#[ this is old ish but i still wanted to reply and maybe we can transition it ]

[mvsicinthedvrk]

"I went to your apartment and you weren't there. You've been here long enough to know how large this city is, that's why I'm surprised I managed to find you," he shoots back. Chiye knows his brother will be supremely upset if he finds out his good friend ended up dead, that's why he's out here, to avoid that potential future-- and he himself would admittedly be upset about it just as much-- even though Zhuyin seems more prepared for this ongoing violent scenario than he does, for some reason. "You don't want to know how long it took me. Can we go? It's brutal out here, and I don't want to have to test your pen method."

                                  Zhuyin’s only mildly surprised that Chiye manages to misinterpret such an obvious gesture, though she’d doesn’t make a point out of correcting him. In fact, she’s positive her voice alone would be enough to fend off half of these potential attackers— the rest, she had other ways of dealing with. The current situation is far of an ideal one, but it isn’t remotely close to being as bad or dangerous as the wars that had been fought back in Dazhou. More unpredictable, sure, but she had yet to find someone who knew how to handle themselves. It is the one reason Zhuyin listens to the younger with a faint hint of amusement ghosting at the corners of her lips; with his memories, the lack of a proper weapon would have been the last thing to hold Chiye back. “If you were out here to find me,” she points out, after he finally seems to be done venting, “how come you’re so surprised to actually find me here?” 

[punkscowardschampions]

