#(they are only mentioned but I'll tag them)

[womanofwords]

Audience Participation (Part 5)

Neglected!fourthwall!reader x yandere!batfam

The next thing on the agenda was making sure they definitely couldn't find you. You went through every single piece of clothing you had and sorted them by least to most distinctive. While doing so, you found a small amount of strange, flashing tags on your favourite clothes. Trackers. Considering how much you were warned about your folks being nuts, this wasn't as many as you had been expecting, but was still a shock to see.

Your family really was crazy.

You weren't going to go too crazy with the false hints. If your family really was as smart as they said they were, then they'd probably catch up with the hints pretty quickly. The chat wasn't calling you smart for nothing.

First, the bouquet of dahlias that you got for yourself from the florist. Dahlias being Mexico's official flower, someone had to get the hint about this. You made sure to mention it to Alfred. "Aren't they pretty, Alfred?" you said, showing the British butler the flowers you'd obtained.

"Very pretty," Alfred admitted. "I'll send you a vase to put them in."

"Thank you, Alfred." You scooped up the flowers and skipped up to your room.

The chat had suggested that you use some fake hobbies to throw you off the trail you'd leave, so you went to the library. Some books about Mexican food and pottery were sure to entice them. You read in front of them at every opportunity, occasionally turning pages so they wouldn't be confused about why your eyes never actually looked at the book. In secret, you learned French and searched up how to apply for Canadian citizenship on your secret second phone that you sequestered away in the pocket of a coat you never actually wore.

But the real strokes of genius came with the trinkets. Bruce forgot your birthday without fail, but would buy you expensive jewellery that you never wore about two weeks later without fail. You sold these trinkets one by one at different pawn shops. Thank goodness he never got you anything personalised.

After you came back from trading a pendant for cash, you checked the comments section again. The little people were saying lots of stuff since the last time you'd checked. They were congratulating the alliance you'd made with Clayface while telling you to save it for later. They were also telling you to change your appearance when going as 'Alex Mass', which you were already doing. You attached a fake mole to your chin every time you went to work, a notable difference that Y/N Wayne didn't have. In case that didn't deter police, you also clipped fake bangs to the front of your hair after you left the house and took them off just before the security cameras saw you.

Since you had some time to kill, and nobody went near the part of the house where your room was (you bet that only Alfred even knew where it was), you decided to answer the questions that the comments section had.

"Why marine biology? I picked marine biology because I just love the sea. It was so peaceful and at the same time, it could be so violent. And so much of it's unexplored while at the same time, it's closer to us than the stars and galaxies. Marine life looked so much more mysterious and fun than life on land, so I wanted to get as close to it as possible."

Another comment asked you what your favourite part of the day was. "Leaving the house. I feel like such a weight has come off once I'm out of Wayne Manor. Other than that, showering is one of my favourite things to do. I just love being clean and I often feel so dirty around my family."

The chat wanted to know what your hobbies were. "Water colours. I just love them. I make water colour paintings of sea creatures, although they are straight up terrible. I do it because I like it. My fake hobbies include basket weaving, pottery, and conspiracy theories. Send them down some really weird rabbit holes just for the hell of it."

"Oh, and by the way, Alfred doesn't go into my room because I clean it myself. I have successfully raised to $10,000 I needed to escape this hell. Thanks for your support. Now, I'm going to be cashing some stuff in and making plans."

First

Previous

Taglist: @bunniotomia, @hai-there-how-are-you, @crystal-freak24, @maskedvoyance, @cupid73, @lettucel0ver, @wisefuncherryblossom, @lineakazuh16, @leeiasure, @itsberrydreemurstuff, @ee-1ovelifedownthedrain.

[laserbobcat]

No beef here, open to chat. I'm chill (well, usually lol)

Under cut cause this whole thing is getting too long

I see what you mean with my harsh answer, but I stand by every word I wrote. I would have been softer and understanding if it wasn't anon. Anon cuts you from 1) constructive exchange and 2) accountability. It made me mad. I think I have excellent reasons to be mad (like everyone else in the replies) using anon to say this tells me that person knew they were doing something bad and hypocritical but did it anyway. And if it was just bitterness, I wouldn't even have bat an eye and continued scrolling past the whining. But this is pointing someone and making them responsible for said bitterness, and with that person all artists in one bag. It's not even about Bam. It's just plain awful to point anyone in particular. Unacceptable, and the blog owner didn't realize that general confessions are one thing, targeting someone is another. If they had realized it, they wouldn't have gotten this out of the askbox in the first place, they seem chill af. This whole thing took them by surprise. In my opinion hey got tricked by the "no hate but-" and don't have an artist pov of the situation. This is not "no hate" it's pointing at someone. If it was me getting some criticism like "No hate but you're flooding the Leshycat tag you draw too much" or something like that, I would have thought "lol" and scroll past it. It's not about who has anxiety and who doesn't, it's about assuming in the first place that you might hurt someone and restraining from doing it. You say it's not hate, but just after the "no hate love u" they use heavy words like sick of, and suffocate. And favoritism, again, implies injustice. It's a word used by pissed off children who are angry at their siblings. Bruh you suffocate because people like a good fic? Go touch grass. There's nothing constructive here, the point would have come across absolutely the same without mentioning trod. "It's always the same fics that are recommended and art always gets more views than writing" would have been only whining and not targeting someone openly. Annoying controversial opinion, but not hurtful to one singled out person. I would even have sympathized a bit, cause yeah, like I said, it's true that writing gets less attention. But no, they had to point. People in the comments would have been just as mad for another artist. Again, Bam or anyone else, unacceptable. (I sound like Lemongrab) Also, this is 100% about THEM not getting attention. Why else would they whine? With that conflict attitude, it's obvious they're not frustrated for their dear friends other writers. It's about them. I've never met a good artist so bitter about attention to the point they blame someone or something else. So I'm gonna assume your stuff sucks because that's what my experience is with negative attention seeking people: they make one (1) thing that is average at best, don't have a billion asks right away and throw a tantrum instead of trying again. I've met these people, you have to patiently explain to them that they're here for sharing and communicating, not for a contest. So incredibly annoying, and I stand 100% by what I said. How many beginner artists out there take the lack of notes graciously, and genuinely enjoy sharing despite it. And don't point salty fingers. Again, it's anon, so no idea what that person makes and how, no way to reach out and help them. So I'll assume it's shit and I'm not sorry about it. And like "please recommend something else" ayoooo, tags exist on AO3. Just do like the rest of us and dig into everything. You can't act like you care about less popular fics, and then refuse to give everything a try yourself without recommendations.

I'm glad you see that these takes are shit, but I don't think that my answer is disproportionate as I just explained. If you're throwing shit takes under anon, you have to expect these kind of reactions. I get why it shocked you, I'm 100% being cutting, I get where you come from. I just see past the hypocrisy of the "no hate but" intro. I hate hypocrisy. This is, again, shameful. And this attitude has no place in a community where people exchange about their interests, passions and hobby. Especially one where people are particularly friendly, there's collabs and art shares left and right. And I'll be angry everytime I see harmful shit like this.

I talked a bit about what attitude people should have here because again, I've seen my fait share of frustrated people, and when I can reach out I am, believe it or not, as kind and understanding as possible.

Before I start this, I love TROD. Fantastic fanfiction, beautiful art, wonderful story. Absolutely no hate to the AU or the creator because I love both.

This fandom also loves TROD… and nothing but TROD. The favoritism is getting really annoying. I’m sick of looking for fic recs just to see TROD every other comment. It’s like being recommended Percy Jackson over and over. Everyone’s read it, everyone loves it. PLEASE recommend something else.

Tied with that: please share fics that don’t have art. This fandom (and every fandom but especially this one) has such a suffocating preference for fanart and I’m sick of it. You can be a wonderful artist but a learning writer and gets loads of attention, but if it’s the opposite? If you’re an incredible writer who can just sorta draw? Good luck getting noticed for your talents. Doesn’t help that Ao3 doesn’t have an algorithm but art-based platforms do and will, by default, flush out all the pure writing content/creators.

All art is art. Please show it the love it deserves, and don’t toss aside a story just because there aren’t visuals accompany it.

.

