#( sorry. I'm just worried it'll weird some of you out. or something :'[ i'm probably being dumb )

[eustasskidagenda]

Hi! This is my first time requesting, could I ask for some headcanons of Zoro, Law and Kidd with reader who was selective mutism?

Hi, sure thing! I'm sorry for the delay, but here we go. I hope the outcome will meet your expectations, thank you for requesting. ☆

☆Zoro, Law & Kid with a s/o who has selective mutism

CW : g/n reader, Kid has a filthy mouth 

WC : 1,2k

Zoro 

It would be quite a challenge for Zoro, to be honest. 

Zoro is not really talkative. So at first, he wouldn't notice that you're facing selective mutism. He would assume that you are a stoic and reserved person, just like him. However, he would come to the realization that it's deeper. When he realizes it's selective mutism...

… He would feel a bit confused and helpless, especially if you're not comfortable with him. Is he to blame for it? He wants to make you feel safe. So first thing first, he would ask for Chopper's help, or maybe Robin. 

Zoro is maybe uncomfortable with emotions, but he's loyal and always there to support his loved ones. This man is so protective and serious. With someone like him, the silence is always enjoyable, not weird or unusual. It would give you a feeling of safety. 

As a pragmatic person, Zoro would also try to find solutions, such as communicating through gestures, maybe. Whenever you talk to him, his heart would melt. He feels privileged to hear the sound of your voice. It's both beautiful and soothing.

Zoro will quietly be supportive when you're with others. As long as you don't seem in need of his help, he would just shut up and let you do your thing. If you want to communicate with others, give it a shot. If you want to stay silent, that's fine. However, if you appear stressed or uncomfortable, Zoro would be there in a second to reassure you. 

"You don't have to force yourself. It's fine. You gave your all. 

I think Zoro would consider your struggles with communication like he considers his fighting style: you need to train. If you want to open up, he would love to help you. He would assist you in slowly but surely pushing past your limits. "Maybe it'll take time, but I know you can do it, I trust you."

Zoro values so much effort and practice that he would be really moved by your progress. Even though he's not really expressive, you can tell how proud he is. The soft expression in his eyes is all you need to see.

Law

Law has a quiet demeanor. He doesn't speak much about himself, his plans, or basically, anything that is stuck in his mind. However, he understands that there is a distinction between being reserved and selective mutism. He would quickly realize that you're not just shy.

Although he's not a psychologist, he would still try to understand why you have selective mutism. First, because he's a doctor and also because he's curious about that kind of thing. If you're not willing to speak up about this, he won't force you to do so. He's well aware that selective mutism can sometimes hide something traumatic, and well, Law knows a lot about trauma. He doesn't want to remind you of dark memories.

"Don't worry, y/n-ya. I won't put pressure on you."

If you cannot communicate with him, Law would try to find a way to communicate with you. Maybe through writing, sign language, or even drawing, if you want. He's good at finding solutions and he knows a few things about selective mutism. 

If you can't communicate with others, Law will try to keep you in a safe environment. He knows it's pointless to confront you with people and he doesn't want to make you feel more anxious. But he would try to introduce you to trustworthy people, such as Bepo, Sashi, or Penguin. He would ask his friends to be nice and patient with you. If someone tries to be mean to you, Law would be really mad and probably room, shambles their body for a few hours as a punishment.

He respects your silence. Law would never force you to communicate or push you out of your comfort zone. He would be there to support you during both good and bad times. Every time you talk to someone you're not really comfortable with, Law would have a proud grin on his face. 

"See, you did it! You're incredible, y/n-ya."

Kid

Well, don't worry, he can talk for the both of you.

He's a man of action, and honestly, he struggles to understand what's going on and why you're so quiet. Sure, he's used to calm people, and Killer is one of them. But talking to everyone is not a problem for Killer, he's just introverted. Your selective mutism would be a challenge for our dear angry tulip.

Kid is loud and both possessive and protective. However, he hates assisting others. He thinks you're strong enough to take care of yourself. He would never be the one to babysit you. Just watch from a distance to see if you're doing okay, especially in stressful situations. If someone dares to mock you, we all know what's going to happen. Kid is easily pissed off: he hates being mocked, or when someone makes fun of his loved one.

"Come here y/n, I'll deal with those fucking assholes." Before grabbing you by the wrist and bringing you closer to him. So now you're stuck against his chest, but is it really a problem? 

Honestly, if you're struggling to talk to Kid, he would consider the whole thing as a challenge. He's a marginalized person, his crew is full of marginalized people, so your selective mutism is not really a problem for him. His pride is the main issue: if you doesn't feel safe in his presence, it's a problem for his ego. 

"What's the matter anyway, y/n, why can't you speak?" 

In your presence, Kid would try (keyword: try) to talk more quietly. He doesn't want to freak you out with his rude behavior. Just imagine the loud and rude Eustass Kid softening in your presence. How sweet. I'm also pretty sure he would love to praise you with your favorite flower/animal made of metal. Imagine a beautiful flower blooming or a fluffy puppy dancing with joy while you speak. 

Don't say that the big, scary Eustass Kid can craft such lovely things to anyone. 

Once you're comfortable with him… Kid would just grin cockily. Damn. He would be extremely proud. Like, genuinely proud. Proud of you, because you did it. And also pleased with himself, because he won this challenge. He would feel his heart melting and pounding. "Y/N can talk to me, see, I'm the best!" (Yelling to absolutely everyone, obviously)

Kid Pirates are a big family. Kid may not be fully aware of what to do with someone who is facing selective mutism, but his crew will take care of you. They won't put pressure on you, not because they're scared of Kid, but because everyone in the crew has their own problems and it's alright. 

They would all make an effort to ensure your safety and be patient with you. Just like their captain, if you end up in a stressful situation, they would help you as best they can. 

I love them so much, help.

[synnamon-hearts]

Hey this is my first time ever doing this, so I’m sorry if this is weird lol

But if you’re comfortable can you write something about Josh Washington dating a super short girl! 👉👈 I’m talking like 4’9 short lol if your comfortable maybe add a lil nsfw in it lol SORRY! Thank youuuu

𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭

Omfgggg no I love this! I hope I did your idea justice!

NSFW down below!

𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭

Josh has an extreme soft spot for any partner that's any height below him, which being 6'2, that's pretty easy to find out there. But when he finds you, oh his heart melts. You're literally over a whole foot smaller than him! And he views you as the most precious thing in the world for it.

Be prepared for all the teasing, all the nicknames like "mini" and "shorty", and even physical acts like him resting an arm on your heart or lifting you up in his arms at the most random times. You could legit be having a conversation with someone and Josh would just walk up to you and casually rest his arm over your head has he joins thr conversation, not a care in the world as he does so.

Of course, Josh means no harm. He never does. He actually finds your height absolutely adorable. He loves how it makes him feel needed as well. Awww you need help getting that from that big ol' high shelf? No problem for such a big guy like him. He will get you what you wish for but he may demand a kiss first before you get it. (May or may not be how you both have your first kiss)

Of course, Josh does worry for you as well. You're so tiny and he's so big. One day you'll find him a bit more distant than usual. When you ask him what wrong, he will be reluctant to say at first. But after some pushing, you'll get it out of him in one big ramble.

"What if I get too rough one time and hurts you? What if you're cuddling and I fall asleep and roll over and crush you? What if I makes you feel frightened?"

You'll have to reasure the boy that though you're small, you're still very strong and can handle anything he throws at you. He is just getting in his head about things again, as he always does.

"Josh, I've survived this long on this planet. I'm pretty sure I can survive you too."

This will of course earn a soft smile and a faint chuckle from him, feeling both amused by what you have to say as well as relieved he has such a sweet and understanding girlfriend. It will make him feel so much better.

Of course, another thing that worries him is sex. Oh, don't get him wrong, he has thought about it more times than he would like to admit. There is something so unbelievably sexy about having sex with someone so much smaller than him. So easy to move around and take control of. It's perfect for him.

But he is afraid of hurting you. You look so small and fragile to him. What if he breaks you? Once you convince him that you really are ready for him, he takes it unbelievably slow. He has always been one to take sex very slow for a first time, for both physical and emotional reasons. He wants to do things right. So with you, he takes all the time in the world just to make sure you're comfortable.

His touches would be so soft it could make you cry. And his thrusts would be so shallow and gentle. It would probably take a few times having sex with him before you can convince him to actually get a bit more rough with you. And even then, he still holds back a little.

𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭~𖹭

Let's just say that it'll probably be a year in the relationship before he goes full force, letting you feel every inch and tossing you around and lifting you up like you are a doll for him to play with. But that's just ad long as you say you want that though. If not, just say the word and he will come to a full stop.

Cuddles with Josh are the best as well, both after sex and any other time. Since he's so much more bigger than you, he basically covers your whole body like a large and warm blanket. And he's so strong too. When he holds you, he holds you like he's afraid to let go—like if he does let go, you'll be gone forever. That's what makes his hugs and cuddles the best. He makes you feel so safe and secure.

[i-am-a-bad-influence-writes]

Proper Etiquette Chapter 5, Proposal Day

Masterlist Word count: 1.5k Xavier x Fem!Reader

Summary: Your family is rich. Filthy rich. So rich that they bought titles for themselves and their children. Sadly, your parents want their titles to mean something and have an arranged marriage lined up for you. You told them you’d agree to it if you were allowed to live as a “commoner” for two years and if you’d find someone you loved who would marry you, you could. Surprisingly, they agreed. Only downside is that that deal was made 18 months ago and you really do not want to go back to that life.  

Author's note: Sorry for the long wait. I am moving, so the next one is probably gonna take a minute also. I hope ya'll like this one <3

Warning! This story is meant for mature audiences. It contains swear words, talk of violence, talk of trauma, mentions of alcohol, drinking, and smoking, sex, and other mature themes. Do not engage if you are under 18.

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Sunday was a strange day. It had confused you, consumed your every thought from that day on, made you feel strangely secure with Xavier. From that day on, his hands were barely not on you. It's as if his hands are stuck to you.  

Not that it bothers you. You like having his hands on your hips while you cook for him, and he leans his head on your shoulder. You like holding his hand while he walks you home from work. Most of all, you like how he holds you so tightly when you go to sleep together. 

The only thing that bothers you is that you want more. You crave more. You want his kisses, his touch on your skin instead of over your clothes, his most intimate moments. In the span of just a few days, you started feeling like you couldn't do anything without him. Your love grew so much that you feel your ribcage is losing a fight against your heart. 

'Are you still there?' Jeremiah's voice pulls you out of your thoughts. He had been yapping for a while now and you mind had wondered off to Xavier as it had many, many times since you met him. 

'I am.' 

Jeremiah leans in, his eyes a little worried. 'What's going on with you? You've been spacing out all day.' 