Jac & Amelia

Jac: How was your first day? Amelia: 🥱😴 Amelia: What about you? Jac: Oh dear, it was a lot more observing rather than doing I suppose, but I kind of expected that, if you want to get experience somewhere that isn't willing to just let anyone come in and do a shift so Jac: You'll never guess who was on my placement too though Amelia: Connor following you there wouldn't surprise me Amelia: he can't take a hint Jac: Thankfully not Jac: Swerving him during school is basically an extra-curricular Jac: I suppose it isn't all that surprising when you think about it, but I still was taken aback by the turn of events Amelia: thrill me Amelia: who is it? Jac: Savannah Moore Amelia: oh god, that sucks Amelia: if you don't wanna change placements, we'll make her Amelia: it'll be okay Jac: That's the surprising thing Jac: she was like, a different person Amelia: like really fake, you mean? Jac: No, like, a normal person Jac: maybe because she was away from her friends, her audience, or I don't know Jac: but she was just getting on with her work too, being chill about the whole thing Amelia: 🤔 suspicious Jac: Well, you can't say anything Jac: but why would you Jac: she's having like, a really hard time at home right now, she was a bit upset at one point Jac: it just broke the ice, and it makes a lot of things make sense Amelia: did it or did she throw you off with a convincing 😥💔 story? Jac: She was having a breakdown in the toilets basically Jac: I don't think she wanted anyone to see that, least of all me Jac: we knew her dad was like A LOT anyway, it tracks Amelia: it's Savannah, she wants everyone to see everything, especially you Jac: Come on, what would she even get out of tricking me with a sobstory Jac: bar work experience not being a total drama, which surely she'd love more, by that logic? Amelia: your attention Jac: 🤔🤔 I just don't see it this time Jac: I can't explain how sincere it was, what she said Jac: it definitely wasn't made up, at any rate Amelia: if you believe her, I believe you Jac: Like, I'm not saying we were wrong Jac: but too harsh, maybe Jac: we don't need to waste any energy on being her enemy or whatever Jac: not that we were ever THAT childish but, she really isn't that bad Amelia: I can be a bit harsh Jac: You're a softie, really Jac: but I'm not going to spill all your secrets to her Amelia: it's not a secret that I missed you today Jac: Was it seriously that boring? 😞 Jac: Who are you with again, anyone not awful? Amelia: yeah Amelia: my 🧠 has turned to mush Amelia: they put with with Valentina Hernández, I've had detention with her before Jac: You poor thing Jac: we'll have to do something fun when this is over, if you're going to hate it so much Jac: and I'll keep to a minimum how much I'm enjoying getting some industry experience 🤐 Jac: Oh yeah, she's cute Jac: I don't have many classes with her, but I know who you mean Amelia: she said I look like her ex, do you think that means she hates me or I'm her eye candy of choice for the next week? Amelia: can't we do something fun tonight!? Jac: How weird Jac: sounds like a really bad pickup-line a 40-year-old man would use Jac: Guess you'll see what she meant Jac: That's not going to make your early start tomorrow any easier, is it Amelia: I'm already planning to sleep through my alarm Amelia: and Is is up for it Jac: I'm totally wiped Jac: and trying to save you from yourself 😉 Jac: Is can make her own poor choices Amelia: vodka redbulls were invented to change wiped to wired Amelia: you know she'll get drunk and throw herself at some boy, that's what you'll be saving me from Amelia: dark corners are no fun when I'm being left in them on my own Jac: so I can be hungover tomorrow Jac: if she is tricking me, I'm going to need ALL my wits about me Jac: maybe Val will come and keep you company Amelia: and if she's as nice as you say, she can pick up the slack Amelia: please come Jac: Are we talking about a house party or a club or what, you've not even told me 😅 Jac: also, you know I don't want to drop anything, I need to ace this Amelia: it's a club you'll love Amelia: so you won't have to drink loads to have fun anyway Jac: If Is or any of her conquests have picked it I SO doubt that 😏 Amelia: I picked it in case you needed cheering up but it works for a pat on the back too Jac: Okay, I'll see what the parents say Amelia: if they look like they're leaning towards no, it could've been me having a breakdown in the toilets Jac: I'll tell them you'll be heartbroken Amelia: the truth works too Jac: they're not that understanding so I wouldn't hold your breath Jac: I'll corner one of them when they get in though Amelia: more understanding than mine, not to be Savannah-ish about it Jac: I assume you will be sneaking out, as per Jac: or staying over one of ours to catch up with your work Amelia: 😏 Jac: 🙄 how you ever get away with it when your mother knows everything about everyone is beyond me Jac: if you applied yourself, you could be seriously impressive Amelia: could be? Amelia: you just said I am Amelia: she knows everything about me that I want her to know Jac: duh Jac: gotta give you something to aim for though Amelia: oooh a challenge Jac: I know how you feel about them Amelia: unless it's going to be something about applying myself this week Jac: am I a teacher? Amelia: you've taught me loads like why would I waste my energy buckling down with Valentina 📠 when I could spend it doing something that isn't 🥱😴 with you Jac: You have a point Jac: or, I do? 😂 Jac: and I can come out for a while, but I need to be home to get at least 5 hours sleep minimum Amelia: can I stay or does Jude still need 15 hours minimum? Jac: if you keep the noise down and promise to talk less than her Amelia: I'll be so 🤫🤐 Jac: another person at mine in the AM makes no odds Jac: but I will be leaving extra early, FYI Amelia: why? Jac: Mainly because I want to get there on time Jac: but also because Savannah said she'd bring breakfast, as I listened to her when she was upset today so Amelia: bribery is her style 🤑 Jac: I guess so Jac: but it'd be rude of me not to accept any coffee or pastries she wants to throw my way Amelia: what if they're toxic Jac: You're giving her too much credit now Jac: she isn't going to have the time to poison them AND not be late Amelia: she's probably baking them right now, what else are her and her invisible mum going to do to bond? Jac: You're the one that takes home ec 🍳 Amelia: yeah and if you wanted me to kill her, all you had to do was ask Jac: Feel free to note my silence any time you like 😏 Jac: What are you wearing, how smart/casual is this place? Amelia: [pictures of potential outfits on the bed so she can see the vibe] Amelia: which one will you break your vow of silence for? Jac: You know I love that colour [hi khaki moment] Amelia: 😉 Amelia: if you want to know what Is is wearing, the group chat is full of her maybes Jac: I am purposely ignoring that notification 🙄😑 Jac: like yeah, I'm probably going to wear my black tank dress again but the difference is, I'm not pretending it's getting any crazier Amelia: it got her to shut up about all the 'hotties' at the sports centre that she got to 'service' today Amelia: 😣 Jac: Ew Jac: she's so graphic sometimes Jac: it's a good thing she has her reputation tbh if those are her lines Amelia: this is before a drink too Amelia: I need you, I wasn't even laying it on thick Jac: God, she is a lot Jac: hopefully one of them asks her out, she's at least less gross when she's in a relationship Amelia: 🤞 Jac: I do need to plan my outfits for the rest of work experience though Amelia: god, I can imagine what Savannah looked like today Jac: Right? Jac: She was so on point Amelia: for a stepford wife Amelia: it's unsettling Amelia: her mum probably stays invisible because she takes the clothes off her back Jac: Come on, she looks good Amelia: so would I in head to toe chanel Jac: Exactly Jac: so I need to keep up so I don't