#leo reads ward

[ewingstan]

Going into Ward, one of the things that interested me is that pretty much everyone who read it, no matter what the felt about it as a whole, seemed to like what it did with Tattletale and incorporate it into their understanding of the character. To a certain extent this makes sense, outside of Amy people's problems with Worm usually aren't that characterization had been changed. But few other aspects of Ward have been talked about with so much relative positivity, or influenced so much retroactive analysis of Worm.

After reading her interlude, I'm starting to understand why.

From the bat we're given blunt and effective portrayals of how alone Lisa feels. Half of her descriptions of other characters focused on how they reminded her of people she's lost. The Heartbroken are primarily described by the ways they do and don't resemble Alec. Aiden by how he does and doesn't resemble Taylor. Imp and Rachel get mentioned but don't get to make an appearance at all, furthering the effect—reminders of her closest connections are everywhere, but the connections themselves are nowhere. She's left with the "expanded Undersiders," and is painfully aware of how they either dislike her or will never form a close connection with her.

There's a lot more emphasis here on how her power is a separate entity than there was in Lisa's Worm interlude. She's snarking at it, talking about it as something that interjects, drawing a clear divide in her head between what it figures out and what she figures out. Is that her knowledge of its nature developing, or simply a new way of looking at how it always worked?

The framing in the passage above seems to suggest that its encouraging her to distance herself from others, pushing her to interact but specifically feeding her information that will prevent close connections. Questions of agency and identity aside, I do like this as an aspect of powers-as-coping-mechanisms: she was triggered by failing to save someone she was close to, not recognizing the signs that he was unwell. Her power helps her see the signs she couldn't before, but it also seems to try to prevent those close connections from forming so she can't be hurt the same way. Not that its successful. Can't stop betting on losing dogs and all.

What she calls people internally is interesting. I figured she had been calling Sveta "Garotte" earlier to needle her, but she continues to call her that in her own thoughts, as does her power. Valkyrie gets to be "Valkyrie," and Vicky isn't called a cape name at all. There's a few ways to interpret this; I'm tempted to say that Lisa sees Victoria as a relic of pre-Gold Morning days, and sees Sveta largely in that context. Though I also feel like there's some refusal to see her or Rain as people who are separate from what they've done in the past. A lot of the comments I've read while reading the last few chapters are people debating whether she should've gone "white-hat," and I get the sense that she sees something dishonest in that. Leaving behind the things you've done isn't something she can do—even Lisa Wilbourn can't leave behind the failures of Sarah Livsey.

That might be something to think about in the context of Victoria claiming Tattletale is awful because she represents "giving up on something better." Its kind of baffling in that context; many people have pointed out that cutting the number of overdoses in half was way better than anything the heroes ever did, but Victoria resents that TT saw merely halving it as acceptable. She prefers methods that highlight a certain attitude towards a problem over methods that are effective at dealing with a problem. Having zero tolerance for overdoses and being able to do fuck-all about it becomes preferable to halving it, because not giving up on an ideal world is better than actually making the world better. As little regard as I have for Victoria's position, it seems that the text is giving it some credence by positioning Lisa not just as pursuing the methods that will make an actual difference, but also as rejecting the idea of "something better." Sveta can't be more than Garotte, overdose rates can be halved but not lowered further. Its weirdly reifying of Victoria's position, making Lisa a foil to it rather than a reflection of an entirely unrelated worldview.

There's a few team leaders in the parahumans-verse who get characterized as encouraging and benefiting from chaos within their ranks. Jack Slash had a self-image of himself as a master manipulator who knew just how to keep the Nine at each others throats to keep them in line, though of course his power was pulling heavy duty there. Trickster exulted in sowing chaos, but while he could use it to his advantage when working alone it explicitly got in the way of the Travellers as a whole during their operations. Lisa incorporates aspects of both; she seems to be cultivating a "this chaos is all part of my design" air for Faultline and Victoria while actually always being on the cusp of losing control of her own team. It seems less like something she's doing deliberately and more like something she has to deal with, even if she later frames it as part of preparing Aiden or something similar.

Man, her relationship with Aiden. First explicit mention of Taylor we've had since the beginning and its for a blunt confirmation that she sees herself as failing Taylor in the same way she failed Rex, and is terrified of doing with Aiden. It feels both like she's holding him at arms length and that she's desperate for a close connection with him.

#lisa wilbourn #wardblr #wildbow #parahumans #leo says #leo reads ward

[talewrites]

Fragile Part 4

Remember Sophie from Howl’s Moving Castle? Well, that’s you this chapter :]

Generation: Bayverse TMNT

Tmnt x Reader Fanfic

Pronouns: Gender Neutral (except ‘dudette’ and ‘princess’)

Warnings: injury, wholesome, lots of cleaning, not proof read

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

“You IDIOTS!” A crash resounded in the room as Stockman knocked over a table full of metal tools. “How could you let go the ONE MUTANT that survived all the testing phases!” Another crash as beakers and chemicals were knocked off a table. “I never should have left you FOOLS in charge of guarding the lab. This could set us back months of progress. If we don’t find that girl, Karai will have my head!”

With an angry huff Stockman fell into his dusty office chair and spun over to his computer. He was working on updating all the computer systems there in the old Sacks building. He had joined the Foot in taking up residence there since you had compromised their position at the warehouse laboratory by the docks. They couldn’t risk a raid from the turtles and losing all his research. This location wasn’t the most inconspicuous considering its history, but since the Shredder’s initial defeat at the hands of the turtles and April, the building had been deemed unstable and labeled condemned. Since it was difficult to dismantle such a large skyscraper in the middle of the city, it had been mostly left unoccupied for the past several years. Making it the ideal base for Foot activity.

As he was sorting through old records on the computer, he came across an interesting clip in the archived surveillance videos. 

“Hmm…. interesting…. Yes, if I do that- yes…. YES! This will work nicely.” Stockman chuckled darkly to himself as he got up from his chair. Bebop and Rocksteady shared a confused look and shrugged, not understanding the sudden change in the scientist’s mood.

“Uuuuuh, hey boss, so what are we going to do about them?”

“You two aren’t going to do anything. …. yet.” Baxter’s dark chuckle echoed as he disappeared down the hallway.

It has been 2 weeks since you met the turtles. 

Initially, April had brought you a duffle bag full of comfy clothes a little bit too big for you, and some essential toiletries. You couldn’t remember the last time you had a hot shower with conditioner and soft sweatpants to put on after. Leo’s bed was warm and clean, Michelangelo cooked you delicious comfort food, and Donatello downloaded all of your favorite movies and shows you had missed. Raph one night had even knit you a cozy cardigan. The boys were all making an effort to make you feel more comfortable. But you couldn’t help but notice the reason. 

You were still scared. 

Every night you woke to terrible nightmares. And every day you felt like you were still walking on broken glass. Startling at any sudden sound or slightest touch. You noticed how Leo looked at you with pity, and Mikey wore a faltering smile. Donnie kept busy working on tracking the Foot, aside from regularly changing your bandages, and Raph- Raph just tried to keep his distance. 

You didn’t blame them. You were a stranger in their home. You were finally in a safe place, but it was like your body was still in survival mode. High strung and anxious. You wanted to do something for them. Anything, to repay them and make yourself feel useful. A distraction.

Master Splinter had on many occasions noticed your stressed and mousy demeanor. He felt the unease in their home and the distance his sons kept with their new ward. Like neither party knew how to find common ground. 

One night, he requested you join him in his meditation room for tea. You obliged.

“I sense your unease.” He stated casually.

You hesitated, then nodded. You didn’t know how to respond.

“There is nothing to be ashamed about. For so long, you lived every day, not knowing if it would be your last. You lost your autonomy, your freedom. And yet you escaped all on your own. You are very brave.”

 “….Thank you. I just wish I could feel that way. I feel so… scared. Like I’ll wake up back in that lab again and all of this would have been a dream. I… I don’t know what to do with myself.” You fussed with the teacup in your hands. 

Splinter reached across the table and offered you his hand as a comfort. You took it gently and sighed. 

“It will take time before you begin to feel like yourself again. My boys can be a little… reserved at times. It is not often we get to interact with friendly humans. Trust me when I say, they also wish for your comfort and safety. It just may take some time for them to get used to another presence in our home. In the meantime, perhaps there is something you can do that will make you feel more at home?”

You were surprised by his suggestion. They had already offered their home up to you, you wouldn’t dare ask anything more of them. But maybe…

“….a-actually… there might be something. If I could have your permission of course.” 

Splinter smiled at you.

Once your injuries had fully healed, Splinter had called upon April and Casey’s help to assist you. There was some materials you needed of course, and Mikey was let in on the big secret. You felt guilty roping in so many people just to help you feel more comfortable, but there was something you wanted to do for them, as a thank you for taking you in. April seemed ecstatic at the proposition and was eager to bring you the supplies. Casey just seemed confused that this was something you wanted to do of your own free will. And Mikey- well, he was just excited to share a hobby with you.

The cooking part, that is. Not the cleaning.

Ever since you had been brought down to the lair for safe keeping, you had noticed one glaringly obvious thing. This was a man cave in every sense of the word. The lair was terribly dirty. Dust and grime everywhere. The only clean places you noticed were the dojo, Leo’s room, and Master Splinter’s quarters. You understood that they were all living in a sewer, and they had clearly made a bit of an effort to keep it clean. But you were through avoiding sticky spots on the floor and sitting on a dirty couch. 

First things first: Donnie’s dirty coffee mug hoard. The purple turtle was currently napping in his room after an all nighter doing surveillance in coordination with the police, so now was the perfect time to clean up his station. You were extremely grateful to April for including a pair of rubber gloves in the bags of cleaning supplies she brought for you. Mikey helped you collect all the mugs and bring them to the sink, where he was in charge of washing them while you cleaned off all of Donnie’s work tables where he tinkered. You were careful not to move any projects, but wiped it clean of all its dust and stains. Then carefully sanitized all his keyboards and mouse, cleaned all of the monitors (yes all of them), and swept away the crumbs on the floor around his chair. 

Once that was complete, you moved on to the living room. Leo was currently preoccupied meditating with Master Splinter in the dojo, so no one was around to notice you swoop in and descend on the couch. Thankfully the boys no longer had a couch made of empty pizza boxes, and had upgraded to a large sectional that Casey had found them used for cheap up top. You were certain that the couch covers had never been washed since it was brought down to the sewers. You were doubly certain that the boys probably didn’t even know the cushion covers could be removed and washed. You threw the covers into the washing machine on hot water with a healthy amount of soap. Mikey then helped you move the couch so you could clean the floor underneath, and smashed the cockroach that had scrambled out from underneath. The coffee table was wiped down, the rug was taken to a railing to be hung and the dust beat out by Mikey with his nunchucks, and the floor mopped clean. 

Next was the workout room. Raph had just finished his exercise and left for the bathroom to take a shower, so you rushed in and started cleaning off every dusty and grimy sweat covered surface you could find. There was a musky scent of dirt and sweat permeating the room. All the dumbbells had a build up of grime from their sweaty hands using them for so many years. You also made sure to sanitize all of the mats and floors as well. By the time you were finished, Raph was leaving the shower and went to his room. You hid so he wouldn’t notice you as he passed by, unassuming. Then you were left with the big task.

The bathroom.

You were certain if there was a soundtrack playing in the background, dramatic horror music would be playing. You rolled up your sleeves and went in. Toilets, showers, sinks, and the massive bathtub, all scrubbed down with an unholy amount of bleach until every tiled surface shined. By the time you were finished, Mikey had come in to tell you he was ready to start on the kitchen. That was Mikey’s domain.

You were grateful that all the dishes were already clean by the time you entered the kitchen. But Mikey needed your help when it came to the cupboards and fridge.

“Mikey? ….Why do you have 3 year old expired sour cream in the fridge?”

“Huh? Isn’t it supposed to be ‘sour’? It still looks good, doesn’t it?”

“Mikey there is black mold growing in it.” 

“Oh, so…. That’s not pepper then.”

By the time you had finished clearing out the fridge and cupboards of everything expired or moldy, you had filled 3 trash bags full of garbage. Mikey helpfully took out the trash while you cleaned and organized the fridge and cupboards, and wiped down all the surfaces. By the time Mikey returned, you were rifling through the brown paper bag April got you full of ingredients and spices you had requested. 

“What’s cookin’ good lookin’?” Mikey cheerfully greeted you as he rejoined you in the now clean kitchen. 

“Well… if I remember the recipe correctly, I want to make the dish my mom always made for me…”

Mikey looked at you surprised for a moment, then excitement overtook him. “Cool! Can I help?” 

You perked up at the suggestion. “Will you? I’d,… I’d love that, thank you!” Your expression melted into a warm smile, and Mikey felt his heart skip a beat. 

You looked so pretty when you smiled, he thought to himself. 

He wanted to see you smile more, just like that.

You both washed your hands and got to work. On the freshly clean kitchen counter, you had Mikey kneed cold butter into flour to make a dough, while you cut vegetables and cooked chicken on the stove. By the time Mikey was ready with the dough, there were 6 pie tins lined up to add the crust. The oven dinged and the base crust went in to brown while you stirred a large pot on the stove. Then you took out the pies and added the filling, and covered the tops with more dough. You were surprised at how large their oven was, but they were 4 giant mutant turtles and a rat. You had no doubt that each of the boys would eat a whole pie themself. The extra 2 were for Splinter, you, April, and Casey, who would be joining everyone later.

