#nothing else to say really but i'm excited for this one folks
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What Big Changes Are Coming For You? Pick-A-Pile Reading 💥👑
Note: Please do not steal. Work of TarotLadyTalks LLC. Thank you!
Hey yall!
I'm back with another pick a pile reading. This reading is credited to @roseology and @Tay on YouTube. Two readers I really love! Enjoy and I hope it resonates with you. This is a general reading so if it doesn't it wasn't for you at this time and that's okay baby! Just a cute little pick me up reading about the changes coming for you, especially on the hills of this Full Moon in Capricorn. Paid readings are open on my shop. Link is here: https://href.li/?https://www.miiriya.com/store/callin-in-wit-claude/
Pile 1: Queen (Do not know where this is from)
Trine--6th House—Gemini--Uranus
Pile 1 you are becoming mentally sharp! This is the change of someone who really got their stuff together and is not afraid to go their own route, hence the Uranus card here. There could be some changes to your routine, or you are just exploring what your routine can look like here with the Gemini card. I'm getting for some of you there could be some changes to your diet, workout routine, and even skincare. I feel like my Pile 1 folks are really going with the flow of their own and not falling into trends & consumerism. YOU ARE THE TREND! What works for you works, and what doesn't, doesn't. You are definitely not going to be pressing yourself anymore about what you think you should do and just give yourself the permission to be childlike and free with your life. And there's nothing better than being that bitch on your own accord. It reminds me of Megan Thee Stallion. Hot, pretty, and doing it your own way. Go Pile 1!!!
Pile 2: (Halle Bailey as Ariel)
Sun-12th House-
3rd House--Pluto
Pile 2, silence is about to be your power and biggest asset. I feel some strength coming in for this pile, but in a very subdued way. In a very quiet where people think you're not there type of way. I won't lie Pile 2 I do see some resistance, possibly coming from your closer circle (hence the 3rd house) but I'm getting that's a good sign. The Sun & Pluto are both extremely powerful planets. Many can't hang and it's lonely at the top Pile 2. Yet, I feel my Pile 2 folks are coming into their own source of light (that's funny with the Sun being here). If you get a chance, listen to "The Game Belongs to Me" by UGK. That's the change for you. You may not notice it right off Pile 2. Heck, you may just think you're just trying to better yourself, but boy are you in for a ride. A good one though (minus some fallouts, but hey, that happens when you upgrade). I'm excited for you Pile 2. Keep me updated. I'm getting for some of my Pile 2 you might start wearing makeup or you're into the fashion industry? If so, the things you put out that you've been working on in private is going to launch you into success! Get ready....
Pile 3: Tina Turner
Chiron--Sextile--Semi--Sextile--Capricorn
First off I want to say good job Pile 3. For not allowing your pain to become who you are. My Pile 3 is starting to recognize that there is no harm in protecting yourself with the Capricorn card. Capricorns do get a bad reputation for coming off as cold and harsh, but one must remember boundaries are not for pleasing others, it's for self-preservation. A big change I see with my Pile 3 is the act of opening up and trying again, but we have more knowledge this time. We are going slower this time. I really love this energy because it takes courage to get up and try again. And depending on the situation and how you react, the pain could have ran deep. I'm glad you're healing at your own pace. I'm glad you're not allowing anyone to control how you feel. That's very courageous of you. For example, let's say you married your high school sweetheart, but unfortunately they may have passed or you both may have divorced. But after some healing and time, you find yourself remarrying someone else, and there was one point in time you probably said to yourself, "Never again." But hey, you processed that pain and you allowed yourself to do it again. That's what's up Pile 3. Even though you may not be completely 100% healed yet, Spirit says that's okay. This change is a sign of a breakthrough for you. That light at the end of a dark, long tunnel. And no, things may never be the same, but things can be better. And I think you're recognizing that :). Good job baby.
Pile 4: Donna Summer
Opposition--Neptune--Sun--Saturn
This pile is screaming Saturn in Pisces lol with these cards. So check where Saturn rx in Pisces is doing in your natal/progressed/solar return chart. Also to include your profection month as well. This pile is starting to see that their dreams can in fact become reality, but then reality sets in LOLOLOL! That's not a bad thing Pile 4, but I can see you're like "Dang, I really gotta put in the work don't I?" Lol yes you do! Opposition and Saturn do not give free handouts Pile 4, but I do see that you're not going to shy away from it. I think quickly you'll realize you're cut off for what you really want to do. Whether it be art, business, drama, music, etc. You really are starting to realize that the only person in your way is....you. But that's okay! Because we are starting today (or whenever you choose to lol). I do think this is a start of a long journey, and it's not to scare you Pile 4, but Spirit is saying if you really want to do this, buckle up. And don't feel bad if you fail from time to time, it's only a learning experience & how can you get better if you don't try again. Yes it may hurt (the Sun is our ego after all), yes it may get frustrating, but there's this saying "To much is given, much is required." And to be even more honest Pile 4, I don't think the Universe is going to let you chicken out on this one. I feel like you're meant to do what you're thinking about, you may just be a little intimidated and that's perfectly a normal, human response. But one thing about Saturn is that it is patient, especially if you're actually trying. So just start. Don't overwhelm yourself. This project will take time. This chapter of your life will take time, but honestly it's worth it. Push forward Pile 4, you can do this.
Thanks again for reading! See you all later!
-Claude 🪐❤️🌙✨
#astrology#astrology card deck#astrology blog#astrology mention#spirituality#astrology notes#tarot readings#black tarot readers#tarot community#pick a pile reading#pick a card reading#tarot card reading
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𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.
i, frankly, haven't had the energy or positive mindset to sit down and write anything extensive out for this gratitude day, which is is a shame. however, i wanted to post something, with promises to outpour more love next year !
at this moment, i believe it's fair to say i'm most grateful for the folks in my simblr writing group. i've told you all multiple times how happy being in a group together makes me but, damn it, everyone else needs to know, too !!!! it's only been two months, but it feels like so much longer because everyone has been so enthusiastic and earnest—in general, but also with embracing each other's stories, getting to know one another, providing support and assistance. that was all i wanted. this little community's establishment has coincided with a terrible loss and truly awful time in my life, and i just can't adequately express how appreciative i am for everyone.
i want to shoutout @300yearschallenge, @bridgeportbritt, @crownsofesha, @daniigh0ul, @greensleeves101066, @lynzishell, @madebysimblr, @rebouks, @simming-in-the-rain, @simstrashkingdom, @sirianasims, @saerelia, and @hannahssimblr in particular for so many insightful, instructive, funny conversations. it's so wild to me that i just met most of you and yet am excited every day to see what you've got to say. that's to say nothing of the storytelling itself !!!!! i'm grateful as well for @digital-deluxe @earthmoonz @funkyllama @housekonig @igglemouse @moonfromearth @simabloom @simeaz @simmysunset @stillgotme @the-lancasters @theroyalthornoliachronicles @trentonsimblr @warwickroyals @saerelia @xldkx i still have lots of catching up to do, but i'm happy to say i've started and am enjoying several, finally. i'm taking notes, whether it's on family dynamics or compelling prose or friendship or the importance of backgrounds and settings or whatever else.
lastly, perhaps predictably: i haven’t kept up with too many stories this year for various reasons, but i have been @armoricaroyalty's biggest fan for the last two years. i’m grateful that gabe and i had such a truly epic, ridiculously fun collaborative project this year (almost entirely gabe’s doing, which makes me even more determined to repay the favor). i’m also so proud and happy that gabe’s story has really hit its stride and garnered a lot of well-deserved praise this year.
the big reason why i love gabe’s story is because there are so many interesting characters, all doing something, all woven together in ways that feel realistic and suspenseful and dramatic and hilarious and romantic … it takes a little bit of talent, a lot of skill, and a boatload of discipline to pull that off. gabe has all of it, and i’m so grateful to have been allowed to join in—whether as an enthusiastic sounding board, a partner in plotting, or just someone to agree heartily that, yes, that freddy poll had one (1) correct answer. i'm so excited to see the story continue now that this phenomenal chapter is ending, i have and will continue to learn a lot about the craft from gabe, and my own storytelling has improved immensely just by association (you know, plus the fact that my current project wouldn’t exist without him). oh, and: simblr is also about making friends, and our friendship is hands-down the best thing i've gotten out of this whole endeavor.
all of this makes me believe, in conclusion, that 2024 is going to be full of more delightful conversation, more delightful stories to read, and more friendship ♥️
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Disclaimer: I'm speaking as a person who's only been in the Megamind fandom for almost 8 years, so I'm not, like, an OG 2010-2011 fan. HOWEVER... I find it interesting that from what I've been seeing, the people loudly complaining about the sequel content are mostly newer fans. People who've been fans for at least 6+ years are hyping this UP and being optimistic despite the flaws. I'm just like "u haven't been here that long, can we stop shitting all over it before it's even PREMIERED?? GOD"
It really is funny that the vast majority of people who are screaming like Dreamworks shot their dog are, yeah, people whose names I've never heard. Not on Tumblr, not on Twitter, not in AO3 or ffnet comments. Don't get me wrong, I've seen a couple of the old Livejournal crew who are unhappy, but even they haven't been spewing vitriol (that I've seen). For the most part, those of us who are actually active in this fandom are ecstatic! And it's not a length of time thing, either - there's new folks kicking around who are just as excited as the rest of us!
I'd say I hate to say it, but I'd be lying - the people who are the angriest about Megamind Rules are the people who wouldn't care if it existed or not in the first place. They're people who watched Megamind and enjoyed it, but didn't enjoy it enough to be excited for more unless it meets their personal standards. They didn't enjoy it enough to look for fanworks, they didn't enjoy it enough to say anything. I'll buy that they do care...but they don't care enough to try to see any joy in this.
They don't care enough to look anything up before sneering at the Doom Syndicate for being a "retcon" despite the massive amount of material out there supporting both the Doom Syndicate's existence and this plot (big "thank you" to some chucklefuck YouTuber in particular for that one). They don't care enough to stop and consider if there might be budget concerns for an IP Dreamworks was totally radio silence on for more than a decade. They don't care about who's writing it, or who's on the production or voice acting teams. They only care about jumping on the hate train, and I am FURIOUS about it, because I am scared to death that Dreamworks is gonna shitcan this before it even gets released. If that happens, I will be a level of angry that defies description. Because the people who did not fucking care one way or the other will have killed it, and the people who loved this story enough to be excited to see more will have nothing. Again. Newer people in this fandom who are bitching might not have the background to realize this, but if this is killed right out of the gate, THERE WILL BE. NOTHING. ELSE. When I say "radio silence" I mean Dreamworks all but refused to even LOOK at Megamind, for more than a decade.
That's not even getting into how much of a slap in the face it would be to the team who worked so hard on this. If anything could gut me hard enough to kill my desire to write anymore, it'd be that; I can't even imagine how the writers and voice actors and animators might feel in that event. I hope we never find out.
But yeah, uh, tldr: can we not fucking shit on something that literally has not even premiered, seriously. Can these joyless shitbirds PLEASE do something that sparks joy for them instead of shitting on something that sparks joy for others, goddamn. The animation looks fine, y'all are just mean.
#megamind#megamind rules#megamind vs the doom syndicate#my brain is ON FIRE.#askbasket#em8ambitions#am i nervous? yes! will i be INCANDESCENT WITH RAGE if it gets canceled before it gets going? ALSO YES
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Helluva boss needs to slow down
I know I know take of the century I'm so big brained
What I mean is the show is too excited
Its given us some good episodes sure but goodness
(You just can’t top Ozzie's there will never be a better episode and I'm trying cope frankly)
I understand that as a show grows older and is still in development things change visions shifts yeah, I got it.
But Viv has said that that she plans for Helluva Boss to have multiple seasons like at least 3 or so she has time to work out all her ideas
Why is she rushing?
like slow down babes the show isn't going anywhere
This show is so excited to get to the fun stuff they don’t want to build it up. They want Stolas and Blizto’s slow burn and love story but don’t want to really build them up as people outside their relationship or even together in the relationship. anytime blitzo and Stolas hangout together its whenever some other 3rd party is around. In LooLoo Land its Octavia, in Ozzie's its moxxie and Millie, and in Seeing Stars its Octavia again I mean at this point she’s the catalyst for their relationship. When they don’t have someone else involved its sex for the book. Bltzo and Stolas haven't hanged out in a meaningful way. Without sex
I saw in a tumbler post that in the Helluva boss poster the fact that Stolas is bigger on the poster than the main characters who are small and off to the side. It really tells you how the show is going so far.
And it's true so?
If you knew nothing about Helluva boss and saw that poster you’d think Stolas was a main character, the protagonist, or the villain.
Stolas is in 90% of the episodes and is a side/supporting character, at least that’s what the wiki says.
A supporting character is supposed to not be important to the main plot but still helpful to the protag
The folks behind Helluva boss are picking favorites and you can tell in the eps
How come we didn’t get to Moxxie’s family life till season 2? a main character! But we got to see Stolas family life? A supporting character? and we see his wife her reaction to the cheating, his daughter and her view on the situation. But we don’t know about Moxxies family till season 2 or Millies family where it’s dropped to focus on Moxxie and Striker and the pain games (Sally Mae wasn’t in the pain games).
