#(( I'm learning how Teeth work hahaha

[satureja13]

And while Saiwa, Jack and Ji Ho stay at home, Jeb, Kiyoshi and Vlad went to the Temple to help Arturo. All of them silently agree it's best to keep Kiyoshi away from Jack until he healed. It's a long way to go for Jack. Even though he says he's fine. We all know he isn't. It would even be better if they parted ways. But Other Jeb's message makes this impossible. No one wants to take the risk of some of them getting hurt - let alone be killed.

Vlad joined Team Kiyoshi. Jack is Vlad's best friend and this wasn't an easy decision to make for Vlad - but he and Kiyoshi grew very close at Belgraves Institute. They shared a room and ran their penalty laps at the sports ground. They slept next to Jack's pod when he was in his coma. And in the end Kiyoshi had to betray Vlad to the Council to maintain Kiyoshi's camouflage.

Vlad knows that Ji Ho and Saiwa take good care of Jack and that Kiyoshi is having a hard time now since he became a diety, had been banned from Kojin's Temple and lost Jack. And no one, except for Jeb, knows how to deal with him after they learned that Kiyoshi was Jack's Alpha and fated mate and kind of co-responsible for Jack's misery. And that Kiyoshi had been sent by his father to the Lab to torture captured Jack and Saiwa. And rescued them in the end. It hadn't been easy for Kiyoshi either with all his duties for the temple, the resistance and the council. He didn't hurt Jack on purpose. They just didn't know better and couldn't act better. He can't be mad at Kiyoshi. Maybe it was because they were too young and unexperienced or it just wasn't meant to be - yet. Fate doesn't make mistakes and Vlad is determined to help both of them.

Kiyoshi cared for the saplings of his Tree. And when he touched the little one Jack had lit with some kind of magic, it hit him like a bolt - again. This is a sign. Kiyoshi is sure. As a werewolf, Jack isn't capable of doing such magic. This has to mean something. Jack is his fated mate. Kiyoshi will give Jack all the time he needs to heal - but he will never give up on him. He tried it - for decades while he'd been in the tree - futile.

Mood is gloomy and everyone was working in silence lost in their own thoughts. Vlad thought he could try Jack's puppy strategy to light up the mood a bit. So he started to tell some funny stories of the times they hadn't been all together. Vlad: "... and when Jeb and Ji Ho had already left to do their school project at Mount Komorebi, Jack insisted to put me on my gloves! I had been blind then, but I still was capable to put on my gloves. And then I made fun of him because he wore a fur jacket! A werewolf in a fur jacket! And then Kiyoshi said: 'I like fur'. Somehow I knew that something was going on between you two." Jeb was cutting the planks, had the pencil between his teeth and chuckled. He repeated 'I like fur' because he thought it was so cute and funny of Kiyoshi. But since he had the pencil between his teeth, it was gibberish.

Arturo froze: "What did you just say?"

Jeb, gibberish: "I like fur?"

Arturo: "Gods - it sounds like the last words from the Master! 'I like bird'!"

Jeb: "I think everything sounds the same when you have a pencil in your mouth while speaking ^^'" Arturo: "True hahaha." Little Goat: 'Hello?!'' omg...

After their work at the Temple, they sat down to eat. Arturo: "Vlad, why don't you take a plate and give it a try?" Vlad: "Ah, I'm sorry but I'm a vampire and can't digest food. I get sick if I do and live off of plasma packs and fruit."

Arturo: "I aware of that - but I also feel your strong craving for food. Other vampires just ignore it." Vlad: "Oh I'd been able to ignore it all my live - until... I drank Ji Ho's blood... and when I came back from hell after I died, I started to smell the incredible odors and had a hard time not giving in and try some ever since."

Arturo: "A lot of things changed after you drank mermaid's blood, hm? Why not you digesting food? Give it a try." Vlad: "Uhm - ok..." It smelled so amazing, Vlad thought it was worth getting sick.

And this is how Vlad tried his first food!

And it seems he likes it!

Oh my Arturo was right - Vlad yould have eaten food since he bit Ji Ho September 2022! And even though he knew he'd changed a lot and craved for it, he never tried - because he was afraid and convinced it would make him sick. This sounds trivial but made him think a lot. What else could he have experienced since then and never tried? And how much has Ji Ho changed him? But before he could follow his thoughts any further, it hit him! Hot hot HOT!!! Arturo: "Maybe Burmesan Samosa Soup wasn't a good choice for your first meal ^^'"

But it was. Vlad will never forget this - his first meal. And it will remind him to be bolder and try new things and not hide behind his fears! (Hear, Hear!)

After lunch Arturo went for a walk with them. He has an idea wow they can make up with the others.

And after a hard day's work, they gathered at the fire. Arturo was pondering all afternoon about 'I like bird' and 'I like fur'... (Try it yourself, it really sounds the same!) Arturo: "Kiyoshi - who did you think about before you became one with the tree?" Kiyoshi: "Jack. I've never been able to forget him. Even when I felt nothing else anymore, I still felt him."

Arturo: "I have a weird inkling: maybe your last words weren't 'I like Bird' but 'I like Fur'? Because Jack is a werewolf? Or you thought of that experience with the fur jacket?" Jeb: "When Kiyoshi thought of Jack and not of Saiwa before he left and Saiwa isn't his fated mate but Jack... Gods - I urged Sai into this fake relationship with Kiyoshi to bring him back because we thought Kiyoshi's last thoughts were about Sai... Saiwa will kill us all." (Omg... ö.Ö') And there's no way not to tell him because they all agreed to be honest to each other...

'I know your eyes in the morning sun I feel you touch me in the pouring rain And the moment that you wander far from me I wanna feel you in my arms again And you come to me on a summer breeze Keep me warm in your love, then you softly leave And it's me you need to show

How deep is your love? I really mean to learn 'Cause we're living in a world of fools Breaking us down when they all should let us be We belong to you and me

I believe in you You know the door to my very soul You're the light in my deepest, darkest hour You're my savior when I fall And you may not think I care for you When you know down inside that I really do And it's me you need to show'

How deep is your love? - The Bee Gees

From the Beginning  ~  Underwater Love ~  Latest 🛺 'Home happy Home' from the beginning ▶️ here 📚 Previous Chapters: Chapters: 1-6 ~ 7-12 ~ 13-16 ~ 17-22 ~ 23-28

[mezmer]

Here I will explain why my blog banner describes me as an anti sugar activist. I try to be as "scientific" as my brain and heart allow, but I value my experience over scientific studies even if they support my view, huge ridiculous autist sugar post incoming

Sugar is highly addictive for most people. The problem is way more dire than we act like it is. Added to foods you wouldn't even think to include sugar. The link between sugar and obesity, endocrine disruption, general inflammation and malaise, disease, diabetes, your teeth rotting out, and even cancer, is undeniable no matter what articles or studies you try to dig up. not many people want to admit how bad it is. People who enjoy sugar, who might say "you only live once! It's not like I'm shooting heroin" suffer weird problems and assume it's something else. Children set up for a lifetime of failure because their parents don't pay attention to their sugar intake at all. I have a very drastic example of this I won't go into much detail about, but a set of parents close to me are feeding their daughter extreme amounts of sugar. She has a learning disability and is a very intense child. I've hinted at the sugar link and everyone is in denial.

I have baby sat this child and gotten her to eat organic wheat bread PB and J with a no sugar added, all fruit jam.. happily told her parents who did not care at all. It was such a feat to me. Everyone knows a picky child. It's worse than you think. This is a gateway drug and I'm totally serious. I said I would not go into great detail... I too was raised on welch's fruit snacks, "pancake syrup", sprite, Kool aid, and worst of all I was allowed to put as much sugar that I wanted into my tea. My parents were wonderful, they just didn't think or know how bad it was to do this

I've struggled with a sugar addiction before and since getting clean from drugs and seen the effects of it firsthand. The most obvious to be seen from the outside that I can make people believe is my struggle with acne. We know bacteria feeds off of sugar. This is why people who drink sugary drinks are at risk for UTIs. If bacteria enters their bladder, sugar makes it grow. Well no amount of washing my face, bentonite clay masks, washing my pillow cases, wearing a bonnet, would make the acne go away. Recently I tried to only eat a certain pint of ice cream thinking less sugar would help. It didn't and I'm over two weeks off of all sugar that isn't naturally occuring in honey and fruit. Crazy how natural sugar does not feed the bacteria and hormonal disruption. I've been in this cycle more than once. Not only does the acne go away, my face appears radiant every time. Breakouts as soon as I relapse. Maybe you are thinking, this is a bunch of hogwash and I eat little cakes often without a problem. That's fine. I know addicts who have used meth for 30 years and you wouldnt wonder much about them. Smokers who lived to 80. Sugar doesn't do me any good at all.

Neither my mom, who was just put on a medication with awful side effects because she is developing diabetes. Her doctor (doctor she's had for decades who is a total piece of garbage and prescribes dangerous cocktails of conflicting medications !! That's a whole other post!!!! Put my grandma on pills which nearly killed her! Plus other people HAHAHA) saw her coming up with high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol without thinking to suggest a diet change first. My mom is overweight and likes to eat sweets. My mom told me, I can still eat sweets, I just have to eat less. I did tell her that didn't work for me. I quit because I don't want to end up sick this way. Diabetes runs in our family. The prescription is making my mom nauseous and dizzy. Insane to me right?

Why aren't the dangers of sugar recognized? Why am I the only advocate I know? I would shut the fuck up if the dangers were believed by more people. Is it Because Sugar Taste good? Not seen as a vice. We accept that corn syrup is not so good. Canola oil pretty bad. Dyes in food causing children to develop ADHD and autism, or whatever. Is there no risk in consuming sugar? Many health professionals don't want to admit it? I feel strongly. I feel sick when I eat sugar but I can't find myself able to stop unless I truly try. We are all convinced that it's just a danger to your teeth if you don't brush enough. MIL is a sugar addict who buys birthday cakes on clearance and clears the whole cake in a few days, a twice daily flosser and brusher, who has lost over half of her teeth to extractions, sees the link, and has no intention to quit.

Finally, I bake yummy dessert recipes excluding half the sugar while using honey, maple syrup, brown sugar for what is left (which is slightly better than white sugar from my understanding) and I have never made a baked good that is ruined by doing this. You can't even tell that I've excluded sugar and the foods have more flavor because sugar doesn't overpower the dish. They don't make your teeth hurt. You can eat more cookies because there is less sugar and they taste better. The texture is the same. Bakers will tell you this isn't true and you need to use the whole amount of sugar so the cookies and cakes arent ruined. Yes, you need torched sugar on creme brulee. Fine.

Do you ever find yourself scraping icing off of a cake? I have baked more than one birthday cake for loved ones excluding sugar and adding natural alternatives (NOT stevia or monkfruit which taste like shit and suck) and ive gotten nothing but compliments. My brown sugar maple cake with cream cheese icing using very little sugar was a hit for my partners birthday that everyone probably ate too much of. This isn't a brag, it's an idea for anyone who bakes to try and change your recipes. It hasn't failed for me. Ok SOrry

[prince-liest]

Your last 666 series installment is the best thing that happened to me. Its full of gore, somehow fluffy and wait-.. do I finally see some FRICKING COMUNICATION between the two idiots!?!?!

Ngl, Vox's 'Alastor not being able to love' statement hurt my soul. Your writing is brilliant and and let's just see what ending ya wro-..O MA LORD IS THAT VAL'S LOVE POTION!?!?!?!?

Now I need to know what's next!!!! And VOX I SWEAR IF U USE THIS SITUATION IN ANY WAY IM GOING TO SKIN YOU ALIVE.

This series is a blast♡ love it!♡ makes me weirdly passionate and excited hah!

Some communication, and some communication failure, hahaha. They're going to be talking a lot more in the next one, actually, because I meant to write some NSFW and they had to go and attempt a healthy conversation instead. What can you do.

Thank you so much, I'm delighted that you're enjoying! :D

And: Way more anon asks about the latest 666 getting answered under the cut! <3 I combined a bunch from the last couple of days.

prince, I'm going insane over the latest fic. so we know from Alastor's inner monologue that he knows the roofie was an accident, but considering the super stressful situation, the fact that Vox was the one to ask for a kiss and the fact that Alastor accused him of wanting instead of loving him not a few minutes ago…. makes me wonder if Vox might not be at least a little worred that Alastor might think it was on purpose <3 gonna be rotating this in my head for the foreseeable future - ✨

I am so glad that these things are on y'all's minds, hahaha. Because you can bet they are on mine. >:D And THANK YOU, very pleased to be dragging everyone down into insanity with me.

“Should I stitch together the scars your teeth left in me in a mirror of my own signature on your body.” Fucking. POETRY. 🐈‍⬛

I am always so happy when I write shit like this and instead of everyone pointing at me and going, "Look, what an EDGELORD!" the response is you people being VERY nice and leaning into the feelsy fun! 💛

holy moly ??? i love the new 666 addition aaaah 😭🙏 the trials and tribulations of feeling scorned and ghosted by a loser who confessed his love to you and the next time you see him he’s holding your LITERAL heart in his hands by alastor ! OMFG this was too good esp the part where vox is like “bro why do YOU CARE ?? i thought you didn’t love me huh?” and alastor is like well. maybe i.do. 😐 LIKE CMONN this really played out like some soap drama and i loved the neat details on resuscitative thoroctomy (learned a new word too so double bonus) the fact vel was on the line w her and val’s apparent surgeon for val’a little ‘incidents ??? GOLDEN I SAYY hope we see more of ur oc … 🫣🫣 btw ofc vox would love to an end an argument with a kiss OF FUCKING COURSE HE WOULD 😭 thank u sm for this chapter princeliest my dear <3 hope life is treating u well too !! -🦌

Vox is ahead of Alastor in terms of effective in-the-moment conflict resolution, but goddamn if he isn't fucked up in his own fun little ways. They're so not done with most of these issues, but at least they're on they're way to maybe be able to have a real conversation about them!

