You're generous with your time, your advice, and your business expertise," Jack stated. "For example: If it wasn't for you, I might not have been convinced to let Lou have her Dude Ranch on the family property."

"And see how beautifully that turned out," Lisa said contentedly, instantly remembering a magical winter's night at that same Dude Ranch, cabins strung with bright lights, and the exchange of rings and vows.

"Yes, for the most part, you're right about that," Jack said with a soft chuckle, his mind also drifting back to the same winter's night, and the joys that followed since.

Sleep came easily to the happy couple, secure in each other's embrace.

***

Two Weeks Later

"So?"

"Dr. Hawthorn has given me the all-clear," Amy said as Ty opened the truck door for her. "She says everything looks good and it's okay for me to ride during the first trimester."

"That's good, Amy," Ty said, hoping he sounded genuine.

"It is," Amy said. "Now, are we ready to take on our latest client?"

"I think so," Ty said, as he started the truck.

"Great," Amy said with a smile while she buckled her seatbelt. "Because he's supposed to be arriving with his horses just after lunch."

Earlier that morning, Amy had received a call from a potential new client named Marvin Clancy about a case of foal rejection.

"Bring them to Heartland as soon as you can," Amy had advised. "My husband is a vet, so if there's something medically wrong with the mare, he can determine the issue. If it's something behavioural, I'll get to the bottom of it."

Now as the couple drove back home, they compared notes.

"Did you find out if it's a maiden mare?" Ty asked.

"No, but we can ask when Marvin arrives," said Amy.

"Okay," Ty said. "Is the mare showing any signs of aggression?"

"Fortunately, no," Amy answered. "Marvin told me she just won't let the little one suckle and seems to be fearful of it."

"Hmm," Ty murmured. "Could be a few things going on in this situation."

"Right," Amy said. "I can't wait for us to figure it out. We make a great team, Ty."

"I know," Ty said with a grin. "I love working with you at Heartland."

"I'm thinking it's probably still way too early for this foal to be weaned," said Amy, picking up their topic at hand.

"Yeah," Ty said. "I'm a little worried because it could be really difficult to find a surrogate on such short notice. If push comes to shove, we'll start a bottle-feeding regimen, obviously."

"You up for some late-night feedings, 'Dad'?" Amy teased.

"Practice for when Number Two arrives," Ty replied smartly, reaching over to rub Amy's belly.

"Good answer," Amy said, giggling at the ticklish sensation resulting from her husband's touch. "On a related note, I'm looking forward to having you as my birth partner this time around, Ty."

"What, your dad isn't your first choice? Didn't he do a good enough job last time?"

"Umm, let's not go there," Amy replied, rolling her eyes and laughing.

***

Due to the unusual circumstances of the mare's rejection of her foal, Marvin Clancy was obliged to trailer them separately.

"Sassy was not too pleased when I tried to transport little Windy with her," he explained. "I know it's best for the foal's first trailering to be with its mama, but mama wasn't having it."

"Well, you managed to get them both here," Ty said, "that's the important part. How old is Windy?"

"Six days old," Marvin answered.

"And have you started bottle-feeding him?" Amy asked.

"As soon as we noticed Sass wasn't feeding him," Marvin replied. "My wife and I have been in the stable pretty much since he was born, keeping an eye on things, getting him used to being around people. It's the first foal born on our farm, so it was a pretty big deal."

"So this is Sassy's first foal?" Amy asked of the Quarter Horse.

"No, it's her third," Marvin answered, "but the first she's had on my farm. I bought her two years ago from a friend. He said she'd had two before."

"Hm," Ty said reflectively. "And no indication she rejected the foals in those instances?"

"None at all," Marvin said, "which is why it's so concerning. I'd like to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible, obviously."

"Did Windy at least get some of the colostrum?" asked Ty, wanting to ensure the newborn had benefitted from the early nutrients and antibodies that first milk provided.

"Yeah, he suckled just fine the first two days," Marvin said. "But by day three, Sassy-girl started avoiding him and wouldn't let him feed."

"Okay, I'll do an examination of Sassy and run some tests to rule out a few things like mastitis or something more serious," Ty said.

"And if it's not something medical?" Marvin asked, sending a knowing glance in Amy's direction.