Once the oven door closed, Mikey turned up the radio that had been quietly humming tunes in the background as a fun song you hadn’t heard before played through the speakers. (‘Bad idea right?’ by Olivia Rodrigo started playing.) Mikey’s head started bobbing and he grabbed the wooden spoon you had been stirring with and began mouthing the words into it like a microphone. You giggled at his antics as he pointed a green finger at you and beckoned you out into the open of the room. You felt drawn to join him as the pop song got your head bobbing to the beat. You felt a feeling well up in your chest as the chorus started building up. Excitement bubbling until the chorus peaked and your head bobbing turned into jumping around. Before you knew it, you were dancing around the living room with Mikey holding your hands and spinning you around. You lost yourself in the freeing feeling of the stress and anxiety getting washed away by the music. All the cleaning you had done was so stress relieving you were starting to feel like yourself again.

Little did you know, the music had drawn the attention of the other brothers. Leo and Master Splinter came out from their meditation to watch in the doorway, Leo smiled and crossed his arms as he looked at you. Raph came out freshly dressed and looked surprised but shared a look with Leo that made them smirk at you and their little brother’s antics. Then Donnie trudged out and leaned against his door frame and fixed his glasses to make sure he was in fact seeing you correctly. 

You were smiling, laughing, and dancing.

“It seems as though we are seeing Miss (y/n) for the first time today.” Mused Splinter, the old rat brushing his beard.

Just then April and Casey walked in, carrying boxes they had brought down from up top.

“Hey guys, what’s going on?” April asked putting down her box.

You were happily giggling as Mikey spun you around at the end of the song. April grinned, happily surprised at the scene. Casey walked in behind her and started looking around the lair like he was seeing it for the first time, setting his box down next to April’s. This prompted Leo, Raph, and Donnie to also take a better look around their home. They slowly all walked out into the living space, looking in all directions. 

“.... Where did all my coffee cups go…?”

“Hm? Oh! They’re washed and in the cupboard!” You answered cheerily.

“.... Does…. Does the gym smell like oranges?” Raph said, baffled.

“.... Where did all the dust go? ….Does the couch look clean to you?” Leo nudged Donnie to bring his attention to the freshly washed couch covers.

There was a beat of heavy silence as the boys took in the new state of their home, then the timer above the oven dinged and you ran over to put on your oven mitts.

“The food’s ready!” You called out cheerfully.

In the next few minutes, everyone was sitting around the small kitchen table. Each turtle with a full pie in front of them, and large slices cut for Splinter, April, and Casey, and a smaller cut for yourself.

“Damn, what’s this? Smells great!” Casey exclaimed. 

“My mom showed me how to make this, it’s chicken pot pie. I hope you like it!” You said a bit shyly now that you had calmed down a bit. 

You watched as all the boys and April picked up a spoon and dug in, taking their first bite. There was a chorus of groans of approval as the boys hummed approvingly around their bite.

“Oh my god my mouth is singing!” Mikey exclaimed, trying to shovel the pie into his mouth. 

“How did you manage to get this level of flakiness into the crust? Was there any special preparation when kneading the dough?” Donnie questioned. Then Mikey mumbled out around a full mouth, ‘cold butter, dude’ which Donnie had to ask him to repeat when his mouth wasn’t full.

“Wow… I’ve never had anything like this before. Did you make this?” Leo asked. Raph was grunting in approval with each new bite he took, absorbed in his food from across the table.

You blushed and nodded. It didn’t take long for everyone to clean their plates. Casey, Mikey, and Raph all fought for seconds. Master Splinter and April were sharing very pleased looks on their faces, like they were conspiring all along. Once everyone was finished, you stood up and started to collect plates from the table.

“Oooooh no, you did enough cleaning today, let someone else take a turn, shortie.” Raph stood up to stop you.

“I don’t mind, really!” You urged, but you weren’t paying attention to where you were walking and bumped into Mikey who was taking his own plate to the sink. 

The plate dropped from his hand in surprise, and faster than anyone could react, your freehand shot out and grabbed the plate. There was a cracking sound and everyone froze to look at you. There you were, balancing 5 large heavy ceramic plates stacked in one hand, while your other hand was holding onto Mikey’s plate that had cracked and fractured in your grip. You were stunned.

“Woah… what just happened?” Mikey broke the silence.

Part 5

@itsberrydreemurstuff @thecreat0r64 @eli-chris @kurlyfrasier @autisticnutcase @drenix004 @donniesgirlie @cherryp-op @foggyturtleknightangel

If anyone else wants to be tagged for the next update, let me know in the comments! :]

#tmnt fanfic #tmnt x reader #bayverse tmnt #tmnt bayverse #tmnt bayverse x reader #tmnt 2014 x reader #tmnt 2016 x reader #tmnt imagines #bayverse donatello #bayverse raphael #bayverse tmnt x reader #bayverse leonardo #bayverse michelangelo #bayverse!tmnt

[snackugaki]

...visdev really is my enrichment activity for i am just a bored tiger in my enclosure, looking to figure out how to get this steak out of this metal ball.

________

my tmnt au (where everyone made it past their 20s, splinter’s alive just old, venus is here, and they deserve some goddamn respite and shenanigans)

tmnt au part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4

tmnt au omake 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

lny visit 1 | 2

also uhhh... i guess still idw, next mutation, and like 1 mirage spoiler? mostly for the kids who haven’t but were planning to read/watch

you’re about to perceive so much

p r e p a r e

so close to getting this AU looking as crunchy as i want it, almosttttt tttthhhhhere...!

just somewhere tasty between Mignola’s use of deep black shadow, what MTV Liquid Television woulda greenlit re: The Maxx, a dash of 2007, 1 part Next Mutation, 2 parts funny proportions

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh str ugglingggg

Leo’s shortest because haha (family baby gang, get rekt)

this is so much thought for something I’m just doing to give these turtle ninjas some softness and the genx/millenial pop culture references gag comics

Splinter is full of ghosts

(specifically the onryo borne from the murdered Yoshi Hamato and Tang Shen [because oroku saki a bitch])

[ redacted ] and Tang Shen’s ghost gained control and guided Splinter to raise the boys in love and not [ redacted ] to [ redacted ] in [ redacted ]

Splinter was just a regular little rat... who on his 1000th birthday witnessed the death of his friend/unwitting master and his wife, and thus transformed into a wrathful kyūso (minus the kitten eating) and chased Shredder until losing his trail in New York

Shredder’s fuck around and Splinter’s rampaging as the find out caused the tengu to repo some of the mysticism from ninjutsu

now all the (remaining) ninja clans debuffed and mad about it

The tengu bestowed the ninja the ability to summon shit (kuchiyose), enact mystical effects upon people and objects (kuji kiri), going invisible, minor flight (actually just qinggong/light body technique), and manipulation of the 5 elements, and creating doubles (bunshin)

but again, Shredder fucked up so now ninja can like barely control anything bigger than a lit torch or a 16 oz bottle of liquid and that’s if you got in enough hours to do even that

I mentioned elsewhere but for me in any AU I make, Venus is a cultivator and the more I think about it the more I will die on this hill, not only does it fit better than her being a “shaman” or “shinobi” it’s sick as fuck

Jennika’s origin was pretty fkkn metal, she still falls in with the Foot, gets shanked, Leo gives blood-- bam, turtle time

Jennika goes to hang with Venus in China and get a better understanding of her new turtle body

Keno’s here, still tried to infiltrate the Foot (with Jennika) but bugged out when she couldn’t stay without being made (Jennika refused to leave womp)

teaches Leo some arnis techniques for Leo’s dual wielding; Donnie also just in case his bo is shattered... again. :)

Irma has made all the boys blush at least twice

Irma is also soap opera buddies with Splinter

they meet up at least twice a month to gab, gush, and groan over what’s currently going on in their stories, when Venus visits she also joins in, Irma also has a conversational grasp on Japanese and Venus’ regional dialect because of these visits

April has a full out shoujo manga romance with Chu Hsi

and he’s a hot dragon prince uhuhuhuhuhu

Irma is privy to all the steamy details

keeping Leo and Karai as character foils

both received scars from one another

both released each other from sealing wards from [ redacted ]

now they just meet every so often to eat the greasiest fast food and unclench of an hour

Raph still gets his ass worked by Ninjara, folded like an omelette sat on a lawn chair

Vam Mi is also here, she’s fought first (because honestly she should’ve been either brought in earlier in the season or had a few more episodes because that shit coulda resolved better)

Venus is brought to NYC for this antagonist instead of Dragonlord escaping (and murdering her father figure forcing her to seek out his friend Splinter for aid)

Donnie doesn’t take the news of real vampires or real magic well

Donnie and Venus have a knock down drag out fight over it (because they’re 17 at this point and being li’l shits to each other about their respective fields of expertise)

“The nerds are fightingggggg!” cries Mikey, Leo and Raph don’t believe it so imagine their surprise when they get a demo in real time on how scary competent staff fighters are

Leo gets Splinter when one of Donnie’s missed strikes cracks the concrete

Splinter breaks them up like talking a walk in the park and it’d be comical if they both weren’t bleeding from the mouth and peppered with swelling contusions

Venus begins accepting Donnie when his tech prevents her from becoming a thrall of Vam-Mi

Donnie begins accepting Venus when she uses a massive amount of chi to manipulate gravity just before he becomes street pizza when Vam-Mi throws him off a bridge

they also combine skill sets to save Mikey so there’s that

Venus goes from calling Donnie, “Horatio (derogatory)” to “Horatio (affectionate)”

they now have a dumbass long-as-fuck handshake that’s unforgivably nerdy 

April is still a magic drawing-brought-to-life baby, Venus puts her in a painted scroll when she starts phasing in and out of existence (she and Chu Hsi have a great time in the scroll... while everyone is shitting bricks until Venus and her sect stabilize her and get her made real, Pinocchio style)

April’s grandmothers gifted Venus 2 pieces of jade jewelry, and her family’s recipe for sweet potato pudding respectively for saving April

the boss fight against Dragonlord is dope as fuckkkkk, Chu Hsi is being cool as fuck, fiddled with some concepts* that has Leo and Karai being a champion of Genbu, Raph for Byakko, Mikey for Suzaku, Chu Hsi’s retainer (a good dragon, wink wonk) steps in for Seiryu because Donnie and Venus are siphoning and redirecting an enormous amount and variety of mystical power

*i’m just pulling from fushigi yugi honestly

splinter, the boys, and venus (and others) mutating from mutagen laced toxic waste was a pure accident

Splinter was investigating a lead on Shredder’s movements concerning the Foot the same night an animal liberation sleeper cell ‘freed’ some animals from the back of a pet store (that was a front for black market domestic and exotic animal trafficking) that is also the same night a stolen truck driven by some corporate spies filled with a competitor’s chemical waste, which then collides with said liberation sleeper cell’s truck and... ooze happens

Leatherhead, the Mutanimals, Mondo, Mona Lisa, Slash also get mutated from the events of that night, either leading up to or following the aftermath

plus some others etc etc

Venus still washes down the gutter, gets rube goldberg pinballed onto a crate of plums where Chung I finds her and still gets named Mei and taken to live in China and eventually learns to cultivate

Tokka and Rahzar get made, and unmade ala TMNT II; the mutagen made them a little silly tho, April adopts Rahzar and passes him off as a low content wolfdog, Leatherhead takes in Tokka

April went through a couple of major changes so now she’s a journalist with a computer programming background who now does a podcast as an informal neighborhood news reporter with a segment for chatting with people from around the street

Mikey’s the most frequent guest and co-hosts sometimes; Donnie troubleshoots free of charge

Venus brings her province’s regional delicacies when she comes to visit, Splinter and Leo both get pu er tea cakes (she managed to get one the same age as him; Splinter is too old so she got the oldest she could find, Leo has so many tea pets and a nice yixing collection); Raph, Keno, and Casey fight over the pickles, meat jerkies, and chili oil; Mikey has an artillery of cool shirts and a lifetime supply of haw flakes, Donnie has a mountain of doodads with increasingly specific uses, April gets neat accessories and the occasional care package sent with Venus from her grandparents, uncles, and aunties; Irma gets neat frames and coats that never fail to get a “Where did you get that??”

Raph rides a Kawasaki Ninja because it’s funny

A lot of bodegas give Mikey free snacks because the bodega cats love him, and he’s also saved some from being run over or ripped apart by stray dogs or the few large angry raccoons

Donnie’s the only one of his brothers to wear both a top and bottom with shoes because once he figured out how to integrate a motherboard and miscellany wiring onto clothing... he’s been a walking computing menace ever since

Splinter does his best to enjoy his time with his sons (because as a kyūso, he knows the chances of outliving his precious sons is very high (ᴗ‿ᴗ✿)  ...give or take one of the many opponents and obstacles his sons take on takes him out first ( ◕ᴗ◕✿ ) )

god whathefuck, I was just going to make silly comics for them. how did it come to this.

#i'm so curious #some of you kids tag this shit as 2003 #and i'm ??? #i'm not subtle about being an elder millenial #or about who my childhood turtles were #i love trash #i love the next mutation #like is it to keep your tag active? #i feel like it's probably the thing #where someone assumes they're interacting with someone of their same xyz #which honestly? fair #a lot of the TMNT fans I see are 03 or 12 fans #there's a few other Turtlemania survivors around that I see #but not a lot of us #:( #...i'm still laughing at that poll #with the arbitrary age cut off being 37+ #sorry poll op #it's just... it was literally oddly specific #ba dum tss #if you know why I used apples as a measurement... #...hahaha you also like Sanrio #if you know who I based Irma off of... #can you blame me #Nadia is who Irma would be #if she kept the cheek but mellowed out a li'l #so much weird shit happened to her #so of course she'd simultaneously be #blase cheeky and wry #visdev is my enrichment activity

[ludi-cerealia]

Love! That red disease—Your spell and who’s caught it.

Welcome to my very first pick a card reading !

