#((Any experience you've got is most appreciated :V))

[teagballs]

Hihi!!! I was wondering if you could do a fluff/smut fic w Charlie and afab!reader, the reader is a virgin and is nervous for their first time but Charlie is just super sweet, funny, and caring w them <3 thank you!!!

-🐀💜

first time | charlie kelly x reader smut

authors note: this request has been in my inbox so long i am SO sorry anon omfghwuehehe. im finally in the mood to write smut cuz im off for summer (woohoo) and charlie was also the most requested for me to write smut of 😭😭 SO here we are. this is my first charlie fic i hope i did him justice. love yall as always

cw: NSFW !!!!!!!!!! smut smut smut. afab!reader, taking virginity, p in v sex, charlie is so sweet shsh, 1.9k words

nsfw below the cut

----------------------------♡----------------------------

Charlie was an amazing boyfriend. Astonishingly. Not that you went into this relationship believing he was a horrible person or something, just expecting that he would have a lesser grasp on how a relationship functions, and the key things that happen in one. But no. He remembered birthdays and brought you "unique", but well appreciated gifts. And he tried to do one thing he knew was vital for a relationship: affection. Charlie, despite not totally getting the hype himself, was intuitive of what a partner would expect in a relationship and made sure to give you affection. He would give you little awkward cuddles when watching a movie, forehead kisses when you left for work, and would make out with you if you both felt in the mood. When things got heated though, you would back away and mutter apologies about not being ready. And that was okay. He would confirm with you that that was okay and he didn't want to do it if you weren't happy, and that he wasn't upset. But even still you would understand if he was. Because you never explained why you didn't want to.

Despite general weirdness and being unadjusted to society as a whole, Charlie Kelly knew how to fuck. Put gracelessly. It was probably that rough and rugged look that attracted others, as well as you. You knew him long enough to know this about him. And this thought was haunting. Not because you were insecure about him having partners in the past, but because you hadn't. There was a major difference between you and you're boyfriend, Charlie: you were a virgin.

You were growing tired of this abstinence, but you were ruled by fear. What if Charlie was embarrassed or even turned off by your lack of experience? Even so, you couldn't stay like this. For his benefit and your own. So you ask him to talk. Charlie wasn't great with picking up on social cues, so he didn't understand why this could be a big deal. He did pick up on your uncomfortable behaviour, however. You were fidgeting with your hands and pushing your hair out of your face obsessively. You fumbled over your words.You avoided looking at him on the opposite side of the couch.

"So, um, I wanted to talk to you about taking another, uh, step? I guess? In the relationship. Not like marriage or something, um, like sex?" You blabber nervously.

Charlie felt it was important to hold eye contact while you spoke. He was unusually quiet and nodding along. It was encouraging. He wasn't overly eager but also not distressingly unemotional either. He waited for you to continue.

"I know I haven't really wanted to go, uh, 'all the way' before, and you've been really good about it, but I think I'm ready now? But I've been really hesitant about it because, well, I don't have any experience." You were starting to get more comfortable expressing your feelings. "I'm a virgin, Charlie."

Charlie studied your face for a moment. He went to speak, but you butt in first.

"I don't know if I was maybe supposed to tell you? I don't know. I was just nervous you.." You paused and bit your lip, "I thought maybe you'd lose interest?"

"No, never!" Charlie said quickly. It was the first he'd spoken since you asked him to talk, and it was a strong rebuttal. "No, I'd never lose interest in you. I like you a lot. I jus' wanted to make sure you were happy n' stuff." He said. You smiled, feeling a wave of relief hit you.

"So, what, you wanna do it now?" Charlie said bluntly. He wasn't known for being tactful or having much grace in his words. He didn't move from his place across from you. He waited for your reaction. Suddenly, you were feeling a little warm under his gaze.

"If- if you want to- I.." you fumbled.

"No. Do you want to?" Charlie enforced.

You nodded gently before given spoken consent. "Yeah. I do. Badly."

Charlie leaned over the couch. His calloused hand found your cheek. You assumed they were coarse from all the 'Charle work' he had to do at the bar, but he was so so gentle with you. Before he connected his lips, he leaned in close, his breath vibrating against your skin for a moment. He was giving you an opportunity to protest of back away, but of course, you didn't.

You had a lot of practice making out with him, but this felt more charged. You knew what would happen after this. His body followed yours. When you needed to pull away for air, he followed suit and gave you space. When you reconnected, his hands gently held your waist. You found yourself being pushed to be lying on the sofa.

"Is this okay?" he pulled away to ask. You nod and his hands tangle in your hair - not pulling or tugging, just relaxing in it - and moved your face closer.

You're fully laid back on the sofa when your lips disconnect this time. His hands move to grab your shirt. Your heart is beating faster and faster when you realise this is happening now. You're not uncomfortable. No, this is a feeling of excitement.

He delicately lifts the shirt over your head. He's treating you as carefully as you would some bone china or a kitten. You were in the comfort of your own home, so you were braless, and he's studying your tits like they were a piece of fine art, someone's magnum opus. Or whatever Charlie would consider fine art.

"Can I uh- touch?" His voice has a gravelly touch to it, unusual for your squeaky boyfriend. It makes your stomach flip.

When you nod, his hands quickly reach to paw your breasts. The rough texture of his hands against your nipples makes your breath labour a little. He takes note of it.

He continues to fondle you. You're twitching and breathing heavily. But to be honest, you're wishing he would touch your pussy. Deciding to take matters into your own hands and feeling more confident now, you grab his shirt and pull it over his head. He's taken a back by your actions but not upset at all. He let's you take his shirt off. It ruffles his hair a little

You lay back and admire his toned arms. It had always been a feature you were drawn to in him. You'd watch him carry beer boxes or a keg in the bar and feel yourself get wet at the view.

He lets you study him without saying anything and obliges when you kiss him again, just happy to see you gain some confidence in the foreplay. His beard is rough against your face as he angles his head to get deeper into your mouth.

His hands move lower, headed towards the waistband of your sweatpants. "Is this okay, baby?" He mumbled your mouth in-between kisses.

"Yes, please." Please? 'I sounded so pathetic', you thought.

Charlie shimmied your sweatpants down. Your lips stopped moving against his, and you felt your chest get heavy. Charlie stopped what he was doing quickly.

"Are you okay?" probably the 100th time he had said that tonight, but comforting no matter. "We can stop if you need -"

"No, no, no," you cut him off. "It's okay. I'm just a little nervous still."

Charlie leaned his forehead against yours. "You're okay, s'only me." He repeated.

After a minute of silence and when your heart rate returned to normal again, "You can keep going."

Charlie gently took your underwear off. You were embarrassingly wet. Apparently, caring and affirmative boyfriends really get you going.

"So pretty," Charlie mumbled to himself. You could've cum right there.

He gently rubbed his finger along your soaked slit. The contact made you jolt. He kept his eyes on your face the whole time, ensuring you were still into it. The whines you were letting out were all the confirmation.

"Are... do you need me to, like, uh, 'warm you up' or..?" Charlie mumbled awkwardly while still stroking your wet slit.

He was asking if you were wet enough for him to fuck you. You were. You had been since you started making out. And you certainly were now that you were staring at his hard dick in his pants.

You shook your head, "No, I'm ready." You say, taking a deep inhale.

Charlie carefully hooked his hands under your knees to bring you to the edge of the sofa and spread your legs. You angled your hips and watched him bring his dick out of his pants. He tugged it a few times while looking at you spread before him. He kept one hand hooked under your knee again as the other held himself.

"You ready?" He asked.

"Yeah." You reply breathlessly.

He pushes himself into you. When he's got his head in, he grabbed your other knee to open you more. He was trying to keep you at the most comfortable angle. The squelch noise that was produced was borderline pornographic. Your eyes squeezed shut when you took him in, slowly slowly. It did hurt. You felt like you were being split open.

Charlie obviously noted your discomfort and repeated, "s'okay," and "doing so good" in a soothing manner over and over until he bottomed out.

He brushed the hair that was sticking to your forehead away so he could see your beautiful face. He was waiting till you gave him confirmation to move. It felt like forever as you waited for the horrible sensation to fizzle out, but it did. Eventually all you could feel was a deep, deep need for him to properly fuck you.

"You can move," you said shakily.

Charlie cautiously moved out, then back in again. This time, it felt good, so good. You found yourself angling your hips so he could be deeper. He kept increasing the pace, letting out low huffs while you began to whine and groan.

The he hit it.

"Jesus! Fuck.. right there."

He jumped a little at your outburst, worried he had hurt you. But when he realised he had found your G spot, he quickened his pace.

You were moaning now, and Charlie had to bite his lip to hold back a smile. Of course he was happy to be fucking you, but he was also grateful that you trusted him enough to be your first.

Charlie moved your legs to his shoulders so his hands were free. One moved to fondle your chest while the other moved down to apply pressure to your clit. The combination was all too much. You gripped his forearm tightly and choked out, "gonna cum."

Charlie only sped up his administrations, and you were pushed over the edge. You spasmed and whined as you came. He let you ride it out on his cock as he gently stroked your hair.

When he was sure you were done, he pulled out to jerk himself off while watching you pant and come down from your high. He grabbed his discarded shirt and came into it.

He shuffled back down onto the sofa so he could hold you. You leaned into his chest and tried to catch your breath. He danced a finger around a strand of your hair.

"S'good... oh my god." you mumbled while looking at him. "Thank you... thank you, Charlie," you babble.

"'It's no biggie." Charlie replied. But he did understand the gravity of the sex you just had.

"Let me get you a towel," Charlie moves to stand up, but you grab his arm.

"No, no, we'll do that in a second. Just hold me." You whisper.

He does, of course. Gently kissing your head while appreciating that he gets to inhale the scent of your hair. He rubs gentle circles on your upper arm. You both could die happy in this moment.

[shuttershocky]

As an avid DMC fan, what would be your recommended play order of the games for someone looking to get the full DMC experience? Most people online seem split between starting at 3 or 1 (though most agree on skipping 2).

Most? You mean there's someone out there actually recommending you play 2? Terrifying.

If you want the DMC experience, buy the Devil May Cry HD collection (contains 1-3 Special Edition, but really it's more like 1 and 3 Special Edition) and take your pick:

Pick DMC1 if you want to see how the series started. It's not fully Devil May Cry yet and its former identity as a Resident Evil 4 prototype is still somewhat recognizable, but you'll appreciate what eventually became the foundation of modern day action games.

Pick DMC3 if you want to see Devil May Cry once it really found itself. This is the game that made Vergil his own character (beyond just being a brainwashed boss in DMC1), introduced Lady, styles, Devils Never Cry, basically all the finishing touches to Devil May Cry's identity. Do note that I recommend that you install a "style switcher" mod when you play 3. Usually you have to select a style at a statue, but the Switch version lets you swap styles on the fly like in DMC4 and 5, and this was implemented in no other versions. lol.

After you go through your first pick, you can then play the other, before moving on to 4 and 5.

DMC4 is... kinda rushed, and also came out in that odd 2008-2010ish time period where Capcom games like Resident Evil 5 were completely normal and then they'd randomly do something racist (for DMC4, a new dark-skinned character just turned out to be an old, light-skinned character in a magic disguise, which... yeah), but it did introduce Nero, as well as had the most complex ever Dante whose skill ceiling was so high (despite not having a moveset as huge as DMC5 Dante) that many hardcore players still swear by DMC4's combat system. DMC4 would also lead to the creation of DMC's "sister" game, Bayonetta.

Finally, there's DMC5, the latest game released in 2019 after a 10 year hiatus in which absolutely positively no other DMC games came out whatsoever. None. I mean it.

I recommend you play this last, since 5 is a love letter to the entire series from 1's enemies being V's summons to its reenactment of Dante vs Vergil to even making the Devil May Cry anime canon to the games by making Morrison a cast member and including a cameo from Patty. The game also sets up Nero as the main protagonist for the series going forward, and he really comes into his own in this game.

That being said, 5 is actually really good as a starting point for new players. It's got very accessible difficulties, well-balanced enemies, a robust training mode, no puzzles (you could really get stuck in those, I know I did) and even an autocombo mode that automatically makes combos for you that you can turn on and off at any time without even pausing. If you've always been intimidated by the bar for mechanical skill and by DMC's reputation for difficulty, 5 offers you good training wheels and won't compromise your DMC experience for using them. You can start here just fine and work your way backwards.

[deepspacedukat]

Censure

Not gonna lie, I got severely distracted by that drawing of Jorik and kinda lost track of time. I sincerely apologize for how late this is. ALSO! Thank you so much to everyone who has reblogged/left sweet comments on my last few fics! I know I haven't replied to them yet, but I'll be taking the whole day tomorrow to do so! I really do appreciate your support and the time you all take to read my random little drabbles! Thank you!!! I hope you will all enjoy this one, too!

Day 27: Coming Without Permission

SOC prompt list here. SOC Masterlist here. Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

Koval (ST:DS9) x Reader

[A/N: This is smut, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS, DNI!!!]

Warnings: Interspecies sex, Human/Romulan sex, established relationship, dom!Koval, sub!Reader, coming without permission, restraints, spreader bar, vibrator, implied spanking, Koval is v good at aftercare.

~*~

"Please...Dhaemnasi, please..."

"You will have to do better than that if you wish me to grant your request." Koval's smooth, steady voice rang out clearly over the sound of my shaky, uneven breathing. "Do not disobey me now, lovely. You've been so good all evening."

The vibrating toy between my legs was almost impossible to ignore. As much as I wanted to be a good girl for my lover, he'd been teasing me mercilessly, keeping me on the edge of an orgasm but never quite allowing me to tip over into bliss.

Clenching my fists and trying to hold off the inevitable as long as I could, I looked up into Koval's piercing gaze. He cut an imposing figure from this angle. With his hands clasped behind his back, he observed me as a scientist might watch a mildly-intriguing experiment.

With my wrists bound together above my head and my legs held open with a spreader bar, Koval had been able to secure a vibrator between my legs with ease. There was, undoubtedly, a puddle of my body's own lubricant soaking into the sheets, and judging by the glint in his eyes, I wouldn't be let out of this any time soon.

I opened my mouth to beg once again, but all I managed to get out was a shout of my lover's name as I shattered. The vibrations against my clit had finally overcome my restraint, throwing me into the most intense orgasm I'd had in a long time.

Trembling in my bonds as I caught my breath, I was only able to enjoy the afterglow for a few seconds before I heard an exasperated sigh.

Oh no.

With a quiet 'click,' the vibrations between my legs stopped, and a large, warm hand grasped my jaw. Despite my disobedience, his touch was gentle as he skimmed his thumb across my lips.

"Feeling better?" He asked when I finally made myself open my eyes.

"Y-Yes, Dhaemnasi," I whispered, and he began to remove my restraints. Massaging my wrists and ankles lightly once they were free, Koval placed a soft kiss on each one before crossing to the other side of the room. My brain was still in a bit of a haze after such an intense orgasm, so at first, a small, irrational part of myself believed that I'd disappointed him so greatly that he was leaving. But then...he stopped at the replicator. "...Koval?"

"Water," he stated in answer to my unasked question. Crossing back to the bed, he helped me sit up and made sure I drank my fill. "You may have come without my permission, but that does not mean that I won't take care of you. Where are you?"

"Green, e'lev," I murmured, and he pressed a kiss onto my forehead. Setting my empty glass aside, he allowed me a moment to catch my breath before he grasped my jaw once more. This time, his grip was firm and commanding.

"What did I tell you was your only rule for the night?" Koval asked in that steely tone that he only used on occasions such as this. Despite myself, I shivered in anticipation.

"That I wasn't allowed to orgasm until you said I could." He nodded his head silently and patted his thighs. Crawling into position over his lap, I felt his hand sliding slowly up the backs of my thighs as the bulge in his trousers began to harden beneath me.

"You will receive what you have earned: a punishment befitting of your transgression," he said as his fingers skimmed over my ass. The anticipation before the first swat was almost palpable like the calm before a storm. "Count. If you do not or if you lose count, we will begin again. Understood?"

"Yes, Dhaemnasi." As his hand disappeared from my skin, I gripped the sheets and tried not to seem too eager, but we both knew better. Were punishments really punishments if we both enjoyed them so much?

