#<- because i don't have the skill and enough dedication. uGH!!!!!!!

[hellamorte]

a little update on my writing process (or lack thereof) to get it off my mind lol

brief info on my writing background: i had been writing some little pieces sporadically for the past fifteen-ish years mostly in my native language but i could never commit myself to writing deeming myself incapable of it 🥲 but in march some important thing happened, and it unlocked my writing potential + i came back to reading and mastering my english. i even enrolled in the creative writing courses, it was fun and i learned many things, but since then i've been writing mostly blog posts about literature in my native tongue, and even through i did improve a lot, i have almost zero experience in 1) writing fiction 2) writing in english. so!

for the past weeks i have developed at least three solid and complex ideas for different stories but i kept discarding them for being objectively too difficult and too long for me to write now when i'm just getting into writing, and it's like a vicious circle lmao: i think that i need a simpler idea -> i pick something new -> it grows bigger and bigger the more i think about it -> i discard the idea thinking i need something simpler 😐 it frustrates the hell out of me, i want to write something simple and clear but i overcomplicate things because it's just how my mind works!! uh!!!

another thing is that i keep researching and researching feeling like i'm not ready to write yet: i don't know this character inside out, blah blah i don't know every possible piece of lore blah blah etc. i know it's mostly anxiety and self-doubt talking, i forced myself to write little drafts of various scenes that i could imagine at that particular moment, and it helped! but i still feel like i need to know 100% and then some, otherwise my story would be wrong and invalid 😀 yeah, fun!!

writing in english is so fucking difficult, at some point i just want to break in tears because i can't find the right words or grammar to express my idea, or i just can't remember the particular collocation, and I feel like everyone will pick up on my stupid mistakes and i don't know english at all 🥲 sometimes i wonder why i torture myself so much lol

i know i just need to write as much as possible but i can't even find satisfying prompts to write at least drabbles because my mind wants everything complex 😭 im gonna go insane fr

all in all i realize my issues are not even related to the writing craft but are psychological in nature and i need to deal with my perfectionism first and foremost but I just needed to vent about it all somewhere lol

possible solutions:

i will try to look for the right prompts and force myself to work around one idea

deadlines!!! it should help me with churning out something instead of constant researching and preparing

just trust myself more and stop being so harsh on myself and such a control freak oh my god 😭

[abominable-space-they]

A modern Lulaw au in which Law is a tattoo artist at a long established well respected tattoo shop owned by the Donquixote Brothers, Wild at Heart

Law's been trying to convince them to hire traditionally trained piercers to open an internal dedicated piercing studio forever but Doffy doesn't like any idea that isn't his so he keeps shutting Law down

As a compromise Rosinante starts booking extremely well respected, highly trained traveling piercers both to show Doffy it would make money and to give him a chance to imagine it was his idea all along

Luffy is a traveling piercer who's considered a huge legacy kid celebrity in the body mod community

He was born to, adopted and taught by pioneers in modern body modification. His dads are The Revolutionary Dragon & Sir Crocodile themselves.

Because Luffy's so huge in the scene, Rosi books him for the whole summer season instead of just a couple weekends

Rosinante likes Luffy's tenacity and the total lack of fucks he gives high society and their rules. If there is anyone with the skill, clout, and charisma to convince Doflamingo, it's this kid

When Law meets Luffy, he kinda hates him at first.

Luffy is dressed like he's going to the beach in late fall. Flip flops and a sun hat! Who dresses like that?! And he's way to childish for his age, way to casual with everyone, to disrespectful to the art of body modification. And to top it off he's always moving around, bouncing, bopping, and talk talk talking. Within 20 minutes of their meeting, he asks Law to take him clubbing so he can get familiar with the local queer music scene.

Law says no of course

Luffy asks again

10 million times

(Law's not tempted to just do it, he's not, he hates popularity obsessed scene gays, Luffy obliviously is one. Ugh!)

Then it's time for Luffy's first piercing appt. The client is some youngish kid. It's his birthday and he wants a piercing to celebrate being old enough to legally get one.

Luffy locks in, befriends the kid instantly, asking all manner of questions. He finds out that the kid got a job and worked after school to save up for Luffy's fee for months. He's barely scraped up enough money for a basic piercing with the basic jewelry.

Luffy's calm, confident, professional bedside manner shocks Law. He's so gently reassuring and soft spoken. It's dumbfounding to watch. It's like Luffy got body swapped with some other mature adult responsible piercer.

Before he'll even do the piercing Luffy sits down and keeps talking to the kid till he finds out what the kid actually wanted pierced, what jewelry he dreamed of and he upgrades it for free.

Afterwards Luffy gives the kid high protein snacks and a drink out of his own back pack.

When the kid hands over his card to pay, Luffy only charges him for the snack

Law: you can't just hand out free piercings, my uncle will have your head on a platter, and I for one don't feel like listening to the screaming

Luffy: Don't worry so much Lala. I paid for it. I'm not afraid of Mingo and I'm not shorting anyone.

Law: that's not my name... You know what? Nevermind. Why would you bother to upsell him and then pay for it out of pocket?

Luffy: Silly Lala, I wasn't up selling him, I was giving him what he really wanted. He's a kid. He should spend his money on making his dreams come true. Studios charge to many fees. It's why I don't really work in them. Don't worry about me so much. I won't starve to death paying for one little piercing. It's fine.

Law: Don't be ridiculous, I'm not worried about you starving to death.

Luffy, grinning like mad at him: cool. I'm hungry too. We should get something to eat before I actually do starve.

He's just to charming in such a casual sincere way... And now Law understands why Luffy is basically a folk hero, why everyone who meets him, loves him. Now going clubbing with him doesn't sound so bad.

Law: hmmm well don't go crazy waiving fees, you still have to pay your chair fees. I'll pick up the next one you just absolutely have to comp. There's food in the back for now... and I'll pick you up at nine. If I'm taking you dancing, we need to eat first. I've seen the way you put food away, constantly and like you're starving. I'm gonna feed you before you end up at some leather bar stuffed with tequila and poppers

Luffy: Leather Lala? Ooh. I didn't know we were on poppers terms. I'm a good boy, buy me dinner first. I'm hungryyyy

Law, malfunctioning in embarrassment: I am buying you dinner! I just said that! I mean... You know that's not what I meant.

Luffy: no no you asked me out, you you wanna fill me up and work me out, you started it. I'm invested now. We have to do it. We have to go on a dancing and dinner date.

Law, pretending he isn't ecstatic: fine... Just be ready at nine, I'll make reservations somewhere nice for dinner

It's the Baratie, of course it's the Baratie.

Sanji knows them both. Luffy is his boyfriend's best friend and practically lives at their place.

He and Law are both from up north, they dated way back when they were both trying to force themselves through academics. They both quit college to apprentice in the arts they loved, and decided they were better off as just friends.

They were just to much alike in all the wrong ways

They stayed friends over the years though they're both to busy with their adult lives to see each other to much

Sanji takes one look at Luffy and Law together and cackling evily, calls Nami immediately to tell her that he needs to place a bet that Luffy gets engaged or married within two years.

Nami is livid that he won't share his insider information, Luffy doesn't even date like that

Sanji: Well he's dating now Nami my sweet and totally reasonable beloved best friend. Wait till you see them together. I just know you'll agree with me.

Law, not incidentally does get invited to family dinner that weekend. He begrudgingly accepts

Luffy is ecstatic, he's already decided he's keeping Lala forever and if his real chosen family gets along with him, that makes it even easier.

It's fate. They're gonna be together forever.

Five years later when Doffy & Rosi retire to travel. Law & Luffy rename Wild at Heart, Two Wild Hearts Ink & Steel.

Luffy has his own dedicated piercing studio where he comps almost every single piercing because he just adores people so much.

He can't help himself.

Law never minds anymore. Luffy's infamous family loves to come in and pay it forward for months worth of bookings anyway... and it makes Luffy happy to do it

It turns out, Luffy being happy makes Law really deeply spiritually happy

He'd do a lot more then give up a little pocket money for that smile

He doesn't even have it in him to be embarrassed about it anymore

So what Luffy wants, Luffy gets

Thank god Luffy's favorite thing to get is Trafalgar Law, forever.

They're very happy

Doffy swears hiring Luffy was his idea

[qiutls]

TNGDH 009

Life is a series of burglaries.

At first, my life was stolen and I somehow survived, but then my human rights were stolen, then my wheel was also stolen. Now, even the shirt which I had hidden so well, has also been stolen. I don't have anything now to be robbed off of!

Is there a thief in my life. If there is, please go away.

It was clearly well hidden, I checked the way to it multiple times, even when I was in Sen's hand, I checked it again in order not to lose the way to it next time. I trusted the system's words, and hoped it could save the shirt, because it's a location I could use "Summon" in.

[ (・・= ・・) ]

Yeah, I know, it's not your fault. It's not like you tricked me into becoming a hamster, because you wanted me to take off the shirt.

The ones who found my clothes were none other than the magicians. As they searched for me at Kyle's request, they followed the flow of mana, and said they had found the clothes I had hidden in a place where traces of magic remained, albeit slightly.

I think the skill given by the system seems to be some kind of magic in this world, and the residue of it remained on the clothes I was wearing as the "Summon" was lifted.

Of course, those who would never dream of the existence of the system, seemed to believe that a deranged clothes thief entered the master's bedroom, but in actuality…

"I wish you could speak."

Kyle looked at me with a friendly look and soon sighed deeply. He continued to say.

"That's right. There's no way that you, who is as calm and kind as an angel, would've went out without a reason. Why did he try to steal you? Or was it a crazy thief, who took everything that he wanted, and you were just smart enough to find the shirt on your way back."

― Eek. [ What in the world are you saying? ]

I do know how to talk, you punk. And besides, I'm that crazy thief you're talking about.

Anyways, why is it even when you're cursing out a thief, you're still able to dish out silly praises like this. Can a hamster really be that smart?