[outtathisworld-imagines]

Every second counts

——🍴——🍴——🍴——🍴——

Pairing: Richie Jerimovich x F!Reader

Warnings: Suggestive/mature themes briefly mentioned at points, swearing because Richie 🥲 fluff. Not proofread.

A.N: has anyone watched the new season of the bear because it truly is *chefs kiss* 😌 and I am a sucker for Richie 🥲

Please let me know what else you guys would like to see me write! I do have a few other fics on the back-burner (for now!) that I'll start to post soon and just let me know if you'd liked to be tagged in further works too ✨

——🍴——🍴——🍴——🍴——

The first time Richie caught glimpse of you was at the corner supermarket.

You had a basket full of groceries while he tried to proudly carry everything in his arms- undermining just how much he had to get. He dropped a bag of chips in a matter of seconds and hesitantly contorted his body and limbs in attempts to pick them up.

“Ah shit,” he looked at the rest of his groceries and knew everything would fall if he bent down. That was until the chips were placed in front of his face on top of his pile of shopping. “T-thanks.” He sent you a brief smile.

“You want me to grab you a basket?” The eyes peering over the mountain he held in his arms asked. He almost dropped everything when he looked into them.

“Uh, I’m good!”

“Alright,” you drawled out “Don’t come cryin’ to me when you drop everything in aisle six.” You chuckled and walked away. Richie remained in the same spot.

He walked forward slowly and steadily, watching you grab something, ponder over it then toss it into your basket. You glanced down to the bottom of the aisle and saw him standing there and smiled, shaking your head and moving on after a few seconds.

Richie groaned trying to pick up toothpaste, wondering what he would be willing to sacrifice for it. He found a moment of strength and reached for it but it was already gone. A soft noise brought his attention to the chip bag that was balancing on top of everything with a tube of toothpaste sinking into the centre of it. Richie turned and saw you next to him, you raised a brow and he sighed in defeat. “Okay. Maybe a basket.”

You giggled “I like how proud you are.” You placed down your own between your feet and his, walking down and grabbing him a basket. You helped take a few things from him and placed it in the basket before he dropped everything else from his arms into it. “Better?” You asked watching him shake his strained arms. He nodded yes with a small smirk. “Good because next time you play grocery store Jenga I might not be here to help you.”

“Well where would you be goin’?” He asked, now following you, becoming intrigued with you- the beautiful mysterious shopping stranger.

“Wouldn’t be goin’ anywhere, would be laughing my ass off by the cash registers watching you instead.” Richie barked out a laugh, first time he remembered doing that in weeks. The stress of work and his failed marriage took a toll on him.

“Well, I usually shop at this time so if you want a show…”

You stopped and turned on your heel “I’m guessing you’re giving me a front row ticket to your shopping shit-show?”

Richie smirked and held out his hand, introducing himself to you. You took it and introduced yourself with a grin.

Over the next few weeks, you often bumped into him, walking side by side with him down aisles and making casual conversation- mainly about how ridiculous the price was getting for groceries. How he longed for each second, each minute, he spent with you to last longer. Then you parted ways after paying, heading in opposite directions out of the store only to meet up days later again at the exact same place.

Richie was cursing the sudden rain as he ran to pick up milk, getting drenched by the downpour. His old work t-shirt he grabbed by the door now clinging to him.

As he reached the corner store he noticed you outside with your groceries by your feet and a wet paper bag that had ripped to shreds around it. You tried scooping everything up in your arms, he was reminded of the first day he met you and was struggling to carry everything.

“Hey, hey, hey, here let me help!” He bent down and helped you pick things up- he completely forgot about the milk he needed.

“Jesus, you need reinforced paper bags here!” You yelled over the rain and the faint rumbles of thunder in the distance. “Here let me-” you tried taking some bits from him but he held onto them, as much as he loved the little miss independent act, he knew you needed help. “I got it Richie.”

“No, let me help you home with these, you get another paper bag it’s just gonna fuckin’ end up the same way.”

“I’m the opposite way from you, I don’t have a car and you’re already soaked. I don’t want you getting a cold.” The gentle caring tone almost made him melt right there and then in the street.

“I’ll be alright.” He walked in the direction you always did before turning back to you, looking for guidance to your house. “We doin’ this or what? I don’t know where the fuck you live.” You laughed and jogged to catch up to him.

The pair of you walked quickly through the rain back to your apartment, coming to it after almost ten minutes of walking and getting drenched. “C’mon up,” you motioned your head to the stairs and he followed up behind you, trying his best not to stare at your ass.

He hated to admit it but he actually looked forward to seeing you at the store, after a month after first meeting you, he wanted to get to know you better. He felt like a teenager again with the crush he had on you, he felt excited again, he felt there was hope.

You opened the door to your apartment and stood to the side to let him in. You told him where the kitchen was and to just leave everything on the counter top, he did just that and then took in the space around him. A low whistle left his mouth “Shit, nice place you got.”

You bashfully smiled, placing down the armful of items you had “Thanks.” You looked him up and down “Fuck, you’re soaked right through,” you pointed to him. “Stay until the rain is off and I can dry your stuff. I have a sweatshirt you can borrow and old sweats that might fit.” You looked him up and down again. “Maybe.”

He laughed, deep from within his chest. “You don’t have to do that.”

“Richie,” your soft scolding made him bite down on his lip. How his name left your mouth so effortlessly made him feel things he thought died inside him a long time ago were now suddenly resurrected. “Let me get you a drink, dry your clothes and keep you from the torrential rain outside- weather says it’ll stop by five, surely you can spare two hours?” A loud rumble of thunder made him agree, those seconds and minutes he once longed for to spend with you suddenly granted to him like a wish come true. He stood awkwardly in your apartment, taking in all the art on the walls as you quickly changed into sweats and a jumper, grabbing some bits for Richie along with a towel and passing them over to him. “Bathroom is just there, just give me your stuff when you’re ready.”

He nodded, sending you a thankful smile. He changed in your bathroom, it smelt like cotton and lavender. He let out a deep exhale, feeling relaxed for once despite the nerves that bubbled inside from being in such a close proximity with you.

He handed you his wet clothes and you put them in the dryer, but before asking him about his t-shirt. “What’s ‘Original Beef of Chicagoland’?”

“We’ve changed name, it’s The Bear now, it’s where I work- front of house. You never been? It’s an institution.”

You shook your head slowly, humming lowly as you went to the kitchen. “I’m not from around here.” You said. “Wine or instant coffee- that’s all I got.” You told him and he asked for coffee.

“Where you from?” Richie asked from the other side of your kitchen being tactical at trying to remain a distance where he wouldn’t be tempted to just pounce on you.

“New York originally, came here for work about six months ago.” You explained as you put the teapot on the stove. “I work for The Art Institute as an assistant manager but I’m a specialist on mid-century art and I sometimes guide people around when we are short. Talk about the pieces to people who don’t really give a shit most of the time.” You humourlessly chortled.

Richie nodded “I see that. From your place I thought you’d be a creative kinda gal. It’s a pretty place you got, but I already coulda guessed you would have a place like this.”

You let out a snort “What makes you say that?”

He shrugged a shoulder “Pretty girl, pretty apartment- just made sense in my head.” The whistle of your tea pot coming to boil filled the space between you both as a silence hung between you both. You blinked at him in surprise and he scrunched his nose “What? I might be stupid enough to not grab a basket, but I ain’t blind to the fact you’re...” he cleared his throat, eyes trailing slowly up your body. “Pretty.”

You took the teapot off the stove when it finished. You abandoned the coffee as you closed the space between you both, Richie’s palms starting to sweat the closer you got- his tactical strategy now going out the window. “I just got out of wet clothes,” you lowly said, bringing your face to within inches of his. Richie practically steadied himself with a hand on your waist. “And yet, I’m soaked again.”

“Oh?” Richie’s brow furrowed in confusion before a wicked smirk graced his lips. “Ohh…” he let you make the first move, the feeling of your lips against his made him hum in delight. The faint taste of smoke and nicotine from him got you addicted almost instantly, your hand coming to the back of his neck as you brought him closer to you, pressing him against you even further. “Don’t know why you gave me spare clothes, got a feeling they’re just gonna come off again,” he chuckled against your soft skin, you took a fistful of your sweatshirt and dragged him to your bedroom.