Helluva boss made it seem like from episode one it was going to be about a trio of imps and a hellhound going to the human world to kill people for sinners and how many times did they do that? Let's see
Murder family
C.H.E.R.U.B.
Truth seekers off screen at the being (I'm assuming because why would they be on earth as a group? the only people I think who’d go on earth to fuck around is Blizto and Loona)
And
Ozzie's off screen at the beginning
Imp has only done their job like what? A few times? On screen that we’ve seen
The synopsis of the show says according to IMDb says:
And then the wiki says:
Like what is this show about? because we haven't got what we were promised like?
Like I get that helluva Boss is a satirical show and we aren't supposed to really be reading into it but what is it satirizing? hell? Office shows? What?
Even “edge” adult shows have some semblance of structure or plot you know? Like Rick and Morty or smiling friends (can't wait for more episodes tbh)
Rick and Morty didn't have an episode about not physically going to alternate universe still what? Ep 8 season 1? I could be wrong
And Smiling Friends didn’t have Pim and Charlie do their job (I.e., making someone smile) still the Halloween episode or if you don’t count holiday episodes. Episode 5 Who Violently Killed Simon S. Salty
They stick to the structure of the show for a few episodes and then do other stuff you know?
Helluva boss was like nah speed run! And did the other stuff in the second episode and didn’t return to it till ep 4. I don’t count Spring Broken because it doesn’t really feel like they're doing their job basically it's not the same set up of sinner comes to them, tell them back story, they go to earth shenanigans ensue, and they kill the target. They've only done their job twice on screen
Even non adult shows like
Wonder Over Yander (I'd love another season) they don’t have a story not about Wonder or Syliva till season 1 episode 7 about Westley
Steven Universe didn’t have a townie episode till episode 5
In the episodes about killing, we could have gotten more intel on how the characters feel about their job. How they feel about each other and stuff
Also, this show can't take plot points seriously or do good foreshadowing or set up
Ok so Ozzie’s my favorite episode I love it :)
But
So stolas and Bilzto have a falling out in the end of the episode.
gasp drama! ikr?
But here’s the thing they messed up the flow with Seeing Stars let me explain (studios)
It makes since to me that they wouldn’t talk the next episode sure give them time to stew in their misery. sure
So, the next episode is Queen Bee, then The Circus all goes good gives us some backstory cool
it's going well... Until
Uh no
Oops
Fuck
Seeing Starts where Stolas and Blizto are just talking to each other like normal like nothing is happening between them
and
Don’t say they're worried about Octivia because if that’s the problem they get sidetracked so much and Stolas just forgets about his daughter.
Like instead of just killing the humans stopping them from getting to Octivia. you're telling me that Blizto couldn’t shoot the van door open? Or overtook the drivers and drove around LA?
Press x to doubt bitch
Also, the fact that Stolas “has his ways” to find blitzo without his book he couldn’t use that to find Octavia? Really?
I'm starting to think they aren't royalty. More like upper middle class you know that family with a 2 story house and pool you feel me?
Because you're telling me that you “need” security to a theme park but you're only child and heir is out here magically unsupervised? wow
Also, Stolas hasn’t taught Octava how to use the book. You would think that with how many hits he has out for his head he’d teach Octavia to use the book by now. Stolas started when he was like 7? Just saying
Anyways what I'm saying is they fucked up the flow for western energy.
If they didn’t have Seeing Stars there it would have been fine frankly
Also Stolas getting hospitalized and being fine in Opps was much a slap in face
Like homeboy was fucked up right?
Like leg messed up
arm broken
he was stab! With a holy weapon!
And 1 episode later he’s fine... what? You almost died dude! Are you not traumatized? Worried about your daughter? No? Ok.
And then the conflict in Ozzie's gets resolved through text
>laugh track<
Also set up for like villains is kinda screwy
So, first
Villains we haven't seen again
The Cherubs and D.O.R.K.S. we haven’t seen then since episode 4 and 6 respectively we don’t know where they are or what they're up to at all.
The cherubs are a direct conflict to they’re business and the dorks are literally a threat if they catch them all of hell is in trouble and Stolas, Blizto, Moxxie, Mille and Loona (possibly Octivia and Stella if they know about it) are like fucked and will most likely be killed by higher ups for putting everyone in danger. Idk seems more important than Blizto and Stolas sex life
(Also, if heaven and hell exist for a fact does that mean in the Helluva and Hazbin verse does that mean there are people in hell who didn’t believe in the Christan God? Also, what if they were good people? no wonder hells overcrowded)
It's fine if they did a villain of the week thing like the powderpuff girls but in PPG the villains came back! No matter how irrelevant or lame (unless it’s the cooties kid then sure also did that episode make anyone else uncomfortable as a kid?)
Now Villains that did comeback
Striker, Stella and Crimson or the S.S. Crim. as I call them
heh you know like a boat :)
So stella was obviously a villain from the start but she didn’t openly threat stolas till Western energy as well as Striker that was his grand entrance. So stella and striker were a threat and stella didn’t show back up still and pose a threat till like 4 or 5 episodes later. Striker didn’t come back till like what 7 or 8 episodes later lol and Crimson only had to wait 2 episodes to come back. Quickest we have so far honestly.
(also, we were rob of more robot Fizz I like the way they made his voice it was fun to listen to)
And the reason they came back is because they're popular! And favorites of the fandom and the writers and the creator
No one's making horny fan edits of the dork agents no one's putting the cherubs in their favorite characters list unless its Collon because Collon is cutest of the 3 so... they got that going for them
But other than that
They most likely aren't coming back and if they do color me surprised
The show keeps setting up problems and setting up major events then just not doing anything with them
Like?
If Helluva Boss slowed down then Western energy could have been a perfect way to wrap up Ozzie's, made a call back to Blitzo’s trip in Truth Seekers, and foreshadowed Oops.
Imagine
The episodes are
Ozzie's(the best episode) , Queen Bee, circus, (get rid of Seeing stars put it in season one or hold off) Exes and Oohs, then western energy
Give Stolas and Blizto some room to brood over what happened at Ozzie's
(throw unhappy campers somewhere in there if you have too)
Stolas moxxie and Mille just got done fighting Striker to save Stolas (so many s’ in one place lol) or better yet Blizto by himself saving Stupid ass I mean Stolas. Oops sorry
Because let's be honest the hospital scene was unneeded and Moxxie and Millie could have took Loona to the hospital. It wasn’t a bonding moment between Loona and Blizto it was a waste of animation and time.
Blizto (and the M&M’S) are fighting Striker having some witty banter back and forth. Striker playing into Blizto’s insecurity about the relationship with Stolas to the point the background of the cave is becoming goopy before fixing itself and they win agent striker as he flees to spouts “I'll get you my pretty and your little dog too!” setting up his return in Oops before one more cheap shot at Stolas maybe dropping a stalactite on Stolas or shooting Stolas with Holy bullet in a place that’s not fully lethal.
Have stolas think he’s actually going to die from his injuries to keep Stolas from passing out or to stay conscious or whatever have Blizto talk to him (if moxxie and Mille are there have them drive and Blizto is the back with stolas). Stolas is using what little life he has left to apologies to Blizto fully say he’s sorry for getting him in this situation, sorry he put in a situation he doesn’t want to be in for his business, sorry for being embarrassed at Ozzie’s, sorry for treating him like a play toy. Yada yada yada yada
Have Blizto be covered in the goop from his trip and have some of it drip on Stolas. The person he views as untouchable and clean being corrupted and stained by his goop.
Have Blizto try to reassure Stolas that he’s going to be ok and that he’s not going to lose him too. Have green flames subtly lick at the background and foreground as he stares at stolas slowly dying. He’s going to lose him but he’s not going to let what he has with Stolas slip from him like his mother, sister, Fizz, Verosika, etc. He’s going to save him like he couldn’t save his mom or Fizzarolli. maybe have the voices from truth seekers whisper failure, loser, and other demeaning things to bilzto.
Have Blitzo declare he isn't going to let Octavia go through what he went through with the loss of his mom. When they get to the hospital and help is on the way have Blizto about to say something to him like “we’re at the hospital everything is going to be ok” before his sentence cuts off and Stolas is unconscious and unresponsive. Have Blizto yell his name a few times heart broken and worried as the nurses and doctors whisk him away. And a single feather from stolas falls infront of Blitzo as he whispers “please be ok” or a soft sorry
But hey I’m not writer or showrunner so hey what do I know
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Ok so the saga with my old PC continues and is only fueling my desire to get back into fanfiction lol because I found all of the files from my attempt at making a legend of spyro fan-game! I honestly thought they were lost, I'm so excited to see all this stuff again! This was the "logo" for the game (I know its nearly unreadable lol, so it says "The Legend of Cynder, Shadows of The Past". 14/15 year old me didn't seem to care much for readability, I think I'd just discovered photoshop's layer effects lol)
Here's a bunch of random stuff I found.
I'm defiantly going to do a redraw of that last one at some point. That was like, THE thing I remember being super proud of when I first did it. I think it was going to be part of the trailer my now-partner was putting together for the game lol.
Actually, a lot of these were actually just frames from animations, but either the files are either just corrupted, or high school me didn't know how to set fps and resolution properly in the output so I got a headache trying to watch them lol. It's probably the second one honestly. Also I remember my old laptop wasn't able to play back the animation because it would lag so much, so I just had to kind of...guess at timing, and that went about as well as you'd expect. It didn't help that blender used to have this bug where your audio would move around your timeline so it really was just random guessing. I'm amazed anything got done at all, let alone how far we actually got (that is to say, not far at all but we had something playable at least).
I also found the demo files and footage of the "game" running (running at 12fps but running)! I'm curious if they still work, I'll have to download an older version of blender to test them out!
There's actually a lot more but actually finding it is proving to be quite a challenge since this laptop seems to be the digital equivalent of an ADHD "doom box" - meaning nothing is sorted into folders that make even a remote lick of sense to me, it's all just kind of thrown in together lmao.
I wanted to post these though because even though I don't really do 3D stuff anymore, It still made me really happy to see how much progress I've made over the years and how far I've come. Also a few folks who worked on this project with me back on Deviantart have started finding me lol, so in case there's anyone else out there, hello! I'm not dead, I'm still around, I'm just a lot more (openly) queer now lmao.
Image descriptions:
[ID 1: A game title that reads "The Legend of Cynder, Shadows of the Past". The two lines, "the legend of" and "shadows of the past" are written in dark purple text. The purple material is supposed to look like liquid, but instead just looks hard to read. "Cynder" is writen in black, 3D text with red outlines, with the exception of the C. The "c" is modeled as a black tube instead of in a blocky style like the rest of the letters. The inside of the C has a red underbelly, and the bottom of the C ends in a tail, resembling Cynder's from the Legend of Spyro Series. There are 3 white spikes at the top of the C. /end ID]
[ID 2: a 3d render of 4 dragons around a christmas tree. A black dragon at the front, Cynder, is using her tail to hang tinsel, a pruple dragon, Spyro, on the left is reaching up into the branches of the tree. A blue dragon, Ignitus, is hovering behind the tree, his paws outstretched, implying he is placing the glowing star at the top. On his head is a silver dragon, Zerali, balancing on his horns. behind them is a series of floating islands. /End ID]
[ID 3: A render of Cynder with a darker colour pallet than the previous image and glowing yellow eyes, snarling at the camera, guarding a black gem. The sky in the background is blood red and the terrain is flat and barren. /End ID]
[ID 4: A render of an incomplete model of Terrador, a green dragon with brown horns and rocky shoulder decorations. He has no underbelly or wings. /end ID]
[ID 5: A render of a fan character named ekkosel, a blue, anthropomorphic dragonfly with an unsettling, uncanny face and green wings, T-posing. Her green wings are a blur /End ID]
[ID 6: two sketches of a anthropomorphic cheetah heads. One has long ears like a lynx and is labeled DotD design, the other has small, rounded ears like a cheetah usually has, labled TLoC design. /end ID]
[ID 7: A render of Zerali, the silver dragon from the second image, and ekkosel, from the 5th, playing together. In this image, we can see Zerali has a pinky-purple underbelly and shiny gold horns.]
[ID 8: A rendered scene showing a close up of blue ignitus with his eyes closed. He appears to be talking to Cynder, who is in the background, but blurry. The game's logo is visible in the bottom left of the image. /end ID]
#nostalgia#old art#image descriptions#Spyro#The Legend of Spyro#tlos#cynder#spyro the dragon#spyro fanart#cynder fanart#queer artist#old projects#Blender#Blender Game Engine#I had no idea what I was doing but I had a blast!#tlos spyro#spyro oc#legend of spyro#old ocs
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WIP Wednesday
Holy shit, it's actually on a Wednesday this time?
I really wanted to do one of these this week since I've gone a bit rabid on a few WIPs.
I'll post a little bit about each of those WIPs later, some snippets and a blurb about why I'm so excited. But first! Folks to tag! Since I'm so excited for these, I'm gonna tag a lot this time.
If you have anything you want to share WIP writing-wise, please do... @quitefair @bottombatch @siyurikspakvariisis @causticcontemplation @jasminethetransvampire @underworldobsessed @assarivanguard @amorficzna @funwithnix @askweisswolf @linka-from-captain-planet @tief4tief
If you don't want to do this, or have nothing you want to share, feel free to ignore. If anyone else wants to do this, please feel free to consider yourself tagged. Now, onto my obsessions.