You know. If they chose to do that kind thing. Instead of whatever they will probably do instead.

Anyway, THANK YOU!! I had a great deal of fun writing this chapter and digging into some of the issues that have been slowly collecting underneath the surface of kinky radiostatic, so I'm happy you guys are enjoying as well!! :D

AS FOR MY OC... I WILL POST ABOUT THEM SOON. I LOVE THEM A LOT AND IT EXCITES ME THAT PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW MORE OF THEM. Tysm for asking Q^Q

Just read the new addition to the 666 verse, and inside of me are two wolves: The first is saying: Immaculate, artistry of the highest form. We finally get Alastor’s own confrontation with his vulnerability and him trying to figure out what exactly the relationship with Vox means to him. Cannot wait for how this all is going to develop. The other part of me: THE BREADCRUMBS WORKED THE MUSE IS WRITING!!! Followed by this image (since tumblr won’t let me attach it while being anonymous) https://i.redd.it/hx2shk642vs71.jpg -🕊️

LMAO THAT PIC. Amazing, flawless, thank you. The breadcrumbs DEFINITELY worked, please keep feeding. Digging into Alastor's shit is bringing me life and I'm happy to share it, hahaha. We're swinging even harder on the introspection in the next one!

As a sucker for medical gore and aroace angst, I lack the words to express my love and appreciation for your most recent installment of 666, but your writing of radiostatic's dynamic was captivating and proved to be such a lovely read as always! I loved that you touched on Alastor's relationships with the women around him as that has always been such an interesting aspect of his character to me! I never really put much thought into how Vox's apparent avoidance of Alastor in the show could mirror Alastor's disappearance, and now it will Not leave my mind. My heart hurts for these two dorks, super looking forward to chapter 2!

"Medical gore and aroace angst" should be the title of my memoir. Honestly, this series has ended up a lot more edgy-bloody than I expected it to, since I usually tend to prefer to portray my whump/angst/violence/etc in a much more roundabout way, but it's actually kinda tipped over into, like... part of the point is how banal it is, how beside the point. The upsetting heavy-hitting bits aren't the blood, they're everything else that goes on around it. Anyway, thank you so much! <3 I think your heart will find some relief in chapter two, haha, I hope you enjoy!!

Meanwhile alastor, completely convinced that there’s no situation where vox actually loves him and is happy with the way things are—either vox wants more and is going to start asking for more, or he doesn’t actually love him and just wants to have sex with him and thus either way he is a Liar. They’re so fucking bad at this. No one is capable of being the adult here. I think they need an auspitice.

It's really funny that you said that, because that is kind of exactly the role that [spoiler] ends up playing, though in a more roundabout way, hahaha. They certainly need someone to, like, get them to be having the same conversation with each other instead of two parallel ones. I think the fun thing about writing Alastor reacting to his own feelings is just how much his reaction can change based on how things are framed for him, and it leaves a lot of wiggle room for how differently I've ended up writing him reacting to the season 1 finale in 666 vs in Happily Ever After, and Other Shit Nepotism Can't Buy.

But, god, you really nailed the description of what Alastor is feeling. <3

Vox in the latest 666, my ENTIRE HEART. Literally nothing about how he read the situation was a bad take or a leap to conclusions, but alastor constantly says the opposite of what he means and refuses to admit vulnerability or friendship and what the hell else was vox meant to do with that, of course he backed off, they need to have this talk so badly

YES, PRECISELY! Like, I hope it came through that really neither of them was completely crazy to react the way they did! It's a result of how much of their communication has been nonverbal, implied, and talking around things - they'd been doing so well up until this point, but there's only so far that can take you before you start thinking that you're on the same page when really you're reading two completely different books! Thank you sm! <3

‘But I am capable,” Alastor says gently. “I love you very much.” Vox gapes up at him. “...I. Fuck you.” His voice is tight, strained. “I don’t fucking believe you.” Alastor feels his smile thin. “Well. That’s just dandy, then, isn’t it?”’ I AM NOT OK GOING FUCKING FERAL

Probably one of my favorite lines to write, ehehehe. THANK YOU ANONNNN <3 It's kinda interesting to see how differently some people read this. Some folks thought Alastor was saying it to hurt Vox (which is how Vox read it). Some folks thought it was true (how Alastor intended it). Some folks thought Alastor was trying to fit into the mold that he thought Vox wanted from him (how I intended it). All of them make sense as readings! >:)

[transzilla]

god, I think you described me.. just skimming the tags when I saw the bit about forcemasc on a transitioned man.. I feel like such a teenager when what I want to be is a man. I don't know how to take it and demand my respect. I feel like I've lost so much not growing up this way. Can I still grow and be changed? Be forcemasc'd like I want to be even though I'm "already there"?

Bro, yes, literally yes... I wish I could just like haunt and possess some of ya'll sometimes and forcemasc you from the fucking spirit realm like a forcemasc demon LMAO

So a lot of the time your feelings of inferiority are coming from yourself. We suffer the most in our imagination. But if they aren't and it actually is somebody not respecting you, don't shy away! Examine it. If I was there I'd absolutely grind your face in it. When you do feel embarrassed somewhere and people aren't taking you seriously as a man I need you to go full humiliation kink and examine everything you possibly can. The most educating moments of our lives are frankly fucking horrible and you won't grow as a man if you aren't paying attention. The beauty here is observation, like is it something I'm doing? Are there any other men who are also being demeaned? I want you to know exactly where the pain is.

We need times in our lives when we are basically teenagers, stunted, clumsy, awkward shitty theatre kid versions of the men in our lives, all our feelings of shame and dysphoria are for a reason. We cannot truly eliminate weakness in ourselves if we can't find it, and the best way is exposing it. And that's a really humiliating process because a lot of us started way late at the most subtle exhibitions of masculinity. These cis guys have been doing it their whole lives.

But like, give yourself some credit, you're not the moron here. We aren't kids. We are adults and we can learn faster and adapt faster than kids can. Question your own perception! Are you really that far behind? I think honestly for the time you've been a man and the obstacles you've gone through to get to where you are you've been doing pretty damn well. You've dealt with things that majority of cis men would not be strong enough to deal with.

Do not be uncomfortable with your material reality because if you can't face it and look at yourself and all of your flaws you can't improve. You need to go out and do things and experience humiliation in order to expose all your weaknesses, and then work to eliminate them. Don't just shoot yourself down all the time, oh I can't do that, I'm too weak, I'll never get there, it's too scary, etc. like, come on, this is your life, this is serious. be a fucking man LMAO.. when you can force respect from yourself then you will be able to make other men respect you. That's the first step.

It just takes the nastiest ordeal to get there. Sometimes the ordeal is coming from us! We terrify ourselves. We torture ourselves worse than any other man could ever dream of. Start smaller and smaller, understand that your feelings of terror are jealously guarding your potential to be a man like a hen guarding its eggs and you need to just bare your teeth and rip that piece of shit limb from limb and take what you are entitled to.

Like let me stay grounded here. When I first started what I do for work, tree removal, it was incredibly embarrassing and nobody respected me. And they were right. Like I could barely use a chainsaw, I couldn't pull the cord fast enough to turn it on, couldn't lift the fucking thing. I didn't know shit about anything, and I couldn't figure out shit about anything, like I was lacking entire thought processes that other dudes could do starting in kindergarten, it went all the way down to going to lumber yards and boys getting excited over big machines and tractors, they were familiar with everything and had decades of experience on me while I was still learning how to be a man. There were some jobs I didn't stick around very long at, hahaha.

But then I learned, like I wanna say it took me about two years to get up to speed, And I took the piss and I accepted consequence. As soon as I stopped demanding immediate, fairy tale perfection from myself and my life and stopped with "should'ves" my life became much more work oriented and essy to deal with. Getting fired was fine. Getting bitched out and humiliated was fine. Going with incredible isolation and lacking very basic things was fine Because like shit I tried and and as long as some other guy is doing it to me I sure as hell don't need to do it to myself. I just had to work that much harder. Endure it!!!

some guys now are still better than me because they've been doing it longer but I'm functional now u know. And like these guys also don't know shit about anything, like wow they can lift a big saw and use a tractor but they're so focused on being masculine they don't fucking explain things. Because of their feelings and their oh you ought-tos and just absolutely writhing in weakness and inefficiency for NO REASON. Like I actually have a vagina, man, the fuck is your excuse? I've had quite a few bosses who will tell you to do something, give no details, get mad when you ask for details, and get mad when you do the job wrong. Then I feel like I am truly one of the guys when we're just discussing what the fuck our boss meant. Is he really a big fucking man when he can't do his job? When all the men he works with think he's a punk?

Where I'm at in my transition right now I still don't always get men to listen to me, like my coworkers in conversation, which at first I percieve as disrespect but then i need to consider the men I'm with don't really listen to anyone. If my current boss, a man in his 40s who has witnessed so many deaths in his field and is physically stronger and smarter than all of them can't get them to listen, is it really a blow to the respect I command? And these guys also all feel insecure about being a man, except they haven't figured out basic shit that I have so they think raising their voices means people will listen. A lot of these guys get their asses handed to them by girls, they can't handle heartbreaks. They bring up being jealous about me doing things that I considered feminine, they wonder how I can haggle well, make funny jokes, talk to girls, keep everything clean, cook well, play poker well - these are all feminine skills, haha, the empathy and sensitivity required in the money world especially.

Focus on your humanity first, and use being a man and your desire to be a man, to magnify and shape your desires as a human being. Like you wanna be a man. What does that mean? You wanna be respected, command other men? You want to take control? You want to be dominant? You want to be skilled? What will it take to get to that point? And have a little fun, enjoy the process it takes to get there, in its kinky, humiliating, rancid chained-to-the-radiator glory.

[sameheart-sameblood]

Turn of the Tide

pairing: wojchek x f!reader

summary: wojchek discovers you've disguised yourself as a man to work aboard the demeter and agrees to keep your secret. he begins treating you different than the other crewmates and you confront him about his unfair behavior

words: 2.8k

warnings: angst, mentions of reader's sad background, chest binding, fluff, me not knowing anything about ships and what happens on them

a/n: popping in to say i'm not dead, just depressed and busy lol. truly grateful to this character for pulling me out of my fic slump. im back to once again make a grumpy fictional man way softer than he was ever meant to be hahaha. also guess im obsessed with david dastmalchian now?? didn't have that on my 2023 bingo card tbh

read on ao3!

Sailors believe in many things. A red sunrise can send them into a panic, anticipating the swells and overbearing winds they’re so sure are to come. Red skies at night, however, can make even the most pessimistic crewmate believe there’s fair weather on the way. Captains refuse to set sail on Fridays, sailors place coins under the mast for good fortune and mariners daren’t whistle lest they summon a storm. Many vessels even have a cat aboard, the little creatures seen to bring luck (and sharp teeth to lessen the rat population). 

Sailors believe in many things but above all they can agree that a woman on board is bad luck. Which seems silly to you because here you are, a woman who’s been on board The Demeter for many months now. Your presence had not brought ill fortune to the vessel. In fact, the weather had remained pleasant, despite the late summer month’s usual downpours and hurricanes. 

Granted none of the crew knew you were a woman. You had disguised yourself as a man, hair cut short and chest bound tightly, but that didn’t change the fact of your sex. A life of adventure on the seas had always called to you but there was no possibility of you being granted work on a ship. The only woman allowed onboard was the carved wooden figurehead of a mermaid that decorated the bow of a vessel. There was no place for you at sea. 

Not one to take no for an answer, you found your own way to get work as a sailor. You had spent time aboard trading ships, learning the ways of the trade and earning the trust of the men you crewed alongside. Your last posting had gone so well that the captain of that ship had recommended you to a friend for your next job. 

That friend had turned out to be Captain Eliot of The Demeter. Captain Eliot and his First Mate, Wojchek, had asked you a few questions, all of which you answered confidently. The Captain was a kind man who remarked positively at your experience. The First Mate, however, was standoffish, challenging your every answer. Wojchek frowned slightly as the Captain offered you the posting and as they walked away you heard him mutter, “He’s too scrawny, Captain. He won’t be able to pull his weight.” 

Captain Eliot had only chuckled, “I thought the same thing when I hired you. Look how wrong I was. You must learn to give people chances, Mr. Wojchek.”

While you appreciated the Captain’s confidence, you made it your mission to show this Mr. Wojchek just how mistaken he was. And for a time, your life aboard the ship was simple. You performed your duties well, befriended the men, took initiative and came to be seen as one of the more ambitious members of the crew. Even Wojchek had to admit, although never to your face, that your were one of the better sailors who had worked under him. 

That good will you had earned was probably the only thing that kept the First Mate from throwing you overboard when he found out who you really were. Your secret was discovered when Wojchek had walked in on you unannounced and had discovered you securing your chest binding. After much fussing, he had threatened to toss you off at the next port. 

You had pleaded with him to show some kindness and let you stay. Eventually, Wojchek reluctantly agreed to let you remain aboard but warned that he couldn’t help you if the rest of the crew found the truth about you. You had promised him that if you were discovered, you would never let on that he had been any the wiser.