'I'm falling for Xavier,' you admit, as you could only admit to a good friend like Jeremiah, with tears in your eyes, 'and at this point I don't know if this marriage is still fake to me. I can see us being really happy together, but I don't know how he feels.' 

'Oh, darling,' Jeremiah coos and stretches his arms out to pull you into him. What makes it all the more confusing is that today is supposed to the proposal day. Jeremiah is supposed to pretend to bring you somewhere without you knowing and Thomas will film the whole thing to show to family and friends. 

'This is getting too real.' 

'I mean, you've got some time to make him fall for you,' there's something strange in his voice, like he knows something you don't. You pull out of the hug and look at him. 

'What did he say?' 

'As his friend, I can't tell you.' 

'He hates me,' you state, hoping it'll persuade him to tell you. Jeremiah just scoffs a laugh. 

'Please. He likes you more than he likes me.' He quickly slaps his hand in front of his mouth, but you hear enough. Well, enough to make sure that he doesn't hate you, but it still doesn't tell you anything about his romantic feelings. 

You had helped him write his speech for the proposal, told him about silly things you do that someone might fall in love with, explained what you imagined your perfect proposal would look like. Somewhere in your mind you fear that he might copy paste the whole thing. That would certainly tell you that he doesn’t have feelings for you. Or it could mean that he likes you a lot. Enough to do everything you want him to do. 

It's a weird paradox that you can't really get yourself out of. Jeremiah, however, does have his ways of getting you out of your doubts. 'Come on, go touch up your makeup. We're heading out in a few.' 

Without complaining you do as he says. He follows you into the bathroom, trying to hype you up with some music that you usually play when before you two go out clubbing together. Things like "Drup", "Bubblegum Bitch", "Maneater", "Djadja", and "Sterrenstof." Things to get you pumped up. Eventually, you end up laughing and dancing in the bathroom while you do some touch ups and check your outfit one last time. 

Eventually, you end up walking towards the spot with Jeremiah. However, you've already passed the spot you suggested to Xavier so maybe he did make some changes. That's when you realize you're walking in a circle. A big circle, yes, but you're slowly heading back to the apartment. 'Did you forget something at the apartment?' 

'No, I'm just trying to stretch time,' Jeremiah tells you, 'I got a text from Thomas that they're not quite done yet.' 

'Not quite done yet? Did they do something really elaborate?' 

'You'll just have to wait and see, don't you.' 

∘₊✧───────────────────────────────────────✧₊∘ 

'This is the last of them,' Thomas announces as he places the last flower vase in the living room. Xavier nods contently. 

'Great, then it's just the garlands,' Xavier states, pulling a bag with decorations up onto the table. Thomas looks surprised and a little taken aback. 

'I thought she asked for a simple beach proposal,' he questions. 

Xavier starts unpacking the bag and handing things to Thomas. 'She did, but we watched a k-drama recently that had a proposal in their own apartment. She awed over it for hours.' Thomas has a strange, knowing smile on his face. 

'You like her, don't you?' Xavier stiffens up, a blush spreading on his cheeks. 'I knew it,' Thomas shouts triumphantly, 'I told Jeremiah! Oh, this is great. You two would be so good together.' 

'You really think so?' 

'I know so. Can't you see how she looks at you? She's head over heels, man,' Thomas almost screams in Xavier's face, but Xavier doesn't mind. His thoughts are somewhere else. Somewhere between the nights he spends holding you and the way you smile at him when he talks to you. Then, Thomas’ phone dings. After checking it, he suddenly looks rushed, 'they're ten minutes away!' 

∘₊✧───────────────────────────────────────✧₊∘ 

You unlock the door to your apartment, yapping to Jeremiah about the flower shop and the fact that someone else is probably running it into the ground right now. To which Jeremiah doesn't disagree which worries you a bit. Then you suddenly realize your whole apartment is awfully quiet. Jeremiah isn't talking to you anymore, but before you can turn back to ask him what's going on, you've already stepped into the living room in awe. 

The whole place is covered in flowers and garlands. It's absolutely stunning. In the middle of it is Xavier with a big smile on his face. He reaches out for you and you take his hand. When you do, he sinks down on one knee and takes a little box out of his pocket. 

'My starlight, we've been together for some time now and I feel like the moment is here to take the next step. So, here it goes,' he says and he takes a deep breath. For a second, you think he's going to take out a note with his speech, but he doesn't. He looks up at you like you're made of stardust, as if you're the only thing in existence in the whole wide world. Your heart is beating out of your chest and you can't help the smile spreading on your face. Then he opens the box and starts speaking again. 

'I love how you pretend to hate the snacks I like so that I can have them all without feeling bad. I love how you reach for me when I get home and ask me about my day even if I can see that you've had a bad day. I love hearing your voice sing along to the music you play when you're cooking.   Most of all, I love having you around. It's refreshing to come home to someone who cares about me and wants to do everything with me. Even if I just want to take a nap and you want to read a book. I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else.   Will you marry me?' 

You nod enthusiastically and look down in the little box to see... not a ring. A necklace. Xavier notices your confusion and gets up. He takes the necklace out of the box and moves behind you to help you put it on. 'I noticed you don't wear rings and I don't want to force you to wear one,' he explains gently, 'I had this necklace made for you. The charm is able to hold your wedding ring if you choose to wear it that way instead of on your finger.' 

The kind gesture makes you tear up. As far as you know, this is fake to him but the gesture is too kind to be fake. It's too thoughtful, too sweet, too... Xavier. It's just him. It's so him that it makes you want to bawl your eyes out. 

In the surge of the moment, you turn around, take his face in your hands, and press a lingering kiss to his lips. He doesn't fight it, simply puts his hands on your waist and holds you. 

Suddenly, you hear clapping, and you realize Jeremiah is still here. And apparently, Thomas is here too. 'Congratulations,' Jeremiah cheers as the two of you separate, a bright blush on both of your faces. 

This is it. Now you're stuck with him, but you don't regret it one bit. 

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[ask-postcrash-curly]

Hey, uh... Curly? Are you... you awake right now? Uh, sorry if I'm bothering you. I know you're probably trying to rest up for the surgery and stuff soon. My dumb brain just won't shut up and let me sleep, you know? Maybe I should just wait. Oh, but, there's a delay, so maybe by the time you hear me it'll be morning...

...

So... Mom and I went to Gramma's grave today. The weather was nice. There was a cute white cat hanging around some of the headstones, but I didn't get any pictures. I was a little worried. I thought Mom was going to be really emotional, but she was weirdly... quiet. I mean, I know it's also normal to be somber in a graveyard, but that's... not usually her, really. I don't know. She did start talking to me about Gramma while we were petting the cat, and uh, she told me that she's been reincarnated as a bird?? I know Gramma always said she should have been born a bird, but... hm. I guess I have to believe her about it, though... considering. You know.

But uh, after that she got quiet again for a bit, and then said she needed to tell me something important. And she started talking about her old best friend from high school, uh, Ramona or something, I think. I've seen her in a few of Gramma's old photos. I was always under the impression that she and Mom just stopped being friends 'cause, you know, that happens. Um. And I mean, I guess they kind of did, just not... how I was expecting.

...

Um. Obviously, I don't remember any of it. But she said that Ramona was uh, pretty mean to me as a baby. Like, borderline abusive. She told me about this whole incident where Gramma had to call the police and everything. And then she started crying and apologizing to me. By that point I just kind of, uh, I started feeling like my head was filling up with sand? You know that sound it makes when you pour it? Ssshhh. Ssssshhhhhhh. Yeah.

...

I mean... what am I supposed to think about that? It kind of fucked me up for a little bit, but right now I don't feel much of anything at all. But I just can't stop thinking about it, even though I don't remember it. Is that weird?

I remember being so scared as a kid, a lot. Is that why? I just... I always thought it was because of the bullying, I guess. I don't know. Other kids could tell there was something... something wrong with me. I got stuck and wet my pants the first time I climbed to the top of the jungle gym set on the playground, for Christ's sake. Is that why? Or is it because I was born too early? Or because I was sick a lot? Was it just... everything all at once?

...

And then Mom said uh, she said she uh, she died. Ramona, I mean. When I was like, six or something. I don't remember that either. I just remember that was when we got Zucchini. She said she only found out because Gramma caught it floating around her socials. Car accident, apparently. So, that's, uh...

...

And I thought... and I thought my dad leaving was bad. Fuck, man. Would it have been better if he hadn't? Or worse?

I don't... I would talk to Tabitha, but she's just... she gets so defensive about parental stuff. Not that I blame her, her own parents are total shit peddlers. I'm glad she has Tom to lean on, at least. He's a cool dude. But she wouldn't— god, this would drive her insane. She's already so ready to suggest "standing up for my boundaries" and cutting Mom off as it is. But I can't— I don't want to do that. I don't. It's bad enough I already almost completely fucked up on that front once. And it's not like it was Mom's fault or anything... maybe. I don't know. I'm too tired to make sense of any of this anymore... and we still have the bird sanctuary tomorrow, too. I just hope that'll take my mind off of it instead. If I can ever sleep, that is...

...

Uh, sorry for unloading all of this on you, though. I... I don't know. I uh, I need a distraction. Hey, have I told you about this game called Neko Atsume? It's old as shit but they brought it back for newer devices recently. Basically, it's a game about collecting cats...

[He rambles for an additional 20 minutes about the mechanics and cats of Neko Atsume, until he eventually tires out and falls asleep mid-thought.]

Yep, I'm awake. Not bothering me at all. And hey, all I do is rest. Mm. Do I ever know how that is. Listen, you can talk to me whenever. Always nice to hear from you.

How was that? Aww, cats are nice. Hm... Oh. About that bird thing— You know how she figured out how to, uh, project herself to me? She did that one time while talking to a dove, and, well, even once she'd disappeared, the dove didn't. Might've been a trick of the light, but I think it perched on something inside the room. Could swear it was looking at me. A year ago I would've laughed, but if nothing else, lately I've found that the line between impossible and reality is thinner than it seems. Food for thought, at least. Ah, shit, sorry if that made any of this tougher for you.

...Oh.

Mhm.

Nope. Honestly, I don't think that's weird at all. It's a pretty big thing. Recontextualizes a lot, yeah?

Hey. There's not... There isn't something wrong with you. You know that, yeah? You've, uh, told me a lot about not fitting in, and I know there was a lot going on that messed with you, but— You're a great guy and I really hope you know that.

She died? Did— I don't think she ever said— Wow, yeah, okay. Shitty situation all around, then.

I have a feeling that going down that route's not going to make you feel better. Probably going to make it worse, if anything.

...Mm. Has Tabitha ever met her? Might help. I, uh, definitely agree that cutting her off isn't the answer here, and I've seen situations where it was. Multiple times. And you want to be open with Tabi about your problems without her jumping to going no contact, yeah? Might be worth telling her that. ...Oh. Right. Sleep well. Hey, Kestrel—?