~*~*~

Taglist:

@akamitrani @android-boyfriends @attention-bajoranworkers @bigblissandlove1 @darkmattervibes @emilie786 @horta-in-charge @live-logs-and-proper @slutty-slutty-vulcans @starrynightgardens @toebeans-mcgee

[anto-pops]

hi☺️ how are you?🫶🏻 I recently got an idea for a fic (I used to write but i’m honestly not satisfied with my works yet so i never posted anything) andd I was wondering if you have any tips maybe? Because I can’t stress enough how talented you are! (if you ever write a book pls let me know!!!) and i’d really appreciate some tips if you were willing to give me some🫶🏻 My ideas usually come in my mind visually, like i’m watching a film, and I struggle finding the right words to express what’s in my head and I’m not sure how to fix that😕 in my head it’s so intense and full of emotion and alive but when i’m writing… it’s a disaster I think🥲 anyway thank you in advance whether you decide to give me tips or not, i know it’s a lot to ask but I adore the way you write🫶🏻☀️

AKJFHDSKF THANK YOU LOVIE !!! This is so sweet and nice of you to say, I appreciate the kind words more than you know 💕

I would absolutely love to give you tips ! I've answered a few asks like this in the past, one of which you can find here just to save time and reiterate most of what I would say.

It sounds like you've got the overall plot of your story nailed down and you know what you want to write, so the best thing I would recommend for your visualizing tactic is to make an outline that can better depict the progression of the whole thing. I totally get wanting to just control c + control v your thoughts onto a page and be done with it, but that's where being patient with yourself comes in. The outline doesn't need to be followed to the letter (mine very rarely are), but it can really help you organize the order of events you're imagining in your head.

Take your time with describing the scenes in your story that build up to that final, pinnacle moment. It might seem like you're rambling, but in my personal experience the added attention there really pays off in the end. I always follow the 'show-not-tell' guideline when I write so there's less of me telling the readers what's going on and more of me showing it. An example would be a character's body language changing when they're uncomfortable, or icy wind leeching the warmth from their cheeks. Little things like that can add life to a story vs. simply stating "He was uncomfortable" or "She was cold".

Writing isn't a linear process for most people. There's ups and downs and lengthy breaks followed by intense, week long binges of word vomit, so definitely be kind to yourself and have fun with it ! If you need anything else feel free to shoot me another ask or DM me, I would be happy to help ! Have a great day and good luck my dear 💗

[umichenginabroad]

Abhi in Paris Week 9: A Scottish Adventure

Hey everyone! Back again with another adventure. This week I spent a few days in Scotland & Ireland for Saint Patrick's Day! It was an amazing week filled with adventure & learning.

March 11th, Monday - The week began with a typical Monday grind, but with a twist—a midterm exam in communication systems. I grinded out some last minute studying on the train to class. Honestly, I didn't do so bad. After the exam, I decided to switch things up and try out a French cycling class. Despite the language barrier, I found myself caught up in the rhythm of the class, following along as best as I could. I've done Cyclebar in the US so that definitely helped!

March 12th, Tuesday - Tuesday brought another round of classes in the morning, followed by a French lesson in the evening. It's been a journey with French, but I'm starting to feel more confident with each passing day. Parisians are super judgy about speaking good French, but I'm still putting myself out there. In the afternoon, I managed to squeeze in a quick gym session between classes too. Just a super tiring day with a lot of commuting and class though!

March 13th, Wednesday - The real adventure began on Wednesday as I set off for Edinburgh. The journey took me through picturesque landscapes, and I arrived in the late afternoon, eager to explore this historic city. After checking into my accommodation, I decided to grab dinner at a cozy Italian restaurant. Oh my god, some of the best food I have ever eaten. As evening fell, I took a leisurely stroll down Princes Street, taking in the sights and sounds of Edinburgh. It's truly one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited.

March 14th, Thursday - Thursday was all about diving into Edinburgh's rich history. I started the day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, where I learned about the fascinating life of Mary, Queen of Scots. If you've ever watched the TV show on Amazon Prime Video "Reign," you'd be as psyched as me. Mary's father, James V, died wile she was just a child and so Mary was the technical ruler of Scotland since she was a child. Her mother governed as Queen Regent when she was a child and sent her to France, where she had a more quaint childhood. Truly a great Queen & a great TV Show too. The castle's towering walls and sweeping views offered a glimpse into Scotland's storied past. In the afternoon, I embarked on a whiskey tour at the Holyrood Distillery, where I had the opportunity to sample some "new make" and sherry cask aged whiskies. It was amazing to learn about every stage of the Whiskey making process & see it happen. It was a sensory experience unlike any other, and I left with a newfound appreciation for Scotland's renowned spirit. I even got a bottle of Scotch for my dad! Afterwards, I took a sporadic late night bus to Inverness, Scotland, the capital of the Scottish Highlands!

March 15th, Friday - Rain or shine, I was determined to make the most of my time in Scotland. Despite the dreary weather, I embarked on a two-hour trek through the rain to Loch Ness. The lake's tranquil beauty was mesmerizing, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe in its presence. Despite the lack of a Nessie sighting, the experience was unforgettable. A huge 37 mile long lake with complete stillness in the water & no one in sight for miles - truly tranquil. In the evening, I made my way back to Edinburgh, where I caught a flight to Cork, Ireland, just in time for the weekend.

March 16th, Saturday - Saturday in Cork was all about immersing myself in Irish culture. With St. Patrick's Day celebrations in full swing, the city was alive with energy and excitement. I spent the day exploring Cork's charming streets, sampling Irish whiskey, Guinness, and cider along the way. The Thomond Bar was the perfect spot to soak in the festivities, surrounded by locals and fellow travelers alike. I got to enjoy a French vs England Rugby match at the bar, where I found the Irish passionately supporting the French, yelling "Alle Le Bleu" or "Go the Blue (French)!"

March 17th, Sunday - As the week came to a close, I found myself back in Paris, reflecting on the whirlwind of experiences I had encountered. To cap off the week, I joined my ENSEA friends for a night out at O'Sullivans Bar. A fun night that involved a bartender sliding across the bar.

In hindsight, this week was a perfect blend of academic challenges and cultural exploration. From navigating exams and classes to soaking in the sights and flavors of Scotland and Ireland, each day brought with it new experiences and memories that I will cherish for years to come.

Bientot,

Abhi Athreya

University of Michigan, Aerospace Engineering 2025

ENSEA in Cergy, France

[tanmaygamesartdesign]

Digital Sources and Significance

Blogs:-

Blog 1

Night City Blues: Navigating Emotional Depths in Cyberpunk 2077

Night City is more than just a game world with its dystopian grime and neon lights; it's a close to home minefield. As V, the soldier of fortune hero of Cyberpunk 2077 (CD Projekt Red, 2020), I got myself playing, however *feeling* my way through its overly complex roads and coarse side journeys. An encounter rises above run of the mill activity experience games, submerging me in an embroidery of existential uneasiness, crude distress, and transitory snapshots of unforeseen excellence - all woven through the texture of its creative ongoing interaction.

Cyberpunk 2077 doesn't only recount a story; it controls your *affect*, the perplexing snare of feelings, sensations, and substantial reactions (Crawford, 2005). You're not simply seeing V's battle for endurance in a corporate-controlled world; you're feeling the virus steel of robotic inserts against your skin, the adrenaline surge of avoiding disasters in a firefight, and the horrible ache of treachery from an alleged partner. This "embodied cognition"  (Johnson, 2001) obscures the line among player and character, making your profound reactions as significant to the account as V's decisions.

The "new perspective" of the game is one of the main factors driving this emotional engagement. Cyberpunk 2077 puts you in V's first-person perspective, as opposed to the more common third-person shooter perspective. Each pixelated back street, each sparkling high rise, is separated through V's own eyes, intensifying the close-to-home effect of your general surroundings. Seeing the severe double-dealing of Night City's oppressed isn't simply a visual encounter; it's a punch to the stomach, an instinctive sign of the game's tragic center.

In any case, Cyberpunk 2077 isn't just about hopelessness. Scattered amidst the grime, you track down pockets of astounding 'aesthetic pleasure' (Ryan, 2014). Even the intricate cybernetic augmentations that you can choose for V provide a brief respite from the oppressive atmosphere, evoking awe and wonder in a world that is otherwise unforgiving. These minutes offer a feeling of stunningness and marvel in this generally unforgiving world.

Cyberpunk 2077 stands out because of this juxtaposition of despair and excellence. It doesn't try not to portray the merciless genuine variables of a world faltering on the edge, yet it in like manner grants you to find depictions of solace and even satisfaction amidst the pandemonium. This significant energizing ride makes a getting-through impact, leaving you pondering the game's subjects long after you've put down the controller.

By the by, it is fundamental to exorbitant recognize what this profound inundation might be. The game's gutsy portrayal of hostility, social ills, and existential nervousness can be overwhelming for specific players. It's vital to see your significant endpoints and appreciate respites when required. At last, Cyberpunk 2077 is a personal encounter like no other, one that requests commitment on a more profound level than simply button-pounding. It's an excursion through the most obscure corners of human experience, enlightened by glinting neon and the flashing of any expectation of versatility. In this way, take a full breath, step into Night City, and get ready to feel your direction through its twisted heart - it's an excursion you will probably remember forever.

References:

* Crawford, M. (2005). Feeling through: Performing embodied and affective cultures. Taylor & Francis.

* Johnson, M. (2001). The body in the mind: The biological basis of meaning, imagination, and reason. University of Chicago Press.

https://www.academia.edu/67968936/The_body_in_the_mind_The_bodily_basis_of_meaning_imagination_and_reason

* Ryan, J. (2014). Avatars of story. John Hopkins University Press.

https://www.academia.edu/26436067/_Marie_Laure_Ryan_Avatars_Of_Story

Cyberpunk 2077: CD Projekt Red. (2020). Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red.

Blog 2

Grand Theft Auto 5: A Heist on Narrative Theory?

As a story addict who likewise ends up cherishing supercharged shootouts and taking luxury vehicles, Grand Theft Auto 5 (Rockstar Games, 2013) has consistently introduced an interesting problem. Can the sprawling, tumultuous sandbox of Los Santos truly be regarded as a narrative, much less as one that is worthy of investigation by academics? By all accounts, it appears to challenge the customary standards of narrating, ridiculing Aristotle's "dramatic unities" and Bordwell and Thompson's (1993) "three core components" with merry leave. However, similar to an expert crook breaking a safe, GTA 5 proposes its intelligent nature to wind around a story embroidery more mind-boggling and nuanced than any direct story could offer.

Disregard particular heroes and durable courses of events. GTA 5 tosses three particular characters, each with their inspirations and moral compasses, into a blender of intertwined storylines. Michael, the resigned bank looter longing for predictability, Franklin, the striving youthful trickster, and Trevor, the off the wall mental case with a propensity for disorder, offer a kaleidoscope of viewpoints on Los Santos' underside. Their stories impact, wander, and interweave, making a trap of plot strings that players can unwind at their speed. This divided construction, while contradictory to the old style story hypothesis, repeats the "31 narrative functions" recognized by Propp (1928) - an assortment of building blocks that can be revised and joined to make an endless number of stories.

Be that as it may, GTA 5's brightness lies in its underlying rebellion, yet by they way it use player office to make a really *participatory narrative*. You're not simply watching a story unfurl; you're effectively forming it through your decisions, both of all shapes and sizes. Your actions have an impact on the characters' fates and the narrative as a whole, whether you choose a side in a turf war, how to tackle a heist, or just play in the hedonistic sandbox. This degree of player contribution challenges the idea of a solitary "author" set by conventional story hypothesis, obscuring the lines among narrator and story-practitioner.

Obviously, GTA 5 isn't without its story defects. The sheer scale and desire of its open world can once in a while prompt a wandering plot, with side missions eclipsing the fundamental story. Complex social issues are reduced to bite-sized jokes by the game's reliance on satire and caricature. However, even in its defects, GTA 5 pushes the limits of intelligent narrating, showing that a story doesn't have to stick to unbending designs to be drawn in and significant.

"Accounts in games are less about telling and more about doing," states Ryan (2004). GTA 5 impeccably epitomizes this way of thinking. It's anything but a story you simply watch unfurl; It's a genuine in which you effectively take part. Your decisions, the ways you pick, the mayhem you release - all add to a story embroidery particularly yours, a demonstration of the power and capability of intelligent narrating.

In this way, the following time you fire up GTA 5, recall - you're not simply playing a game, you're co-making a story. A story with no foreordained way, no decent consummation, simply a sandbox of conceivable outcomes ready to be investigated. The one and only rule in Los Santos' sprawling urban jungle is this: snatch the wheel, go all in, and see what sort of story you can turn.

References:

* Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (1993). The art of cinematic narration. University of California Press.

https://archive.org/details/filmartintroduct0000bord/mode/2up

* Propp, V. (1928). Morphology of the folktale. University of Texas Press.

https://monoskop.org/images/f/f3/Propp_Vladimir_Morphology_of_the_Folktale_2nd_ed.pdf

* Ryan, J. (2004). Avatars of story. John Hopkins University Press.

https://www.academia.edu/26436067/_Marie_Laure_Ryan_Avatars_Of_Story

GTA 5: Rockstar Games. (2013). Grand Theft Auto V. Rockstar Games.

Blog 3

Beyond Flat Screens: Redefining Immersion in iRacing with Virtual Reality

As you move into your virtual cockpit, the mimicked hands of a fastidiously reproduced motor thunder underneath you. As you climb a slope, the computerised landing area shimmers in the sun as the lavish field zooms by. This isn't a dream; it's iRacing, and it's not just a hustling game - it's a doorway to a hyper-reasonable presence where virtual tires meet reenacted dark tops, stretching the boundaries of what VR can achieve in motorsports.

However, we should rewind before recklessly tearing into the virtual corners of iRacing. Augmented reality (VR), as fittingly described by Bailenson and Schwindt (2018), douses us in PC-made conditions, clouding the lines between certified and mind-blowing (p. 164). In any case, this thought isn't new. From Morton Heilig's Sensorama during the 1950s to the arcade impacts of the 80s and 90s, the human desire to transcend genuine hindrances and explore virtual universes has driven a long and enthralling history (Carruth, 2020).

Today, VR tracks down its front line in "extended reality (XR)," an umbrella term enveloping VR, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). AR overlays computerized components onto this present reality, while MR consistently mixes the two. While every innovation offers remarkable encounters, VR's ability to totally ship us into reenacted real factors makes it ideal for high-devotion encounters like iRacing (Mania et al., 2019).

So, how does iRacing bring the excitement of motorsports to this immersive environment? The critical lies in its fastidious consideration regarding drenching and connection. As Slater and Wilbur (1997) feature, submersion goes past visuals; It's all about using all of your senses and feeling like you're there in the virtual world (p. 67). iRacing accomplishes this with amazingly itemized tracks, material science motors that dependably emulate genuine vehicle conduct, and natural VR controls that make an interpretation of all your developments into exact in-game activities.

This profound actual association encourages a degree of connection seldom seen in VR games. The distinction between player and avatar disappears when our bodies become the controllers, according to Schroeder (2021) (p. 179). You won't just be driving in iRacing; you're feeling the heaviness of the wheel, the g-powers as you corner, the adrenaline surge of a near calamity. Because of this kinesthetic interaction, each victory and mistake seem painfully real.

However, iRacing's effect reaches out past individual drenching. VR multiplayer races make lively networks where virtual opponents become genuine companions, stretching each other to the edge. As stated by Szumski et al., this social aspect 2020) recommend, could actually convert into actual advantages, further developing coordination and mental capability (p. 107).

Obviously, pushing the limits of VR accompanies difficulties. Movement ailment and inconvenience can torment newbies. However, iRacing's dedicated community and ongoing development work toward making VR motorsports accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Finally, iRacing continues to fill in to go about as a representation of the VR's wonderful potential. It's something past a game; It's a place to expand one's personal boundaries, make virtual family ties, and experience the intense adrenaline of hustle. One thing becomes sense as we take our virtual seats and advance towards the starting organization: The exhilarating excursion of VR motorsports, a result of iRacing, has just barely started.

Buckle Up and Blast Off: How iRacing Pushes the Boundaries of VR-Powered Motorsports

As you climb into your virtual cockpit, the simulated hands of a meticulously reconstructed engine roar beneath you. As you ascend a hill, the digital tarmac sparkles in the sun as the lush countryside whizzes by. This isn't a fantasy; it's iRacing, and it's not only a hustling game - it's an entryway to a hyper-sensible existence where virtual tires meet reenacted black-top, pushing the limits of what VR can accomplish in motorsports.