"Then I'll take over," Amy said. "For now, we'll keep up with the bottle-feeding routine. In the meantime, we should both try putting out some feelers into the community to see if there's a mare nearby that can come in as a nursemaid—as a last resort."

"All right," Marvin said with a hint of reluctance. "I'll try."

"Good," Amy said. "We all want what's best for these two, right?"

"For sure," Marvin said with a smile. "I'll call tomorrow to check in."

"Sounds good, Marvin," Ty said, shaking the man's hand. "We'll be in touch."

***

Next Day

"We can definitively rule out mastitis or any other problem affecting Sassy's mammary glands and milk production," Ty informed Marvin over the phone. "No indication of inflammation, swelling, ulcers, or tumors."

"Well, that's good, right?" Marvin asked.

"It's a good start," Ty acknowledged. "It means Sassy isn't rejecting Windy because she's experiencing pain or discomfort due to nursing."

"Okay, so what do we do next?"

"Well, we're continuing with bottle feeding, but Amy is going to turn them out into the paddock today and observe how they interact," Ty said. "Sometimes, horses don't like being cooped up in a stable. It could be Sassy just wants some space."

"But y'all are still handling Windy and getting him used to people, right?"

"Right, when we feed him," Ty replied.

"But nothing more?"

"What do you mean 'nothing more'?" Ty asked.

"I mean, I had hoped you and your animal-behaviour specialist wife would be more pro-active with the, y'know, the imprinting process," Marvin said, an edge of irritation creeping into his tone.

The concept of imprinting was not foreign to Ty, but it was one both he and Amy discouraged their clients from attempting too early on in a foal's development.

I don't even think I need Amy to diagnose what's up with Sassy and Windy, Ty thought ruefully. Marvin and his wife have probably been too hands-on with this poor foal, and his mama doesn't like it.

"Marvin, I'm sorry to disappoint you," Ty said as calmly as possible. "It's been our experience that over-handling a newborn foal can be detrimental to the bonds it's supposed to develop with its mother in those critical early days."

"Yeah, but this horse expert guy we follow on YouTube makes the point that the earlier you imprint on your horse, the easier he'll be to train up," Marvin argued. "He's a published author. Says de-sensitizing them early makes 'em more docile and more likely to trust humans."

Ty, not wanting to sound combative, said, "Mr. Clancy, I know there are plenty of people out there on the Internet with plenty of opinions, and I'm glad you're interested in doing what's best for Sassy and Windy, otherwise you wouldn't have brought them here, right?"

"That's right," Marvin said in agreement.

"So I'm asking you to trust me and my wife," Ty said. "There's still plenty of time to get Windy to 'trust humans', and my wife can even help you with that process. She's gentled wild horses; she knows what she's doing."

Marvin huffed, and grudgingly accepted Ty's request of trust. "Fine. But if Windy doesn't train up right, you know who I'm blaming."

***

"Well, I think we can draw a very strong conclusion about what the problem is with Sassy and Windy," Ty said, as Amy came down from the loft after putting Lyndy down for a nap.

"Oh?" she asked, fully curious.

"Yep," Ty said with a curt nod. "I spoke with Marvin just now, you know, to tell him there's nothing physically wrong with Sassy, and he mentioned he and his wife bought into the whole early imprinting thing with foals. They were apparently in there handling Windy as soon as he was born."

"Oh," Amy said. "That actually could explain a lot about why Sassy is rejecting Windy."

"Exactly," Ty said. "I mean, I don't blame him for doing what he thinks is best for his horses, but in this case, it's doing more harm than good."

"Well, the good news is we can probably fix the problem because we've caught it early. Windy is due for another feeding right about now, but when that's over, it will be time to turn them out."

"That's what I told Marvin you'd be doing," Ty said.

"And it needs to be done now more than ever," Amy added. "In fact, I think I'll turn Sassy out right away. It will give her space, and maybe it will give her time to miss her baby. Her mothering instincts don't just disappear overnight; we just need to help her remember them."

To Amy and Ty's disappointment, however, Sassy showed little interest in Windy by the afternoon. The foal's full stomach meant he was not inclined to want to suckle due to hunger, but he knew his mother's scent anyway, and craved her maternal closeness. Sassy wanted nothing of it. Every time the foal neared, she distanced herself from him. The window to get Windy nursing again naturally would be closing swiftly, and the pair of horse healers fretted this might be a rare case when they would have to accept defeat.