"As expected, the thieves I first met were…"

No! No, calm down. Sit down. Are you going to beat them up? All they'll do is scream out of pain, they know nothing.

Anyways, my life hasn't improved one bit. Today, if I use the "Summon" skill, I'll still be naked. Thinking about it, the taste of rice, no, the taste of almonds is decreasing…

I smashed the walnut as hard as I could. Tuk. The walnut rolled down the slide and got stuck between the sawdust.

"Cashew Nut?"

Kyle who was about to run to the prison and hang the three thieves who had stormed into the study yesterday, quickly turned back to approach me.

He put me on his palm and began to stroke my forehead.

"Do they taste bad? Or do you not like walnuts? Should I change it to macadamias?"

Kyle rummaged through his drawer with his other hand, took out a macadamia and gave it to me.

I took a few bites out of courtesy, then he smiled brightly as if he had found a gold mine. But when I whose appetite disappeared again, stopped eating and pushed the macadamia away, he looked at me desperately with an expression of carrying all the burdens in the world.

"What's wrong with you? Why don't you have an appetite?"

Hey, who would be able to eat in this situation? I said I wanted to become human, I never said I wanted to walk around naked. I'm not Adam.

"What can I do to make you happy? If I knew how, I would spare nothing for it."

Ugh. That dedication. Such a gentle voice and eyes dripping with honey. If I weren't a mouse with a size smaller than a palm right now, I would be 100 times more romantic than you are now.

But actually, this fate is not as bad as I thought it would be.

I quite like how Duke Blake, who was said to be as cold as an ice field, petted me with a melting hand, and called my name in a warm voice. It's been a while since I received so much love for no reason.

Unlike me who was easygoing, Kyle seemed to be more worried than I thought.

"I don't want to lose you…"

He said with a deep sigh, I glanced at the book on his desk while winding myself around his palm.

< A magical beast's mana stone >

'When did you even get that.'

It seemed it took a great toll on him when the magicians said they couldn't feel any mana from me.

[ Magical beasts usually grow a heart during the growth process, and this heart is called a mana stone. Mana stones that finished forming are called 'nucleus.' When these stones are not able to form properly, the magical beasts are unable to live a long life. In severe cases, they die during the growth stage. ]

'Death… Was it that important?'

[ X_X ]

'Was there originally something like this?'

Of course, I'm just an ordinary hamster… Actually, I'm normal in a sense that I don't have a mana stone, I'm still a little unusual by the fact that I can turn into a human. But for Kyle, it was natural for him to think that my situation is a lot more serious than it looks like.

"Don't worry. It says that if you periodically inject magical power until the end of growth period, not only will it be able to live a bit longer, it will also become less feral."

Come on. Don't inject anything. I won't become feral, and I won't die. What if you inject something in me and side effects come out?

"I will do my best to take care of you. It is already too late to send you back to the wild…"

What are you talking about! If you throw me back to the fields, I'll spend 23 hours and 30 minutes in the body the size of a mouse poop and I'll become a snack for other demons for the next 30 minutes.

"What a strange thing. I've conquered the North with thousands of beasts, yet I'm worried to death by a child of those beasts."

I know, thanks to you, I can't get used to it either. Who takes care of a hamster like this.

But seeing that I don't hate him that much, it means that I seem to have some affection for him.

All my life, I've lived and done everything alone and it made me sick and tired. How can I not like someone who appeared so suddenly and treated me kindly for no reason at all.

"I don't think you've drank water all night, and you don't even have an appetite… Hmm?"

Kyle tapped me on the nose, and looked as if he wanted to shower me with kisses but afraid of causing me more stress, he resisted the temptation.

That's right, don't kiss me more than 10 times a day okay? 10 times is too much.

By the way, it's a misunderstanding that I'm not thirsty. I just chose not to drink from the water bowl because, I ran around so much yesterday and as soon as I came back to the house, I washed my feet in it. The truth is, I'm actually quite thirsty.

But I can't drink the water which I used to wash my feet in! It feels like licking the floor.

Forced to remain silent, I couldn't do anything but look up at him. Seeing me staring, he contemplated for a moment, then called the knight to bring up Sen.

"Starting from today, I want to feed it other snacks aside from nuts, do you know what food other rodents eat?"

A new diet? Sounds good. I'm looking forward to Serena's excellent answer. Serena, please be nice to me.

Can you say beef? Ah, or is that too much? Then how about, pork? Duck meat? Even chicken is fine? What else is there huh? Sheep, lamb? Maybe shrimp or fish… Whatever it is, I like it. Give me lots of delicious food!

It's about time that we change my diet. I was just thinking how I'm still as small as I am because of malnutrition.

So, protein.

Give me protein, okay?

*

"I think mealworm would do, Your Highness."

… Wait no! That's not true!

"Or crickets? If you want to train it, it would be better to feed it a barely alive cricket so it can try to hunt. That's the best meal for hamsters, so wouldn't it be the same for Cashew Nut?"

"All right."

Don't listen to it so seriously, you crazy man!

Sen fixed her glasses with a serious face and gave Kyle a menu or something. He listened to the report with an impressive face as if he had seen the discovery of the century.

What are you two doing…

"Nuts alone are not enough. You should also think about giving it fruits, and since its currently at growth period, it's best to give it protein."

"That makes sense. I'll entrust this matter to you with full authority, so prepare everything with the highest quality, okay?"

No, it's not okay!

You crazy people, what do you mean crickets. No! I hate it! I won't even touch it with my mouth. If you feed it to me, I'll scream and faint.

"We are officially starting the festival this evening, so I might be a little busy… I'll be going now, so I can come back early in the evening."

Kyle held out a pocket full of money without hesitation.

"You don't have to be thrifty, buy everything and what's left is yours."

Sen answered one more time.

"I understand, Your Highness, I'll buy everything to the point where it feels that the money might be insufficient. Although it's a bit hard to buy everything in the North, I think I may be able to get everything because of the festival!"

"All right, that's good. I'll ask the chef to prepare as well."

You two play really well huh. I'd rather go out and leave the room than see you two go at it.

[ Miracle value has risen! ]

[ Current miracle value: 7% ]

The miracle value suddenly increased, it seems that the relationship of the two in the original book which was stuck in abyss had suddenly improved.

That's right, I can only live if Kyle lives, and to make that happen, we need to prevent Serena from holding a knife towards Kyle, just like the original novel.

Whatever it is, continue to be on good terms, okay?

Just don't buy me a mealworm!

*

― Squeak! [ Put it away! ]

Do you have wheels on your feet? How could you buy hamster food so quickly! You said you'd only buy the best! Shouldn't that take you around a few days!

I jumped up and down at the sight of worms in the bowl.

"Look at this, Your Highness, does it not seem like he likes it a lot?"

Kyle's face brightened at Sen's words.

It's the opposite, you punks! Aren't you going to clean it up right now? Do you want to get hit with a mealworm? Don't look at me with anticipation, I'm not gonna eat this!

I ran away in hurry, and when I got stuck in the slide, I looked back and saw Kyle picking up crickets with tongs and placing them close to me.

Hey, you bastard! Don't put them close to me! Ack! They're alive! Please stop!

Do you want to die? Aren't you gonna put them away!

Please, help and save this hamster!

You punks, you'll see.

When I turn human, I'll make sure to get revenge.

novel ⠀✿⠀ next

[fruitytrollroll]

Nine Sols' narrative themes inform every gameplay element btw. if u even care.

saw someone call Nine Sols' gift sysrem for Shuanshuan "too dialogue-heavy" and "pointless" and I went temporarily insane

if the quest moments with Shuanshuan feel "pointless", it's because they are meant to be their own reward and you did them out of obligation!!! why!!! nobody was holding you at gunpoint to MAKE you raise this beautiful precious forgiving baby boy who loves you and nursed you back to health—but like a deadbeat dad on a custody visit just to be compliant with a court order, you spent time with him anyway and you resented him for it. WHAT!!!

also can NOT overstate how the games' themes of revenge and redemption tie into these scenes. they are not by ANY MEANS pointless!!! the way Yi goes out of his way to preserve his culture, by sharing it with the APEMAN he's raising, speaks VOLUMES about Yi's character growth in the 2 years since he and Shuanshuan began living together.

I was personally endeared by Shuanshuan immediately, and was delighted I had gifts to give him—AND that they each had bespoke cutscenes that revealed lore information about Solarian culture, and background information about Yi and Shuanshuan'a lives together?? do you guys know how rare and special it feels to have a gift system that WORKS like this??? SO many games give you garbage trinkets to throw at your companions for a quantifiable affection boost, so I cannot overstate how deeply impressive and heartfelt and dedicated to their story Red Candle Games clearly was to have put in the time and effort to make their gift mechanic so deeply character-driven, with custom animations and environmental changes for every skill you teach Shuanshuan. 🥺🧸✨️

if you don't like social sim elements in games, or the characters didn't succeed in endearing themselves to you, that's fine. They're not for everyone—but I suspect my experience was the intended one! you're supposed to like and care about these characters enough to bring them the gifts you find on your travels of your own volition!!

if you DON'T care about the characters, you can skip their scenes, and the game respects your time by LETTING you do that, AND by giving you an ending that is less involved in the characters' lives. but if you resent these scenes because "ugh i HAVE to do this to get the TRUE ending 🙄" then idk!! I think you are playing the game wrong!!

I think RCG gave players an opportunity to not care, and a perfectly satisfying ending despite it all (THE BETTER ENDING AND LESS EMOTIONALLY DEVASTATING ENDING, IN MY OPINION, BECAUSE RCG IS SO MEAN TO ME 😭), and if you passed that up for completionism's sake... IDK!!