WIP 1: New chapter of Nightsongs
After spending some chapters in a kind of angst zone after the relatively light (relatively) first 4-5 chapters, this next chapter is going to be a kind of upswing. There's lots left to do with the AU, so I'm expecting to chug along and write more and more as time permits.
This AU is a lot for me to handle, especially after having so many chapters ready to post and then... falling way behind on writing the chapters afterwards. But it's fanfiction, and we're having fun here. So, who cares? The game's fandom heyday is already over, so at this point I'm just writing whatever feels best to me.
This chapter is mostly done, I think. I'm giving it a few days/a week to sit before I go back to edit it with fresher eyes. Also, we return to Ash's POV!
Lae’zel walked into Ash’s back office without a word on the seventh day and Ash nodded her way without looking up. Papers sat in strewn piles all over the desk, a handful of old incident reports and assessments that still needed working for Wulbren’s accountants. The absolute worst part of the job remained for the year – paperwork – and Ash intended to get them caught up in the hours that remained of her day.
It was a useful, meaningful task. It gave her something else to think about. Anything other than green eyes.
“We should talk,” Lae’zel said, sitting down without being offered one of the folding chairs in front of the desk.
“Aren’t we doing that?” Ash scanned the paper in front of her and quickly jotted down her signature.
[...]
“You begin working on a van,” Lae’zel said matter-of-factly, counting off on her fingers as she spoke. “You talk to a pretty girl. You suddenly work more often on that van. Then, you disappear inside yourself and act bitter all day because suddenly the girl no longer shows up. There is more to it than you say.”
“I think this might be the first time you’ve spoken more than five words to me, you know that?” Ash chuckled. “Am I that obvious?”
WIP 2: New chapter of Blades in the Night
The need to write more plot for this has been burrowing in my skull for a long time. I initially stopped myself from writing too much of it because I wanted to do Nightsongs first in its entirety before getting to this, but I think I'm just too impatient for that.
I also love the fact that this fic turned from a simple PWP one-shot into this much more expansive, plotty story that's now pretty important for what I want to do with my babies post-canon. Something about that makes me smile.
Plus, you know how I've been lamenting my inability to write happy endings for certain characters?
Either way, this isn't really complete, but the hardest part is complete and now I just have to start connecting the dots and filling in the blanks. I'd say it's about a third done?
The room filled with the same aura of a distant gaze leveled their way that Shadowheart had felt back in the cloister. Asheera had made an oath to protect Shadowheart then, and the flooding of a dense, real presence had nearly swallowed her whole in the cloister's barracks. A weight of importance sunk down on her shoulders there in Hobb's Hovel as well. A smell like molten metal cooling lilted in the air with a lingering, acrid tang. It tasted of blood in Shadowheart's mouth, as if the forging was tainted with some other foul presence in the mixture.
[...]
Little could have compared better to that feeling of a weight lifted from her shoulders. Worry disappeared and gave way to earnest joy in Shadowheart, and she thrived on it. She hadn't felt such keen happiness since she'd been so readily accepted into Asheera's family by her parents.
WIP 3: Gauntlet of Shar fic
Wow, I know! I've been talking about writing this fic for so long that it's almost become a sort of mythical never-to-be-slain beast for me. I'm not normally someone that talks about my ideas too often, I just write them before they can flee me.
I tend to also get in my own head about what I "should" be writing in the first place. Frankly, I'm getting kinda tired of writing so many ships, though fear not - I'll still have ideas that can only work with ships that aren't Shadowheart/Asheera. It's just that, for a while, I want to focus back on my loves.
This fic is one of those that I've wanted to finish for months. I know that at this point in the fandom's life cycle, I'm pretty much writing just for the dedicated, lovely folks that still read my stuff and I'm extremely happy to have y'all around! Maybe this will make Light Casts a Shadow ring a little more true for some, maybe it will be just another fic that I post, who knows.
Also, one thing I'm planning on experimenting with for this fic is alternate endings for Fun. This is a fic where the ending hinges on choices that Shadowheart makes in the game, so it's only fitting that I explore what would happen if she made those other choices.
But anywho, enough blabbing. Excerpt time!
Those touches and more, Asheera cherished.
She watched in silence as Shadowheart turned her devotions to each of those tasks. Perhaps it was the nature of clerics to give themselves entirely to seemingly mundane tasks much the same Asheera felt compelled to consider her oaths in nearly every conversation, battle, or even moments like Shadowheart carefully buckling a cuisse to her leg with straps of leather at the backs of Asheera's knees.
Fingertips trailed against her clothed skin, and Shadowheart stood up once more.
"There," she said, "all's taken care of, then. Tell me, how's my handiwork? Be honest. I can handle the criticism."
Asheera brought her balled fist to her chest in an arm curl. She flexed the elbow out and tested her shoulders, knees, ankles, and hips for motion. None of the plates caught on one another, and none of the straps across her hands, arms, knees, or chest restricted her.
"Perfect," Asheera said at last. "Marvelous work."
Shadowheart offered a quick smile. "I'll take a Gondian's compliment on such things any day."
"Can't say I would've done a better job."
"Ah, there's the honesty I was waiting for. Truly, where would you be without me?"
#random rambling about writing#bg3#shadowheart#shadowtav#shadowheart x tav#oc: asheera#my fic#nightsongs au#amongst other things................
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Meanings of names. Batim/Batdr edition!
Hello there! I'm back with another name meanings list! This time it's the Bendy verse, because it was immortalized (Hehe heh get it) yet again, and I couldn't be more excited.
So! I will be doing the primary characters for both games, BUT not all of them. I’ll be doing all the folks from Batim, since there aren’t as many as in Batdr, which added a TON of new characters and I for the live of me can't do them all. It would take me an eternity, so there... So, I won’t do those who had like one tape or memo. Sorry. I also will not be including characters from the comics or the books. Yeah. (but I can do a part 2 if you guys want ehehehehe)
Let's go!
Toons (not doing the corrupted versions, they’re technically the same)
Bendy. I'm pretty sure that Meatly made it up from the name of some editing program. Something something Bender, not sure.
Boris. From a Bulgar Turkic name, also recorded as Bogoris, perhaps meaning "short" or "wolf" or "snow leopard". Hey! Literally a wolf!
Alice. From the Old French name Aalis, a short form of Adelais, itself a short form of the Germanic name Adalheidis, which means "noble type". Hmm, I like it! Fits her. I’m obviously also counting Twisted Alice and Allison Angel. They all have the same name.
Charley (one of my favourite characters hehehehe). Diminutive form of Charles, which means "man". Literally. Just man. MAN. That’s it. I guess that fits... Charley is, after all, A MALE. Yeah.
Barley. Means “grower of barley”. Lmao. Just like that.
Edgar. Derived from the Old English elements ead "wealth, fortune" and gar "spear". I mean... I guess? He has nothing to do with spears, but he’s got fangs. They’re sharp. Spears are sharp.
Humans (from here on going in alphabet order)
Allison Pendle. Norman French diminutive of Aalis, so basically the same as Alice. Cool! She’s very sweet, so it fits for her as well!
Audrey Drew (putting her here because I don’t really count her as an ink entity). Medieval diminutive of Æðelþryð, which is derived from the Old English elements æðel "noble" and þryð "strength". Oh, she sure is strong!
Bertrum Piedmont. Means "bright raven", derived from the Germanic element beraht "bright" combined with hramn "raven". Uhhmm. Ooook then. Not sure where the raven comes from.
Daniel ”Buddy” Lewek. From the Hebrew name דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel), meaning "God is my judge". Nuuuu, Buddy:( I still feel very bad for him... Man, poor guy.
Grant Cohen. From an English and Scottish surname that was derived from Norman French grand meaning "great, large". Well, his boss had GRANT plans for the studio (please don’t hurt me, I know the pun is bad).
Henry Stein (the man!). From the Germanic name Heimirich meaning "home ruler", composed of the elements heim "home" and ric "ruler". OOOOHH, i love it! Considering he is the actual creator of Bendy, he technically is the ruler!
Jack Fain. Derived from Jackin (earlier Jankin), a medieval diminutive of John, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yochanan) meaning "Yahweh is gracious". Maybe Jack is jewish? It’s unlikely, but I literally don’t know what to say here.
Joey Dr(ew). Diminutive of Joseph, which was from the Hebrew name יוֹסֵף (Yosef), meaning "he will add". Endless torment, that’s what he’ll add. Ugh, poor Henry.
Lacie Benton. Variant of Lacy. From a surname that was derived from Lassy, the name of a town in Normandy. I couldn’t really find anything else, so...I guess?
Nathan Arch Sr. From the Hebrew name נָתָן (Natan) meaning "he gave". Wha- what’d he give? A new chance for Bendy to be relevant again? Idk, really.
Nathan ”Wilson” Arch Jr (please don’t hurt me, but I kinda like him as a villain... Like, yeah, he’s creepy as all heck, but isn’t that kinda the point? So there, I said it). I will be doing his moniker, since duh. The name comes from an English surname meaning "son of William". Eeeehhhh, almost fits, just replace William with Nathan.
Norman Polk (eeeeyyyy it’s ma dude!). From an old Germanic byname meaning "northman", referring to a viking. Now that’s interesting. I can’t tell English accents apart very well, but I saw someone say he’s got a southern accent. And then there’s NORTHman. Hmmmm.
Sammy Lawrence. Diminutive of Samuel, coming from the Hebrew name שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu'el), which could mean either "name of God" or "God has heard". Lmao, I guess his god really did hear him. And decided to fucking murder him.
Shawn Flynn. Anglicized form of Seán, which on itself is the Irish form of John, so basically the same as Jack.
Susie Campbell. Diminutive of Susan. This was derived from the Hebrew word שׁוֹשָׁן (shoshan) meaning "lily" (in modern Hebrew this also means "rose"), perhaps ultimately from Egyptian sšn "lotus". Oh, maybe those are her favourite flowers!
Thomas Connor. Greek form of the Aramaic name תָּאוֹמָא (Ta'oma') meaning "twin". OH he and Buddy are technically twins! Or, well, clones.
Wally Franks. Diminutive of Walter, which comes from a Germanic name meaning "ruler of the army", composed of the elements wald "rule" and hari "army". Pffft, he’s the ruler of the army that got OUTTA THE STUDIO, yeah ok it fits.
Ink entities (not doing Sammy, Jack and Norman for obvious reasons)
Betty. Diminutive of Elizabeth. From Ἐλισάβετ (Elisabet), the Greek form of the Hebrew name אֱלִישֶׁבַע ('Elisheva') meaning "my God is an oath". The heck- did she turn into Sammy?
Big Steve. Short form of Steven, which derives from the Greek name Στέφανος (Stephanos) meaning "crown, wreath". Uhh, I guess? Is there something that we have yet to discover?
Heidi. German diminutive of Adelheid, which means "noble type", from the French form of the Germanic name Adalheidis. Damn, what’s with all the nobles? Unrelated, but I love her bowtie.
Porter. From an occupational English surname meaning "doorkeeper". Oooohh, ok then, he technically is one.
And that’s it! Whew, took me quite some time. Please do tell me if you want a part two with the other folks! I’m not sure, when (and if) I’ll make it, we’l have to see.
#bendy and the dark revival#bendy and the ink machine#bendy#boris the wolf#alice angel#the butcher gang#batim charley#batim barley#batim edgar#allison pendle#audrey drew#bertrum piedmont#buddy lewek#grant cohen#henry stein#jack fain#joey drew#lacie benton#nathan arch#wilson arch#norman polk#sammy lawrence#shawn flynn#susie campbell#thomas connor#wally franks#batdr betty#big steve#batdr heidi#batdr porter
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(prev)
When Hiccup returns to the hut, he finds their guest awake, and sitting up. That's good. That's an improvement. Before Hiccup could take a better look at the guy, Gothi parks herself in front of him.
"He's delicate," she scribbles on the ground. "The seas left its mark. Don't excite him too much." She punctuates those last two words with a tap of her walking stick.
Hiccup lifts both hands up. "Alright, okay! I'll be careful! You make it sound like I'm gonna give him a heart attack!"
"Are you?" A low voice croaks out.
Hiccup turns to face their guest. And yeah, okay. He gets where Gothi's coming from. The guy looks like he's two steps from entering Hel or Valhalla, probably Hel from the looks of him. He's thinner than Hiccup, but then again, Hiccup has filled out a little. He's got honest-to-Thor biceps now. But this guy - Hiccup has seen chickens with more meat on their wings than this guy has in his arms. And he's deathly pale, which makes sense given the circumstances. Seriously, Hiccup could trace the guy's veins - blue, nearly black, against his skin. Hiccup never had the good fortune of seeing a dead body - not the way Ruffnut and Tuffnut keep saying they have. But Hiccup hopes this guy will be the closest he'll ever get.
And yet... The weirdest part about this guy has to be his face. Hiccup can't figure it out but there's just something really weird about his face. It wasn't the eyes or the hair, both colored a common as dirt brown. So what...
"If you keep making a face like that, you'll really give me a heart attack," the guy murmurs, cutting through Hiccup's thoughts.
"I think you can manage one without any help..." Hiccup replies.
The guy snorts. "I'm feeling better if you can believe it." He nods at Gothi. "Can she talk? All she's done this whole time is stare at me. I swear I never saw her blink."