—•—

“I want you to meet Eva.” He said one night in bed as he held you in his arms. The seconds turning into minutes and hours spent wrapped up with each other. He wanted each moment spent with you to count.

You turned your head and tilted it to see him better, the smile on your face spreading from ear to ear. “Really?” Your excited tone made his heart skip a beat. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

It had been about three months since you and Richie got together, since then the pair of you were almost inseparable and he felt himself falling further each day. He asked you out officially after your impromptu afternoon together and after your third date, despite him not wanting any ‘labels’ because he was ‘too old for that shit’ he asked you to be his girlfriend.

He had some important people he wanted you to meet, his daughter Eva of course and the team at The Bear- two significant factors in his life. He thought he’d soften the blow with Eva first before throwing you to the wolves in his work.

“I appreciate how excited you are.” He said, pressing a kiss to your forehead before giving you another on your lips.

“Why wouldn’t I be? She’s a massive part of your life. I think you sometimes expect me not to think you had a life before me. I like that you’ve lived. I like finding out more about you.” You traced a finger down his chest. “I’m just glad I get to be part of this portion of your life.”

His smile was soft, sincere. “I hope a lot longer than just a portion.” He told you before rolling you over onto your back and peppering kisses all over your face.

You arranged for Richie to bring Eva to your work, his daughter was turning into a bit of a creative type much like you so you both thought the gallery would be an ideal place to meet. You told him to get you by the door with her after the museum had closed.

You smoothed out the nerves and the creases on your dress seeing them both walk hand in hand towards you. “Hi there!” You greeted them with a wide, nervous smile.

“Eva, this is my good friend Y/N,” Richie introduced her to you, a little unsure of what to introduce you as, but he thought that was a safe choice.

You bent down to her level and extended your hand out. “Hi,” she shyly shook your hand.

“Hi Eva, it’s so lovely to meet you. I love your light up shoes.” Your compliment was an instant hit with her and she giggled, grabbing onto Richie’s leg bashfully before hiding behind it. You stood up straight again, Richie shooting you a silent wink. “Well, shall we head in?” You asked and motioned to the museum.

Richie’s features crinkled “Ain’t it closed for the night?”

“Not for Eva it isn’t,” you said to him, his heart about to burst in his chest at your kindness towards her. “Access all areas.” She gasped in delight and practically dragged Richie inside.

“Steady, sweetie! Steady!” He all but ran to catch up with her. “Perks of an assistant manager huh?” He asked you and you nodded. He let go of Eva’s hand so she could see a painting, and so he could have a moment with you. “You didn’t have to do this.”

“I wanted to. For both of you.” You told him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. He took your hand in his and brought it to his chest, just above his heart as he walked side by side with you to Eva who was admiring the pieces on display.

Richie had wandered off to check out a piece of art, when he turned the corner he almost cried with happiness at the sight before him. You were sat down next to Eva in front of a painting explaining it to her, she watched you intently and with complete dedication. He then watched as Eva stood up and extended her hand out to you, you stood and took it with a smile before she dragged you to the next piece on display. “Ah shit…” he muttered to himself. He was in deep. He knew he was in beyond deep. Richie followed closely behind you both “There’s my girls!” You turned your head and grinned at him, your hand still wrapped around Eva’s.

“Let’s go this way!” Eva pulled you to another room as Richie tried to keep up.

After almost two hours of wondering, she was getting tired. “I should get someone home,” he said and picked her up in his arms. “Have fun, sweetie?”

“The best time!” She tiredly yet excitably replied.

You watched him interact with her, how soft he was as a father. How loving he was. “Well it was lovely to meet you Eva, I’m glad you had a great time! Just gimme a second to get something.” You jogged off to grab a gift you got for her. “I got a bracelet making kit that your dad can help you with. He told me you liked Taylor Swift and I know she sings about them. You can make a little more art at home.” She gasped with wide eyes and grasped it with both hands. “Let me know when you get home, okay?” You asked Richie and he nodded, blowing him a discreet kiss as he left.

He carried Eva in his arms back to his car, the young girl looking at the kit in awe. “I love her, Daddy!” She told him.

Richie looked back over his shoulder, the smile on his face that he struggled to once find now there all the time. “Yeah, me too.”

—•—

“You should uh,” Richie nervously scratched the back of his neck “Come by for dinner once you get off.”

The two of you were having lunch outside the museum on a bench. “Sure, need me to pick anything up?”

He nervously chuckled, the baptism of fire he was about to throw you had been terrifying him since the day he developed feelings for you. He wanted you to meet the team, especially Carmy, it was important to him. “N-no, I mean like…dinner at The Bear.” You pursued your lips nodding, another leap in your relationship. Since meeting Eva, Richie was integrating you more and more into his life. He was now a massive part of yours, he made Chicago feel like home. He was home.

“You want me to pop by tonight? What if you’re still working?” You asked.

Richie let out a chortle “Then be prepared for the best fuckin’ dinner service you’ve had in your life!” You laughed loudly, passersby turning thier heads to look at all the hilarity, the noise was like music to Richie’s ears. He looked at you in awe, you silently questioned him with just a look, Richie becoming accustomed to all your mannerisms that he just now knew. “I know it didn’t deserve it, but I’m glad Chicago has a smile like yours in it.” Your smile faltered so discreetly that he didn’t notice, his words filling you with nothing but joy on an immeasurable scale. “I’ll let you get back to work.” He stood and helped you up, watching as you gently brushed the crumbs off your skirt. You craned your head up to his, accommodating for the height difference to embrace a kiss from him. He took your face in his hands and opened his mouth, the words on the tip of his tongue that never came, he simply kissed you instead, hard and with conviction. “I’ll save a table just for you.”

You nodded and headed back into the museum, blissfully unaware that was his way of telling you he loved you without actually saying those three words.

Richie’s eyes were locked on the windows all night trying to catch a glimpse of you, the restaurant had died down and the guys were embracing the lull. “Yo, Rich-”

“Not now!” He looked to the clock, each second being dragged out far too long. You would have finished about a half hour ago. Typical that when he looked up, the door opened.

His hardened stern expression softened instantly at the sight of you. You’d changed since he met you earlier in the day, a coat hid the majority of your floaty dress that he hoped he would be taking off you later that night when he got you home. “Hey,” you smiled at him. “You scrub up well.” You motioned and admired his suit.

“Hi,” he softly greeted you. “You look fuckin’ unreal.” He couldn’t quite believe his eyes or his luck that you were standing in the doorway of a place that he dedicated so much of his life to. “Stunning.” You glanced over his shoulder and saw many pairs of eyes looking back at you. Richie caught your line of sight and saw everyone there trying to catch a glimpse of you, he cleared his throat and remained professional.

He had mentioned you once or twice, the team always trying to believe deeper but he tried to his personal life to himself.

“You think that’s her?” Syd asked.

Marcus snorted “Are you for real? Is she even real?! She’s too pretty to be his girlfriend!”

Carmy had a small smile on his face, his eyes darting between you and Richie. “That’s her alright.”

“Will they stare at me all night?” You quietly asked.

Richie tightly smiled “Probably.”

“Well, table for one and many onlookers I guess.”

Before he took you to the table he reserved just for you, he extended out his hands. “Let me take your coat.” You shimmied out of it and he almost let out a groan at the sight of you. “Fuck,” he lowly uttered and swallowed hard seeing you properly in the dress he was definitely taking off you tonight.

He sat you down, poured you a wine and handed you a menu. You looked up to him through your lashes, deciding to have a little fun with him. “What does my incredibly handsome sex-god of a waiter recommend because I don’t see him on the menu…” you teased and he sunk his teeth into his bottom lip, pleasantly flustered by your comment.

“You’re makin’ me blush, honey.” He tried to sound tough, stern even, but instead his words were laced with excited nerves. He leaned forward and pointed at things he recommend to you. “Can’t kiss you right now because I’ll never hear the fuckin’ end of it.” He quietly told you and you nodded in understandingly with a large grin in your face. “Those are my suggestions, get whatever you like because dinner is on me.”