Breathe deeply, and choose the image that you feel most drawn to find out how you bewitch others and who thus lays spellbound. Remember to only take what resonates with you, and if you don’t feel particularly drawn to this reading, there may not be a message for you. Piles are Left to Right: Pile 1, Pile 2, Pile 3. Enjoy! :)

Decks used: Goddess Power Oracle, Language of Flowers Oracle, Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck, Black Moon Astrology Cards, Milo Manara Tarot, Claude Monet Impressionism Art Tarot, Light Visions Tarot, Children of Litha Tarot

Pile 1 — Sanctum

Your spell is one of banishing — of self-imposed sanctuary within which much arcane and occult is withheld; though the hermit was not present in your spread, your energy presents as opaque, detached, independent, and deeply complex. Look, don't touch, look into the abyss and find an abyss looking back. There is more to you than meets the eye and ear yet there is so little to read, yet others are lain bare before you; dismissed only as an act of mercy. You are not to be prevailed, and much of your allure draws from your mysterious character upon which one can only make conjecture and not much else. Almost determined to be elusive and yet effortlessly so, your nature appears bent on evading capture of anyone's unsolicited curiosity. Spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally it appears you are entirely detached; thus others come seeking yet shy away at moment's scrutiny. It may be that your magic is innate and outpouring, such that you may possess spiritual gifts that are distinctly shrewd to any means of unwanted prying; you may even preemptively ward your energy from evil eye. Thus others find you sacred and untouchable, perhaps even virginal for a few of you; their worship is one of distanced awe.

Thank you so much for letting me read your energy Pile 1! I saw an image of someone being startled or alarmed then looking around the room while I was tapping into your energy (which was rather difficult), so pardon for the intrusion if you sensed it!

(Cards: Sagittarius ~ I see, Leo ~ I will , Void of Course Moon~ Missing, Crow, Lilith ~ Independence, Connection ~ Forget Me Not, Detachment~ Sacred Lotus, Emperor, High Priestess rx, Five of Swords rx)

(Channeled song: Maze// Alina Baraz )

— Forgotten

As to who is caught in your spell, you may well already know; I heard that many have fallen at your feet but one is particularly scorned. This is someone waiting in the wings for you, Pile 1, someone perhaps you know through work or social circles that feels their attempts at getting your attention bear no fruit. It may be that they are younger or more inexperienced than you are, but it feels more so that they stumble and stutter whenever they're around you, utterly disarmed. However, despite them feeling unacknowledged or unseen, they are aware it is no one else's fault but their own for not approaching you formally or directly. I heard this may be a matter of workplace crush or admiration, more so a matter of seeking validation from your approval than anything deeply emotional. They believe that in due time that you will come to see them as someone worthwhile (I even heard opponent, so perhaps a rival of yours?), but I don't think they'll get what they want from you. I heard no one can.

(Cards: Page of Pentacles rx, Eight of Pentacles rx, Six of Wands rx, Seven of Pentacles)

Pile 2 — Alpha

Your spell is one that brings the earth to heel, but not by conquest; by the reins life is tamed in the palm of your keen hunter's hand. You bring wonder to the mundane as life's steady maker: grounded, practical, and resilient; your wisdom for living appears to know no bounds, and your patience endures evergreen never worse for wear. Your touch is a warm green, like spring, though one may think you jaded, your soul is found tender in your lukewarm gaze. To others you are a guiding star, a hunter's moon, the third man whose sound reason is sought in the thick of howling alps. In you others find a home away from home, a shelter stern yet welcoming. Others may wonder if you have an affinity for nature, that flora and fauna trail in your wake like wood nymphs of eld. They also wonder if you have a safe haven to call your own, that as you strive tirelessly in service of others, do you ever lay your weary head to rest? Does your caution know end? They wonder if there is an unseen danger known only to you, that belying stoic pride is a tired ghost that demands its due. Strong earth placements pertaining the benefics, particularly Virgo/ 6th house.

(Cards: Capricorn~ I use, Earth~ Stability, Fourth House~ Roots, Deer, Artemis~ Focus, Enthusiasm~ Delphinium , Honour~ Chinese Peony, Hierophant, Nine of Cups, The Star rx, Four of Swords (Seven of Swords))

(Channeled songs: Safe and Sound // Taylor Swift; Running With the Wolves // Aurora) 

—Lost Love

 This is someone who looks back fondly on the memories and journeys you share, halcyon days bygone. They miss you deeply, Pile 2, this is someone whose emotions for you run deeply, who at one point envisioned a perfect picket fence life with you. I heard "with you to the end of days" and "the one that got away", and I can't help but feel like the feeling is mutual. With the two of cups and eight of cups respectively, they wonder constantly about what could've been had they chosen differently. Would they have it all with you? What is everything without you? They see that you are well, it feels bittersweet but they tell themselves its better to believe it sincere than a facade. I heard knowing wouldn't make a difference, love is all they can offer but no more of what you deserve. They would not allow themselves even the fantasy of you, Pile 2, it hurts them to dream; and it hurts even more to fight for you. 

(Cards: Two of Cups, Eight of Cups, Seven of Cups rx, Five of Wands rx)

Pile 3 — Maverick

You make a tightrope walk seem like a cakewalk, Pile 3, you move with impeccable and eerie grace in life; as if method and madness found in you one merry union divinely orchestrated. Your magic is one of confusion, Pile 3, you leave others dumbstruck at every turn, as the can never quite know what to make of you. I heard that you're made of stardust, star stuff! You come into others awareness like a puzzle that abides by no reason, and thus begins their unexpected descent into obsession for closure and control; as if to capture you in mind is to capture you in your entirety. You take space with your grand presence Pile 3, and others seem aware immediately that within you is a deeper knowing; and even discern that within you too is a yearning for belonging, for community, that is beyond what they can provide. You have lived many lives and each skin you unburden with grace and dignity; there is no end to your power of metamorphosis. People are in awe that despite yourself in all your grand quirks and peculiarities, you are a social chameleon that finds welcome wherever you go, and yet remain a mystery unsolved all the same. However, as the saying goes, often nails that stick out get hammered down— People wonder if your past is a cross you bear :that your careful camouflage is not superfluous, but rather necessary.  The world is harsh but you have not grown harsher, rather softer; and that too is a wonder to be admired, that your curiosity survives experience.

(Cards: Mars ~ Action, Libra ~I balance, Uranus ~ Genius, Iris~ Communication, Black Egg, Balance ~ Camelia, Rebirth~ Secret Blue Lily, Temperance, Ten of Swords, Queen of Cups, King of Pentacles )

(Channeled song: crazy=genius// panic! at the disco, fallen alien// fka twigs)

As to who is under your spell, though the ten of cups was present in the spread; I was not getting anything romantic, but rather wistful. People from your past are seeing you shine Pile 3, and they wish you all the best despite having parted ways, they see that your journey has much further to go still, and they hope that your paths will join once more. If you think people from your past have forgotten or are not watching, they certainly are, Pile 3! Sorry that there wasn't much I could glean from the spread, Pile 3! 

(Cards: Five of Swords rx,  Ten of Cups, Six of Pentacles, Page of Swords)

I hope you enjoyed this PAC! I’d really love to hear how it resonates for you. Any and all feedback is welcome. If you liked my work, do consider tipping me .

#pick a card #pick a pile #pac #free tarot #intuitive reading #tarotblr #cerescore

[egg-poll]

EGG POLL: ROUND 1 PART 1 RECAP

the first half of round 1 was very competitive, with a few unexpected turnarounds! as always guys lets try to remember that this is just a silly competition for fun, and whoever ends up winning every headcanon here is awesome just by nature of making it into the tournament!

hunter vs tobias

this poll was a lot closer than expected, especially considering hunter was the #1 most submitted character! tobias had a really strong showing, especially with a lot of campaigning in the post tags, but in the end hunter pulled through. this result could suggest hunter is a lot weaker than initially thought though, will he make it to the next round?

gene vs neo

this one was also surprisingly competitive, with a lot of campaigning on both sides. gene got the most initial nominations so he was the expected winner, but neo is one of the most classic trans readings of a character, and got a lot of support from people who might not have thought of him originally! in the end neo pulled ahead. neo and hunter will certainly make an interesting match up next round!

ashe vs leonardo

ashe was one of the most interesting nominees to watch going in, as he ended up sweeping the nominations with 18 submissions! in the end though, the huge support for this headcanon among just roll with it fans couldn't offset the fandom's small size. but this was in no small part thanks to the tmnt fandom's rallying around leonardo! both of these characters got a huge amount of support, and we ended up with our first two pieces of amazing fanart! but if tmnt's success in the autism swag summit is any indicator, leo might be a competitor to watch going into future rounds!

rain vs finn

rain was another nominee with a size disadvantage going in. while ward fans did their best to rally, they couldn't beat finn, another character with an overall few number of submissions but who ended up winning from sheer popularity. ward fans took it in stride though, with some noting that rain losing in the first round might be the most in character outcome. we also got another great piece of fanart! finn did not get a lot of campaigning, definitely indicating he might be in danger in future rounds.

ralsei vs ken

this was a difficult one for me as i really love both of these headcanons! digimon fans presented some great arguments, but couldn't overcome the trans ralsei headcanon (which has years of support, pioneered by yours truly...) time will tell if deltarune fans can push this headcanon forward to other rounds! either way trans girl ken will surely live on in our hearts :)

sonic vs haruhi

this one was a pretty surprising upset! sonic was one of the most nominated characters, but got beaten out by haruhi who actually received zero direct nominations. sonic fans likely put more weight behind tails, which is overall a more popular headcanon. some argued haruhi is too textually trans to really be considered an egg (although by not being canon she still fits into the rules of this competition). this argument will surely come into play in future rounds though, and likely with mion vs lake in part 2 of this round!

luigi vs double d

another upset, although not the most surprising one. although luigi recieved a lot of support in the nomination round, fans overall decided this headcanon didn't hold up to scrutiny quite as well as double d, who is arguably(?) canon already (but still eligible according to tournament rules) i would not be surprised to see double d go even further in future rounds!

tails vs fuuta

this was another with a pretty obvious outcome from the beginning, with transfem tails being another super classic egg headcanon. fuuta didn't really stand much of a chance, with some fans calling it a popularity poll (this is just how seeding works guys, i'm sorry!) despite their smaller fanbase though, milgram fans showed a lot of support and provided evidence of their own. while egg fuuta will always live on, sonic fans may end up pushing even harder for tails in future rounds with sonic eliminated. only time will tell!

thats all for this time guys, be sure to come back tomorrow for part 2 of this round!

[factorialsotherfandoms]

There's a worker there when Pac wakes up - it's the first worker anyone has seen since returning to the island. They're in Ramon's nook, doing something with his IV and taking notes in a book.

Pac immediately grabs Fit; the man is awake in seconds.

"Pac?" he asks, more awake in moments than Pac could ever be.

Pac puts a finger to his lips, then points at Ramon's nook.

Fit looks over, and Pac sees when he notices; immediately Fit is on his feet, storming over.

"Oi," he calls. "What are you doing with my son?!"

The worker hesitates a moment, finishing what they are doing before grabbing another book, and stepping down. It takes them a moment to write, Fit quivering with tension while Pac's hands wrap themselves in knotts.

The book is passed to Fit, who holds it where Pac can see.

'I am WA008,' it reads. 'I have been transferred from the Federation Infirmary to tend the EGGS.'

"You're a, er, doctor?" Pac asks, squinting at them - they look like every other worker on the island, bar the blue surgical mask they are wearing.

They nod.

"How are they?" Fit's attitude does not quite entirely flip, but he's bitten down the the edge. "When will they wake up?"

Scribbling again, this time for much longer - Pac can see WA008 flip to multiple book pages.

'All six EGGS here are in critical condition. The EGG named Dapper's condition is less serious, so is resting elsewhere. All seven eggs are responding well to treatment. Their injuries are complex, and further complicated by radiation sickness for these six. I do not know how long healing will take. They are not yet stable enough to survive infection, please refrain from breaking past the barriers. They are for the safety of the EGGS. Only myself, WB011 and WB022 are permitted here, and only if clean. They are my assistants and are also caring for the EGGS.'

Pac clings to Fit's arm as he reads, Fit reaching up to squeeze his hand as he frowns at the words.

"They will be okay though, right?" Pac glances around the children. "Richas? Leo? Tallulah?"

WA008 nods.

"What injuries do they have?" Fit's voice remains harsh, but he has clearly backed off even further with the news. "You must have more information."

WA008 pulls out the book they were writing in earlier, quickly adding a line, and then having it over. Fit tucks the other book into his bag before reading it.

Inside are more complete medical records for the eggs; Pac cannot translate all of the medical terminology, but he understands the numbers well enough. Assuming they are accurate, it seems WA008 is speaking true; their conditions are improving, and Dapper's - on the first page, arriving soonest - are better, and their immune systems are in shambles. Fit glances at him; Pac nods, and rests his head on Fit's shoulder.

At the end of the records book is a request to give it back. Pac sees Fit quickly photograph each page before it is returned.

WA008 waits for a moment, before nodding to them both, and letting themself into Chayanne's nook instead.

"They were telling the truth?" Fit quietly whispers.

Pac nods, "my English is not good enough but... The numbers are right."

Fit shudders, then nods. His eyes are closed for a long moment; when he opens them again, he gently removes Pac's hand from his arm.

"Hey Doc!" Fit calls.

WA008 turns to look at him, summoning another book.

"You should probably give Bad a check over. He's not doing too good."

"Maybe all of us need a doctor," Pac adds. "Purgatory was bad."

Unlike every other time, WA008 hesitates. When the book comes this time, their body language reads almost apologetic.

'I do not have time.' this one reads. 'The other medical staff are sick, or working on quarantine wards. I must give my time to the EGGS. If you are still conscious, I do not have time to treat you. Emergencies and EGGS only.'

"Bad is... Kinda an emergency. He's bleeding everywhere and has big head trauma."