look like a scrub Amelia: you don't have to try as hard as her, that's the difference Amelia: you actually look good Amelia: not just expensive Jac: You're biased but I love you for it Amelia: you could ask anyone in our year and they'd tell you the same thing Amelia: even her boyfriend would probably want to agree with me Jac: I doubt his eyes ever leave her, they're totally inseparable aren't they Amelia: it sounds like you'll be getting all the gossip Amelia: you'll be able to tell me everything by Friday Jac: not that that has any real use now Amelia: maybe or maybe not Jac: ?? Amelia: we've got loads of school left, you can't say never Amelia: today could've been a weird fluke Jac: Nah, it was a total ceasefire if nothing else Jac: it's not like a feud Jac: Oh my God, what is that skirt she just posted Amelia: okay Amelia: 😳 on her behalf Jac: should I tell her to wear it? Amelia: yeah 😂 Jac: 😏 Amelia: what are you wearing though? Jac: my lbd 😂 Jac: I don't know if it's classic or predictable but if nothing else, I can say this was short notice Amelia: if I couldn't predict you I'd be worried Jac: but you love a challenge 🤔 Amelia: but I love the way things are Jac: see, so soft and soppy Jac: nothing has changed yet Jac: still think transition year is pointless 🤷 Amelia: your 🧠 didn't turn to mush Jac: it might Jac: I just wanna pick all our new classes and get started Jac: but it is cool we get to do stuff like this, I suppose Amelia: you just want to find out if Savannah will be in every single class again Jac: 🙄 Amelia: [like I'm gonna say she was joking then but now the posts have appeared so it's like oh you actually do and she leaves her on read which I cannot overstate how much that would NEVER happen because she always answers immediately no matter what] Jac: Hello? Jac: are you picking me up? Amelia: are you ready? Jac: you aren't talking to Isabelle Jac: of course I am Amelia: nothing she's saying needs a reply Jac: 'Fashionably' late is her vibe Amelia: yeah I know, Is hasn't changed since I met her Jac: Like that's a good thing? Amelia: I wouldn't go as far as to call her perfect or anything Amelia: but at least I get her Jac: Funny, Meels Amelia: like totally weird, that kind of funny Jac: You are being weird Amelia: that isn't even a worthy deflection Jac: What do you wanna say? Jac: It's just a post Amelia: I've never heard you describe anything as perfect, what are you saying? Jac: Did you see her post? Amelia: yeah, it's obvious why you're tired Amelia: I was exhausted reading it Jac: Well I couldn't just say nothing in return, could I Amelia: I never caption anything, it's easy Jac: you're a girl of few words Amelia: why does she think she knows you on such a 'deep level' now? Amelia: you said she was the one who overshared Jac: You know her friends Jac: Paige G and Becca Jac: I doubt they do 'deep' Jac: it's just in comparison Amelia: I know you, there's things you aren't telling me Jac: like what, I told her all my secrets Jac: if you know me then you know there's no way that's true Amelia: then you're keeping hers Jac: No I'm not, I told you, it's her home life Jac: and I'm sure she doesn't want everyone to know so I shouldn't but I did Amelia: okay Jac: You don't like her, you don't have to Jac: but don't be off with me Amelia: neither did you yesterday Amelia: but now you're going to [whatever that market location was] together Jac: She needed cheering up Jac: and I was going to go anyway, my last bouquet was dead Jac: it's not a big deal Amelia: it was so chill you weren't going to say anything before she outted you with a post Amelia: obviously Jac: I didn't say anything 'cos I didn't think you'd be bothered Jac: it's not your thing Amelia: right, why would it be news that you've changed your entire POV on Savannah Moore Jac: Well I told you about that Jac: scroll up Amelia: it's one thing putting up with someone during work experience, which is what you said Amelia: do you see me taking Valentina out when we're allowed to leave? No, because it'd be totally weird Jac: Why would that be weird? Amelia: we're not friends, I barely know her Jac: you're free to get to know her Jac: you may as well Jac: like I said, it's totally childish having some kind of grudge against her Amelia: it's too late to invite them both Jac: so you want to? Amelia: no, but you think I'm being childish Jac: I think it would be childish for me to decline this peace offering Jac: if it makes life easier, it'd be stupid not to Amelia: I don't see how it'll make anything easier if she's going to be that extra Amelia: Is is already a lot Jac: I can deal with them both Amelia: okay Jac: You don't need to be jealous Amelia: of her? oh please Jac: right Amelia: she's not the only one who has had a bad day, that's all Jac: what's wrong? Amelia: I got in trouble, they might not even have me back tomorrow Jac: What did you do? Amelia: nothing! It wasn't my fault Jac: Alright, what happened then Amelia: I didn't think it would crash the whole system, I was just trying to get done quicker Jac: Oh God Meels Amelia: it would've been impressive if it had worked Jac: they can't get rid of you for a mistake Jac: just be really, really sorry, yeah Amelia: I am sorry, it was really 😳 Jac: I bet Jac: you won't do it again Jac: did she tell you to Amelia: who would tell me to do that Jac: You said she was your detention buddy Amelia: no I didn't, I said I've seen her there before Amelia: everyone gets detention except you and Savannah Jac: Hardly Jac: well, you could say it was her idea Amelia: you've been having a go at me for being childish Jac: you'll be in so much shit if they refuse to have you back Amelia: I'll go work with my dad or something, it'll be even more boring but it's only a week anyway Jac: it'll still reflect really badly on you Jac: it's not childish, it's practical Amelia: it was an accident, I won't be the only one who's done something stupid Jac: Yeah, but you said they were arsey about it so Jac: just saying Amelia: maybe I was a bit defensive Amelia: don't worry about it Jac: Hmm Amelia: I'll smooth it over Jac: Good luck then Amelia: trust me Jac: You always end up alright Amelia: you're my lucky charm Amelia: I just ask myself wwjd Jac: You're such a loser 😏 Amelia: you're so cruel to me 💔 Jac: You love it Amelia: I love you Jac: I love you too Amelia: are you coming out or am I coming in? Jac: You'll just get waylaid by dogs and siblings Jac: be right out Amelia: the hair isn't an accessory I should wear to the club Jac: I've not done anything with mine, don't judge Amelia: it always looks perfect whatever you do or don't do Jac: 😘 Amelia: if you're going to use that word, at least throw it in the right direction Jac: oh yeah, that's a caption I wanna write 😂 Amelia: I'll write it for you, if anything's worth breaking the rules for Jac: You want to compete with Savannah's word count? Amelia: I don't want to, but I will if I have to Jac: I'm not that desperate for validation, you're okay Amelia: Isabelle meanwhile Amelia: has NOT shut up Jac: It's a wonder anyone is getting past her on reception Amelia: 😂 Jac: maybe she should ask if she can work the door when she finally shows Jac: [you go out now though gal, don't need to be messing about] Amelia: [go forth and be messy gays at this club instead] Jac: [no wonder, the tension henny] Amelia: [all the useless lesbian awards to amelia for not making a move tonight] Jac: [blink and you miss it babe] Amelia: [literally does not think she's running out of time, soz gal] Jac: [oh it's sad[ Amelia: [it is, we've been doing this dance for years ladies, obvs we think we'll just keep doing it until uni forces us to stop and do something else and at that point that's years away still] Jac: [when you think you got another three years to have gay angst and drama, nay nay] Amelia: [mhmm] Jac: [well, a different kind of angst and drama will be happening but nobody is loving that Amelia: [except me haha]