You placed down your menu and rested your chin on your balled fist, elbow firmly on the table. “Then let me at least treat you to breakfast.”

“Where we gonna go?” He asked.

You let out a laugh, loud enough to capture everyone’s attention again. “Jesus, do I have to spell it out for you? We’ll have breakfast at my house.”

“Okay, what time you want me over for?”

“Richie…”

“What?”

You lowly laughed shaking your head. “You won’t be leaving my house…”

“Why wouldn’t I be- oh! Ohh…” he glanced over his shoulder, mouthing ‘fuck off just now’ to the group of piled up chefs in the doorway.

“If you’re lucky, I might even make you pancakes…naked.”

Richie choked on thin air. “Oh keep that information to yourself, sweetheart.” He leaned down, dropping his tone. “Don’t be teasin’ me here or else I’m gonna have to tuck a napkin into my collar and spread you wide open on one of those tables and eat you out like I know you want me too.” You tried to hide your smile but couldn’t at just how he could make something so dirty sound so sweet. He stood up straight, fixing his tie and an aura of professionalism washing over him. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

He went to the kitchen, many eyes still on you. You wiggled your fingers, casually waving at his team who were staring you down. When Richie came out he had someone in chef whites beside him. “Y/N, this is Carmy,” the man with a curly, floppy head of hair extended his hand to you. “Head chef and closest thing I got to family. My cousin.” He smirked at him proudly, gripping onto his shoulder.

“Nice to finally meet you Y/N,” Carmy warmly smiled “I’m happy you guys are together. God knows it’s improved his mood- massively.” He playfully jibed, Richie rolled his eyes and you giggled at their dynamic. Richie was called to the kitchen, leaving you with the head chef. “You’re good for him. So thank you.”

“He’s good for me too, makes me happy beyond anything you could ever imagine.” You looked off into the distance until your eyes found him again.

Carmy smiled at what you said before looking at Richie. “Glad he can do that for you, I’m just glad he’s found love again.”

You blinked. Your breath hitching.

“Love…?”

Carmy casually glanced back to you before his head fully snapped around, realising what he said. “Shit!” He hissed, mentally kicking and cursing himself. “Forget what I said. Fuck! I thought he told you already!”

You laughed, loudly, Carmy trying to shush you when Richie furrowed a brow at all the commotion and what the hell Carmy could have said to make you laugh as hysterically as you were. “I-I’m sorry, I-” you took a deep inhale and exhale. “That’s just made my night. But don’t worry, I won’t let on. He better say it soon though because I don’t know how much longer I can go without saying it to him because each second that passes is a second less he knows.” You longingly sighed “I love Richie.” You confided in Carmy. “I need him to know because life is unpredictable and I need to make each moment, hell each second, with him count.”

“Okay so we got-“ you looked up to Richie with glistening eyes and he hesitated putting the food down in front of you. “What he do?” He glared at Carmy “Don’t think I won’t kick your ass in front of my girl, cousin.” Carmy stood with a small smile, his hands defensively raised out as he made his way back to the kitchen. You let out a blubbery giggle. “What?” He asked placing down the food.

You looked back and forth from the plate to him. “This is missing something.”

Richie’s eyebrows furrowed as he closely examined the plate. “Missin’ what?” You beckoned him closer with just the wiggle of your fingers. He leaned down and you captured your lips with his. You felt his lips part in surprise before he smiled into the kiss. “You’re trouble.” He murmured before pressing a forceful kiss to your lips and pulling back, a small choir of ‘Ohhh’s’ coming from the kitchen at the sight.

“You love it.”

He looked deep into your eyes as he replied, his heart practically on the table in front of you. “I do.” He smiled, his own eyes now becoming glossy. “I love you.”

You leaned forward and kissed him again, Richie not giving a damn about getting teased by the team for the foreseeable future about it. “I love you too.” You brushed your nose against and peppered kisses over his lips. “What time do you get off?”

“We’re just about closin’ soon.”

“Good because the second you’re off, I’m gonna be getting you off.”

Richie slowly stood up straight, tensing on the spot at your promise. He cleared his throat, trying his best to hide his reddening cheeks.

“Yo guys,” his voice cracked. “We’re closing. We need this food wrapped up to go! Now!”

[silenzahra]

Changes

Hello everyone. This is mostly gonna be an informative post about the immediate future of this account. It's gonna be long, so it's totally fine if you'd rather skip it.

You may have noticed that I've been away from Tumblr for the last few weeks. I'd rather not get into detail about the reasons that led me to make that decision, but despite me doing much better than the last time I dropped by, the thing is that something has changed.

This account is gonna remain mostly inactive. I have notifs, DMs and comments to respond to and I shall get to them at my own time, but I'll hardly reblog any more stuff from now on. Maybe just once a week or something like that, and without getting into much detail, definitely not like I used to reblog stuff in the past. This is absolutely nothing personal, but something that I've noticed recently.

I need a break from the Mario franchise.

You may recall me mentioning that I've been going through a terrible writer's block that made me fear that I'd never be able to write again. It took me about a month, but I ended up realizing that my problem was that I couldn't connect with the Mario characters again. As a writer, I can usually hear them talking in my head, or simply their thoughts, emotions and fears, and that's usually how I'm able to find the words to write them in my fics. But, ever since I wrote Follow me, that's disappeared, and not even the bros or Luaisy, my favorite things to write/consume content about, could make me feel the same enthusiasm again.

So I've come to the realization that this was simply my body asking for a break. I needed to try and find that emotion and excitement in something different. A book, a movie, a song, a show, another videogame franchise... I was craving some variety. And I'm in the process of getting it right now. I'm reading books again. I'm replaying old games like Spyro or Miitopia which I love and adore. I found another movie, one that I fell in love with about ten years ago, that reignited my passion and love for it, and it's brought back the need and desire to write again that I so much missed and yearned to revive. It has nothing to do with Mario, but in case you're interested, you can go here. It's where I'm gonna be most active from now on.

Don't get me wrong: I still love Super Mario. Very much. It's a franchise that's been with me my whole life and will continue to be there no matter what. It was the first series I ever wrote fanfiction for, and I've LOVED and enjoyed every single word that I've written for it. I have WIPs that I intend to finish and share someday. It just won't be anytime soon, so it's totally fine if you'd rather unfollow me. You can still find my stories on my AO3 account and some others that are only available on Tumblr through the tags zahra's writing and zahra's fics. You can also check out zahra's headcanons if you wanna read my Mario headcanons, and even though I'm far from being a talented artist, I've also posted some Mario art that you can find through the tag zahra's art.

That being said, I'll still be supporting Mario content from time to time, only that, as I said, I won't reblog much stuff, and if I do I won't go into too much detail. I obviously want to support my friends, but I also don't wanna, how to say it... sound "fake." I don't want to fake an excitement that I'm feeling 70% instead of 100%, especially when it comes to my friends' content. Who knows, maybe whenever we get a trailer for the Mario Movie sequel, my passion will come back in full force, or at least that what's I'm hoping for.

But in the meantime, this is how I'm gonna proceed.

Just in case you're interested, you can still find me on instagram (SilenZahra as my main account, san.marioluigifan as my gamer account), and I'm also on discord (SilenZahra as well). I'll probably be more active there than on Tumblr, at least for the next months.

In any case, I hope that you're all doing fine, and if you decide to stick around: thank you 💖 Please take care, and we'll meet again someday soon. I'm sure of it 💖

[gingervitus]

OC as a Companion: Silvia de Riva

alright well it's been some time that I've been sitting on tags and @thatgaymerguyb (a while ago) and @mythals-whore (a couple days ago) both tagged me in this, so hop on in, friends, it's time for me to cry about Silvia again.

I just?? didn't know where to go with her (or Ella) because I personally find them compelling and love them so much I could die, but I'm fucking biased.

annyyywayyy idk who has or hasn't done this BECAUSE I'M SURE EVERYONE HAS but I'll tag @basedonconjecture @serensama @partially-controlled-chaos and anyone else who wants to play or everyone can also ignore this.

Pretty, much I'M JUST HERE TO YAP ABOUT MY (RELUCTANT) CROW with my very subpar screenshots of her beautiful face.