WA008 visibly winces, gesturing for the book back. To the end they add, 'I'll ask WB011 to check in when he visits Dapper. It is unlikely we will be able to provide proper treatment at this time, but he can ensure Resident BadBoyHalo is not going to die. Head injuries require more resources to fully treat than we have available.'

"That's kinda shit, then," Fit replies.

WA008 seems visibly distressed, but nods in agreement.

"Three workers for seven critically ill eggs is not enough," Pac quietly tells Fit. "As it is they won't be getting to sleep properly."

Neither of them like that knowledge at all, but it's true.

"And what is it going to cost us?" Fit asks.

'I am not being paid for this. If someone tries to charge you, stab them and I will introduce them to my needles *-*'

"You're sure?" Pac asks. "Medicine costs a lot if you have to buy it..."

':) says it is so you enjoy the island, and all workers serve the island. I want to make people better.'

:) is... Cucurucho. Pac supposes that makes sense; however much he doesn't want Richas in Federation hands, he knows they don't have the expertise to help his son.

Or any of the eggs, for that matter.

"Alright. I'll believe you for now," Fit takes a deep breath, then waves towards the Federation Doctor. "Good luck out there, fellow worker."

WA008 perks up a little, but the wave they give Fit as they hop back into Chayanne's nook is definitely stressed. With a tug, Fit leads Pac back towards the beds where the collection of parents have been staying.

"They're that bad but there isn't a doctor always here?" he frowns.

Pac shrugs, "probably have warp plates and monitors. If Mike had to treat seven people, I'd do it so he could sleep. It's not good but... It's better than a sleep deprived doctor missing things."

"Mike's a doctor?"

"No," Pac shakes his head a bit. "But... We didn't always have access to one, so he learnt."

'Never had access to one' would be more accurate, but Pac doesn't say it. Fit, at least, seems to understand; he just nods.

"Yeah," Fit says. "A lot of guys like that in the wasteland. It's a useful skill if you need to trade something."

Pac isn't sure what to say to that, or to the distant look on Fit's face. So he just hums, and leans against him once again.

Fit's arm comes up, and nervously tucks him closer. Pac snuggles in.

"They'll be okay?" Fit says it like he means it to be a reassurance, but instead it sounds like a question.

"They'll be okay," Pac repeats back, a little more certain.

Together they watch WA008 tend to their children, taking readings and changing dressings and IV bags. Pac doesn't see them do anything wrong, or especially dangerous, and so he allows himself to relax. They seem calm, too, or as calm as they were after the interruption at least. It's unlikely there are new complications then - with radiation and long-open wounds in play, its always possible.

"We should get gifts for them," Pac says. "For when they wake up."

"That'd be nice," Fit's calmer now, too, drifting a bit. "We can get started in the morning."

Pac nods, and slips down to lie on the bed. After a few moments of looking at the pillow, he places his head in Fit's lap instead.

There's a startled noise, and Pac hides his smile.

"Good night, Richas," he calls to his unconscious son, before turning his head and whispering. "Good night, roommate."

Fit puts a hand on his shoulder, body and voice both stuttering a little, "yeah, um, g'night roommate. Sleep well."

#qsmp fanfic #qsmp fit #qsmp pac #qsmp eggs #idk what this is I just had thoughts

[a-d-nox]

Hi! I love your blog, i read the fall things series, do you have a 4 season planning? i would LOVE a winter or summer astro things. :)

a-z how they are represented in astrology: winter things edition

now that winter is officially underway let's do this!!! warning: i can be harsh, please don't take everything i say as predestined, astrology is possible outcomes not guaranteed ones. plus let's not forget orbs matter, dominance matters, etc. it's never just one planet or one asteroid that rule over an outcome or how things effect you. this is just a starting place for when examining singular objects in an entire galaxy. take what resonates and leave what doesn't!

angels

neptune

lucifer (1930)

why this is useful information: angels typically are put on the top of trees to ward off evil and because they are a higher power. neptune and lucifer are likely indicators of where you have to ward off evil evil and where you are guided by a higher power (even if that higher power is just your brain's ego).

ballet

venus / neptune

why this is useful information: the nutcracker is one of the most popular winter ballets and ballet tends to be popular in the winter time because of it. venus and/or neptune can showcase your grace and elegance just like ballet can.

bitterness & the cold

saturn

why this is useful information: i live in a northern region, and everyone who travels to this area is always like "how can you stand this cold", and i am like "its only going to get colder". frost, cold, and bitter winds are bound to happen in the winter, so saturn is likely to indicate where you are most vulnerable to that coldness and how it effects you.

books

read about it in the fall post

boots

read about it in the fall post

candy

read about it in the fall post

cathedrals

jupiter / saturn

lacrimosa (208)

why this is useful information: something about the winter holidays causes all of us to reconnect with our traditions. i find that those that rarely go to religious gathering places frequent churches this time of the year to likely reconnect with their family traditions / childhood memories. so by examining cathedral like planets/asteroids, you can see what are physical symbols of your traditions.

charity

jupiter

abundantia (151)

why this is useful information: this is an infamous time of the year where all the very sad commercials play about donating to animals, children, elderly, sickly, etc. jupiter and abundantia in your chart could indicate where you like to share your abundance.

cheer

venus / jupiter

why this is useful information: "the best way to spread christmas cheer is sing aloud for all to hear" haha but no. for real - these planets can indicate cheerfulness and what can provide cheer, not only at christmas, but year round.

cherubs

venus

anteros (1943) / cupido (763) / amor (1221)

why this is useful information: cherubs on trees and in our homes during the holidays are meant to act as guardians and life-bringers during the cold, treacherous winter months. cherub objects in your chart can indicate what brings you life and protects you during these harsh winter months.

chimney / fireplace

aries (1°, 13°, 25°) / leo (5°, 17°, 29°)

mars

why this is useful information: the chimney was designed to let hot toxic gases and smoke out of the home so that no one would get smothered by the air in their own house during colder months. these symbols of the chimney/fireplace in your chart can indicate what toxic and smothering things need to be released from your space during the winter, so that you can survive without internal strain/stress.

church

sagittarius (9°, 21°)

jupiter

9h

why this is useful information: "something about the winter holidays causes all of us to reconnect with our traditions. i find that those that rarely go to religious gathering places frequent churches this time of the year to likely reconnect with their family traditions / childhood memories. so by examining church like planets/asteroids, you can see what are physical symbols of your traditions."

coal

capricorn (10°, 22°)

saturn

why this is useful information: originally, coal was a heating element during the winter months that kept a home warm. later the tradition of coal in a stocking came to pass. namely the poor would put coal in their children's stocking claiming that a higher being was punishing them and made them poor, but at least they would be warm given this simple gift. ever since it has been a trend that santa would give coal to a bad child (typically a greed one) to teach them a lesson regarding the need to reexamine the world around them - such as noticing they weren't as bad off as they originally thought, they don't need as much as they previously assumed, etc. capricorn and saturn can thusly indicate where you can find warmth this season, and/or where you should be grateful for what you have and not be too greedy.

coat

read about it in the fall post

confinement

12h

why this is useful information: cabin fever is real in the winter months. this is the most popular time of the year for people to feel trapped in their own space. they often find themselves trapped and isolated from others. the 12h can help you better understand who you are when confined, how you can better cope with being isolated from others, and/or what makes you feel isolated/alone.

cooking

read about it in the fall post

gifts

venus

pandora (55) / santa (1288)

why this is useful information: gift giving is the name of the game at the end of the year - these gift objects can better help you understand the gifts you have in your life, what you like to receive, and even what you tend to gift to others.

gift giving/receiving

2h

why this is useful information: this is when we give and receive the most because it is post-harvest season. post-harvest suggests that we have reaped plenty of rewards throughout the year, and thusly we find we don't need it all so when share our goods with others. hence the season of giving and receiving. your 2h can help you better understand your tendencies of giving and receiving and you willingness to do so.

holidays

venus

why this is useful information: the holidays. it stands to reason that the holidays are plentiful at the end of the year, thus my associating them with winter. venus in your chart can tell you about how you like to spend your holidays, what your holidays are like, and/or how you can have the best holiday possible.

holly

aries (1°, 13°, 25°)

saturn

why this is useful information: holly was originally believed to promote protection and good luck. thus when decorating your home with it, holly was thought to provide those who lived within to be protected and have good luck during the harshest part of the year. it was the prickly spines on the holly leaves that were thought to snag evil spirits before they could enter a home. what symbolizes holly in a chart can indicate where you have good luck and/or are protected during hard times.

ice

capricorn (10°, 22°)

saturn

why this is useful information: the most common part of the winter. it's cold, rigid, indifferent to our cause. it can really cause you to get off track, and prevent you from getting where you need to go. but ice is also a symbol of purity and even clarity... while it can cause you to get off track, or prevent you from getting where you need to go, it can also teach you to adapt. it is ultimately your choice as to how you approach ice - do you stay off course, do you let it stay in your way and prevent you from moving forward - it is up to you. what symbolizes ice in your chart can indicate where others my find you cold, rigid, or indifferent - it can also symbolize where you get off track or feel prevented from getting where you want to go.

icicles

saturn / neptune

why this is useful information: icicles are a sort of surrealism - they were once dripping water, because it was warm enough, but then it was suddenly cold and the dripping water froze slowly but surely. and now way above, sometimes unseen, are these sharp ice picks. my grandmother, when she little, was outside looking at icicles when one very suddenly detached and narrowly missed her eye - she does have a tiny scar on the bridge of her nose. icicle planets can show you where illustrious danger lies in your life and where the unseen can be dangerous in your life.

lumberjacks

mars

why this is useful information: TIMBER! a lumberjacks job is to harvest and transport trees. the wood of trees is what keeps us warm - no matter it's form, be it a home or a fire. mars in your chart can indicate where you facilitate warmth for yourself and others.

mittens

mercury / venus / saturn

why this is useful information: they always say to keep your hands and feet warm in the winter because if you aren't doing so, you can risk frostbite and thus permanent nerve damage. mittens are one of those hand coverings that everyone despises because your dexterity is limited because of a lack of available digits but with mittens your fingers can actually share warmth. these mitten planets can tell you about where you might feel like you lack proper mobility in life, but at least you can preserve warmth.

nutmeg

jupiter

why this is useful information: nutmeg is often considered a symbol of romance and affluence. there are a lot of stories surrounding why people use to carry it around. when going to gentlemen's clubs, in the 1800s, men would carry the whole spice gem in their pocket to promote luck both with women and with gambling. even earlier than that people would carry nutmegs in the middle ages to ward off the plague. jupiter the nutmeg in your chart can show you where you can have increased luck.

peppermint

venus / jupiter

why this is useful information: peppermint is thought to soothe and refresh - which is why i'll assume that it's popular during the winter months, where nothing is really fresh or soothing naturally. peppermint planets can indicate where you can find refreshing and comforting things when all seems bleak and monotonous.

pine tree

capricorn (10°, 22°)

mars / saturn

why this is useful information: these trees are conifers - they don't drop leaves to preserve their energy in the colder months. instead they preserve energy in their spines, which are more efficient to retaining water. what symbolizes the pine tree in your chart can help you to better understand how you can persevere during the harsh winter months, and how you can maintain your energy.

ribbon

venus

why this is useful information: the ribbon that adorn your presents are merely the garnish on your presents. no matter what research i do, it appears as though the ribbon was implemented in the 20th century and that is the extent of it. ribbon in your chart can show where your are meant to promote aestheticism.

sunset

7h

why this is useful information: the sunsets earlier in the winter where i live and an early sunset is often associated with seasonal affective disorder for the majority of those living on this side of the united states. the 7h and it's ruler can tell you how an early sunset will effect you.

wool clothing

jupiter

why this is useful information: wool is one of the best materials for promoting warmth, thus jupiter in your chart indicating where you can keep warmth in your life.

writing

mercury

3h

author asteroids

why this is useful information: it's the most wonderful time to sit down and write - often people will take up creative writing or journalism this time of the year to better cope with the hardships of the season or feeling trapped inside in general. what symbolizes writing in your chart can tell you about your writing styles and habits.

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#astrology #astro community #astro placements #astro chart #asteroid astrology #asteroid #natal chart #persona chart #astrology tumblr #cafe astrology #astrology chart #natal astrology #astrology readings #astrology blog #lucifer #asteroid1930 #abundantia #asteroid151 #anteros #asteroid1943 #cupido #asteroid763 #asteroid1221 #amor

[akitasimblr]

👑LEONARDO HARPER👑

HARPER LEGACY DIARIES | Heir | Generation Seven

full name: leonardo harper

nickname: leo

life state: sim | elder | non-marital partnership

parentage: virginia harper & paolo rocca

partners: alicia sasanka | judith ward | venessa jeong | tanica marcheste | brytani cho

offspring: yvonne harper | xavier harper | paris harper | queenie harper | katherine harper

aspiration: master actor | public enemy | mansion baron

main traits: mean | materialistic | ambituous

born in: windenburg

lived in: windenburg | del sol valley

career: actor career (silver screen icon - level 10)

degree: n/a

👑generation milestones illustrated👑

Aspirations: Master Actor/Actress, Public Enemy, Mansion Baron

Skills: Acting, Media Production, Mischief

Satisfaction Reward Traits: Entrepreneurial, Shameless, Professional Slacker, Needs No One

World: Del Sol Valley

Extra task: Build your sim a mansion in The Pinnacles neighborhood

Optional: Make your sim have children as a young adult, before they become an actor/actress.

EXPLORE MORE START READING THIS GENERATION

*passport template credits

#harperid #leonardoharperid

[unorthodoxx-page]

ok i know the hp au was just a oneshot but. what do you think would the boys houses be

*flips to check notes* 

Note: you can read it here: A Tale of Four Turtles from my collection of one-shots if you're interested. It's chapter 3: offer.