[thesvenqueen]

The Unexpected

SURPRISE @karis-the-fangirl! I am your (late) Secret Santa! So sorry for the delay, life’s been absolutely insane the last few days BUT I managed to finish this for you! It’s got some pining, probs bad grammar, horrible transitions, ‘one bed’ trope(ish), and overall cuteness! I hope you enjoy it & hope you have a great Christmas!

Words: 1813  Rating: K

Anna hadn’t expected the gift.

A full weekend getaway in the mountains; a little cabin nestled right on the edge with full view of the valley below and surrounding snowy mountains.

It was near several trails to explore, some with waterfalls and one even with hot springs.

It was the perfect gift, a getaway that Anna desperately needed.

Anna hadn’t expected Elsa to bail.

When she got the gift, she thought of asking Elsa, and at first Elsa was all for a weekend break.

At first.

Then, a business matter came up. Urgent & needing tending to, something that ‘couldn’t wait a weekend’ according to her sister.

Slightly annoyed, Anna said she ‘understood’.

Anna hadn’t expected her sister to suggest him.

She had blushed immediately at his name, trying to come up with some excuse as to why it wasn’t going to work; how it wasn’t a good idea & a disaster in the making.

The excuses were really to hide the faint bit of excitement at the idea, the way her heart sped up at the thought of a weekend with him.

After more encouragement, Anna finally gave in (she swore she could tell Elsa was grinning on the other end).

Anna hadn’t expected Kristoff to say yes, and so quickly as well.

Things had been, awkward, to say the least lately. They had been as thick as thieves in high school, never leaving each other’s sides. Always getting up to some kind of mischief or just enjoying a lazy afternoon together somewhere in the small town.

Then reality hit, acceptance letters received, distance came and separation happened.

Years passed, and it took a chance run in a few months ago for the pair to meet again.

Anna hadn’t expected to see him.

The site of him made her stop in her tracks.

Kristoff had grew, somehow more than his growth spurt in high school. The skinny, tall, lanky teenager was fit, bulked up, but his hair was still just barely hanging in his eyes.

He had stuttered a hello to her when she walked up to him in the store, and all it took was to see that grin she knew so well and she was done.

It took that one chance meeting to know she was head over heels for Kristoff.

Really, she had been since high school. Nerves got the best of her, regrettably so, and she never told him. The years that passed while at college Anna had missed him greatly, always regretting never saying anything, and too scared to send a text after all this time.

Now here they were, having some pizza like old times, wim him stuttering to try and save the quick “Yes!” he had exclaimed at the diner while Anna giggled.

Anna hadn’t expected the drive.

Well, that’s a lie, she had expected the long drive. What she didn’t expect was the absence of awkwardness.

The days leading up, she started to worry and half regret asking.

What if it was weird?