Yet, before we tear carelessly into iRacing's virtual corners, we should rewind. Augmented reality (VR), as appropriately characterized by Bailenson and Schwindt (2018), drenches us in PC created conditions, obscuring the lines among genuine and unbelievable (p. 164). However, this idea is not new. From Morton Heilig's Sensorama during the 1950s to the arcade blasts of the 80s and 90s, the human craving to rise above actual impediments and investigate virtual universes has driven a long and captivating history (Carruth, 2020).

Today, VR tracks down its front line in "extended reality (XR)," an umbrella term enveloping VR, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). AR overlays computerized components onto this present reality, while MR consistently mixes the two. While every innovation offers remarkable encounters, VR's ability to totally ship us into reenacted real factors makes it ideal for high-devotion encounters like iRacing (Mania et al., 2019).

So, how does iRacing bring the excitement of motorsports to this immersive environment? The critical lies in its fastidious consideration regarding drenching and connection. As Slater and Wilbur (1997) feature, submersion goes past visuals; It's all about using all of your senses and feeling like you're there in the virtual world (p. 67). iRacing accomplishes this with amazingly itemized tracks, material science motors that dependably emulate genuine vehicle conduct, and natural VR controls that make an interpretation of all your developments into exact in-game activities.

This profound actual association encourages a degree of connection seldom seen in VR games. The distinction between player and avatar disappears when our bodies become the controllers, according to Schroeder (2021) (p. 179). You won't just be driving in iRacing; you're feeling the heaviness of the wheel, the g-powers as you corner, the adrenaline surge of a near calamity. Because of this kinesthetic interaction, each victory and mistake seem painfully real.

However, iRacing's effect reaches out past individual drenching. VR multiplayer races make lively networks where virtual opponents become genuine companions, stretching each other to the edge. As stated by Szumski et al., this social aspect 2020) recommend, could actually convert into actual advantages, further developing coordination and mental capability (p. 107).

Obviously, pushing the limits of VR accompanies difficulties. Movement ailment and inconvenience can torment newbies. However, iRacing's dedicated community and ongoing development work toward making VR motorsports accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

At last, iRacing remains as a demonstration of the extraordinary force of VR. It's not only a game; it's a stage for stretching individual boundaries, producing virtual companionships, and encountering the excitement of hustling on an unheard of level. As we tie into our virtual seats and head towards the beginning matrix, one thing's reasonable: VR motorsports, on account of iRacing, has just barely started its elating excursion.

References:

Bailenson, J. N., & Schwindt, C. (2018). The social reality of virtual reality. Annual Review of Cyberpsychology, Technology, and Society, 3(1), 163-180. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32872313/

Carruth, A. P. (2020). Immersion: A theoretical framework for virtual reality. Routledge. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/220690092_Stepping_into_Virtual_Reality (Information about the book on the publisher's website)

Mania, K., Aust, T., Holz, R., & Schreyer, O. (2019). Game design influences player acceptance of immersive virtual reality games: An exploratory study on Beat Saber. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 134, 194-208. 

Blog 4

Forza Horizon 5: Speeding Through the Spectrum of Realism

Hardly any games catch the inebriating appeal of vehicle culture very like Forza Horizon 5. From the sun-doused sands of Playa Azul to the volcanic majesty of El Gigante, the carefully created universe of Mexico overflows with dynamic life. Be that as it may, exactly how "real" is this digital playground? Does Forza Horizon 5 only copy reality, or does it rise above it, making a hyperreal experience that obscures the lines among reenactment and sensation?

To respond to this, we should initially take apart the complex idea of authenticity in games. While graphical devotion frequently overwhelms conversations, researchers like Joost van Dreunen (2014) propose a more extensive structure including portrayal, recreation, and instantaneousness (p. 11). Forza Horizon 5 succeeds around there. Its surroundings are complicatedly point by point, duplicating milestones like Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza with careful exactness. Every scratch and dent in the car models—from vintage muscle cars to contemporary hypercars—reflects the wear and tear of the road.

Anyway, authenticity goes past visuals. A physics engine in Forza Horizon 5 meticulously models weight distribution, aerodynamics, and suspension to create an exhilarating and challenging driving experience. The climate structure ceaselessly adjusts acumen and equilibrium, further darkening the line among dream and reality.

Regardless, what genuinely segregates Forza Horizon 5 is its snappiness. The consistent open world welcomes assessment, compensating interest with stunning vistas and amazing pleasures. The powerful soundtrack adjusts to your driving style, and the man-made intelligent drivers, demonstrated after certifiable driving ways of behaving, make a feeling of shared space on the virtual streets. As it were, the game turns into a material for your own car experiences, obscuring the lines among player and member.

In any case, Forza Horizon 5 stretches the boundaries of legitimacy a lot further by toying with the concept of hypermediacy (Murray, 1997). The blend of genuine brands like Microsoft Surface and GoPro immaculately blends the game world in with our own, further darkening the lines among reenactment and lived understanding. The Horizon Arcade, with its consistently creating playlist of tiny games and challenges, gives a reliable stream of new experiences, ensuring that no two playthroughs are truly something almost identical.

According to Baudrillard (1981), this dynamic, ever-evolving world goes beyond mere hyperreality, in which simulacra take the place of the real. All things being equal, Forza Horizon 5 makes a hyperreal experience, a genuine and drawing in world that exists lined up with, yet continually connects with, our own. A demonstration of the game's plan even unremarkable errands like heading to the following race can feel like a smaller than expected experience, loaded up with rising ongoing interaction and startling magnificence.

By and large, Horizon 5's puzzling blend of portrayal, reenactment, and speed makes a hyperreal experience that reexamines how a game's "ensured" not permanently set up. Even though it is a virtual wild entertainment area, it is alive and true and invites us to take the wheel and explore the horizon, blurring the lines between feeling and reenactment. So settle in, get ready, and plan to experience the force of Mexico basically — you won't actually have to move.

References:

Baudrillard, J. (1981). Simulacra and simulation. University of Michigan Press.

https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=9Z9biHaoLZIC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Murray, J. H. (1997). Hamlet on the Holodeck: The future of narrative in cyberspace. Free Press.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamlet_on_the_Holodeck

van Dreunen, J. (2014). Realism in video games: Between representation and simulation. Routledge.

Forza Horizon 5: Playground Games. (2021). Forza Horizon 5. Microsoft Studios.

Blog 5

Deciphering the Beast: Unveiling the Semiotic Labyrinth of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

 The Witcher 3: Wild Chase (Compact disc Projekt Red, 2015) enthralled me not simply with its rambling scenes and incredible missions, however with its layered semiotic embroidered artwork. Every beast snarl, every natural color, every bar song murmured stories of importance, alluring me to translate the signs and images woven into the actual texture of this advanced world. In this way, individual beast trackers, lock in your blades and fix your witcher faculties, since we're going to dig into the captivating semiotic maze of The Witcher 3!

Our aide on this risky way is the baffling Ferdinand de Saussure, whose differentiation between *signifier* (the physical form) and *signified* (the mental concept) enlightens the game's representative code. The griffin's growling look, for example, means a padded enemy, yet additionally Geralt's weight of safeguarding the defenseless, a weight carved onto his Witcher emblem (Barthes, 1972). This *symbolic* relationship, where importance is erratic and socially developed, structures the bedrock of the game's reality building.

But not every sign is just a symbol. As per Eco (1976), Geralt's Witcher faculties, a whirling fog that uncovers stowed away tracks and items, capability as "iconic" signs that straightforwardly look like their referents. Similar to this, the stench of decay that comes from a drowned man's body is an "indexical" sign that is inextricably linked to where it came from. These different sign sorts intertwine all through the game, making a rich weaving of suggesting that both enlightens and challenges how we could decipher the world.

Moreover, the exchange between signs structures complex *paradigms* and *syntagms*. The bestiary's passageways on various monsters, each with its shortcomings and legend, offer a paradigmatic structure - a star gathering of likely results from which Geralt picks the right gadget to finish everything. On the other hand, the gathering of flavors expected to mix a specific combination approaches a syntagm, a critical chain of exercises provoking an optimal outcome. This trade of development and assortment features the different thought of importance in The Witcher 3.

Past individual signs, the game dives into the domain of *denotation* and *connotation*. The White Orchard massacre, for example, indicates the Nilfgaardian attack's ruthlessness yet additionally means subjects of political commotion, racial bias, and the results of uncontrolled power. Essentially, Geralt's blunt outside means his solidified past, yet in addition hints flexibility, a well established compassion for the oppressed, and a perplexing moral code molded by long stretches of exploring a world frequently stained with dim.

At last, we can't overlook the game's commitment with *myth*. From the reverberations of Arthurian legend in Ciri's story to the references to Slavic fables in the bestiary, The Witcher 3 draws upon and rethinks laid out fantasies, making a new yet recognizable embroidery of importance. Geralt's legend, murmured in bars and dreaded by beasts, turns into a meta-sign, mirroring the game's investigation of courage, monster, and the obscured lines between the two.

The accompanying time you enter The Witcher 3's wilds, recollect that you're not just killing beasts; You are translating an interesting arrangement of pictures and signs. Rotate around the nuances, from the shouting breeze to the flickering candles in a significant dismissed hold up. Each part mumbles a story, fit to be decoded.

References:

 Barthes, R. (1972). Mythologies. Vintage Books.

https://monoskop.org/images/8/85/Barthes_Roland_Mythologies_EN_1972.pdf

 Eco, U. (1976). A theory of semiotics. Indiana University Press.

https://pdfcoffee.com/advances-in-semiotics-umberto-eco-a-theory-of-semiotics-indiana-university-press-1976pdf-pdf-free.html

 Pendergast, T. & Zawada, T. (2018). The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and cultural mythology. Palgrave Macmillan.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: CD Projekt Red. (2015). The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt Red.

Blog 6

Infected with Emotion: How The Last of Us Weaponizes Gameplay to Grip Your Heart

Barely any games hold a mirror to the human condition with such undaunted clearness as The last of Us. Its reality, desolated by a Cordyceps contagious episode, isn't only a dystopian setting; it's a cauldron where Joel, a solidified bootlegger, and Ellie, a clever teen, manufacture a bond fashioned in urgency and misfortune. In any case, what genuinely hoists The Remainder of Us from a dreary endurance story to a work of art of close to home commitment is its magnificent entwining of account and ongoing interaction.

The game doesn't just recount its story; It makes you feel it—raw and visceral. This is where the idea of effect becomes the overwhelming focus. As researchers like Brian Massumi (2008) propose, influence isn't just inclination; it's a pre-cognizant substantial reaction, a felt force that goes before language and order (p. 38). The Last of Us weaponizes this to fantastic impact.

Consider the basic movement, where Joel's little girl Sarah mercilessly tore him away. Due to the limited controls and whirling camerawork, the player is forced to deal with the rapid helplessness and suffocating chaos, which is not currently depicted. This expedient control of our verifiable experience avoids objective insight and plants the seeds of compassion for Joel's horror, laying the reason for the staggering relationship that fans out.

Our emotional landscape is shaped by gameplay in a variety of ways. All through the game, we explore covertly close by Ellie, depending on her senses and speedy reflexes to get by. This common weakness, this reliance on a person not completely in our control, encourages an extraordinary feeling of defense. We become Ellie's watchman, sharing each pant for breath, each frantic scramble for security. This new viewpoint, as contended by researchers like Aarseth (1997), obscures the lines among player and character, developing our close to home venture (p. 159).

The Last of Us, obviously, isn't feeling the loss of any smidgen of moral variety. Joel's area in this present reality where fundamental reactions are practically nonexistent powers us to pursue confusing decisions. Each slug finished, every asset accumulated, conveys weight. The game does not criticize, but it did reveal the cost of diligence, leaving us grappling with the valuable outcome of our actions.. Juul (2011) argues that this moral entanglement tests our moral compass and forces us to confront our own haziness (p. 67).

However, in the midst of the somberness, snapshots of amazing magnificence arise. The sun-dappled serenity of Tommy's settlement, the calm friendship of dividing a guitar among Ellie and Joel, these transitory snapshots of tasteful delight (Crawford, 2005), as researchers like Crawford (2005) call it, offer rests from the harsh fear, helping us to remember the mankind that continues even despite despair (p. 155).

The Last of Us isn't simply a game; it's an encounter, an ensemble of interactivity and story that coordinates a strong close to home reaction. It's a demonstration of the capability of computer games to engage, however to move us, to challenge us, and at last, to cause us to feel profoundly human.

References:

Aarseth, Espen J. (1997). Cybertext: Perspectives on the fiction of computer games. Johns Hopkins University Press.

https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=qx_-zj0-TwoC&oi=fnd&pg=PA13&dq=Aarseth,+Espen+J.+(1997).+Cybertext:+Perspectives+on+the+fiction+of+computer+games.+Johns+Hopkins+University+Press.&ots=u54PPfpWE5&sig=qTM81V-phZ1J1qX2rMKbk0nDwRs#v=onepage&q=Aarseth%2C%20Espen%20J.%20(1997).%20Cybertext%3A%20Perspectives%20on%20the%20fiction%20of%20computer%20games.%20Johns%20Hopkins%20University%20Press.&f=false

Crawford, Kate C. (2005). Video games and art. Manchester University Press.

Juul, Jesper. (2011). Half-life 2: In pursuit of player experience. Routledge.

Massumi, Brian. (2008). What are affects? Cultural Studies, 22(5), 38-57.

https://www.inflexions.org/n1_The-Thinking-Feeling-of-What-Happens-by-Brian-Massumi.pdf

The Last Of Us: Naughty Dog. (2013). The Last of Us. Sony Computer Entertainment.

Blog 7

Redefining Narrative in Mafia 2

Venturing into the tarnished shoes of Vito Scaletta in Mafia 2 is like venturing onto a realistic stage, but one where you hold the director's reins. While exemplary story hypothesis, with its Aristotelian "dramatic unities" of time, spot, and activity (Bordwell and Thompson, 1993), frequently battles to envelop the rambling, player-driven stories of current games, Mafia 2 offers an entrancing contextual analysis in how intuitive narrating can reinvigorate old structures.

Let's look at the story of Mafia 2 through the eyes of these ties.In computer games, time, which is normally straight, can be changed by the player. Side missions and interferences call, broadening or compacting Vito's trip through Domain Gulf's underside. While the essential plot could stick to an organized plan, the player's own decisions direct the speed and musicality of the story, embedding an impression of affiliation seldom found in standard media.

Place, also, loses its static nature. Space Sound isn't just a foundation; A life form is alive and breathing and answers Vito's activities. News titles show how the city's power structures are moving as spray painting changes, organizations open and close, and that's just the beginning. This extraordinary environment clouds the lines between consistent with life set and clever sandbox, thinking about a more clear and powerful describing experience.

Notwithstanding, it's activity, or rather, player office, that really segregates Mafia 2. We're not simply standoffish onlookers; We actively shape Vito's future. This is in line with Ryan's (2004) concept of "ludo-narrative dissonance," in which player actions can clash with the intended course of the account (p. 157). In Mafia 2, making morally unclear choices, for example, leaning toward a rival family or partaking in furious extortion plans, can have clearing results that reverberation through the story and challenge our standard considerations of a "hero" (Schieber, 2014, p. 123).

This intelligence isn't without its difficulties. While Mafia 2 hugs open-world components, its center account remains to some degree unbending, at times constraining the player's hand to stick to explicit plot focuses. This strain between player organization and story course repeats Ryan's "Magic Circle" idea (2010), where the game world exists inside a characterized set of rules and constraints (p. 39).

Mafia 2 exemplifies the evolving nature of narrative in interactive media in spite of these limitations. A game thinks for even a second to inquire: what happens when players become co-creators of the story? By undermining customary "dramatic unities" and embracing player organization, Mafia 2 specialties a story that is both natural and new, realistic and participatory, eventually obscuring the lines among player and hero, submerging us in an ethically mind boggling existence where the main consistent is the persistent quest for power.

References:

Bordwell, D., (1980). The art of cinema.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/44018650?searchText=&searchUri=&ab_segments=&searchKey=&refreqid=fastly-default%3Ac25347f6bbae57c0f9a39253b487809d&seq=9

Ryan, J. (2004). How to tell a better story with game design. A K Peters/CRC Press.

Ryan, J. (2010). Avatars of story. University of Minnesota Press.

https://www.academia.edu/26436067/_Marie_Laure_Ryan_Avatars_Of_Story

Schieber, J. (2014). The ethics of video games. Routledge.