"Yeah... She does that. But um... good, I mean, about your uh health. Glad to hear it." Hiccup rubs the back of his neck. He's supposed to ask the guy more about himself, but outside of a straight up interrogation, he's never been good at the 'let's get to know each other' kinda stuff. They shoulda sent Gobber to do this, now there's someone that can get folks to tell stories. But Dad says it's all part of his Chief training, whatever that means.
"Thanks for pulling me out of the ice," the guy says. "This was mighty kind of you, and really, if there's any sort of payment I can offer, just let me know? Unless, I mean, my Mom spoke to you already?"
"Your... Mom...." Hiccup echoes. He can feel his face freezing up. His Mom? But there was never - They couldn't even find a shipwreck.
"Yeah, you know. A woman that looks kinda like me, almost like we're related or something." The guy goes on.
Hiccup's throat dries up and he clenches his jaw. This guy washed ashore with nothing but the strange clothes on his back. They figured him for dead before he started coughing like he was trying to throw up his lungs. It was... Yeah, Hiccup doesn't like remembering it too much. If this guy was that bad, then anyone else would be...
"And she keeps calling herself too old or that I'll give her gray hairs, but really she doesn't look a day over a hundred." The guy chuckles, or tries to, mostly he makes this wet, wheezing noise.
Hiccup opens his mouth, shuts it, then opens it again. "We... There was no one else in the water..."
He braces himself for the guy to start wailing, to froth up a rage - some kind of strong response. But the guy just tilts his head. And oh. Hiccup gets it now - the thing that's been bothering him about this guy's face. He's always kinda smiling. As if a grin is permanently pasted on his face, even when his hands are balled into fists, even when his shoulders are drawn in tight, even when there's literally nothing about him that matches a smile.
"Well... That's good, right? I was the only one in the water then. But so... Does my Mom know I'm here? Does my sister?"
Okay. Well. Now Hiccup's just confused. "No... How would we reach out to your family? Do they live nearby?"
"Uh... Yeah? I mean, maybe? Do you guys live anywhere near Hawthorne?"
"I... have never heard of that place."
"What? No. That can't be right. Hawthorne's barely the size of a village, sure, but it's the only settlement for miles!"
Hiccup slowly shakes his head. "No... I don't remember hearing of someplace like that."
At last, the guy's grin falls away as he scowls at the blankets. He chews on his lip, clearly thinking hard.
Hiccup tries to remember if he's ever heard of a Hawthorne. But he comes up blank. "I can -"
"Where is-"
They share a look. Now it's Hiccup's turn to crack a grin. "You first."
The guy blinks. "Oh, uh... I was um... Where am I now? Where is this?"
"Berk."
When the guy just gives him a blank stare, Hiccup folds his brow. Berk's been making a name for itself since they started the whole dragon co-existence thing. Surely, this guy would have heard all the rumors about them. Thor knows, they've been suffering the consequences from all that attention.
But this guy - there's not a shred of recognition in his expression. He could be faking it. Or 'the seas left its mark', as Gothi put it. Hiccup really wants to give him the benefit of doubt here.
"Berk, one of the isles in the Barbaric Archipelago? Home to the Hairy Hooligan tribe? No? None of that sounds familiar?"
The guy wordlessly shakes his head, fear starting to twist his face. Okay. That's not ideal.
"Is that... Is that anywhere near the New World?" The guy asks, his knuckles going white as he squeezes the blankets with both hands.
Gothi makes an irritated tap of her walking stick. Hiccup ignores her.
Did this guy just say the 'New World'? But that's just an old mariner's tale. And even if it was true, it's definitely nowhere near Berk.
The look on Hiccup's face must give him away because the guy locks up, eyes going wide, limbs closing tight and stiff.
"H... How... But I was just there! The pond was right by my village! How did this happen?!"
And that, Hiccup thinks, is the real question. Either this guy is a really good actor or he really has no memory. When he starts breathing faster, clutching his chest like it hurts, Hiccup makes a decision.
Dodging Gothi's stick, which tries to keep him away, Hiccup crouches next to the bed, putting himself at eye level with their guest. "Hey, we can figure this out, okay? You'll be back with your Mom in no time. Just... Just hang in there... Uhm..."
The guy looks at him, and there's that smile again - completely out of place given that he's literally one heartbeat away from a breakdown. "Ca-Call me Jack. And you?"
"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third. But everyone calls me Hiccup."
#hijack#frostcup#rise of the guardians#how to train your dragon#journey to the past#jack frost#hiccup haddock
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GERASKIER FAKE DATING
sorry for yelling I'm excited
okay i took my time filling this one but i think the results are worth it - i hope you think so too 😊
~
Jaskier is, surprisingly, a very good boyfriend.
Though being around old school friends and distant relations must have tempted him to abandon his anti-social plus one, he’s hardly left Geralt’s side all day. He introduces Geralt to everyone who approaches them and takes the lead in every conversation to minimize how much Geralt has to talk to strangers. After every interaction, Jaskier leads them inconspicuously to the edge of the room for a welcome break from the buzz of the reception hall around them.
Of course, being a groomsman and brother to the bride means Jaskier has had to step away for round upon round of pictures, but he never goes far and he returns the second he’s able. The only point over the course of the entire wedding where Geralt has had to speak to someone by himself was just after the ceremony, and even then it was only Jaskier’s grandmother.
She was a sweet, stout old woman who smelled of the boiled sweets she pulled from her handbag every so often and popped into her mouth. She ambled up to Geralt the moment Jaskier stepped away, taking his arm as if she belonged there.
“Diedre,” she said. “But you call me Nan, everyone does.”
Geralt could only nod, but she didn’t seem to mind or even really notice. She chattered to him about how handsome he was, how polite and well mannered, nothing at all like anyone Jaskier had brought home before. Apparently, her “little Buttercup” had a habit of falling for unsuitable folk. He was just too sweet, she reckoned.
Jaskier hustled over to rescue him the moment his sister set him free from post-ceremony photos, kissing Nan’s cheek and transferring her from Geralt’s arm to one of the many cousins milling around.
Before Jaskeir could steer her away, though, she patted Geralt’s lapel with her gloved hand and smiled at him. “Perfect for my Buttercup,” she said. Jaskier’s blush could have stopped traffic.
Geralt imagines he could have done worse for solo social interactions in this crowd. He didn’t actually have to say anything to Nan before Jaskier saved him, and no one else has tried to corner him since. It’s been a long, long day, but Geralt has had worse. The food is amazing, the champagne flows freely.
And Jaskier is there. He’s in Geralt’s space, holding his hand, kissing his cheek, fixing his tie, smiling at him like there’s nowhere else in the world he’d rather be. Jaskier is the perfect, gentle, kind, attentive boyfriend.
Geralt just wishes Jaskier were his boyfriend.
Everyone thinks he is, of course. That was the plan. Jaskier came to Geralt a week before the wedding with big puppy eyes telling him about the very serious relationship he’d been lying to his parents about for the past few months. If Jaskier came to his sister’s wedding alone, even if he feigned some excuse for his non-existent significant other, his parents would surely be onto him. It had, apparently, happened before.
Geralt would be the perfect stand-in, Jaskier reasoned. His parents already knew Geralt a little, so there would be no chance that they wouldn’t like him, and the two of them were already so comfortable around each other that a little extra PDA would be no big deal. It was only one day of Geralt’s life with gourmet food and free top-shelf booze. It would be easy.
Now, standing in the dimly lit reception hall while a sickly sweet love song plays over the speakers with Jaskier tucked into his side in a perfectly fitted tux, Geralt feels like the biggest fucking idiot on the planet.
Being in love with his best friend had never been easy. Most days, it felt like drowning. But Geralt would give anything for that feeling right now, because this, watching Jaskier pretend to be his, pretend to be in love with him—
This feels like being buried alive.
Jaskier is talking, his voice low and intimate like no one exists outside their little bubble, and Geralt doesn’t hear a word because they’re so close.
So close that their noses could touch if Geralt tilted his head the slightest bit, and it’s impossible to focus on the words coming out of Jaskier’s mouth when Geralt can feel the oxygen running out around him.
So close that Geralt can’t really see Jaskier’s face, just the blue of his eyes, and Geralt can feel his lungs burning as he forgets to breathe, but if he had to pick a way to go, he’d want a view like this.
So close that it’s awkward for Geralt to keep his hands to himself, so he places his hand on the small of Jaskier’s back and it feels so fucking good to hold him like this that Geralt almost doesn’t care how much it’s going to hurt when he has to let go.
Maybe, Geralt thinks, if he doesn’t close his eyes, if he holds perfectly still, then they can stay like this forever. Maybe he can trap them in this moment, surrounded by tipsy Pankratzes while cheesy love songs play in the background.
Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.
This was a terrible idea.
~
Geralt, predictably, is an amazing boyfriend.
He’s shy around Jaskier’s family as expected, but he converses politely whenever required and everyone is charmed to death by his dry humor. On the few occasions that Jaskier has stepped away from Geralt’s side, all anyone can say to him is how wonderful his boyfriend is, how happy they are for him. He’s heard more than a few cheeky comments about the next Pankratz to walk down the aisle with winks in his direction.
Nan was the worst out of all of them.
Jaskier felt his gut drop when he saw her make a B-line for Geralt. He loved his grandmother more than anything, but fuck knows what that woman would say. The moment his sister was satisfied with the photos they’d taken, he moved as quickly as his trousers would allow him to Geralt’s rescue.
“Perfect for my Buttercup,” she said before Jaskier could stop her. Geralt’s pale skin turned bright pink.
“I told you to leave him be, you sneaky old bat,” Jaskier scolded once they were out of earshot. Nan just cackled.
He passed her over to an unoccupied cousin quicker than he would have if he hadn’t had Geralt to get back to, but not before she could cup his cheek and smile gently at him.
“He’s the one, Buttercup,” she told him. “Don’t let him get away.”
It’s lucky, Jaskier thinks, that he’d always been a good actor. He had to keep up the pretense of having fun for the rest of the night and every time he thought about Nan’s words, he felt like he was a thousand feet below water and sinking deeper every second.
Jaskier knew Geralt was the one. He’d known it almost since the day they met. Ten years they’d known each other and Jaskier couldn’t look at anyone else no matter how hard he tried. Geralt is it for Jaskier.
He just wishes that he could be it for Geralt.
Everyone is fooled, just like Jaskier knew they would be. Being in love with Geralt was the easy part. He did it every day of his life. A few cheek kisses and prolonged hand holding are no great tasks in comparison. The hard part is knowing that the moment they leave the wedding, these soft touches will disappear like they’d never happened at all.
Things have died down at the reception a bit, leaving them to stand peacefully at the edge of the room. Jaskier is talking about something unimportant, some family gossip he picked up from Nan at dinner. Not even particularly good gossip. He’s talking to talk because it feels like his chest will collapse in on itself if he stills for even a second.
They’re so close, he and Geralt. Close enough that Jaskier can barely see the soft grin on Geralt’s face, just the slightest upturn of lips. He’s looking at Jaskier like there’s nothing in the world he’d rather listen to than boring Pankratz family gossip. Like Jaskier hung the moon.
Jaskier never should have suggested this. He should have come to the wedding by himself and swallowed the lectures from his parents with one too many glasses of wine the way he usually does. It would have been more bearable than this, than watching Geralt pretend to be his boyfriend, pretend to love Jaskier the way he’s always loved Geralt—
This hurts more than his mother’s sharp words or his father’s disappointed sighs ever could.
Geralt rests his hand at the small of Jaskier’s back and Jaskier wants to scream but it’s all he can do to keep breathing in and out. What would happen, he wonders, if he told Geralt he loved him right now? Would Geralt leave? Would it ruin everything? Would it be worth it?
Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuckity fuck.
This was a terrible fucking idea.
~~
more fic from me
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So do we think Hobs more obsessed with/excited about the modern grocery store or food delivery apps?
*Cracks knuckles* H'ok, Anon, I've been salivating to answer this question all evening so let us DO THIS.
To make your simple question needlessly complicated, I'm gonna divide your question up in two and address each example separately because historically speaking, these are two very different phenomenons and weirdly enough, the latter (food delivery apps) would, in my opinion, be less exciting to Hob than the former.
Modern Grocery Stores
I personally have a theory that every society benefit and ill can trace itself back to a desire held by previous generations. And nothing exemplifies this more than the modern grocery store. Obviously there have been markets before. But if you were to characterize the modern store as perpetually stocked shelves of food from around the world, kept fresh by electricity-powered cooling, and within price ranges available to even common folks, I cannot stress enough how much such a phenomenon we take for granted today was the literal paradise of our ancestors.
One of the fictional magical lands of the Middle Ages was Cockaigne a land of plenty whose description basically mirrors that of a modern grocery store.
My point is, there is plenty of historical evidence to draw from to say that Hob would be over the moon excited about grocery stores. Hell, one doesn't even need to go that far back in history to rationing in England after WWII for reasons a fully stocked grocery store would be a perpetual delight to him, never mind the 1600s or being born a peasant. I truly think the modern grocery store would be one of those wonders Hob would never get over.