It's completely okay, I told you. Always here if you need to talk. Hmm... Don't think so.

...

Listen, uh. I feel bad talking, or, uh, thinking over you right now, because I am quite interested in what you're saying, but I can hear you getting tired and I'm worried you won't hear this if you fall asleep before I can get it out. Not sure how that works with the time delay stuff. Anyway, uh...

I owe it to you to be honest about this, I think. Basically, I already knew a lot of what you just told me. About, uh, Ramona. Your, uh— I was having a rough time (when am I not?) and she told me about Ramona to... I suppose it was to convince me that I wasn't hurting her. Something like that. And she did ask me not to bring it up to you, because she wanted to be able to tell you about it on her own terms once you came home.

...I'm sorry. I get it if you're upset that I kept this from you. Just, uh, didn't want to interfere.

...

If— if it wasn't clear, uh, she brought it up to me as an example of— of how if you or I ever hurt her unintentionally, it wouldn't be the same, wouldn't be as painful as someone hurting her on purpose. Like Shrike— like Ramona did. Or Jim. Was that— Did she tell you? That Ramona was, uh, hurting her too? Not in the same way she did you, but—

I won't pretend to know all the details. But, uh. I do know that... it wasn't good. And I know that the thing that finally got her to stand up to Ramona was you. If that helps to hear.

...I'm sorry, again. Thank you for telling me about the game. Sleep well.

[kafus]

on bulbapedia trying desperately to understand this paragraph

Instructed moves retain their original priority, regardless of the priority of Instruct - for example, Quick Attack still fails in Psychic Terrain when Instruct is used at 0 priority to call it. Similarly, non-priority moves succeed when instructed in Psychic Terrain, even if the Instruct user has Prankster. Prankster-instructed non-priority status moves used on a Dark-type-type Pokémon will also succeed, as will Prankster-instructed non-priority moves used on a Pokémon protected by Armor Tail or Queenly Majesty.

never played a pokémon game before. the linked articles don't help. what does it mean? what does it all mean

hello i just woke up from a nap and saw this and laughed. not because of you, 100000% understandable to be confused by this, it's word salad if you've never played pokemon and worked with the battle mechanics in depth and each sentence is so crammed with pokemon specific terms and information that even i had to read it slowly to get it all. but i laughed because i understand this nightmare of a paragraph which is a crime. humans weren't meant to know these things (joke)

as for explaining this to someone who's never played a pokemon game... hmmm. i'm going to assume you know how the most basic versions of "turn based combat" work in general in video games

pokemon battles have the concept of "priority" - most moves have a priority of 0, AKA no priority value at all, but some have positive or negative priority. priority affects turn order, and well... gives certain moves priority (or lack thereof). usually moves play out in order determined by pokemon's speed stats, so if you have a pikachu and an eevee on the field, and the pikachu's speed stat is 10 and the eevee's speed stat is 8, pikachu should go first in most cases... unless eevee uses a move like quick attack, which has priority, and therefore quick attack will actually go first despite eevee being slower

instruct is a weird move. like you probably read on bulbapedia, it causes the targeted pokemon to use the move they Just used... Again. but this is strange because instruct itself has no priority, which means it could potentially instruct a pokemon to use a priority move again later in the turn... which calls for some special handling since moves like quick attack are not supposed to be able to happen in the middle of a turn like that instead of going first, which is what this paragraph is trying to explain.

basically there's a lot of mechanics going on in pokemon battles at one time so by "retaining priority" it means that any other mechanic that interacts with priority still applies despite the move not going first as expected. the example given with psychic terrain is because when psychic terrain, a field condition that affects the whole battle, is on field, priority moves (that have a target but don't worry about that) are supposed to fail. even though quick attack has gone off in the middle of the turn because of instruct, this blocking from psychic terrain still applies, because secondary effects/mechanics of priority still apply.

the bit about prankster is really niche and will almost never come up because the only pokemon that can learn instruct is oranguru which doesn't have prankster, but prankster is an ability (sorry if i'm explaining something you already know but abilities in pokemon are special mechanics, or well, abilities tied to certain species of pokemon) that causes status moves (non-damaging moves, like a move that makes the opposing pokemon fall asleep for example) to have priority even if they usually wouldn't. like the move thunder wave, which applies paralysis, usually just goes in normal turn order, but with a prankster user, it'll go first regardless of speed. the drawback of prankster is that status moves used by a pokemon with prankster fail when used against a targeted dark type.

so basically it's explaining that even if the pokemon using instruct has prankster, which typically affects priority, the secondary effects of the pokemon using the instructed move are used instead. psychic terrain which like i said blocks priority moves won't block a move instructed by a prankster user because the prankster priority doesn't affect the instructed move priority. the failure against dark types will also not apply because again, the original move's effects and everything are upheld. armor tail and queenly majesty are two abilities that block priority moves similarly to psychic terrain so that's why they are brought up there.

wow that took a long time to explain and this still might be word salad to you i apologize. i did my best

[toomuchracket]

i’m such an angst girlie can we pls have some d word angst? x

maybe like in the early stages of their relationship before they r officially together and he kinda freaks out over being older than her and ends up upsetting her? not a problem if you’re not into writing like that x

yeah!! like as much as matty's a confident guy, the age thing is actually kinda a hindrance for him at the start - even though he likes you SO much and he knows you like him too and you're both adults and whatnot, he doesn't want to hold you back at all in any aspect of life. he freaks out when he sees a pic of you and some of your friends on a night out, not because he's jealous, but because you look so carefree and happy and just like you've got your whole life ahead of you (not that he can't relate to any of that. he's just high and hitting a para ok) and that he's going to put a damper on that by being older and maybe a little less energetic and more likely to settle down than go crazy in a club until 4am (like i said, he's high and in his feels). the next day, even sober, matty can't really shake the feeling that he's too old to make you truly happy, and i think he panic ghosts you a lil - you text him like "hi, are you busy? i was gonna call for a catch-up but idk what you're up to today and i don't wanna bother you. no worries if not, just lmk pls. maybe we can arrange going for coffee tomorrow x" and he just opens it and ignores it, out of some fear that by replying he'll lead you on. and he doesn't wanna end your little burgeoning romance over text, because he's not a dick, so the safest thing to do is just... ignore. idiot that he is, though, matty forgets to turn read receipts off, so you can see that he reads every follow-up text you send sparingly the rest of the day ("assuming ur probs busy. no worries! are you alright though? X"; "i've not done anything to upset you, have i? just that you keep opening my messages and pieing them x"; "i take it you can't/don't wanna talk today. i'll just leave you be, then. sorry for bothering you"). it makes him feel like shit, but he figures it's probably for the better. does he sleep at all that weekend? no he doesn't. and neither do you.

monday rolls around. matty gets to the office early in the hopes that he can catch you for a chat before you start work - it'll hurt, but it's best to get it out of the way. but you had the same idea; when he walks in, you're at your desk blinking sleep from your eyes, laptop open to your emails. you don't say anything but a curt "hi", which matty reciprocates softly, and the two of you sit in silence at your desks for a bit before you say "are you ok? found it a bit weird that you didn't reply to me the whole weekend. wondered if something was the matter with you". matty's like "yeah i'm fine. and i'm sorry for that. it's just... your pictures from your night out", and you're immediately on the defensive like "what? my pictures? why? were you pissed off at me going out, jealous? that's a bit shit" - matty's like "no, no, the opposite. i think it's good you went out, it just made me think of some things", and you look at him questioningly so he continues like "it just made me question if i'm good for you or not. like, you're young and cool and free and shit, and i'm kinda past that stage. and i don't think it's fair for me to hold you back from enjoying yourself and going out and pulling all-nighters, simply because i don't really wanna do stuff like that anymore". there's more silence for a minute, and then you speak up really quietly like "you're dumping me?", and matty's heart breaks, but he's like "i think it's for the best" - you're like "but i thought you liked me", and he's like "i do like you, darling, i really do. but i can't in good conscience limit you at all because of that, it's too selfish", and you get a bit angry like "no, matty, what's selfish is you not even bothering to ask me what i actually DO want instead of just assuming it. i don't give a FUCK about going out clubbing! i only went on friday to celebrate my friend's birthday, and quite frankly i'd have rather been in my flat having dinner with you like we did last week".

that's a total curveball for matty; he's like "you'd have rather... stayed in... on a friday night in london... with me?", and you're like "YES, you idiot, because YOU'RE what i want. i don't give a shit about the age gap - i like you, more than i've ever liked anyone else before, probably. and if i didn't or don't want to do anything you want to to, i'd tell you right away. but that hasn't happened yet, not once". matty's sitting there in total shock, just looking at you, so you keep talking like "look, if the age gap really is an issue for you, then i understand. but i really don't think i could go back to being just friends, matty, i really couldn't"; matty exhales and admits "neither could i", and your face just lights up like "really?", and he nods. and then matty stands up and walks over to you, then kneels in front of you so you're slightly above him and says "i'm so sorry for just assuming what you wanted instead of asking, sweetheart, i really am. can we have dinner together tonight as an apology, and we can just keep going as we were before i fucked up?" - you hug him like "we can have dinner, and we can try. but you better not do that to me again, healy, i swear to god. i might be a baby compared to you, but my communication skills have passed the gaga stage, trust me". you're laughing as you say the last bit, which makes matty feel a lot better; he rolls his eyes like "you're never going to let me live this down, are you? well, it's a good thing i still think you're the most attractive woman on the planet even when you're taking the piss out of me", and you're sarcastic like "god, stop flirting with me!", and matty's like "never. anyway, my place after work sound alright?". and you're like "sounds perfect. can you make that pasta we had a couple of weeks ago? it was amazing", and matty's like "whatever you want, darling, you'll get" <3

[theoryandahalf]

I just came back from travelling and wanted to show you a little something I wrote.

And when I say a little, I mean a little

_

It began on an otherwise uneventful foggy Tuesday. 

If Matt didn't know any better he'd have thought that the road was higher up in the mountains, surrounded by clouds. 

Taking an exit is always stressful, but more so when you take the wrong one and end up in an abandoned gas station - ironically out of gas. 

Matt exited the car - much better than his attempt on the highway - and began to pace around the crumbling building. 

“Gas, gas, gas, I need some ga- yes!”

It is generally recommended to not put random liquid you find in a weird abandoned place into your car. 

Matt has already thrown most caution into the wind, he might as well stop listening to common sense and enter the abandoned building. 

He did that, in case you were wondering. 

“Hello… Is anyone in here?” 

If he had to guess, Matt would assume that the place had once been a pizzaria - a children's one at that. 

Broken and melting crayons were scattered around and under upturned tables and broken chairs. Burnt drawings were thrown occasionally into the mix. 