***

By the next morning, Amy wanted to persist in turning Windy out with the rest of the horses after each of his bottle feedings. She decided to hold off introducing any sort of dry feed for the time being, just to give the foal more time to observe the adults foraging so he would get the idea. Sassy persisted in her avoidance tactics.

When Georgie arrived home from school that afternoon, she went immediately to saddle Phoenix for a round of jumping practice. She noticed Amy watching the latest arrivals on her way from the stables.

"How are they doing?" the teen asked her aunt.

"No breakthroughs yet," Amy replied. "But at least we think we know what the trouble is."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"The owners were trying to do something with the foal called 'imprinting'," Amy explained. "In theory, it's supposed to help the foal become used to humans so it's easier to train later on, but instead it can really interfere with the natural bonds the baby is supposed to have with its mother if it's done too early or too aggressively. Since there's no medical reason for Sassy to be rejecting Windy, we think it's the over-handling by humans that's turned Sassy off from her own foal."

"Gee, that's too bad," Georgie said in sympathy. "Poor baby. I hope you guys can work it out."

"Me, too," Amy said with a sigh. "Anyway, I'll let you get to your practice."

"Thanks," Georgie said, snapping her helmet chinstrap and pulling it snug. Remi, upon seeing Georgie mount up, scampered from her spot on the porch to be closer to the action.

"Here comes your shadow," Amy said with a chuckle, giving the dog a quick rub around her furry jowls.

"Hi, girl," Georgie cooed. "Did you come to watch me practice? Good girl!"

Remi snuffled and gave her tail a few vigorous wags before settling down on the sidelines to take in Georgie's practice rounds. But before long, the dog wandered off towards the paddock, drawn to the pair of new horses. She yawned once with an extravagant stretch, and sat herself down next to Amy.

The dog and the human looked out upon a few of the permanent equine residents standing lazily in the paddock, grazing about. Windy the foal, having discovered other large animals not his own mother the previous day, would take a few tentative steps towards a strange horse, then suddenly prance off, as if playing a game of keep-away. The elder horses generally paid the foal no attention. His mother, though, avoided him at each playful approach, trotting off in a different direction each time he chanced to get near.

"Come on, Sassy," Amy said under her breath after observing this behaviour for close to an hour. "Take care of your baby. We stinky people aren't going to get in your way anymore."

Remi huffed and whined once, as if picking up on Amy's exasperation. She got to her feet, gave her tail a few gentle wags, then padded over in Sassy's general vicinity.

Amy watched in awe as Sassy sniffed curiously at this canine invading her space. Remi tolerated this attention with perfect calm and acceptance. Next, Sassy's large tongue came out, giving Remi's snout a long lick.

"Pals for life now," Amy said, a grin spreading across her face.

Ten minutes later, Remi was lying down at Sassy's feet, and the horse was nibbling calmly at some grass. Windy, however, was wary of the dog, its earlier curiosity around new creatures evidently forgotten.

***

"I think we've had a breakthrough," Amy said to Ty that evening after another round of bottle-feeding Windy was complete.

"Oh? What happened?" Ty asked.

"The canine companion factor," Amy answered triumphantly. "You know as well as I do that some nervous and stressed-out horses respond well to a companion animal. I mean, remember that goat Lisa had with Fairfield Flyer's clone a couple years ago?"

"Right," Ty said, thinking of how the high-strung thoroughbred had benefitted from the smaller animal's presence in its stall.

"Well, this afternoon, it was like Remi knew Sassy needed a friend. She went right over to her, and that seemed to break the ice. Sassy let Remi get right up to her and even licked her."

"You're kidding," Ty said.

"Nope. Remi just lay right down next to her out there in the paddock for the whole afternoon," Amy said. "It's the most relaxed I've seen that horse yet. I'll let her stay out tonight with the other horses, but I'd like to try turning Windy out again tomorrow and see what happens."

"That's excellent," Ty said. "Fingers crossed that Sassy will let Windy nurse tomorrow."

"I have a feeling she will," Amy said. "Gut instinct."

"Well, sure hope your gut's right, 'cause I actually forgot how tiring these round-the-clock feeding schedules can be."

"Oh, having second thoughts, 'Dad'?" teased Amy.

"Never," Ty said, stretching over to kiss her.