Food Delivery Apps
Look, I'm gonna put this bluntly: servants have existed for a really fuckin' long time. If you had the means to have someone else cook for you, you had the means to pay for someone else to do the shopping and deliveries for you. In the days before refrigeration, when some fresh foods would need to be picked up daily if at all, a servant bringing a food delivery to your home would be a fairly common daily sight for the wealthy and even for those we'd think of as more middle class ("You have a servant or you are a servant," being the operating assumption of the day, basically). Porters absolutely existed, people who would run your shopping back to your house so you didn't have to carry everything with you.
Honestly, the more troubling thing as I personally see it about the "gig economy" culture is how much it is just a return to Victorian era levels of "You have a servant or you are a servant," dressed up in modern clothing.
From Hob's perspective, he wouldn't even need to be particularly wealthy in 1889 to have had a servant. 1589 and 1789 Hob absolutely had servants, plural. Someone running down to a local store to buy fresh food to cook at home, or bringing something prepared back to him would not be anything new to him at all, it's just the latest evolution of the service industry that has existed in some form or another for basically all of developed human history and possibly longer than that. The only newfangled aspect of it is being able to do it through an app instead of ringing a servants bell in his house.
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Cyberchase - The "What's Hacker's Secret?" content (part 2)
Alright, let's try this again. Here is the second part of the content that was promoting the "Transformatron" arc. We can see an issue of Cyberspace News here. The main story is Buzz and Delete being interviewed about Hacker's upcoming plans. They know nothing. We knew this already.
I'm going to transcribe the interview in full.
What's Hacker's Secret?
Sam Vander Rom's EXCLUSIVE Interview with Buzz & Delete
Sam: Buzz and Delete, you're the Hacker's henchmen. His simpering sidekicks. How come you're talking to me?
Delete: Well, the boss isn't talking to us much these days. We're lonely.
Buzz: Yeah, he's always shut up in his secret lab. ays we can't come in. That we'll ruin everything.
Sam: Maybe you guys should talk to that Cybertv talk show host Dr. Bill. He's good at helping people.
Delete: We should do that, Buzzy!
Buzz: Yeah, maybe we should, Dee-dee.
Sam: So what do you think Hacker's doing in his secret lab?
Delete: I think maybe he's making something.
Sam: Like what?
Buzz: Maybe a machine. He's always hammering and it sounds like he's putting stuff together.
Sam: Interesting. A new Hacker contraption.
Delete: Remember, Buzzy, how he got so excited when he found all those tiny bits of paper? He made me go get some tape. Then he taped them all together.
Buzz: Yeah, that's right, Dee-dee. The paper had a picture of a big machine. Like they were plans or something.
Sam: What does this new machine do?
Delete: Maybe it makes donuts, Buzzy! You'd like that.
Buzz: I dunno. I think it's more important-like. The boss is a pretty smart borg. I bet it'll do something no one's seen before.
Delete: We better not say anymore. The boss might get mad!
Sam: You heard it here first, folks. The Hacker's up to no good! This reporter fears we'll see a new Hack Attack very soon!
The interview with Buzz and Delete ends
I think The Hacker would have been okay with this interview. Buzz and Delete really just served to hype up his latest invention, while giving no useful information about how to stop it.
Anyway, I'll transcribe Erica Ram's piece about Slider and his missing dad.
Personal & Up Close by Erica Ram
Heartbreak Kid
There is no sadder story in Cyberspace than the tale of a teenborg from Radopolis named Slider. His father, the brilliant and talented Coop, was forced to flee his home years ago after a disagreement with who else - that old meanie Hacker. Coop hasn't been seen or heard from since, but we have it on good authority that young Slider is still looking for his dad. "If anyone can find him, it's Slider," said our source. When reached at his garage for comment, Slider said, "I'll find my dad some day, and that's a promise!" Good luck, Slider! We're all rooting for you!
Erica Ram's article ends
I would have used a stronger term than "meanie", given that The Hacker forced Coop to abandon his son. I'm still surprised that Cyberchase went that hard back then.
Anyway, I figure I should transcribe the other articles as well as the in-universe advertisements.
Penguin Hockey Hoopla
By Olli
Penguin hockey season is about to begin! Hockey hopefuls have been lining up at try-outs all across Cyberia. In Penguia, Coach Bluewing says he's happy to have Flash back for another season. "She's got the best aim in Cyberspace," he said. A bright young fan named Fluff said he wanted to play penguin hockey because "it's the best sport ever!"
The hockey article ends
Health Watch for Borgs & Bots By Dr. Marbles
Borgs & bots are warned that there have been many reports of late about magnetite. This mineral is very dangerous and can have strange and unpredictable effects. Everyone gets different glitches. Some borgs and bots lose their memory. Others break out in spots like chicken pox. I have even heard it can make you grow old or give you big feet. Everyone is urged to proceed with caution around magnetite.
The Health Watch article ends
Spoilers, magnetite exposure caused Coop to age into an old man, though he is able to be put back to normal with the cure. I really need to do a separate post about Coop's long exile. Magnetite causes Slider's feet to grow to a massive size, which is great for The Hacker, as it stops Slider from being able to lift his foot to kick his ass.
I'll transcribe the four in-universe ads at the bottom.
Ad #1
Special Cryoxide Sale Today!
Buy a case, get 1 can free!
Call Mr. Cryoxide
Ad #2
Ms. Fileshare is pleased to announce that Chef Digit Le Boid will be at the Cybrary tomorrow to sign copies of his new cookbook, Chef Digit Le Boid's Party Planner.
Coming soon
Manny the Medium reads from his new book Mysteries of the Manatee.
Ad #3
Aquari-Yum Picnic
All are welcome to the Prince's Picnic in Aquari-Yum next Saturday. It will take place on Hot Dog Hill. Cybersquad superstars Matt, Jackie and Inez are expected to attend, said Stringie, close friend to the Crab Prince.
Ad #4
Wanted: 1 bunny
I will love him and keep him and call him George.
Signed, Delete.
And that's all for the ads.
I like what they did here. It covers all of the important points for the series of episodes in this arc, and it doesn't spoil anything. We just get hints.
We're going back to Penguia for hockey tryouts
The Hacker is building some grand machine in his secret lab
Buzz and Delete are going to be on Dr. Bill due to The Hacker not having any time for them
Cryoxide is going to factor in again
We're heading back to Aquari-yum to meet the Crab Prince
The magnetite is going to come back in style
We're going to meet Slider's missing dad
#cartoon#cyberchase#inez#2000s#jackie#matt#nostalgia#pbs kids#digit#2000s childhood#What's Hacker's Secret?#longpost#archived web content
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Pops Diner (Part 3)
[Malaysia Narrating]
I had no idea sports analysts were saying those things. To be honest, outside of going to Drei's games and the highlight clips he use to send me, I didn't follow the sport. Football hasn't been on my radar at all this year. Especially since we aren't together anymore.
Malaysia: Honestly, FCK THEM. Nothing they say really matters, Drei. The only opinion you need to worry about is your coach. When you get back on that field, remind them who tf you are. You are one of a kind. NOBODY can do what you do. Stop doubting yourself and listening to overpaid asshats.
Andrei: (smiling) Yeah, you’re right. It’s just hard sometimes because you get all this praise from them when you have a good game and now they’re talking as if I'm the past. It’s hard to hear while injured and not knowing what’s next.
Waitress: Here's your order, folks. Enjoy your meal.
Andrei: So, I don't know what to do. If I stay for my senior year and play another season, I could get injured again and not make it to the league at all. Then again, this could be my chance to make it. But it could also be a huge mistake too.
Malaysia: Well, Drei, this is your life and your choice. You have to do what's best for you and your future. Whatver it is, I'll support it.
Andrei: (nodding) I got a lot to think about over next couple months.
While they were talking about Drei's football career, Andrei went off on a rant about having to spend his brand deals money on his dad's expensive lawyers, hotels, food, and buying a car while he is out on bail. Plus, he's sending money to his sisters and younger brother. When college athletes started making money, it was such an exciting time. However, Drei hasn't enjoyed much of his income. Even if he keeps some money, he feels guilty. It's just another stressful situation he's facing. So, he's factoring it all of this into his final decision whether to turn pro or not.
All Malaysia could do was sit and listen. There was really nothing she could say because no matter how his dad treats him, Andrei always does what he says. In an attempt to change the subject, she turned to music, which he loved above all else.
#The Richards Legacy#Malaysia#Andrei#simblr#the sims 4#simblog#sims 4#ea#ts4#sims 4 legacy#ts4 legacy#black simblr#video games#ts4 gameplay#ts4 simblr#ts4 story#black sims
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A Dreamling Fic
It is really really really unusual for me to get a fic fully-formed in my brain all at once, but I was enjoying this post and I got to the one that was Hob and Dream labeled with "well-read jock / buff nerd" and this high school AU just kind of exploded on me, and I just wordvomited it at the Cohort and they did nothing to discourage me, and it's been quietly refining itself in the back of my brain since then. I have no idea if I will try to actually write this but if anyone else wants the idea, please take it! And link me when you're done because I definitely want to read it!
Okay, so Dream is done with elementary/primary school and he's about to start the 6th grade (or whatever the equivalent is for UK I guess but if I write it they're going to be surprise usamericans because I'm not doing that much research). It's a new school, one of those grade 6-12 academies. It's the first day of school and all the students are kind of wandering around in the schoolyard waiting for schedules to be handed out (which yes is totally unrealistic, just shhh go with it). Dream is terrified; the older kids are like three times his size and everyone is very loud and boisterous and there aren't any good corners to hide in here.
His big sister, knowing him as she does, rolls her eyes and takes his hand and drags him over to the area where most of the other new 6th graders are congregating and says, "Look, you're going to be with these people for the next 7 years, you have to make a friend."
Dream glares at her but she just glares back, so he turns to the nearest other kid and says, "We're friends now. What's your name?"
And the kid's name is Hob, and he's like super excited to make a new friend and maybe this won't be completely terrible.
Except that Dream and Hob are not in the same classes. Or the same lunch block. Or anything. And they don't really see each other at all.
But the next year, when everyone's wandering around waiting for schedules, Dream spots Hob and walks over like, "Hello Hob" and Hob just goes with it, he's like, "Hey it's my friend, awesome!" And that year... they also do not have any of the same classes or lunch or anything.
And so it goes. Every year, Dream finds Hob on the first day of school while they're milling around, and every year, that's the last time they really see each other. And in the meantime, Dream is a quiet nerdy goth introvert who never talks to anyone if he can help it, and Hob is getting into trouble and charming his way out of it and he has a bad patch one year but then pulls himself out of it and tries a whole bunch of different clubs and sports and pretty much everyone likes him.
And then sometime over the summer before 11th grade, they both realize that they, you know, LIKE-like each other. And while Hob is now immediately excited to see Dream again, Dream is having a horrible case of "oh shit I'm GAY" panic because despite being a moody introvert he's about as good at understanding himself as a cabbage.
School starts and Dream locks it down and comes over to say hi to Hob like always and Hob is suddenly like, "Hey! You know what, we get to learn to drive this year and after I get my license how about we get together away from school and go do something! Like a date!" and Dream (who is still firmly in the closet and panicking about it) massively overcompensates and is like "How dare you I'm not gay and even if I was I wouldn't even like you!" and storms off.
And, you know, same thing, they don't see each other for the rest of the year. Hob broods about it some and figures he'll just apologize when he sees Dream and they can go back to their weird friendship, it's all cool. But 12th grade starts and Dream... isn't there. Hob looks all over, but. No Dream. Fuck.
And then, halfway through the year or so, Hob's in the library working on his senior project and the chair across from his pulls out and he looks up and... it's Dream.
And Dream is like... his folks split up the previous summer and there was a whole custody thing and he had to go live with his crazy Uncle Roderick and horrible cousin Alex in another state and he absolutely hated it. But he just turned 18 and told told Uncle Rod to fuck off, and he moved out and switched back to this school and they can still be boyfriends now right?
#the sandman#dreamling#plot bunny#free to a good home#or maybe i'll write it myself#but if you want to write it anyway because two cakes#pique queue
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I've had this idea in my head for a while now...
We all know how much Mac hates getting wet so how would he react when faced with the prospect of a "new" New Year's tradition introduced by his Scottish boss?
The original plan was screenshots, but I had to do a write up!...so maybe today I'll get some proper visuals...but for now I hope you enjoy this silly one shot! (And if anyone wants to do some drawings...I'd love to see some of this hilarity brought to life 🫶)
just so we're clear...Deacon's swimsuit depicted below is 100% what I Invision them all wearing variations off...because...why not? 🤣 (Oh...but not Hancock and Danse...you'll see!)
Happy New Year Tumblr Buddies! Slainte Mhath!❤️
Here's to new Wasteland Traditions
"You can't be serious..." MacCready searched the boss' face. Shit-eating grin aside, there was not a single sign of a lie.
"I'm tellin' ye lad... every year without fail... rain or shine." Nate sat down on the couch beside his young companion. "Sometimes even snow." He added after a brief pause.
"So you're telling me you dressed up and—”
"Dressing up was optional... traditionally ye just shed to yer kegs and run right in."
"Run into water?"
"Cauld, sobering, icy waters."
"I guess you Scots really are crazy," MacCready chuckled to himself, "or you're full of Brahmin crap."