Matt did not get an answer, and if he had any sanity he ought to have left then and there. Instead, he ventured in deeper to the kitchen. 

Before he could call out to more empty hallways, his phone rang. 

“Hey, so funny story - I may or may not have took the wrong exit and ended up in this abandoned gas station with this creepy pizzari - No I did not hit my head! I'm serious. Steph, this place is really suspicious.”

He started to walk back, missing the glowing red eyes that lit up amongst the stained greasy pan that probably had more mold than grease. 

“I’m heading back right now, it'll probably take longer since I'm lost, but I'll manage. Okay, yeah, bye - I love you.”

Entering the car, and riding off - he once again failed to notice the glowing red that has made its way into the backseats - choosing to record an idea for his podcast instead. 

Through the twists and turns of the mountains, and the foggy breath of the trees, Matt was becoming less and less aware of where exactly he was going. 

It took him about thirty minutes to realize this and take the next fork in the road into a dinner. 

“Excuse me, do you have a map or something?” 

The woman behind the counter laughed, “What's this, 1987? We have wifi.”

Thats it, it took my a whole week to write that

Hey is this the AU where the hosts are the animatronics and MatPat and Steph are the Mike & Abby stand ins? I like the image you've created of MatPat wandering around fully aware he's being stupid, but unable to help himself. That tracks. Its a great first start, you should be proud! Don't worry about how long its taking, I've been working on MatPat's bio for the wiki for months and its nowhere close to being finished. *sob*

So who's soul is connected to which animatronic? I can't remember if you said it before. I'm assuming Tom is Freddy...is Santi Bonnie for the Fronnie meme? Are Ash and Mirror Matt there? Its been a minute since we've last chatted. IDK maybe its just me, but the image of the hosts wandering around without most of their memories in these giant animatronics and being all soft with MatPat and murderous around anyone else (sorry Jason) is so perfect. But then I'm one of the few who didn't mind the fort building 'we are FNAF' moment from the movie. I've always liked the animatronics acting like real people/kids.

Also I hope you have a fun trip!

[find-roronoa-zoro]

Roronoa Zoro X CisFem Reader CW: Coping w/loss

19

You lay awake on your left side your finger's gently tracing over a few of the scars that decorated Zoro's bare back. No one in the house had slept much recently, though eventually you would succumb to slumber only to have dreams where your father visited you. Sometimes he even spoke, but it almost never made sense with the context of the dream.

Zoro shifted tugging your blanket up higher as he rolled to face you.

"You're tickling me," he muttered, eye still closed.

"Sorry Tiger," you whispered.

"I don't really mind," he admitted lazily draping his arm over your hip.

You continued your ministrations along the scars of his chest letting your mind go more or less blank.

"What's the matter?" he breathed, his chestnut iris slowly becoming visible.

"That's a loaded question," you smirked glumly.

"I mean aside from the given." he shifted again pulling you closer to stop your tickling digits.

"I'm just worried about Ace. He disappears for hours, sometimes coming back bruised and just hides in his room." you rested your forehead against his chest, "I thought I'd gotten through to him but I guess not."

"Everyone handles things differently. Have you talked to your brothers? Maybe they know something you don't." he suggested twirling a lock of your hair around his index finger.

"I didn't want to burden them with it." you sighed, "I hadn't thought they'd noticed as well."

"Only one way to find out," he muttered his scruff grazing your scalp.

"You know, you aren't so bad sometimes, Tiger." you chuckled.

"I have my moments." you could hear the smile in his sleepy voice.

You settled against him in silence while his warm palm ran the length of your spine.

"Hey babe?" you called quietly.

He hummed.

"I-I'm sorry," your voice had gotten very low.

"What for?" he pulled back to search your face a little alarmed.

A soft blush rose your cheeks making you thankful it was so dark, "Not ... Uhm being very physical?"

His expression softened as he pulled you back in to snuggle, "It'll happen when we're both ready."

_______________

Sabo rounded the corner into the kitchen yawning widely as Al shuffled in close behind him. You fiddled with the spoon in your coffee watching him go straight to the coffee maker. Al stood with her sleepy face planted in his back while he prepared two cups. You smiled at their adorable morning routine.

"Morning babies~" you called melodically.

"Oh, morning, F/N." Al peeked at you and yawned.

"Babies?" Sabo questioned.

"Well, Al is a baby now too," you smirked as she blushed and reburied her face in his shirt.

Sabo rolled his eyes and turned to hand his girlfriend her coffee.

"Thank you, Bumblebee," she mumbled before taking a seat next to you at the island.

"It's too early to be subjected to so much cuteness." You chuckled.

"Why are you up so early?" Sabo asked taking a seat across from Al.

"Couldn't sleep. I kept waking Zoro so I decided just to get up."

"That probably more information than needed." he averted his gaze.

"Not like that, Jesus." you scoffed, "Just too restless."

"So is he." Al piped.

You and Sabo sighed.

"It's just a weird feeling in the house." he muttered.

"Yeah, I know." you agreed, "Nami is coming by later to help go through Pops' things. If you want to claim anything let me know. I don't think I can part with anything right now but at least it'll go into storage, so we can have some closure."

"Ties."

"What?" you glanced at the blond.

"Uhm - "he cleared his throat, "I'd like his ties... if you could just put them in my room."

"Sure, honey." You breathed passed the lump in your throat.

The three of you sat in silence for a few moments before Marco entered, eyes widening a fraction to see you all awake so early.

"Morning."

"Hey Pineapple." you greeted.

"Morning." Sabo and Al chimed in unison.

Marco made himself a cup of coffee and eventually claimed the barstool across from you to pick at some muffins Thatch had left in a container for you all to share.

"Hey," you paused unsure of any other way to start this conversation, "Uhm... do you guys happen to know where Ace has been disappearing off to for the last week?"

Your brothers both bristled as Al slowly stood and excused herself sensing an unpleasant conversation was about to take place.

"What makes you ask that?" your older brother asked, "He's just dealing with the loss on his own."

Sabo refused eye contact.

"Sabo," you called sternly.

He never liked when you used that tone.

"You know something." you accused.

"Leave him alone." Marco waved his hand, "It's nothing to worry about. Ace will be fine. We'll all be fine - you said it yourself, right?"

"Ace is not fine." You protested, "I said that because I thought we'd help each other. This is not helping each other."

Sabo shrank back, "We are trying to help."

Your gaze snapped to the younger, "How? By keeping things from me? Does Thatch know?"

You were getting more heated by the second.

"Calm down, yoi." Marco looked at you unfazed by your outburst, "You'll wake the whole damn house."

"Then fucking tell me what's going on here!"

"F/N." Sabo softly called sitting upright again.

He didn't like seeing you upset, much less so angry with him. The two of you shared a special bond as you were the first person he had opened up to and trusted in the house, which is also why it cut you so much deeper that he'd taken part in withholding information from you.

"We'll tell you, just shut up for a second," Marco grumbled.

You reclaimed your stool and tried your best to settle.

"There's a gym," Marco started, "specifically for fighters, boxing, mixed martial arts, that kind of thing. They hold amateur fights a few nights a week. Winner gets a cut of the bets."

You gaped.

"He's sort of got a knack for it." Sabo added, "He hasn't lost a fight yet."

"You're fucking kidding me, right?" you asked incredulously.

"I don't think we sounded like we were kidding, yoi."

"Why would you let him do something like that? And why wouldn't you tell me?" you raised your voice again.

Marco just gestured toward you as if it were obvious.

"Because you yell," Sabo muttered.

"You can't mother the guy his entire life. This is how he wants to cope, leave him be." Marco scolded.

"But he could get seriously injured!" you felt your voice getting shrill, "You know what happens to fighters who take too many hits to the head? Even a body shot jostles the brain."

Marco rolled his eyes, "They provide him gear."

"Gear doesn't mean shit. You're just going to let our little brother go out and fight strangers?"

"He doesn't plan to do it much longer," Sabo added.

"See, it's fine," Marco muttered.

"Your nonchalance is pissing me off." you scoffed standing, "What's this gym?"

"...Red's." Sabo hesitantly answered.

Rage exploded in your chest as you stepped forward.

"Just what do you plan to do?" Marco stood snatching you back by your left wrist.

Before you could think it through properly, your open palm was meeting his cheek with a loud 'slap'.

"Oi!" Marco yelled jerking you roughly back.

Sabo had already made his way between you, "Marco, let her go."

"Sit down." Marco growled, "She can't just hit me."

"What's going on in here?" Zoro had appeared in the doorway glaring at your older brother.

Marco clicked his tongue and released you not having the energy to start a full-on brawl in the kitchen.

"I'm going," you replied rubbing your wrist and squeezing passed your boyfriend.

"Where?!" he called after you too stunned by your attitude to move.

"To murder Shanks," Sabo answered.

[idabbleincrazy]

Never a Wish Better Than This Ch. 6

Fandom: Small

Rating: M

Pairing: Clex

Characters: Clark, Lex, Jor-El (A.I.)

Word Count: 4303

Warnings: some schmoop, handsy!Clark, kissing, brief discussion on homophobia/biphobia in rural Midwest during the early 2000's and the risks of coming out, semi-soulmates (they have a destiny)

Summary: Clark takes Lex to the Kawatche caves.

A/N: I was initially going to make this the last chapter, but everything spiraled and it started getting lengthy. So this is the penultimate chapter.

Lex's POV:

I stretch myself across the empty bed as I wake up slowly, burying my face into Clark's pillow to search for lingering warmth and scent. The memory, like a dream, of a kiss brushing against my temple as Clark eased himself out of my arms and out of his bed. I had tried to clutch him back to me, I think, his words whispered and lamenting as the sounds of rustling fabric alerted me to his redressing.

"I have to get back home before Dad wakes up. He'll be expecting me to be busy with the chores. Go back to sleep, Lex."

And I did, an action I regret now, falling back into slumber instead of pulling myself up, dressing alongside him, driving him back to the farm and giving him a proper parting kiss. I know he probably had lingered in my embrace until the last possible minute that his inhuman speed would allow, that driving him back would have taken too long, gotten us caught at the end of the dirt road leading up to the barn at the break of dawn and possibly a shotgun thrown in, just to round it all out. But still.

Morning is in full effect now, sunlight filtering through the curtains and my closed eyelids. I force them open and turn over in the tangled sheets, my body protesting the movement in technicolor testament to last night's activities. I turn my head to check the clock on the bedside dresser and see a note propped up against the lamp. My lips are going to ache if I keep smiling this much, the muscles just aren't used to it. Reaching over and plucking up the sheet of paper, I'm amusedly surprised to find it's from my own personal stationary that I keep in my office for any non-LexCorp related correspondence.