What if she said something stupid?

What if Kristoff didn’t enjoy it?

What if she spilled the beans on how she felt?

What if he didn’t feel the same?

For a moment, a fleeting moment, when she had first gotten in Kristoff’s truck, it was there. Awkwardness tried to creep its way in.

Then, Kristoff asked if she was ready, and with a sly grin she had replied, “I was born ready”.

Hours passed easily, with jokes, stories, and moments of comfortable silence as they drove up the mountain side.

It was like old times, better even.

Anna hadn’t expected the cabin to be so beautiful.

It was just as the picture had shown; small, quaint, perfect for a weekend getaway that sat perfectly beneath the pine trees & snow.

One by one Anna bounded around the cabin, taking it all in and caught up to Kristoff who was standing in the doorway to the bedroom.

Anna hadn’t expected the one bed.

For a moment, they both stared at the bed. Anna glanced over and could see a slight blush on Kristoff’s face; she was curious if it was from the cold.

The awkwardness came back immediately then, till Kristoff mentioned he’ll take the couch.

Oh no, that was not going to do.They had not driven all the up here for him to sleep on a couch.

“We’re adults Kristoff, we can share a bed.”

This time, the blush was definitely not from the cold.

Anna hadn’t expected the butterflies.

Once moved into the cabin, Anna had convinced Kristoff to go explore a quick nearby trail before night fall.

It was then that as Anna pleaded and begged to go, that Kristoff had chuckled and said “You know I can’t say no to you”.

For some reason, hearing that gave her butterflies.

Anna had stared at him for a moment then caught herself, quickly dashing for the door as she called “Last one in the snow is a rotten egg.”

Thankfully, the cold hid her blush.

Anna hadn’t expected the snow storm. Neither of them had.

She had known she was forgetting something that morning, but after checking her suitcase three times she gave up.

As she made a mad dash for the cabin door as it came into view, she realized it had been the weather she had forgotten to check.

The storm had rolled in and both had been distracted by the beauty of the woods around them. Kristoff called it the moment the first snowflake appeared in front of them. Anna had been skeptic, seeing no real change.

It was when they were halfway back that the bottom fell out and they were quickly covered in snow.

Shivering, Anna made it to the door of the cabin, too cold to bring her hands out of her pockets to open the door.

Sensing her discomfort, Kristoff had opened the door. Without hesitation, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her inside.

Next thing she knew, she was sitting beside the fire, blankets wrapped around her while Kristoff held her.

She could feel his chest rising against her back and the butterflies had returned immediately.

They had sat there for what seemed like forever, so comfortable and warm within each others arms.

He had whispered in her ear, “Do want hot cocoa?”, and it sent a shiver down her spine.

Anna hadn’t expected to see him like that.

She had gone to grab her phone charger, when the door to the bathroom had opened.

There Kristoff stood, shirtless, hair still damp from the shower, and Anna couldn’t help but gauk.

He was hot, she had known that but holy shit.

She blinked, noticing he was looking at her quizzically. She started to stutter an apology, and decided on just darting out the door.

She couldn’t look at him without blushing the rest of the night.

Anna hadn’t expected to feel...rejected.

Was it rejection?

Kristoff had hardly spoken to her the rest of the night, could hardly look at her really, and then when it was time for bed, he had made sure to lay on the farthest side away from her.

He didn’t even utter a goodnight.

After the day they had had, the progress they’d made over the few months, the time spent by the fireplace; For some reason, it had just crushed her.

She listened to the storm rage outside, his gentle snoores beside her and she couldn’t stand it.

Grabbing the blanket off the foot of the bed, she went to the living room, careful not to wake Kristoff.

Anna hadn’t expected to cry.

As the snow had fallen, so did her tears as she watched from the living room.

There had been a part of her, small but strong, that hoped that maybe this would be the shove to get Kristoff to notice her.

To see how she felt, to see how much she loved him.

Instead, it seemed it had pushed him away.

This whole thing had been stupid. The butterflies were stupid. The idea this could work out was stupid. Her feelings were stupid.

Everything was just stupid.

Anna hadn’t expected him to wake up.

Kristoff had followed her, making her jump when he spoke.

She turned, trying frantically to hide her tears with the blanket.

“What’s wrong?” He had asked.

“Nothing.” she said, sniffling. “I’m fine. Go back to bed.”

“Anna,” he began but she had stopped him,

“Don’t, please don’t.” He had been confused then, “Just, leave me alone.”

“Anna, please, tell me what’s wrong.”

There was a pause, and finally, “Kristoff, why did you come?”

“What?”

“Why did you come?”

“Because you asked?”

“So?”

“So?”

“You didn’t have to say yes, but you did. Why?”

“Anna, what is this about?”

“How do you not see it?”

He had paused then, “See what?”