"Oi," Nate elbowed him. "It's real. On the day o' the new year, we'd head tae the shore, and strip to our undergarments and bolt intae the sea. 'Tis invigoratin', got the blood pumpin' in a way nothing else did. I dinnae even reckon bein' chased by a Deathclaw could get me heart goin' as fast as that did."
MacCready laughed at the mention of the oversized lizard. "Running from a deathclaw is different. You know you'll die if you lose, running into the ocean is just stupid."
"Hypothermia is nae joke, lad... and it didnae need to be an ocean... could be a river... ye know... like that one that runs aroon' Sanctuary..."
There was something in the way the Scot was talking that made MacCready nervous. That sparkle in his eye was never a good sign. "Not on your life!”
Nate's grin only grew wider. "Oh c'mon! Ye'd be the only one bein' a wee rad-chicken! Preston, Sturges, Codsworth, the settlers around Sanctuary…and even Dugmeat all want tae do it."
"Right... and Dogmeat told you that how, exactly? Did he write it out on the dirt using a stick?"
Nate gave a belly laugh at that. "Gave me a paw."
"You are full of it." MacCready shook his head. "No way in hell am I doing this."
"No even for five hundred caps?”
"Five hundr--" MacCready choked on his words.
"Counted them maself... put them in a nice big jar ...but there is a catch... last man standin' ...or lady... gets it!"
MacCready groaned. This was stupid, beyond stupid, but the caps..."Fine."
"Attaboy!”
Sanctuary Hills Annual Loony Dook.
MacCready stared at the painted ply board sign as if it was personally insulting him. Perhaps it was. If it hadn't existed, he wouldn't have been standing out in the rain.
He glanced at the plastic blue pins of Rad-X piled up in the little shed next to the sign, blankets too. Nate was prepared for everything.
MacCready's laugh was almost incredulous. "Is that why you've been hoarding all the supplies!? Because you were planning this stupid event!?"
Nate laughed in response. "Notice that did ye?"
MacCready sighed. "How can I not notice!?"
"I hardly want folks getting sick from radiation poisoning while they're havin' fun. Now, c'mon, come help me welcome our guests," Nate elbowed him in the ribs before gesturing to the rest of Sanctuary.
"Fine!”
"Let's get the show on the road," Nate smiled, marching off toward the gates where the majority of the settlers were gathered.
"Hey, Blue!” Piper called out to them as they approached.
"Ah, monsieur! It is quite the spectacle you are throwing here today," Curie said as the two came to a stop. "I must say, I am rather excited to try this 'dooken' as you call it. The effects of immersion in such cold temperatures will be most fascinating!"
"Ye'll love it, lass," Nate replied.
"Where the Frick did you get bathing suits?" MacCready asked her, noticing the bright pink ruffled one piece she was wearing.
"As it turns out," Piper began. "Curie has a remarkable sewing ability...she even made something for you..."
"You made me something...?"
MacCready would have blushed if it weren't for how cold he was, the likelihood of any color filling his cheeks was slim to none–even with all his layers!
Curie nodded enthusiastically. "Wi, Monsieur Nate provided me with a list of attendees!"
He did what?
"Here you go!" She handed him a bundle of striped green and white fabric.
"Thanks... I think." MacCready looked at it skeptically. It was a one-piece suit of sorts. Not unlike what the girl was wearing, but with longer legs.
"Deacon's is blue and white, Preston also, but different shades! They look most handsome!"
"Why thank you, ma'am," Deacon appeared behind the doctor. "I think you look very dashing yourself."
"Merci!"
He looked ridiculous, a similarly striped suit to the one in MacCready’s hands, he guessed the red cape was his own addition.
"This IS most invigorating," followed another voice, this time belonging to a smiling tin can.
"Danse...lad..." Nate paused. "Do ye no think that's cheatin', son?"
The ex-Brotherhood Paladin just shrugged. "On the contrary, General. Without the appropriate protective clothing, my Power Armor provides no protection from the elements."
"Without protective—are you telling me you're in your birthday suit under there!?" MacCready blurted out.
Danse simply nodded. "Affirmative."
"General, your friend from Concord has arrived...and he brought company," Preston joined the fold, Minutemen blue in his bathing suit, and still wearing his hat.
"Jacob is here!?" Nate sounded more excited than he intended.
The group glanced at each other.
"Who's Jacob?" Piper asked after him.
Nate just waved her off.
"Does our good General have a secret to share?" A gravelly voice asked from behind them.
"John," MacCready turned to face the ghoul and he couldn't help it. His eyes dropped lower.
What the actual fuck!? Could that even be considered clothes? Red leather Speedo, cowboy boots and his signature hat...that was all he was wearing.
"My eyes are up here, kid," Hancock grinned as the younger man realized what he was doing.
"Wha--I wasn't—"
"You were," Hancock's smile turned into a smirk.
"Well ain't this quite the gatherin' and you thought people would pass up the opportunity for tradition!" Another accent entered their midst.
"I'm only here for the caps...got my eye on a new mod for my rifle," another familiar face pushed through the throng of bodies.
"Aiden's here too?" MacCready muttered under his breath. The ex-minuteman Gunner hunter didn't seem to know where to look as he came to a stop.
"Gotta say, Slick, you got a lotta people who care about ya," Jake leaned against the wooden railings of the bridge.
"Well, ain't you a handsome one!"
MacCready's smile widened. Cait!?
"Uh...thanks..." Aiden mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I uh...I'm just gonna..."
"Don't take it personally, darlin'," Jake smiled. "Aiden's not much for conversation."
"Who else are we expecting, Monsieur?” Curie asked.
"Nick's around, he's keepin' Dugmeat busy so folks can get ready and I do believe Strong is off huntin' fer our supper," Nate answered.
"Splendid! Would your boyfriend like a costume, Monsieur?”
"Boyfriend!? I—"
Nate cleared his throat.
"Thank ya, darlin'," Jake smiled at the doctor. "Much appreciated."
"Hey, Sharpshooter!"
MacCready froze. No...fuck no...he didn't hear that. He refused to turn around and look.
"Mac?"
No.
"MacCready!"
"Beau..." the mercenary reluctantly turned.
Fuck! Sturges was wearing one of those swimsuits too, and the size of him. It was...indecent.
"Howdy," Sturges tipped his head and smiled.
MacCready was dead, dying, or just having some incredibly vivid hallucination. No way. Just fucking no.
"What's wrong?"
"I'd harbor a guess our Merc here is wondering how you can fix his plumbing," Hancock chimed in.
"I—"
"Think he's wondering if your equipment is up to the task," Deacon added.
"That is most absurd," Curie commented. "Sturges is a mechanic, not a plumber."
"A certified handyman," Piper giggled.
"Shut the fu—uh heck up!"
Hancock snorted.
"That's enough...quit teasin' the poor lad." Jake stepped in to defend him.
"Yeah, lay off the kid." Nick Valentine decided to join them, standing by Nate's side, no swimsuit for him...it was almost like he was programmed to wear nothing but his detective gear. "You know how sensitive he is."
MacCready felt like he was about to spontaneously combust.
"I'm gonna go change before I get the urge to shoot someone." MacCready stormed off.
"Someone's touchy," Cait noted.
"More like he can't handle the heat," Hancock countered.
"You should probably change as well," Nick suggested to the newcomer. Knew the fella from all the times he stopped by that information broker who had taken up residence in Diamond City. "The Ron"? Or something like that.
"Right you are, Mister Valentine," Jake agreed. "I will be right back."
"So polite! Monsieur Jacob makes a most agreeable guest," Curie smiled.
"I know, right! He's a peach." Piper grinned. "Got yourself a good one there, Blue."
"No foolin' you lot, is there?” Nate just laughed. "C'mon, we might as well get a move on. It's comin' up to noon soon."
MacCready stood in front of the bathroom mirror. It took him a few minutes to figure out how to put the damned thing on. It was too tight in some places, yet hung awkwardly from his body.
At least his hat matched, because it was staying on.
A knock on the door snapped him out of his thoughts.
"You got lost in there?” Jake's voice carried through the wooden door.
"Just give me a second!"
"Alrighty..."
A few deep breaths, and MacCready was good to go.
"Not a word...not a single freaking word!"
Jake held his hands up and took a step back. "Wouldn't dream of it."
MacCready stomped past the engineer and back towards the group.
"Christ, and I thought I was pasty... lookin' at ye, it's like a white sheet slapped 'er a skeleton."
MacCready glared daggers at the smug looking bastard and wished he had his rifle. How is this bastard not shivering? MacCready could barely keep himself from trembling, and he's standing there, barefoot with no shirt on. Only thing he has on is a pair of red plaid trunks and his glasses.
"Har har... can we get this over with already?"
Nate grinned from ear to ear. "Ye sound like ye don't wanna do this."
"Oh? What gave it away?" MacCready crossed his arms across his chest, the cool air and heavy rainfall chilling his skin.
"All the shivering, mate," Nate gestured to him. "Ye need to move...maybe jog on the spot...keep the blood pumpin'...else ye won't make it tae the end."
MacCready growled at him. "Can you stop patronizing me and just start the damn thing already!?”
Nate looked around the group, taking stock of each person involved. There was a gathering now, a relatively small crowd, but the amount of people willing to participate was surprising.
"Sir..."
Nate near on jumped out of his skin. "Where the blasted hell did you come from!?"
X6-88 lowered his sunglasses and blinked at him. "I arrived via relay at 1200 hours, sir. I was ensuring the young sir was adequately prepared for the festivities."
"Dad?” Shaun emerged from behind the courser.
"Shaun?" Nate was utterly confused. "What are you doing here?"
"Father heard you were hosting an event and thought I should attend," Shaun smiled.
The sight of him. Pajamas, Welly boots and a rain hat, standing beside X6-88 in his ...everything black bathing suit. MacCready's sides ached. He was laughing, unable to control the burst of hysteria that bubbled within him.
"Escaped synths will be shaking in their boots," MacCready managed to wheeze out.
"I believe Ms Curie has made an adequate fit for me... sir," X6-88 said in reply.
It was the boots, the damned combat boots! MacCready laughed louder.
"I do not believe you are in a position to be mocking me, Sir. If my calculations are correct, you have a higher chance of being affected by hypothermia due to your lack of body fat and muscle mass. Perhaps you should reconsider abstaining from the use of cigarettes and alcohol, it would improve your health immeasurably."
MacCready stopped laughing. "Did you just..."
"I believe the term is 'kicking while he's down,' sir."
"A'right...enough eh that." Nate stepped in.
If MacCready didn't know better, he'd have thought the courser was smirking at him from beneath those glasses.
"First things first," Nate opened the shed. "Take a couple rad-x tabs each...Codsworth is gonnae countdown from ten and ring the bell...when he does, ye run in. Simple as that. The last person out wins the prize. We've got fires burning, food grilling and booze on tap...so enjoy yerselves, aye?"
MacCready pulled his cap lower over his brow. This was going to suck.
"Let the games begin," Hancock shouted.
"Okay!" Nate announced. "Everyone in their positions. Codsworth, get ready to count us down, son!"
"As you wish Master Nate!" The Mr. Handy spun in place.
MacCready rolled his shoulders, trying to get the stiffness out of them. He could do this. He had to win. Five hundred caps were on the line.
The merc watched the crowd gather around the water's edge, everyone ready to make a break for it as soon as the robot started counting.
"Are we ready to commence the New Year's celebrations, sir?"
"Aye Codsworth." Nate smiled.
"Very good, sir. I shall begin the countdown now…Ten!"
This was it.
"Nine!"
MacCready bent his knees, ready to sprint.
"Eight!"
A quick glance left and right, and he noticed all the other competitors were doing the same.
"Seven!"
His eyes locked with Nate's, and the bastard winked at him.
"Six!"
Was he planning something?
"Five!"
The sniper shook his head.
"Four!"
He could beat Nate. He's hardy...grew up in a cave!
"Three!"
Focus, Robert. Just focus.
"Two!"
He was doing this for Duncan.
"Happy New Year, everyone! GO!!!”
He couldn't do this.
MacCready darted in the opposite direction as the rest of them.
"Ye wee bastard!" Nate shouted after him.
Fuck you, old man! He was out of there.
"Not on ma watch, laddie," Nate's footsteps pounded after him.
Shit, shit, shit.
"Stay the heck away from me!”
"Och, quit bein' such a rad-chicken!" Nate sped up.
MacCready's heart was racing, and he wasn't sure if it was from running or the adrenaline pumping through his veins. Either way, he needed to outrun the bastard.
"Ye're slowin' down!"
"Like hell I am!" MacCready shouted back at him.
Suddenly, there were arms wrapped around him.
"Got ye! Now intae the drink we go!" Nate lifted him off the ground and over his shoulders.
MacCready struggled in vain. "Put me down!"
"Not a chance! Ye're goan in!”
The world moved in slow motion. He could see Nate's feet running over the grass and dirt as he neared the water's edge. People were cheering, and dogs were barking.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"
Nate dove forward, releasing his grip on the merc, and they plunged into the icy cold waters below.
For a moment, MacCready floated through the murky depths. Then, he kicked upwards, breaking the surface of the water with a gasp.
"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" Duncan forgive him! MacCready flailed as the frigid temperature of the water hit him. "It's freezing!"
"Aye, it's a wee bit nippy," Nate said calmly, swimming beside him. "Just breathe...in and oot."