***

True to Amy's "gut instinct", Sassy was not on the alert when Windy's spindly legs carried him towards her early the next morning. Amy and Ty had purposely not fed the foal at the appointed time in the schedule so as to encourage it to seek out "breakfast" from its mother.

"Ty, look," Amy said in an excited whisper. "She's not running away from him."

"I see it," Ty said, his own excitement building.

The couple watched as the foal, ears flicking, crept closer, drawn by the promise of his mother's warm milk. He stretched his tongue out to the teat, latched on, and started suckling. Sassy remained in place, completely unperturbed by this activity.

"He's nursing!" Amy cried happily.

"Yes!" Ty exulted. "Marvin is going to be a very happy man when we tell him."

"He sure is," Amy said. "But make sure he knows he needs to get himself a Shepherd now, because I have a feeling Georgie isn't about to give up Remi."

Indeed, the canine was still out in the paddock, snoozing peacefully near the nursing mother and foal in the dewy morning grass.

***

Two Days Later...

"I know I said it earlier, but thanks for deciding to come to this one with me," Lisa said to Jack as they climbed into the Fairfield truck in preparation for departure to the vast Westfield estate.

"I have to admit this whole faux fox hunt deal really isn't so bad, despite the presence of certain individuals," Jack chuckled, a wry smile partially hidden beneath his generous moustache.

Both knew exactly which individuals Jack was referring to. Upon arriving at their destination, they walked with their horses on leads towards an open area before Paula Westfield summoned Jack.

"Hold him?" asked Jack, handing Lisa the line tethered to his jumper for the day, a Fairfield horse named Striker.

"Sure," Lisa said, taking the line from him. They were early still, as only a handful of participants had arrived, mostly those directly involved in a more official capacity. Moments later, she heard a voice she instantly recognized calling out a greeting, so she turned in response to it.

"Hello, Lisa! I see you managed to drag that fine husband of yours to another one of these things," Val said with a dry laugh and a half-grin.

"Hi, Val. Yes, I certainly did," Lisa replied warily. She was never entirely comfortable when Val referred to Jack in such familiar terms. But I really need to remember Jack has known Val longer than he's known me, she thought, they're just friends.

Jack was oblivious to Val's scrutiny while he stood talking with Paula about his role in today's proceedings.

"I guess he had such a great time at the last one, he couldn't stay away this time, eh?" Val laughed again, this time a little too harshly for Lisa's liking. "My, he sure does look handsome in those breeches and that jacket, I'll say!"

"Mm-hmm," Lisa agreed with a tight-lipped smile.

"Let's hope the weather cooperates," Val chatted on. "No more freak snowfalls, please and thank you!"

Lisa was about to add "And no more drinking so much you can't stay on your horse, Val," but charitably stopped herself before making such a pointed dig at her former rival for Jack's attention and affection.

"That is a very fine animal," Val stated, nodding towards Lisa's steed.

"He's something, isn't he? His name is Herring," Lisa responded, glad for the change in subject. "You remember Ben, my nephew?"

"Of course I remember Ben. I seem to recall my Ashley had an eye for him while he was staying at Briar Ridge."

"Well, Ben's horse—Red—is the sire," Lisa said.

Val sent a dubious look at Lisa. "Red's the sire of Herring? Seriously?"

Lisa tried to conceal a laugh. "Seriously. I know, it's not a very creative name. It wasn't my idea."

"I might be interested in him, if you're looking for a buyer," Val said, stroking the horse's neck.

"Well, I did have another client interested in him earlier," Lisa replied. "But why don't I have Herring trailered over to Briar Ridge next week or so? You can try him out; see if he's what you really want, and we'll see if we can hammer out a deal."

"All right, sure," said Val. At that moment Paula dismissed Jack and called for Val's attention to deal with some other matter. "We'll talk soon, Lisa."

"Okay."

"Hello, Jack," Val said huskily, a bright smile flashing across her face as they passed each other.

"Val," Jack responded cordially, about to tip a non-existent hat before remembering his head was bare. He continued on to where Lisa was waiting with their mounts.

"What was that about?" he asked as he reached his wife's side, having seen the tail end of their conversation.

"Val might be interested in buying Herring," Lisa answered while staring after the other woman's retreating figure, somewhat surprised she had not found some excuse to linger in order to chat with Jack.

"No kidding," Jack uttered.