Mafia 2: 2K Czech. (2010). Mafia II. 2K Games.

Blog 8

Pixels and Personhood: How Video Games Mirror and Shape Our Identities

Computer games, which were once connected with young confidence, are currently muddled social conditions where development, craftsmanship, and story impact. One of their different qualities sparkles especially brilliantly: the striking connection between character, self-expression, and visuals. Wandering into a game isn't just about influencing pariahs or settling puzzles; It all comes down to making an avatar that reflects who we want to be, who we are, and how we want to be seen online.

Take the honor winning independent sweetheart, Celeste. Madeline, the hero, scales tricky mountains of territory, however of uneasiness and sorrow. Her pixelated structure, clad in lively blue and strawberry red, isn't just a sprite; it's a visual epitome of battle and strength. As we explore stages filled with spiked self-question, all Madeline's pixels, each edge, imparts her internal conflict and wins. This, as contended by Galloway (2014), structures the core of stylish character, where visual components become articulations of self (p. 32).

Notwithstanding, pixelated ranges aren't the main thing that characterizes our virtual selves. Games like Animals Crossing: New Horizon, with its cautious customization decisions, welcome us to make fussy outsides through attire, hair styles, and organized conditions. This, according to Deuze (2006) (p. 354), makes use of the idea of oppositional feel, in which design acts as a form of defiance, allowing us to expand individualized versions of ourselves within the game's virtual society. We wear virtual kimonos in games like Ghost of Tsushima, opposing genuine presumptions and examining social characters, or wearing elaborate covering in Skyrim, subverting direction principles and delivering our own hero personas.

Regardless, perceiving the inborn limitations of this best in class self-designing is critical. As Bogost (2012) reminds us, the ocularcentric tendency of most games (p. 159) regularly limits our decisions to predefined images and feel, perhaps supporting existing social inclinations and requirements. The shortfall of various body types and appearances in many games can separate players and cutoff their ability to truly wind up inside the virtual world.

Notwithstanding, amidst these preventions, a sprinkle of something to expect oozes through. Standard thoughts of significance and portrayal are tried by games like Night in the Woods, which feature an unusual human cast and a getting through assessment concerning significant success. These titles, as contended by Nakamura (2009), extend the scopic systems of gaming, giving elective approaches to seeing and encountering the world from different perspectives (p. 109).

Eventually, the developing scene of computer games offers an entrancing lab for investigating the convergences of visual culture and character.We push the boundaries of depiction, embrace elective style, and challenge the limitations of the look as we investigate muddled mechanized universes, making and having images that reflect and reshape our solid personality, and exploring muddled mechanized universes. The potential for PC games to engage players to investigate and give their characters, both certifiable and imagined, is a future that justifies playing for, in spite of the way that troubles remain.

References:

Bogost, I. (2012). On the politics of cliches. MIT Press.

Deuze, M. (2006). The cultural production of fashion. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Galloway, A. (2014). Gaming: essays on algorithmic culture. University of Minnesota Press.

https://archive.org/details/gamingessaysonal0000gall

Nakamura, L. (2009). Don't just stand there: why sitting at video games doesn't mean you're not an athlete. Columbia University Press.

Ghost of Tsushima: Sucker Punch Productions. (2020). Ghost of Tsushima. Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Nintendo EPD. (2020). Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Nintendo.

Blog 9

Level Up Your Literary Analysis: Intertextuality and Transmedia in The Witcher 3, Overwatch, and Bioshock Infinite

I'm ceaselessly drawn to the clear universes that PC games make as a scientist of cutting edge stories. In any case, few have enchanted me like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This wandering capriciously, open-world RPG isn't simply clearly amazing; It's a transmedia behemoth made of intertextual strings, a weaving that obscures the lines between group, story, and game.

The Witcher 3 is focused on intertextuality, the likelihood that a text exists inside a catch of deductions and references to various works. The game is a mother lode for insightful examiners, with signals to Slavic old stories in the bestiary and references to Arthurian legend in Geralt's chivalric code. In any case, this intertextuality isn't simply surface level; It is profoundly imbued in the topics and mechanics of the game. For example, inferences to dreams add to the game's fantastical climate and urge us to inspect the ideas of goodness and underhandedness, obscuring the differentiation among monsters and legends (Scolari, 2018).

The Witcher 3's transmedial nature additionally upgrades this intertextual play. The game exists inside an enormous natural plan of books, comics, and, incredibly, a Netflix series. This interconnectedness makes an impression of importance and overabundance that goes past the lone game. Maybe Geralt's reality reaches out a long ways past the screen, welcoming us to dig further into its legend and characters through different media (Jenkins, 2006).

The transmedia storytelling of The Witcher 3 is, however, about more than just expansion; it's tied in with testing. According to Ryan (2014), the game embraces "radical intertextuality," in which various media engage in a dialogue that reinterprets and subverts the source material. The Geralt story is taken in new directions by the Netflix series, which offers new perspectives and interpretations that enhance the Witcher mythos as a whole.

The game itself is part of this transmedia dialogue. A wide range of experiences and interpretations are possible thanks to The Witcher 3's open-world design and player agency. Every player's decisions, from minor side missions to significant plot choices, shape their own one of a kind excursion through Geralt's reality. This participatory viewpoint challenges conventional thoughts of authorial control and embraces a more "poststructuralist" way to deal with story, where significance is produced by the maker as well as by the crowd (Barthes, 1977).

The Witcher 3's intertextuality and transmediality are not without their difficulties. The sheer measure of legend and references can be overpowering for novices, and the divided idea of the transmedia account can perplex. However, these difficulties are additionally important for the game's appeal. They welcome us to effectively draw in with the world, to become players as well as members in a huge and consistently extending story embroidery.

Therefore, the next time you start The Witcher 3, keep in mind that you are not simply entering a game; you're venturing into a universe overflowing with intertextual reverberations, transmedia exchanges, and player-driven translations. Geralt's reality is an eerie update that accounts, similar to beasts, can take many structures, and the most enthralling ones are much of the time those that obscure the lines between text, game, and ourselves.

References:

Barthes, R. (1977). Image-Music-Text. Fontana.

https://monoskop.org/images/0/0a/Barthes_Roland_Image-Music-Text.pdf

Jenkins, H. (2006). Convergence Culture: The Politics of Meaning and Creativity in the Age of Digital Networks. New York University Press.

https://www.dhi.ac.uk/san/waysofbeing/data/communication-zangana-jenkins-2006.pdf

Ryan, J. (2014). Avatars of Story: Narrative Theory for Transmedia Narratives. University of Minnesota Press.

https://www.academia.edu/26436067/_Marie_Laure_Ryan_Avatars_Of_Story

Scolari, C. A. (2018). Posthuman Play: Video Games and the Future of Homo Ludens. Columbia University Press.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: CD Projekt Red. (2015). The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt Red.

Blog 10

The Gritty Gauntlet: Modern Warfare 2 and the Paradox of Pixelated Realism

Not many conflict games touch off the faculties and mix debate very like Vital mission at hand: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 From the nerve racking "No Russian" mission to the instinctive gunplay, the game pushes the limits of authenticity, obscuring the lines among reenactment and exhibition. However, where does this quest for "realism" genuinely lead? Is Modern Warfare 2 a window into the horrors of modern warfare, or is it just a violent digital playground that glorifies violence?

We should unload this Catch 22 by taking apart the different features of "realism" at play. Current Fighting 2 flaunts noteworthy portrayal. Weapon handling feels weighty and responsive, and environments like Rio de Janeiro and Washington, D.C., are meticulously recreated. This scrupulousness, as contended by Murray (1997), improves the feeling of inundation, maneuvering players into the mimicked world (p. 159).

In any case, this accentuation on visual steadfastness much of the time clashes with the game's propagation of battling. The mission's story frequently deviates into drama, with over-the-top activity successions and brave final turning points resisting any resemblance to strategic authenticity. While pointing down the sights provides a delightful rush,. This strain among recreation and exhibition, as contended by Bogost (2010), brings up issues about the game's actual expectations - is it a serious critique on war, or a conspicuous adrenaline rush taking on the appearance of credibility? ( p. 72).

Then there's the subject of quickness. Modern Warfare  2 throws players recklessly into wild firefights, using shaky cam and fast cuts to inspire the sensation of strain. Even though the game's constant visual bombardment is effective at eliciting an adrenaline rush, players may become desensitized to the violence. As Crawford (2005) battles, the quickness of gaming can every now and again eliminate players from the near and dear results of their exercises, clouding the lines between virtual mercilessness and genuine repercussions (p. 155).

Regardless, Modern Warfare 2 isn't happy with basic entertainment; it crashes into the space of hypermediacy, planning genuine brands like Microsoft Surface and Mountain Dew into the game world. This, as battled by Murray (1997), further hazy spots the lines among this present reality and fiction, conceivably raising moral stresses over the commercialization of war (p. 168).

In the end, Current Fighting 2's journey for realness remains an unlimited endeavor. No matter what the game's shocking and enchanting experience, social conversation can be covered by its hypermediacy and obligation to show. Because of this, players should think about the moral implications of the game's messy reality, which makes it both fun and scary. 

References:

Bogost, I. (2007). A pursuit of the perfect player. MIT Press.

https://luisnavarrete.com/USC/pdf/Bogost2.pdf

Crawford, K. C. (2005). Video games and art. Manchester University Press.

Murray, J. H. (1997). Hamlet on the Holodeck: The future of narrative in cyberspace. Free Press.

https://archive.org/details/hamletonholodeck00murr

Modern Warfare 2: Infinity Ward. (2009). Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Activision.

[tragicquartet]

Any sense of body horror aside a voice sounds out from within Mallews confines, 'first time?'

The voice at first strikes him as yet another of the many strange beings that came to haunt him, but after a moment (and some contemplation of his most recent round of awful wretching), he lifts his head, staring about in a state of dazed confusion.

His senses, obfuscated by pain and exhaustion, take some time to finally track down and react to the presence, recognizing it as...something else.

"...y-yea," he manages to blurt out, focusing on the presence as his senses swim, finishing his thought before returning his attention to the expulsions of his flesh and blood, "any advice you care to give, stranger?"

[justfandomwritings]

A Package Deal

Pairing: Hangman x Female!Reader x Phoenix

Word Count: 2.3K

Warnings: Lots of non-explicit sexual tension and pining; heavy handed flirting and smutty implications

Summary: You've been a bartender at the Hard Deck for a while now, and you've gotten to know the pilots of TopGun pretty well. They work hard, and they play hard. And God what you wouldn't give to play around with a couple of them, not that you'd ever had the guts to ask.

Notes: IDK I got bored and horny, and I thought the world needed more Hangman/Phoenix/Reader fics.

She’s the most gorgeous woman you’ve ever seen in your life. She’s hot in the uniform, but out of it she’s fucking stunning.

Dark brown hair cascading in luscious waves around her face. Dark, lidded eyes piercing into you like they can see straight through your mind and hear every lewd thought that crosses it. Beautiful lips that pull back over perfect teeth and fill you with a longing to make her smile like that at you every day.

Long, toned legs that stretch out from under the sexy little blue dress she’s donning. They go on for days in those nude heels every time she takes a step and oh fuck.

She’s taking another step. Fuck fuck fuck. She’s walking towards you. Fuck fuck fuck. You’ve been ogling her from across the bar like a fucking creep and now she’s walking towards you.

You glance nervously around the bar and see a guy with a mostly empty drink and rush over.

“Get you a refill?”

The man nods and raises his glass in wordless appreciation.

It’s bourbon on the rocks. Not even top shelf. The cheap, well shit. It takes about thirty seconds to make, but it gives you an excuse to turn around. You drag it out to a full minute: picking out each individual cube of ice and giving the slowest pour you can reasonably manage.

It wasn’t long enough. When you turn around she’s there.

She’s leaning against the bar, standing, the bottom of her breasts just brushing the counter of the bar while the tops peer up at you invitingly from the deep cut v.

“Good afternoon Lieutenant, what can I get you?” You gulp as you sets the bourbon down in front of the intended patron.

“Two beers,” Natasha smiles at you. Actually smiles at you, and for a moment you have to make the conscious decision not to melt into a puddle on the floor.

She doesn’t say anything, but she’s looking at you, looking through you, with those all-knowing eyes. She knows she has power over you, and yet you’re absolutely certain she doesn’t know how much power she has over you.

“Two?” Your voice remains surprisingly even as you open the fridge beneath the countertop and pull out the pilots’ usual beer of choice. For a moment, you’re proud of yourself for this small, though seemingly insurmountable achievement.

“Yeah, I got company.”

It hurts your heart, but you don’t show it on your face - or at least you try not to - as you set two bottles down in front of her. Of course she has company. Coming in here looking like that, she has to have company. If she came here to find company she’s so pretty she could’ve got it wearing a wet paper bag, but she’s dressed up, wearing an outfit that’s meant to impress someone.

“Who’s the lucky date?” You try to sound casual, but from the way her eyes rove over your face you know you’ve failed.

“No one you’d disapprove of.”

She turns back to watch the doors of the bar and only moments later they swing open.

Your mouth runs dry.

If she is the most beautiful women you’ve ever seen, he is the sexiest man alive. People magazine could sell more copies just from putting his face on the cover than any famous celebrity’s name.

He’s not in uniform either, and the only time you’ve ever seen him out of uniform was playing football - which was a positively religious experience. You’ve never seen him in civilian clothes, and god you don’t know what’s sexier the leather jacket or the abs you know are lurking underneath it.

His hair is Slightly disheveled but in a styled sort of way. There’s far less product in it today than normal. He’s let it fall naturally to one side, and it sways gently as he turns his head. He’s clearly had the day off because his facial hair has gone well beyond five o’clock shadow to full blown stubble, and it’s a look that is an absolute crime to shave off.

For a brief moment, very brief, you forget Natasha is sitting in front of you. It’s a feat no other man or woman alive is capable of. No one could hold a candle to the fire she lit except the walking inferno that is Jake Seresin.

Walking. Fuck fuck fuck. You turn away again. There’s no drinks to refill now. It’s too early in the afternoon. There aren’t enough patrons. Penny isn’t even in yet for her shift.

You busy yourself with finding your cleaning rag and wiping down the center island of the bar.

Behind you there is a tinkling laugh. Natasha’s laugh. You’d memorized the sound from the few times you’d managed to cause it. And it tore through you making your heart stutter step. She was laughing at you. Not great, but god what a laugh it was. It wasn’t the same as making her laugh, but it was still such an indescribably happy feeling.

“Jake,” Natasha greeted, and you heard a stool pull out.

She never called him Jake. He never called her Natasha. Call signs only. Even off the clock. This must be … something real.

“Good to see you Nat, did I miss any of the fun?” Gods his voice could make you weak in the knees and he wasn’t even talking to you. You weren’t even looking at him.

You could circle the bar. Circling the bar was good. You weren’t really supposed to hang out on the far side of the center island. It hid the front door and incoming customers from view. You were only supposed to make a quick round. But these were extenuating circumstances. Surely Penny would understand.

“Not at all, we hadn’t even started.”

“Haven’t started and she’s already squirming like that?”

They were talking about you. They had to be talking about you. You didn’t really have an ego, and you would normally never assume anyone was ever talking about you, let alone two people as gorgeous as Natasha and Jake. But they had to be talking about you. There weren’t that many other women in the bar to begin with – a couple regulars over playing darts and one guy with his fiancé in the corner – and you were certainly squirming. At least inside your skin you were squirming.

You can feel your face going red, feel the heat rising under the surface. You choose to ignore it. Ignore them. It is the safest option. You can’t turn around, not as flustered as you are now. You’ll never hear the end of it from Jake if you do. Natasha will give you that knowing smile from time to time, but if Jake saw you like this, flushed at the mere idea they were talking about you, he would tease you till the end of time. You did not have the mental fortitude to deal with Jake “Hangman” Seresin teasing you every day.

“Well, you know (Y/n),” Natasha seems to make a point to say your name a little louder, “we’re gonna have to ease her into it.”

You whip around. You can’t help it. Whether it’s the way she says your name or the tone in which she says she’s going to ‘ease’ you into some unspecified thing, the implications are a shock to the system, and you truly can’t stop yourself from turning around, wide-eyed as a deer in headlights, to face the two pilots.