More about my lil city elf under the cut!

Recruitment Quest*:

Upon traveling to Treviso after recruiting Emmrich, Rook can speak with Teia–and Teia alone–who will advise she knows a Crow who has been working a contract in Nevarra that's gone... awry. She cannot provide Rook and the gang with much info aside from the fact that she and this Crow will be indebted upon return to Treviso. ("I'm certain something could... be arraged should you return with my contact in one piece.) The Crow's last known whereabouts are noted to be somewhere within the Grand Necropolis past the Memorial Gardens.

In the Necropolis, there is a secluded chamber that appears to have been utilized as someone's dwelling for some time, but now, it's been taken over by a gaggle of demons. Once most of the demons have been defeated, Silvia emerges demanding to know if Viago sent Rook (think if Lucanis's "Who are you? Who sent you?" was spouted off by an annoyed younger sister) and is so rudely interrupted by a possessed skeleton of a low level Nevarran noble.

Rook and the gang help Silvia defeat the creature, return to Treviso, and negotiate Silvia joining the team.

*quest is only available if Minrathous is saved from the dragon attack (the Blight in Treviso has no negative impact on Silvia's relationship with Rook)

Cold/Neutral

Greetings:

Hm?

What is it?

Dismissal:

Let yourself back in if you need me. You seem to do so anyway.

Brevity is always preferred.

Personal Quest (1):

In the Lighthouse, Silvia mentions she has a debt that needs settling in Treviso. When Rook offers to come along, she has to remind them that their hands might get a little dirty, though she'll take the company she can get. The Diamond continues with what little business it can get as the Blight ravages the city. There is also a matter of Silvia avoiding Viago, with whom she also has a debt she isn't quite willing to pay out quite yet.

At the diamond, she and Rook play a few hands of Wicked Grace with the downtrodden patrons and lose a round (or two) of Roulette. There is a table at the far end of the casino floor where an old seemingly blind elf is shuffling cards, but he is who she intends to pay on this quest with a small satchel of candied sage leaves, a jar of spicy fig jelly, and the information that his contract has been completed. In turn, the old elf provides them with a scrap of parchment containing an Orlesian girls name scratched on it as well as a last known location.

Optional (1): Silvia can be found in the kitchen, bothering Lucanis about his knowledge of slaves being sold into the Crows. The conversation is curt but familiar enough that the room isn't tense. Lucanis claims to know little about the acquisition of Crows through slavery and states his family isn't one to dabble in that. "As of fifteen years ago I'm fairly certain they were, but who I am to say?"

Warm

Greetings:

Back again are we?

Ah, like a bad habit, I can't get rid of you.

Dismissal:

Just when we were starting to have some fun.

Let me know when you need some heads to roll.

Personal Quest (2):

The second part of her personal quest has Silvia asking if Rook is up for an evening in Minrathous because there's someone she has to meet there. Like most jaunts through the city, there are some Venatori loitering in dark alleys. Some lesser demons pop up while scaling rooftops. Overall an easy path to a sectioned off area of docks that appear to no longer be in use, which she reveals to be where her contact should be, but upon further inspection as they approach, several bodies, both Venatori and civilian are littered about, are seen including this contact.

Agitated, both Rook and Silvia look around for any clues, leading them to find a flyer listing a bounty on a young girl's head, which Silvia snatches it up, only revealing that the girl's made a terrible mistake and may need help.

Optional (2): Rook finds Silvia sitting on the uppermost balcony of the Lighthouse, and she's staring at the flyer with great intent. When prompted, she talks about being a runaway, and ultimately having to decide to join the Crows, starve, or something far worse. The girl, she knows, has run into something similar. During this scene, Rook has the option to continue flirting with Silvia or cut off any possibility of romance.

Friendly

Greetings:

Well, well, look what the cat dragged in. (playful, affectionate)

Want to ruffle some feathers?

Dismissal:

If you run off without me, bring back some good wine, will you?

Try not to miss my colorful commentary too much.

Hero of the Veilguard Quest*:

Back in Treviso, there is troubling word of Venatori lingering even after Zara is slain and Illario is imprisoned. Silvia, Rook, and company are called back this time by both Viago and Teia, who mediates any verbal sparring that might occur between the de Rivas. The threat is noted to be centralized within the Drowned District. Crows are dying from the Blight, Antaam remain in the city and grow more restless as the days pass, and they are no closer to a solution for any of their previous issues as more continue to be thrown at them. Viago makes a vague comment about loose ends needing to be tied up that bristles Silvia.

In the Drowned District, there is indeed a Venatori presence mingling with Darkspawn and Blight. Rook is the first one to note that the cultists (and Darkspawn) seem to be following one shielded figure. (cue dramatic reveal) Glowing with all the charm of blood magic is the girl from the flyer, who is revealed to be a younger sister of Silvia's, Rametta. One who Silvia was meant to kill on her very first contract but spared, leaving her an orphan in Orlais. The fight leads to a decision to be ultimately made at Silvia's hand: see Rametta killed (remain with the Crows and work with the likes of standing Talons, like Teia and Viago, and their new First Talon to attempt change within the Crows to avoid such fates being handed off to orphans/impoverished people with little options elsewhere) or spare her sister again (defect from house de Riva and leave the crows entirely to seek change elsewhere, no matter how *ahem* on the books it may or may not end up being).

Depending on this choice, Silvia may no longer be a selectable companion when traveling to Treviso.

Romanced

Greetings:

I was hoping you'd stop in.

My time is all yours.

Dismissal:

You can take your time walking away. I do so love to watch you leave.

No heroics out there. You better come back in one piece.

addtl Silvie content bc I love her:

If Silvia is recruited, she will appear in the "Worst Jobs" cut scene alongside Lucanis and Davrin, having told a tale of being stalked by unknown golden eyed creatures in the woods at night while on a contract.

While loitering by Teia and Viago in the Cantori Diamond, they can be heard talking about one of House de Riva's Crows taking a contract that did not pass Viago's desk first and then rightly went sideways. It is heavily implied to be Silvia, whether or not she is recruited to the Veilguard.

If Treviso is saved by Rook, there is a dialogue that can be heard in the Treviso Market about a Crow possibly winding up dead in a crypt in Nevarra.

Often, she will add strange items to the grocery list trying to imitate Spite's handwriting. She and Davrin can be heard discussing this in the Courtyard of the Lighthouse.

Her choice for Book Club is a fast-paced whodunit novel that details a dinner party that goes horribly wrong. Most of the comments are positive from the other companions, Emmrich noting the uncanny resemblance to an actual sequence of crimes that occurred a decade ago in Nevarra City. Lucanis thinks it's highly unlikely a poison could be efficient and undetectable enough to kill that many high ranking officials. Bellara and Lace appreciate the b-story romance between the murderer and the detective.

If she and Davrin are not romanced by Rook (and are both recruited), they will begin a romance.

OKAY, I LOVE HER BYE.

[psilliguykai]

WWWW #1: "-iSH"/"William I Wonder"

[context under the song/cut and art commentary in the tags ^^]

“-iSH”

Well when tension comes to tear my life

Can we survive torn in Soul, Heart, and Mind?

Or will we be captured in the strife,

Damned to repeat until we die?

Well, at 23 oh, will I see

If I'm to "be" as one or split in three?

And when I’m just a piece, is there still a “me”?

Or just a pawn for Heart or Mind?

I am a point in time and space,

And we are the truths that we create,

And so when our matter takes its state

No, it doesn't matter who I am.

No, it doesn't matter who I am.

And I'm gonna be myself again.

“Ryan William I Wonder” [Timestamp 1:47]

William I wonder,

Do you feel the sky?

Weighing down on your back

And crushing your spine?

I see how we’ll suffer,

The horizon line,

And we know we’re bound

To come back sooner or later.

Oh, there's nothing you can do

To hide from blinding rays

Or the moon’s hateful gaze,

And the stars are losing faith.

So William I wonder,

Do you feel the sky?

Weighing down on your back

'Cause it's weighing down on mine.