“What I’ve been hiding from you for months now, what I hid from you since we were kids.”

He just stared at her. She was crying again.

“When you left after high school, it crushed me. It hurt so much and I tried to just, let you go to make it better but...it made it worse. I was so miserable. Now, seeing you here, having you back, it’s like we’re kids again; it’s been the best time of my life. I’ve missed you so much and all that time, more than anything, I regret never telling you how I felt, how I still feel.” Anna had paused then, catching her breath, “I love you Kristoff. I’ve loved you since we were kids. I...I can’t remember a time I didn’t and I’m so afraid that you’ll leave again not knowing and I don’t know if you love me too but...but I just had to tell you before--”

Anna hadn’t expected him to kiss her.

He had all but run across the room, pulling her close to his chest as he cradled her head. The feeling of his lips to hers nearly made her legs give out.

It was magical, perfect and more than she had dreamed about.

They finally broke apart, both gasping and both smiling from ear to ear.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.” Kristoff murmured.

“What?” Anna giggled, tears falling once again, “Really?”

“Really.” Kristoff chuckled, “And you think I’m clueless? I don’t know how I hid it from you for so long as I did. I’m pretty sure your sister knew.”

“What?!” Anna blinked, “I...I had no idea.”

“Seriously? I don’t know how you didn’t know.”

“I...I don’t...I...what?”

Kristoff chuckled again, capturing her lips with his to silence her confusion.

Anna hadn’t expected any of it, but as she left the cabin hand in hand with Kristoff a few days later, it was better than she could have ever imagined it to be.

[dramallamadingdang]

A buncha replies before we go and hit the slopes like an avalanche. :)

These’re for @plumbettie, @missy-hissy, @mortia, @moocha-muses, @demigirlandy, @simper-fi, @taylors-simblr, @blackswan-sims, @twofee, @sometownie, @ch4rmsing, @clericalrodent, @penig, and @mikexx2...

It is possible to default the in-lot Maxis sidewalk (I've done it once for my own game), you just need to replace the "Discrete Concrete" floor texture!

That makes sense, I suppose. I guess the issue is that it’s not going to match the neighborhood sidewalk that you can see off-lot, but if you don’t care about that, then that’s definitely an option. :)

missy-hissy replied to your photoset “Annnnnnd have a few random “scenery pics” from the restaurant’s test...”

So beautiful. My Sims 2 never looks like this. Gorgeous lots.

Thank you! Honestly? I think the key to making a really nice-looking environment is actually using neighborhood deco creatively. Instead of just plopping it down randomly in the open, neighborhood space, plop it carefully in the built areas and integrate it into the lots, merging it with the on-lot landscaping. Doing so makes things look more contiguous, more “open world.” I think the main “problem” with TS2 vs. the later games is that it feels more compartmentalized, each lot a separate entity. I think consciously doing things to defeat that feel just makes things look better to our human eyes. We live in an “open world,” after all, and it’s what we feel comfortable in, even if we’re viewing a “world” from the outside, so to speak.

On-lot objects with a high-res neighborhood view appearance helps with this as well, makes the lots look more connected to each other, instead of separate entities with definite boundaries between them. And, well, high-res stuff in general helps....although the game isn’t really meant to handle such things and forcing it to do things it wasn’t designed to do can quickly eat all your computer resources, too, which is not necessarily a good thing! The sacrifices we make.... *laugh*

mortia replied to your photoset “Annnnnnd have a few random “scenery pics” from the restaurant’s test...”

so pretty, this looks like a lot of fun :)

It’s a fun neighborhood. Or it will be, once I get everything settled. For this lot, I kinda just wanted it to have an arched bridge over water and everything else was just built around that.

moocha-muses replied to your photoset “Just some pics of queer hood (mostly) townies while they were being...”

I've always wanted someone to name a nightclub after me.

EVERYONE ought to have a nightclub named after them! :) Really, it’s just what I called it in my head. Like, “Gotta go into Moocha’s lot and add the pink statuary” (which I have yet to do, still!) or “Gotta go into Moocha’s lot and check out restaurant possibilities.” So, it just kinda became “Moocha’s” in my brain and...so it was.

demigirlandy replied to your post “So, a question.”

you could use the facial hair mod in addition to changing "treat as" to male in simpe and nothing else, they'd retain appearance but use male pronouns and one of the male voices

Yeah, I think that’s what’ll eventually happen, possibly. I don’t want him to have a male voice yet. Should be become a playable, then I’ll slowly transition him, but for now...just some scruffy, patchy “I don’t quite have the hormone levels for this yet” face-fuzz. :)

simper-fi replied to your photoset “The queer hood rogues’ gallery townies. :) There’s a list of names and...”