I genuinely think achievments have poisoned too many games that don't benefit from them! Gone are the olden days of playing your big sister's SNES games blind—no online guides, no guardrails, just getting lost and wandering around the overworld, just playing by vibes alone and if you get stuck u just have to take a break and come back later instead of looking up a guide online because there wasn't even a GameFAQs page for it yet—but on GOD we need to get back there. Play games blind. Don't look up guides. JUST ENJOY IT, JUST ENGAGE WITH THE MEDIA, WE DON'T NEED INSTRUCTIONS I PROMISE, YOUR INNOCENT NASCENT FUMBLING IS ENOUGH, YOU CAN PLAY THE GAME AND HAVE FUN WITHOUT SOME CHODE ON "HARDCOREGAMER" DOT COM GIVING YOU A DISRESPECTFULLY SPOILERIFIC BREAKDOWN OF A PATH OR BOSS FIGHT OR ITEM LOCATION THAT ROBS YOU OF THAT JOY OF DISCOVERY!!

anyway. yes, if you forced yourself to sit through the dialogue of character-driven scenes for characters you didn't even like or feel compelled by, just to get the "True" end, then I imagine it would feel "pointless" and like "too much text". But failing to catch your interest is not a failure of the game's storytelling if you only disliked it because you were forcing yourself to do it for the achievment, just to get an ending that wasn't made with your play style in mind!!!

"it doesn't even affect the game's ending :/" *LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER*!!! ALL the sidequests have the CUMULATIVE effect of changing the ending! this is because Yi is a ruthless, analytical scientist deposed from his seat of political power in New Kunlun on a quest for revenge—yet he spent precious time doing a bunch of "pointless" sidequests for his friends he's come to care about, which allowed the villain's brewing plot the precious time it needed to come further to fruition. Yi is on a REVENGE quest, and it is the very act of saving Shuanshuan (thus alerting the island's security systems to Yi's presence) that puts a timeline on that revenge. He exposed himself for someone he cared about, putting his revenge in jeopaedy—and he postponed that revenge still further to make amends to the apemen he once thought so little of as to be complicit in their heinous exploitation!!! YI IS GROWING HE'S CHANGING, SHUANSHUAN CHANGED HIS HEART, AND IT'S ONLY IN THE TRUE ENDING YI CAN COMPLETE HIS CHARACTER ARC BY REALIZING HE FUCKED UP AND ACTUALLY REPENT (EVEN IF I HATE IT BECAUSE IT'S THE SADDEST ENDING, FUCK YOU RED CANDLE GAMES 😭)

also combat is focused around the parry because this game's primary thematic underpinning is giving proof to the age-old adage "fuck around and find out" (it's revenge it's about reVENGE IT'S ALL ABOUT FORGIVENESS AND CHANGE AND REVENGE)

[kimkhimhant]

It's me again, I'm hesitant about reblogging because my first ask was spoilery but in the end, who cares lmao. FUCK I forgot about Sara. I agree that the ending was choppy, especially the hospital scene... he moved from ambulance to post-mortem way too fast. What always gets me though is Peter's breakdown. He's alone, and it hits this unemotional man with full force. It's magnificent. I'm also just... sad that Neal was made to believe that he could never fully change. He deserved better. He tried so hard and he WAS succeeding despite Mozzie's disappointed resistance plus everyone else's mistrust. Thanks for geeking out on this with me hehee

hi again!!!

ugh yes Peter's breakdown is heartwrenching, and it brings me back to a line he says earlier in the show, i don't remember the exact words, but he says something about how if something were to happen to Neal, he doesn't know if he'll be able to live with it. and i just. yeah. ow. lol

now buckle up for another character analysis essay bc i can't shut up ever lol

Honestly i have a lot of mixed feelings about Neal's "redemption/reformation" ! because yes he wants to be good, but also... i don't think a true/complete redemption arc is necessary for his character, and i honestly like that he doesn't have one? I think that the most important aspect of his character development in that sense is that, he considers the effects of his actions on other people a lot more by the end, and i think that's all the reformation that he needs and that makes sense for him. I don't think he needs to become someone who commits no crimes/cons in order for his reformation to be recognized.

i think what i'm more sad about is the lack of recognition for that development. he isn't perfect, and he still has a lot of vices, but now his actions are almost all out of a desire to fix things/protect people/etc. Most of the other characters, namely Peter, don't seem to recognize or appreciate this development. Understandable, to an extent – Peter has dedicated his life to law enforcement, and his moral code is, for the most part, aligned with the law. Neal is still breaking the law, even if, in his own mind, Neal is doing so with good intentions, to Peter, the outcome matters a lot more than the intent.

Neal begins the show as a con-artist and art thief whose priority is his own enjoyment and gain, and he ends the show still a con-artist and art thief, but now his priority is shifted. In the later seasons, almost none of the crimes he commits are simply for the hell of it. there's almost always a reason, and the reason is almost always to fix something or to protect the people he loves. his moral code is still very distorted, and he has a strong disregard for the law and authority, but he also cares about other people, their safety, happiness and their opinions of him. He still loves the thrill of the con, and he still loves living luxuriously, he's still impulsive, and he's still very proud of his skills, but...

these things don't make him "bad," in my opinion. He wants to be good, and he is good. His intentions are good, it's just that the way he understands and navigates the world isn't aligned with "legal good."

I could write an essay on that alone. Neal is very traumatized, and very good at compartmentalizing and masking so that no one can tell, and also (this is entering headcanon zone) probably some form of neurodivergence, on top of probable CPTSD and some kind of personality disorder. So, obviously his relationship with the world as a whole is... disrupted and warped by these things, so maybe that's one of the main issues. "moral and good" as Neal understands these things, simply don't perfectly align with most people's definitions of them.

And I think this is the main issue in his relationship with Peter. Neal wants to be good, and is trying to be, and he wants Peter's recognition and appreciation for that. But that's still not enough for Peter, who operates on a different moral code, and doesn't understand Neal's perspective.

Once again, this is very longwinded, but basically: I think Neal did have as much of a redemption arc as he could have had without having a complete shift in worldview, and I really like that about him and his character. That he didn't end the series as a perfectly reformed ex-con, but he did end the show as a good person.

[cell151]

Can you believe that there are STILL active makorra shippers? Of course, for them, just shipping is never enough.

They STILL have those sick, disgusting needs to demonize and trash Asami, and they even go so far that they imagine how they would beat her up and rip her hair... just... disgusting...

And of course that they STILL like to make that one (1) scene where Asami was angry at Korra supposedly problematic, and that Mako is somehow the one who actually cares about Korra... ugh...

The only somehow new argument now is that it is somehow bad how TLOK comics supposedly ignore the relationship between Korra and Mako.

As we know, Korra shouldn't be focused on her relationship with her actual girlfriend and instead be more in contact with her ex-boyfriend, because as we know, all people should stay in close contact with their exes, and ignore their actual partners, for reasons...

Yeah I don't get it either.

It seems like in 2014 there was sort of an even split between Korrasami and m*k*rra but I think the latter has fallen off. Like I'll come across z*t*r* randomly (again not as much as before) but m*k*rra is rare, at least in the case that you don't actively seek it out.

I like to think tastes have matured over time. Because back when LOK was running the only ships there dominating the fics, Deviantart, Tumblr, etc. were the aforementioned Z, M and T*kka (all of which, if it isn't clear, I don't like). All the best artwork was dedicated to these, the volume of fics outnumbered those for the canon couples, and poor Mai and Suki got pushed to the side, with poor Mai getting the worst of it.

I'm pleased that Maiko, Sukka and Kataang are finally getting their moment to shine these days. Again either tastes matured or the next generation of viewers didn't align themselves with those who wept when the moody firebender didn't hook up with the waterbender.

Speaking of moody firebender and waterbender, let's talk Korra.

2013: Korrasami is considered the "crackship". Book 2 puts the kabash on m*k*rra because let's face it: M*ko is a boring character. Cardboard has more personality. He is there to fulfill the stereotype of moody firebender and have cool firebending skills that animators can have with. Want something on fire? He's your guy.

Other than its the trope of tragic backstory that have no bearing on the plot whatsoever. In fact, M*ko doesn't have any bearing on the plot.

M*ko & Bolin find their family: no impact.

M*ko & Bolin have a dynamic with Kai because of similar backgrounds: lasts an episode or two. Kai interacts with Jinora for the rest of the series.

M*ko is Wu's bodyguard: aside from the kidnapping episode, which is a great episode, this subplot goes nowhere apart from some "comedy"

It's a shame that the roles weren't reversed. Firebender is the comic relief and the Earthbender is the serious one.

But alas we're stuck with off-brand Diet Zuko.

2014: The season that changed everything: Book 3.

Book 4: This is where the fractures started to form. With Book 3, those that had been routing for Korrasami (for clarification I jumped on that train in Book 2 because M*ko was such a prick in that season) found validation and with the finish line in sight, there were those that somehow believed that a relationship that soured years prior was somehow going to mend itself. As you mentioned, lack of communication between the two and a lack of trust. M*ko doesn't seem to trust Korra a lot until toward the end of Book 4.

Then the finale aired and something happened that really didn't occur when ATLA ended: Mike and Bryan wrote a post that stated definitely that Korra and Asami were together. Not just "good friends". No "up to interpretation." Korra and Asami are a couple.

Of course after LOK, there was more LGBTQ stories and characters in TV going forward, with varying degrees of success as is all media.

There are some idiotic posts that criticize Korrasami while viewing it from the perspective of having shows like She-Ra, Owl House, etc. for the past couple years. But rightly those criticisms are pushed back by those who know how much of a risk it was to even get on the air.

[fragileizywriting]

part two of the previous post except this time it's chat trying to gnaw his legs off so he doesn't have to wear the pants

i'm imagining a scene where he's waddling like a penguin before guests arrive, trying to make it obvious to both his parents that he's in distress. like a cat wearing a vest the first time. he's about to pretend to fall over and never get back up. he tries tearing the shirt off, then his pants, chewing on sleeves and hems and buttons, eventually standing in front of his parents in a firm "i hate this" stance, staring at them both with a frown.

"you've taught our son so much anarchy. what are you going to do now, now that you are the establishment he doesn't agree with?"

"children are harder to raise than i thought," plagg rubs at his beard, looking up to chat who's considering running off. "chimaeram, there's no use. i'll just bring you back with a spell, you know. snatch you by the tail."