3/31/25 EDIT: The information below is outdated! Just keeping it for archival purposes. Basically, the idea of having to write 20+ covers has been kind of weighing on me and killing my motivation for this project. So ! instead, I'll be releasing a tracklist with notes on what happens in each song soon[ish] and will be only writing/illustrating the covers that I'm confident and interested in. Whatever covers I get to writing probably won't be in chronological order as I'd like to keep this project a little more open ended and free for me :]

The information below on what the covers/drawings will look like is still accurate, but the rest is outdated.

I'm gonna try to keep talking to a minimum on these in the future, but I figured I should provide some context as this is the first piece. Sooo yeah ! Here's the first song in William's Wanton Weary Wiles! See masterpost for context ^^ these will all be released in chronological order, in the form of written Jash-style (changing some lyrics to fit the story) Will Wood covers. I'll be hyperlinking each original song in the cover titles so people can get a sense of what it would sound like, +for credit ofc :] Most of them will also be accompanied with some sort of art piece !! The majority will probably just be little somewhat shitty sketches such as the one featured here (for the sake of my sanity lol. and also cuz. frankly. I like them :3), but I might have some full pieces too at some point. Formats and realistically a few other aspects are probably gonna be somewhat inconsistent as I'm not the best planner, sorry in advance but also. This is my project and I wanna keep it fun and doable ^^

Props to you if you've read this far!! Seeya in the next one I suppose :]

[jewishcissiekj]

Physical touch is used in abundance Exceptional X-Men to indicate closeness and reaching out to someone. As Trista, Thao, and Alex grow closer, they also stay in touch, literally. Emma and Kitty looove putting their hands on the kids' shoulders to console and support them. Carnero's art gives it this kind of realness that is great to see, it feels natural and true. (panels used in this post are from all throughout Exceptional X-Men #1-9)

And then there is Emma and Kitty's relationship with each other. In issue 3, Kitty attacks Emma physically first, and when Emma uses her TK, Kitty tells her to fight her for real (or leave the kids alone), and puts her in a chokehold.

In issue 6, when the kids are talking about how they don't want to be dependant on Emma, Kitty touches Emma's shoulder. Later in issue 6, when Alex is confronting Kitty and Emma, Emma has her hand on Kitty's shoulder and tells her to take a breath.

Kitty and Emma stand closely A BUNCH through the issues, and neither of them is hesitant to use physical touch as a show of affection (toward the kids, Bobby, and Nina).

When they're talking and arguing with each other, there's always this space between them, but when they're standing as one unit in front of the kids/Bobby, they're closer.

Kitty touches Emma when she needs to get through to her, and Emma touches Kitty when she's clearly in distress. We see that for Emma again in issue 9, when she has to snap Kitty out of her shock. But it's much more intimate then. It's not a shoulder touch, and she isn't shaking her out of it. She has her hand on her chin, and while she's trying to help her, she's also scolding her. I can't stop thinking about it.

There's another touching moment (ha) in issue 9 where Kitty, Emma, and Bobby are holding hands to go through a wall. But Emma is the one holding Bobby's hand. Kitty is only holding Emma's. which could mean nothing.

[raindropren]

I do wonder if Scott knows that by trying to "not enable" pearl's "bad behavior" he is enabling actual bad behavior.

Saying that Pearl(and Impulse i think when he joins up with the group) should go try to make amends with Gem and Joel is like saying to the victim of a bully that they should just talk it out. A bully doesn't need a reason to hate a person, they just do it.

Gem doesn't have a reason to hate Pearl(and Impulse, but scott wasn't talking to him at the time). There might be some disagreement or misunderstanding, but it's not like Gem's just going "I don't like them" she's going "I want everyone to hate them, I want them dead, I want you! to be against them, Kill them, Hurt them" and I very much think Scott is doing the thing where you have Zero information but you like one of them more then the other so that one must be right!

Misinformation and not talking to eachother about important matters, whether relationship with other teams or murder related, will be the downfall of this team imo.

Pearl and Impulse haven't down "Nothing" but they sure haven't down "Something" and It seems like Cleo,,, understands that(from what I know,,, i am still only 4 minutes into the video....)

Gem and Joel want Scott's teammates dead, or more so, Gem, who seems to be the one doing most of the talking bad about the two. Instead of asking Pearl and Impulse What they did, He assumed that they had done something to warrant Gem's dislike already(,,,in,,, episode 2 at the earliest,,,) However, even with this assumption, Gem and Joel still hate His Teammates, and thus, should probably not be on Scott's nice list. The fact that they aren't, kinda says alot about his actual faith in the teammates he chose...

Also Gem is manipulating others to be against Pearl and Impulse at this point, right? I don't think it's entirely Scott's fault that he views the relationship between the three this way, Gem is making it that way. But at the same time, is it? He's not like Bdubs or Etho, who she just lied to and they believed without much word on their part. He's talking about Pearl and Impulses "Bad behavior" with her. He's contributing to Gem's hate.

[ink-going-insane]

would anyone be interested if i wrote a jjk reincarnation+ghost au fic surrounding the hidden inventory gang,,,

[whorefordarlin]

Darlin': "You want me to get in a car? The thing that killed Gabriel Shaw?"

David: "Get out."

[algerian-lady]

I love how people watch mafia animes then go like this character is super manipulative and evil... These guys are in the mafia? What are they supposed to be or do? Be good guys and sell candies? They're obviously out laws, they are bad guys, it's funny bcz ppl want the mafia Aesthetic but not the mafia.

Like in Khr, a lot of ppl hate reborn bcz he's a mean baby, that's a' hit man who was turned to an arcbaleno who was asked to tutor a kid for a big mafia familia' that you got there, he's obviously a criminal. He didn't come to make friends, the Manga and anime clearly stated that he was deadass there to turn a highschoolar into a mafia boss, he's not even being subtile about it, he never hid the fact, that's literally his job and mission, after having killed ppl for a living for years (none said those were bad ppl either).

For him the familia is everything and mafia is good, he doesn't care that he's doing smth illegal, he threatens ppl with guns every two seconds. That's the whole picture, the synopsis, the essence of Khr, the idea here, nobody is genuis by figuring it out, there's no reading between the lines, those are the lines lol.

I'm saying that this is a fictional work where mafia are organized in families and have powers and mafia schools and tutors etc, obv Reborn is bad, but bcz this is in a weird setting and he's a baby in a fictional story and it's funny in a slap stick humor way, we love him for it, it's also an anime where we side with Mafia so we're supposed to like evil stuff? but ppl draw a line when it's the characters they like who gets harmed and need to give them online justice. They're gonna be harmed, it's the mafia. There's no logic, ethic or justice here, it's a fictional mafia POV story, named over the baby hitman reborn.

That's not the only mafia anime where western fans bash a mafia character for doing smth bad, not realizing they are in the mafia, not realizing that the mafia can never objectively be good and there aren't bad and bad stuff, it's one bad and mafia will always be bad, but for the sake of fiction we can pretend it's cool in a story.

[rorydrawsandwrites]

final opinions on the silly mr puzzles guy???? :3

He is Definitely a Guy Ever

Very tragic yet very dangerous. Delightfully theatrical and unhinged but if he were a real person I would NOT want him on the loose ever again his ass is dying in prison (if he even can)

Honestly I'm able to relate to the fact that he's such a critic hahah. I mean I agree with him professionals should have standards. So married to his own vision save for that one time that it's even messed things up for him on occasion. But he's definitely good at entertaining, seeing as he entertained me into liking him as a silly little guy despite all the war crimes. I'm sure that's what he would've wanted

Then again he still throws tantrums and stalks people and punches effigies and attempts mass murder and brainwashes people when things don't go his way and that's why he's a pathetic king. Like yass girl slay but also get yourself together

The shot with the "crane up" in the lowest point short as he lay in the trash can was satisfying for multiple reasons. Finally he's where he belongs /lh

I feel like I found this character at the right time because I've learned a little bit about filmmaking by now, camera movements and shot types and like the visual language of film, and it IS pretty fascinating stuff so I get his passion one hundred percent (also did you know that in the beginning of Creative Control the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" are the 5W + 1H that should be answered when delivering a piece of news. Like in press. Apparently it's also a general problem solving thing but I first learned about it in the context of news media. I felt so proud of myself for noticing)

I also like that he's eloquent and has only said fuck once, characters like that tend to be endearing to me. Also I get to use my purple prose vocabulary when thinking about their dialogue and possibly writing it down. I did already mention loving his VA, also loved his progressively growing collection of faces, and I think that twink of a man should be seductively grabbed by the waist at least once- wait who said that

On an slightly related note I can't see any potential for ships here with the main cast. I heard there was one with Mario? Uhh, welp. I don't see it. The only ship I'll ship is him and Firkász, she's already sucking on his staticky glass screen as we speak. Disgusting

I don't know what else to say tbh I think he rocked the fairy godmother fit. Silly ahh wings. He was such a pretty fairy

Anyway rest in containment Puzzles, genuine human connection could've fixed you. Also if you didn't treat people like toys 'till the very end. Your sadistic tendencies and stubborn disregard for your fellow beings made you all the more horrible and yet more tragic still, as you could've never even had what you most desperately needed. Because you couldn't change

[thunder-jolt]

My Mortal Kombat OC, Sarendi Mortess...