Jake is grinning at you, smug and self-assured as he always is. His fingers are delicately wrapped around the neck of his beer bottle as he leans back in the barstool. There’s a lazy air about the way he takes a swig from the bottle.

Lazy is not a word you would normally associate with Jake Seresin. His body language is off. The bar is normally his hunting ground. He stalks around the pool tables and dart boards proving his superiority and waiting for the ideal catch, but today he doesn’t seem like he’s hunting. He’s too relaxed, too unaware of every time the door swings open. His eyes are too focused on you.

He's still looking at you like a predator does his prey, the way he usually looks at the beautiful patrons of the bar who throw themselves at his feet. But the urgency is gone, the hunt, the chase, the playing hard to get, it isn’t there. He looks like a predator completely and utterly convinced that his prey is going to run willingly into his claws.

“I-I,” You don’t know what to say.

You manage to tear your gaze away and divert it to Natasha. Whatever you’re seeking there – help, answers, amusement at a joke well played – you don’t find it.

Her eyes aren’t on yours. They’re on your body, roving over your curves like she needs to memorize them for a test later. She’s studying you, and you don’t know if its disconcerting or incredibly appealing. Either way, it pins you in place. You can’t move under her gaze, can’t disrupt the path her eyes are taking over your chest and down to your waist.

If Jake’s eyes left any question as to what they were easing you into, the flash of Natasha’s as they darted back up to meet yours answered it. She looks hungry, downright starving. You don’t exactly feel like prey under her gaze, but you still feel like a meal, a thing waiting to be devoured.

Your eyes go straight to her lips as she catches her lower one between her teeth, gently gnawing on it as she seems to ponder what to say or do.

“Don’t worry, Angel,” Your eyes dart back to Jake’s as he finally sits up and leans in. His voice is quiet, low and rough so the strangers surrounding the bar can’t possibly hear even though you’re still across the bar, frozen, pinned to the center island. “We promise we’ll go easy on you.”

“Speak for yourself,” Natasha adds.

Your hands shoot out and clutch the lip of wood behind you. You have to to keep your feet under you as you feel your knees go weak.

“Mmm,” Jake hums, his eyes following the same trail over you that Natasha’s had a few moments before. It felt like his touch following hers over you, and it was enough to make you bite back a groan. “Looks like you were right, Nat.” He’s addressing her, but his eyes haven’t shifted away from you. “She does want it rough.”

“(Y/n)!”

You jerk back away from the center island and turn around to see Penny ducking under the other side of the bar.

“H-Hey Penny,” You can’t hide it. You know you can’t hide it. Your skin is still red all over, and your eyes are dazed and confused. You’re almost certain that at any moment you’re going to break out in nervous sweats.

Penny sees you and immediately frowns.

Your heart goes into overdrive, thudding loudly in your chest. Natasha has a way of looking straight through you, and you’re praying Penny doesn’t share that talent as she eyes you with concern. If she knew or even suspected, what had been going on between you and the two pilots behind you moments before she walked in, you would quit on the spot. Resign in disgrace never to be seen again.

“You okay honey?” Penny stepped around towards you and put the back of her palm to your forehead. “You look like you’re burning up. Did you get too much sun?”

“N-No, I think I’m just coming down with something.”

Penny let out a quiet hum of agreement as she felt the heat of your skin. “You should head home. I can call in someone else tonight.”

“I… My roommate is my ride, and she’s…”

“I’ll take her!”

Your head jerks around to see Natasha climbing off of her barstool and seemingly collecting herself to leave. She’s giving Penny a sympathetic smile that wreaks of an innocent, helpful nature that was entirely absent just moments before.

“We have a party to get to anyway. I’ll drop her off on the way.”

Jake nods his assent and tilts his head back, downing the rest of his beer in one swallow. His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat as he elongates his neck, and a single trickle of beer leaks out and runs past his jaw down the length of his throat. The smirk he comes up with spells out for you that he did it on purpose.

“Thank you Natasha,” Penny accepts the ride before you even have a chance to consider your options, and she pushes you towards the flap out from behind the bar. “Go home and get some rest.”

You nod along numbly, walking around to join Jake and Natasha. They position themselves on either side of you as they lead you out of the bar.

To everyone watching, it looks like two patrons helping a friend who looks very flushed and confused, possibly drunk or sick. Jake’s arm goes in what should be a comforting embrace around your shoulders, resting his left hand on your left shoulder and giving it a tight squeeze.

Natasha is more obvious, not that anyone seems to notice but you. Her fingers blaze a trail over your skin, not merely wrapping themselves around your waist, but brushing along your back as they go.

“Your choice, angel.” Natasha’s lips touch the outer shell of your ear as she whispers into, her voice husky with what you can only assume is want. “We can take you home, and you can call this a nice, unexpected day off. Or you can come with us.”

Jake’s fingers squeeze your shoulder, longer this time, not a comfort but a warning, “Just know, angel,” You reach the parking lot of the Hard Deck, and Jake pulls the three of you to a stop, him and Natasha standing in front of you with similar, imploring looks. His free hand points between him and Natasha, “We’re kind of a package deal.”

[kingdaddydaichi]

NSFW Alphabet || Katsuki Bakugou

I had so much fun with this! Vodka may or may not have been involved in the making of this little ditty. 🍸 I hope you shameless hussies enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. 😩

*Exhibit A:

(Source)

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

I feel like he gets clingy asf, but plays it off like it's something he's doing for your sake. He'll probably never admit that he feels so vulnerable after sex, but he does. If it was a rough session - which it usually is with him - he'll ask if you're okay, if you're hurt anywhere, kiss any marks he left on you - he's such a protective hero boi.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

His: he's not gonna lie, he's fully aware of how well-endowed he is. He really is proud of his cock, the way it makes you sing when he works it - and he knows how to work it okay? Favorite non-sexual body part - his arms. He works hard to keep them cut (as in lifting, not cutting). 😬

Yours: listen, Katsuki is an ass man through and through. Go ahead and tell me I'm wrong, I'm 👏🏼 not 👏🏼 listening 👏🏼. He loves to watch the subtle ripples he sends through your ass cheeks when he's driving into you from behind. Also, our big scary boomboom man appreciates a nice, thicc pair of thighs. Bonus points if they're muscular/toned - he loves the way it feels when your thighs have such a strong grip around him.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

Let's just say our boy's orgasms are explosive. He cums hard and loud, shooting long ropes of his hot seed. Consistency is about average, not too thick, not to thin, but there's a lot of it. He doesn't taste too bad - salty, but not too bitter. You're more likely to gag from the sheer volume and force of his cum hitting the back of your throat than the flavor.

His precum gets honorable mention here. It's fucking delicious. That is all.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

It took him no less than 2 years into your relationship to tell you this, and if you ever tell anyone he might actually kill you, or at the very least make your ass bleed. He hasn't gotten to the point that he's ready to try it yet, but he's not entirely opposed to the idea of you pegging him. Someday. It kinda does make his balls tingle a little just thinking about it tbh. He hasn't yet, but he thinks he might be ready to try working up to it and is really close to asking you to stick a finger in his ass and stroke his prostate. He's heard how good it feels and he's super curious to find out for himself.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Not very experienced, actually. He's only had 1 or 2 lovers before you, BUT he's determined to be #1 at everything. Couple that with how perceptive he is and you've got yourself a winner of a loverboy. He's going to make damn sure that, even if things don't work out between you two, he will always ALWAYS be the best you've ever had. No other man will outdo him, E-V-E-R.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Doggystyle all the way, baby. As stated before, he loves watching your booty jiggle every time he slams his hips against it. He gets off on spreading your ass cheeks to watch his slick-coated cock slide in and out of you. God he just loves hitting it from behind, makes his dick so fucking hard.

Bonus 2nd Favorite Position (couldn't help myself): you on your back with your ankles on his shoulders, your ass lifted off the bed, him on his knees and hugging those thick thighs of yours, keeping them closed as he reams into you. (Slight variation of this one: he leans over you, nearly folding you in half, putting you back on your shoulders with his hands pressing into the mattress beside you, angling you such that his prominent corona rubs over your g-spot as he drills down into you. 10/10 you're gonna scream his name when (not if) your liquid gushes all over him.)

Tell me the truth, am I a disgusting human being? Here are all the fucks I give:

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Bakugou is serious asf about his sex game. This is not the time to joke around or poke fun at him, understand me? If you do he will get pissed and either fuck the silly out of you, or if he's feeling particularly ruthless he'll just stop altogether and let you ache for him as punishment until you beg him for release.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

He takes care of his body, paying a lot of attention to his hygiene, which includes manscaping to keep his pubic hair trimmed and kempt. The carpet's just a shade darker than the drapes, like a honey blond. If he lets it grow out, it sticks straight out just like his head hair. It's actually kind of funny and he hates it.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

*sigh* Let's be honest. Katsuki is not the super romantic type, at least not outwardly. However, if he realizes something he's doing is hurting you - physically or emotionally - he's going to stop dead in his tracks and hold you close, push his fingers through your hair, and tell you how much he loves you and how safe you are. He can be rough and he can be an asshole, but if he thinks he's genuinely hurt you at all, he's all over you, doing everything he can to make you understand that he will never let anyone hurt you, especially not himself. Got that?

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

He doesn't jack off very often. You two share a very active sex life so he doesn't see the need to. If you have to be apart for more than a day or two, he'll rub one out. Or if the need hits him particularly hard and you're not available or in the mood, he's not above closing his eyes and reaching into his pants to wrap his thick fingers around his cock and start tugging.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Lord Baby Jesus, where do I even begin? Kinky, kinky Katsuki. This man should come with warning signs and disclaimers.

First of all, he dom asf okay? Even if he lets you play with his ass someday, he's gonna be bratty about it. He's going to top from the bottom, hashtag facts. And trust that he WILL own you afterwards to securely reestablish his dominance.

Giving and Receiving: Hair pulling. DIRTY TALK - you think he's got a potty mouth in the streets? His mouth is downright filthy between the sheets. Loves it when you dirty talk right back to him. "You love taking my fat cock, don't you princess?" "Mm yessss, fuck me, Katsuki! Your cock feels so fucking good babyyy!" He eats that shit up.

Giving Only: Degradation. Praise. Spanking. Cockwarming. Dom/sub/power play. Shibari/ropework (he tried it bc you wanted to and he fucking loved it). Creampies. Begging. Discipline. Ravishment.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Literally anywhere inside your home/homes - bed, bathroom/kitchen countertops, kitchen/dining table, office desk/chair, any piece furniture is fair game really, up against a wall, washer/dryer, the fucking floor, ugh just all the places to fuck. Not one square foot is sacred tbh.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

Wear something that showcases the curve of your butt. Doesn't have to be revealing per se, matter of fact he'll get possessive as fuck if you're showing too much skin in public. At home/privately though? He can't help himself. Dat ass tho...he is going to smack it hard enough that it stings and that's final, understand?

Tease him. You can't be obvious about it though. If he senses that you're doing it on purpose, it'll just backfire. But if you just so happen to brush against his crotch when you squeeze past him, it'll drive him crazy. Go commando in short shorts/skirt and cross your legs just so, his dick will twitch. Even better if you do shit like this in public where you know he won't act on it. But when you get home you best believe he's going to dick you down so hard, won't even bother to take said shorts or skirt off.

His ears and neck are his most sensitive erogenous zones. Whisper in his ear or kiss his neck and he's going to grit his teeth in an effort to fight back the shudder that threatens to rattle his bones.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Let's get one thing straight. Katsuki Bakugou does not share. This is non-negotiable. He will not agree to anything involving additional people - cuckolding, threesomes, orgies, exhibitionism, voyeurism (unless it's him watching you pleasure yourself - that he will gladly do, and probably start palming himself in the process).

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Loves giving and receiving. Giving puts him in full control of your pleasure, receiving makes him feel like you're worshipping his cock, which you probably are. Have you seen this man's cock? Of course you have. Gatdamn.

Y'all, Katsuki's so good at eating pussy. Like how does one get that good at eating pussy? I don't even know, but god the way he flicks his hot tongue over your precious, tiny bud before wearing it down like a fucking feed bag? It's unnatural. Like it could be his backup quirk if blowing shit up doesn't work out. You've seen the way he licks his lips when he gets excited, everyone has.* He doesn't even bother swallowing while he's feeding on you so you just be dripping in slick and saliva and he's just slurping away. It's lewd.

*See Exhibit A above.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

You already know this, but I'll say it anyway. His go-to fucking style is fast and rough, dominant and relentless, hard and dirty. But every once in a while he'll want to take you slow and deep and passionate. He'll hold you so tight in his arms and chest, you'll have to tap his shoulder sometimes to let you breathe. And he'll just roll his hips so fucking thoroughly both of you will feel every last inch, his pubic bone rubbing your clit so hard. You've told him so many times how much you love it when he makes love to you like this, but he maybe makes it a rare treat on purpose. 😈 Little shit.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Quickies are difficult for our boy. It's not that he's against them, it's just that he savors every drop of sensuality, he has a tendency to draw the pleasure out as long as possible. He can’t help it.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

The idea of having public sex turns him on, but he's only done it with you a couple of times when he was 10000% sure you wouldn't be caught. He can't risk doing anything that would tarnish his reputation and goal of becoming the #1 Hero. He might be freaky as hell, but he needs a sex scandal like an Alaskan needs a refrigerator.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

He loves you long time. He's a Taurus for fuck's sake (well, Aries/Taurus cuspie, but that just sweetens the deal). Great stamina. Grinds you down like a whetstone. Can last as long as he needs to to ensure you cum for him as many times as it takes for you to beg him to stop. If he feels himself getting too close while you're blowing him, he'll stop you and go down on you instead. If he's inside of you, he'll pull out and start kissing all over your body, sucking, nipping, licking until his urge to cum passes, then he pushes it right back in and keeps going.

If on the off-chance he does cum before you, he'll be ready to go again in about 20-30 mins. Just give him some motivation, he deserves it.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

He didn't own any toys when you first got together, but you did. He hated the idea of you using them though, especially when he's right there with you. You've since assured him that you don't want to use them to replace him, but to enhance the pleasure. So now you do use them from time to time.

The first time you managed to coax him into using a toy together, it was a small wireless bullet with a remote. When you brought it out and showed it to him, there was a wild glint in his eye. He carefully inserted the vibrator into you, his cock slowly following suit. He loved the fact that he had complete control over this thing, but later complained because the sensation of it against the head of his cock made him cum too fast. He still wants to use it sometimes though. 😏

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Oh he can be so unfair. He loves teasing you until you're begging him to put his cock inside you. He's not so much into orgasm denial per se; he just loves to hear you beg him for shit - to let you cum, to suck his dick, to stop fucking you when you're overstimmed, etc.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

Lol he's fucking LOUD! And he's going to make you cum so hard that you're screaming his fucking name. There was a time when one or both of you lived in an apartment and the neighbors would bang on the wall behind your headboard.

Shit, what sounds does he NOT make? He growls, moans, grunts, groans, yells, swears, fucks you so hard you can hear the wet sound of slapping skin, hell even the bed protests. Another reason he doesn't fuck in public - he can't stay quiet enough to be discreet about it.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Okay, as much of a wild sex beast as he is behind closed doors, he gets embarrassed so easily when your sex life is so much as hinted at around others. It's legit funny how flustered he gets about it.

If he goes into work real tired and Kirishima says, "Hey Bakubro, you look like shit this morning. You and (y/n) stay up too late?" while doing the finger in the hole gesture, Katsuki will just "Shut the fuck up, Shitty Hair, or I'll blast your ass right through that fucking wall!"

Or if you two go out together with friends and the girls are talking about sex-related stuff, Katsuki will just roll his eyes and try to ignore it. But if one of them is all "So, (y/n), does Bakugou ever like accidentally let off explosions while you're doing it?" and you wink and say, "Only when he's especially *cough* frustrated *cough*". Katsuki will go red from his neck up to his hairline and start stuttering, sparks flying from his palms. "H-hey, d-don't tell them sh-shit like that! I-it's none of their god-goddamn b-business, (y/n), what th-the f-fuck?!" Meanwhile, you and the girls are in stitches while he stomps away, just mortified, bless his heart. When you catch your breath from laughing you'll follow it up with, "Looks like tonight's gonna be one of those nights", and you all lose it again.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

As has been mentioned, Bakugou's well-endowed. I figure he's packing about 7.5-8" in length x just under 2" wide. He takes some getting used to, that's for damn sure. Oh, and he's more of a shower than a grower. Like around 6" long x 1.5" wide when flaccid. Katsuki + sweatpants/basketball shorts = swinging dick print, alright sis? Take notes, this motherfucker visibly jumps when he does, class dismissed.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Eh, he's surprisingly not ridiculously horny. Maybe a little above average sex drive? A lot of times hero work just takes it out of him and he comes home utterly exhausted and just needs a soft place to land, and you provide him with all the love and nurturing in your heart. ❤

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Depends, really, on the time of day and what type of day it's been. If it's late (like past 9pm lol) and he fought more villains than usual that day, he's probs gonna pass out pretty soon after. If it's earlier in the day - especially first thing in the morning - it gets him pumped and almost comically genki.