"you won't find me in the gardens."

"i'd find you anywhere."

"i'll hide my scent."

"you don't have skilled enough magic for that."

"i hate this," chat whines. "i'm miserable."

"don't use 'hate'. it's a strong word when you could feel another feeling."

"i strongly very much dislike this!"

"it's just for tonight, starlight," tikki muses, snorting to herself when he goes back to chewing on his sleeve. she shouldn't be laughing at this, and yet, he's picking such a genuine fight... it reminds her so much of plagg when they were younger. "please, comport yourself, and stop chewing on your clothes. you'll get it wet."

ugh. ugh. he sits down on the stone floor in the throne room, hopeful that he'll get dust on his butt. "my feet smell weird."

"you were bathed in soap," plagg laughs loud, making chat's tail and ears twitch. "the maids made sure to clean between your toes this time."

"i smell like a flower."

"you smell pleasant."

ah, but this, he can mess up. he tussles his hair as much as possible, pulling the nice ribbon from his hair to release the ponytail, trying to fluff out his wild mane into something more familiar. he grins to himself when his hair falls into a natural place, electric green eyes and childish smile. "i don't like this. i'm slipping all over the place because i've been declawed!! look at how small my feet are, now, dad."

"you haven't been declawed. they just trimmed your claws."

"i have no traction!"

"your little feet always mark up the floors, chimaeram. it was necessary."

"i'm in agony. i've never experienced such terribleness." he goes back to chewing on his sleeve. "how can my parents be so cruel? how can my parents put me in something so... frustrating? i feel like i'm asphyxiating. i'll get out of this, i swear."

"he's just as stubborn are you are," tikki sighs.

"and he is every bit as dedicated as you are," plagg laughs.

[mrpenguinpants]

I have,, a new Genshin oc 👀 hope u don't mind me sending in so many asks dsdjgjshd but I had to tell someone about her

Her name is Lilith (Lily) and she's a cryo catalyst user from Mondstadt and a senior member of the investigation team. She was childhood friends with Kaeya and Diluc but the Crepus incident pulled them apart. I don't have too many details of her backstory pinned down yet but I've already figured out all her skills and talents and her voicelines lmao so I guess I'll share those instead:

About Kaeya - Friendship: Captain Kaeya… he's an enigma alright. It took me years just to get under that mask of his, and even now I'm still not sure if what I'm seeing is the real him. That said, once you get to know him, he's a loyal and reliable friend. The best anyone can ask for.

About Kaeya - Eyepatch: Kaeya's eyepatch? Why are you asking me?…you think because I'm the closest to him that I would know what's under there? Haha, don't be ridiculous, I hardly know him well enough to pry into his secrets.

About Diluc: I knew him when I was still a knight in training. He was… different back then… happier. Now, after all that's happened… well, best if you go talk to him yourself if you want to know more.

About Albedo: He's brilliant! I admire him a lot—not just for his alchemical genius, but for his dedicated work ethic. Unlike a certain other captain whose name I won't mention, Captain Albedo would never drink on the job.

About Jean: Ah, Acting Grandmaster Jean… though, she's been doing this for so long I feel like she should just take the title of Grandmaster. She seems to be good at everything except taking care of herself. Maybe I should bring her some lunch again today…

About Rosaria: Would it be sacrilege to say I agree with her views on the church? In fact, I have never been a fan of the Church of Favonius. If Mondstadt is the City of Freedom, should not its citizens have the freedom to choose how they worship their Archon?

About Lisa: Is she still calling me her "little helper"? Ugh, when will I be rid of that nickname…

About Venti: Ah, that bard who has recently become Kaeya's drinking buddy? I… admit I may have a distorted judgment of him, as I have yet to see the lad completely sober.

About the Vision: Ah, this is my proudest achievement… though, I'm not sure if I can call it that. I was just in the right place at the right time. Anyone else would've done the same.

Favorite food: Nothing warms the heart and soul like a nice bowl of soup! What, you think just because I wield cryo that I can never get cold?

Least favorite food: I will never understand this city's love for alcohol. Not only is the taste repulsive, it clouds the mind and impairs judgement. …How can Kaeya drink so much of the stuff?

Lilith's Hobbies: Did you know that there's a grand piano in the Knights' headquarters that no one uses? Such a shame that this beautiful instrument goes unappreciated. Say… when you next have time, would you like to come in for a private concert?

Lilith's Troubles: There's just not enough time to do all the things I want to do. If only Captain Albedo's alchemy could add more hours to the day… hmm…

More about Lilith - I: My research? Oh, you misunderstand. I'm merely a member of the investigation team, not an alchemist. However, I have helped Captain Albedo with various experiments, so I've picked up a few things.

Kaeya's About Lilith: Lilith? Heh, I've known her for quite some time now. Yes, we're friends. Are we close? Hmm… let's just say that she understands me in a way that most people in Mondstadt cannot.

Fun facts/backstory?:

Kaeya calls her his little lily (only in private or when he's trying to tease her)

She and Kaeya drifted apart after Crepus' death, but once Diluc returned to Mondstadt Kaeya began approaching her once again. They rekindled their friendship but Lilith knows Kaeya's keeping secrets from her. She just hopes he can one day trust her enough to reveal the truth.

Kaeya hasn't told her about Khaenri'ah or his past, but just the fact that she was one of the few people who were actually friends with him before the Crepus incident puts her in his circle of trust

She's shorter than Kaeya and he will not stop teasing her for it

They're not dating (yet)

Lilith got her Vision when the library of Mondstadt caught fire (this is canon but it happened like way back in the day so I'm bending the timeline a little lol) and she rushed in to save the books. This was before she became a knight and was just working as a helper around the library (hence her voiceline about Lisa). She was able to save several rare manuscripts thanks to her newfound power keeping the flames at bay. Afterward she was awarded a medal by the Grandmaster but she always considered the Vision her true reward. This event is also what pushed her to become a knight in earnest so she can use her powers to protect Mondstadt

I just realized that both of my Genshin OCs' visions match the characters I paired them with lmao

As a playable character she'd likely be a main/sub DPS whose focus is critting the hell out of your enemies. She'd synergize well w cryo resonance. You'd want her on a freeze team bc her charged attack summons an icicle and counts as a heavy attack so it can deal shattered damage

Haha whoops this became really long dskfjdjd but uhh hope you enjoyed reading about Lilith!! I'm still trying to figure out what she looks like so there may be art on the way soon 👀

Blinking at this 20 page essay in front of me haha but please don't worry about sending me too many asks. If you're okay with my shit reply times then spam my inbox with anything.

Is there a cyro catalyst in genshin yet? I don't think so (maybe signora but she's not playable yet) but it's such a good fucking concept and I want it. It would look so pretty or elegant or we could be throwing snowballs goddammit. But can I say how much I love voice lines??? As much of a lore junkie that I am, there's something about voice lines that send me. If you have any more voice lines. please feed me.

Side note: "…How can Kaeya drink so much of the stuff?"

I'm pretty sure it's borderline confirmed since Venti drinks to forget his ptsd...I'm hard eyeballing Kaeya for the same reasons.

Can I say how fucking hot it is when characters don't pry into each other's business? Just having that mutual trust that you can take care of whatever you're dealing with, and if you can't, you can come to me for help without feeling ashamed. I'm not self-reflecting at all, what do you mean? But I'm enjoying this dynamic a lot. Feels very healthy and I support that. But hey, double cryo has a pretty good element synergy bonus haha. Speaking of criting, my Eula has a 15% crit chance....

But if you do create art or more lore, please share with me! Unless you already have and I haven't seen the ask yet haha.

[actualbird]

// spoilers for symphony of the night in bulk and also reactions

mc, girl, i REALLY think you should check on your childhood best friend who is ALSO a very skilled hacker who ALSO is a self sacrificial doofus. because uh. not only does he have the capability to do this. but also. THE WORRYING ON AND OFF DESIRE TO DO THIS.

thats a VERY interesting description of ur business place. ive been playing around with a fake-out makeout fic idea occurring in the abyss. something ala "oh no we were caught investigating secret codes in the hallway leading to the back exit!! QUICK, KISS ME!!! AND DO IT IN A WAY THAT WILL MAKE EVERYBODY WHO SEES FEEL SO AWKWARD THEY CANT QUESTION US!!!!" cue passionate makeout both parties RIDICULOUSLY ENJOY to the point that they, for a moment, forget that theyre doing this as a ruse.

if that aint "dreams come true" well...

bar owner having witnessed the nxx investigation team in various permutations kissing each other stupid For The Case: ...is this...a thing for you guys? im not bothered but DO GET A ROOM...

(and yes, for those curious, this is a marluke fic idea. im on a mission here to populate the marluke ao3 tag one fic at a time)

marius' expression when he was saying this.....it was the I Don't Like This, This Is Sad And It's Hurting My Heart expression and i just....

1) it REALLY pulls at my heartstrings how BIG everybodys hearts are, in this team. theyre focused and can put emotions aside to get the job done but theyre all also so driven by human stories. they want to stop tragedies somehow all the time, and if the tragedy has already been written, theyre all willing to do whatever it takes to make sure it cant happen again. luke always says that mc hates bad endings. shes in good company though, in this team. all of them hate bad endings.

2) back to marius particularly just. uGH. this is my marluke brainworms jumping out but i am TAKING NOTE of how intensely upset marius is at the concept of a person willing to sacrifice themself for the benefit of other people. marius understands why types of people like this exist but i know in my HEART that he wants to make the world so that those people Dont Have To Be Like This.

what kind of world is so cruel that the best thing somebody can do is with their life is...leave it?