"Breathe!?" MacCready screamed at him. "I'd rather—holy shi--"
"See, now ye're gettin' it," the older man was grinning like a madman.
"I'm going to kill you!"
"No if ye freeze...flap yer haunds aboot a bit..."
"C'mon, Mac! Dad knows what he's talking about!” Shaun called from the bankside.
"Your father is insane!" MacCready pointed at the boy.
"Our father!" Shaun smiled and gave him a double thumbs up.
What?
"Get it together, son!" Nate splashed water in his face. "Ye can do this."
MacCready growled and splashed him back. "I hate you."
Nate laughed. "C'mon...I can tell ye're getting used to it."
"I hate you so much," he swung his arms forward, moving them through the water.
"Nah, ye don't...if ye did, ye wouldn't be here now," Nate swam close to him. "It's just water...it cannae hurt ye."
MacCready glared at him. "I'm not..."
"Course not...yer the toughest son of a bitch I know..."
"Tougher than you?"
Nate's grin grew wider. "Guess we'll see."
"Bring it on, Old Man," MacCready's shivering subsided as he kept moving.
"Enough eh the "old" talk..."
"You're over 200...that's old..."
"That doesny count..."
"Says who?"
"Says me!" Nate ducked under the water, and MacCready braced himself for the inevitable.
A sudden tug on his foot, and the merc dropped beneath the surface. The shock of cold hit him once more, and he clawed his way to the top.
Nate surfaced and shook his head like a dog, somehow the glasses on his fat head still stayed on.
"Fun, ain't it?"
"How are you not frozen?" MacCready was panting now.
"Been dookin' since I was a wee lad," Nate answered. "The cauld...it's in ma blood."
MacCready cursed under his breath. "Sure, whatever you say."
Nate just laughed in response. "Another one down..."
"Huh?"
"Seems Piper's given up."
MacCready glanced around. Sure enough, the reporter was making her way back to shore.
"She's smart," the merc remarked.
"Ye did good, lass!” Nate shouted after her.
"Thanks, Blue," she waved before wrapping herself in the towel Codsworth had waiting for her.
"Woo...goddang I can't feel my digits!" Jake's voice cut through the chill in the air.
"Here's hoping your tongue is next..." Aiden drawled.
MacCready chuckled at the snide remark.
"Ma chère, this is most invigorating!" Curie was just... standing there in the water.
"That's one way of putting it," Piper pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders.
"I can't...I'm out...ye are all mad!” Cait finally relented.
"I have to agree with you," Preston shivered, retreating.
"As long as I outlast the Brotherhood's cheer squad...I'm a winner..." Deacon chittered next to Danse.
"My training has prepared me to withstand all manner of conditions...you should consider admitting defeat while you still can."
"Nah-uh, Tin Can," the spy retorted. "I once disguised myself as a snowman for six hours...wait till you hear where I placed the carrot..."
Danse just grunted at him.
"This is a rush!" Hancock stretched his arms above his head.
"You say that until your bits fall off," MacCready jested.
"How do you know mine haven't already?" Hancock teased him back.
"Ugh...why the hell am I here..." Aiden grumbled.
"Because Slick asked us to be...so quit your complainin'..." Jake answered.
"Ye alright, sweetheart?"
MacCready nearly swallowed a mouthful of water when he heard that. Sturges was staring right at him.
"I'm fi--fine!" he stammered.
"Yer shakin' like a leaf," the mechanic continued, sweeping back his wet hair.
"I'm just...cold...nothing I can't handle," the merc replied, trying not to stare.
"Well good luck to ya...I need a beer." Sturges swam past him, heading toward the bank.
"I'm with him on that one," Aiden followed.
MacCready gazed longingly at the shoreline. It was tempting. He could just give up now.
Nate smirked at him. "Don't ye dare..."
"I wasn't..." the merc lied.
"Sure ye weren't–”
"It appears something has entered my armor! I appear to have been compromised!" Danse's booming voice rang through the air.
"Nothin' in this water but us, big guy," Hancock called out.
"I can assure you, I am not mistaken! There is something alive inside my suit!"
The spy swam closer to him. "Maybe it's a bloatfly larvae...they like to burrow in wet organic materials..."
Danse froze. "What?"
Deacon tried not to laugh.
"I must terminate this creature immediately!" Danse was starting to panic.
"I shall accompany Monsieur Danse in his endeavor," Curie volunteered.
"I'm out...I'm not missing this! Thanks for the swim, guys." And with that, Deacon climbed out of the water.
"Fascinating...perhaps I should join them," X6-88 followed suit.
"I ain't missing this... Tapping out," Hancock was next.
And then there were three.
"How're ye feelin'?”
"Fine..." MacCready answered.
"Naw really, how are ye feelin'?" Nate asked again.
"I feel...alive," the merc admitted.
"Ye still cold?"
"Too numb to tell..."
Nate let out a belly laugh at that. "That's the spirit."
"Slick?" Jake was shivering now. "I think I'm at my limit."
"Aye...let's get ye warmed up and some scran in ye," Nate agreed.
MacCready watched them climb out of the water. Nate gathered up a blanket from Codsworth and slung it over the pair of them.
"Ye coming, lad? Or do I need tae send Strong in tae get ye?"
MacCready watched them for a moment, Nate's arm resting protectively around the engineer's waist as they walked back toward the common area.
He...he won?
"Yeah...I'm coming..."
"Well done Master MacCready! A stupendous display!” Codsworth greeted him as he clambered out of the lake.
"Thanks, Codsworth," MacCready replied.
The Mr. Handy draped the blanket over his shoulders. "Come now, you must be famished after all that excitement."
"I'm starving..."
Nate rested his head on Jacob's shoulder, fresh clothes and a warm fire and an assortment of familiar faces, it was the perfect way to spend New Years.
"I hope everyone enjoyed themselves today," he said softly.
"You know I did, Blue," Piper replied as she sipped her hot chocolate.
"Me too!" Shaun sat cross-legged on the floor with Dogmeat's head in his lap. "This place is pretty great!”
"Indeed sir," X6-88 agreed. "The festivities were quite enjoyable."
"Oh it was most enjoyable indeed, Monsieur! Perhaps we could participate in this 'dooken' again next year." Curie leaned into Cait's side.
"Ye can count me in!" Cait kissed her on the forehead.
"What are you gonna call him?” Hancock asked, his chin propped up by his hand.
"Call who?" Nate frowned.
"His Stowaway," the ghoul said, nodding to the bundle in Danse's arms.
"My desire is to call him Cutler...but I fear I may not be able to adequately tame him..."
"Cutler is a fine name for a Mirelurk," Preston reassured him.
'I think so too," Hancock agreed.
"This is fascinating. I have never observed a juvenile hatchling in this state before," Curie commented as she peered over Danse's arm. "He is so well behaved!"
"These creatures are normally quite aggressive...but this one...I find it...endearing." Danse admitted.
"I know that feeling," Hancock smirked.
MacCready shifted in Beau's embrace, stretching his legs out in front of him before settling into the comfortable warmth surrounding him.
"Happy New Year," he yawned.
"Happy New Year," Sturges echoed, pulling him closer.
An array of voices replied with similar sentiments.
It made Nate proud. Somehow in the midst of chaos, they found each other, and despite the differences they once shared, the prejudices they had held, he brought them together. He only hoped it would be enough to see them through whatever the Wastes would throw at them next.
Nate leaned over and kissed Jake on the cheek. "Welcome tae the family."
#It's just pure fluff and fun#some innuendos...because I'm immature like that 🤣#I tried to include the whole gang + my SS2 boys! So this might be the largest cast in a write up I've done 🫣#yes the loony dook is a real thing that happens in Scotland...#Nate is my baby 🥺#I need you all to get to know my Socttish SoSu! He needs hugs!#fallout 4#fo4#fallout hanock#fallout#fallout maccready#fallout danse#fallout nick#fallout curie#fallout preston#fallout piper#fallout x6 88#fallout deacon#fallout cait#fallout codsworth#fallout dogmeat#fallout sim settelments 2#fallout jake evans#fallout aiden mactavish#ss2 jake#ss2 aiden
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Socializing 2.0 - Talking to People Who Are Upset
I was trying to write this as a reblog to my other "how to socialize" post and it keeps glitching out, which is very irritating. So here, let's try it on its own post.
Last time I talked about some tips for making small talk, and some scripts/talking points for how to show interest in what people are saying even if the topic doesn't excite you.
Now, I want to talk about a different scenario that can be really challenging for everybody (but, I think even harder for folks who don't come by empathy easily). Which is: How do you talk to somebody who is upset or having a tough time? How do you express sympathy without making the thing about you and your feelings?
While I'm by no means an expert at this, and I can't claim I've got the solution for every scenario you might encounter, I do have some tips and techniques that have helped me along the way and hopefully they can prove useful to you, too.
STEP ONE: Identifying that a person is upset
Sometimes it's very easy to tell that someone is upset, because they will yell "ARGH I AM SO MAD ABOUT THIS!!!" or they will be crying or some other obvious outward sign. Other times, though, it can be kind of tricky to tell. It's even harder in text, where you sometimes have to guess whether someone is jokingly mad or mad-mad when they post keysmashes, all caps, angry emojis, etc etc.. Folks also sometimes deflect from their actual emotions by joking them off. Or they'll say something you feel is alarming, but then don't act like it's a big deal.
People are complicated, in other words. So it's OK if you get this wrong sometimes. Everybody does.
In general, some signs that people might have something the matter:
Obvious outward expression of emotion (yelling, crying)
Acting more withdrawn or subdued than normal
Appearing distracted or disengaged
Looking more disheveled than usual
Acting unusually rambunctious or like they're compensating
If you notice somebody seems upset but you're not 100% sure, you have a few options:
Politely ignore it.
Let them bring it up if they want to. This is a safe bet if you are not very close -- ie, they're strangers, coworkers, acquaintances etc. HOWEVER, if you choose this route, you can still do this person a kindness by not imposing on them.
For example, if your coworker seems upset about something and you have a question about the job, could you ask someone else instead of approaching upset coworker? Could you quietly do them a favor? For example, could you offer to take over for them at the register and let them work in the back? Offer to watch things while they take a break? Small kindnesses can make a big difference in someone's day. It's not always possible, but it's nice when you can!
If nothing else, try to avoid dumping anything on them while they seem upset. If you're also having a shit day, you can probably find someone else to rant to.
Ask if they're okay.
This is more appropriate if you have a rapport with the person. If they are your friend or romantic partner, or if you have a rapport with them and want to express that you care, it's probably best to acknowledge that you've noticed something is wrong. Avoid saying anything that might be perceived as aggressive; don't way "What's wrong" or (even worse) "What's wrong with you?" Instead, try, "Is everything okay? You seem a little down today."
They may respond:
I'm just a little tired
I'm kind of distracted
What? Oh, haha, no, I'm fine...
Sometimes they mean this at face value, but more often what they actually are communicating is "I'm not OK but I don't feel comfortable talking about it."
That's fine. Don't pry. Drop the subject, and proceed as above -- politely ignore their perceived signs of discomfort, but be kind to them and avoid dumping anything on them unnecessarily.
Do not be surprised or alarmed if, after some time has passed, they come back around to reopen the subject and start to open up about whatever is bothering them. Then again, don't take it personally if you never figure out what the deal was. Maybe they really did just have a headache. Maybe they had an issue they figured out on their own. Either way, it's no longer your problem.
(note: this is a little more complicated if it's someone you live with and it goes on for a while, but that scenario is out of scope for this post).
STEP TWO: They Told Me They're Upset
Okay! So whether you started here with them, or this just came up after you asked if things were ok, you now have confirmed that a person is upset!
If they tell you the gist of what's going on, it's a good idea to acknowledge it. But stay fairly neutral about it and avoid value judgments.
For example: "My grandpa died"
An appropriate response might be, "I'm sorry to hear that" or "Oh jeez, I'm sorry :("
Some other great all-purpose responses when someone says something bad happened are: "Dude, that sucks :(" and "oh no!" or "oof."
Next -- and this is really important -- you should follow up by asking, "Do you want to talk about it?"
(you can also use that question any time someone says something vague like "I had a shitty day today" or "I'm so pissed off.")
If they say no, they don't want to talk about it, follow up with, "Well, let me know if there's anything I can do." And then, ideally, volunteer a couple options of things you can do, depending on your relationship and what you are capable of doing: cover their shift, approve their time off, take care of a chore, listen if they change their mind.
If they DO want to talk about it, by all means, let them talk.
Ask if they would like advice or if they just want to get it off their chest. If they don't ask for advice, don't give them any.
Use your active listening skills and ask questions. Avoid prying or traumatic questions, but don't be shocked if you receive more intensive answers than you expected. A safe question to ask when someone says someone died is to say, "Were you close?" or if a pet died, "How long did you have them?"
Validate their emotions, but avoid bringing your own judgments to the table unless they ask for your honest opinion. For example, if someone is ranting about their romantic partner, it's cool to say, "I'm sorry that happened. You shouldn't have to put up with that." but it's not so cool to say "Your SO sounds like a dick, you should leave them."
Ask if they would like a distraction or to be cheered up. If you're in person, and you're amenable to the task, "Do you want a hug?" is also acceptable. (just respect whatever they said).