[fictionalmenmakemecry]

Damon Salvatore - NSFW Alphabet

Warnings: Sex, Oral, Cursing, Fetishes, Masturbation

Ever want to know the intimate details of Damon Salvatore? Well this passage explores and explains Damon's, weaknesses, turns on and secrets.

Damon Salvatore is a very sexual person, if you're not comfortable with it, I would not continue.

Requested: @proseofpandemonium

I hope you like it !

A= Aftercare (What they're like after sex)

Damon would love to see you a mess after sex. He get up from the bed and look at you, knowing you were under his control after what he just did to you. You both would be sweaty and completely out of breath. Total smell of sex in the air.

B= Body Part (Their favourite body part of their partners)

He loves your folds, you could feel him instantly relax when he would ease into you. He also appreciated your ass a lot of the time. He would gently hold your ass as you straddled him and would get you in the mood by slapping and spreading them while making out.

C= Cum (Anything to do with cum basically .. I’m disgusting person)

He was able to dominate you with a flicker of his eyes. One of his favorite things was him watching you swallow his cum as you looked up to him. Your mouth open and a clear view of where it was going to go. You couldn't deny that it got you instantly wet. The look in his eyes would be overpowering.

D= Dirty Play (Pretty Self Explanatory)

Bondage. Damon knew what you liked, he knew the pain you found pleasure in. His little sub would be eager to try new position and new restraints. Seeing you in a vulnerable position, just made him harder.

E= Experience (How experienced are they? Do they know what they’re doing?)

Damon knew exactly how to read you. He knew how to read women in general but you even more. He didn't need you to tell him you were close. He already knew. He knew how to edge you so easily, even when you were try to hide how close you were to cumming. He read you like a book and that's what made him so powerful. Your and his body were so connected, no one else would fit so perfectly inside you. He had experience so much throughout his life but was always excited to show you what he thought you would like.

F = Favorite Position

The one thing that he couldn't resist was you bent over with your ass in the air. You would fully expose your pussy as you bend over and he would speed to you without hesitation. It could happen anywhere. Whether you were in the living room, he would have you bend over on the couch with your head down on the pillow with your ass high. You would feel his gaze which made you even wetter.

G = Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humourous, etc.)

Damon was pretty serious when it came to fucking. He was definitely passionate about it. Time to time, you would tease him and it would bring out his playful side when he would see you lead him on. When you had the power, he would let you mess with him but no matter what, he couldn't resist the urge to take control at the end and exhaust both of you. He always wanted to finish on his terms.

H = Hair (How well groomed are they, does the carpet match the drapes, etc)

He was always well groomed. He loved how freeing it felt to have no hair. Nothing got in the way when he would watch you suck him off. It made everything easier, especially the cleaning up afterwards.

I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect)

Damon was a wild card when it came to sex. Sex was passionate and heated. But there's moments when he knows you would want to feel loved and cared for. He would make you dinner, and throughout the night get closer to you. He would start kissing your neck so gently. Those pure blue eyes would show how much he needed you. Every caress would show how much his touch lingered on your skin, making shivers travel up your spine.

J = Jack off (Masturbation headcanon)

One of Damon's favourite things was when he would watch you get off. He would ask you to take off your underwear and play with yourself. He would tell you that there was nothing more attractive than watching give yourself pleasure. He wouldn't be able to resist for long and and start jacking himself off. You'd both get so riled up from watching each other.

K = Kink (One or more of their kinks)

Damon has a kink for wax play. He slowly introduced you to it by getting you use to the feel of the wax on your skin. He would lay you down and watch as he poured wax on your torso, the hot temperature gave a quick sting followed with pleasure as the wax dripped down and cooled. He would get these special massage candles, of course the smell of bourbon (He wouldn't be able to resist the scent), and they would melt turning into massage oil, he would massage your neck, back and legs. He would tease your upper thigh getting closer and closer to your pussy.

L = Location (Favorite places to do the do)

Damon was a sucker for shower sex. The hot water travelling down both your bodies and steam in the air would just make the perfect atmosphere for both of you to loosen up. Especially if him and Stefan were gone for a couple of weeks. The first thing he would want when he was home was you and him in the shower. He would strip you and you both get in, your bodies pressing up against each other. You would feel his lips on yours and his hands travel down to your ass.

M = Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going)

You being a brat. Any reason you would do to go against him. You loved pressing his buttons, knowing he was going to punish you. You would tease him blatantly. You would wear that dress that was slightly too short for you to go out in public, or jeans that would be that little bit too tight. You would press up against him briefly in public, let your hand linger on his arm a second longer than you should. You would look in his eyes and see a spark behind his them. You knew he was going to have his way with you when you both got home.

N = NO (Something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Damon didn't want any of your senses blocked. Whether that was sight or sound. He wanted you to be fully aware of what you were doing. He never wanted to blindfold you, he wanted to make sure you were comfortable with what you were seeing. He didn't want to make you so vulnerable that you would get hesitant or nervous.

O = Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc)

You giving Damon head was one of the simpler things that he could never get tired of. But when it came to him eating you out, he never went half way. He wanted to learn you inside out with his tongue and fingers. He was confident about what he was doing. One of his favourite positions was when you were sitting on his face. He loved the control you had, also loved being able to keep an eye on you.

Q = Quickies (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc)

He would have a quickie when his patience would run out, that was usually out in public or friends house and you would be teasing him all day. But he would always make proper sex a real experience, making sure you were both completely satisfied and drained before getting a good night sleep, otherwise he wouldn't be able to sleep.

R = Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks?)

Damon is always trying to be risky. That was his thing in general, so anything sexual wouldn't be any different. He was open for everything when it came to adding more pleasure and closeness between you two. He would always want to try new toys and roleplay. He was even open to pegging, but that's a story for another time.

S = Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)

Damon being a vampire has its benefits, one of them being his stamina. It was clearly unhuman but he would have to be realistic when it came to you. He just wanted to keep going for as long you were comfortable with. He knew that after awhile you would get kind of raw. Which meant no sex for awhile and that wouldn't be good. He mainly focus on you. He never would want to hurt you especially when it was avoidable.

T = Toys ( Do they own any toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)

Damon found one of your toys when trying to find something, he did his typical smirk when he showed you he found it. He asked you why you kept it to yourself. You said you didn't know how he was going to react. He was clearly over the moon to know that you were open to that type of thing. Since then, you both went toy shopping and experimented. Damon being an ass man, he loved trying anal toys with you. He gets hard knowing that you gets so much pleasure from it. You've never looked back from toyless sex since.

U = Unfair (How much they like to tease)

Damon would punish you when you were being a brat. One of the ways he would punish you would be through teasing. He wasn't into any light teasing either. He wanted you to be begging for relief. You would be a mess on the bed, tied to the bed posts. You would be spread and soaked in your own sweat and juices from his persistent oral edging and fingering. Once you learned your lesson, he would give you the relief and the most intense orgasm of your life. You never learned that lesson for long mind you. You secretly loved the punishment, seeing him with that kind of power over you was irresistibly sexy.

V = Volume (How loud they are, what sounds do they make)

The room was usually filled with the sounds of Damon whispering in your ear asking if you've been a bad girl while fucking you roughly. You moaning your answers, while the bed banged against the wall. It was hard for you to be both quiet but both of you wouldn't care who would hear by the time you got to the end. Which became a problem at friends house, they would eventually hear you.

W = Wild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)

Damon was infatuated with your neck, he would nick your neck time to time and drink some of your blood while you were fucking. Learning early on, it made you orgasm harder from the rush of the minor blood loss. After he would indulge himself, he would kiss your neck and then cut his wrist, giving you his blood so you would heal from it. He was in control of it and knew you were in no danger. Plus, he enjoyed the taste of you immensely. When you saw his eyes turn dark and red, you knew what was coming, and getting excited for it instantly.

X = X-ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants, picture or words)

Damon was known for being good at sex, yes skill plays a big part but, the equipment is just as important. He knew how to use his length, he had a lot of it and knew he had to be careful with women that weren't as open to sex as he was. It took awhile for you to get use to his dick but now nothing else will do.

Y = Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

Unrealistically high, let's just leave it at that.

Z = Zzz (How quickly they fall asleep)

Knowing that Damon has made you shake with pleasure and cry out his name. He will easily drift off to sleep no problem. You resting your head on his chest, he would stroke your hair as he listened to your heart beat slow down to a rest rate.

[nrth-wind-a]

[for fashion!skrael: how did you first get into fashion? is there any particular philosophy that motivates your designs? how do you keep your inspiration? for frankie: what's it like to be behind the scenes of shows? how does it compare to jobs you've worked in the past? :v]

Skrael:

1. How did you first get into fashion?

Skrael grinned. “Ah, my mother used to leave that reality television show Project Runway on for background noise, and a very small version of me seemed to have taken the lessons to heart; I used to draw out the failed designs from every episode, with my own ‘improvements.’ Eventually, my mother noticed enough that she bought me a sketchbook for my... oh, I believe it was eighth birthday? I nearly filled the thing not months later, and it... rather took hold, I suppose.” He chuckled. “Though, I would say that it was my high school art teacher who really started encouraging me to pursue it more strongly. She allowed my final projects to be the clothing I designed for homework sketch practice. It was great experience for my fashion school applications.”

“...I suppose, going back to the very earliest start, though, the first person who should be credited with my interest in fashion should be the great Tim Gunn himself. Without his presence, I doubt Project Runway would have been quite as interesting.”

2. Is there any particular philosophy that motivates your designs?

“Everyone wants to express themselves; I like making clothing for those who seek to express themselves in the ways they are told not to.” 

3. How do you keep your inspiration?

Skrael hummed, thinking about the question for a moment. “I... suppose, similarly to what I said about my motivation; those who enjoy my designs-- the gothic, the alternative, the punk-- they encourage me to keep going. They inspire me.”

His face turned mischievous, “Not to mention... a little bit of spite, too, never hurt,” and he gave a wink.

Frankie: 

1. What’s it like to be behind the scenes of shows?

Frankie gave a hearty laugh, running his hand through his cropped green hair, “Oh man, you ever been on a boat during a sea storm? ‘S’like that, but I get the unique pleasure of keepin’ others from hurlin’ themselves into the storm to make it worse. I don’t usually get directly involved, though; I’m more supposed to watch the door and keep out anyone who isn’t on official business. So, I guess to go off that boat metaphor, I’m like the guy in the lighthouse who has to watch the storm, and only sometimes sees the spray of a wave flyin’ at me.” 

“Although, with Skrael and Bellroc-- my most loyal clients-- I think that metaphor goes out the window, ‘cause I definitely get splashed by waves then. Those two are very good at what they do, and I wouldn’t say they’re difficult to work with. But y’know Meryl Streep’s character in Devil Wears Prada? ...Yeah. They could probably be besties with her, if they could ever manage to hold a civil conversation for once.” His smile gave away that he wasn’t so much complaining, as he was making a friendly joke. “But anyway, they’re not abjectly assholes-- except, y’know, to each other-- so it’s not like I get drowned when I work for them, or anything. They just... are very entertaining sometimes. You know it’s never gonna be a basic or easy show with them. Adds some excitement to life; keeps ya on your toes.”

“Which, I think kinda ties into that second question there.”

2. How does it compare to other jobs you’ve worked in the past?

“Working fashion shows, I gotta be honest, is actually some of the more exciting stuff I’ve done in my life. Before this, I did nightshift security work-- never really had anything truly crazy happen there-- and some odd jobs where I could take ‘em. Construction projects, yard work when I was a younger college kid tryin’ to get by. Nothin’ quite as glamorous as my current field. I got into the fashion business through my nightshift security experience, y’see; I started needed work during the day, cause pullin’ nightshifts five days out of seven started to wear after a while, so I looked into what jobs I could take that were still in the security field, and, honestly, I didn’t even specifically look for the fashion industry-- it kinda grabbed my hand and yanked, y’know?”

“As for how it differs... I mean, for one thing, most of the shows are during the day, so I get to sleep through the night, now. The pay’s a little better, especially when Skrael and Bellroc get involved; just the same way those two bump up the excitement. I don’t always have a regular shift anymore, but I get to stream video games as a side hobby that sometimes pays through donations, so I appreciate getting to do that when I can. Overall, it’s just been a pretty nice gig, so I’d say I enjoy it more than past jobs, too. Plus-- I’ll tell ya what, some of those designers are chronic gossips-- I’ve heard so much celebrity drama that didn’t go public, I could probably write my own book about it all. I would never, of course-- confidentiality is a key part of my job-- but, y’know. ‘S’still fun to listen to.” 

[fairycosmos]

3. I know i have to 'get out there' but it's hard when you've felt your whole life that nobody likes you. i literally only have one friend. i just feel really hopeless... i feel like im not meant for this kind of life, everything feels wrong and like im waiting for something's never gonna come, some kinda magic. i want of life of adventure and paint and write but instead i have to study because i'd feel like a loser w/o an education. i dont mind working i just dont want to study.

hey love, i'm really sorry to hear that. i think it's totally normal to be disappointed and even more so to be unsure about your future - it's not an indicator of failure, it's a natural part of growing up and finding your place in the world. i'm probably ignorant and don't know what it's like to actually be in your shoes, so i apologize if i come across as frustrating at some points. this is just my perspective. but i'm wondering if maybe taking more time away is an option for you? maybe working somewhere, focusing on your mental health for a while.... because the thing is your level of education has nothing to do with your worth as a person, and even more than that, there's no set time scale for this sort of thing. you could go back to college at 35, and it wouldn't matter. your life doesn't have to follow that stereotypical linear trajectory we're all forced to chase, in order for you to find happiness and success. and you don't have to justify your own personal choices to anyone, least of all to yourself. i just think it's important to try to focus on the factors of living that are in your control, that will bring you a sense of stability and peace. i know it's hard to let go of the internalised capitalistic idea of having to prove yourself through academia and getting a 'good job', but it's always useful to remind yourself of just how exploitative and made up that entire construct is. you're here and you're experiencing the world and with that you are fulfilling your point, you are doing enough. you are enough. everything else is background noise, that we're forced to muddle through, but background noise nonetheless. you don't need anyone's permission to prioritize your own needs and wants.

however, if you're dead set on studying this topic you don't like (which, i totally understand why you'd make that choice bc i know it's not that simple), then i reckon it's alright to just let yourself feel shitty for a while. any sadness, anger, disappointment, pain you feel about it is to be expected - and even though it fuckin sucks to have to carry it, its intensity definitely won't last. one way or another, you will adapt and so will your ability to cope. just don't use those emotions as an excuse to engage in self destructive behaviour, cause that'll only perpetuate the cycle and keep you in a dark place. having to force ourselves to do shit we hate is always going to feel like an everlasting burden we're never going to escape from, even if that's not the case in reality. and i had a lot of experience with that in school too - the main tactic i can remember making a difference, was like you said, finding little things to make the weight of it more bearable. i think that often starts first and foremost with our own mental health before anything else, because it controls the filter through which we see the world. if you don't like it in yourself you won't like it anywhere. when it comes to your social anxiety, are you receiving any support/would you be open to that? i think consistently seeing someone while you're in school - whether that's a counselor, a therapist, attending a support group or even just calling a hotline to begin with - could really help you manage the stress you're so afraid is waiting for you. having someone to talk to and learning why you are the way you are, and what tools could help you specifically in terms of coping mechanisms and finding a support network can honestly do wonders for your self esteem and the way you approach others. and of course it takes time, maybe that brand of self care is a lifelong process, but it's still important to engage with it. so balancing school with prioritizing your own wellbeing might be something that lightens the weight of the experience. anxiety tends to have us anticipating worst case scenarios and drawing on old insecurities to convince us we'll be alone and in pain forever, but what you've been through is truly not a mirror image of where you're going. making friends especially as an adult is fuckin hard, and struggling with it doesn't mean there's something irreparably wrong with you. just means it's hard to get to know ppl, but that's not a personal failing on your part. it's just a fact. most of them are too worried about their own 'flaws' to take note of yours. but that doesn't mean there aren't ppl out there you haven't met yet who will love you, even if that's hard to believe rn. also a side note, it could be a good idea to build up a routine where you're engaging in something that actively makes you happy at least a few times a week. can literally just be watching netflix, or taking up a hobby, meditating, going for a walk - i know college is v busy and it may not always be possible, but having small pockets of deliberate down time to look forward to is crucial. im not saying it'll cure everything or anything, just that it might make it all feel less overwhelming. but lastly, i want to say that it's ok if you give it a go and then decide you can't do it. that's an option, too. it doesn't have to be black and white. don't fault yourself for not wanting to spend 3 years doing something you hate, but also know that it's possible to get through it if it's a means to an end for you, especially if you seek the help you need. and whichever choice you go with, neither of them are 'wrong.' it's just your path.