HONEST TO GOD, THIS MADE ME CRY. COME ON, TOT. WHY. WHY DO THIS TO ME??? not only did you throw medilla into my face but u tell me he created his AI with the same "purpose" because the life he lived was just so fucking goddamn lonely

im crying again, shut up, dont look at me, im very easy to bring to tears

//zak continues crying his eyeballs out

PLEASE and the fact that medilla had really really bad social anxiety. the world he loved was one he struggled to be a part of, one that existed in a manner that was hostile to him. so much of his actions were him at the sidelines doing good that nobody will ever ever know about.

the team promised both him and lilith that theyd witness the end of notro and centipede but god. GOD. i dunno, man! their story and dedication does live on in the minds and hearts of five people but it's breaking my heart,

these characters who lived their lives as a whisper because the world is too loud

and not many people are willing to listen

//zak CONTINUES CRYING HIS EYEBALLS OUT

ALL IN ALL: sotn event story was VERY GOOD. gameplay was fun as hell but i think Media Journalist is entitled to financial compensation for being our debate punching bag this entire time. but yes the story was WONDERFUL. pacing was nice since each day kept suspense going but also gave us enough that i felt satisfied with each chunk and jus the Overall Themes hit me hard like a brick to the face.

i have to eat breakfast now and think about all of this intensely and also yoink a BUNCH of story themes from this to season future writing contents

[the-kings-tail-fin]

So I recently finished rereading your fic 'Conflict', and I was curious to know if all of the OCs in it would also exist outside of the AU - what would they be like if there wasn't a war upending all of their lives? I found some brief HCs from 2017 here on the blog, but is Wayne still Strip's agent? What's Izzy doing with the manufacturer if not fighting? Where do Rick and Stacey factor in? What about Diego, Howie, Laura, and the rest of Chrysler's fighters?

Not pictured, me sobbing with joy and appreciation that you enjoyed the fic enough to read it again :') Thank you for your support! Not sure I ever gave these characters a whole lot of thought outside the AU, tbh, so thanks for the prompt!

So fun historical context - Wayne actually came into existence through several iterations of interpretation of Tex. At the beginning of the Conflict AU building extravaganza, Tex was actually Strip's anchor and friend in the real world. However, the more I began to mold the pieces of the story around canon events and canon characters, I realized that I couldn't have one character doing both the early emotional support role and the sponsoring in a professional sense. These things needed to evolve from different worlds, so to speak, and converge later. So I split them apart, left Tex his canonical role and personality, and created the childhood best friend in Wayne - and then weaved them together later in the story via business partners to make the plot more happenstance and realistic, rather than setting it up to appear that Strip got the Dinoco sponsorship just because he happened to know Tex from the get-go. That's too easy. This is a story about difficulties and struggle - nothing comes easy, and this dynamic trio had to reflect that.

So! To answer your question - is Wayne still Strip's agent in canon? I actually think not. In fact - I don't think he even exists, at least not within our purview. I think in reality, Strip came up through the ranks the traditional way. He came onto the scene during one of the Piston Cup's boom eras - when the competition between the manufacturers on the track peaked in the early '70s. Race teams were looking for these new cars with their dramatic styling and high horsepower. Strip was tearing it up at local regional tracks and making a name for himself at the same time big name sponsors were out looking for talent. Right place, right time, right eyes out there looking for racers. Tex, a dedicated race fan himself, made time to go out and look, found Strip, assessed his talent, and offered him the opportunity to prove himself. The rest is history.

So what about the other characters? I'll start with Rick and Stacey. If they exist in canon, they are still associated with their professional positions as described in the fic. It's just less scandalous, obviously, given there's no war and no forcing youths to fight over inflated egos, etc. The manufacturing facilities in Carsverse are still autonomous, sealed off, mysterious conglomerations of machine. But someone's gotta be responsible for watching over them - Rick is still in charge there. What do you do with all the newly manufactured cars as they're rolling off the line? Send them to dealerships for adoption, training in life skills - all the things that need to happen before a car is released into the world, etc. Stacy is still in charge of that process. Whether they know each other or not I'll leave up to the imagination ;)

Izzy, my beloved supporting character, ugh I love her. To be honest I'm still undecided on if she exists in canon. My inclination is to say no. At least not as Strip's sister. (Canonically, especially when considering how Cal factors in, I have hc'd a brother for Strip instead. Different dynamic, I think, is needed for the trauma I frequently inflict on Cal's childhood.) If Izzy does exist, she's out there somewhere, unrelated to racing royalty, a highly motivated boss lady determined to make a difference. Maybe she went to med school from the start, has a nice family, and lives a totally normal, fulfilling life. Because she deserves it <3

The rest of them, well, it's a crapshoot with them. They're not a family unit, they don't know each other. They rolled off the line and were sent out into the world like every other car ever built. But these cars were built to race - how many of them really wanted to? Very, very few Superbirds and Daytonas were ever made, even fewer of them lived as long as Strip has, and none of them are still racing. How many of them were forced into a racing career against their will, even if they weren't really any good? Did they shine bright for a short time, and end up forgotten? How many struggled to find families, or some sort of social cohort? In the real, real world that you and I live in, dealerships couldn't sell these cars to save their lives - no one wanted them. They were considered ugly and impractical. Was this true in Carsverse as well? How many of them couldn't find their place in the world and just slowly faded away?

I fear that for the squad described in Conflict, the competitive ones (with questionable talent) like Diego likely raced for a year or two while they were new and fast and unrestricted, but beyond that were forgotten. He likely fell into destructive depression after his short time in the sun, not knowing his place in the world, not finding joy in normalcy. Because he's not normal. And there's no place for him to fit in. For those with less extreme dispositions (like Howie, Laura) they likely experienced more normal lives, though tainted by the assimilation issues as described for their models. Abandonment issues, trust issues, hyper independence - they're all a little off. But most of them manage an average life. They land in small towns, have normal occupations, and occasionally light up the straight-stretch outside of town after dark, beyond the reach of the law. They might not be racers in the purest sense - but because of what they are - for those brief moments of time, they're free. <insert F&F quote here>

[iiasha-archived]

genshin anon! tumblr you hoe don't eat my responses ): uhh not entirely sure where i stopped with 1 and started with 3 so. i think i was agreeing with zhongli sadly not being back for a while and rosaria being in soon. OH maybe i mentioned wanting albedo. i was doing all their story quests and his was so interesting and i want him. i want everyone eventually but ill only try real hard on the ones i really want. and floor 7 of the spiral abyss is awful ): maybe thats what i said in part 2 lol.

lmaoo ok ok well here’s the other 3 parts so i will respond with that in mind! also ig i’ll just call you genshin anon now if that’s okay <3

(whoo the genshin anon again from the other day lol) .... i didn't even realize those mushroom were in mondtstadt oh my gosh. googled their location and wow have i been missing oUT lol. there's so many more than i thought there were. idk the oceanid isn't too terrible. not my favorite but still isn't the worst (in my opinion) to do. ahh yeah i can see that with sucrose. i.. don't particularly plan that well so maybe that's why she won't fit in my team lol.(1/4)

(3/4) the friendships are kind of annoying. like you don't really get anything from them? just a namecard and their story. wish they did more like giving you more of a chance to make their special dish or when you use their talents they have a higher chance to work (like where they have a chance to make a second of a dish or item etc). idk i just feel like they could add more to it? yeah only 4 polearm users ): i think rosaria is going to be polearm? i pulled the skyward spine long before i had

(4/4) anyone to use a polearm. ugh yeah i get so many claymores from the banner. yeah it's kind of annoying to have to plan out what to do like that. like today i need so many materials from the domains since like everything i use is todays materials, but i want to get boss items to level up and artifacts and just ugh let me do what i want lol. wish the resin could get tweaked some. yeah noelle. ditched her once i had other characters lol.

yeah one of my fears is that one of the materials that’s actually hard to get (like the violets on the cliffsides or whatever) is gonna be an ascension material like ajkdfl so it’s worth collecting literally EVERYTHING u see while exploring. i just dislike how long the oceanid takes like you can’t really power through it like the other bosses you HAVE to sit through each stage -_- like when the platforms drop ur literally just standing there lmao

ooo yeah albedo was kind of another character whose banner i just sat through lmao. but speaking of albedo and zhongli i REALLY like their english voices i normally have japanese voices on but if i ever get them they’re gonna be on my “english voices team” jfdalkfsd i remember when i was doing their story quests i had english voices on just to hear them talk. albedo does have a really interesting story tho i hope it gets developed more in the future!

and i actually did go back to the spiral abyss after we talked about it LMAO omg but yeah floor 7 fucking sucks bc once those fatui agents have their shield up or whatever they take forever to beat if you don’t have the right elements. that being said i made it to the tenth floor lmao yippee but yeah don’t have that many stars on floor 7

true there’s literally no real incentive to maxing friendship like afkdlj i wish the rewards were primogems or something actually of value bc the namecards definitely. aren’t really worth it at all lmao. or like you said some sort of bonus to their talents/elemental skills/bursts or whatever. kinda like pokemon where when you max friendship your pokemon can like “tough it out” and stuff lmao.

maybe that’s something they’ll add in the future like ascending a character to a certain level also didn’t use to give us anything but now some of them gives you a bunch of rewards.

yeah from some supposed leaks i saw that she was a polearm. interestingly enough i saw people point out that she fights like a claymore user tho and there’s some suspicions that she was a claymore user but then they went “we don’t have enough polearms” and then made her a polearm lmaoo

and yeah with the resin you basically have to dedicate your day to one thing and one thing only lmao. i wish there was a better way to farm resin because right now you can only really get it through rewards and stuff :/ i get that with free games like this they can’t give you EVERYTHING otherwise there wouldn’t be an incentive to play every day but ya know

lmao noelle her and amber really are the two everyone ditches once they get more characters jaflskdjadsf

[tallycraven]

hey there! i'm so glad to hear you're doing amazing, it warms my heart because you deserve nothing less 🥺. also happy that you liked the songs!! and i've been blessed too with YOUR songs that were, as always, phenomenal. both of them are heartbreaking and as i was listening to them i could actually picture a scene of the two of them having this really heartache moment where they know it's better to go separate ways but they also don't want to let each other go. —

i was also not plannning on leaving two songs and i wasn't planning on leaving two songs again today but i guess it's what feels right in the moment? if that make any sense. so here you go; the first one is: atlantis by seafret, i'm not gonna say anything about this one because the lyrics say it all really... but i think about it from scylla's pov and it tears me apart. and the other one is: you by keaton henson, now this song just rips my heart out, and i think it's a song that both raelle and scylla could dedicate to each other. it's like trying to let the other know how deeply loved and valuable they're. hope you like them! ily 💞 ps: i re-read your fic today and i send it to a friends (because talent must be shared) and she told me exactly this: "she should be getting paid for having this writing skills" and she's absolutely right!!