Here we go!

Donnie - Ravenclaw

So this one might be self-explanatory, but I struggled to place him here. I went back and forth between put Leo in Ravenclaw and Donnie in Slytherin, but in the end, it made more sense for Donnie to be an eagle. His ingenuity with magic, ward-making, and an overall need to know how the magic works are why I put him here. Also, I have a headcanon that he begrudgingly gets Leo to open the door for him when he can't figure out the riddle.

Raph - Hufflepuff

Raph, The badger! This placement was surprisingly easy. Who else is more hardworking and loyal than Raph? Personally, I feel like all the Raphs would be Hufflepuffs. He might be emotional, at times, but he wants to keep things fair and honest.

Mikey - Gryffindor

Mikey, the Lion!  The bravest of the brothers.  I mean, you have to be pretty brave and daring to rip a hole through dimensions to pull a brother back that everyone else had practically given up on.  I don’t know, that’s how I see Mikey.  He dares.  Dares to see the good in people and dares to do the impossible.  This house was tailor made for him.

Leo - Slytherin

Like I said, Leo and Donnie were hard.  Their placements are practically interchangeable, but the snake prevailed in this case.  Leon’s all tactical thinking and resourcefulness.  He sees the big picture and isn’t afraid to manipulate a situation to his advantage.  He’s done it for his brothers, and he’ll definitely do it for himself.  Plus, where else would you put a rule breaker?  I headcanon that he’s working with Mikey to get around the ‘no apparition’ rule.  Also, he uses this ‘I’m a big scary Slytherin’ schtick to advantage when he needs it.  

#Rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #harry potter #rottmnt #tmnt #harry potter fanfiction #fanfiction #crossover #one shots #questions #question and answers #question #harry potter houses #teenage mutant ninja turtles #Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie #rise of the tmnt

[psychhound]

[ID: image 1: a photo of a man and young child silhouetted against a body of water at sunset. there is light yellow text overlaid that reads "the paternal / a 5e protective class"

images 2 and 3 are screenshot previews from a PHB formatted PDF showing traits from the paternal class, including an "adoption" feature, fighting styles, the "surrogate clan" and traits from the surrogate subclass. end ID]

-

Those who take on the mantle of the paternal class are united in their drive to protect and care for those more vulnerable than them. No matter who they take under their wing or how they came to find those people, a paternal will do anything to ensure the happiness and safety of their chosen family.

-

The Paternal: a protective martial class

have you ever wanted to play a character who was caring, attentive, strong, maybe a little dorky, always rushing your rest time, absolutely convinced that these woodcarving tools can unlock this magic chest just give him a minute ... well, the paternal class is for you! the paternal class is a bit of a joke for those who just love dads, want to play a dad, or want something a little silly to honor the paternal caretakers in their life. while something of a fun, jokey class, the paternal class is absolutely viable for play in all types of games

the Paternal class includes:

an Adoption feature that lets you buff and protect your character's wards

Very Efficient Use Of Short Rest Time

fun tool proficiencies and ways to use tools that go a little outside the norm

a wisdom-based martial character

the Paternal class includes three clans:

the Protector - a tankier subclass meant for absorbing damage and dispatching enemies

the Surrogate - a subclass that leans into the awkwardness and self-sacrifice of dadhood

the Wrangler - a buff-based subclass that really wants to keep everyone safe and stay on top of every problem at once

this class was inspired by my dream to be an adoptive father and my chronic "take young people under wing" syndrome. it was a delight to work on. thank you to hollis, leo, and faun for inspiration, feedback, and encouragement

formatted PDF, plain text PDF, and dyslexia friendly PDF included for 4.99usd at:

itch / kofi / dm's guild

#dnd #dnd 5e #5e homebrew #homebrew class #yes this class is just dilf <3 #i think its funny #hope yall enjoy as well

[ewingstan]

For all that Ward gets criticized for overly complicated/esoteric powersets, I gotta hand it to Wildbow for Capricorn’s powers. “Oh you feel drowned out and buried by your brother? Well now you can drown/submerge your enemies, at the expense of being fucking engulfed by them for half your life!” Tristan had the immediate problem of Byron assaulting him taken care of (Byron will never be there to bodily threaten you again!) but ends up with Byron having much more power over him than before. Byron doesn’t have to deal with always having to compete for attention with Tristan, but he’s more in Tristan’s shadow than ever. It’s a horrible and compelling power setup in any situation (I have a pretty great relationship with my brother and I’m sure I’d fake his death way sooner than Tristan did if we were case 70’d) that fits with their specific problems so well. Monkey-paw powers at their best. Mwah.

#wildbow #parahumans #wardblr #tristan vera #byron vera #leo reads ward #leo says

[dcbbw]

Commoner

Before anyone gets super excited that I have finally written and posted a full-fledged fic, please be aware that this is a Savannah Walker story, and there isn’t a main LI or primary character in sight. And no happy ending guaranteed.

Yeah, sounds risky A.F. for a romance reader, but it’s a take on what leads to her circumstances pre-social season (a story we don’t know a lot about), and bonus for me: I get to explore a facet of my head canon of Leo x Savannah (Lavannah).

I may be the only person currently in this fandom with this ship in her head. Seriously.

This story was born of a long-standing head canon, and the song inspiration (original version but used the sad and acoustic version for this fic); lyrics are also taken from the song inspo.

IF you read this, THANK YOU! Your likes, comments, and/or reblogs are appreciated more than you realize. Please excuse any and all typos, missing/extraneous words, and/or grammatical errors. MS Editor rates this story as 99% error-free.

To all those who read over this story in its various variations and renditions, THANK YOU! Your feedback, ideas, and encouragement were invaluable (as always).

Thanks to @choicesflashfics for their Week 61 prompt #2, which will appear in bold.

This post will be broken into two parts (WORD.COUNT.)

Part 2 here

Song Inspo: Strangers (sad and acoustic version), Kenya Grace

Pairing(s): Savannah Walker x Leo Rys; Savannah Walker x Bertrand Beaumont

Word Count: 2,493

Rating: M for Mature themes

The car smells of rich leather mixed with pheromones and sweat, as it always does when we’re together. It’s a deeply masculine aroma that I will forever associate with him. The fingers of one of my hands tangle in his hair, the other hand is splayed against his back, my fingernails digging into his skin. I let out a soft gasp as his teeth scrape against my neck; I feel my head fall back further against the car’s seat.

The moon roof is open and the Cordornian night sky is a ribbon of black silk, the twinkling stars a scatter of white. I feel I should close my eyes, let scent and touch bask in this moment but I want to see. I want the most insignificant details of this night imprinted upon my brain because no matter how often these trysts occur, they are still too infrequent.

It always ends the same When it was me and you

I hadn’t expected to see him tonight. When I saw him earlier, he looked harried. Busy.

Uninterested.

I walk down the hall of the West Wing of the Palace, standing straight and tall with my shoulders back. Just as I was taught. I’m not supposed to be here; the West Wing is for the royal family. I am neither. Rather, I am an orphaned commoner, a ward of the Crown due to the most devastating circumstances.

I see the Crown Prince and feel the familiar butterflies. My breath hitches and I stumble a bit in my heels because my legs suddenly can’t support my weight. The way this man makes me feel … it is nothing as mere as a crush, nor is it infatuation. It’s love.

First love.

He wears a white oxford shirt that stretches across his broad shoulders. The top buttons undone give me a glimpse of his neck, throat, and a few errant chest hairs. His shirtsleeves are neatly rolled to his elbows, and I swear I can see the soft down of hair that covers his forearms. He is surrounded by staff … as usual. One hand holds stacks of paper; the other a pen. Even from our still considerable distance, I can hear the group’s murmurs, and see the furrow of his brow and the frown on his lips as he peruses a document. I see him decisively shake his head ever so slightly before handing the paper back to his assistant. He then leans over to whisper in the secretary’s ear before he breaks away from the large group.

He is heading my way, but I know he is unaware I am here. I can tell by the way he walks, the slight clench of his hand. When he gets closer, I drop into a low curtsy. “Your Royal Highness,” I greet in a low voice.

His eyes glance my way, but he doesn’t see me. He acknowledges my salutation with a distant nod as he fishes his phone from his pocket, dialing a number by heart. I don’t hear his words as he speaks into his mobile, but I know he’s talking to her. Even though all of Cordonia knows he doesn’t love her, my heart still breaks a little.

That night while the hour is still young despite the full moon in the now-darkened sky, I am ready for sleep. My hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and I’m wearing a pink babydoll nightgown. I am climbing into bed when my phone rings.

“Meet me in the garage. The Aston Martin.”

He hangs up, not waiting for my response. We both know it’s in the affirmative.

My nightgown is still bunched around my neck; the side of his thumb idly strums against one of my nipples. The Crown Prince of Cordonia lays atop me as we share a fevered kiss. His tongue in my mouth feels firm, assertive, yet so soft as it rolls against mine. Our hips are still pressed together as his now-limp manhood slips from my center.

He ends the kiss slowly, his lips lingering over mine before pulling away completely. He awkwardly climbs off me and I scoot into a corner of the back seat before sitting up and pulling down my nightgown. I thrust my arm downward to the car’s floor to retrieve my underwear. Leo remains shirtless as he struggles to pull up his boxer briefs and pants. 

We always have sex in the backseat of one of the many cars belonging to the royal family. We cannot chance being caught in either of our rooms; those spaces are off-limits to both of us. Crown properties, hotel rooms …  either here or in neighboring duchies and countries … are a risk he isn’t willing to chance. There’s staff, security, paparazzi everywhere.

Reputations are at stake.

We position and maneuver ourselves so we are stretched out on the backseat, his arm draped around my side and my head on his chest. His heartbeat fills my ear as we cuddle and talk.

This is my favorite part. Yes, a physical attraction is important, but an emotional bond and mental connection is paramount. I may only be 18, but I’m an old soul.

We'll get in your car and you'll lean to kiss me We'll talk for hours and lie on the backseat

We lay quietly, our breathing becoming even and our heart rates slowing. I hear the spring breeze above us rustle tree leaves, and crickets chirping. Leo exhales a long breath that blows through my hair before speaking.

“You’ll be going to Ramsford next week.” His statement rumbles from his chest to my ear.

My nose scrunches in confusion. Ramsford? “Why?”

“You successfully completed your mandatory education six months ago. Now it’s time for you to learn the ways of Court: etiquette, societal norms, lineage of the various families … stuff that only the bluebloods care about. Bertrand has agreed to tutor you for one month.”

I bite my lip. Once upon a time, being recognized as an aristocratic member of Cordonian society had been my only goal. To wear a silk gown, with tendrils of my hair falling in soft curls against my cheek while being announced as Lady Savannah Walker would have been a dream come true.

Not anymore.

Now, I just want to be Leo’s wife one day.

“No!” I respond petulantly. “I don’t want to go.”

He pulls me closer to him, if that’s even possible. “Hey,” he says gently, “even the nobles have to do it. It’s a rite of passage into Court.” Silence before he asks quietly, "It's what you’ve always wanted, right?”

“Not anymore,” I protest as I bury my face into his chest.

He continues as if I had never spoken.

“It’s for the best. You’ll learn our ways and find a nobleman to marry you and make you a Lady.” He pauses; when he speaks again, contrition laces his tone. “That didn’t come out right, but you know what I mean. AND you need to network. Get yourself an ally … an advocate; Drake has Liam. You need someone as well.”

“I have you …”

“I leave in three days for the Mediterranean cruise; two weeks after that, it’s Coronation. Six weeks later, the wedding. Whatever I am able to do for you as Crown Prince changes once I become King.”

His words slice me apart as he speaks them in a flat, matter-of-fact tone. And that is when I conclude this love is one-sided.

“I see,” I reply coolly as I pull away, signaling I am ready to leave.

Leo doesn’t release me. “Don’t put all the blame on me.”

“I’m not,” I lie as I avert my eyes from his gaze.

His eyes close briefly before they re-open. Even in the dark shadows of the automobile, they are intensely blue, like flames of gas.

“I’m 27 years old, and the last decision I made for myself by myself was when I was five years old! There are so many things I want to do, things I have never done! And I never will, all because of station and status.”

His head falls, his breath catches in his throat. “You want nothing more than this life you think I’m living, and I want nothing more than to leave it.”

“NOT ANYMORE!” I rage as I bend over to look for my shoes. “I just want YOU!”

“Why?” he asks. The question is simple enough, yet I can’t help but feel it’s a loaded weapon.

I find my shoes but stay bent over. My hair is a curtain that hides my face. “I’m in love with you.”

Silence as he ponders my answer. “Emotions don’t do well at Court. You want to be labeled a crown chaser? Because no one would ever believe that we’re together for love.”

He sits up, pulling his shirt back on. “Being with me comes with a price, love. You’ll go broke trying to pay it.”

I slip on my sneakers and open the car door so I can step outside and put on my trench coat. “You’re breaking up with me and sending me to Ramsford so you no longer have to be bothered!” I accuse. “It’s out of sight, out of mind with you nobles!”

My voice cracks and stumbles over the words, but I don’t cry. I refuse to give him the satisfaction.

Fully dressed, he climbs out of the car, walking around to my side to help me with my coat. He pulls me into an embrace before adjusting my collar and fastening buttons.

“You deserve someone who can openly be with you. Someone who can fuck you in a bed. Someone who will love living their life with you, not someone who will grow to resent you because of the life they have to live.”

“And you wait until after we have sex to TELL MY THIS?” I holler. “THIS is something best discussed over comfort food and wine, NOT in the back seat of your father’s car!”

He sighs, his forehead in his palm. “I needed at least one more night with you.”