anyway, i'm sorry this got super long. i think discussing it with someone you trust might be a good move, just to know that they have your back whether you work through uni or not. you're honestly doing so much better than you realize and i'm proud of you for continuing to try and strive despite how painful it all is. but i really hope that you can catch yourself when your brain is being unnecessarily unkind to you, and that you can then make the conscious choice to change the narrative and approach it from a place of patience and self appreciation. i think your life is still worth living even if it doesn't match up to where you think you should be, which is something i've been trying to accept lately too. that so much is beyond our control and we can literally only focus on the silver linings of the factors that are in our hands. that we can still be okay, living like that. and none of this is permanent, not the way it often seems like it is, but especially not the confusion. it just takes time to live the answers to all the existential questions you have. take it a day at a time. ANYWAY im rooting for you with all my heart and if you want to talk about this properly feel free to message me!! my overarching point is that you're not as alone as you feel. and you won't be in college, and you won't be if you look for work instead. so many of us understand where you're coming from. much love to you, take care 💗💗

[loseyoutoloveme]

can you do a rundown/review of every song on folklore like you've done for selena? and what your current top 5 are??

considering this is officially one of my top 3 favourite albums ever i’m v happy to 😌! warning, absolutely every single song will be ranked 10/10

thank for wanting to know my thoughts :( i can’t believe anybody would volunteer to read this JDNSKSDJKDS

first of all, my top 5 is probbbbably gonna change (maybe not tho bc my lover top 5 hasn’t really changed a lot), but for now, i think it’s: august > seven > mad woman > illicit affairs > mirrorball

THE 1:

ngl my very first thought was that it reminded me of same love by macklemore skdjdskjdskjsd but not in a bad way!

literally some of the prettiest lyrics, i knew just from this song that this would top red as her best lyrically (best album in general)

honestly just rly sad and sweet and one of those songs that has such a universal sound i feel?

also the simplest song of the album lyrically (also not in a bad way, just like objectively this is the easiest subject matter on the album with the least opaque lyrics), so a really good opener

best lyrics: “we never painted by the numbers baby but we were making it count/you know the greatest loves of all time are over now” and “we were something don’t you think so/roaring twenties tossing pennies in the pool/and it my wishes came true it would’ve been you”

a cute girl, 10/10

CARDIGAN:

i was surprised by the darkish sound of this one

idk what that like clanking sound in the background is but i find it a lil distracting in the first half of the song - but if i ever find out what it is and it has some symbolic meaning/purpose for being there (i assume it does) i’ll accept it sdjknsd

i love the nostalgia that is so present in like almost every song on this album :(

also the music video is stunning and frames the entire album in the most interesting way, metaphor-wise

best lyrics: “i knew you’d linger like a tattoo kiss/knew you’d haunt all of my what-ifs/the smell of smoke would hang around this long/cause i knew everything when i was young/i knew i’d curse you for the longest time/chasin’ shadows in the grocery line/i knew you’d miss me when the thrill expired/and you’d be standing in my front porch light/and i knew you’d come back to me”

10/10

THE LAST GREAT AMERICAN DYNASTY:

love this one bc it’s like a nice lil exhale in an album filled with angst, like it’s cute and boppy without being aggressive

i’m suddenly absolutely obsessed with rebekah harkness, particularly the “bitch pack” thing and her dyeing someone’s dog green

i love taylor’s storytelling and i love how that’s always been a big part of her approach to songwriting. this is taylor at her best narration, like starlight but so much better. this is a type of songwriting that is so underused these days, esp by mainstream artists and i love so much that she has always used it and been so invested in it

the pronoun change made me screech. sooo goooood

taylor’s obv a deeply autobiographical artist which is why it’s so incredible to hear her tell OTHER people’s stories and somehow make them so her own. like i think it’s mostly the english major in me that just gets so emotional over that...... the way that other people’s stories became our own through the way we tell them......

this song is def the one that is most explicit about the album’s theme of telling stories but ones that tell something about her (and about her listeners too), by switching to personal pronouns at the end. it sets up a pattern for the rest of the album, where each song is about one thing (the actual story she’s telling) but also about a bunch of other things.

a good example of why she’s the greatest songwriter of this generation

best lyrics: “there goes the maddest woman this town has ever seen/she had a marvelous time ruining everything”

10/10

EXILE:

bon iver’s voice was a full shock to the system the first time i listened and idk why sdkjnds it is just so deep and i was not at all expecting it esp after the cuteness of tlgad

anyway these lyrics are GORGEOUS

i love a duet where the 2 singers’ lyrics are meant to be directed at each other. is there a word for that type of duet idk but it always makes a duet infinitely better

the miscommunication exemplified in the bridge...... chef’s kiss heartbreaking

out of all the songs this is the one that makes me feel the most like i am in the middle of a forest in winter. i can already picture myself listening to this song in december with the sound of a crackling fire in the background mmmmmmmm my exact vibe

best lyrics: “you’re not my homeland anymore/so who am i defending now?/you were my town, now i’m in exile seeing you out” and “i’m not your problem anymore/so who am i offending now?”

10/10

MY TEARS RICOCHET:

this chorus BRRROOOOKE ME

writing songs presumably about the masters situation and framing them as breakup songs was absolutely galaxy brain

i feel like the image of tears ricocheting has like a million layers to it and is just suuuuch a smart metaphor

also just such a visually rich song ? so is every song on the album but the metaphors of this song are all just so visual

best lyrics: “i didn’t have it in myself to go with grace/and you’re the hero flying around saving face/and if i’m dead to you why are you at the wake?” and “i can go anywhere i want/anywhere i want, just not home”

10/10

MIRRORBALL:

ok so i did like this one on first listen, i loved absolutely everything on first listen, but it didn’t hit my top 5 until like 8 listens later, so it’s def a big grower and i think could be a huge fan fav by next year

the self-awareness in her writing will never fail to amaze me

the way that life is just performing...... yeah

but it’s crazy to me that a person could be like “i’m a compulsive people pleaser and performer and i’ll do anything to get ppl to like me” and that leads to “i am a disco ball” like ???? her brain is so big. it’s such a gorgeous metaphor.... and the circus imagery AHHHHH

best lyrics: “i’m still on that tightrope/i’m still trying everything to get you laughing at me/i’m still a believer but i don’t know why/i’ve never been a natural, all i do is try try try/i’m still on that trapeze/i’m still trying everything to keep you looking at me” and “i can change everything about me to fit in”

10000/10

SEVEN:

this one simply rips my heart out

at first i was like oh this is so weird and then the chorus just would not leave my head

for me personally, nostalgia is literally 90% of my personality and just for so many personal reasons the thought of childhood ending and all of the growing pains that come along with that have been at the forefront of my psyche for the past year. so it just kills me whenever i find a song like this one and it kills me that taylor specifically has several songs about this topic and this is 100000% the best of them all. like it’s the most beautiful experience to have your thoughts and feelings and fears expressed so perfectly by a total stranger, and that’s rly what art is about and i love taylor for doing that for me and millions of other people

i just feel like this song brings up so many vivid beautiful memories of childhood for so many people, like being outside in the summer and screaming and being free. ugh

the pause after “i hit my peak at seven” before completing the phrase........ OOOOOOOOOF IT HITS TOO HARD

and sound-wise, just so off-beat and cool and unique

best lyrics: “i hit my peek at seven/feet in the swing across the creek” and “are there still beautiful things?” and “love you to the moon and to saturn/passed down like folk songs/the love lasts so long” and “before i learned civility/i used to scream ferociously/any time i wanted”

100000000000/10

AUGUST:

i knew immediately that this would be my favourite tbh like i could sense it the second it began

i wrote my first impression thoughts in my journal and you can tell the exact moment i got to the bridge bc i just started screaming sdnjksdkjsdn

i would 100% get a tattoo that said “to live for the hope of it all”

everything about this song is LITERALLY flawless like i have.......no notes......no thoughts.......it’s just an absolutely perfect song

best lyrics: “back when we were still changing for the better/wanting for was enough/for me it was enough/to live for the hope of it all" and “august sipped away like a bottle of wine/cause you were never mine”

100000000000000000000000000/10

THIS IS ME TRYING:

this song is rly good but i keep forgetting it exists omg :/ once i learn all of the lyrics i’ll appreciate her more

the strings are gorgeous

i was rly surprised that this one was done with jack instead of aaron just bc the bridge of this sounds SOOOO the national

these lyrics could be interpreted in so many different ways depending on the listener’s experiences and that’s beautiful

best lyrics: “i was so ahead of the curve/the curve became a sphere/fell behind all my classmates and i ended up here” and “it’s hard to be at a party when i feel like an open wound/it’s hard to be anywhere these days when all i want is you/you’re a flashback in a film reel on the one screen in my town”

10/10

ILLICIT AFFAIRS:

that soft high note on “down,” “stop,” etc is sooooo nice

i don’t have many thoughts on it, it’s just so soft, SOOOOOO gorgeous instrumentally and lyrically

best lyrics: “it’s born from just one single glance/but it dies and it dies and it dies/a million little times” and “don’t call me kid, don’t call me baby/look at this godforsaken mess that you made me/you showed me colours you know i can’t see with anyone else” and “you taught me a secret language i can’t speak with anyone else/and you know damn well/for you i would ruin myself/a million little times”

100000/10

INVISIBLE STRING:

like i said about tlgad, this is a nice little break from all the angst and pain and anger sdnjksdnskjsd just a sweet little break to remind u there are good things in the world too. so placed really well in the tracklist imo

super super super super cute chorus

so many pretty melodies

absolutely an autumn song btw

best lyrics: “time, mystical time/cutting me open, then healing me fine”

10/10

MAD WOMAN:

i literally lost my mind listening to this for the first time

i have such a thing for scorned women anthems like i will immediately love it whatever it is

the pure rage when she says “cause you took everything from me” gives me full body chills

it is just so eerie and haunting and perfect

best lyrics: “women like hunting witches too/doing your dirtiest work for you/it’s obvious that wanting me dead/has really brought you two together” and “every time you call me crazy i get more crazy/what about that?” and “good wives always know/she should be mad, should be scathing like me/but no one like a man woman”

1000000/10

EPIPHANY:

i find this one so hard to listen to but it’s absolutely beautiful and devastating and so heavily relevant for i think the whole world rn

the heart monitor and the trumpets tying both of the topics in together is so genius and so heartbreaking

i think will be the sygb of folklore where it makes everybody cry so much that it becomes a skip despite being a beautiful song

best lyrics: “something med school did not cover/someone’s daughter, someone’s mother” and “some things you just can’t speak about”

10/10

BETTY:

first of all THE HARMONICA

this made me so happy bc it’s just so debut and so fearless and it made me SOOOOO nostalgic on my first listen, because it really felt to me like i was getting to listen to a song from debut or fearless for the very first time again

it’s just so sweet and cute and simple and yet another very self-aware moment of looking back to her past material/subject matter

best lyrics: “would you have me? would you want me?/would you tell me to go fuck myself/or lead me to the garden?” and “i’m only seventeen, i don’t know anything/but i know i miss you”

10/10

PEACE:

the bass at the beginning is soooooo nice

this miiiiiight be the strongest song on the album lyrics-wise but idk yet

not much to say, it’s just so gorgeous

best lyrics: “i’m a fire and i’ll keep your brittle heart warm/if your cascade ocean wave blues come/all these people think love’s for show/but i would die for you in secret” and “would it be enough if i could never give you peace?” and “i talk shit with my friends, it’s like i’m wasting your honour”

10/10

HOAX:

i have a feeling this one will be underrated/underappreciated bc it’s just simple and dark and the last song, but this is....... a lyrical masterpiece

i feel like i need to be playing this on vinyl with all of the lights off and just a candle burning yknow, like there’s just something so dark and ancient about it

best lyrics: “my winless fight/this has frozen my ground” and “your faithless love’s the only hoax i believe in/don’t want no other shade of blue but you/no other sadness in the world would do” and “you knew it still hurt underneath my scars/from when they pulled me apart/but what you did was just as dark/darling this was just as hard”

10/10

OVERALL: 10000000000/10 literally one of the best albums i have ever heard and (while i wouldn’t put it past her to top it) absolutely the best work of her career. so complex and layered and emotional and painful and genuine and different. not to get ahead of myself but this is/should be considered her blue, her rumours, her abbey road....... god. can’t wait to listen to this album for the rest of my life and play it for my future children and just watch it live on as the greatest work of one of the most important artists of the 21st century

[leondraisaitlsglove]

hey i just recently got into the oilers (after living in Edmonton most of my life, which is kinda wild) and I was wondering how you've met Drai so many times, and like how the whole signing thing works- do you have to pay money? Is it like a meet and greet? and if so, are there any coming up? I'm hella new to this so thanks!!

Hey!! Welcome to the club! (this got v long and made me reminisce so hard wow im sorry) 

Most signing events are usually free, but never sponsored by the Oilers directly. It’s always either some dealership in the city (Ford, Dodge, GMC, Harley Davidson. just follow all the ford dealerships on facebook at least) or That one time Drai was at some connivence store in October? Talbot and Nuge have been at the Stollery lottery show home that happens in September. 

These events are promoted usually through social media, directly from the place hosting the event. Tickets usually aren’t involved, but hey this is edmonton and edmontonians love their hockey. for any of these events, get there early. 

In the last year 2 years I’ve met, Nuge, Talbot, Nurse, Lucic, Drai, Russell because of these events. 

BUT The season seat holder signing is MY favorite event of the year. happens in January (countdown is two weeks!) (tickets are you have to look on kijiji for someone selling theirs. there is no other way for this) 

This event is UTTER chaos and I fucking love it. 

It’s essentially you line up a in ford hall and wait till the event starts at 6pm. (the last two years ive gotten there at like 7am and hung out with a lot of lovely people its becoming a yearly tradition. ( last year me and some of the guys were given a tennis ball by security and we played catch for almost two hours in ford hall. It was amazing. ) 

Everyone there is pretty well there for Mcdavid’s signature. His contract with upper deck makes him so limited to how many things he can sign. And he is Edmonton’s hockey saviour and the /guy/ so it would be more chaos if he did signings elsewhere that weren’t as regulated as this. So this is the event you need to be at to get his autograph or meet him really, ever. 

So inside the concourse of Rogers, all the players have stations set up around the rink. There are 5? levels at rogers and you have NO CLUE where anyone is because they dont give u a map till the event starts. It’s literally the hunger games to get Connor Mcdavids signature. 

first year I was 20th? in line to meet Davo. second year I was 2nd in line for Drai’s (cause we fucked up and ran up 4 flights of stairs and were on the wrong side then had to run around the whole concourse on the suite level to be in the right line up dsljfdk @ikeatwins776) 

the event goes for 2 hours and you mad dash from line to line on different levels of rogers to meet as many players as possible. (I’ve met six players each year, with staying even after the goal horn has gone) ALSO you bring your own things to get signed but they also have cards there you can get signed too. 

it’s a fucking RUSH. I love every damn second of it. You can scroll through my tags. 2017 & 2018 

this was really long and alot of info. There’s so much more I could go in great detail about cause I am hardcore about this stuff (autograph/collection haul anyone?) but seriously, please dont feel like you can’t message me on or off anon or on IM. I don’t know everything but I can vouch for my experiences and give some kind of guidance at least :) cheers x 

*edit this sounds so braggy as i read it back now and IM SORRY I swear it isnt like that. I just dont know how to answer these questions without sounding like im bragging and IM not. im very lucky and grateful and appreciative. I would invite you all to these thing with me if I could.