You'll want to be mindful of your energy. I personally have the best luck with projecting calm, neutral, slightly joke-y vibes. "It do be like that" and "Dude, that sucks" delivered with some genuine warmth in your tone or an empathetic emoji can go a long way.
STEP THREE: How to Not Make It About You
There are a few ways you can unintentionally make something be about you when someone else brings up something that's upsetting them:
One-upping them. "That's nothing. This one time, I had...."
Invalidating them or passing judgment. "That's not a big deal" or "What an asshole!" (you can agree with them that someone is being a dick, bit they need to be the one who says it first)
Trying to relate to them by telling a story about your own experiences, which ends up taking a really long time, or puts them in the awkward position of feeling like they have to comfort you.
OK. So a couple things.
Relating to people with relatable experiences is not a bad thing! In fact sometimes it can be really helpful! HOWEVER if you go that route you need to be really cautious of a couple points:
The story needs to be brief and stick only to the most relevant details. it's FINE if you don't provide the full absolute context of the entire scenario. You just need to tell them the relatable part, and then relate that back to them and how they are feeling.
For example:
"I'm so sorry to hear your dog died. I had to put my cat to sleep last year and I remember how guilty I felt, worrying whether I waited too long. Did you have a lot of time to prepare with your dog or was it pretty sudden?"
This is good! Here you are relaying information that you understand some of what they're going through, introduce an emotion that may or may not resonate with them, and then hand the conversation back to them with a question. Now they might tell you all about how, yes, they worried about that same thing too! Or no, their thing was really sudden and unexpected. Or whatever they tell you!
Then you can respond to that thing like, "Oh wow, I can't imagine how rough that must have been." or "Jeez, that's so hard. How are the kids taking it?" or whatever else seems appropriate in that moment.
STEP FOUR: OK But Now They Won't Shut Up About It?
One downside to expressing concern in other people's affairs is that this can sometimes mark you as their new confidant, purely because people so rarely just listen and care about other people.
If it's just the occasional bit of ranting, it's probably fine to just let them do their thing. And if they're coming to you to rant and off-load their stuff, then it's probably fine and expected that you can respond in time and maybe you guys are just ranting buddies.
But if you end up in a scenario where they can ALWAYS complain about their thing, but you can NEVER complain about your thing, that is a toxic dynamic! That requires some intervention! Friendship cannot be built on that foundation.
If you've expressed your condolences or listened to someone rant about whatever is pissing them off and you feel you have nothing more to offer the conversation, you can just say that: "I don't know what else to say, really. It's a tough situation and I hope it gets better for you."
And then you can just. Exit the conversation.
Some additional lines to keep in your back pocket include:
"I think that's beyond my pay grade to help with. Have you spoken with (a therapist/counselor/clergy member/whatever)?"
"That's so frustrating! You should definitely go talk to (the person they are complaining about) about that."
"Well, if you ever need someone to (specific thing you actually are willing to do), let me know."
Being kind to people and showing concern for their problems does not mean you have to become an unpaid therapist or doormat. You get to maintain boundaries about that stuff.
Anyway! This is super long! There is so much more I could get into here but I'll leave it at that. I hope this is in some way helpful to you.
#long post#social skills#soft skills#psa#in case nobody ever told you#autism#adhd#neurodivergent#what else can I tag this as#blanket disclaimer#I am not a psychologist or a professional#I'm a writer who spends a lot of time watching humans#and am generally perceived as a good communicator#I guess#ok good luck have fun
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A/N: Well, hi there! This one’s got a couple surprises about Birdie’s family. You’ll be learning more and more about them as the story goes on, so stay tuned folks!
Based on the actors portrayal/hbo show and written with no disrespect to the real life veterans. Also all images found on Pinterest.
TW: Swearing, mentions of assault (kinda) ..... I'm pretty sure that's it
Made of Glass
Chapter eleven: James, Tommy and Jr
“Yeah, I was there.”
“What the hell! Why didn't you say anything?”
“Cause Coldwell would probably try cut my tongue out or some shit.” Liebgott justified, “She's got this insane fixation on 'proving herself' in case you haven't noticed.” His matter-of-fact tone was starting to piss Johnny off.
Martin had come back to his barracks and questioned Toye and Guarnere quietly to see if Birdie had shared any information with them. Some of the other guys had overheard and suddenly it was a group discussion. Pretty quickly Johnny caught on that Liebgott could only have the surprising number of details he did, if he was a witness to Birdies verbal assault, so his inquiry turned to Lieb's direction.
“That's.... a good point, yeah. But you still should've told someone.” Guarnere spoke up, reluctantly admitting that: yes the girl most likely would have had a problem with someone stepping in and defending her honour, especially if it was Joseph Liebgott. That didn't mean he liked the outcome of the situation.
“Why? It ain't my fuckin' business.” Liebgott glowered, his jaw clenched and his eyebrows knitted together. Joe wasn't the only guy there so why was he being called out so hard?
Besides, he and Birdie didn't even like each other. He recalled trying to extend an olive branch and check on her wellbeing that day, but she snapped at him and basically spat in his face. The exact words running through his mind were 'Fuck off, Liebgott.'
“She's Easy.” The words drew an instant hush over the room, Johnny continued, “One of us, and we look out for our own.”
That seemed to shut Joe up, the gnawing feeling of regret landed in his stomach. Instead of showing the emotion he just huffed and rolled his eyes, brushing off the unsettled feeling and returned to his cot, muttering 'Yeah, whatever.'
Joe had heard Colonel Sink would have an open-door policy the next day for anyone with information and found himself considering dropping in to share the scene he had found Bernadette in those weeks ago.
Maybe it would help catch the guys, but Joe didn't really care about that.
This was a way for him to rectify his ill conscience, his inner monologue that had screamed at him to throw punches at the woman's would be attackers. It had burned with anger when he was notified about the hospitalisation and had been constantly reminding him that he could've said something and avoided this whole thing.
And that's all he was concerned about. Clearing his mind. Easing his own conscience. That's it. Nothing else .
Joe had spent the majority of the night pondering his options. He went over what happened in his mind multiple times and was certain he could name the four men and describe their looks in heavy detail. The event had playing in his mind quite a few times since it happened, he was sure he remembered their faces.
When the sun rose and the trumpet blew, Joseph was up, changed and out of the barracks in record time.
His visit to Sink's office wasn't as daunting as he imagined it would be and the whole thing was over within five minutes. He had thought he might miss breakfast but to his surprise he arrived on time to join the mess hall queue.
Easy company had some light exercises that morning and rejoiced when the cloudy weather earned them an afternoon inside the lecture hall.
On her way to lunch, alongside Martin and Bull, Birdie was vibrating with excitement, Javi had let it slip to her that Easy would be treated to red sauce pasta as their midday meal, something Birdie hadn't had since before Toccoa.
“Well, I prefer white sauce... like a creamy carbonara.” Martin told the girl who was bouncing on her heels as they walked.
Before Bernadette could speak her witty retort, she was tackled by an unknown third party, letting out an 'oof' as her body hit the grass beneath her.
Both Johnny and Bull leapt into action, going into a defensive stance and pulled the assailant off of the southern lady, simultaneously calling out 'Hey! Get off her!' and 'The fuck?'
The brunette stranger being dragged off of the Easy company woman protested, as did Birdie, which fundamentally baffled her two protectors.
A few men passing by stopped to watch the scene unfold, Toye and Guarnere jogged over to offer assistance and check on the lady.
“Who the fuck-” Martin started, glaring at the stranger who had just knocked Birdie flat on her ass.
“It's okay. Johnny, really.” She told him, smiling. Martin frowned at her in return. It wasn't okay, why was she smiling?
“He's just attacked you!”
“Attacked?!” The man yelled incredulously, attempting to pull away from the tight grip they had on his arms.
“No,” She couldn't hold back her laugh, “No, he didn't. I know him. It's okay.”
Johnny took in the younger man's appearance and noticed the olive-green uniform with the 82nd's red AA patch on his shoulder. This only confused him further, but he and Bull backed away from the guy regardless.
Bernadette stepped towards him instantly and wrapped him in a bone crushing hug, which he returned with just as much passion. The four Easy men stood by and watched, trying to piece together what was happening, not one of them could come up with some sort of explanation.
“I thought it was you, Birdie.” The 82nd trooper spoke into the crook of her neck; it muffled his voice but everyone present had heard his comment clearly and the emotion his words held.
“What?” Even though she knew what had been said, she was disbelieving, like she needed him to say it again to really understand what he meant.
“We heard about the hospitalisation.... I thought.... I thought it was you.” The pure hurt was evident in his voice and Martin was sure if he could see the man's face it would be covered in a heartbreaking look.
“It wasn't.” She soothed him, their embrace growing longer by the second. Her hands had come up to hold his neck so she could pull her body away and look him in the eyes. “I'm okay.” Her words were solemn, the eye contact seem tender and the four men witnessing this touching occasion began to feel uncomfortable, as if they were intruding on an intimate moment.
Guarnere cleared his throat, reminding the two cuddling soldiers they were in others company. It worked as the two loosened their grips on each other and backed up, but only by one step and neither let their arms drop from the other.
An awkward pause ensued, each person sharing looks with a member of the group that was stopped in the middle of a grassy field.
“Oh! Right.” Birdie broke the tension, “Guys... This is James. James.... The guys.” She pointed to each one of the men and individually introduced them to this James fellow, they each gave a nod as their name was spoken.
“And that's Chlamydia.” Bill groaned, the shit eating grin on her face was mimicked by James and that's when it clicked for Johnny. They had the exact same hair colour, eerily similar eyes and the dimples that popped on their cheeks were identical. They had to be related.
“James is my brother.” His suspicions were confirmed when Birdie spoke up once more. The boy/girl versions of each other shared a conniving look.
“Chlamydia? Do I wanna know?” He asked, grinning at her.
“If you ask real nice, he'll show you.” She winked at Bill, the grin switched from her brother's face to hers and his was replaced with a grimace.
Bill sighed, exasperated, but knew there was nothing he could do to quell the woman's jokes.
“Why didn't you tell us you got a brother in the 82nd?” Toye questioned, genuinely shocked he wasn't made aware of James' existence earlier.
“You didn't tell them about me? I thought I was your favourite brother.” James feigned offence, playfully bumping the girl on her shoulder with a closed fist.
“Favourite? How many brothers do you have?” Bull caught the implication and his curiosity about the mysterious girl got to him.
“Three.” Bernadette spoke plainly, like it was trivial, shrugging her shoulders at the looks she received from her closest friends. Bill and Joe both dropped their jaws, this was new information for them and frankly they were a little shocked that she had never brought up her family before now. Especially considering one of her siblings was at Camp Toccoa.
“Three? What the hell Birdie?” Bill reeled.
“Are they all hiding somewhere round Toccoa?” Toye added.
“Nah, just this one. Can't seem to get rid of him.” The siblings shared a look that held many unspoken words and emotions. There was more going on than they would admit, and Johnny was beyond intrigued as he observed the two.
“Like you could.” It was thrown out like a bandage, aiming to soothe his sister. Johnny definitely picked up on some hidden meaning only the two siblings could decipher.
“You twins or something?” Bull prodded; he couldn't shake the notion that these two standing in front of him were almost the same person.
“Just about.” James began the sentence,
“There's ten months ‘tween us.” And Birdie finished it.
“And I'm older.” James had announced proudly, all the while Birdie mouthed the words she knew he was going to say with her eyes rolled like this was a repeated exchange.
All four Easy company men felt chills, weirded out by the nearly twins ability to complete each other's thoughts.
“Lunch will start without us.” Johnny prompted, looking at his watch. James turned to his sister with a concerned smile on his face,
“I'll find you later, okay?” She answered him with a nod and hugged him once more before they parted and Birdie continued on to the mess hall, four men trailing behind her.
“So where are the other two?” The group of five had sat at their vacant table and begun wolfing down the spaghetti when Johnny posed the question.
“Other two?” She was playing dumb and both her and Johnny knew it. What was she hiding about her family?
“Brothers.”
“Oh. Well... Tommy's only ten, so he's back home in Mississippi.” She was avoiding and part of Johnny thought maybe he should leave it alone.
“And the other one? He got a name?” Toye forced his way into their conversation, the whole table had been listening in, except Bill who was guarding his plate of food like a wild dog.
“Victor... but we called him Junior. He was named after my Pa.” Birdie's voice was soft and quiet; Johnny had an inkling about her older brother's fate, so he stopped pushing her to talk about it. Toye was yet to pick up on the trajectory of the discussion and asked her more,
“He older than you?” She hummed her affirmative reply, not really interested in continuing the idle chatter. Bernadette wished for a way to end the unavoidable questions about her familial relations and the answer to her predicament slammed open the mess hall door and stomped inside.
Sobel yelled and the entire room jumped to their feet, leaving their unfinished plates of pasta on the table.
“Orders changed. Get up! Lectures are cancelled. Easy company is running up Currahee. Move!”
A/N: Ah so, Birdies mysterious family is slowly revealing itself, what do you think is up with her oldest brother: Victor Junior?
The next chapter might be a couple of days just fyi.
Love y’all xx
~ next-autopsy ~
Chapter twelve
#band of brothers#easy company#hbo war#band of brothers fanfic#fem oc#oc#next autopsy#made of glass#made of glass chapter eleven#first fanfic#joe liebgottt#joe toye#johnny martin#bull randleman#bill guarnere
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