He lifts his face to meet my skeptical gaze. “I don’t want to hurt you, Vannah but the trajectory my life is on right now, I will. Hell, I ALREADY AM! I know you don’t see it the way I do, but I am trying to help you avoid wasting your life and breaking your own heart.”

We climb into the Aston Martin’s front seats, a stony silence between us. He’s absolutely correct in that I don’t see it his way, and I never will. Yet, we hold hands during the ride back to the Palace, trying to maintain our fragile connection.

It's something that I hate How everyone's disposable

Two weeks later, I am sitting in House Beaumont at the breakfast table, nibbling on chicken apple sausage and toast. My phone is placed beside my plate, but I have no notifications, no texts, no emails. I haven’t heard from Leo in three days. That is when our communications ended; my last message to him sits on delivered.

Unread.

The night before he left for his cruise, Leo slipped into my room unannounced. I gasp in fright and disbelief; we haven’t spoken since our last time together. Since he dumped me. I stare at him as the shock and surprise of the Crown Prince being in my South Wing bedroom dissipates. He returns my gaze steadily as he strides to me and pulls me almost harshly against him.

His lips seek mine, and our kiss is salty from tears; I still don’t know if they were mine or Leo’s.  With only Nora Jones crooning in the background, we hastily undress each other; my dress falls atop his shirt. His pants fall against my bra; our underwear tangles as they join the heap piled upon the carpet.

I kiss his neck softly as I straddle his lap. He marks mine as his lips and mouth blaze a trail down my body. He kisses the inside of my thighs before whispering he’s in love with me too; he then feasted upon my sex, and I think I died a little bit.

Night is lifting, a hidden sun streaking the sky with oranges and pinks when he leaves, promising to text me every day.

“SAVANNAH! Why is your phone on the table during a meal? And sit up straight, you’re slouching again!”

Bertrand’s overdramatic reprimand jostles me from my reverie, and I roll my eyes. I drop my sausage onto my plate. I’m not really hungry; the smell of strong-brewed coffee and the sight of eggs is making me nauseous. Maxwell’s eyes meet mine and he gives me a sympathetic look; I shake my head reassuringly before turning to face his brother.

“My apologies, Your Grace. I mistakenly assumed that since you were reading the newspaper, my phone would be acceptable this morning,” I say in a conciliatory tone.

The Duke looks flustered, obviously expecting a different reaction. I take the time to study the features he has grown into. However, becoming the youngest Duke at Cordonian court in centuries has taken a toll on him: his brow is constantly in a state of furrow, and his mouth is forever downturned. His eyes are filled with worry and disdain.

Despite this, Bertrand is extremely good-looking. Most assholes are.

I ask to be excused; the nausea is rising and I’m feeling light-headed.

“Are you okay, Sav?” Maxwell asks in concern.

“I’ll be fine,” I say convincingly.

As I leave, I hear a cellphone ring, but it isn’t mine, so I don’t care.

Two more weeks pass, and I realize I am pregnant.  My cycle is six weeks late, my breasts are swelling and slightly tender to the touch, and certain smells make me nauseous. Of course it’s Leo’s, he is my first and only lover. No one knows; I’m too in shock to tell anyone. And who would I tell?

Leo is the obvious choice, but he has yet to respond to any of my messages. The newspapers and social media are exploding with news of a supposed abdication and accounts of his adventures with some mystery woman from the cruise ship. There are photos of them taking in tourist sites, sneaking underneath a fence covered with NO TRESPASSING signs, feeding each other street food.

Rumor has it he returned to Cordonia briefly with the woman in tow, abdicated the Crown, broke off his relationship with Madeleine, and disappeared like a thief in the night.

I don’t believe any of it. He was in love with me, he said so. He would have told me if he were abdicating. He would have rushed to me to tell me the wedding was off.

Wouldn’t he?

Except he was no longer speaking to me ….

And then one random night when everything changes You won't reply and we'll go back to strangers

Tagging: @jared2612 ​@ao719 @marietrinmimi​ @indiacater​​​ @kingliam2019​ @bebepac @liamxs-world @mom2000aggie​​​ @liamrhysstalker2020​​​ @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @superharriet @busywoman​​​ @gabesmommie1130 @tessa-liam​​​ @beezm @gardeningourmet​​​ @lovingchoices14​​​ @mainstreetreader @angelasscribbles​​​ @lady-calypso @emkay512 @princessleac1 @charlotteg234 @alj4890​ @motorcitymademadame​​​ @queenmiarys @choicesficwriterscreations

#dcbbw writes #enjoy the angst #leo rys #savannah walker #writer on tumblr

[sagittariusmars2]

(Top to bottom) gifts or talents you were born with

Pile 1

I see that you can naturally ward off evil or negative energy, you may be a transmuter of energy as well. I see that you have a very strong energy that can feel invasive to things or people that aren’t good for you, i see that you could be really sensitive to energies or you make others emotional/triggered with your energy. Signs- Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn. Initials- R, O, J, C, Q, A

Pile 2

I see that you were born with a great intuition, I see that you were born with a lot of strength or really strong immune system. I see that you barely get sick or you heal fast, I see that you have a great memory. You have a talent of staying calm in tough situations, I see that you have amazing optimism. I see that you were blessed with charm and you make a impression on most people you meet. Signs- Virgo, cancer. Initials- L, Q, S

Pile 3

I see that you were born with the talent inspiring others or giving others hope, I see that you have magnetic energy and you could make friends easily. I see that your optimism or problem solving is a talent, I see that you’re good at adapting and processing your emotions. Signs- libra/Leo, initials- G, T, O

Please watch my 18+ pick a card reading on YouTube, personal readings always available

#virgo #capricorn #gemini #pisces #earth signs #intuitive #tarot #tarotcommunity #oracle #intuitive readings #oracle reading #tarot reading #cartomancy #spirituality #pac #tarot readers of tumblr #tarotblr #oraclereader #oracle reader #oracle community #oracle cards #intuitive reader #intuitive reading #general reading #spiritual advisor #card divination #divination #trending #viral #tarot cards

[flower-seeks-the-moon]

Your Move (III. Pianissimo: Castling, White)

fandom: our life: beginnings and always

relationships: main character/baxter ward

characters: main character, baxter ward, side characters appearing

words: 5042

Read on AO3 (must be logged in) or below the cut.

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

- Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

Between the two of them, it’s her who first crosses the minuscule gap between their lips.

He’s given her just the smallest margin to take back her words — the last warning for Little Red to never stray off the path as she enters the dense, dark woods. If she takes back her acceptance of this summer courtship, he tells himself that he’ll be alright: he’s seen it. The glimmer of hesitance in her eyes at the knowledge that this would be but a midsummer night’s dream shared between them.

Baxter would be fine if this ephemeral connection ends. But would she?

He tells himself that he’s given her fair warning. Perhaps if he reminds himself enough times, he’ll believe it.

And yet… wasn’t he also the one to present it as a harmless, low-stakes affair?

Baxter Ward, you really are the worst, he tells himself as he melts into the kiss.

She’s soft against him; he cups the back of her head like she’s made of glass. One hand hovers in between them in uncertainty until he captures it with his, as he’s longed to this whole day. Up this close, he catches a whiff of her, an intoxicating mix of vanilla and jasmine. He wants to swallow her whole like the wretched wolf, but holds himself at bay: Baxter Ward will be a gentleman.

As he pulls back, his eyes narrow at the way she chases his lips for more. 

Greedy little thing, isn’t she?

“Perhaps I should have anticipated that you’d be the one to pull a move on me, so soon. You’re always been quite daring.”

She raises a brow, soft cheeks aglow with heat and shining eyes brighter than the stars on a clear summer night. He needs her to stop looking at him like that, else he won’t be able to stop... “Is that a compliment, Mr. Ward?”

He cups her jaw in his hand, brushing his thumb over her lip; her gloss smears a faint pink on his skin. Baxter hardly notices this, though he knows he will stare at it later. Intent on the shiver his motions elicit, he murmurs, “It’s far from unwelcome, truly.” With one last swipe, he settles for something much less dangerous. He takes her into his arms, feeling her own wrap around his back.

They hold each other for a moment longer, her head slotting under his chin like the missing piece of a puzzle.

“Well, then. At the risk of sounding like a broken record - have a good night, Wisteria.”

They step back from each other, slow and reluctant. She lets out a gusty sigh as she looks up at him once more, a wry grin creeping forth.

“Goodnight, Baxter.”

He watches her until she’s safely slipped into her house.

“Sweetie! You’re back! I heard the door open…” A couple of loud voices, likely her mothers’, and warm light welcome Wisteria. She moves as if to slip through the entrance, when she pauses and glances over her shoulder. 

Baxter puts on a smile, just in time, for the brief moment she looks back at him and nods. 

And then, she’s gone; he’s once again reminded that he’s just a tourist, here to sightsee , not to be a part of someone’s life. 

The front door to the Blanc residence closes.

And he remains standing there; a singular, adrift figure on the darkening street, for a little while longer. Until the silence of his condo can no longer go unheeded.

Wisteria across street! : Good morning, Baxter. I take it that you’ve had a wonderful night? Or I hope so. Today, I would like for you to open a spot in your flexible schedule. You are hereby invited to dinner with the Blanc family at six pm. I’ll pick you up at your doorstep, ten minutes before.

Wisteria across street!: how was that? rate it for me, lover boy

Twinkletoes: A riveting ten out of ten, my dear Wisteria. I have no choice but to oblige such a gracious overture from your family. Now, I must find a proper gift for my hosts, with haste.

Wisteria across street!: oh. thanks. this isn’t optional, btw.

Wisteria across street!: my moms want to see you.

Wisteria across street!: or as Liz calls you, my “gentleman caller”

Twinkletoes: Far be it for me to turn down such a request. Now, do any of your family members happen to be allergic to certain foods?

Elizabeth Blanc is more than just a little intimidating, sitting so proper on the living room couch with the airs of a monarch entertaining her subjects. The true queens of this little kingdom, of course, are off to the kitchen. Their indulgent grins can be seen if one only cares to turn their head. He can’t pretend to be unaware of the little snickers coming from Pamela as Noelani elbows her, but he can surely try... If only for his girlfriend’s sake.

The youngest of the family is absent from his side, shooting him helpless looks as they set her on the crucial task of preparing the dining table. For someone so unafraid to brandish her claws at him since their very first meeting, Wisteria is docile around her family.

“So you’re the charmer who’s got Ria all wound up lately? Nice to meet you again.”

It takes little guesswork to learn where Wisteria’s occasional sharp, taunting looks come from, when faced with the inexorable evidence. He still thinks that hers are more intimidating, unassailable grey against her sister’s sharp brown eyes. It is completely absent in this instance in this occasion, the glimpses he catches of her face showing him a look of silent panic.

“The pleasure is all mine, Elizabeth.” He meets her keen smile with one of his own. “Thank you for inviting me to partake in your family’s evening meal.”

The elder Blanc sister waves one airy hand.

“No need to thank us, you’ll probably be seeing us more.” Her eyes crinkle at the edges. “Moms have wanted to learn more about you. Even before you swept my little sister off her feet.”

The little sister scoffs as she gingerly carries a steaming platter. “I was not swept off. It was a more mutual exchange than that.” 

Perhaps not that docile, after all…?

Baxter’s caught in the crossfire between sisters as she flicks a warning look at him. He grins at her, saccharine-sweet.

“Truly, Wisteria was the one who charmed me out of sense when she treated me like a princess, showing me the best places in your lovely town. On top of the wonderful little meals she sometimes drops off for me, I have a lot to thank her for.”

Despite the way it starts out teasing, his voice is soft and full of sincere gratitude. Her eyes widen, and soon she’s unable to hold his gaze, scurrying back to the kitchen to the tittering of her mothers. 

“Sis…” Elizabeth snickers, watching them both with a worrying glint in her eye. “You love to play it cool, but you were red as a lobster when you came inside that night. The last time you were this flustered was when that Suarez boy proposed to you, and back then you were more concerned about how to react appropriately than anything!”

Smack.

His lovely, mostly implacable, oftentimes sharp and observant, utterly adorable girlfriend… Turns around so fast, she stumbles in her slippers and bumps hard into the kitchen island with her hip. She yelps, slamming her palms flat on the countertop. For a moment, all is still. And then she takes a deep breath in, exhales through her nose.

Familiar motions, somehow. A language he knows how to speak, heard from the lips of someone else. It feels so very alien, to watch someone correct themselves before they show distress, and for that someone to not be himself.

“I was. Thirteen. Saying ‘thanks, you too’ isn’t weird.” Despite the pain making her bite out her words, Wisteria keeps a straight face. She doesn’t meet anyone’s gaze.

Baxter finds this concerning. He rises up from his appointed seat before he can think better of it. It’s only when he’s close enough to grab her that he comes to his senses. His hand comes up to touch her arm, only to stop short and hover by her skin. Don’t overstep, her family is here and she’ll prefer them over you. “Wisteria? Forgive me, but that seemed quite painful. Are you alright?”

Somehow, this is enough to rouse her mothers and sister out of their stupor, for better or worse.

Noelani reacts first, amber eyes wide as she exclaims, “My dear! That was quite the fall…” Unlike him, she touches her daughter, patting her back. “You could sit down with Baxter and Liz, now.”

“We’ll handle this,” her wife follows up, already taking charge of the situation as she looks over the remaining dishes to be served. Before she takes to the task, however, Pamela shoots her elder daughter a frown. “Elizabeth Blanc, do not tease your sister too much for this dinner.”

The elder sister finally speaks, contrite enough to wince as she eyes her little sister. “I’m sorry, sis. That was a bit too much.” 

“I’m fine.” Wisteria shrugs her mother’s hand off, composure back in place, even if it’s… Dubious. She turns to him; with one look into his face, the forced smile on her lips falls flat. “But I’ll take you up on that offer, mother dearest.” Sprightly, her words are, as if the entire situation is just a trifling matter to brush under the rug. 