Lex, last night was just, well, amazing. I'm sorry I couldn't wake you up properly, but I couldn't have my parents worrying about me if I wasn't there when they woke up. I should be done with the chores by the time you read this, and I don't have anything else planned today. Stop by? I mean, if you want. If you're not too busy. I know we have a lot left to talk about, and I kinda thought maybe we could head over to the caves. It'll make it easier, I think.

Love, Clark.

P.S., is it weird that I signed it that way? Or that I signed it at all, when this isn't really a letter? God, you know what, just burn this after you read it, it's just too dorky to keep. Anyways, I really have to go now. I just don't like having to leave you alone in this huge castle, in my huge bed, without me. P

P.P.S., see? Dorky. Please burn this. P

Burn it? I'm going to have it sealed in lucite, locked away with my first edition Warrior Angel comics, item number one of my new, less obsessive, collection of Clark Kent memorabilia. How can someone be so voracious in bed and still manage such an awkward innocence in something so mundane as a hastily written note? God, I will never stop loving being surprised by him.

Setting the note back down, I sit up, assessing. My accelerated healing rate hasn't quite held up under Clark's onslaught of passion. Aching muscles and a slight throbbing in my backside that leaves me feeling empty, a feeling I can't remember experiencing in any of my previous times bottoming. Sated, yes. But this low pulse of need to be filled back up again, to be stretched and taken and owned and never be empty again? Never. Christ, what is this alien of mine doing to me?

Alien. My alien. Alien and so much more human than almost anyone I've ever met.

Slipping gingerly out of Clark's bed, I gather up my clothes and the note and slip out of the room towards my own. Coffee cannot be conceded, but breakfast can wait. Shower, dress, guzzle down a cup or three of hot caffeine, change Clark's sheets myself and stash them away to be cleaned personally by my own hands; it's been too long since I've done a thorough dig into my staff's credentials to be sure Clark's DNA won't end up in the wrong hands; and then I've got myself a beautiful alien farmboy to see. Everything else is inconsequential.

Clark's POV:

He should be here soon. I hope. I hated leaving Lex this morning before the sun rose, but I knew dad would wake mom up if I wasn't already out in the field when he came out to start on the daily routine. That would lead to worry and a whole lot of questions I wasn't sure I was ready to answer yet. Lex isn't something I want to hide from them, but the announcement of the change in our relationship definitely needs to be thought out and carefully planned, not brought out into the open in a rush of explanations.

Okay, so I'm also worried about how dad'll take it. He's not a bigot, really. But, well, it's a small town, and there's probably less than a handful of the entire population of Smallville that aren't heterosexual. I know dad loves me, and that won't change, but I don't know how fast he'll adapt to the revelation, and with his heart condition, my coming out will have to be a well-timed thing. Actually, I'm not sure whether I'm more worried about his accepting my bisexuality or the fact that I'm in love with a Luthor; one that just so happens to know my secret. Dad has become more hospitable towards Lex, at least he is when me and Lex aren't on the outs with each other, but he's still not as warm towards him as I know Lex secretly wishes he would be. I haven't forgotten the look on Lex's face the day he gave us the deed to our farm back, when he asked my parents to consider him part of the family and my dad nodded in answer. It's one of my favorite looks of his.

But before we tackle the task of telling my parents about us, we have to figure out the whole us part. I know he said this wasn't a one-time thing, and used the word boyfriend a couple times already, but what we have is already beyond that, I think. And we need to work out exactly what that is, and he needs to know more about me, about the side of me I kept hidden from him. And, with graduation in a few weeks, there's plenty of other details to be worked out; will we both stay here in Smallville while I attend Central Kansas, will we be in a long distance relationship while I go down to UM, or will he take up his mantle back in Metropolis while I take classes at MetU?

And will he just get here already so I can see him, hold him, kiss him?? It's nearly ten thirty. I mean, I know I kinda wore him out last night, but I don't think he's ever slept past nine, even with a hangover. I want to make sure we get to the caves with plenty of time for me to explain at least the bulk of what's been going on these past few years, and make it back before dinner. I even went through all the farm work just a little quicker so I would have time to set up Lex's surprise.

And just as I'm thinking about heading back in to call him, I hear his car in the near distance, purring up the dirt track leading to the barn.

I put in a short burst of speed and meet him in front of the barn just as he pulls his most recent Porsche, silver, again, to a stop. I'm right there in front of him when he steps out, dressed even more tauntingly than last night. Jeans. Lex Luthor is wearing jeans, factory-faded denim molded deliciously over thighs that flex as he maneuvers up from the low seat of the car, and my cock twitches. Black t-shirt this time, showing off even more of his arms, biceps in full view as he straightens, cotton stretched teasingly over a chest I now know in detail. How does he manage to look just as sexy like this as he did in the uncontrolled throes of passion last night?

Before I can stop myself, I have him pressed back against the car, my mouth latching onto his, tongue dipping past lips that had barely parted to greet me. And, God, he still tastes, just, so good. Like, vanilla and ozone, and something I think is just purely Lex, all power and strength, and perfect. His hands clench in my hair, tongue meeting mine, way too briefly, with a groan before he wrenches his head back to look at me.

"Good morning to you, too, Clark."

That's all I let him get out before I'm back on him, teeth scraping over his stretched back throat, inhaling the scent of him, shower-fresh and slightly musky. He grunts under the power of my attack, his hips bucking up into me.

"Shit, Clark, down boy. Your parents…Lois…they could come out any second. Can't - oh, God, yeah - can't let them find out like this. Shotguns…shovels…pitchforks, fuck, Clark, baby, stop."

I don't want to, but I do, my hands releasing their almost too tight grip on his waist and slapping down onto the car behind him; I barely restrained my strength enough to keep from denting palm-shaped depressions in the metal. If his tone had been anything less than pleading, I would have kept up the assault on his senses, tempted him into more. But I'll never push him when he means it.

"Sorry, Lex, I couldn't help myself. You're just too hot like this. I've never seen you wear jeans before, didn't think it was possible for you to ever own any." My cock is still hard beneath my zipper, but the urgency I felt at first sight of him is slowly ebbing. Lex, still panting breathlessly and looking slightly mussed, pushes firmly against my chest. Taking the hint, I straighten up and release him from the cage I've formed around him, stepping back from the Porsche. He's looking around, a slight panic in his eyes, and I feel a flush of embarrassment heating my cheeks at my overactive display. "If it helps, no one's around. Mom and Lois are in town, and dad's still out in the back forty. I'm on my own till dinner."

Lex's POV:

Clark can go from sexed-up teenager to sheepishly shy in .2 seconds. Recovering from the unexpected, but not completely unappreciated, mauling, I feel a twinge of guilt at the way he starts to chew on his lip nervously. Even after last night, it seems he can't help but take my resistance to the potentially public make-out session as rejection. Looks like I have a less-than-confident alien farmboy to assuage before he starts having doubts.

"Clark, it's okay, really." I reach a hand out and stroke his pink-tinged cheek, my heart clenching when he leans into the touch. "Trust me, it's taking all my control not to just drag you into the barn right now and have a literal roll in the hay."

His eyes spark back to their usual mirth at that, a small smile on his lips, and the guilt in my chest abates.

"We just need to be careful about this, Clark. You may be an adult now, but this is still the Midwest; sodomy's still illegal in the town's bylaws and I know Sheriff Adams would love a reason to have me dead to rights, even if she wouldn't get far with it. The Supreme Court may have made recent headway against bigotry, but it doesn't stop local authorities from causing trouble for the people they see as different. If the wrong people find out about us, it wouldn't just make difficulties for you and me, but for your parents, too, and anyone who cares about you."

He frowns at that.

"I guess I didn't think about that. I mean, I know it's a small town, but, we do have some non-heterosexual residents, you know? No one ever gives Ms. Johnson and Ms. Ericks a hassle about it."

"They've also been living here for about forty years. Who knows what life was like for them when they first came out as a couple? Look, Clark, I'm not saying we have to hide our relationship forever, just…we need to go about it the right way. Starting with your parents, who should not have to find out via walking out to find their son tongue wrestling with the local billionaire pariah. And, I'm still not discounting your father's shotgun. Jonathan and I are still on shaky ground, you know; he's just waiting for me to prove my true Luthor colors."

Clark's face hardened some at that comment, leaving me slightly abashed at the self-deprecating comment. He steps back into my space, cupping my face in a mirror of my light touch, eyes nearly glittering in the sun, stern with determination.

"You aren't your father, Lex. And I'll protect you from mine, if I have to. He's coming around, even if it is slowly. Anyways, I think sixteen years of dealing with an alien child should have prepared him to adjust better. My parents love me, they'll come to love you. Or they'll lose me…I'm not giving you up, Lex. Not for them, not for anyone. I love you too much to give you up for what someone else thinks is wrong or right."

"I love you, Clark. And, there's nothing wrong with that, no matter what some people may think. I just want to protect you. We don't need anyone looking into your life too closely."

"You're right, I know." Clark's sigh is almost wistful when he gives me a quick, chaste kiss before stepping away again. I know the feeling. "Speaking of looking into my life, ready to head over to the caves? We should probably get going if we want to be able to do the entire 'my boyfriend's an alien' talk today. I wanna make it back here before mom gets home to start dinner."

There's a glint in his eyes at that enigmatic statement that leaves me wondering just what this ever-surprising young man has in store for me today.

"Well, I didn't wear these clothes for kicks. Hop in, cowboy, before I change my mind about the barn."

Clark's POV:

We're speeding down the winding roads towards the caves, and my head is full of Lex's words of caution. I never even thought to consider the impact of our relationship beyond my parents and friends needing time to adjust to the revelation. Would I really end up bringing them all more pain and suffering if the town found out about me and Lex? Visions of the entire population of Smallville flash through my head, brandishing pitchforks and torches, chasing me, Lex, and my parents out of town, not for my status as resident alien, as I had always feared, but for falling in love with someone they considered the wrong person. I wonder if Kryptonians have this weird, obsessive, need to worry about other people's choice of partner, too, or if it's solely a human malfunction.

Lex's hand on my thigh pulls me from my wandering thoughts, and I realize we're getting close. Time for worries about all the rest later. Today is supposed to be about the two of us, finally sharing the secrets we've hidden from each other for so long. And for lofty surprises. Although, honestly, his secrets aren't really that important to me right now. I've never really pressed him for answers on anything, not like he has with me, and I trust him not to take any of his scientific ventures too far. I trust him not to do anything that could end up hurting me, or anyone I care about, and for now, I think that's enough.

The car comes to a stop about twenty feet from the cave entrance and Lex flashes me a look as he kills the engine.

"One last chance to change your mind on this, Clark. You don't have to tell me everything; what I know about you now is enough, the rest is just details."

"I want to do this. I have to do this. And…there's someone I kinda want you to meet. Sorta."

That earned me a confused look. There's no way to really explain Jor-El, though, I just have to show him.