Faye looks amazing! I’m so excited for this hood :D

I am, too! :D She’s a cute Sim and she’s got quite a few connections, romantic and otherwise, amongst the other townies, since she was one of the first that I plopped onto the lot where they all got “moved-in” and adjusted and all that, so she had lots of time to mingle while I got the rest of the bunch settled. So...We’ll see what happens with her!

taylors-simblr replied to your photoset “The queer hood rogues’ gallery townies. :) There’s a list of names and...”

I almost didn’t recognise Jay, he looks great with glasses :D I also agree that Ramona is super cute

Jay rolled up a “Become a Rock God” LTW, so I kind of dressed him up to suit that ambition, with the studded shirt and the long-ish hair. But with all my Sims I roll to decide whether or not they’ll wear glasses, and he ended up with glasses. So, he’s got a kinda “nerdy rock god” vibe to him. *laugh* And Ramona...Yeah, she’s just adorable.

blackswan-sims replied to your photoset “The queer hood rogues’ gallery townies. :) There’s a list of names and...”

Julian looks great with the addition of a five o' clock shadow! I can definitely see why you call him the neighborhood hottie. :D He looks like he'll fit in nicely!

All your Sims are pretty hot, so it’s not surprising. ;) But yeah, IRL I likes me some five o’ clock (or five o’ clock the next day) shadow on my menfolk, so all the boys in my game tend to get at least the minimum amount of stubble. To my eyes, the completely clean-shaven look in-game just makes them all look like they’re about 15. *laugh* Either that or they went a bit too crazy with the electrolysis. :)

twofee replied to your photoset “The queer hood rogues’ gallery townies. :) There’s a list of names and...”

ahh you bespectacled kelian and victory! they look cute as little nerdfaces :) i think it would be funny if you let flo and tanner keep their unrelated but same last names and then those two ended up organically together in the hood.

Yep, Kelian and Victory both rolled to have glasses, and yeah I think it suits them both. Kelian actually reminds me a lot of Ed Quinn, only with poofier hair and not quite as buff. He’s got a similar face shape with the smaller eyes on a broader face, plus the dark hair/light eyes combination that makes me melty. :) I mean, I was tempted to stretch-skeleton him to make him really tall, to continue the resemblance...but that screws up animations so I decided not to. Anyway, I’ve seen Ed Quinn in roles where we wore glasses, and he looked good in them, so...yeah. :) And Victory...Well, it’s not like she needed more color, but I thought neon-glasses would go with her whole look. :)

sometownie replied to your photoset “The queer hood rogues’ gallery townies. :) There’s a list of names and...”

Looks great!! And I love the surname you gave Mimosa! :D

I’m glad you like the surname! I thought it sounded good when the name generator spit it out! :)

ch4rmsing replied to your post “The Queer Hood. Getting to Know You, Part 1.”

I ship it.

So do I! And so does @summer-choi-simblr, so we’re all good, I guess! :)

clericalrodent replied to your post “The Queer Hood. Getting to Know You, Part 3.”

Oh dear, Georgia, you are the worst. I swear she wasn't this bad in my game

I think the problem is that she’s randomized with a really low jealousy threshold and she was getting attached to Sims who were Romance, either as a primary or a secondary aspiration. Bad choices, Georgia! But she’s hilarious. I love her. <3

penig replied to your post “The Queer Hood. Getting to Know You, Part 2.”

Also, Natasha's abuelo is The Grouchiest Man in Drama Acres, so she has a family tradition.

Well, she’s pretty grouchy, herself, as I recall, so there’s that, too! :) Maybe it’s a good thing she lives alone. Well, her and her dog, anyway. :)

mikexx2 replied to your post “The Queer Hood. Getting to Know You, Part 2.”

Oh dang, so Syd’s the hood creep so far? ��

Ah, not really. Natasha randomized as 17 (all of the Sims in this neighborhood, even the townies, have actual number ages assigned to them), so it’s not like she’s 13. Syd randomized as...Well, still too old for her, in the legal sense, at 25, but...Eh, harmless flirting of the “Charm” type, which actually started before I got around to aging Natasha down to a teen (since I initially created her as an adult, so I didn’t have to make an adult to get her out of CAS with) so...Yeah. Anyway, not a big deal.

[whiskeyworen]

Almost Functional

“Cyrus? Are you there?” Tenna fiddled with the commset in the faceguard of the new gear. “I’ve got a lot of Mist-distortion futzing with my signal. Can you hear me?” She was in Lion’s Arch -- now, anyways. A few minutes ago she’d tried out the personal teleporter based off a particular insane Sylvari’s design. The device worked, feeding off the energy of the Mists once it was integrated with the armor, but... “Damnit... Cyrus, COME IN. I’m here in Lion’s Arch outside that damned Whispers bar you like so much. DO YOU READ ME?” Her earpiece crackled with static before a familiar voice replied. “Roger that, Tenna. You in one piece?” She lifted her arm, considering the horrific scarring and warping of the material, and glanced down her right side. Somewhere between Here and There, she and her suit had experienced...a burp. A transit burp. “Well, I’m unharmed, if that’s what you wanna know. But it seems we need to refine the PTs a little bit. I’m pretty sure I nearly came close to getting my right side spread across the rest of infinity or something.” A rueful chuckle greeted her. “Yeah, I think you’re right. Or we need to increase the shielding around the body for when someone teleports. We’ll never be able to sell these things if people end up melting midway through their journey.” “Cyrus? Does that mean...”