The two of you came to an uneasy agreement and work continued, albeit now with a strained air between you. The men would often remark how the first mate would give you the hardest tasks. You had to agree with them. It did feel like Wojchek was taking out his frustration on you. After one particularly grueling day where he had assigned you to a back to back deck watch, you knew you had no choice but to confront him. 

******

You find him in the tiny room assigned to the First Mate of the ship . It was one of the few luxuries he was given on the boat. Whereas you and the other sailors slept where they could in hammocks tied between posts and amongst the cargo, Wojchek had a tiny room all to himself. He even had a porthole, something he takes great pride in.  

You hear him groan as you continuously knock on the door, disrupting his peace. Footsteps approach and the door squeaks open. Wojchek grimaces down at you. 

“What is it, sailor?”

“I need to speak with you, sir.”

“I don’t have time. Neither do you. It’s nearly your watch.”

“I’m not due on deck for a good while yet.”

“We can talk later. Be on your way.”

He starts to close the door but you push against it, anger surging through you at his dismissal. You barge into his room, slamming the door behind you. Wojchek’s eyes widen for a moment, caught off guard by your boldness. But a moment later, he’s back to his usual gruff self. He glowers, backing away from you like you carry a disease he’s worried is catching. 

“This isn’t appropriate.”

“Why? Because I’m a woman?”

“Keep your voice down!”

“It’s not a dirty word.”

“It is when you are disguised as a man on a ship. I’ve kept your secret and I’ll continue to do so. If any of the others were to find out, though…”

“I’ve been sailing with these men for nearly a year. They’re my friends but they’re not the most observant. I think my secret is safe. Besides, if they found out…” you lead off, shrugging your shoulders. 

Wojchek’s face darkens at your blasé attitude. “You think these men are your friends? They would turn on you the second they found out the truth about you.”

“That’s not true,” you retort, “just because you hate me doesn’t mean they would.”

“When did I ever say I hate you?”

“You don’t have to. The way you treat me is proof enough. The others may not have realized I’m a woman but they have started to notice you seem to give me the worst tasks and the most watches.  They know you don’t like me. Sooner or later, they’ll really try and figure out why. You might be the one that reveals my secret to them without meaning to.”

“I don’t hate you, I…”

He looks at you. Really looks at you, something he tried not to do very often once he noticed how catching sight of you made his heart skip a beat. His shoulders tense as he stares into your bright, vulnerable eyes, so out of place in a sailor. 

“You have no idea what a life at sea does to you.” He anticipates the retort you have ready to throw at him and holds up a silencing hand, imploring you to let him finish. “You’ve been on The Demeter for almost a year. No small feat for anyone, man or woman. You’re a good sailor. One of my best. People like you all start out the same, hungry for adventure. They see a life sailing from place to place as an answer to all their problems. And for a time, they’re happy. But eventually, the work breaks you. It keeps you from your family, from your friends. People on land move on while you’re away for months, even years at a time. ” 

Wojchek pauses, all the fight leaving him. “When you come back to port, you look for those who promised they’d always be there for you but one day they don’t come back. The ship’s arrival to land no longer brings hope and the sea can no longer mend the hurt that’s inside you. ” He lowers his gaze, perhaps remembering those whom he’s lost over the years. 

“The light leaves the men’s eyes once they realize that their world has shrunk to the size of this ship. They have nowhere else they belong. It’s suffocating. They grow resentful. I don’t want that for you. I don’t want to see the light leave your eyes.”

The whiplash of it all makes your head spin. You’ve been so convinced these last few months that this man hates you. Now he’s speaking to you more than he has this whole year. Not only that, it seems the worry over your wellbeing has cost him sleep. More so than a First Mate is supposed to spend worrying about a subordinate… 

The light in your eyes? Honestly, you didn’t know that was something you possessed. Maybe a glint of steely determination but you would never have called it anything akin to hope. Your life had always been hard. Being born a woman made life a constant struggle. Being born a poor one made it near impossible. 

Wojchek hasn’t moved, still close enough that you can feel the heat coming off of him in the crisp autumn night air that seeps through the tiny cracks in the ship. His eyes, however, keep jumping between your face and the floor. What he’s said has finally sunk in and along with it, his shame of wearing his heart on his sleeve. 

You keep your voice low as not to scare him. Seeing the usual rock of a man so skittish makes you approach your next words with the same precision as someone handling explosives. “I was born  in squalor to a family that saw my existence as nothing more than a burden. I spent most of my days wondering where my next meal would come from and if I’d have somewhere to sleep. I learned to deal with my lack of means. The thing I never could get over was the fact that I had no one in my life who cared if I lived or died.”

This is nothing you haven’t thought before but something about saying it aloud takes your breath away. A pressure grows in your chest as you fight the emotion that comes with revealing your own secrets. Wojchek doesn’t make it any easier, his once darting gaze now fixed intently on you. It’s your turn to avoid his dark eyes, staring at your shoes as you continue. 

“I was never truly happy until I came on The Demeter. I have food, my own bed, purpose, adventure…friends,” the last word almost doesn’t make it past your throat, now tight with emotion. “I finally feel like I have a home.”

It’s only fair that you tell him the whole of your truth seeing how he’d kept your secret for the last few months. He deserves that much. The tension in the room swirls thick but you aren’t sure if it’s because the First Mate is preparing to send you away or not. You wouldn’t blame him if he did throw you off the ship. With you gone, everything could return to the way it was. It might be better for everyone. 

You become lost in your own dark thoughts. Wojchek reaches out a hand, brushing your hair, shorn short and shaggy as part of your disguise, off of your face. You close your eyes at the touch, savoring the feel of his calloused fingers skimming so gently across your skin. All too soon, he’s pulling his hand away, remembering himself. 

“The Demeter is also the only home I’ve ever known,” Wojchek admits, “It’s a good ship and she’s been strong and true to me. If you’re sure this is where you want to be then you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”

You nod your thanks, tears threatening to spill again at the relief of knowing you don’t have to leave. When they begin to roll down your cheeks despite your efforts to keep them hidden, Wojchek tuts softly, “Everything will be alright, kotku.”

You may not know the meaning of the word but you can understand from the tenderness in his eyes that it’s a term of endearment in his native tongue. The realization makes you bold. 

“It’s not just the ship or the crew that make The Demeter my home. It’s you.” You force yourself to maintain eye contact with Wojchek, fighting the instinct to look away. The though that he may not return the strength of your feelings sends a shiver of fear through you but you need him to understand how you feel. 

Wojchek searches your face for some deceit but finds only raw truth. He takes a step forward mere inches between you now. His hands twitch to reach for you again but he holds himself back. Above all else, Wojchek is a professional. Just because he thinks you want him doesn’t mean he’ll take the risk of abusing the power imbalance between you. 

Instead, you take the initiative. “May I kiss you, Mr. Wojchek?” It comes out as nothing more than a whisper but he nods. You lean in, teetering on your toes, never realizing how tall he actually was until now. A particularly strong wave hits the ship and you lose your balance. Before you can lose your footing, he has you in his arms. 

Wojchek hikes you up, bringing your face level to his. Years of working the ship have made him strong as an ox and he thanks the gods that he finally has good use for the muscles that hide beneath his tunic.

You press your lips to his and it takes you a few moments to remember to breathe. The kiss is trepidatious and sweet but leaves your stomach swirling with butterflies. Wojchek’s grip tightens on you, scared he’ll find that you’ve been some sprite in his dream that the morning sun will chase away. It feels good to be pressed together like this, limbs intertwined so you’re not sure where you end and he begins.

All too soon, he breaks away, gasping slightly. It seems you weren’t the only one who forgot how breathing works. The sight of the usually stern man so undone by a chaste kiss makes you chuckle.  Your hand grazes his cheek, running over his stubble. It’s strange to remember that just an hour ago you were convinced Wojchek wanted nothing more than to throw you overboard. Now he’s holding you like he’ll never let you go. How quickly life can change for the better. 

The tranquility is broken by the banging of Olgaren resonating through the wood of the ship. Your watch will soon begin and if you aren’t there to take your post, someone will come looking for you. The ship won’t sail itself and you sigh, realizing you can’t put off your responsibilities in favor of staying with Wojchek all night. 

The First Mate groans, “Stay a little longer.”

“I’m late as it is!” You smile at his pout. It’s a new expression you’ve never seen from his before and you push him down onto his tiny bed, kissing him once again. Another bang resounds through the ship and you whine, getting back to your feet. 

“I’ll make Abrams cover your watch.” Wojchek offers, staring up at you with comically pleading eyes. 

“You’ll have a mutiny on your hands if you come between that man and his sleep. Besides, it’s only four hours. You can even come visit me on deck if you like. It’s single watch so there won’t be anyone around to wonder why we’re together.”

“Four hours?” he grumbles.

“You’re the one who assigned me double watch!” 

Wojchek leans back, watching you button your jacket, trying your best to look presentable. He can’t help but smile at the commitment to your work ethic. “I’ll be up as soon as you relieve Olgaren.”

You nod, trying to remove the smile plastered on your face but failing miserably. Hopefully Olgaren is too tired to ask questions when he sees you. “See you soon.”

You’re about to open the door when you remember something. “What does kotku mean?”

Wojchek smiles, “Little cat.”

Once again you’re struck by the sweetness of a man so eager to have the world call him unfeeling. The nickname makes sense. You yourself believe that your presence seems to bring fair weather and good luck to the boat. The Demeter might not have a four legged feline to bring fair fortune but you’re the next best thing; positive, tenacious and willing to do anything for the good of the ship and crew. 

You grin at Wojchek, who now lounges happily on his tiny bed, looking somewhat feline himself. “Are you sure you want to call me that? A ship can never be without a cat. It’s bad luck. You’ll never be rid of me.”

Wojchek smiles contentedly, blinking slowly, sleep seemingly not far off. The chances of him joining you on deck for the evening appear to be dwindling. You’d be devastated if he didn’t look so adorable. He nods, beckoning you for one last kiss goodbye. “Good. I’ll keep calling you kotku so we never have to be apart.”

******

[holdonunreal]

Chapter 1: The Worst to be

To say that Playtime Co. College was big showed that the person making that statement had...no idea. Apart from the several hundred classrooms and thirty floors, there really was everything. A swimming pool, a huge garden, just under twelve annexes on different floors and all that just in the college building. A few kilometers further on the campus was the huge school, that's right, not just the most famous college no... There is also a high school here. There's even a huge theatre here, and a dorm where students from very far away could live. I'd like to live there, at least then I wouldn't have to drive two hours to school every morning.

And it's all thanks to one person, Elliot Ludwig. He worked with the help of a couple studies and companies to build all of this. Of course, nobody questions that... There are not enough people to do that. After all, the failure rate of the entrance exam is about 90%. That means only one in ten people make it in...I think. At least I hope so. If I were to be wrong about such simple statements, then I really couldn't do anything. 

At least I'm not alone in all this shit, I have my only friend with me: Karasu. But he's often busy checking out girls on his phone instead of helping me 'use it'. What exactly I mean is simple. A few months ago it started like this...

"You really need to find a girlfriend, dude!"

"Why?"

"Yeah, you don't want to be an outsider like Boxy here!" He raised his long arm and pointed at the only boy in the school who was sitting at the Cafeteria table with us. It was Boxy, not really a friend of mine, but he was quiet and didn't talk much or shout. But that was probably just because he was on his phone most of the time... No, I'll be more specific. 'He was always on his phone'. Even in class, he was always Playing, and the worst thing about the whole thing was the saddest thing. The guy had much better grades than me and Karasu... Without ever learning!

"In case you haven't noticed Karasu, I'm already an outsider."     Boxy continued to play on his mobile phone and didn't even touch his food tablet. He continued typing on his mobile phone and occasionally blew away his crimson hair, which began to stand up in front of his face. He simply ignored Karasu's comment.

"Yes, but that can still change You know, some girls also like shorter boys!" I wouldn't say I'm short. The only problem is that Karasu and Boxy are among the tallest in the school. Both are easily 6'3 feet. Whereas I'm just 5'6 feet tall.

"That's not the point, I'm just not as much of a party guy as you are!"

"You just don't have any social skills, didn't you almost shit yourself in maths class yesterday just because you asked something?"

"WHAT?" I shout it far too loudly and people slowly turn towards us. I'm getting really embarrassed. There are easily several hundred people sitting here and I'm just yelling.

"HAHAHAHAHHAHA HAVE YOU SEEN THAT BOXY HAHAHA"   Yeah, so funny.

"Yes yes, I've seen it, very funny." Boxy is lying through his teeth. But I don't hold it against him, after all Karasu is the loudest person in the whole school when he laughs.

But that's also exactly what I like about him, we don't resemble each other one bit, not in looks and not in behaviour. He always tries to take me somewhere and meet new people. I never go with him or talk to anyone. But it's still the will that counts. But it's far too strange to meet someone new anyway... No, especially talking to them. I don't understand how Karasu always gets on with everyone, especially with people who you can tell don't really like him at all.

"Hey, I just remembered, there's a big party tonight at this new student's place, Boxy I'm dragging you along anyway... I'll just give you the choice. Do you want to sit at home and do nothing Y/N or do you want to socialise with the people you'll be spending a few more years with here?"

I give him a stupid look, my answer is actually clear. But he seriously expects me to answer him now. But just as I'm about to answer him, he cuts me off.

"Who knows... Maybe you'll meet someone there? You know, a girl, you'll exchange numbers and then in a couple of weeks-

"No" That's all I say, I don't even want to hear what he has to say. I don't blame him for thinking that way, I really don't. But it's only to be expected from someone who has a different girl running around with him every week.