Alright, to briefly explain Sarendi Mortess before I get to her lore, she is the daughter of the Elder God, Shinnok, and often goes by "Beast of Hunger" and most famously and infamously (in lore, specifically, not IRL), "The God Eater". Personality-wise, only a few single words, along with some phrases, can properly describe her: "savage", "monstrous", "gluttonous", "unpredictable", "wild", "a menace to all of society", and "an absolute fucking demon". Those are the best surface-level ways I can really say. Aside from "bizarre but also the most generic" in terms of lore. (Also, in terms of where she is in the timelines, if she were to be a canon character, she is from the second timeline, who then came to the third timeline to bring chaos to the realms, eating people along the way.)

Speaking of lore, I might as well.

First off, some background details before talking about the backstory itself. So, before there was Sarendi, aside from the Elder Gods and Titans, there was a deity by the alias of "The Fertile One".

The thing about the Fertile One is that, (even though Cetrion is technically Mother Nature in the sense that she is the goddess of nature), she is a Mother Nature equivalent, with the Fertile One can create life with just her presence and her blood, no matter the environment (meaning that life can be made whether it be in a conventional place like a jungle, or in an unconventional place like a concrete jungle, aka a city.)

Now, what had happened, which resulted in Sarendi's birth, is that Shinnok, back when he was still addicted to bloodshed, murdered the Fertile One in cold blood, along the way accidentally consuming some drops of the Fertile One's blood. About a few days later, he ends up having the worst stomach-ache known to man, on the ground, on his knees, clutching his stomach in pain.

When he was being helped up by his servants, one of them said that they felt something growing and moving around in his stomach, and reasonably, Shinnok wants it out as soon as possible, immediately, even. So, by Shinnok's painful plea, he had his stomach gutted and there, out came an infant who, once the child hit the ground, wailed and cried. (A gruesome scene, in my opinion.)

As Shinnok is recovering, while the child still wails, he tries to comprehend the situation, wondering frantically, "What happened to me? How did this happen? And why did it happen?", and then Cetrion came in, to see what the hell is going on, and then immediately knew what had happened and how it happened.

To put it, Shinnok killed the Fertile One, accidentally drank her blood, and ended up bearing the Fertile One's child. (It's mpreg, fucking mpreg, I say. With all the bluntness available.)

Cetrion tells Shinnok that he has to take responsibility as a father since he birthed the child. Not wanting to be a father, especially so immediately, he refuses, even suggesting that Cetrion should raise the child; however, since Cetrion also doesn't want to be a parent, she also refuses.

And common sense tells both of them that Kronika shouldn't raise the kid either because of two reasons, one is that Kronika doesn't want to raise another kid, and two, Kronika's a bad mother.

And well, they could find someone else to raise the kid, but due to Shinnok's infamy, the chances are incredibly slim. So Shinnok has no other choice but to be the father of who we later know as Sarendi Mortess, and he does a HORRIBLE JOB AT IT.

Just to keep it short, due to the parental neglect, Sarendi wasn't raised properly and was also starving, leading to her killing and eating Shinnok, and then Cetrion, and then finally Kronika. How? Who knows, perhaps pure, unbridled savagery?

Whatever, anyways, after that, she goes out and begins eating people, notably powerful foes, before being (briefly) imprisoned by the other Elder Gods and Gods in general.

But that imprisonment didn't last that long, since she managed to be freed by a human named Mariet, whom she befriended until the girl's untimely death, and then went on to go to the third timeline in search of more victims to consume.

Enough aside, I must warn y'all before I show you Sarendi. First off, a typical trigger warning for blood as her lips are just stained with it, and secondly, her design's not flashy or makes her stand out from, say, Mileena or Scorpion, it's low-key kinda boring if you grayscale it, but I tried my best.

Anyways, here's Sarendi Mortess.

(Had to size down the file because of Tumblr having errors with uploading this image.)

If you feel like the necklace that Sarendi is wearing seems familiar, congratulations, that's meant to look like Shinnok's amulet! (The only way to connect her to Shinnok, somehow. Aside from probably giving her horns, but whatever.)

[mitamicah]

Not me brainstorming ideas for my post op tattoo (context) like I'd contact the tattoo artist tomorrow and not in a 1,5 year or more

This was where my inspiration took me today I guess :'D

[stepswowdsen]

【KagePro】 KuroEne AU: KuroEne's Amusement Park Date + Kuroha pretends to join the Mekakushi Dan 🖤💙

KuroEne AU: Scenarios

Dialogue Scripts (Suggestive dialogue)

Kuroha goes to the Amusement Park with Ene

Kuroha/Saeru pretends to join the Mekakushi Dan, while getting intimate with Ene. Shintaro accidentally stumbles in on KuroEne's intimacy and learns about their relationship.

I originally wrote these rambles on 8/29/2024 and 9/1/2024 but forgot to post them here

I put these rambles under the cut as usual!

KuroEne AU: Dialogue Scripts

(CW: Suggestive)

Based on an idea I had where Ene asks Kuroha about his motives. He then tells her he's been with the Enes of previous routes. Ene dares him to make her feel good, and Kuroha accepts the challenge.

Ene recognizes that she might not be able to ever truly beat him, but that doesn't mean she'll ever stop trying.

Ene reflects on her experiences with Kuroha/Saeru.

KuroEne AU: Unsorted dialogue scripts.

I'll post my Outer Science arts and Outer Science MV analysis rambles soon in the coming days (since I always try to find new things to say when it comes to analyzing my fave MVs).

Whenever I get the time.

For now I'll just post this since I forget which dialogue scripts I have and haven't posted

Both in terms of art and writing, KuroEne really gets my creative juices flowing, so I'm so grateful to this pair (and my other faves too) for getting me out of the rut of never posting anything. I'm slowly getting more comfortable with posting my art WIPs too.

KuroEne AU: A monologue snippet from Ene. I want to write more scenes like this ^^

I think it's super fun to delve into and explore her feelings and the kinds of insecurities and loneliness she tries to keep beneath the surface.

How in Manga Route 2, she admits to Shintaro that having so much fun spending time with a friend made her start to feel like she didn't deserve it... Weh weh weh ;__;

...

Kuroha/Saeru uses the pronouns 僕 (Boku, "I") and 君 (Kimi, "You") in Outer Science, and the rougher masc pronouns 俺 (Ore, "I") and お前 (Omae, "You") in the Kagerou Daze manga.

I made him default to using Ore (俺) and Omae (お前) in my own dialogue scripts since the rougher masc pronouns fit an arrogant chara like him, but I imagine that he probably does use 僕 (Boku) and 君 (Kimi) if he wants to appear softer to Ene.

It'd be familiar to her since Haruka and Konoha both use 僕 (Boku) and 君 (Kimi)

...

I don't have a favourite character to write dialogue scripts for, since I enjoy writing for all of my meow meow mf and wifey faves. But writing villain charas is seriously cathartic for me :)

The dialogue is sooo fun to write for villain/antagonist charas.

I excel at writing my faves most, so other charas' roles tend to be rather minimized/minimal (or mainly just cameos, if they're there), since I usually just focus on the ship itself in my ship AUs.