Thank you! I’m truly very very very happy-- in a way I haven’t been in a really long time. And it’s just, really nice? ALSO AAAAAH! SEAFRET! I spent a CHUNK of my college days only listening to seafret for so long that now in a raylla perspective it’s just... so good. And I’m happy you picked atlantis -- it’s one of my favorites. the pain, the longing, the general vibe of, “god we fuck up and this might never be the same”. my dude ))): 

and the second song is so deeply fucking romantic i don’t think i have the words for it. it’s so kjajhgh ugh accurate to the feeling of loving someone so much that everything they do means so fucking much to you? and oh my god that is raylla. that’s just them. fgjkbfh gOD. 

Is it a cop-out if the first song I trade you is also a seafret track? because to the sea is so painfully tied to the idea of raelle and scylla and their lighthouse. the beach? it just... it feels like the song that should’ve played at the end of episode 6 while raelle was crying on the beach for scylla. 

second song though, because fair’s fair, is bittersweet: palace by hayley kiyoko. i can imagine it set to scylla’s mindset after raelle leaves her. after all the trauma, maybe some part of her wants to leave raelle be-- doesn’t want her to hurt because of her anymore? i wanna hear your thoughts! 

i’m glad you liked my fic enough to re-read AND recommend it!! ugh that makes me so fucking happy adfgjkagf. thank you and i hope you’re doing just as well as i am. 💕

[thedyingmoon]

~ A V X Reader set in an Alternate Universe wherein Nero supposedly beats Urizen that 16th of May. 🖤

~ This chapter is dedicated to the 49 people who liked the first chapter, especially @acieoj and @heaven-on-a-landslide . Thank you so much! 🖤

~ Cover made by yours, truly. 🖤

***

II

"Break this heavy chain

That does freeze my bones around!

Selfish, vain,

Eternal bane,

That free love of bondage bound."

The female tourist guide, who had been anxiously glancing at V from a distance, finally mustered up enough courage to approach him with a nervous smile. She cleared her throat, hoping to get immediately noticed without ever having to call his attention in a not - so civilized way.

Fortunately for her, her heavy and noisy footsteps against the rocky pathway proved to be very efficient for gaining attention.

V looked up from the wonderful world of William Blake's book of poetic sketches and smiled at her, adding to the poor woman's already escalating discomfort.

"Ahh, I,..." the lady stuttered, not sure how to address the dire situation to V.

He graciously decided to end her conversational torture. "You do look like something has been bothering you. How can I be of service?" he said, his low, raspy voice not helping with the lady's nerves.

"Yes, well." she began, then inhaled sharply through her nose. She then pointed at the bird on V's left shoulder, and the huge cat lying on his feet. "The other guests are getting anxious of your,... ahh,... pets."

Immediately picking up on the woman's concern, V nodded and actually laughed. The first time in about three weeks since that day. "I see. Don't worry." He stood up from the comfort of the wooden bench near the ruins of the temple, making his "pets" move away from him. He strode towards the woman, lips curled up in a devilish yet adorable smirk. "These are my loyal,... companions. They would bring no harm to any of the innocent people here. That,..." the tone of his voice suddenly became lower as he twirled his metal cane playfully. "I can assure you."

The lady let out a helpless laugh, then nodded. "Okay. Whatever you say." She hastily moved away from him to give herself a safe distance from V's famliars and clumsily pointed at the breathtaking horizon. "Well, now, enjoy your stay here at Delphi!"

As Griffon watched the retreating form of the tourist guide with laughter in its devilishly yellow eyes, V's green ones scanned the beautiful place. Delphi really was a marvel, an ancient beauty that must've took even the most vile of the Demons' breath away.

He closed his book, put it away for a while, and proceeded to explore the place, particularly the ruins of Apollo's temple, where the tourist bus dropped him.

"So, V,..." Griffon said, catching up to his master. "Are we going to look for that thing there?"

"Not this time." V answered. "For now, I need to take a rest and reflect upon our journey, so far."

It's true. V, and the rest of his familiars, have been on a vagabond tour around the world, visiting places like Delphi. First, he visited Egypt's infamous pyramids, then he proceeded to China's mysterious terracotta tombs. He also went to the Himalayas ( he didn't stay there for long, considering the weather ), then Norway. He had been to such places in just three weeks that he had to keep a separate journal where he logs in about the details of his journey.

It's not like he just wanted to or anything.

The truth was - he failed in his initial mission to merge with Urizen that fifteenth of May. Who knew that boy Nero had enough power within him to beat his demonic half? So, thanks to the boy, he could no longer regain his full self.

But, it wasn't entirely the boy's fault. As a matter of fact, it all rooted from one foolish decision that changed his life forever.

It was all because of his desire to gain more power in order to defeat his twin brother.

And now, he had no choice but to search for a different kind of power - any kind - this time, to save himself.

To prevent his human flesh from crumbling.

Thus, started his vagabond ways alongside Griffon, Shadow, Nightmare, and -

"The Yamato really does wonders, huh?" Griffon said, then chuckled, ruffling his own feathers in delight with tiny shakes. "Who knew it would go directly to you and not to that kid Nero?"

"For one thing, I' am the rightful owner of the Yamato, not the boy Nero." V answered as he skipped some rocks along the pathway that led to the ruins of the temple. "I think it was fitting that it answered to me. But, as grateful as I' am that it was returned to me," he said, stopping at what looked like the remains of an altar. "I must not abuse my fragile body by using it over and over to transport us. You see," he began tracing the remains with the tip of his cane. "It consumes way too much of my,... demonic power. I must be wary of that fact."

"Aha, so that's why we had to hitch that stinkin' bus ride with that awful bitch! Didn't know how to keep her mouth shut!" Of course, Griffon was refering to the tourist guide who called him a pet earlier.

"Now, be nice to our little human." V reprimanded the demonic bird. "We will 'hitch' on the same vehicle on the way back."

"Ugh! Not again,..."

As Griffon threw tantrums for every tourist in the remains of Apollo's temple to see, V's eyes wandered at the altar and thought of that beloved story his mother read to him a very long time ago. He closed his eyes and searched through his tired mind for the right words, finally arriving at some that gave his heart a little ache of nostalgia.

"As she comes to the city, hollow hands empty,

Eyes open to what lies in wait for her,"

As V recited the very few lines he could remember of that beloved poem from his childhood, Shadow started purring, rubbing his legs with her huge form like she was a normal house cat. V smiled, knowing that he had, at least, one interested audience. Then, he went on.

"She does not weep nor wail,

In her eyes, home has always been burning."

All of a sudden, Shadow stopped purring. In fact, she stopped moving. She has become rigid, looking like a statue in front of V. He and Griffon noticed this and took note of her glowing red eyes that slowly turned bright blue.

V's eyes widened in surprise.

"Curious." He muttered under his breath.

Griffon flew towards him and whispered, "She's acting hella weird. What do we do to her?"

V smiled and took a sideways glance at Griffon.

"Then, we'll have the perfect opportunity to put your new skill on display for the audience."

"What?! Right here?!"

"Right here." V answered, not once losing his resolve. "Right now."

"And what's in it for me, huh, Shakespeare?"

"I will,... forever be,... in your debt." V said, holding up his right arm and using his cane to point towards the bright, sunny, sky.

"Okay! As if I could refuse."

"I' am truly grateful."

"Yeah, yeah." Griffon huffed, then flew towards the sky, high above the ruins of Apollo's temple.

As V watched the demonic bird flew around the air, he could not help but regret his decision. He yearned to see this place. It was, after all, the place from that precious story, as told to him by his beloved mother. Of course, he wanted to stay, to bask in the warm, sunny weather, to learn the ways of the locals, to be able to speak their native tongue, to know the rich history of the land, to dive into the hidden knowledge and wisdom Apollo has to offer,...

But, as the situation called, they, he, must act immediately.

And as V glanced back at his dark, petrified familiar, he noticed that the atmosphere was slowly turning heavy. Griffon was beginning to work his new magic.

"Alright, you weird folks!" The bird said as he flapped his wings, summoning all the power he had. "Party's over! Go home!"

Griffon spread his wings, letting power in the form of electricity run through them, and folded them once more. As he let out a guttural sound, he spread his beautiful blue wings once more, releasing a different kind of power that made his eyes white. But, this time, the electricity didn't land on the ground like what always happens when they're fighting against other Demons. The almost unnoticeable currents reached the clouds and crawled throughout the sky, instantly enveloping the immediate vicinity with darkness.

As the people looked up, they realized that it was going to rain. But, another flap of Griffon's wings summoned numerous lightning bolts from the sky that crashed to the ground, narrowly missing everyone by mere inches.

After a minute of his stormy display, Griffon flew down back beside V, knowing that his mission was a success, which was an understatement, considering the fact that none of the tourists were hurt.

"Okay, Shakespeare, coast is clear." He said to the man, feeling proud of his new skill.

"Thank you." V smiled at the bird, then turned back to Shadow, who was literally melting. "And now, for the task at hand,..."

V closed his eyes, then held out his left hand in front of Shadow. The action instantly triggered a reaction from the rigid Demon, making its form disintegrate and fall to the ground like shattered glass. With a different gesture of his hand, V made the shattered glass rise up once more from the ground, letting it take shape, forming jet black vines that grew and grew until they were as tall as the pillars of the temple. One last hand movement from V made the vines grew equally dark roses of all sizes.