Just at that moment, the bell rings and it's back to the next lesson. But that's not important for my explanation, what's more important is what happened at home. I didn't go to the party, 'that was obvious'. I lay in bed at home and listened to music... For a couple of hours. After all, I had nothing better to do and I wanted to relax after a hard day at school. At least I got one exam back and scored seven out of a hundred. Not just the worst mark in the course, no... out of the whole year group.

I just lay there and literally thought about nothing, I was rather Daydreaming. After all, you can be whoever you want. I think I was kind of asleep too. At least I wasn't really conscious. In any case, I was called by my mother, I lay in bed for a few more seconds and then got up.

I kicked my bedside cabinet, I didn't really see that there was a bottle of water on it... An open water bottle. It was suddenly like in slow motion, the bottle was about to hit the floor while the water was slowly running out of the bottle. I don't know what it was at that moment, but that's exactly what I was thinking about. How the bottle would continue to float in the air and I could just hold it there. It was like a kind of reflex, my body wasn't fast enough to react. But my head had been thinking reflexively for a long time.

And that's exactly what it was. The bottle stayed in the air just like that, with the water that had already leaked out at a minimum distance from the bottom. I briefly thought I was dreaming, but that quickly cleared up when I bent down excitedly and pushed a finger into the leaking water. It was real, I'm sure, as sure as I've ever been about anything.  I slowly walked backwards, a little startled. Then I moved my head slightly upwards and the bottle actually went with me. It floated there in the air as if there had never been such a thing as gravity. After pushing it up and down a little, I realized that I didn't have to move my head. It was enough to think about how this bottle slowly floated around in the air.

"Y/N COME EAT NOW" I was scared, my mother often got louder, but not because of that. She was in front of my door, if she had put her hand on it and opened it, she would have seen me standing there stupidly by my bed. While a water bottle flies around in the air in front of me. The moment I go to the door to eat, I hear a slight bang. 'The water bottle? I looked back and there it was, on my floor, and the spilled water was already spreading across the floor. Fuck

                                                                                                                                                    --------------------------------------------------------------

What followed was quite simple. I didn't go to college for the rest of the semester, and not just because of my bad grades. Of course also because of my new ability, 'telekinesis'. At first I googled like a madman, in the end I got what I could already guess. "Anyone who thinks they have superhuman abilities has a mental illness and should seek help quickly before it's too late." There was even a number at the bottom, and believe it or not I was about to call. I still have no idea why I can suddenly levitate things like that.

Well, I've already gotten a couple of letters from the college, one for a transfer, one for a warning. To summarize... I don't just have to show up every Day of the second semester, I have to really participate. A couple slips and that's it. No college, no job and telekinesis that basically does me no good.

I lay on my bed again and did...nothing really. I wanted to study a bit because the next semester starts tomorrow but I'd rather be on social media. Watching people partying and having fun, especially Karasu's account. I go on it so often and look at what he's doing. I think I would give anything to be as social as him, just to be able to approach people and talk to them. But when I think back, I could honestly never do that.

I briefly put my phone on my nightstand. The night cupboard where I first discovered my ability. I feel guilty somehow, I didn't tell anyone from my family, not my parents or anyone else. The only person who knows is Karasu, he didn't believe me at first either, but when I made his cell phone fly and threw it in his face, he slowly understood. Then we went outside, he wanted to 'have a chat'. 

Actually, he just shouted at me why I hadn't told him earlier. Just before I could answer, he started with his ideas, for example that I was actually something very special.

"Dude, you have superpowers yet you skip college and rot in your room all day?"

Yes, I had to listen to these comments for a few hours, but then it was time for the important questions:

"And do you actually know why you have telekinesis now? I mean, that can't be genetic, can it? Do you think so?-

"Man, I skipped the semester, I don't even know how to write the word biology anymore."

"Oh man you dumbass, you really have to take school seriously now right?"

I walk slowly with him to the bus stop, after all we don't live directly in the city, so it's a twenty-minute walk. After all, not living in the city has many advantages, it's quiet, there are fewer people. And best of all: 'I hardly notice'. We're already at the bus stop and I stand while he sits down, then he looks at me again...

"It's about time you got together with people, but you'll see that tomorrow anyway... So grab some smart girl and always have her send you your homework!"

At that moment, the bus slowly arrives and I turn around and start walking.

"Don't forget the bus tomorrow morning, I'll get on at the City stop!"

[purplesurveys]

1854

How old were you when you learned how to drive? I was 17 when my parents started to give me practice drills around the neighborhood, but of course I didn't feel confident enough until I got my license, which happened as soon as I turned 18.

Have you ever been to a baby shower? What was the baby’s name? I have never been to any.

What mode of transport did you take to high school? We have private bus services which is more common here. It's basically carpooling but with L300s or Hiaces .

Name a personality trait of yours that you like. I like my resourcefulness.

Name a physical attribute of yours that you dislike. My hair is quite thick so apart from it being a hassle to fix up, it also inadvertently makes me look haggard even though I'm the furthest thing from.

What’s in your purse right now? Wallet, hair serum, lip gloss, comb, bb cream.

Do you vote in your country’s elections? Only in the presidential and senatorial ones. I don't think I've ever voted in the local-level elections.

What was your first kiss like? Innocent.

Shuffle your music and skip twice. What song is playing? My phone is sooooooo far away from me right now haha I'll have to skip this.

Have you ever been a freelancer? No.

What mood were you in when you woke up today? Tired and was kind of dreading that I had to spend 6 hours of my day at the salon since I had booked a hair appointment today.

What story is your bedroom on? Second floor, as with all the bedrooms.

What gifts do you usually receive at Easter? Easter gift-giving is not common here.

Do you use a planner to keep track of your life? The only thing I have would be a work 'planner' in the form of a Google Sheets to-do list. I don't have a file for outside of work.

Who was the last person you sent an email to? Probably a client.

Are there any posters in your bedroom? I have not put back up any of the posters I had when I repainted my room a little over a year ago. I've been thinking of making a wall collage of sorts with the fan banners I've collected from all the K-concerts and fan meetings I've been to, though. They're currently just collecting dust in a pile at a corner and it's been feeling like such a waste.

What was your favourite fairytale as a kid? I was never into fairytales. Even as a kid, all I asked my dad for were almanacs and encyclopedias with giant pictures haha.

Is there anything in your freezer that you really need to get rid of? We have a Wendy's Frosty that's been there for well over a year now, and tbh it's turned into an inside joke/social experiment within the family that we all have just mutually agreed to let it stay lmao.

Have you ever played Second Life? I've never even heard of that.

What do you like about the town or city you live in? It has all the quietness of the province, and yet is so conveniently close to the city.

What do you dislike about the town or city you live in? I mean if you're just here, it's boring. No nightlife, no bars...and every time a niche-y spot pops up, like a record store or a mom-and-pop Korean grocery, they never last long.

Are your parents good cooks? My dad is a literal chef, so.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person? Body language and energy.

Have you ever been to a chiropractor? Did you like it? No.

What is your favourite museum? Ayala Museum is always a great visit. There was also the museum I went to when I was in Fukuoka; shame I forgot the name of it and accidentally deleted all photos from my trip.

Do you know anyone who is an actor? Yes.

Have your wisdom teeth come through yet? I've had two cause their problems and be subsequently pulled out. I'm still waiting for the other two to come out.

How many weddings have you been to? Countless ones when I was a kid since I was frequently a flower girl; but I've also never been able to attend one since I was 9 so it's pretty much stopped there hahaha.

Do you watch Youtube? What channels do you like? I'm subscribed to so many channels as I'm generally open to watching such a crazy wide range of shit. I will say my all-time favorite channels would be Wrestlelamia, GMM, and Oversimplified.

What’s your alcohol of choice? Long Island Iced Tea, or an espresso martini.

Have you ever used a public pay phone? I don't think so.

Which one item would you save from your burning house? Assuming all the dogs got out okay, my phone.

Do you have a Twitter account? Yup.

What is your hair like right now? Awesome. It's purple again and is up to my collarbones so I'm feeling pretty great about it.

How do you like your eggs cooked? Sunny side up, or scrambled.

What’s the longest you’ve been without showering? Like 2-3 days.

Name one of your guilty pleasure songs. Don't have one of those.

Have you ever made an item of clothing? Nope. I mean I've tie-dyed a shirt, but I don't think that counts.

What was the most expensive bill you paid within the last month? My dinner treat for my family on my birthday.

[pkmntrainerrichiesblog]

My hands are freezing! Glaseado Mountain is no joke!

Let's see, now I'm at a hotel in Montenevera and my teeth aren't chattering, perhaps Rotom can get this down clearly haha.

So... To keep it brief, I got Iono's badge, hope you all enjoyed the stream. Encountered a really weird Pokémon called Varoom that looks like a car engine. Nearly got eaten by a giant Orthworm, Found the forest they filmed that Grafaiai documentary..

Hiking Paldea's tallest mountain, I got ambushed by some Sneasel, Wattrel evolved to battle them... They're really aggressive!

Got to see Grusha crushing it on the slopes. Won the Snow Slope Run on Gogoat and earned the right to face him. I think having its shell chipped has given my Cloyster an edge. Cloyster -vs- Cloyster, with physical hits against mine causing damage to Grusha's, kind of like the Rough Skin ability. Cloyster learned Ice Spinner from Grusha's Cloyster. It looks like physical moves are its strong suit, actually, so that worked out well. Anyway, yes, Grusha's awesome, won his badge, which took quite some effort. We're doing great with the Paldea League!

Found what I thought was a graveyard up the mountain - not something you want to see when you're freezing to death in a school uniform at the top of a craggy mountain with no clear paths - but it turned out to be a group of Pokémon called Greavard buried under the snow with their leader Houndstone. Strange Pokémon! I'm glad Rotom warned me not to play with them. Falling asleep out there would be super dangerous!

And now, I'm in Montenevera, warming myself up by a radiator after spending a good chunk of my savings on a hotel, because I am not camping out there, no way, no how, hahaha.

I'll be looking to challenge MC Ryme soon!

Oh also, Montenevera is hauntingly beautiful. I really like this town's aesthetic.

[ishikawayukis]

I’m still suffering but I’m back✌🏽 Have you seen that meme that says “Cuando vea ____ no diré nada, pero habrán señales” (when I start watching ____ I won’t say anything, but there’ll be signs)?, that will be both of us with OP when we get that third piercing on our left ear LOL

And boy, yes, they have been in that dessert for way too long LMAO like I don’t wanna miss everything so I’m not skipping any parts, but I’m definitely watching at x1.25 speed bc I’ve just realized this arc lasts until 130 and I’m not even on the 20s😭

Iñaki’s and Taz friendship definitely cured some of the sadness in my soul, but same I would to get more sneak peeks behind the work. I have watched some videos about the make-up and wig work, the staging and props, I saw some performance proposals for Zoro’s introduction and I love how despite changing many things, they never gave up on including the middle finger LOL I just find very interesting the process of discerning which ideas make it into the final product, I’m a nerd what can I say😔✌🏽

SANJI AND CHOPPER CARRIED THE CREW IN THIS ARC they were very impressive😌✨ but okay mini rant that you might find funny since you’re clearly far ahead LOL 1) the heck no one d*es HAHAHA LIKE everyone. somehow. miraculously. comes back alive and I’m glad for the good guys, but damn people it feels like only Arlong and people from the backstories d*ed 2) again, glad no one from the crew d*es (for now?😭🤞🏽) but boy does it hurt to see them getting thrashed :c </3

I did enjoy Ace’s appearance respectfully<3 LOL but seeing Zoro smiling and laughing more frequently definitely does something to my brain<3 Also!! Saw you got your wisdom teeth removed: congratulations!!🥳✨ and since Spotify wrapped just happened, what’s your song #12?? Was going to ask based on the episode of OP I’m at but it’s already the 100s so the last two digits will do LOL

LMFAOOO if that ain't me. also wait do you speak spanish or this is like, the meme you know LSDKHGKL it's very important to me as a spanish speaker because i have one stupid ass op video i can't show anyone because it's in spanish and i've been going insane because it made me cackle (but also would have to ask what's your stance on shipping (not like hardcore i will fight others if they don't like what i like but like hehe their dynamic is fun))

honestly i respect you so much for not skipping anything because i just skimmed through over 10 episodes worth of someone's backstory (they've been dead for a long time so i'm like 🧍‍♀️ we didn't learn anything new with this but the lore is great i guess)

had no idea about that LMAO honestly it fits zoro so much that no matter what he was going to be flipping someone, actually that's something that i love about the live action like yeah let him and sanji curse we know these two idiots are the worst when it comes to cursing LMAO part of me is hoping that we'll get like a documentary kinda thing with the behind the scenes or maybe more behind content for the second season

NO BUT THAT'S SOMETHING I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT AS WELL, like yay for the main crew not dying i won't have psychological damage because of it, but what do you MEAN not a single bad guy dies either some of them should've had their heads chop off give me a break

pre time skip zoro was so goofy and beloved truly a gift, god i can't wait for you to get to a certain part and lose your mind about him tho LMAO and i diiiiid! finally have all of them out, this last one is not bothering me as much so i'll take that as a win as well and i'm just happy to be done with the whole thing LMAO and my #12 song is tití me preguntó by bad bunny which honestly, a bit shocked by because i didn't think i listened to it that much. what's your 81 song i gotta know 👁👁

[measuringbliss]

Tomb of Dracula Read-Through 3 (#11-17)

MASTERPOST

This is half-horrible, half-hilarious.

So... #11 starts with Dracula going to sleep, eager to take revenge on men who assaulted him in #9. Miles away, something else is going on...