For all he knows, maybe it is. 

So he inserts himself into the conversation, hoping that there is something he could at least do. Turn up the charm, Baxter; distract her, do anything you must. Make sure this evening will be a good one for your summer crush. He can do that much, can’t he? “Let’s not pass up this chance, shall we? Come sit with me, darling.” 

Her fingers entwine with his. With a small laugh, she pulls on his arm to guide him back to the living room. “Have you been waiting for this?”

“Of course.” Baxter settles on the couch, tugging her down with him. Because he can feel the elder sister’s attention on him, not to mention her mothers being nearby, he tenses up when she presses up against him. She cuddles against his side, nudging her head against his shoulder and sighing into his shirt. Affection, freely given, even under the eyes of her family, all of whom must see him as an outsider.

It makes him feel like less of one. As if he truly could have a place in this house. 

Odd how that works.

His face feels hot, despite the air-conditioned living room. But he takes this in stride, and grins as he nudges her back. “I do hope that you and your family will be delighted with my gift.” The aforementioned gift sits on their coffee table, right beside the little potted succulent. A box of chocolate truffles, sourced from the best chocolatier he could find with his connections.

He had shopped for it on short notice, years of etiquette lessons impressing the need to be a perfect dinner guest. Despite, for all intents and purposes, this dinner being a casual affair. When was the last time he was invited along to a dinner like this? Baxter remembers sitting down to a hot, homemade meal years ago; the taste of Mrs. Murray’s gingerbread and hot cider is still easy to recall, all these years later. But he knows that if he tried gingerbread and cider now, it wouldn’t taste the same without his friends’ laughter and voices around the table.

“... Your girlfriend is a chocolate addict, Baxter Ward.” Elizabeth smirks at him, though he notes that there’s less of a bite to it now. She no longer seems like a lioness sizing up a belligerent stray male who is intruding on the pride. He is unsure what to make of this. “You did just fine. Though we might need to be fast or else we wouldn’t even get to try any of them out.”

Wisteria scoffs aloud, though she doesn’t stir from her cozy position using his shoulder as a cushion. “I have better manners than that.”

“Really, sis? You? Remember the time you ran off with the fruit bouquet Mr. Holden gave us, and shared it willy-nilly with his son and Derek Suarez?”

“Why do you remember so many things that I did when I was thirteen?”

“It’s my duty as the eldest to keep a record of our family history, duh.”

“Fine. I’ll eat your share of the chocolate, just you wait.”

“Hah, knew it. You can try, little sister.”

Watching the sisters, Baxter wonders — not for the first time, whenever he sees siblings — what life would have been like, if his illustrious parents had deemed it worth bringing another life into the world after him. He promptly feels sickened enough to purge the idea from his mind. It would not be like this: a living room with parents who truly care enough to look at their daughters with the most achingly soft eyes, cooking dinner with their own hands. 

The scent that tickles his nose — Hawaiian cuisine, Noelani had said so earlier — is so far removed from the incredible, yet oh-so-empty French and other European cuisines that so often grace the expansive dining table of his family estate.

Movement against his shoulder drags him out of the heavy mire that his thoughts have become. “Hey, wanna come up to my room later?” His eyebrows fly up at the way Wisteria phrases her request, grin widening. She catches on just a split second later, and blanches. Baxter briefly mourns the loss of her warmth against his shoulder as she sits bolt upright. “Oh, shit- Ma, it’s not like that.” 

Too late. They’re beset on all sides by blatant stares. 

Cupping her cheek in her palm, Noelani giggles at her own daughter. Ever the one to so gleefully stir the pot, even if she seems the sweeter parent. “Whatever isn’t like what, Ria?”

Wisteria squints at her mother, the slight jut of her bottom lip quite mulish. “I was gonna invite him to play… Chess. Or watch me play music, whichever.” She huffs out, and sags against the back of the couch. “And not whatever weird things you two are clearly imagining.”

Her two mothers share a silent look, gauging the situation. Despite the teasing way Noelani responded, there’s still some unspoken boundaries within this house. And this is confirmed when Pamela speaks in her place. “Well, you two are of age. Plus Baxter here seems like quite the gentleman.” Her dark eyes pierce his, pinning him in place. “And it’s not as if he’s the first boy who’s been in your room. The neighbor’s son actually climbs into your window whenever he feels like it.”

Baxter can’t quite control the expression that steals across his face, when he hears that. Whatever it must have been, he hears Elizabeth snort as she watches him.

“Cove’s like a brother to her, so I dunno about that argument, Mom.”

Noelani intervenes, once again, with a gentle look aimed his way. “I think it will be fine. Wisteria is already eighteen, Pam.” She squeezes her arm around her wife’s midsection and tilts her head. “Now, shall we eat? I don’t know about you all, but I am pretty hungry for that huli-huli chicken.”

“What do you know, I feel the same way,” Wisteria says, eager to grab on to the lifeline that her mother is gracious to hold out. She stands up, stretching her arms above her head with an absent mutter. He might have been better off if he wasn’t watching; her cream-colored, oversized graphic tee rides up, showing off the black jean shorts that only cover her legs down to mid-thigh. 

When she had come to pick him up for dinner, he had noticed what she was wearing. There just was never a good time to appreciate it. Now he’s abruptly reminded again, and in front of her family.

Not for the first time, Baxter wonders if she’s a test that some deity put on earth for him to pass. He chuckles as he agrees with her, turning away. “If it is anything like what she let me try, consider me famished.” 

Everyone else murmurs in agreement, heading towards the dinner table. As he’s deliberating on where to sit, a hand grabs his forearm. Wisteria leads him to sit down beside her on one side of the long table; Pamela and Noelani, being proper hosts, sit on either end. This situates him closer to Noelani, with Elizabeth sitting across from her sister. A glance at his girlfriend betrays to him that this is all intentional on her part.

With seating arrangements settled, he casts a curious eye at the offerings on the table. Baxter considers himself to be adventurous enough. When he has to live up to the title of tourist, exploring everything this place has to offer and enjoying it, to spit at what his parents are attempting?  This is even more important.

The tupperware meals that Wisteria Blanc gives him, from time to time, are nice. A younger version of himself would have balked at being offered what his parents would sneer at as leftovers , unworthy of gracing the Ward dining table — despite it being the very same food that they were not able to finish the night before, on that same damned dining table. He’s learned to be much less a fastidious eater, since attending college. But not by much, considering it’s still a private institution attended by young adults of similar economic standing as him.

And yet, faced with a freshly-cooked Blanc dinner, he finds himself frozen in indecision. Should he pick the chicken that Noelani had mentioned, first? Or should that fragrant-smelling rice be his first choice? What if Wisteria had helped make something, should he get that and praise her for her efforts, make her happy as a good boyfriend?

“Give me your plate.” A delicate hand picks up his plate. He turns, halfway, to blink at Wisteria. Her lips twitch as she turns towards the table. Without a word, she begins piling his plate with food. Under the amused gaze of her entire family, she picks out what he assumes are the best choices… 

For him. Baxter feels his chest tighten, and looks at the plate she sets down before him once it’s over. “Tell me if it’s too much, I’ll take the extra off your hands.”

“What have I done,” he wonders aloud, uncaring of who hears. “To deserve such wholesome, solicitous treatment, my dear girlfriend?” If he’s the only one aware of how truthful this question is, instead of the joke they must take it for —  it’s between him and the same deity who’s testing him with this woman.

His dear girlfriend rolls her eyes and turns to her own food, spearing a hunk of chicken on her fork. “Gee, I don’t know. Perhaps it’s because you are my boyfriend. Or the time you insisted on paying for dinner, at The Cypress. Or I just like looking out for you, when you look so lost.”

I just like looking out for you echoes far too loud in his headspace. His face feels hot again, but he focuses instead on taking a bite out of the food she so thoughtfully got for him. 

It… It’s not the ginger bread or the hot cider of his youth, not the autumnal dishes that he’s grown up trying with his friends. It’s not an exquisite French cassoulet, stewed painstakingly within a Dutch oven for hours, or a masterfully made soufflé prepared by a wealthy household’s skilled cook. And yet, Baxter feels the flavors burst on his taste buds, unmatched by almost any other food he’s tried on his extensive trips outside the country with his family.

He closes his eyes, feels Wisteria’s stare burn into the side of his face. Of all the attractions that Sunset Bird holds for a man like him, a man whose first choice isn’t a seaside town so close to the ocean he’s so afraid of… This might be his favorite. An experience that, for him, will never be replicated: not with the way his relationships go.

It’s the taste of home, and he’s never experienced this comfort within the house he grew up in; it’s a nearly foreign feeling. Baxter will treasure this, for the days to come when he no longer has Sunset Bird to call as his temporary home.

“That good, huh?” Mutters Wisteria, low enough for only him to hear. “Well, eat up. There’s plenty more where that comes from.”

“See, Pam, I told you that fried rice was a great idea!” Noelani exclaims at her wife, from one end of the table to the other. “You were worried about it being appropriate for dinner, but look, he likes it.”

With some unseen effort, he turns his attention to his hosts. “It’s wonderful. I have not experienced home cooking like this for quite some time, much less Hawaiian cuisine prepared authentically by someone like Mrs. Noelani.” To think that their daughters grew up eating this, he leaves unsaid, he is… not just a little bit envious.

The two older women share yet another look with words unspoken between them. Baxter feels himself tense a bit, wondering if he conveyed himself appropriately enough, when Pamela replies. “We make a bit extra these days, what with the Holdens sometimes eating dinner here, with us… So! Wisteria takes those containers to you often, correct? We can cut the middleman.” She raises her brows at him. “What I mean to say is, you’re welcome to come over, if you want.”

Why did they have to put him on the spot, like this? Not that he’s unused to such situations, but… 

“But only if you want to,” Wisteria cuts in, sharp as she assesses him. He wants to hide his face, this time, but that would be impolite. “I’d also like to eat with you, at your place. Girlfriend rights, and all that.”

Baxter resorts to the best weapon he’s honed for years, once again, and smiles with his lips closed. “I would be very amenable to either such options, Mrs. and Mrs. Blanc. Perhaps once a week should be good?” He’s only here for the summer, but that should be enough not to make them think he’s ungrateful. How could he be when they’ve treated him like this?  

But it has to be infrequent enough that he’s not in danger of entrenching himself too deep. 

This reminder is like a cold splash of water in his face, but his smile remains affixed through years of practice. He pushes through it, and murmurs with a soft grin her way. “And of course, Wisteria is welcome to my place whenever she wants.”

Dinner continues at a pleasant, unhurried pace. In between bites of food, amidst the clinking of silverware and glass, he waits for the expected motive behind this invitation. He’s prepared for the probing questions about where he studies, what he’s studying, and where he’s from. A reply is on the tip of his tongue for any questions dancing around the topic of his own family. We live on a fair-sized estate, out of town… Words he’s uttered with practice to people who try to get to know him.

Wisteria may have questioned him during their date, but years of ingrained habits have taught him to remain vigilant.

The questions don’t come. Pamela and Noelani Blanc instead give him such warm grins as they pepper him with questions about the sights he’s seen in Sunset Bird, if he’s comfortable with his accommodations, and how his health is coming along. Is he able to relax, taking a semester off? 

“Sunset Bird is enchanting.” His own answer comes as a surprise to him, how easily it comes out without being a disgusting untruth. “I have never been elsewhere with such welcoming people. The view does take some getting accustomed to.” Here, he laughs, a touch dry. Looking at the endless expanse of blue on the coast is still a little gut-wrenching, but they don’t need to know that. “But I believe it shall be less daunting, with Wisteria by my side.”

Elizabeth hums to herself, eyeing her sister with a furtive raised brow. “It’s surprising. Ria usually doesn’t go out much, but this summer seems to be all about experiencing as much as she could before she goes to college. And you are part of why she doesn’t stay holed up inside.” 

That’s… Baxter compels himself to ignore how much that implies. “I think, between the two of us, we can endeavor to make this an unforgettable summer.”

She turns on him, displays what seems to be a recurring family trait of pinning him in place with a single look. “Feels like you’re good for each other, that way? Sheesh,” Elizabeth lets out an aggrieved noise, pointing her fork at him in accusation. “I planned on being difficult, but you kinda won me over. What’s your secret, Victorian Emo Man?”

Good for each other? You? If only they knew.

He blinks at her, all innocence and confusion. Beside him, Wisteria chokes back a laugh as he replies with every ounce of self-possession within him. “Certainly, I’m glad to hear it. I would so hate it if two of her favorite people are at odds with each other. Wouldn’t you?” After a pregnant pause where they both watch the myriad expressions on Elizabeth’s face, he turns toward the snickering mess beside him. 

It takes a good moment to recollect herself. “... Okay, okay,” she sighs, smugness lending a certain edge to the smile she flashes her sister. “That face is good enough for me. I won’t eat her share of the chocolate at two am when I know she’s asleep.”

“Oh god. There’s two of them.” As her elder sister gives an affected shudder, their mothers look on with satisfaction. 

This dinner is a tentative success, even with the awkward way it began.

He never did get to see her room after dinner. The hour passes by him like sand slipping through the narrow gaps between his fingers. That evening only leaves him with the impression of dizzying warmth and acceptance; the last thing he remembers is silken strands of fine ombre hair tickling his neck as lithe arms squeeze him tight before he leaves. Baxter can only assume that he stumbled into his condo afterwards. Perhaps he had one of the best sleeps he’s ever had (he can count such occasions with the fingers of one hand).

Wisteria texts him the morning after, though he only gets to read it around lunchtime.