As Shadow morphed into multiple vines, V took a step back, waiting and waiting, until the largest rose sprout out from one of the vines. He and Griffon watched in awe as the black rose opened, revealing something inside. He took a step forward and pulled it out of the flower. It was the Yamato, and it was glowing in a very unusual way.

"What is wrong with that thing?" Griffon asked as he looked at the Yamato and its radiance. "Did that thing go like that before?"

"If memory serves me right," V began, unsheathing the sword and letting the blinding blue light from the blade splash around his surroundings. "It did so, just one time when,..."

All of a sudden, the light became even more blinding as the sword became warmer and warmer in V's hands.

"Whoah! No wonder that cat's acting weird!" Griffon shrieked, hiding behind V. "You made her eat a laser sword!"

"Hush." V said, seemingly unaffected by the light of the Yamato. "It beckons me. It seems that it wanted me,... someplace else."

"Will you go, V? You still haven't recovered from your last journey!"

"I know." V answered as he positioned the sword high above the air. "But, I also know not to ignore the Yamato's call."

And with two clean swipes, V managed to create a portal that led to some place that seemed to softly glow, like a warm sunset. Or sunrise.

"Let's go." V said, calling both Griffon and Shadow back to him and entering the portal.

***

🖤🖤🖤

[imaginesnkdorks]

Can I get a Erwin x reader where she is a cadet placed in Hanjis squad and at first Erwin isn't paying attention to her until the try to capture the female Titan her 3D gear isn't working so she fall in and is surrounded by titans but they don't eat her the reason being is that she's invisible titans

“It Starts with the Name”

Pairing: Erwin X Reader

Genre: One-Sided (?) Pining

Warning/s: None

Words: 2071

[A/N: Hi! I know, I’ve been MIA and this took me a hundred years. Also, I am a bit rusty. I may be focused more on how the reader seems to be stuck in a one-sided crush.]

Jean was unusually quiet. I shouldn’t be surprised, really. After what happened to Trost - to Marco - he’s actually holding up better than most of us.

“I’m joining the Survey Corps!” Jean suddenly declared. Sasha and the others reacted to that. Who wouldn’t? Jean is probably the last person you’d think would join the Survey Corps. It’s what he and Eren fight about constantly. He’s not alone in that change of heart, though.

“Get in line!” The officials began calling. It’s time to decide which branch of the Army we’ll join.

The first presenter was Commander Erwin Smith of the Survey Corps.

“Wow.” I couldn’t help myself but be amazed, earning a glare from Ymir. I’ve heard rumors, but Erwin Smith really is as dashing as they say! Striking blue eyes, thick blond hair, regal posture, and strong eyebrows… one wouldn’t think he was a soldier let alone the commander!

His speech went over my head, as I found myself focusing more on his face… arms… chest… when people suddenly began walking away.

“What’s happening?” I asked no one in particular. Turning around, I saw Sasha and Connie looking very pale, Krista by my side looked like she’s about to cry. Oh. This must be it, deciding whether we become Survey Corps soldiers?

It didn’t take long before only a handful of us was left. Out of our whole class, barely twenty stayed. Am I really going to join this death-filled army branch just because I’m smitten with the Commander?

Commander Erwin broke the tense silence, “Can you die if ordered to?”

***

“Three years of training wasn’t enough?!” I complained loudly as my friends and I walked to the mess hall.

“But it’s only natural, Y/N! We weren’t taught the Survey Corps strategy while we were trainees.” Armin said.

“And we have to protect Eren this time.” Mikasa added. As usual, all she ever thought about is Eren.

“I know. It’s just annoying, is all.” I felt a little embarrassed for whining like a child. They were right. Being part of the Survey Corps is entirely different from being trainees, and we’re only one week into it.

“Eren is already a part of Captain Levi’s Squad. An elite squad.” Mumbled Jean, bitterly. “I wonder which squad we’ll be in?”

A tingle of excitement began in my chest. I’ve been looking forward to our squad assignments. I hope to get into Commander Erwin’s elite squad. I know only the best of the best gets to follow his direct orders – like right from his mouth – yet I can’t help but dream.

“I hope I’ll be in Eren’s squad.” Said Jean… I jest. Of course, Mikasa wished that. I guess it’s possible of her to join – she’s amazing when it comes to dispatching Titans.

“Good luck with that. What about you, Y/N?” Jean asked me, slapping me on the back.

“Uh, well… I’d like to work directly under the Commander.”

“Ha? We’re all working directly under the Commander.” As expected, Jean was an idiot. I wanted to tell him exactly what I meant, but just the mere thought of it is making heat climb up from my neck up to my ears.

“It’s pretty obvious what Y/N meant, horse face!” Announced Ymir as she caught up to step with me, nudging me with her elbow. Tsk, her seeing and hearing me being amazed by Erwin’s mere appearance totally came back to haunt me. Not a day goes by without her hinting at that.

Krista – bless her soul – tried to stop Ymir, which only egged on the other idiots into asking me.

“He is the Commander. We all do work under him.” Connie said, scratching his head and looking so much like an egg.

“I don’t think that’s what she meant.” Sasha took the reign of conversation, making me think that would signal the end of this. I was wrong. Sasha was worse than Ymir. “Y/N probably meant she wants to work with Commander Erwin. In his office. Bring him tea, pile his papers, or wake him up in the morning.”

“Wake him up? Exactly what made you think that?” I can’t believe it! Why would Sasha say that?

“It’s because I see the way you look at hi – Ah! What?!” Sasha was about to go on when Connie nudged her.

“Shhh! Commander Smith is right there!” Connie pointed directly in front of us. Maybe ten steps – fifteen? – in front of us. And as luck would have it, we were making such a huge fuss Erwin turned to look at us. My mouth was suddenly very dry.

“Ah, new recruits. I hope you’re all finding your accommodations suited to your needs.” He said… he’s talking to us! Face to face!

“Yes, sir!” Armin, Sasha, Krista, and Connie were the first to answer.

“Good to know.” Erwin said, scanning our faces. Then his eyes landed on me. On. My. Face.! He smiled! He smiled while looking at me! Then walked, straight and seemingly on a mission!

“Excuse me. Hange!” he walked right past me. He wasn’t looking at me.

“Don’t look so downtrodden. You looked like a puppy that’s been kicked.” Ymir in what I suspect her try at being encouraging.

“I know.” Is all that I could say.

Things like this kept happening in the next few days. I would see the Commander around HQ, greet him and he would greet back with this far-off look in his eyes – as if his very spirit and mind is already out of the walls and fighting Titans!

I can’t get him to notice me, and I’ve heard him call Armin and Mikasa by their names! This actually pushed me to do better in our extended training – just so he’d notice me. In a blink, it was already time for us to receive our squad assignments.

“Hange’s Squad?” No. It just can’t happen! Needless to say, disappointment flooded me up until the expedition. I know, I should be dedicated to our cause. Just, let me grieve a little. I feel so close, yet so far.

***

Our first expedition and everything seemed to have gone wrong. We were dashing through the Forest of Giant Trees, before reaching a point where the Commander was waiting with his elites. Hange commanded our squad to stop and set up the contents of our wagons. Canons? Exactly what are we doing here?

“Y/N!” Squad Leader Hange approached me the moment we finished setting up. “Tell Erwin we’re done with setting up. And stay and help him with giving the signal.” Somehow, Hange’s eyes had this dangerous glint to them, and I don’t think that was meant for the Titans we are sure to encounter.

“Commander! Set up is finished. We’ll just be waiting for the signal.” I reported, complete with a salute. He just nodded at me. But I won’t give up. I took the signals set aside and waited. For what? For the most dangerous Titan, maybe, ever.

“What is that thing?” I can hear it, the heavy footsteps that could only belong to a Titan. I can feel it, coming closer every second. A high-pitched ring came out of nowhere, then Captain Levi’s squad, then the Titan!

“Now!” Erwin commanded, and I flashed the signal. Blasts of the canons went off continuously, latching onto the Titan.

“We’re trying to catch it?” I whispered, yet somehow, Commander Erwin heard it.

“Yes.” He answered me. He actually talked to me! It’s one word, still… it’s something. My celebration didn’t last long. The sight of this Titan actually pulled my attention from Erwin.

There’s something different about it. It wasn’t trying to escape. It seemed to be watching us, observing. A shiver went up to my spine.

“Looks like it stopped moving.” Captain Levi was right beside the Commander all of a sudden. His blades were drawn and I could tell he wanted to carve up this Titan right away. This close, I could feel just how lethal our legendary Captain Levi is.

A few more shots were fired, Commander Erwin is understandably pissed. And when Mike and Levi went in for the nape, the hands covering it turned into some kind of crystal in an instant!

“Impossible!” No one told us about this! Squad Leader Mike zipped up to where we were and his blades were ruined, in just a single strike.

“Y/N.” Erwin called me by my name! He knows my name! I have no time to celebrate, but I really, really want everyone to know that Erwin knows my name.

“Yes, sir?”

“Prepare the explosives. Blow off its hands.”

“Yes, sir.” But then, will that be enough to destroy the hardened skin? Or will we have to use a lot of our supply? We carried wagons! This is clearly a Titan like Eren. Blowing it up like that might kill whoever’s inside. I shred this worried with Erwin.

“Then set them to amputate the wrists.” He then started walking, closer to me. Leaning! And with a hand on my shoulder, he continued, “set them all off at my signal.” I was giddy. I know that’s not right, but I can’t help it. He knows my name!

I zipped down to Squad Leader Hange, ready to relay the command. It was when sputtering noise came from my 3DM gear. Ugh! I did what I came to do, and started whacking my gear. I really should’ve stayed with Armin and Marco whenever they did their gear maintenance.

I was halfway back up when I heard the loudest and most horrible scream that there could possibly be.

Landing ungracefully, I turned to the Commander, “what was that?”

Squad Leader Mike suddenly landed, “Erwin it stinks!” Oh no.