And this machine of horrors makes me wince because I watched a movie in which this thing was a key part, and it was a horrendous experience (but an incredible movie). So that's a ~fun~ coincidence.

Brand is, as you might have understood, my type of man. I thus doubt he'll survive for long. He's helping Faust get his revenge too, but he uses Voodoo dolls (why the hell not).

Meanwhile, Dracula goes to a rave and gets one of the dudes, who gives him intel to reach his assailants... who're about to attack Quincy Harker for Faust. Everything is connected (and I'm omitting some stuff!).

He intervenes and decides, first, to spare Quincy, and second, to hypnotize his foes to throw themselves off a cliff.

It's the first time we actually see this! That's fun.

Dracula vampirizes Brand and sends him do a final job: killing his master. He also dies in the confrontation, and it's actually a quite horrific conclusion. I do like, however, Dracula's relationship with Quincy.

At the beginning of #12, our heroes are fighting my hero (Dracula). And when the Lord of the Vampires threatens to kidnap Quincy's daughter, Drake tries his usual fist superpower...

And fails.

Not only is it a beautiful page, but Quincy's beard makes for great panels. Meanwhile...

Blade is not only drawn as a sexy pin-up, but also revealed to have a girlfriend! His pose in the first panel is very Han Solo-ish... But naturally, Star Wars wasn't out yet in 1973.

It's Dracula calling his enemy! Naturally, Safron doesn't take kindly to it.

We see great color work in the mansion. Dracula also can't help but gloat about how our heroes are going to die and laughing diabolically. He's adorable. But I do wonder if someone's gonna die in this issue...

Blade's here to help, at least!

And oh Lord, the stubble/beard look does wonders to him.

He high-kicks Dracula and makes him leave, but Quincy's daughter... has become a vampire! And as has been foreshadowed multiple times throughout this issue... someone dies. Quincy's forced to kill his daughter. That's not very fun for him.

What was fun was this issue though! It's what I actually expected the series to be before I started reading it, people in a mansion that have to defeat traps. A bit like Scooby-Doo, hahaha.

#13: One thing that I'm sad about is that Blade's facial hair lasted about a page. Shadows! Oh well.

While Quincy and his crew mourn Edith, Dracula watches a boxing match and finds it all very undignified. He clearly doesn't appreciate the inherent homoeroticism.

Ahem.

Anyway, Blade tells us his backstory: his mom died giving childbirth... by a vampire's teeth!

An interesting parallel between Quincy and Dracula is set in this issue: they both have agents in the shadows that are just waiting to answer their command. I wonder if Quincy will die because the others will say he's gone too far.

Both teams fight, and then...

Somehow, I don't believe it.

#14 time!

While Dracula's supposed to be dead, the nearby villagers obey his every command, even after death: they must get their master's body, and kill anyone who's on their path. Oops!

The villagers actually succeed, by the way.

As they take away Dracula's body, the mysterious Dr Sun, elsewhere seems quite interested in vampires as well. Why? Who knows!

We find that Taj's alive (and I'm grateful). However, as Dracula's life escapes his body, the villagers regain consciousness and let him rot in a field. In a nearby church, a man struggling with faith sees in Dracula's shining coffin a sign of God.

Our heroes soon learn of this, as that man, Josiah Dawn, makes a show of the lord's resurrection.

You sure about that, Josiah?

In spite of our heroes' efforts, he removes the knife planted in Dracula's chest, and my husband comes back to life. As he prepares to slay Josiah...

"NoOoOoO! ThE cRoSs! ThE aCcUrSeD cRoSs!"

He's so pathetic, I love him.

Wonderful lighting in these pages as you can see.

Interesting issue. Dracula definitely has issues concerning the old papa in the sky.

In issue #15...

Dracula dies again.

Dear artists, thank you so much for this cover, for I am thirsting.

Actually, the cover lies. Dracula recounts some of his previous exploits. In this particular one, he feigned being killed, and he decided to play with his victim. There the man was, suddenly chased by dozens of rats! He ended up killed by wolves, not so easily avoided...

As Dracula complains about the sanctity of mariage and the lack thereof in recent times, he witnesses a husband blackmailing his wife, who was determined to divorce... and promptly gets pushed off the cliff.

Stunning page. The borders, the cliff shot, Dracula, the juxtaposition between both kisses... and I can't help but say, "slay!", at that woman, who wants to avenge herself.

Later, Dracula speaks to an immortal man who asks him to take him to the pool of blood he used to become immortal.

Dracula enjoys the hunt, however. He loves the thrill, the possibility to gloat. I think he'd quickly get unsatisfied. The reason of the chase is the chase itself.

He got duped. Adorable!

See, that's what I was saying!

Well, what a design!

The Scotsman killed him, by the way.

In the end, Dracula vows to never die again...!

#16 time!

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!!

In this issue, Dracula fights a skeleton that honestly has a sick-ass design.

I love those panels, too.

Such a great, visually, opponent!

Turns out the man just wanted to be buried in his right place. Dracula takes over the task, understanding the importance of peace.

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeouuuuus! On a train!!!!! I want to read Dracula on a train, yes!!!!

Dracula's actually searching for one of his dear coffins where to rest, and finds himself in Paris. Unfortunately for him, Blade's there too, ready to throw hands!

Oh, the homoeroticism!

Unfortunately for the heroes, Dracula had a secret FIFTH hideout and gets through the night unscathed.

Next stop: Munich! Dracula wants to go to Transylvania, and he decides to take the train.

My question is: is the Lord of the Undead too feeble to fly from France to Transylvania? I thought he was real powerful, guys!

Meanwhile, Dr Sun finds himself a very competent vampire. Good for him!

*smiles very happily reading the word "Austria"*

Dracula gets scared the shit out of him by a kid pointing a gun on his back, soon joined by his ashamed mom. The kid also compares him to Spock thanks to his ears, and I'm pretty sure Dracula sees this as one of the worst moments in his life. We learn in that same scene that Dracula had two kids, a boy and a girl. Lore!

Anyway, he gets them back to their room. Or rather, he offers to, then quickly drinks some of the mom's blood, who shrieks and alerts everybody.

The French guard of the weird new duo shoots at Dracula several time.

Needless to say, Dracula is *not* amused.

... Dangit, I reached the max number of pictures!

Anyway, the French guy is thrown out, the two heroes find Dracula, gorgeous panels ensue, Dracula shit talks Frank, the second member of the duo dies, also thrown out...

... and a mysterious somebody retrieves their briefcase and announces that as planned (and wanted by Dr Sun), this duo is dead!

Hmmmm!

Next time: a cross-over with Werewolf by Night? Why not!

[m5ria]

Chapter 15: The Deal

I groan, from pain and the sight of him. I torturously stand up, feeling that I might fall any minute now, but I can't stand him looking down at me.

Still, I can't improve the situation too much, as he's more than one foot taller than me.

"Whatever you're about to say, I'm not interested," I tell him.

"Hahaha! I wouldn't be so sure, darling!" he smiles pleasantly. "Do not lose such an opportunity just for ill will!"

"I simply don't want to waste anyone's time," I smile politely. "I know my answer."

"You haven't heard what I can offer you!" he leans his head on one side.

"I don't have to," I say the words on the top of my lips.

He walks around me as if studying a sculpture. I feel as exposed under his eyes as I felt under Valentino's, but it's a different kind of surveying. A deeper one.

"There's so much potential for you!" he speaks in what is meant to be an alluring way. "So much raw power. Such determination. And above all, such empathy! So rare down here, that is more valuable than any coin!"

"I understand that the concept is foreign to you," I opine. "Something you can't comprehend might be taunting you, indeed."

"Oh, but I do not have to be empathic to know how it works," he appears in front of me. "It is quite predictable, dear. Take the burdens of someone else, even if they put you in danger. You'd do that for poor Angel who you've known for, what, a few days? I wonder ... What would you do for the other hotel's residents?"

"I can answer that in your case," I smile sweetly. "Nothing."

"Ah, but what about Charlie? You may not believe in her absurd cause, but you admire her. For being like you, especially down here. You wouldn't let her simply suffer and die."

"What do you want?" I grit my teeth with a smile. I've grown impatient with him telling me what I would do.

"You have power. You have ambition. But you lack skill. You stupidly fought two Overlords and barely escaped by sheer luck. But it won't be like this anymore. They won't underestimate you anymore. They'll finish what they started."

"You mean Valentino or yourself?" I ask him annoyed. "Is that why you're here? Kill me and savor your victory before him?"

"No no no, darling!" he chuckles pleasingly, his mic laughing as well. "I'm here to offer my help! For you to learn how to use your powers!"

I stare at him thunderstruck. For all I’ve witnessed and know about him, this would be the last thing he'd do. 

Wouldn’t it, though? Didn’t he offer his help to the hotel as well? 

He saw a potential source of entertainment in the hotel. Is that what he sees in me as well? Or is there something else? He didn’t become Overlord overnight only out of pure entertainment. He is cunning, meaning there can be other reasons why he’d offer help.

But I can’t see another one. Yet.

"Why?" I play along.

Wrong reply, as it only encouraged him. He makes his mic disappear, as he begins to stroll: "I'm sure you suspect what’s about to happen. After your ridiculing attempt to be a hero, Valentino will search for you, try to find you, and break you until you’ll beg for mercy. He’ll make you his slave, just like Angel Cakes was.” He smiles widely at some inside joke I don’t understand.

“No. I mean, why would you help? There’s nothing in it for you.”

“Other than watching you fight tirelessly Hell’s greatest evils?” he chuckles. “I assure you it’d be quite a gift for me! Ha ha ha!”

“No. If you’d want only that, you’d let me in the state that I am. Surely, failure from my side would be quite entertaining to watch as well.”

“Why, you’re such a clever demoness, Diana, dear!” Alastor ruffles my hair. I mean to bite his hand off, but he vanishes before I sink my fangs in it. He appears behind me and I turn around to see him summoning his staff, which plays some musical notes. He checks his claws while saying: “Yet, so naive at the same time! Hmm ...” he studies me for a mere second. “Let’s say your failure would be much sweeter if you’ve been given every chance. I’m sure you can understand,” he winks.

I sigh, facepalming frustrated. The pain in my entire body exhausts me beyond myself. I would lie down and fall asleep if it wasn’t for the dangerous intruder.

“I’m going to ask you again,” I hold his gaze. “Why would you help me? What will you get in return?”

The music grows louder as the Radio Demon passes his staff from one hand to the other.

“Well, well, darling … do not fret!

I’m dying to know where this quest ends!

Find the purpose of why you fell;

Such fun can hardly be found in hell!

I’m offering you a way to help

Keep your word when you promise yourself:”

He shows me a vision of me at the dinner three nights ago, furiously shouting: 

“I can just fine take care of myself!”

The vision pauses at me, my eyes pining with their ferocity. Behind the image, darkness pours and surrounds us, the blue forest disappearing completely. I turn around quickly and wince in pain, a reminder of my stab wound.

“Congratulations! You deserve a beer!

You’ve survived one hell of a year!

Hid in these woods like a scared wild deer…

Hehehe … oh, dear …”

Alastor has disappeared and the only thing I see is my figure. His voice, however, seems to come out of nowhere and everywhere at the same time: 

“It seems you’ve marked yourself, I’m afraid!

They’ll come for your powers; to invade,

Unimaginable things to be made,

Things you won’t be able to evade!

Proof of my words is your yesterday’s raid!

And, unlike in your past failed crusade,

No one will ever come to your aid!”

I stare into the darkness, unfazed, and say:

“Unimaginable things, you say?

Like making deals with me? No way!

Do you think I’m a stupid prey –

Thoughtless sinner who’d just obey?”

“No, no, dear, you’ve misunderstood me!

I believe a bright one I’ve called thee!

Knowledge of your powers is your key

And I’m here to answer your plea!

Imagine, with your wit and your glee,

No more reasons to disguise or flee …”

Around me appear different silhouettes of me, but they’re different from that frozen image he still keeps in the air. They’re … relaxed. Careless. Free.

“You wouldn’t have to hide anymore,

You’d be freer than ever before!

No more fear of entering a war …

No one to fall for!

No one to care for!

Live the (after)life you so adore!

Forget surviving, this is your ardour…”

Oh, no. 

The things he says … If I’m powerful enough, I can be free. For 11 years I’ve hidden from the only people I’ve ever known and lived on my own. And when I did find someone to share my life with, it was always in the sheer fear of being caught and dragging her with me. 

During all those late-night TV shows or Radio podcasts, I’ve always dreamed of being free. Free of worries, of fear, of responsibilities. But this is just it. A dream. A foolish dream.

What if I can make it real?

“In exchange, on a beautiful day,

I’d fancy your gratitude to display!

Simple, tiny favors, for you to pay

That I’m sure you’d find them a child’s play!”

The silhouettes emphasize his words by doing different small tasks. Their faces are happy, with no trace of exhaustion, pain, or insecurities.

They are not me.

But they can be!

With a little effort and Alastor’s help, I can make that true.

You’re in Hell. Nothing about those is true.

Isn’t it, though? Alastor is always happy. It seems nothing is bothering him. He’s always in control of his own (after)life. Don’t I want the same thing for myself?

Alastor is in control right now!

The darkness succumbs the same way it has spread. The blue forest reappears and Alastor stays in the same place he was. This time, his right hand is held forward, his gloved palm facing the sky.

“So, what do you say, dear?”

His colors change. A bright green light appears in his hand. I’ve never imagined there’s a more sinister color than red, but his green appearance …

“Is it a deal?”