"C'mon. We've waited long enough, don't you think?"

Lex gives a small smile at that and follows my lead as I step out of the car and towards the cave. I hide my smile when his hand slips into mine as we approach the paintings in the further caverns; I'm sure they all have a new meaning to him with the knowledge he's now gained.

"Mr. Willowbrook had it right all along, you are Naman." Lex came to a stop in front of the one drawing I've always hated the most. I know the question that's coming, and dread hearing it from him as much as I have always dreaded voicing it to myself. "Am I Sageeth, Clark? Are we destined to turn against each other?"

I stare up at the entwined figures, pulling Lex close and wrapping my arms around him without conscious thought.

"Yes, and no. I think you are Sageeth, Lex, but I think the Kawatche got the legend wrong, over time. I don't think Sageeth was meant to turn against Naman, to try and destroy him. It's like you said after the incident with Jeremiah, Lex, sorta. If you are Sageeth, maybe you're here to keep me from becoming Earth's overlord. I don't have many weaknesses, Lex, but you're one of them."

I turn him in my arms, tilting his head up to capture his mouth in a gentle kiss, feeling some of the tension ease from his muscles. Smirking at him, I can't help myself.

"Besides, maybe you're not Sageeth at all. Maybe you're her."

He looks over at the painting I nod my head at, he lets out a little chuckle.

"Well, I have been told I look damn good in a dress…"

I let out a groan of arousal at the mental image and nip at Lex's throat in warning.

"Put a pin in that thought for later exploration, Lex, but right now", I drag him over to the keyhole in the wall, "I have something new to show you."

Concentrating, I opened the concealed door to the rest of the cave network, Lex's gasp barely audible as the lights brightened and dimmed in the widening crevice. Taking a deep breath to steel my nerves, I pulled Lex in with me as I stepped through to the cavern where the stone table stood.

"Jor-El!"

"Kal-El, my son, why have you brought this human here? I tolerate your Earth parents traipsing into this sacred place, but I will not allow you to bring just anyone you feel like on a whim. Explain yourself."

I look over at Lex, his eyes wide and mouth gaping.

"Jor-El, this Lex Luthor. He is important to me, just as important as my parents, if not more." I wonder if the A.I. can pick up on nuances. "I'm not hiding anything from him anymore, so I had to show him. He's under my protection, Jor-El."

The lights flared bright again, a single beam shining down on Lex, and I got the distinct feeling the A.I. was scanning him. When the light adjusted back to normal, Jor-El spoke again.

"Ah, yes. I see, now. You have chosen well, Kal-El. Your mate is a fine specimen of humanity, intelligent, strong, and fiercely protective. Your instincts have served you well. We were afraid when we sent you here that you might never find someone worthy enough to bear your mark."

"I…huh?" The hell? Why couldn't the damn A.I. ever just speak clearly. "What do you mean, my mark? I didn't-"

"Do you not remember, my son? The day you arrived, you claimed him for your own."

I hear Lex gasp next to me, his hand squeezing mine, and I know he is seeing the same scene play out in his mind as I am. The day of the meteor shower, on the drive into town, Lex bundled up in Lionel's lap next to us. I saw myself, sitting in Martha's embrace, reach over to the unconscious young boy with a few strands of fiery red hair in patches on his head. I ran my fingertips lightly down the side of his face, and young Lex's eyes fluttered open, his gaze meeting mine and a calm smile formed on my face as he passed back out.

I let out a huffing exhale as the memory dissipated, the cavern coming back into focus around me.

"I remember that", Lex's voice was nearly a whisper beside me, and he looked like he was seconds from falling to his knees. "I thought it was just a dream. When I woke up in the hospital, the last thing I remembered clearly was trying to help that kid off the scarecrow post. My father would never talk about that day, so I had no idea. That was you?"

"I swear, Lex, I didn't know. I mean, mom told me about how they'd picked you guys up, but they never mentioned my reaction to you."

"I know, Clark. You were a toddler, how could you know?"

As I pulled Lex into my arms, Jor-El spoke again.

"When you touched him, you sparked a bond between you. It would not have happened to just anyone, had he not already held the potential to be worthy of you, it would not have made a difference. I have sensed others throughout the years that have your presence upon them, but I no longer feel them in the ether. You made your choice last night, solidified that bond."

Lex cleared his throat and turned his head, speaking to the cave in general.

"So, you're trying to tell us I'm Clark's, what, soulmate?" There was an edge of hysteria to the chuckle he let out. I didn't blame him. "Forgive me…Jor-El, was it? Forgive me if I'm a bit skeptical about this. Accepting the existence of life on other planets is one thing, it's quite another to expect me to just believe in soulmates."

"Believe what you will, young Luthor, it is what it is. You and my son have bonded, and that is not to be taken lightly."

"You always said we have a destiny, Lex. Looks like you were more right about that than you realized. Stuff of Legends, remember?"

Lex laughed softly and pressed a quick kiss to my lips.

"Yes, but I've also said I believe in making my own destiny, Clark. I've always fought so hard against fate. It's just… it's a lot to take in."

Trust Lex to focus more on being contrary than freaked out.

"Lex, I'm not the only one who fought so hard to keep this friendship from falling apart completely, you know. Do you really think all this fate business makes that much difference? Do you really believe the only reason we've circled around each other the last four years is because we were compelled to? You heard Jor-El, there were others in the running. I chose you, Lex, and I won't doubt for a second that that choice was made of my own freewill."

"Okay, okay. I concede to your point, Clark. No, I don't think the only reason I so desperately needed to keep you in my life in any way I could get you was solely because of some invisible thread stretching between us. Otherwise, I wouldn't have continuously fucked up so royally."

I can't help the wry smile I feel twisting my lips.

"If it were only fate keeping us together, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have hid the truth from you for so long, either. Lex, it doesn't matter what Jor-El says, I love you, bond or no bond."

I feel a blush heating my cheeks as Lex pulls me into a deeper kiss, aware that the A.I. is still active even in its silence. I know it's just a bit of programming or whatever, but it's still creepy to think of it witnessing something so intimate. That doesn't keep my hands from gripping Lex closer as his tongue slides over mine. I do manage to bite back the groan.

"I love you too, Clark. I just need some time for adjustment, I guess." Lex pulled back from the tight embrace I have on him, looking around the room more fully now. "So, what other information do I need to know?"

"I will inform you both on the full scope of your bond once it has settled further. But, if you will allow it, Luthor, I can import all necessary information regarding our race, same as I have with Kal-El. It will better help you to keep my son safe."

I nod encouragingly when he glances back at me. It would definitely save a lot of time if I didn't have to explain everything about the different types of Kryptonite and all my powers.

The scanning light shines over Lex again, and I rush forward to catch him as his legs buckle under the onslaught of information being transferred into his mind.

******

@leatafandom

[youremyheaven]

HEYYYY [insert whatever pet name u like] it's ur venus stellium anon from last month.. do u remember me? sorry life happened 🤩 n i've been pretty low energy so i didn't get around to bothering u. I've been looking at yt vids of some of my chart placements lately and i've discovered something funny (along with other developments like me. I've been looking at ur blog the past one or two days a little and I obvs haven't made my way through the whole "backlog" but some silly thoughts:

I didn't know u were bi! For some reason I felt a little awkward talking about this because I didn't want to be That Person lol (aka everyone was talking about guys and I didn't wanna weird anyone out 😔) but my exes were women 😂 supposedly I gave them daddy energy lmfao I hate it because I wanted that from someone. I talked about them a bit vaguely but it might've sounded worse under the assumption of it being a man. (Unless I didn't say much and just forgot)

I've been reading celebrity gossip and only now realised how people - even the most successful - can have it so truly bad when it comes to romance and idk it made me a little apathetic and allergic to it. Not in a "im swearing off of it" way but in a "im no longer going to expect it in my life. If I get surprised, yay for me. Otherwise eh." (my mind's at a weird place though so it'll probably change when other things calm down, don't worry about me 🫶 this is all about the hypothetical future anyway because I'm not looking for a relationship rn)

Sorry u got hate about ur blog. I can understand anon got upset but the unkind language was uncalled for.

I came across the ask about nodes conjuncting big 3 and one of mine does; i can assure u (and the hate anon) that yes, this particular example (me) DOES happen to be cray cray 😭

This is related to the yt vids and point 2: My charts basically say I'll have an okay enough career, but the romance department would be dodgy because I will never be satisfied by anything anyone does for me (to put it shortly) 😂😂 that had me a little shocked at first but then I was like u know what we kinda knew this.. let's just focus on that career instead LMFAO

HARD AGREE WITH U ON THE FLIRTING IN NON-ENGLISH. I gotta be honest I cringe if I hear flirting in anything other than English (I've only ever been exposed to it in that language) but I read a fic (english) once where this man called his lover "meri jaan" and it had me in a DAZE FOR DAYS (excuse the lame pun pls) SO YES I AGREE W U. I've been collecting other little terms (just 1 so far) that I've seen people around me using affectionately and they're sooo sweet.

I HOPE U'VE BEEN WELLLLLL. I'm away from tumblr lately so I probably won't be able to send u asks in the near future but I hope u stay safe and take care of urself 💖💖 BYEEEEE

HEYYY bbg 🥺

I thought this was going to be astrology related but you're just checking in on me 😭😭😭😭and I feel so touched 🥺🥺🥺

1. About being bisexual

I feel like there are definitely different dynamics at play bc I do attract more butch leaning women who want to be my daddy 🫣🙈 but whenever it's a femme x femme dynamic, I always feel like I become the more dominant one and I do kinda hate it 😭😭

It just wears me out to be the giver tbh 🙃 especially because I already assume that role in so many other areas in my life, I just want to sit back and be babygirled 😭😭 this is why despite being attracted to women , relationships with women don't really work out for me 😭😭

it's all a matter of luck when it comes to love and relationships and sometimes things find us unexpectedly.

what I've learnt from some of my recent experiences is that someone can do all the right things, give you princess treatment and all that yet not make you feel anything 😭 so to be physically attracted to someone, emotionally in- sync with them, AND have a healthy relationship,, it's all down to luck 😭

2. not u calling yourself cray cray 😭😭

majority of people in this world are not living happy lives, be it with regard to love, career or family. To even have one of these things going well is a huge blessing ✨and while it's possible to have all of them, it's okay to not beat yourself up for achieving all 3 in one go.