Kuroha takes Ene to the Amusement Park

Kagerou Daze Manga: Ch. 9 - Shintaro and Ene

I decided to put the pages for context just in case my non-KagePro mutuals wanna tune into these rambles ^^

I didn't get to write all of what I wanted today but I got most of it down so I'll just post what I got for now

One of the ideas I had that I forgot to talk about was Ene getting Kuroha to take her to the amusement park. Ene gets excited talking about how, while she was surfing the web earlier when the android body was recharging, that she found out about an Amusement park attraction and wants to go with him.

I imagine that Kuroha decides to play nice prior to the fateful day of August 15th (in which he plans to enact the "plan" or "Tragedy." Like he acts more tame/normal on purpose, and holds back, and decides to go along with his partner's whims.

Ene goes like, "Take me to the amusement park!!!" And she gets excited when he agrees. I assume they're in a Route where he's made enough improvements that the battery can last anywhere from several hours ~ a full day instead of just an hour or few.

At some point during the Amusement park trip, Ene innerly thinks to herself with flustered, panicky thoughts, like, "W-w-wait why is my face getting all red??? Maybe it's because I'm just embarrassed by this guy's teasing??? Yeah!!! That must be it!!!"

She thought of it as going with like, a friend, before, but she thinks about the fact that it's just the two of them here and that this IS the person she has an intimate relationship with and thinks to herself, "HOLD ON!!! IS THIS A DATE!?!?" And cuz Ene is so easy to read, Kuroha can guess her inner turmoil and just gets amused.

Ene pulls him by the arm and makes Kuroha to come along with her to all the amusement park attractions, and he lets her. They probably go on stuff like the mini boat rides and other attractions.

Kuroha just reacts like (...) the whole time while on the roller coaster ride, like the completely calm type that doesn't react at all, he just watches Ene's excited reactions of "Yippee!!!" (>v<)

Kuroha comments that it's good that Ene seems to be enjoying herself, and Ene tells him that she's never had the chance to go to an amusement park before and that she's having LOTS of fun!!! And that she's glad that he is here with her.

Ene goes like, "Come onnnnn, carry me!!!" And he carries his fussy needy gf, while making a teasing quip that she acts awfully spoiled. And she just pouts like "It's fine, it's fine!!!" (>3<)

When he thinks about it, Kuroha picks up on the fact that back when she was Takane, she'd spend most of her time cooped up in her room at home playing video games, and probably didn't get the chance to go to an amusement park (also due to her chronic illness too). So the bright and peppy exterior Ene displays is over compensation for her regrets and an opportunity to do the things she didn't get to before

At one point, Ene wants Kuroha to win prizes for her at a booth/stand selling plushies by throwing darts into a target marker, and Ene tells him she wants him to win prizes for her. When Kuroha throws the darts, it hits the center (red bull's eye) perfectly.

There's probably also a game with hitting moving targets as well, and he hits them all perfectly and wins the prizes that Ene wants. And Ene's like, "Wow~ You're good at this! Throwing darts, I mean!"

And Kuroha tells her, "Naturally. This much is child's play. I am quite skilled at hunting down moving targets..."

He has plenty of practice at it. Ene takes it as a video game thing cuz Ene makes him play video games together and her faves are shooter types, but ahahaha, there's a much darker secret to that. After that, Ene is carrying a fluffy bunny plushie.

It'd also be fun to think about the Amusement Park Scenario with KonoEne too? KonoEne where Konoha just noms on cotton candy while staying close to her, and she just gets all blushy and huffy at him.

Also with the darts scenario, Konoha wouldn't hold back (cuz of how dense and airheaded he is), so him throwing the dart just creates a mini crater in the wall.

Like it plays out much differently with KuroEne ofc.

...

I was just thinking about it but I really want to write dialogue scripts for an Amusement Park scenario in my KuroEne AU.

Basically Ene tells Kuroha she's always wanted to go to the amusement park (since she didn't get the chance to before) and that she wanted to go with a friend (Shintaro), but said friend was a total shut-in and not the type to want to go outside.

So this is the perfect opportunity for her to go with someone!

Ene has a faint blush on her cheeks and pushes her sleeves together as she goes like, "I've been meaning to ask! I was wondering if you would… take me to the Amusement Park?" And Kuroha agrees to take her.

While there, Ene tells him she's having lots of fun! Kuroha muses to himself about the irony. In Manga Route 1, he ended the MekaDan at this very same park. The irony isn't lost on him.

But it's cute to see Ene enjoying herself and having fun and he finds her behaviour naive and foolish for readily accepting him and trusting him so easily, but also innocent and endearing.

Kuroha/Saeru pretends to join the Mekakushi Dan

I just had an idea like y'know what would be a fun idea for a KuroEne AU Route.

I just thought about it since, my KuroEne AU routes usually have KuroEne hang out alone together in a secluded/abandoned building or real estate just to themselves.

But I also thought that it WOULD be interesting

If the Mekakushi Dan doesn't get the chance to meet Konoha, but Kuroha pretends to be an Eye Ability user and "joins" them just out of curiosity.

The MekaDan think they've invited a new member, in reality they have the enemy in their hideout. The irony isn't lost on him.

He's good at playing pretend.

Something that he can pull off because he's an Eye Ability snake, he can make his eyes glow red. And he just pretends his Eye Ability is Awakening Eyes

The other Mekakushi Dan members accept him like, "Welcome to the Mekakushi Dan!" (:D)

And upon getting this warm greeting from everyone, he goes from (…) and slowly smirks like, "Thank you for having me."

…

Like, Kuroha/Saeru pretends to be apart of the Mekakushi Dan and be "one of them" to find new ways to spice up the game and make things fun. It's something different cuz he's usually used to playing the game alone with Ene, now they have "spectators" around them

Though obviously they'll be alone for their intimacy.

Shintaro almost feels relieved to see someone like Kuroha/Saeru that can manage to tease Ene so easily and make her flustered, it's like getting payback or sweet revenge for Ene always teasing him.

…

I thought of one scenario that'd be fun where it's like… KuroEne are alone in the MekaDan's hideout together, the rest of the members are still out and have yet to come back.

Shintaro comes back earlier than the others (earlier than expected) cuz it's been a long time since he's been in the summer heat (as a shut-in NEET), so he's not used to it.

Shintaro wonders where the others (KuroEne) are while thinking to himself. While checking one of the rooms, he sees that the door is slightly open and catches a glimpse of the view of Kuroha leaning in to kiss Ene through the space in the door that's open.

He just immediately backs away from the door and freaks out innerly to himself. Then Shintaro thinks back on all the instances of Ene actually getting embarrassed/flustered by Kuroha/Saeru's teasing, which is so unlike her usual self, and things start to make sense.

Irt Kuroha/Saeru, he's a Snake so he can sniff things out way better than a human can, he probably smelled the scent of another person in the air when Shintaro came in through the door. But it doesn't matter to him if anyone finds out about their r/s.

Shintaro: (WHAT…. NO WAY!!! THERE'S JUST NO WAY!!! AHHHH! IT'S NOT MY BUSINESS! I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!)

Shintaro: (Come to think of it… I just thought it was fun to see Ene being the one getting teased.. I never thought there'd be something like THAT between them!!!)

Shintaro: (BUT I DIDN'T THINK THERE WAS ANYTHING GOING ON BETWEEN THEM… I MEAN!!! THAT ENE!?!? WHO USUALLY ACTS SO SPOILED AND SELFISH!!! SUDDENLY ACTING ALL SHY!?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME???)

Inspiration

Made these rambles after being inspired by Feila's KuroEne chatroom style posts

Feila's KuroEne posts 😭 CRYINGGG /POS

Ene managing to pester and tease Saeru is a huge feat she should feel accomplished. I think it's so funny to imagine Shintaro being the (unfortunate) spectator of KuroEne's shenanigans together.

Ene being bratty on purpose to rile up Saeru is a fun concept :3

Especially when he's usually a more calm/level-headed character so it would take a lot but I think my wife has it in her 👍

C: Omg

M: THIS IS EXACTLY THE DYNAMIC I HAVE IN MY HEAD FOR KUROENE HELPP

Me: We should have Ene acting bratty enough to Saeru for him to want to tease her back in exchange :3