I look at his black-gloved hand. His fingers look like a spider’s legs, trying to trap mine. My hand moves on instinct, ever so slightly reaching his. His hand promises me freedom, lack of fear, everything I’ve ever wished for. I glance at his face, which is daring, confident. Beautiful.

“No.”

I don’t realize I’ve spoken out loud until I see one of his eyebrows arched. I drop my hand and make it into a fist. I dug my claws in the palm, making my hand bleed.

“Oh?” he tilts his head like a curious child.

“I will find my own way,” I hold his gaze with much more confidence than I feel.

I watch him, expecting any negative reaction. A frown, a tsk, anything. But the only thing I notice that has changed in his posture is a long satisfied close mouth smile instead of a victory grin. It somehow unsettles me even more.

“Alright, dear!” he retreats his hand along with the greenish light. The pressure of the atmosphere seems to have dropped as well. 

I watch him dumbfounded, as he simply summons his mic and cleans a spot of his cloth. Before he takes his leave, he looks at me joyously and says: 

“Let me know if you ever disagree!

I’m sure you know where you can find me …”

Then, he, as well as the music, disappear, leaving his shadow behind blinking at me before it flows into the ground.

☽

My decision-making went to hell. 

What was supposed to be a quiet productive afternoon, both physically and mentally, turned out to be a waste of time. 

Prey kept on pestering me in my weakened state and somewhen after two hours I just had enough and summoned some icicles to take down two rabbits. It didn’t significantly improve my mood.

When I manage to return to the hotel I expect the kitchen to be empty at this hour. It couldn’t have been further from the truth, as my two throwing rabbits which were meant to hit the counter hit ... Vaggie’s face.

“Oh, my God!” I put my hand at my mouth, trying to keep a smile from surfacing. “I’m so sorry!”

“Hija de puta madre,” she curses under her breath, massaging her forehead. “Why the fuck did you throw those at me?”

“Not you. The counter,” I point behind her.

“Do you just throw your meat wherever you see fit?” she spits.

I’ve wrestled on answering yes, but instead, I ask her: “Is it your turn to cook?”

“Duh... Why would I be in the kitchen in the first place?”

She goes to the fridge and grabs an ice bag.

“Oh, come on! It wasn’t that bad!” I tell her.

“Would you want to try it?” she grabs the rabbits by their ears and throws them in my direction. I cry out when I avoid them due to the sudden movement. I hear a shattering noise and, when I look behind, I see a broken window. 

“Ok..., I think now it’s more personal,” I turn my head slowly to her.

“You shouldn’t be here!” she looks at my bandaged wounds. She has probably just figured out I am here. “You should be recovering after your stupid (after)life decisions!”

“Oh, give me a break!” I sigh and sit on a chair to calm the pain. “I’ve just gone for a … walk.”

“And that day you’ve just gone for a shopping spring,” she cleverly points out. “And look how that one turned out!”

“What do you want from me?” I ask her exasperatedly. “To leave? Talk to Charlie!”

“Trying to make sense in her head is like trying to tell Angel not to get in trouble!” she sighs frustrated. “Fruitless.”

“So, you just want me to leave, just like that?”

“No,” she denies, even if her face begs the difference. Then, she composes herself and tells me straight: “I don’t like you.”

“Do you like anyone, though?” I narrow my eyes. 

“Can you get out?” she points to the door, tired. “I need peace!”

“Ok, geez!” I make the necessary steps to the kitchen door, but I hesitate on the handle. Angel’s words come to my mind: You should ask Vaggie for a complete mystic introduction.

She knows things about demons. More than I do for sure. Maybe...

“Can I ask you something?” I speak up.

She turns to me annoyed but nods.

“What do you know about Alastor?”

She snorts as if she heard something funny and then proceeds on doing her thing (cutting some vegetables).

“He’s the shitiest Overlord I’ve ever known, and that’s saying something. Unpredictable, violent, bloodthirsty, and always looking for trouble.”

I wait for her to tell me more, but she just minds her business.

“Oh, come on!” I urge her. “I know this already! Is there anything else?!”

I’m really disappointed with her description. I thought it’d be some storytelling. That’s what Angel implied. But maybe she’s too mad or uninterested now to offer that.

She sighs and leans on the counter, facing me.

“What do you want to know?” 

“When did he come to Hell? Why and how is he an Overlord? How did he obtain his power? Did it have it already or did it steal it somehow? What are all of his powers? What...”

“Ho, slow down!” she stops me with her hand. “I can’t even remember the first question.”

“Just tell me what you know,” I nudge her.

“Alastor... Came to Hell almost a century ago. Don’t ask me how and when exactly, ‘cause I don’t know. He soon started to overpower Overlords who had been here for centuries, while he broadcasted every carnage for everyone in Hell to witness it. Nobody understands how he had so much power in the first place, who he targeted if he targeted at all, and how to stop him. He soon became the only, most powerful Overlord. After a while, though, he became uninterested in keeping his power, so the vacant Overlord places were filled by other sinners.”

“What do you mean by that? Doesn’t everybody in Hell want power?”

“He has a lot of power already,” Vaggie points out. “Apparently, if he can do whatever he wants freely, it’s satisfactory enough for him.”

Freedom. The way he approached me.

“Are there other powers besides teleporting, summoning things and people, and his black tentacles?”

“Yes, but many of them are kept hidden. Wait! How do you know about the black tentacles?”

Shit.

I can’t say that I fought him. She’ll lose her mind.

“He summoned one to grab Valentino’s arm,” I quickly say.

“¡Ay mi diablo! ¡Es peor de lo que pensaba!”

“What do you say?” I ask her, confused.

“There’s one thing for a lesser demon to fight an Overlord,” she lectures me. “It’s entirely something else for an Overlord to fight an Overlord. And …”

“I know about your past battle!” I tell her impatiently. “You’ve won, haven’t you? That means something, right? Even if this might be considered an act of war or whatever, they’ll think twice before doing anything!”

“Bitch, don’t pretend like you know anything about Hell’s politics!” she eyes me accusingly. “You’re a mere child! You don’t understand anything that happens here!”

“Uhm, first of all, I was 27. Second of all, I’m not stupid! I’ve been down here for almost as long as you!”

“Yeah, hiding and hunting your pretty little animals. Doesn’t make you an expert in turf wars.”

I feel my anger level rising within me, impulsing me to tell her things that’ll make her shut the fuck up. But, watching her, seeing her even angrier than me, I realize there’s no point in doing so.

“Vaggie,” I sigh. “I know I’ve created difficulties for the hotel. And I am sorry. I know that the best way I might solve them is to leave. And I might do so.”

Regardless of my lack of decision, I still thought about this a lot. It seems nothing keeps me at the hotel. I have no friends or allies here. My purpose is not to redeem myself. What am I still doing here, then?

“I can’t speak for Charlie,” Vaggie looks at me. “Even if I am blind to her optimism… And I don’t believe in redemption as she does… Charlie started this project because she sees something good in each demon. This hotel is for everyone who wants to better themselves. Even troublemakers like you.”

“You make me sound interesting,” I point out, smiling.

She points her index finger to me: “I make you sound dangerous, Diana Thorn.”

I open my mouth slightly, taken aback. I’ve never told any of them my surname. The way she said it… it unsettles me almost as much as Alastor’s smile.

“We don’t need danger,” she keeps on. “We have that plenty. So, be careful!”

The way she almost threatens me… It makes me want to threaten back. Fight back. But I keep my temper in check.  

I leave Vaggie in the kitchen and limp around with a hollow heart. I realize I've targeted the bar the moment I receive a shot of vodka from Husk. I don’t know if I’ve asked him for it or not, but he’s given me the perfect drink.

“What am I still doing here?” I ask him as if he could answer me.

“Honestly, kid? That’s the fucking question I’m asking every day.”

Next Chapter

Previous Chapter

Masterlist

[holyxvi]

// . Mods are asleep post concept Voidsent Avatar Mateus

personals/non-rp do not reblog

[copiousloverofcopia]

Please don’t stress over it! I appreciate all your hard work!!! I would love for the cock corset to be more with a fem reader but just had to share the information about the ghoul pants because I found it hilarious that theirs is in the back while Papa’s is in front hahaha but please don’t rush ❤️ much love -cock corset anon

Hey Ghestie,

Sorry for how long this took, but as you know Papa and I have littles and I have a full-time duty that I attend to within the Ministry, so things get hectic...

Anyways I wanted to do a little extra for this so here you go and please please let me know if it was worth the wait!

So here we go.....

The Cherry Stem

Also available here on AO3!

Defintely NSFW below the cut!

It was dark, the cloudiness of your vision intensified by the billowing of smoke from the other side of the bar. The scent of stale ale and liquor lingering in the air as you sat mindlessly stirring your cocktail. You leaned into the well-aged bar having it  support your frame as you devoured maraschino cherries—one after another. It wasn't food–not really, but at least you’d have something other than alcohol fermenting in your gut. You pushed the empty dish away from you, some guy named Jim refilling it with the glistening fruit as you took a swig of the rest of what remained in your glass.

At this point you didn't care, spirited away within your mind, trying to block out the world around you. Your low humming depression, exacerbated by your recent break up, unable to be placated by the usual suspects. Instead, sending you out the door and into the only bar open this late at night—hours after the others had closed. 

"Hey…uh…Jim was it?" You called. The older gentleman with the scraggly beard turning to face you, drying a glass with a rag and placing it back on the rack. How cliche, you thought as he approached you.

"You ah…need sumthin?" He asked.

"I want to show you a trick." You told him unsure of what had even sparked the impulse to do so.

"Shoot." He said placing both hands down on the bar and leaning in to see what you were going to do. You grabbed a single cherry. Pulling it into your mouth and pulling off the stem, chewing it up and swallowing it back as a bit of its red juice dribbled over the corner of your lips. 

The barkeep looked at you, completely confused until you sucked the stem back into your mouth. You swished it around a bit, twisting your tongue and pulling it with your teeth until from within your lips appeared a perfectly knotted stem.

"Well, I'll be–" he began before a voice from behind you spoke. It was masculine with a thick Italian accent and playful tone. A voice that made you feel intrigued. 

"Well, that was truly something." The man said as you turned around on your stool. Your eyes locking with his. They were mismatched, one a beautiful shade of green. The other, surprisingly white. 

Surrounding them were dark circles that would rival raccoons. He was handsome, but in a way, you couldn't quite describe with his light brown hair—a touch of gray, full lips, a distinguished cleft chin. Not your typical type yet somehow, he held your attention—as you held your breath.

"Just a trick I learned in college. Another way I occupied my time when I should have been studying." You laughed. 

"Sí, we'll seems you've perfected it." He commented, running his thumb and forefinger across his bottom lip. 

"You...ah want something?" Jim asked.

"I will take a gin and tonic grazie. So mind if I?" He asked, gesturing to the stool next to you as he awaited his drink. You shrugged, turning away when he took your chin in his hand. Your breath halted within your chest as you held still, unsure of what was going on when he took his thumb and wiped the dribble of cherry juice that lingered on your lip. He watched in astonishment as he sucked his thumb into his mouth, as he sat down beside you.

"Did…did you just?" You asked, completely at a loss for words.

"Ah well you see cara mia I'm only in town for the night…so I figure why waste time on the formalities." 

"I'm sorry?" You inquired, a bit tipsy, but what was left of your wits picked up on his sordid intentions. 

"My name is Copia, but you cara can call me C." 

"Well...ah…ok C...I'm Y/N. What brings you to this run down place anyways?" You asked, trying to pretend that things were cool but baffled that you were continuing on the conversation. 

"Well my band and I just finished a show, and well…honestly it was open." He chuckled, your own laughter soon following. He was so very charming. The way he stroked his chin, the piercing gaze of his mismatched eyes, and his voice—-rhythmic and smooth. Everything about him felt so enchanting. Almost as if you were under a spell. 

Jim slung Copia's drink down the bar, the ice clinking off the side of the glass as the mysterious man caught it in his gloved hand. You watched him take a sip, enjoying the taste of it as it met with his lips. He seemed at ease, making himself comfortable on the bar stool and striking up a more personal conversation.

"So Y/N… tell me the reason you are in a place like this?"

"Men. Well, one man in particular." You groaned, popping another cherry into your mouth.

"Ah sí. For the most part they are no good." He laughed. You sat for a moment, a bit surprised at his reaction, while Copia looked intently into your eyes.

"I mean, it's more than just that. But it's nothing I wanna tell some random stranger in a dive bar in the semi-questionable part of town." You explained, hoping to leave it at that but he pressed on, bringing his hand over to pull a cherry from your dish. He held it against his lips, pulling it in to chew and swallow. The manner in which he did this, clearly meant to inspire something within you. You felt your face heat, the telltale sign of his effect on you shown in your rosy-tinged cheeks. 

You were at a loss for words. You weren't sure if it was the alcohol or the fact that you found him rather handsome, either way you felt your breath hasten and your heart start to pound. Cobia placed his hand over your own on the bar, your eyes darting down to it. Lips parting to carefully exhale your held breath. 

"Tell me cara, because I'm not that convinced. Is it really just a man that bothers you?" He said, running this thumb over the back of your hand. 

"It's everything." You blurted out, shocked at just how easily he pulled from you a confession. Momentarily you thanked God you didn't have any state secrets to divulge, as apparently the alcohol—and company made you unexpectedly loose lipped. Somehow with this man you knew, deep down, God had nothing to do with it. 

"Everything, is that right?"