"Jack," Lisa began tentatively, "I know these kinds of events are out of your comfort zone, but I'll say it once more: I really appreciate everything you do to make it out here with me."

"Well, I seem to recall a fly fishing date that was out of your comfort zone some years ago," Jack said with a twinkle in his eye. "Not too many ladies would have agreed to that. But you went the extra mile and even bought all the gear, just so you wouldn't disappoint me."

"I knew I wanted to spend time with you and to get to know you better," Lisa said, gazing up at him with affection. "I wasn't about to let that opportunity pass me by."

"And I'm forever grateful you came," he commented, remembering how she allowed him to hold her close and guide her hands and arms while holding the fishing rod. It meant so much to him that she trusted him implicitly, even at that early stage in their relationship.

I caught a real beauty, he recalled saying to the kids when he returned from that date; his meaning slowly dawning on them as he shuffled inside with a very contented smile on his face.

"We should do that again sometime," Lisa said, reaching for his hand and taking it in hers.

"Sounds like a plan!" Jack answered heartily.

*** Chapter 3: Or Worse

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chaolie · 2 years

Text

Fundy Week, Day 5 - Rivier/Sea

...Yeah, this is a little late... but in my defense, I was very busy learning how to lockpick? Except I still can't do it. But hey, does that really matter? At least I had fun AND I finished another thing for @fundyfiles' event! You can also read this one on my Ao3, of course!

Oh also remember, the memories of Fundy's childhood aren't in order, so Sally is present and okay in this chapter! The parts with Yogurt are, though, so now they're in LN!

[Last chapter] [Next chapter] <- Not yet

Words: 2.2k

Characters: Fundy, Wilbur, Sally, Yogurt

Summary: Fundy and Wilbur build a raft so that they can greet Sally just as her ship gets closer to the shore, and the fox kit finally understands why his mother loves the sea so much. Yogurt can't seem to comprehend the "big, salty lake", not to mention the idea of building something over it. Won't it sink? Fundy decides that building a tiny raft is the best way to prove that some things can float.

“Can you pass me some string?” Wilbur held his hand out.

“Yeah!” Fundy nodded, running over to the bag they brought and searching it for the item. He quickly retrieved it and carried it over to his father.

“Perfect!” the man hummed, using it to secure the wood. “Now we just need a few more planks and we can test it!” he promised.

Fundy couldn’t help but feel excited as he ran over to the pile of wood they collected, they could test it in a moment! He made sure to pick out the longest, most sturdy-looking planks he could find and dragged them over to Wilbur’s side. His father smiled and helped him to set them down before taking one of them and putting it on top of their contraption.

“Alright, can you hold it down here?”

They were building a raft, and so far it seemed very fun.

A raft seemed like the perfect way of greeting Sally when she came back from another sail out into the sea. They’d just get onto their little “ship” and slowly drift down the river until they reach the open waters, and then greet her even before she gets to land! It seemed like the ideal plan, and Fundy couldn’t wait for it to truly start.

“...I think we’re done here!” Wilbur announced. He carefully pushed up the raft and turned it over before moving it to the river. “Do you want to test it first?”

“Yeah!” Fundy nodded, and if his father didn’t catch him in time, he would’ve jumped onto it.

“Hey, hey, we need to be careful. No jumping, okay?” the man warned. Fundy’s face scrunched up into an annoyed frown, but he still nodded. “Thank you,” Wilbur smiled again, and gently placed him on the raft. “Does it seem sturdy to you?”

“Yeah!” Fundy confirmed with a nod. To prove that, he decided to stomp on it a couple of times.

“No-” Wilbur gasped, but the raft didn’t break into pieces from that. He breathed a sigh of relief. “...Okay. Looks like it’s sturdy. Move over, I’ll try to get on, too.”

After grabbing the paddles they prepared before making the raft, Wilbur carefully climbed over onto the wood. While it seemed to dent slightly under his weight, it stayed together and continued to float. Slowly, the man made himself more comfortable, and then rested one of the paddles against the sand.

“Is my little champion ready to sail?” he asked. Fundy nodded with a grin and grabbed onto the paddle as well.

“Ready!”

“Alright, we’re pushing at three. One, two… three!”