[livelivefastfree]

100% need a masterpost of your fics cause you've been drawing them and I love everything. But recs would be appreciated too!!

ALRIGHTY THEN.  One……VERY large post of my fics and my Motorcity recs, coming up.  ^v^  50+ fics for y’all’s consumption.

Let’s start with my fics, because I know them better, haha.

–

Save A Horse, Ride A Dragon

One of my fav fics I’ve done to date in any fandom.  Mike is a mercenary dragon trapped in the shape of a human, wandering the Michigan wastes in post-apocalyptic magical America, when he and his Burners get an offer from the mysterious Lord Vanquisher.  T+ at this point for suggestive moments and makeouts. Polyburners/Muckles.  Warnings for the Duke being The Worst, and for Mike being the DUMBEST oblivious thirst-lizard.

The Officer Present//Director Absent series (AKA Live Free and Welcome To The Kane Co Family)

A love letter to the Season 2 that never was, co-written by me and my twin sister toastyhat/HeatedHeadwear!  :D  Live Free chronicles the appearance of a new, menacing super-soldier in Motorcity, the shadowy machinations that led to his appearance and an overarching plan from Kane that could destroy Motorcity–once and for all!!!!!!  Welcome to the Kane Co Family starts shortly after the fallout from the first, with both cities struggling to come to terms with their new reality–but the world is changing and there are new threats on all sides, and if they thought their status quo changed in the first fic, BOY THEY’VE GOT A BIG STORM COMING!! >8Dc  Also Julie punches multiple people and generally kicks ass, it’s fabulousBoth fics are gen, they’re both rated T+ for violence, Evil Science, angst, etc.  Warnings for copious Deluxe worldbuilding, egregious amounts of backstory, a couple OCs I’ve been reliably informed are extremely fun, and chapter titles in the style of anime episode titles, because why not.  :D

Supersynesthesiac

Originally created solely to fill a prompt from a sexy prompt generator, this fic and the world it’s set in both spiralled wildly out of control, and a much more plot-heavy sequel is in the works.  Supersynesthesiac follows Mike Chilton, a vigilante superhero in Detroit Of The Future, as he finally meets his elusive, telepathic partner Blonde Thunder under the most dramatic circumstances possible.  Rated M for psychic makeouts, mind-melding and also there’s sex happening, probably.  It’s not nearly as lovingly described as the mind-meld porn going on in the foreground.  Polyburners is happening in the background, but this fic is basically entirely Muckles.  Warnings for Red being awful.

Rest In Pieces (Come Apart)

Mike is getting entirely out of control, and needs to burn off energy before he can get himself (and everybody else) in trouble again.  Fortunately his gang has a Plan.Rated M for sweet, loving and totally relentless polyburners gangbang.  Warnings for everybody being absolute dorks.  Also bondage and edging, if that’s not your thing. UoU

Werewolves Of Detroit

A series of vignettes exploring the world of Mike Chilton, rogue ex-commander werewolf, his vampire best friend, his highly unconventional pack, and the world they live in. EVERY section is illustrated and I’m very proud.Rated T+, mostly gen with mentions of Dutch/Tennie.  Warnings for Kane being a huge bigot, mentions of KaneCo-mandated surgery, and Texas being an asshole about vampires.   

Exposure Therapy 

Mike has a cool idea for a cool present for his cool boyfriend to totally cure Chuck’s fear of going fast in Mutt.  Rated M for dumb, fluffy smut and implied sex toys.  Warnings for unsafe driving practices.

Kiss And Tell

Somebody came into my askbox and suggested polyburners–but the rest of the city doesn’t know that’s their relationship, just that SOME configuration of Burners is together, and it seems to change CONSTANTLY.   Rated T+ for vaguely-implied possible sex at some point off-screen.  Warnings for nothing, this fic is a perfect warm fluffy representation of my poly-burner feelings and I love it.

Wreck

A little snapshot from an AU I’m not really planning to flesh out–I mostly wanted to capture a certain kind of bittersweet emotional conflict.  Chuck’s doing his best to keep his head down and live through college when a face he hasn’t seen since The Accident shows up at his door.  Vaguely Muckles-ish.  Rated T+ for reference to a nasty car accident and the aftermath, warnings for Kane being, just, Not A Good Dad.  

Override 0

Not exactly an AU, more of a speculative fic about the Burners finding out that Chuck’s enhancements go a lot further than just the weapons systems in his arms.  A realization prompted, of course, by the Duke of Detroit’s thirst for drama.  T+, no pairings.  Warnings for, in the words of AO3′s tag system, “#Loss Of Limbs”, mind control via brain-hacking, and mentions of unethical scientific/surgical procedures.

So Real In The Dark

I challenged myself to write people pining for each other while simultaneously being in a relationship, and a sci-fi AU with an artificial amnesia hookup service turned out to be the solution.  Half a fic about boys being incredibly dumb, and half a fic about trauma, bigotry, coping mechanisms and communication, and how you can love somebody and know them incredibly well and still not really understand them.  Explicit, Muckles, background Dutch/Tennie and Claire/Julie.  Warnings for brief stranger danger, aphrodisiacs, more poor treatment of cyborgs, and emotional gut-punch.

 –Stuff I Post About That Isn’t Posted/Finished Yet–

Burnerswap

A universe where the Burners are grown-up villains, and the former villains of the canon series are our new teenage heroes.  They’re dysfunctional and weird, but they’re doing their best to protect the clean, orderly, shining city of Deluxe from the gangs and bots and nasty, climbing bots that Ms. Kane sends up from the city below.  UoU  Likely to be rated T+ if I ever post it. Not much in the way of pairings except Ms. Kane’s right and left-hand man are VERY married and VERY tragic because you know I gotta fit Muckles in there.  

–Collab Fic / Gift Fic–

Chilton 2.0 by me and LaughingStones

The Kane Co. super-soldier program needs a volunteer, and who better to be superhumanly enhanced than the rising star of the Security program, Commander Chilton?  He’d never betray Kane Co, or need to have his brain overridden!  There’s no way this project can possibly go wrong!  Rated M for some pretty fucked-up treatment of cyborgs, and also for sexy future reasons. Warnings for Mike getting really messed up physically, emotionally and psychologically by bad programming and free-will overrides, and also for dumb boys stumbling awkwardly through impromptu sex-ed together.  Muckles.

i’m not the same kid from your memory by roachpatrol and also I helped

Kane Co. captures Chuck and manages to do some nasty shit to his brain before the Burners come and re-capture him.  Chuck does NOT appreciate being held captive by Burner Scum.  Emotions!!! Angst!!!!!  …it’s rated T+ on AO3 but there’s sex so just, be aware of that.  UoU  Muckles!

Experiments In Cross-Species Makeouts by LaughingStones

This one is very hard to explain, because Jem and I like to bounce of each other’s AUs and fics and write derivative fics of fics–there’s an OC in the Live Free/Welcome To The Kane Co Family universe who has what is essentially a nasty brainy kismessisitude/hate-love relationship (not fully explored in the fic, but very fleshed out in my mind, haha) with Chuck.  And this is….those two, but with the races/species from Werewolves of Detroit.  So…supernatural AU Chuck/OC hate-sex.  M, obviously.  Warnings for vampires getting drunk on siren blood and Live Free/WttKCF spoilers.

Recalibration Nation by HeatedHeadwear

!!!! A fic for my picture of Chuck as the Duke’s cyborg bodyguard, because toasty is great.  A+ hurt/comfort and recovery and bittersweet life-goes-on vibe, aslkfjsadf I love it.  T+, no pairings, warnings for anxiety/panic attacks, ear trauma, violence, emotions.

Proper Disposal Of Project Materials by LaughingStones

A scene in Chilton 2.0 I didn’t get to write; Chuck is a Failed Project, and Kane Co. has no used for Failed Projects.  Fortunately, the techs he grew up working with have his back.  T+ for (yet again) unethical treatment of cyborgs.  

Making Friends The Superhero Way by LaughingStones

Set before Supersynesthesiac; Mike’s good at his superhero job, but sometimes everybody needs help.  In this case, help just happens to have cat ears.  Gen, rated G.  Warnings for trouble breathing and also Mike being a doofus.

The Space Shenanigans series by LaughingStones and roachpatrol 

Loosely related to/based on the Forget Me Not, but set much later.  I’m not sure FMN is going to be poly or not, but these fics are inspired-by, so they go in this section. :D  The various sexy shenanigans of space-captain Mike, cyborg Chuck and Julie the terrifying space princess.  M for sexy shenanigans.  Warnings for (acted/fake) dubcon for the benefit of an asshole, and…..just various sexual shenanigans, I would check the warnings on the fics, haha.  :D

–Aaaaaand some non-me recs!–

(((I’m going to have to speed through these a little bit more, but I love them also, this post is just getting VERY long)))

All Steamed Up by Gumbridge 

Gen, G: coffeeshop AU, technically. Chuck would REALLY like a new espresso machine, he has done the MATH, it’s GOOD BUSINESS, MIKE!!!!!

Artificial Nocturne by Icka M. Chif (mischif)

Gen, T+: Mike accidentally trespasses on the territory of a mysterious guy who calls himself “Hound”.  Mike immediately sets about pushing past the emotional barrier of standoffishness and the physical barrier of giant, repurposed KaneCo HOUNDbots, and ends up with two awesome new friends out of the deal.  (The “Chuck is a constantly-terrified badass with an army of bots” AU)

Atlas and Copernicus by charcoalmink

Gen, G: A piece about how Kane can think of Mike and Julie both as his children, but feel so completely different about them.  Hurts so good, ahhh ToT

Behind The Throne by intravenusann

Duke/No. 2, Explicit: Number 2 would never really leave.  But sometimes it’s nice to be reminded why she stays.  

Bittersweet by EnsignCelery

Gen, G: Sometimes they get stressed.  Sometimes you just gotta lie down and cuddle.

Chicken Soup For The Burner Soul by renquise

Gen, G: Mike’s immunity boosters start to wear off and he goes down like a tree.  Good old-fashioned soft sickfic hurt/comfort.

Constantinople And Timbuktu / By(zantine) Any Other Name by (orphan_account)

Mike/Chuck, G: oh my god, this fic is strange to explain but so fun?? Historical AU–Chuck’s an orphan who ended up a body-double for russian royalty in like 1500, until he ends up kind of ambiguously kidnapped by a Tatar horseman who doesn’t speak his language but has a really nice smile and a fun come-and-go family of other riders from other countries.  In the words of the author, “ [the Russian nomad!au] “

Degreaser by Gumbridge

Claire/Julie, T+: Claire can tolerate getting dirty down in Motorcity, but it has to be under the right circumstances. Julie provides those circumstances.

I Thought You Were Dead by Caligraphunky

Gen, G: Jacob thought all the androids he created for KaneCo were scrapped.  But here’s unit CHUCK, back again.

In The Lost Age Where The Jewels Hide by roachpatrol and LaughingStones

Chuck (Lord Vanquisher)/Mike (Smiling Dragon), Explicit:  The LARPing group plays WAY crazier games than Mike is used to, but he could really get used to in-character Never Have I Ever if it always ends with stuff like this.  WOW.  Sex is GREAT.

Loaded Up And Truckin’ by RaccoonDoom 

Gen, T+: Smokey And The Bandit AU–AKA Jacob has a truck and uses it to run illegal goods; Mike and Chuck run interference and keep the cops off his tail.  Trucker AU, heyyyy. :D

Love Free by Prim_the_Amazing 

Multi/Polyburners, G: KaneCo has the algorithms, the expertise, they determine the most perfect possible partner.  So what do you do when the person KaneCo chooses isn’t the person you wanted?

Never Quite Thought We Could Lose It All by LaughingStones

Mike/Chuck, Explicit: It’s not weird for a KaneCo tech to have a huge blank spot in their memory, but it is unusual for one of their childhood friends to show up at their cubicle dressed as a physical relief technician, looking stressed and desperate and acting like Chuck should know him.  Warning for implied/referenced noncon.

The Obligatory Fantasy AU series by LaughingStones 

Mike/Chuck, G/T: Chuck’s a Mage On A Mission, and he’s not going to be derailed by the fact that his bodyguard is definitely a dragon who definitely considers Chuck his beautiful, golden-haired treasure.

our guts can’t be reworked by roachpatrol

Mike/Julie, Chuck/Mike, T+: Mike finds out he’s bisexual in the most confusing possible way: BODY-SWITCHING.  

Pyrrhic Victory by Clementine

Mike/Chuck, G: I live for Mike and Chuck LARPing dramatic emotional scenes and being dumb, dorky boys and that’s what this is, and I LOVE it. 

Quiet by deanon

Mike/Chuck, Explicit:  Mike makes the mistake of wondering about Chuck and sex and being noisy, and get catapulted abruptly into terrible, flustered pining.

Quit or Retry by Caligraphunky

Gen, T+: a really short but really nicely done piece that slowly illuminates more and more of a single scene until you get the full picture.  fear. android Chuck.

Riding Shotgun by Oisiflaneur

Polyburners, T+: I’ve never smoked pot but I’m all for the Burners hanging around being chill and kissing and occasionally also Mike does shotguns and people make out.

rise if you’re sleeping (stay awake) by RaccoonDoom 

Gen, T+: Another cyborg fic, this time about Mike and Chuck and insomnia and nightmares.  Sweet hurt-comfort. UwU

Rule Number Eight by drown (teii) 

Chuck/Texas, Chuck->Mike, T+:  the fic that got me into Chuxas–starting with the aftermath of one-sided Chuck/Mike and chronicling Chuck’s descent into weird, Texas-related madness. 

Scars by corelton

Claire/Julie, G:  Julie’s line of work puts her in enough danger for her to actually have scars, like, old-fashioned scars from actual injuries.  Claire is fascinated by them.

searchlights in the parking lots of hell by roachpatrol

Gen, T+: I don’t know if it sounds like a compliment to say this is one of the most subtly, gorgeously horrifying fics I’ve ever read, but that’s basically how I feel.  Mike is a kid in a cyborg program, and he keeps ending up in sparring matches with the same kid, over and over again; it’s a different kind of unsettling every time.  There’s something about seeing a scenario that’s obviously intensely messed up, through the point of view of a character who thinks it’s normal and good.  It gives it a special, extra punch.  

Sex Level: Texas! by LaughingStones

Texas->Mike, Texas->Burners, Explicit: Texas has some totally cool and sexy thoughts–mostly about Mike.  WHAT?  It’s not like it's weird.   

Spend Life Fighting For Your Sanity by roachpatrol 

Dutch/Tennie, T+: Deluxe has no patience for rebel scum, free-thinkers or artists.  Unfortunately for Dutch’s continued health and well-being, he’s all of those things.  Even if he can’t really remember what he did.  AKA: Deluxe re-captures Dutch and comprehensively fucks him up, but SUCK IT you can’t take away the colors in his SOUL.  

Sprouts by renquise

Gen, G:  a fic about Dutch finding ROTH, and Dutch and Chuck becoming ROTH’s weird programmer dads.  ROTH is adorable and the characterization is great, A++ 

Test Drive by renquise 

Mike/Julie, Explicit: Julie and Mike have a fun adventure in pegging together. 

thursday’s child has far to go (and they go so very, very quickly) by thinkingCAPSLOCK

Gen, G:  Kane loses one child, but at least he still has the other.

Walls Twice As Strong by deanon

Mike/Chuck, T+:  in the words of the original summary: “When Mike and Chuck fight, everybody knows.“ 

We Are Golden by renquise

Polyburners, T+:  Mike kisses everybody, and it’s soft and good and makes my heart feel all happy. 

We Can’t Punch Good: A Love Story by heartsinhay

Dutch/Texas, T+: Texas is pretty sure Dutch has just gotten immune to Texas’s sweet Texas Moves, but that’s okay.  Texas has got more than one trick up his sleeve, and he knows what Dutch likes.  Probably

yellow highway lines (that you’re relying on to lead you home) by renquis

Gen, G:  A delicious exploration of the world that might exist outside the dome, and also THE BURNER ROADTRIP FIC YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR.  The kids take a package from Rayon and go on the road, headed for San Fran come hell or nuclear superstorm.This is one of the first Motorcity fics I read, and It’s a big part of why I started making things for this fandom in the first place. :D  Very recommend, A++

[ariseandawakenme]

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