"I just…I mean…well I'm not happy. My job is nothing but a headache. I don't feel any fulfillment or sense of accomplishment there. My friends…heh…well they are few and far between. Oh and family…well let's just say I'm the punchline to every joke they never wanted to hear. I just feel lost…honestly I feel like I meant for greater things." You explained. The conversation continued, time seeming to stand still as you poured out your heart and soul to this man—this strange, mysterious man. "Does any of this even make sense?" You asked him. 

"Sí, makes perfect sense. Maybe you just need someone to shepherd your way." Copia grinned. His words sent a heat from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Your heart, still pumping away as the two of you stared at each other. Your silhouettes, highlighted by the dim pipe lights. You couldn't have predicted what happened next, all you knew was that you were compelled to ask him.

"And just who would shepherd me? And to what?" Copia took another sip of his drink, licking his lips free of the remnants as he answered.

"Yours truly. I am the one for which you seek. It's not all the time that I find such a wayward lamb to add to my flock." 

"Who even are you?" You asked, entranced and curious. You were just as scared to know the answer, as you were desperate to hear it. 

"I am Papa. Papa Emeritus the Fourth, the dark Pope. The unholy Leader of Lucifer's church on Earth—our one true God..." He said, your pupils dilating and your jaw dropping as he spoke. Somehow you knew he was telling the truth. The implications, coupled with the effects of your drink, making you lightheaded. You fought the urge to run— instead remaining firmly seated.

"I...ah...must be headed back home." You said, throwing down a couple of fives on the bar for Jim what's his name and trying to smoothly, and quickly, slip out from your seat.

"So soon…" he asked, grabbing your arm as you stood.

"I think I should go." 

"You know what I say is true. I can take you away from it all cara. If you come with me, become a Sister of Sin in his service…in my service…I know you will learn to love life again. Allow me to show you the wonders this world holds. Allow you to live deliciously." Copia pleated, his voice striking a nerve, but also hitting you right in the undeniable throbbing that resided between your thighs.

"What do you want from me?" You asked, peering back at Jim and some other misfits that occupied the other end of the bar. Had anyone heard this conversation between the two of you? Heard this man's words, the same ones you had fallen from his lips? Copia pulled you back to face him again. 

"Come with me to the alley. We could go out back together. Talk it over." Copia persuaded, but you knew he had no intentions of talking. Still you had to ask.

"Oh and do what?"

"For starters…I want you to come show me what else you can do with that—talented tongue of yours." Copia explained, his candor wildly forward. 

"I'm not so sure I…" You began, Copia rising to stand beside you at the bar.

"Well, if you're not interested, then I must…" he started until once again your impulse to speak got the better of you.  

"No no no…I just…I just have never done anything like this before." You explained, completely mortified by the fact that you were even considering his proposal. Here you were, at this clearly godforsaken bar on the corner, contemplating carnal actions with a strange man who claimed to be a Satanic Pope. 

"Well, no one can force you. We are all about free will. But I will wait for a bit…just in case you change your mind Y/N." Copia said as he nodded to Jim and walked out the front door. 

You stood frozen still. Your chest aching as you struggled to control your breath. You knew that if you walked out of that bar right now and went home that you would forever wonder what would have happened if you followed him out. You were scared, anxious, worried—but even more intrigued. 

You had to know. You grabbed your leather jacket from the stool beside you and headed out the back door. Jim shook his head as he watched you disappear outside.

The alley was cold. The wind whipping through it and sending a chill down your spine as if it had been personally tunneled towards you. You crossed your arms, stepping down off the steps and searching for any sign of C. You looked left and right, watching as debris, carried along in the wind, traveled down the alley–no sign of the dark Pope anywhere. You began to wonder if you missed your chance—that was until you felt the weight of a hand pressed into your shoulder. 

"I knew you couldn't resist cara." Copia hummed into your ear, his breath hot and tingly. You dropped your head to the side, allowing him to bring his mouth against your flesh. His lips, leaving strawberry marks in their wake as his hand reached around to snake beneath your favorite dark-wash denim.  

"C...I…ah—" You gasped as Copia nipped your neck, his gloved fingers massaging your aching pussy beneath your panties. He smiled against you, gently rubbing the dampened spot that grew with every second. This wouldn’t be the first time you hooked up with someone at a bar against your better judgment, but tonight was something else entirely.

"Mmm…you like the way it feels sí? I can give you so much more cara." He growled, grabbing ahold of your face to kiss him. You hummed against his lips. His tongue, slipping into your mouth and tangling with yours, heated and lustful. Even the simplest of his touches, bringing you sensations never experienced before.

"I need…" You whined, rutting your cunt against his fingers, praying that he'd slip them inside you. 

"Need what Y/N? My fingers, my cock?" Copia asked, the words sending Hellfire through your veins. You couldn't reply, only moan and whimper against his ministrations. It's then he surprised you, slipping his still gloved fingers inside your warm pussy. 

"Ah…mmm…" you moaned, The heated leather sliding in and out of you with ease. Copia's mouth hung open, realizing just how wet you had become. You closed your eyes to block out all other sensation when he pulled out of you. You gasped, Copia spinning you around to face him. You stared at him, watching as he sucked your juices from his gloves. Finally pulling them off with his teeth and shoving them into the pockets of the dark black pants he was wearing. An amalgamation of fabrics and textures, designed to draw the eye—it worked like a charm.  

Copia looked you over, pushing your hair behind your ear. He drank in the sight of you, smug at already having you so disheveled and messy. You felt the warmth building up inside, so much so you’d forgotten about the cold. Your body needed more from him, more of his touch, his attention, but he would not give it—not yet. 

“On your knees.” he commanded, his eyes ablaze with lust. You did as you were told and kneeled before him—a god to be worshiped. You came face to face with the lace up of his pants. The corset-like enclosure, holding back the large swell of his cock that pressed hard against it. Your mouth watered at the sight, running your hands up along the fabric covering his thighs–threadbare, frayed, and tattered. 

Copia, once more, took your face in his hands. Bringing your eyes back to his own. “Do you accept me?” he asked you and without hesitation you pledged yourself to him. 

“Yes C…Copia…Pa–Papa.” You mewled as he brought his thumb into your mouth. You sucked on it, teasing him with the promised talents of your tongue. The same talent that had caught his eye with the cherry stem.

“Then take your unholy communion, be made anew, washed in our sin.” he purred, rubbing the bulge of his pants with his free hand. You started at it, mesmerized and drooling with the wish to have it inside you. You reached out to pull the tie when Copia grabbed hold of your hand. You stared at him, dumbfounded.

“Don’t you want me to—”

“With your mouth cara. You're a big girl you know what to do" Copia groaned, releasing your hands as you watched his cock twitch inside his pants. Even just the sight of it made you throb, feeling the wetness lathering the inside of your thighs. Your cunt was begging to be filled by him as you rubbed your legs together praying for the friction you so desperately craved.  

You opened your mouth, tongue glistening in salvia as you prepared to perform yet another trick. You pulled the ties into your mouth one at a time, using your tongue and teeth to loosen the hold. Copia’s eyes meeting with yours as you stared back up at him. The pants fell loose, but the ties still remained laced. 

You slipped your tongue under them, drooling all over his lap, as you pulled each and every section open. Copia’s mouth, dropping in amazement as he watched you free his cock from the confines of his pants. It now hung freely in front of you, thick and dripping. You felt your insides pulsing just looking at him. Hoping that this would lead to him filling your pussy with that magnificent shaft.  

You kept eye contact, watching Copia’s face as his huge cock slowly disappeared into your mouth. His head falling back, as he enjoyed you sucking and pressing along the shaft with the tip of your tongue. His cock fully seated in your throat, gagging you a bit as you bobbed your head up and down on it. Copia grabbed a fist full of your hair. His moaning and grunting, growing more desperate with each pass of your tongue. You swallowed back with him inside you, never once using your hand to touch him. You felt him begin to shutter, yanking you back by your hair as his cock popped out of your mouth. The precum decorating your lips as you sat back on your calves, confused and hazy. 

“Y/N take off your pants and panties.” Copia told you and he grabbed ahold of his leaky cock.

“What?” 

“Just do it. I will anoint you, claim you as mine in the eyes of our god right here, right now.” he vowed, trying to refocus, his sensitive cock red and swollen. You removed them, Copia bending you over and running the head of his cock through your dripping wet heat. 

“Ah…C…” you whined as he pushed it in past your folds, gently easing in and then slamming full force the rest of his length inside of your cunt. He gripped tight to your hips as he thrusted his juicy thick cock into your cunt. Over and over, his hands holding you steady as you tried to help stay balanced, palms slipping along the brick side of the building. 

“Oh fuck…la tua figa è così deliziosamente stretta cara. Ho bisogno di sborrare dentro di te—” Copia cried, wincing as he tried to hold back, but the way your cunt felt surrounding him, silky and warm—he was fading fast.   

“Oh shit…I don't know what you just said but…oh my god you feel so good. Don’t stop, I'm so close. Copia please!” You pleaded, feeling your pussy tightening up around his width with each and every thrust. He could feel it too, pounding inside you, the unmistakable tug on him. The sensation, sending him to the edge. 

“I will paint your insides with my seed. I’m going to cum inside you. Make you mine.” Copia hissed, bucking his pelvis against you over and over, cushioned by the swell of your ass. “This is it cara mia. I can’t hold bac—-” Copia yelled as he exploded inside, your own walls shaking and contracting against him as your orgasm ripped through you. The pressure from your combined satisfaction, leaking down your thighs. A profane display of lust, out in the open for the world around you as you cried out, nails scraping the wall and a bit of blood filling your mouth as you bit down on your lip. 

You had never been so overcome with pleasure. Nor had you ever fallen so deep in such a short amount of time. The late hour and your aching thighs, bringing you back from your sex hazed state. Copia panted, working to quickly tuck his messy, soft cock back into his pants—not bothering to re-lace them.

You stood up a bit woozy. The head rush from being bent over for so long leaving you weak, when Copia brought his mouth back to yours, pushing you up against the building. You relaxed into it, questioning if this was even real. Whether you had passed out in the dish of cherries at the bar. Copia pulled back, still trying to steady his breath when you were hit with a flash of bright light.  

Suddenly a cream Buick LeSabre pulled into the alleyway, startling you as you instinctively pulled close to Copia. You felt unnerved, shutting your eyes tight and listening to his heart beating away inside his chest. He smiled wide, as he buried his face into your hair. Taking a deep inhale, “They’re with me amore.” he whispered. 

You turned to look at them, the headlights illuminating the two of you as two men stepped out from the car. Or were they men? You couldn’t be sure. Both wearing all black suits and large helmet-like masks, attune to something you’d see in a 70’s science fiction flick. Copia nodded over to them, both of the “men” getting back into the vehicle as he looked back down to you. 

“Vieni con me sorella e ti porterò fuori strada.” Copia said, this voice thick with romance and promise. As you walked together, hand in hand, to the car you felt something. There was black magic and ancient power heavy in the air and all at once you knew you were now a part of it. You were His. You knew then life would never be the same—and it never was. 

Notes:

La tua figa è così deliziosamente stretta cara. Ho bisogno di sborrare dentro di te.- your pussy is so deliciously tight dear. I need to cum inside you. 

Vieni con me sorella e ti porterò fuori strada- Come with me sister and I will lead thee astray

[fickle-tiction]

I'm not sure if you are still doing the sentence prompts, but if you are, can you please do 22 and/or 26 with lee Bruce and whatever ler you feel like?

Bless your heart anon. I am still accepting sentence prompts if anyone is interested!!

“What do you think you’re dOHOING!” “Please not there!”

~~

“What do you think you’re dOHOING!” Bruce's question started with a forced calmness, but he snapped his mouth shut after the first few surprised laughs were drawn out of him. He was facedown on one of the sparring mats, arms twisted behind himself and locked in a steely grip.

"Clark." Bruce growled, gritting his teeth as Clark squeezed up and down his vulnerable right side.

"Something wrong Bruce?" Clark asked, as though he wasn't sitting on Bruce's ass to keep him in place as he jabbed wiggling fingers into Bruce's ribcage.

"We---We're sup--supposed--" Bruce kept cutting himself off when he felt a laugh coming, as if doing so would somehow trick Clark into thinking this wasn't affecting him. "--tobe-ha-nono-hmmmph-" He was now taking to burying his face into the mat so Clark wouldn't see the smile helplessly taking over. "--sparing." He squeaked the last word out, closing his eyes as he felt a blush spreading across his cheeks.

"We are." Clark agreed, endlessly amused at Bruce's attempts to stop his reactions. "But you were being a snarky jerk," Clark accented that with two quick squeezes to Bruce's side, relishing in the muffled laugh it got him. "So I thought I should teach you a lesson."

You know that little voice in your brain that tells you to stop talking when you're being an idiot? Yeah, Bruce never listens to that little voice.

"Wh-ha-what lesson?"

"This is what happens when you ask if that's how they do it in Kansas every time I pull a punch."

"Oh come on!" Bruce protested, flinching when Clark squeezed a spot low on his side. "Th-hah-that was funny!"

Clark let out a "hmph" before launching a full scale attack on Bruce. He let go of his arms so he could use both hands, easily dodging Bruce's weak attempts to shield himself from the attack. Deciding to start from the top and work his way down, Clark buried his hands in Bruce's armpits and wiggled his fingers wildly.

"Sh-hihihihihi-shit!" Bruce broke immediately, all bravado gone as his scratchy laughter filled the room. "Ge-hehehehe-get ohohohohoh--off!" He laughed, arms glued to his sides as he tried to squeeze Clark's hands out. That only forced the wiggling fingers in deeper, but Bruce couldn't control his reactions as he laughed helplessly.