On count, they used the paddle to push themselves further from land, so that the current of the river would start to slowly carry them in the right direction. The sudden motion rocked the raft quite a bit and splashed some water onto them, but it was still not enough to break it apart. That fact didn’t stop Wilbur from grabbing his son just in case, the last thing he wanted was for the fox kit to fall out or something- As Fundy giggled to himself and tried to get out of his father’s grasp to walk closer to the edge, it became very apparent that he trusted their little invention to stay afloat much more.

The trouble started only when they reached the sea.

It wasn’t immediately obvious, but the further from land they got, the bigger the waves were. They rocked their little raft, splashed salty water on them, made it harder to stay reasonably close to the beach… And to Wilbur’s dismay, he heard the wood start to creak dangerously. He looked back at the land, wondering if they’d be able to paddle back to it or if they’d need to swim- If Fundy could even swim that far, that was. When he turned back to face the open sea, the wave in front of them seemed higher than any other one.

“Oh sh-” he stopped himself from swearing and grabbed his son. He lifted him up just in case their raft was about to break from the impact, but it didn’t. It got absolutely soaked, though. At first, Fundy giggled.

“...It’s wet?” he noticed suddenly. Just as if to answer him, another wave hit their raft, and more water spilled over their ‘deck’. It also washed away their paddle, and now even the fox kit seemed uneasy.

“I’m sure it’s fine!” Wilbur was quick to reassure him. “A little bit of water never hurt anyone, right?”

“...Yeah!” Fundy nodded, and a grin returned to his face. Wilbur looked back at the land again, trying to figure out what was the safest way to it- “Dad, look!” Fundy squealed suddenly.

Wilbur looked, and immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

A ship just appeared from behind a part of the land that previously hid it, and they both easily recognized it as the one Sally was supposed to be on. Fundy started to flail his arms in order to get its attention, so Wilbur held him up higher and enjoyed the comfort that came with the realization that they wouldn’t need to swim. As if to make that feeling even stronger on purpose, someone on the ship’s deck pushed a small rowboat into the water and jumped into it. A very familiar woman with long, red hair.

“Mum!” Fundy called out to her, and she waved in their direction. Before they knew it, she was almost next to them.

“What are you two doing out here?” she asked with a confused smile on her face.

“Well, we wanted to greet you, so we built this raft!” Wilbur explained.

“Oh wow, you two made it? It’s… great,” Sally said, glancing down at their contraption.

“Yeah!” Fundy nodded. If Wilbur wasn’t still holding him up, he probably would’ve noticed that the raft was partially submerged already.

“Do you want to go on the bigger boat?” Sally offered, patting the side of her rowboat. She was so close that the raft seemed almost within her reach.

“That’s a great idea!” Wilbur nodded stiffly. He moved ever so slightly in her direction and held Fundy out. Sally gently took the fox kit out of his hands and set him down in her boat.

“Here, make yourself comfortable,” she smiled before holding her hand out for Wilbur. The man was quick to grab it, and by the time she pulled him closer to the rowboat and tried to get him on board too, the raft already disappeared beneath the waves.

“Oohh, it’s cold,” Wilbur shivered, but with Sally’s help, the water never reached past his hips. The woman stifled a laugh.

“It is,” she agreed. “That’s how the sea usually is. I’m impressed you two went so far out,” she added with a nod.

“We didn’t plan to,” Wilbur admitted, trying to find a comfortable position to sit in.

“But the raft was good!” Fundy chimed in, and both of his parents spared a look at where it was floating just moments ago.

“...I’m sure it was,” Sally answered after the short pause. “Now, who wants to help me row this boat? We won’t get to land by just talking here.”

Silently, Wilbur took one of the paddles in the boat and turned to face the land. The faster they’d reach it, the better.

***

Fundy… expected this, sure, but not to that extent!

It’s been at least 10 minutes since he and Yogurt got to the coast of Las Nevadas and stopped by the sea, and his son still hadn’t stopped staring at the water. Fundy tried to be patient, give the fox kit enough time to comprehend the sight, and realize it was really close to the lake they lived by, just… bigger, saltier, and with waves. Now he was starting to think that Yogurt just wouldn’t arrive at that conclusion anytime soon.

“...So,” he broke the silence, and the fox kit seemed almost-startled. “I was thinking, we can build a yacht here! Then we could just live in it. Wouldn’t that be fun?” he asked. Yogurt stayed quiet for a moment, and Fundy noticed him sneaking a couple more glances at the water.