Cyrus, in his destination of Hoelbrak, looked at the melted mass that encased his right arm. The metal of the armor had run and fused, mutating into Gods-only knew what. Even though it felt rigid on the outside, he could still bend and twist his arm as if it were only encased in a cloth sleeve. “....Yeah. Mine melted a bit. Right side. Entire arm up to the shoulder, and I think part of my leg. It might have even melted the mask, but I can’t see without taking the faceplate off.” He shook his head. “Well, at least the atmosphere systems are working. I can’t even feel Hoelbrak’s chill.” There was a pause from the other end of the line. Then when Tenna spoke, she sounded mildly amused. “I think my outer right toe got caught too?... Yep. It’s all weird and floppy. Is the metal of the armor all floppy in the melty part too?” “Yeah it is. And I think we might have some kind of containment breach of Mist energy too.” He waved his hand through the air, disturbing the shadowy mist roiling off his armor. “I’ve got some black-ish Mist coming from my gear.” “....Mine’s bright pink-red.” Cyrus paused for a second, blinking slowly. He sighed heavily. “You know... I really hate how the Mists fuck with our concept of reality. Smoke should be SMOKE, not whatever damned color the underside of reality flips a coin for.” “At least we are alive.” A third voice chimed in gruffly.

“Ah, Verula. Was wondering when you’d join in the comm circuit. Did you end up at destination?” “Affirmative, Cyrus. I’m somewhere in Timberline Falls.” She grunted as she chopped an errant Mordrem vine that had gotten too close. “...They really need to burn all these Mordrem vines here. It can’t be healthy to leave them alive.” “Let the Pact deal with that. It’s not our concern.” Cyrus replied firmly. “Did you lose any bits? Or did you get through the teleport intact?” “If I had to give a percentage, I’d say it was 75% successful. The armor is ruined on one side entirely. I’m lucky I didn’t lose my sword too.” “...Is it the right side?” Tenna asked. “Indeed.” Tenna sighed on the other end of the line. “Three for three. That means we have a definite design fault to find. Either it’s in the design of the teleporter, or it’s inherent in the armor itself. This is going to be a pain in the ass to find you know.” “Scarlet must have known something more about rapid Mist-movement than we do.” Cyrus replied. “I know she teleported without suffering this kind of damage because I was there when she was using it. But she was so paranoid by that point that she kept her best ‘toys’ to herself. We’re lucky we recovered even part of the blueprints.” Tenna made a disgruntled affirmative sound. “I’ll get back to the drawing board. Maybe I’ll find that sylvari Revenant that hitched a ride a while back, and question her about the Mists. Friggin’ twig was lost in them for so long, maybe she learned something special about them. Something no one else is talking about.” “Do that.” Cyrus acknowledged. “Keep me posted.” He glanced over at a glass window nearby, admiring the ornate cloak and the look of the protective faceplate on his helmet. The way the armor sat on him. The twin emergency knives incorporated into the chestplate and boot. It reminded him of something... “Heh. I always wondered what it would be like to be a Guardian..” He mimed pulling a pistol out and shooting, grinning under his faceplate at the way he looked. The comm was silent, before Tenna asked. “Uh... You’re not a Guardian, Cyrus. You’re some kind of fucked up Ranger that loves technology. Aren’t you?” He flushed with embarassment; he had forgotten to turn the comm off. “Nevermind. It’s just... a memory of an old game I liked. One with high technology, science that seemed like magic, magic that seemed like science, a sleeping god, and wizards from the Moon...” “....Right. You’re gonna have to get me drunk one night and explain whatever the fuck that means to me.” She sent back. He could hear the raised eyebrow in her voice. “Yeah. I will.” He cast one final glance at the mask on his face, under the hood of the cloak. Always wanted to be a Hunter Guardian. Guess I’ll have to settle for this. “You’ll either like it, think it’s weird, or think it’s dumb as hell while I explain it...” “Teleport to Lion’s Arch and I’ll meet you at this dumb bar, okay?” Tenna replied. “Don’t stand me up.” “On my way.” Cyrus replied, tapping a series of buttons under the left cuff of his armor. There was a whoosh-whoomph of imploding air, and he popped out of reality, leaving a quickly dispersing cloud of blackish Mist.