One of my dad's childhood friends, remained unmarried into her late 40s. This is veryyyy unusual in India and she's not from a bougie artsy family where such things are chill or anything either. She, however, had a brilliant career and is a civil servant and rn she's in a veryyy high ranking position because she's worked her way up. Everybody around her pitied her (for being single and childless) but she was just out there making $$$ by the time she hit her late 40s people stopped pestering her because by that point, it's kinda "too late" to settle down. BUT GUESS WHAT HAPPENED??? she met a reallyyyyy cute Swiss-German man who was visiting our state/city and she happened to be the one showing him around?? (someone linked them up basically) and that wonderful meet-cute led them to marriage in like 2 months lol ,,, this lady who had been single for 47+ years found the right guy and married him in less than 2 months???? Isn't that sooooo romantic??? It's all about timing 💛💛 and now they've been together for a decade and spend most of their year travelling the world ✨and are very much in love

So different eras of our life will have us focusing on different things. Rn it's probably best to make that $$$ and focus on yourself. Love will find you when it needs to 💛✨💛

3. About flirting in non-English

JAJAJSJ yess I used to cringe 😬 hearing Desi flirting across languages 😭but now I feel like I've finally decolonised my mind to find it cute 😭

My ex was Tamil and he used to call me "bomma" which means "doll" in Tamil ,, I had a flop talking stage with another Tamil guy who used to call me "Kitty kutty" ("little kitty") and idk if it's a Tamil guy thing but they go hardddd with their affection through terms of endearment

Flirting in Hindi is always fun bc it's all "aapka this, aapka that" (using honorifics) and respect turns me on i guess lmao 🤭���� Idk if this is just a Desi thing but yk how men start calling you madam and ma'am 😌yeah I live for that shit 🤭🤭 they'll be like "madam is still getting ready" and I'll be like 😍yes the hell I am 😍😜

4. Thank you so much for checking in with me angel 🥺🥺 I appreciate it and you soooo much 💛💛💛 you're the sweetest

I'll take care of myself 😜 😌and I hope you do as well!!! 💛💛 May the rest of July be wonderful for you ✨

[cardinaldante]

Greetings Siblings of the church!! It is Cardinal Dante. Papa Terzo told on me to Papa Copia, and now I am being punished!!! I can't even believe it!! I thought Papa Terzo would keep my secret, but no!!

Papa Copia is making me take the next few days off, and Swiss has now become my permanent guard since we got along so well. Hes a very nice ghoul, which I am very suprised about! Usually I run into that ghoul Dewdrop Sodo, and he does NOT like me. Mr. Saltarian came up to me while I was moping at the breakfast table, and after pulling me away from breakfast- and yelling at Swiss to stay- he asked me several.... Confusing questions. One of them was about my mother, which I do admit I yelled at him for. I don't know my mother, I was raised partially in the Christan Church and became a priest there at a young age. They told me I was an orphan, and that my mother left me on the doorsteps. She must have been struggling to just leave me.

He also asked my opinions on the Papa's, which, was also a little weird?? I told him that I accepted the Papa's, and that they were good people. Mr. Saltarian looked a little annoyed at that, and asked if I could become like Papa, would I. I told him the truth and said yes. He looked... Not suprised and nodded, and asked if I could help him with something. I told him he'd have to wait and he told me a date two weeks from now. January 17th, 2024. I don't know what he wants from me, as he ran off as soon as Papa Copia became walking over. Honestly, he's starting to worry me.

Other than that, Papa Copia scolded both me and Swiss afterwards and wouldn't hear a word about Saltarian. Swiss for leaving me alone, and Me for running off from Swiss. After that, we both got punishment to help the tall ghoul(Sorry, Swiss has informed me his name is 'Mountain') and Papa Primo in the greenhouse. I didn't mind though, Papa Primo tells the best stories, and Mountain is very quiet and doesn't mess with me. Swiss bit him though, and Mountain punched him. I think the poor ghoul is out for right now, he's been on his knees clutching his stomach for almost fourty minutes now.

I told Papa Primo about Saltarian and everything that happened, and Papa Primo told me to keep it to myself, and that Saltarian is just a little weird. It still scares me- but if Papa Primo says nothing is wrong, then I guess nothings wrong. Since I was by Papa Primo, Swiss and Mountain dissapeared on us. Papa Primo said they probably went by the ghoul den, and when I told him of my punishment, he just laugh and told me I could stay with him until Swiss came back, or he could take me to the ghoul den. However, I only trust Phil(who I really need to check up on), Swiss, and I guess Mountain as well.

It sounds odd that I only trust so few ghouls even though I have this blog and have said I'll talk with the other ghouls and Papa's, but to be honest with you all, the other ghouls arnt exactly very... Friendly. I'm suprised Swiss is super friendly, expecially since I've heard... Things... From other Siblings. I've SEEN things on the other siblings. One of the siblings couldn't walk for a week after having a run in with some of the ghouls, while another had bruises and bite marks all over his body.

I decided to stay with Primo, and honestly, I really like hanging around him. He's like an old grandpa! He talks alot about flowers and flower languages, but I'm fine with him doing so. Maybe if I get good at them I can ask Jacob out I can give the flowers to some of the siblings they've helped raised me while I'm here. I wonder if he could teach me anything else while I'm here- I heard Papa Primo and Secundo were good at getting dates when they were younger. I'd ask Papa Terzo, but Whenever I try I get all flustered and embarrassed and end up running away. Maybe it'll be easier asking Papa Primo?

Also, I hope Swiss comes back soon. The Papa's dont eat when the others eat, for some reason, so Papa Primo isn't hungry, and Lunch is almost here and I am hungry. Swiss, save me!!

[the-waves-of-you]

I did a sketch of myself in my new form as best I could. I actually sketched it out to better visualize where to place different organs and bones. Once again I gave myself a mixed lung system, it's really convenient! I took a lot of inspiration from different creatures. I liked the feeling of the fan tail, it was just the weird urchin-like throat that made breathing and talking feel painful.

Honestly considering I could actually stretch my tendrils in this form it felt pretty comfortable. My usual form I tend to hide my tendrils under my clothes. I know people are usually more accepting these days, but I still get flashbacks from living in more rural areas.

Marius seems to be okay with me having tendrils, in which case it makes me wonder if ever he could see my true form? A lot of land dwelling humanoids I've met in my travels have been shattered mentally when they see me in my true form. Sea dwelling creatures tend to look similar in eldrich horror to myself so I wonder if he'd just see me as another sea dwelling beast. I don't want to risk it because I care about his well being too much. I mean obviously I care about him, but in a normal way. I care that he gets better! And he seems to be stable so far so it seems like a fast track to him being released! Though as time nears closer to him being potentially released I worry about it more. Is it the right thing to do? I'll ask him eventually when the day comes and we'll decide when we're ready.

Anyways back to my earlier point, I shifted forms on the ledge area I usually sit on and well disrobing felt a little odd since I'm more humanoid this time. It's not like I need to be shy around him or anything, but I still felt a little hesitation because humans and humanoids tend to be more withdrawn about their anatomy culturally. I know some other humanoids walk around naked as the day they were born and see nothing of it, but I wasn't raised in one of those cultures so I still have a little shame here and there about my form. Though it is no longer technically my true form, I still feel a little shy about just prancing around unclothed in my human form. Given it was only for a few moments as my tendrils took their place and my body rearranged, I could still feel him curiously watching from behind me.

Once I got into the tank he seemed to flare more than usual around me, even swimming behind me and circling me a few times before apologizing and backing away. Maybe it's curiosity?

"I'm sorry researcher, your fins they are... Very big and full of detail! It is very sought after in the minds of other leviathan! Many leviathan speak of big tails as a high beauty! So it is hard for me to contain my thoughts of you right now..."

"I hope it isn't an upsetting form! I can change if you'd-"

"No! It is not upsetting! Something very different then that! You look of many pretty creatures down below! Hard to look away!"

I took it as just another compliment seeing as he's a bit more blunt than most humans, but I couldn't help finding myself thinking back to him saying how pretty I looked...

"Do you need anything once I get out? Do you need me to replant anything while I'm here?"

"Just you is all I need. No need for cleaning. You make me forget things of what I wanted to talk with you for.

After chatting for a while, I realized I was a bit tired from another late night so I almost fell asleep in his tank with him. He didn't seem to mind, once more just watching on curiously.

I feel like there isn't much to say for this log. Things seem stable today. I guess it's okay if nothing of note happens? Still thinking about asking him if it's alright if I bring a mattress to the ledge, still worried about crowding him. He seems to like my company so it'll probably be fine... I mean I'd like to keep a close eye on him, so it'd only make sense that I can just be on call if he needs me.

I'll see if I can stay on top of my journalling, but lately I'm still on a bit of a backlog with having active situations happening.

[ac-liveblogs]

It's bc 1. duellists demo skill by actually knowing their decks and 2. Its kinda anti-dramatic for Yusaku to look at Topologic bomber dragon or whatever and be completely calm like "Its fine I can just firewall bounce." So instead he needs to print new cards so he can look worried.

It's... sorry, I'm using this as an excuse to whine about why I don't like Storm Access.

My thought process is this; 1. deck-building is a sign of skill in the Yugioh anime. Making a good deck and knowing how to use them are both useful skills.

So, why does Yusaku - a Cyberse user, legendary underground duelist, not an amateur - not have any Links of his own beyond, from what I've seen so far, Link Spider and Honeybot? When that's what his deck is designed for? That's just not computing for me. I assume he's going to be rebuilding his deck around the Code cards he does obtain, it's just kind of odd to me that he didn't have a decent Link ace of his own.

Out of universe, I know it's so he has space to grab them from Storm Access, but in-universe it's kind of "...uh-huh, and why is that?" that he's running around with a hilariously kneecapped deck for no real reason, regardless of how competently he uses it. Especially after Hanoi was all "whoa no WAY we hunted down all the Cyberse users!", I kinda thought we'd be seeing some more interesting stuff from Yusaku personally than Honeybot.

Also lol @ the dub making people not understanding their decks make waaaaay more sense. 4kids was playing the long game.

2. My second thought is this - it's not a rewarding way to show Yusaku saving himself in a tight situation?

As a direct counterpoint, Yusei did sometimes go "I know the exact chain I need to pull off to deal with this issue, I gotta get lucky on my next draw." So the tension of the situation was "oh shit, is he gonna draw that card?" (yes, insert that one shot of him smirking abt it)

Judai had his ~infinite extra deck~, but that did at least chain back into "Judai built his deck very competently by in-universe standards, so it's flexible enough to deal with several issues so long as he draws the right card, is he gonna draw it?" (of course he did, pot of greed is still legal. i mean, yes)

And the reason that worked is THE HEART OF THE CARDS, or at the very least the consistent in-universe concept that there is a very real and important bond between a duelist and their deck. Trust in your deck, and your deck reciprocates that trust in kind. It's luck, but it's also fate, and your dedication being tangibly rewarded by the cosmic card game gods.

(unless you're duel academy tarzan, in which case it's a learnt skill. which is another thing ig)

Storm Access obliterates this. Storm Access is "you got smacked in the face with the exact card that you've never heard of but you need in this situation, and it's super easy to summon bc we're playing link so go king go!" but it's treated with the same narrative purpose as "am I going to draw the right card -> my faith in my grandpa's deck my cards has been rewarded", which it isn't and if you're not on Yugioh brain (like I am) it feels really, really weird.