“...Yacht?” he repeated after a moment.

“Yeah, a yacht! It’s like a boat, but bigger! And not… the kind of boat you’re thinking about. Not the- the ones we make from just five planks, but it works even better!” he explained. “So we’d just make a yacht right there, and-” he motioned briefly to the deeper part of the water, and his son looked shocked.

“No!” he interrupted. He seemed to be looking for the right way to get his point across, so Fundy didn’t question his reaction out loud just yet. Eventually, the fox kit grabbed a fistful of sand, walked over to the water, and dropped it. Unsurprisingly, it sank.

“Oh. Oh, no, no, a yacht won’t sink like that!” Fundy assured. “Not everything sinks! Remember when we swam in the lake by our cottage? We didn’t sink!” he pointed out. For a split second, Yogurt seemed convinced. Then, he seemed even more confused.

“...Yacht… legs?” he asked. Right. When they were swimming in the lake, they had to swim. Fundy sighed, and accepted that it was on him for picking that as his example.

“No,” he clarified. “Yachts don’t have legs, because they don’t swim. They float,” he explained. The fox kit was quick to counter him by putting another fistful of sand into the water to prove that things didn’t just float. “Yeah, but-” Fundy paused. “...You know what? Why don’t I just show you? Come on!”

The fox hybrid got up from the sand and gestured for the fox kit to follow him as he started the climb up the steep, sandy hill to where they left their things. He made sure to keep an eye on his son while they climbed, he didn’t want him to just slip and fall back down… With how Yogurt decided that the best way to climb was to use his hands as well, that didn’t seem to be an issue, though. Before they knew it, they reached the top and stopped by the chests with the things they brought.

“Alright, we’ll need some wood, string, a couple of sticks…” Fundy named, opening the first chest and searching it for the items.

While it took looking through almost all of the chests, he finally managed to gather everything he needed and brought it back down to the beach, all while Yogurt followed him around, confused yet undeniably curious. In the meantime, the older fox hybrid did his best to remember how exactly he and his father built their little raft all those years ago. The memory was a bit foggy, and he couldn’t quite tell how much of it was influenced by his imagination, but he was pretty sure he managed to recall all the basics. A good start, and it had to be enough.

“Okay, so,” he clapped his hands together and proudly looked at everything he gathered. “Now, we’re going to build a raft! It’s not a boat, but I promise, it’ll float!” he explained before he grabbed some wood and started to lay it out in the right shape. Curiously, Yogurt moved closer to see better. “Do you want to help?”

“...Yeah!” the fox kit nodded after a moment of consideration. Fundy placed a plank in front of him.

“Hold it down while I tie it to the wood, okay? We’ll need to do that a few times,” he explained, and Yogurt carefully put some weight on the plank. “Yeah, just like that!”

A couple layers of wood later, the raft looked sturdy enough to go on the water. Just in case, Fundy still secured it with a bit more string and double-checked every important part, but it honestly seemed finished. Yogurt was starting to grow a bit impatient to see the results of their work, too, so he decided to stop wasting time and test it out for the first time. He sat down, rolled up his pants, and walked into the water. He confidently grabbed the raft and flipped it over before pulling it into the sea, too, moving it just a few steps away from the land.

Yogurt already seemed amazed by the sight.

“See? It floats!” Fundy exclaimed triumphantly, and patted it a few times. It rocked a bit, but stayed afloat, and his son nodded slowly. “And you wanna see the best part?”

“Yeah!” Yogurt agreed, and Fundy walked back to the land and motioned for him to come closer. The second he was within reach, Fundy picked him up.

“It still floats…” he started while he carried Yogurt over to the raft, the fox kit giggling quietly in his arms. “...When someone’s on it!” he finished, placing him down.

“Whoa…” he said quietly, looking around as if to check if the raft wasn’t secretly connected to anything. Fundy stayed in the water and held it in place to make sure it didn’t float too far out, but other than that, it only made contact with the sea.

“...So, about that yacht…” his dad said eventually, getting Yogurt's attention again. “Would you like to live in a giant floating house?”

“Yeah!” he nodded swiftly, and Fundy smiled. He had a feeling that the raft would be the best way to explain the idea.

#fundyweek2022 #fundy #c!fundy #wilbur soot #c!wilbur soot #sally the salmon #yogurt dy #yogurt dsmp #my writing

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