"Is this how they do it in Gotham, Brucie?" Clark teased, easily slipping his hands out of Bruce's armpits after a few minutes in favor of pinching at his muscled sides.

"Fu-hahaha-fuck off." Bruce laughed, kicking his feet against the mat in a vein attempt to gain traction and get away. Of course, he didn't budge.

Clark tsk'd as he wiggled his fingers over Bruce's back. Bruce's body seized up as goosebumps raised along his arms, and he quickly broke out into panicked giggles. "Oh wow." Clark laughed, dancing his fingers in a random pattern across Bruce's muscled back. "This is a good spot, huh?"

"De-hehehe-define good." How Bruce was still keeping track of Clark's taunts, let alone replying to them, was a mystery. "Ihihihihi-if you don't st-haha--*Snort*"

"OhMyGod." Clark was digging into the backs of Bruce's ribs, watching happily as Bruce squirmed and practically cackled beneath him. He froze when he reached Bruce's bottom ribs and the man snorted.

"Clark!" Bruce probably meant to growl, but it sounded more like a whine. He was sucking in air during this quick reprieve, but Clark quickly snapped out of it.

"Do that again!" Clark grinned, pinching around the same spot he had been teasing a minute ago.

"Do n-ahahaha--*Snort*-" Bruce couldn't help himself as Clark found his sweet spot and started tormenting it, drawing out wild laughter and snorts from a beet-red Bruce.

"Hey," Clark laughed when Bruce brought his arms up to cover his head so Clark couldn't see his bright red cheeks. "None of that." He chastised, burying his hands in Bruce's armpits again and causing his arms to shoot down to his sides out of reflex. "Besides, I have x-ray vision, genius."

"Enou-hahahaha-enough!" Bruce laughed as Clark plucked up and down his ribs, as though his arms weren't there at all.

"Have you learned your lesson?" A brilliant idea struck Clark, and he took this opportunity to see if Bruce's neck was as ticklish as his ribs were.

Bruce squealed. His shoulders scrunched up even as he clamped his hands around his own neck to protect it from Clark's wandering fingers.

"Holy. Shit." Bruce couldn't see Clark's face, but he could just imagine the look on it, and it made his heart stutter before kicking into overdrive.

"Clark, no." Bruce warned, nervous laughter rising even though Clark's not touching him.

"No?" Clark asks, hands now covering Bruce's own. It was a good thing Bruce couldn't see the mad grin on Clark's face. It would have sent a lesser man running. "You haven't learned your lesson?" He asked as he gently-but-firmly started pulling Bruce's fingers away.

"I have!" Bruce protested, nervous laughter bubbling to the surface as Clark pulled his right hand away from his neck. "I'm sorry." He insisted as his left hand was also pulled away. "Clark, come on don't--no!" He squeaked and did a full-body flinch when Clark's hand brushed past his left ear.

Clark froze.

Bruce also froze.

Both men were still for a moment, before Clark attacked.

"Pl-hehehehehehehehe-ase!!!" Bruce cackled, dignity forgotten as Clark lightly scratched at the shell of either ear. "Ple-hehehe-ease not th-hahahahaha-there! Ahahahaha-anywhere else!!"

Well, what kind of a friend would Clark be if he didn't accept that invitation?

[solradguy]

What’s your opinion on Ram? Or if you’d rather, Sin? I like both a lot so I couldn’t quite narrow it down…

I like Ram, but I don't like fighting against her, to be honest haha She can get a wall-splat in 5 hits in Strive against Sol and it drives me NUTS

🍀 Overall opinion of them:

I like her Strive design a lot and she's had some really good character development since her introduction in Xrd too. It almost feels like they might be lining her up to be the next "main" character if they retire Sol, which would be interesting. Luv her giant laser swords

🍀 Gender/sexuality headcanons:

Hmmm... I know she's like a mature adult despite being a flesh golem crafted by a personification of the information that holds the universe together only, like, 4 years ago by Strive's story, but Ram is like a daughter to me and I don't want to think about her having sex hahaha

🍀 Favorite moment in canon:

In Xrd when she wants to kill everything and Sin is like "ok but what about puppies and hamburger" and somehow it works. Iconic video game moment of all time

🍀 Favorite line, in canon or otherwise:

A smile can count as a quote

🍀 Characters I love seeing them interact with:

SIN and Elphelt. I want them to get matching friendship bracelets

🍀 Last thing before sleeping headcanons:

Kissies for... Ok I gotta come clean here. My friend group and I started calling her puppy Pogchamp and I typed that out before I remembered that her puppy doesn't actually have a canon name and, if it did, it absolutely is not Pogchamp. Uh, so... Good night kissies for... the puppy... I'm sure either Sin or Elphelt introduced Ram to kigurumi too and got her a puppy one to match her lil buddy. Or maybe a cat one. Ram has some really subtle cat themes in her design that could be taken to imply that she likes cats as well as dogs.

🍀 Sleeping habits headcanons:

I want to believe that Ram sleeps standing like a complete freak but she probably has her own bed. If her puppy doesn't sleep on her bed with her, she's got a little plush version of them.

🍀 First thing after waking up headcanons:

Hugs for puppy <3 There seems to be some kind of magic in GG that can clean/repair stuff (Sol uses it near the beginning of Strive's story) so she probably does that on her teeth and hair and then gets ready for the day in an incredibly unremarkable way, other than the teeth-brushing magic part.

🍀 Favorite locations headcanon:

Puppy park :^) There's so much about the world Ram doesn't know about yet. I think she'd enjoy being wherever Sin or Elphelt want to take/show her, especially if it's a place where she can learn a lot about something. Like the zoo or an art museum. Science centers don't seem like something that would interest her much though, since all of the Valentine's appear to come pre-programmed with knowledge about how the universe itself functions. Ram would already know just about everything a science center could teach her.

[purplesurveys]

1918

How old were you when you learned how to drive? I was taught when I was 17. Just around the village first, then my dad enrolled me in driving school where I learned to drive in highways.

Have you ever used a public payphone? I've only seen them around when I was much younger, but I don't remember ever using one.

Do you know what the most common bird is in your area? The maya.

How many teeth have you had extracted? Two wisdom teeth.

What’s a Halloween movie that you enjoy? Generic answer, but The Shining. I was also obsessed with Scream.

Would you ever walk a runway if given the opportunity? I honestly can't ever picture this happening, even if I'm offered money.. Too many lights! Too much attention! Hahahaha.

Would you say you’re in a good place mentally? It may look like it because I always seem so composed on the outside, but tbh my being composed is just me silently trying not to scream. I basically just do a much better job now of hiding angst. But I don't think I'm okay mentally – I'm very tired, and overwhelmed, and feel pulled in many different directions by many different people.

What’s a popular candy that you do not like? I don't like actual chocolate. Like on its own. Just thinking about it already hurts my throat, lol.

Do you bite your nails, cut them, or keep them long? I either peel them off or clip them.

Do you ever have to babysit? No but I imagine I'd be doing this a lot once my friends have kids.

Do you sing when alone? Sure.

Favorite pastel color? Pink and purple.

Favorite thing cats do? When I'm lying down and they lie down on my tummy :) Also, responding with meows whenever you talk to them.

Butterflies, or dragonflies? Butterfly.

Favorite kind of candy bar? Idk, are Reese's candy 'bars'? I like them anyway.

Favorite childhood store? There used to be this knickknacks store with plushies and other novelty stuff. I remember being face-to-face with a whoopee cushion for the first time thanks to that store (I also bought it).

Do you dream a lot? Do you remember your dreams? I do dream a lot, but I never remember any of my dreams.

Have you ever lucid dreamed? Nope.

Have you ever intentionally killed an animal for fun? I've done it with ants and mosquitoes.

What character trait are you most ashamed of? That I have? I'm so goal-focused and never focus on people's feelings.

Do you prefer waffles or pancakes? Waffles if eating anything else with it, like chicken; pancakes if I'm eating them as is.

Are you craving anything right now? Eh not really. I had a heavy brunch this morning and don't feel like eating anything anymore until later in the evening.

Are you content just blending in with the crowd? Yes please...

Who is your celebrity crush? Kim Namjooooooooooon omg

If you had to choose a random color to dye your hair, what would you choose? Dark green. It was the first ever color I wanted to try, yet it never happened hahaha.

Do you like the color orange? No.

Have you ever shunned a family member or vice-versa? Yes, I am doing this with my brother and one of my uncles.

Favorite shade of blue? Indigo.

Favorite soup? Miso or mushroom.

Do you like mangoes? Hate them. One of my least favorite fruits.

What do you want most? To get a long break and be able to spend that time traveling.

How is your mental health? Work-wise, I am very tired and find everything overwhelming. Much more frustrating when you consider the context that I am the leader of the team, so I'm forced to be the one who must look and act as if I have a good head on my shoulders. I DO NOT. I am just as scared and burdened and overwhelmed as fucking everyone else. It's tiring.

Every other aspect, I'm fine.

What are you thankful for currently? That despite everything, I genuinely still do not feel like resigning.

What’s an unpopular opinion you have politically? Unpopular where I live but not necessarily everywhere else - but abortion for women should be legalized. Divorce should be legalized. Same-sex marriages should be recognized and legalized. The church should get the fuck out of state affairs.

Name a song that’s fun to sing along to. The song I'm currently listening to is - Wild Flower, RM and youjeen.

Who is tallest in your family? My dad.

Do you currently have a headache? No, not really.

What’s the first thing you usually do when you get off work or school? Head downstairs to play with the dogs.

If you could be famous for anything, what would you choose to be famous for? Something to do with content creation I guess? My sister always tells me I'm hilarious and that I should've started making TikToks years ago. I've never really pushed through with it because I don't think I can handle bashers lmao, and out of fear that I would run out of ideas at some point.

Who is your favorite YouTuber? Rhett and Link, and these days I've been pretty hooked on Ryan Trahan. I watch his stuff all day some days.

Who is the nicest person you’ve ever met? Angela. And her mom.

How about the meanest? I can't really think of anyone.

What was the last thing you spoke to your mom about? That I was going to leave already and not to expect me back until late tonight.

When is the last time you felt appreciated for something you did? Last night when I picked up the bag of mooncakes my mom forgot to bring home from her office. I was out myself, but was pretty far from where her workplace is, but I figured it was a Friday and it wouldn't be too much of a problem to go out of my way to pick up the bag. She just requested the favor as a joke, but I went ahead and did it and she seemed pretty grateful when she saw me come home with the mooncakes.

Are you the type of person who gets straight to the point? Yeah. No one likes it when someone beats around the bush anyway, so might as well.

Do you enjoy playing board games? No, I quickly get bored from them.

Are there any movies you are wanting to see? The sequel to Hello, Love, Goodbye; and Moana 2!

Do you feel uncomfortable when people you hardly know confide in you? I'll feel weird about it first, then feel flattered upon realizing that they trust me enough to confide in me.

What’s something you’re proud of yourself for? Being able to live life with my own company.

Have you ever gone over 3 months without shaving/waxing your legs? I don't think I've let it linger for that long.

Have you ever swam in a saltwater pool? No.

Do you think anyone has given up on you? Not at present, but someone's given up on me before.

Have you ever been pregnant? Nope.

Have you taken anyone’s virginity? I guess so.

Have you ever made your boy/girlfriend choose between you and someone else? No.

Do you remember when some of the Walmarts had a McDonald’s in them? I have no idea what you're talking about.

What is one recipe that you would like to learn how to make? My grandmas' kare-kare recipes. Both of theirs.

Do you believe that Jesus will come back in your lifetime? No.

Were you afraid of heights as a child? I wasn't scared of height per se, but I didn't like the sensation of being dropped from a high height – like rides or unusually high speed bumps. My stomach wasn't ever all that cool with that, until today.

Have you ever had a lead role in a play? Hell no.

Do you have a chandelier in your home? It's a mini chandelier more than anything? it's the best way I can put it lol. Nothing too grand, but also not a super plain lightbulb housing.

Are you a Jeffree Star fan? Or no? Nope.

Do you own a guitar? Specify. Which brand of guitar do you own? My sister's guitar is in our living room, although she has not trained in years. She had a phase when she was like 10 and never picked it up as a hobby again, lol. I have no idea what brand it is.

Are you a monogamous person? Or do you hate commitment? Monogamous.

Who was the last person who was rude to you? My aunt's assistant. ?????????? So unreasonably rude, and I wasn't having it that day to begin with so I just hurled his shit right back at him.

Have you ever met someone in person that you first met online? Yes, three of them. Two were sweethearts, one had been very rude that I cut him off the very next day.

Who do you know who is dyslexic? Nobody.

Is weed legal in your state? Divorce isn't even legal here lol

What is something that you used to be ashamed of, but now you’re not? My name.

Have you ever held a newborn baby? The newborn-est I've held was like a month old.

Out of all your usernames for websites, which one is your favorite? Do you use it for more than one site? The one I use for Twitter. It's been my username for the longest time (since 2010) and I personally just find it super witty hahah. Yes, I've used it for a bunch of other sites.

Have you ever spent the whole day (or multiple days) just looking up one thing on the internet (e.g., videos of your favorite band, how-to videos, quizzes, etc.)? Sure.

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to be around your ex everyday? No thank gooooooooodddddd.

Which condiment (ketchup, mustard, etc.) do you use the most of? Mayonnaise 100%

Would you ever flirt with somebody in front of your parents? No thanks.

Have your parents ever questioned your virginity? I mean they might be? but they'd never confront me about it.

How many of your friends play World of Warcraft? No clue.

Is there a certain song you like to headbang to? I can think of a handful.

Is there a garage or carport attached to your house? We do have a carport.