I acknowledge that the summon-fest that is Link summoning probably makes scripting duels absolute hell, and it'll get even worse later, but... I kinda wish they'd thought up anything other than Storm Access? Maybe Ai could've brought a deck with him or something, I don't know.

Of course, if Yusaku (or Revolver) uses Storm Access and totally whiffs it by pulling a Link monster for an Archetype he cannot summon, I will forgive a lot of these sins. Pull Sunavalon at a clutch moment, it'll be funny.

And yes. This is a relatively minor aspect of the show, it'll probably be a non-issue extremely soon and it's very just "shut up and watch the card game". But the card games aren't super fun right now and the plot is pretty messy, so my mind is wondering. Right into "was Yusaku's best link before now really Honeybot?"

[mikodrawnnarratives]

Something that's frequently on my mind as I do the anti stalker rewrite/making them my own characters is how I'm gonna be respectful Abt it. Like, first of all I bounce back and forth on whether it's too niche or not. The fandom on Tumblr is abysmally small but on Webtoon it's both an original and has like 90k plus reading last I checked, I can't remember if it was thousands or mil- 90 m sounds ridiculous scratch that

Second, this ultimately is a rewrite before making them my own, really the only reason I'm redesigning them and changing their names is so I can use them for portfolio and other stuff, just heavy inspo from the webtoon

Also the same face syndrome was really bad they reused hairstyles and faces a lot I got mixed up between characters

AND it's a rewrite out of love. If I ever make a video all about this Webtoon and my rewrite, that's something I want to make especially clear. I read the thang when I was in middle school and ALL of season 1 just had me SO HOOKED I was making headcanons left and right and predicting and theorizing what was gonna happen next MADLY.

And then s1's finale happened which was.. ight? It has problems but it was really when I started going "wait a min..." Season 2 was ehhh for a time and then I REALLY fell off like WHAT. WHAT DO YOU MEAANN I THOUGHT. I THOUGHT WE WERE GONNA HAVE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

(i think what happened was webtoon cut them short and they had to pick and choose what to focus on for s2, meaning a lot of things got unresolved + left behind, or resolved poorly. It took a turn to focus on romance that just hadn't been earned yet. Kira deserved more time to process things, August SHOULD have said sorry. For A TON OF SHIT. In general the jokes from s1 went from, we're poking fun at this but you get the vibe if stuff happens then it'll take time. To, jokes still happen, but they feel more sexist and at the expense of Kira's writing. August's possessiveness doesn't get examined, when that should have been a strictly Pretending to be her stalker thing and Kira doesn't feel the same. She's now a character for the boys to fight over, and while that existed in s1 it wasn't as heavy handed, there was more to focus on and Kira had... Some agency... There's something weird going on when the webtoon starts with Kira with her friends at school, a community she's grown, to an ending only showing her as a mom with August (who's significantly more masculine now for some reason) with their two kids which I CANT SEE KIRA WANTING??? SHE HAS MEDICAL PROBLEMS WITH BEING A ROYAL VAMPIRE AND WEREWOLF'S DAUGHTER IN CANON I can't see her wanting that for her children when it'll be 2x worse for them since BOTH Kira and August have the royal blood in them)

Tangent over.

All that being said, I still love so much of it and my rewrite is a product of "GOD YOUR WORK HAD ME GOING UP AND DOWN THE WALLS I COULDN'T CONCENTRATE DURING SCHOOL I WAS SO EXCITED" and the insanity still drives me to this day and idk dude if I were to make something I worry Abt the author coming across it and feeling hurt yknow, esp since they haven't been online for like 3 years and no one knows if they are ok.... They don't know the insanity their creation has cast upon me. It's largely a positive thing I just want that to be clear yknow

When I create stuff for it, aside from art + ramblings it's probably gonna be on AO3 for fanfic and still, on here for comic. Cuz a lot of my ideas just cannot be recreated in any other format but comic

I still keep coming back to it man. I keep thinking of new ideas for how plotlines could have been handled and it makes me so giddy.

[harmonyckrs]

Act 3, Scene 3 of Twisted Veronaville: Two New Members of the Family

THE LAST PAGE

Ripp: So, yeah...that was everything I saw.

Sita: Hm. That's really concerning...that means solving the conflict between the teens wasn't the problem. I guess there really is no hope...

Viola: No, you're wrong. We have to go to the source.

Ripp: What do you mean?

Viola: Well, in the book, after Mercutio and Tybalt die, Consort declares war on the Montys...

Ripp: Which means we have to go after the men who started the feud...Patrizio and Consort.

Viola: Exactly! As long as they're still alive, there's going to be problems. We have to attack the conflict at its core.

Ripp: Thanks, Viola...but how do you know this?

Sita: Yeah, you're-

Aktu: SITA! TAKE A-AAAH!

Sita: Okay, phew, it's just aliens. Hopefully they're not as rough on him as last time.

Ripp: Is he going to be okay?

Sita: Well, it's not his first time. The only issue is that we'll need to make room for a baby, but we can use the baby to barter for Tank. Would that be okay with you?

Ripp: I mean, I don't really want to be under the same roof as that guy again. I'd rather have the baby.

Sita: That bad, huh? Well, then we don't need to worry about it.

*ZOOM*

Aktu: Holy Watcher...I can't believe I met them again...I feel really ill, though...

Sita: Congrats on the pregnancy, I guess. What are you going to name it?

Aktu: I'm not pregnant...I think it's just nausea from being abducted. It's worse than I remember, but I'm just going to sleep it off. You two should sleep too...it's late. And Viola, you should probably go home.

Viola: Alright.

Aktu: Goodnight, you three.

Ripp: ...How long do you think it'll take him to find out?

Sita: I'll just take him to the doctor tomorrow, but honestly I am a bit curious if he'll realize it at all...

Zoya: You saw that, right?

Tank: The UFO?

Zoya: Yeah. I believe it's a sign of Aktu-

Crystal: No, it's not. You can't just call everything a sign of Aktu! And come here! Hamza and I want to show you something.

Zoya: (What could possible be more important than this?) Fine! I'm coming!

Zoya: Crystal, what...where did you get those?

Crystal: Hamza and I decided to have a baby to celebrate our fake wedding! Meet Zagreus and Melinoe!

Zoya: (They named their children after Greek gods? Interesting...)

Tank: Those are weird names. You should've named them, like...Scout or Nuke or something.

Zoya: (I hope he never has children.)

As the two groups of Terrestrials prepared for the two new members in their respective families, Tybalt was having a discussion with Oberon.

Oberon: You want a potion that'll help you fake your death?...is there a reason?

Tybalt: Just wanted to experiment with something.

Oberon: I see...well, there's this special potion that we have that we're meant to save only for the most dire of situations. It's when if continuing to live the life you have is too much to bear.

Tybalt: Yeah, that sounds about right.

Oberon: Here, a vial. It should last for about three hours. It's just enough time for your family to see your body and send it to the Veronaville crypt...

Tybalt: Thank you, Oberon.

Oberon: You know, if this is about Mercutio and that arranged marriage that Consort told me about...this normally isn't something we're allowed to do, but I can marry the two of you once you both turn eighteen before he does.

Tybalt: (We can do that before we leave!) Yeah! That sounds good, Oberon. Thanks again!

Oberon: (I need to tell Titania about this.) Of course. Always happy to help...and make sure to send a letter to Mercutio, to let him know.

Mercutio: I can't believe you!

Romeo: Oh, I'm sorry! You're making out with the guy that was literally beating us up days prior! You think I wouldn't tell Nonno about it?

Mercutio: I didn't tell them about Juliette!

Romeo: That's different! Juliette's a girl, and I'm a boy! And Juliette isn't the guy running around beating people up! I'm just trying to protect you!

Mercutio: From what, love and affection? I finally find someone that I can be with and actually wants to be with me, and you just had to...ugh! This is ridiculous. And now I'm fucking grounded because of you! I didn't expect YOU of all people to be homophobic!

Romeo: It's not homophobic! I'd be fine if it was ANYONE ELSE!..you know what? Go cry in your room. I'm going to go check the mail.

Romeo: Hm...bills, more bills, and...what's this?

Romeo: Oh, it's for Mercutio...from Tybalt.

Romeo: I'm just going to throw this in the trash. It's probably nothing important...just some cringy love letter or something like that.

THE NEXT PAGE

[hrhprincerichard]

Steven,

I'm glad! Exactly. It's probably a big reason. It seems obvious that there's something he's not talking about but unless he got a face tattoo he could probably hide if from you if you came. But he wouldn't be able to dodge your questions. Probably will depend on how horrified you are about his face tattoo. Sorry, I know you're worried, I probably shouldn't crack jokes. I just don't want you to be too stressed. We'll find him and I'm sure you'll be able to resolve this. Try and hang in there.

That's a great pep talk, thanks. I can't believe you still have so much faith in me. I'm not sure if being rejected would be the worst. I don't know how happy my mom would be about what I'm considering. Or Tara. Probably a lot of people actually. But I think I might give Grant's guiding philosophy of ask for forgiveness not permission a whirl. Because I really want to do this. I think I can and it'll be good. Maybe even important but that sounds very egotistical. I don't know if you remember but I journal every day, have since I was little and one of my aunts gave me one of those little diaries with the lock to keep Grant out. So I have everything written already. I just have to put it together into a memoir. And I know I'm young and haven't really accomplished anything. But regardless of if my mom wins or loses people are going to start writing books about her. About Grant and I too. There's already been so much written about us and not all of it true but I couldn't refute it. All we could do was laugh over the stupid gossip with some food and drinks, like a weird party game. But this is my chance to put the truth about us out there, maybe even before someone else sets the narrative. So I guess the cat's out of the bag, that's the book. I've spent a lot of this break looking over my journals and it just feels right.

Low key is nice. Believe it or not we have low key hang outs. With take out or snacks even. Just me, Grant, and Cora which feels pathetic now that I'm comparing it to you having friends over. Coffee with a prince and princess and Whiz feels pretentious to talk about. Like I'm name dropping. Tapas are always good, you should.

May

May,

Ha! That does help a little bit. That's true, it probably is easier for him to dodge me over owls. Which is probably part of why he doesn't want me to visit. Hopefully he won't be too upset to see me.

Are you kidding? Sure it's ambitious, but what's wrong with that? Especially when you've got the talent and skill to back up that ambition. Besides, what's the worst that would happen? You don't get a deal, so you get the master's or try something different and keep working toward the long term goal. You should go for it, May. Do something for yourself for once.

See, now you know I wasn't kidding about low key. Ha! Gourmet tapas, now there's an idea. Maybe I'll try that next time.

Steven