Wisteria across street!: ok so you didn’t get to visit my room but  Wisteria across street!: the invitation is still open Wisteria across street!: though uh Wisteria across street!: you should try the front door first instead of pulling a cove holden. no need to give my moms heart attacks. my room is upstairs and i don’t know if you’ve ever climbed up a wall.

Sitting alone in a café, Baxter taps out a reply, careful consideration going into each and every word. He’s in rather high spirits, enough that he feels awake even when the black coffee he ordered sits mostly untouched on top of his table. 

Twinkletoes: You wound me with your lack of faith in my climbing skills, Ria. But yes, I believe coming to your room for the first time deserves a bit more decorum than stealing in through your window like some rogue. Wisteria across street!: … are you calling the literal human cinnamon roll that is cove james holden a rogue? Wisteria across street!: wait Wisteria across street!: you called me ria.

His lips curl in satisfaction as he waits for his order. It’s easy to picture it, the rosy hue of her cheeks and ears to match the wide-eyed look on her face. What more could happen, if he whispers it while leaning in close enough to watch the expression on her face bloom?

“Your breakfast quiche, sir.”

“Wonderful. Thank you for such prompt service,” he acknowledges the waitress with a brief smile before he turns back to his phone. 

Twinkletoes: Oh? Do you not want me to address you by that? Wisteria across street!: you can Wisteria across street!: i was just surprised Wisteria across street!: anyway, you’re probably gonna get an opportunity to come over very soon. terri, miranda and cove want to meet up this sunday. Wisteria across street!: we’re gonna hang out at the beach

… His stomach twists when he reads her last message. Setting his phone down, he starts on his brunch. The pastry tastes like nothing in his mouth, but he has to eat to keep up his energy. He’s not so dysfunctional a young adult as to forget that. Though this is what his parents believe, to go so far as to sequester him for his vacation so near the ocean.

So what if he’s always feared the unfathomable depths of a body of water that makes up seventy percent of the earth?

Children ought to grow up and learn how to stomach their vegetables. This is not so different, though his parents have never given enough of a damn to check if their ten-year old son could digest a heavy cream soup while he was sweating and shivering in bed, caught up in a fever. The maid made sure he was able to eat some bread, so what did it matter if he threw up most of that dinner? 

The quiche sits like a dead weight in his gut when he picks up his phone. 

I would love to come appreciate the beach with everyone. Your thoughtfulness, including me in your plans, is incredible. To play host to me before your scheduled gathering, even more so. I look forward to seeing you all.

Author's Comment: So I don't know if it's a cultural difference, since I'm not American. But I found it kind of... odd? How the DLC never brought up if the MC's family never tried to get to know the boy she's suddenly announced herself dating to them. I know that it takes time for some people to bring home their significant others to meet their families, that's pretty normal. But I think it's a mite different when your teenage daughter/sister is suddenly dating someone from right across the street. You would think they would invite him over for a meal or two.

Since I'm Filipino, some of the cultural stuff that I've grown up with are intentionally included: namely, giving food in tupperware containers to your neighbors if you made too much, sometimes also sharing fruit you bought, etc. Within the story, this is explained by Noelani also having some Filipino heritage (even if she is majority Hawaiian). Wisteria is a Fil-Chi mestizo. This is rounded out with her elder sis Liz canonically being Filipino.

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#our life #our life: beginnings & always #baxter ward #fanfiction #luna's fics #baxter ward x mc

[leorai4life]

Analysing Leorai - differentiating rumours from reality (a 3 part analysis)

Introduction

To this day, Leorai (2012) remains a controversial ship as many view it as incestrious and therefore taboo. I understand why many would view it as much - especially if those in question haven't watched the 2012 show - and that without proper analysis the concept of "adoptive brother and sister in love" sounds pretty bad. However, I for one can say with certainty that Leorai is not a ship that is not as simple as revolving around two adopted siblings in love - as characters, be it platonically or romantically, Leo and Karai's relationship has many layers that cannot be dulled down to being one thing or the other.

Before I start this analysis, I just want to say if you're an anti Leorai shipper or just not a big fan of shipping in general, that's cool! I'm not trying to convince you to like this ship or anything - however I do hope that in reading this you can learn to respect those who do ship it.

Aspect Analysis 1 - Siblings? So, a common argument for why Leorai is "wrong" is that it's promoting incest. Well let's look at Leo and Karai's parental relationships and discuss that:

Although they both technically share a father, Splinter is barely granted the chance to form a paternal bond with Karai due to the fact that he didn't get to raise her, nor spend time with her once the truth had been revealed. Even when she was brought back to the lair and reunited with her blood father, she still chose getting vengeance over getting to know and love her blood father. Leo on the other hand was raised by Splinter since he was a child and views him as his beloved father and sensei. He looks up to his adoptive father for guidance and emotional support; he is Leo's role model, and essentially all Leo wishes to be as the new sensei.

When we compare the bond Leo has with Splinter to Karai's, Leo had more experience being Splinter's son/ward than Karai did. Even Splinter's death had more of an impact on Leo than it did Karai; Leo was filled with anger and despair and continued to "talk" to Splinter when seeking guidance, whilst upon hearing of his death Karai's response was more reserved than distraught. This is an understandable reaction, as within a couple of weeks Karai had had her whole life exposed as a lie, became a mutant, got brainwashed and on top of all that didn't even get to form an emotional and parental connection with her one true father before he too was taken from her. So yeah, it's no wonder she wasn't able to emotionally process his death like the others did (heck, even April and Casey are more bonded with Splinter than Karai is).

So to relate back to my initial point of both Leo and Karai technically sharing a father, they each share him for a different reason: Leo is Splinter's son by a lifelong bond, whilst Karai is Splinter's daughter by blood. This difference in reasoning does not make either one of them any less of Splinter's child, but this difference does make them be less seen as siblings from each other's POV. Leo was raised with his blood-brothers by the same father/sensei, under the same roof and with a shared family dynamic - so he of course views them as siblings. This is why something like Raph x Leo differs drastically from Leorai as Raph and Leo have always treated one another as siblings because it's what they're used to - so turning that dynamic romantic would make both of them extremely uncomfortable. However, Karai enters the Turtles' lives when they're well into their teens - aka, when they're beyond extreme (emphasis on extreme) influence. On top of that, her first introduction to them was 'Shredder's daughter'/'a Foot Clan kunoichi' - so taking her home and attempting to accept her as a sister didn't really work as there was an already established family dynamic between the brothers and Splinter which Karai hadn't been around to be a part of. This is why she's mainly viewed as a close friend/distant family by the bois (although bless Mikey for at least ATTEMPTING to give her the opportunity to be their sister).

Karai even distances herself from forming any sort of familial bond with the Turtles by refusing to join their Dojo and rarely instigating missions with them unless absolutely desperate - instead she opts to rebuild the Foot Clan under her rule and take her life into her own hands. And if anything, she builds herself in the image of The Shredder - a powerful leader with an arsenal of ninjas at her disposal - but with the heart and honour of her father. When Mikey queried why Karai didn't come home with them, Leo states "Well, she's not a little kid anymore - she wants to take control of her own life"; in a way, this indicates that Karai doesn't want the burden of being a part of a family. Perhaps after living a life of lies under a tyrannical "father" she just wanted to be her own person on her own - literally (well, aside from Shini).

So to answer the query of "Aren't they technically siblings?" the answer is logically no, as they do not share a sibling bond psychologically or even biologically; Leo is literally a giant talking turtle mutant...she's a human-mutant hybrid...they literally could not be more NOT related lol.

Anyways, onto the next point:

Aspect Analysis 2 - "The Turtles are blood relatives of Splinter"

I see a lot of antis use this point in an argument, saying that the Turtles share blood with Splinter so they are blood relatives.

Now speaking specifically about the 2012 show, we never get an official confirmation that the brothers and Splinter share blood. I've even searched interviews with Ciro Nieli and the most he's said is that "All the turtles share a piece of Splinter" - though he was talking trait-wise...so...yeah.

My personal view is that since they are linked to the last thing they touched (be it the pet store owner, a bunch of curious kids or Splinter himself), I do believe they share a connection with Splinter - but not in the sense that the same blood runs through their veins. I believe that when the Turtles and Splinter mutated, the Turtles humanoid appearance was created by the shared contact of the pet store owner, curious kids, and of course Splinter. The mutagen used the fundamentals of all these humans' DNA to basically ~evolutionise~ the Turtles into their humanoid selves (think of it as though they're a combination of turtle and a dose of general human DNA).

As far as I can tell, the only thing the human interaction with Hamato Yoshi (Splinter) got them is some of his core traits - a sense of honour and leadership for Leo, a fierce and protective fighting spirit for Raph, creativity and ability to improvise when under pressure for Mikey, and ingenuity for Donnie. Physically, it seems only Donnie gained something from Splinter (his reddish-brown eyes and natural tall stature) whilst the other brothers must have gained their distinctive physical traits from the other human contacts; such as Mikey, Raph and Leo having different eye colours than Splinter, Mikey's freckles, and Donnie's overbite and gap tooth. My personal headcanon is that Mikey got his empathic traits and love for pets from the pet shop owner hehe.

So essentially Splinter's foundational pieces of DNA helped to shape their roles on the team (leader, warrior, inventor and creative-and-spontaneous-ball-of-butt-kicking).

I guess a question would be "but if they all did a blood test, would Splinter be found to be related????" - my answer to that is yes, though very distantly, as their main DNA result would be a turtle (duh...) whilst the rest is a jumble of the other humans' DNA. Think of it as though you did a DNA test and got a match with a bunch of random people - it is possible to share a small amount of DNA with someone and not be related. In other words, it's possible to share genetic material and not share a common ancestor or any identifiable genealogical connection.

Aspect Analysis 3 - "INCEST!"?

This relates back to point 1 where I discussed whether Leo and Karai see each other as siblings and whether shipping them should be considered promotion of incestrious behaviours. This answer is actually really simple: no, Leorai does not encourage incest.

Why not? Because incest, by definition means "sexual relations between people classed as being too closely related to marry each other". And guess what? Not only are Leo and Karai not closely related, but they never did the deed, or even kissed. They didn't even become 'official' official in the show, so calling Leorai incest is not a fact.

In all honesty, Leorai is my favourite ship of the show because unlike the other ships they didn't need to be physical with each other (e.g. kissing, arms around each other, tight hugs, carrying in arms) to show the audience that they cared deeply for one another. They showed their love through emotional connection and the "little things". Leorai is much like Zutara for me in this sense; I'm happy with what we got because it felt more like two characters building a genuine connection that would lead to an eventual romantic relationship (be it in show or not) than having to shove it in our faces that "tHEY'rE iN LOve beCaUSe tHEy KisSed!" (*cough* Kataang).

If you as a writer can make two characters have a romantic connection without having to make them get physical then you know you've written a relationship - heck, you know you've written the characters - right. And my personal headcanon is that Leo and Karai would share an asexual relationship eventually; no smut, just wholesome love :3

To conclude: Leorai is not incest. Not biologically, not psychologically, and not even romantically. I know not everyone will agree with this as many prefer to just stick with the most popular opinion so they don't cause controversy and that's fine - but heck, I'm tired of hiding my love for this ship cuz "I'll upset someone". That someone can be offended all they want, but I'm still not gonna change myself to suit their agenda.

I'm too old to keep getting involved in anti-ship nonsense (in ANY fandom, tbh), so if you're an anti reading this I'm not gonna try fight your opinion. You can have it, and I'll respect it cuz it's your opinion. I just hope that one day we as the internet can evolve to a point where we're smart enough to just not actively search for something we despise and only focus on what makes us happy.

As for my fellow Leorai shippers- thank you for reading my ramble! I love and appreciate all of you that continue to stand by this ship, and I hope to give you more Leorai content soon! Hopefully one that isn't a ramble, haha 💙🖤

Thanks again for reading, and have a good day/evening!

#leorai #tmnt leorai #leorai 2012 #leo x karai #tmnt leo x karai #tmnt 2k12 #tmnt 2012 #tmnt leo #tmnt leonardo #tmnt leo 2012 #tmnt karai #tmnt karai 2012 #ship rant #otp #ship essay #character analysis #tmnt analysis #leorai rant #leorai essay

[eclecticmuses]

How You Get The Boy

Author: @eclecticmuses​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Rating: Explicit Chapters: 11 Relationships/Characters: Leo Fitz/Jemma Simmons, Skye/Daisy Johnson, Alphonso "Mack" Mackenzie, Bobbi Morse, Lance Hunter, Phil Coulson, Melinda May, Grant Ward, Robert Gonzales, Anne Weaver, Antoine Triplett Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Drama, Romance, Angst, Humor, Explicit Sexual Content, Pining, Friends to Lovers Summary: When Jemma returns from her undercover assignment at Hydra, she has to grapple with the fact that her relationship with Fitz has irrevocably changed--for the worse. But is all lost? Does Fitz no longer love her? Jemma devises a surefire plan to win Fitz's affection back for good--but it doesn't always go as planned. A season 2 AU.

Excerpt from Chapter 1:

It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

In all the times Jemma had imagined her post-Hydra reunion with Fitz, she’d run through the full gamut of emotions. She’d pictured everything from smiles and embraces to anger and shouting. On her loneliest nights, she imagined being swept up into a kiss of joy. When she was feeling more pragmatic, she told herself she shouldn’t expect it to be all rainbows and sunshine. It couldn’t be, not with the circumstances of her mission.

But she’d never guessed the actual reality of it: an awkward hello, Fitz avoiding her gaze, then a silence that stretched into painful emptiness before he begged off to go back to work. Stunned and hurt, Jemma had watched him disappear into the depths of the lab while a gulf opened up inside her heart, taking any hope for a happy reunion she’d had with it.

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#Agents of SHIELD #Fitzsimmons #Leo Fitz #Jemma Simmons #eclecticfic #fs season 2 au #happy Tuesday!