I was paralyzed. I could feel the rumble way before I heard them. Hordes of Titans! It was a blur, but I know I saw one of the firsts Titans to clutch onto our captured one and bit onto its leg.

“A Titan, eating a Titan?” It was all happening so fast! More Titans were in our vicinity.

“All men, engage!” Commanded Erwin. “Defend the Female Titan even if it means your lives!”

“Yes!” I was ready to put my skills to use, but as luck would have it, my 3DM gear’s cord was stuck! I fell maybe three feet, Titans running all around, soldiers zipping up above. I’m going to die like this? Stepped on by Titans – not even on purpose?

“Come on, you hunk of metal!” Useless!  Before I could try anything else, I was grabbed by a strong arm – human arm!

“Are you alright, Y/N?” It was Erwin! And he still knows my name! “Y/N?”

“Ye..yes.” Despite the joy I’m feeling, coldness was running through my veins, and my legs seem to be melting. “Thank you.”

It was a whirlwind of Titan parts after that.

With my useless gear, Commander Erwin helped me down and towards the horses. I was able to ride alongside him and Hange. We didn’t have time to do anything else as the mission was a failure. We rode our horses until we were far away from the Forest of Giant Trees.

***

We were able to catch a break, in a strategically disadvantageous clear field. Sorting out the dead and the injured. I felt selfish as all I was doing was fix my gear – or at least try to.

“Here, let me.” Out of nowhere, Commander Erwin approached. “Your cords are tangled, and they need some oil.”

“Okay.” I was able to observe him, how his usually stern face was gentle, tired but gentle. His hands delicately handling the gear. He was breathtaking.

“Here. That should do it. You really have to do regular maintenance on your gear, Y/N.” He smiled. At me! “Why the look of surprise?” And now he chuckled.

“I, uh, didn’t know you knew my name, sir.”

“Of course, I’d know your name.” Erwin said, kindness overflowing his voice. “It’s natural I’d know the name of the most hardworking person I know. You never fail to amaze me.”

All this time, I thought he didn’t notice me. Wow. My heart felt so warm and so full it could probably burst. I know that right now, we are weighed down by the mission we just lived through, and this moment was tinged by the sadness of losing our colleagues. But I have faith that this is just the beginning, and things will definitely get better.

Copyright © 2019 by imaginesnkdorks. All rights reserved 

[rixxy8173571m3w1p3]

Fruit And The Work Of Geniuses

Another wip that had been sitting for months that I finally finished. I'm tagging @ravenousscorpian because of a conversation we had a few days ago.

In this fic Doofus Rick wants to solve the problem that concerns the love for a certain kind of fruit.

____________

A glance at your kitchen pantry said a lot about your dietary habits. Having lived alone for several years, you only bought what you'd eat and wouldn't go bad under your neglect. Therefore, you had amassed a collection of canned food and had only started eating a little better when Zeta-7 came along; gently and carefully introducing foods you'd like and would buy if you came across them. With his influence, you found that instead of just going through meals, you now had to give it a little more effort, and was happy when meals did taste good. However, there was something that he couldn't deny you; the love you had for the taste of canned pineapple.

There were about two shelves full of only canned pineapple and you enjoyed about a can or two a day depending on your mood, but this worried Rick because raw pineapple was obviously better for your health. You thought that who could beat sliced pineapple in 100% fruit juice? Well, he had a few ideas. There was jackfruit, but it was expensive. Rambutan, which wasn't acidic enough, and dragon fruit which wasn't enough. You began to feel a little hurt and just wanted to pop open one of those cans when he came up with an idea.

Let him jar some for you. You were skeptical, which he understood, but you followed him towards the garage where he had everything set up and covered. Oh boy, he was certainly prepared. “Rick, I think it's great that you want to do this for me, but I don't see how it's going to be cost-effective.”

“If y-you buy them at the grocery store,” he began his explanation, his gestures making it more exciting than it actually was; his hair moving about as he tilted his head to glance at you and various items on the room. “then maybe not, but if you get them straight from the fields then th-they are. However, I-I-I know that's not practical for you. So, I-I-I thought of a solution.”

“Which is?”

Pulling out a blue cube from one of his inner lab coat pockets, you saw as his eyes light up with excitement, eager to show you his new, fresh little baby of an invention. “Th-this. Here,” he brightened, “y-you can hold it if you like, it's completely safe.”

Hmm, a blue cube; hadn't you seen that in a movie somewhere? Though, nonetheless, you took it from his hand and found it weighed as much as a pen. “How do you know its safe?”

“I ugh - I-I-I dedicated several weeks to testing it. I had help of-of course.”

“Let me guess, was it from a little blue man?”

“No,” he confessed; his smile warmed by a familial affection. “but from a-a friend. He tends t-t-to travel a lot, but I enjoy his company when he stops by. Luckily, he's doing well, though I hope he visits again while you're here. I think y-y-you would like him.”

“Is he a Rick?”

“No, but he - he's smarter than he's given credit for.”

It couldn't have been that one Morty could it, the one with the eye patch? Impossible. Zeta-7 was a dear, but he didn't have any friends as odd as him, did he? You could only wonder.

“I can see you value it, his intelligence I mean.”

“Mhm, but I'm sure it - it doesn't mean much coming from me.”

“It probably means more than you could ever know. Let's hope that it does.”

“Th-thank you m-mi corazón.”

“No problem. So, what is this thing?”

“What you're holding, it's - it's a dehydrated storage cube. Do y-you want to know how it works?”

“I don't see why not?”

“Gee, I-I don't know, I guess I want t-t-to be sure. I don't want to bore you.”

“Nonsense, you could never bore me. Come on, tell me how it works. I've been dying to see the blackboard. Unless it's been replaced.”

“Gosh, I-I-I didn't. It's right over there behind th-the shelves.”

“Good, then there's no reason for you not to explain it to me. Come on, I know you want to.”

Scratching the back of his neck, he nodded and did as he was told and retrieved the blackboard while you slipped into your own labcoat which had been hanging in the hallway closet. By the time you popped back into the garage, he was only halfway done scribbling the mathematical equations involved. You heard him sigh, and groan as he worried about writing it all down correctly. Now, you weren't much of a math wiz, never had been, but you were highly skilled in flustering him when he was being extraordinarily pleasing or any other time. With his back facing you, there was only one thing you could think of doing.

Wrapping your arms around him, he gasped in surprise, but regardless, he kept on scribbling. “Rick?”

“Mhm?”

“Ricky, the science bean,” you giggled, “just relax. You're not explaining this to a room full of people, but only to me.”

“I-I know, but it's - what if it doesn't work?”

“Then you'll try again, and I'll be there swooning over you as you fill the garage with sparks and sci-fi noises. There's no need to get anxious, because it's going to be great. Don't ever doubt that. I don't.”

Setting down his chalk, he turned around and pressed a soft kiss on your forehead. “O-o-okay.”

For the next hour he into a brief explanation of where the idea came from, which was definitely technology based off sci-fi as well as the process and what other functions the specialty ray gun could do. Your comments and questions in turn took up another hour, and in the end, instead of going into how amusing and delightful it was, you allowed him to demonstrate it. Giving the cube back to him, he took a deep breath before he dropped it into a large washtub full of water. At first, there was nothing, but then it glowed for a few seconds, before expanding and revealing several dozen pineapples which were stacked nicely in a pyramid. “Wow, now that's pretty.”

“It - it worked.”

“Of course, because you're a genius.”

That endless smile which you thought would fade if it failed was as large and goofy as ever. “Th-thanks for believing me.”

“You're welcome. You know, I don't think I've ever seen this many pineapples in one place. I don't know much about them, except that it takes forever to grow them.

“A-about two years, but longer in colder climates.”

“ Rick, I know I've said it earlier, but I really appreciate this. You never cease to amaze me.”

“Gosh, I'm so glad. I-I really hoped you would. I-I-I-I picked all these at the peak of freshness where th-they will be their sweetest, and I can cut them up and jar them in a jiffy.”

“Question, how do you plan on doing that? It'll take hours, days maybe. Trust me, I've tried it before and it's such a pain.”

“Now, th-that's the fun part.”

Guiding you towards the workbench, he pointed towards a silver toaster. Goodness, this was going to be quite a show, but you couldn't help but smile at not only the effort, but at the excitement; another reminder that above all else that he wasn't only a sweetheart of a boyfriend, but an adorkable mad genius. You only hoped this contraption wouldn't attempt to enslave the human race, or worse, mess up his adorable hairdo.

Fin

[hannahbellinger]

Ugh I can't shake up the feeling that my writing is bad. Not my rp writing because honestly I'm pretty confident with it, but my storytelling skills. I'm writing this fic that is supposed to be super long, it's situated in 1996, so it demands a lot of research and attention to detail, but I can't stop thinking it's not good enough. I keep thinking: the story is interesting, the idea is really good, but the execution... The sad part is that I am receiving good feedback, but I still feel that thing and this is keeping me from writing the next chapters. Ugh. Bitch, just trust the god forsaken process!!!!!! (this is a message from me to me)

I haven't been this excited about one of my stories since ages ago and I know it has so much potential... Seriously, even this blog has been a little bit dedicated to it. Also I have readers who look up to me (most of them came from a previous fic I wrote) and I don't wanna disappoint them, specially cause most of those were born after the 90s ended and I wanna show the crazy and unique things this decade had (even if the fic itself is a little parody-like so it's not necessarily completely historically accurate. Think Bridgerton but with rockstars from the 90s). I also have this big project I wanna do on Twitter for the fandom, that is situated on the same universe of the fic, but it's also it's own thing, but I'm embarrassed to do it because I don't have many followers on my Twitter account and I feel like only big authors are allowed to do such things?????? Idk. *Feels paranoid in silence*

Ugh. I had to have this freakout somewhere so this blog is my sanctuary. Also I'm probably gonna reblog a bunch of things that brings me inspiration so don't mind me. And I'm gonna put a gif icon on this post so it looks even more crazy! :D

Does my fic sound like Oklahoma??????