#Checkmate in 3 Moves MC

[anxietytwist]

𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧

[ 𝟸𝟹 | 𝟻'𝟽" | Agender | Bisexual | 🩷𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐡 ]

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⧼Style⧽

𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗿

Long (mixed 𝟺b/𝟺c type) hair, worn “naturally” (unless they're dressing up for a special event)

𝗙𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻

A full face of 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑢𝑝, golden piercings (𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑤, 𝑠𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑢𝑚, & 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠), lots of rings/bracelets/necklaces, & 𝑓𝑢𝑛 nails

𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙙𝙖𝙮

Cute & colourful, w/ soft textures

𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨

Classy & always brightly coloured

𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙡

Rich colours & unique textures

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⧼Notes⧽

ᴘʀᴏɴᴏᴜɴꜱ➙ They/Them ʙᴏᴅʏ ᴛʏᴘᴇ➙ 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑛 (don't be fooled though, they can 𝟷𝟶𝟶% kick ass if needed) ᴄʀᴇᴇᴅ➙ “𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘥 & 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯.” ꜱᴛᴇʀᴇᴏᴛʏᴘᴇ➙ “𝘐𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 & 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵-𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.” ɢᴏꜱꜱɪᴘ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛ➙ “𝘐 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 & 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴.” ᴠᴀʟᴜᴇᴅ ᴘᴏꜱꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴ➙ Handgun (a 𝑐𝑢𝑡𝑒 one of course) ᴏꜰꜰɪᴄᴇ ꜱᴛʏʟᴇ➙ 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑠𝑚

💔𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫 (happily just friends)

The 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒇'𝒔 𝑲𝒊𝒔𝒔 incident deeply affected them—they can still taste his blood in their mouth—primarily by onsetting their anxiety disorder; they still HATE when people approach them from behind & are triggered by anything tight being around their neck 🫣 (it's also why they started self-defence & gun training)

Despite being an outgoing person, 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫'𝐬 social anxiety often overwhelms them in “chaotic” environments 😵‍💫💫

Even though 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫 has a “cutsie” aesthetic; they're a horror fan at heart 🪓💀 (their faves include: Hush, The Perfection, Candyman, Jennifer's Body, & The Thing)

They definitely DO NOT have a “green thumb” 🥀

While 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐡 harbours a 𝟷-sided rivalry with them... 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫 is too busy crushing on him to rise to any of his bait 😳💘 (their crush began the moment he admonished their father at the media conference; they know its probably hopeless, though, he'll dislike them no matter HOW kind/genuine they are to him😮‍💨)

They have a history of disastrous accidents: almost being robbed + possibly kidnapped as a kid, falling down the stairs on their 𝟸𝟶ᵗʰ b-day, & getting t-boned in their car 😨 (unsurprisingly, they have PTSD from some of these events)

𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫'𝐬 relationship with their father has always been strained... even BEFORE he abandoned them 😒 (despite her oddities, 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫 is on good terms with their mom)

Pretending to break up 😌👌... saying you “broke up” because your fake partner looks down on lower class people (& potentially ruining their, already fragile, reputation) 👎☹️: real DICK move 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐡

𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫 often takes part in opening duels for 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒌𝒚 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒆; their favourite duelling team is the 𝑹𝒖𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒔 🤺

They always thought they'd become CEO of their family's business... but not so abruptly (they have A LOT of ideas about how to make 𝑶𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒍𝒆 more accessible to “everyday” citizens 🤔 + ways of helping the “disadvantaged” areas of the city)

...

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𝐼𝐹: @checkmatein3moves

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Picrew used:

[glass-warehouse]

NICHOLAS VINTEREN

oh god i did it. i'm gonna need a shirt that reads; i'm an artist! ask me about my hand! and then on the back, SPOILERS: it hurts.

anyway here is my MC just before it all goes to shit. something something peacock feathers symbolising pride something something the height of pride before a fall—you get me?

BONUS!!!: here is a shitpost i drew as a real insight into how i felt for about 35% of the process.

You don't have to read this if you don't want to. This is my rant and criticism space, it's really more for me. Thanks 7 years of conditioned behavior.

I considered this piece abandoned a few months ago. Just as I was starting the first pass of shading I saw a massive error. I'm pretty vigilant with my layers, keeping copies in case I need to go back and fix something, but I thought I was all done and dusted. Ready for the next stage. So I had no backups. At this point I'm too far in to easily fix it without making a huge mess and it was a massive motivation killer. I couldn't stop thinking about it and I didn't want to continue, so I left it.

Months later I came back, the work I hadn't finished was perfectly fine, I thought it looked good. I decided that I was going to finish the piece even if it killed me even with the mistakes. It happens to all of us. And man I am so happy I continued.

I could've kept going on it to be honest, but I had to put a stop somewhere. There are problems, things I wish I had or hadn't done, but for what it is I'm damn pleased with myself. So I'd say it was a success :)

The last 45 minutes were spent on the background (look too close and I'll kill you). There wasn't even going to be one before then. Glad I stuck out the extra time even though I was fucking exhausted and ready to have my hand completely crushed by a large object.

Around 75% of the way done I notice that my auto-saves are causing my laptop to freeze. I know hefty files can do this but it's only a full body drawing, not what I'd consider hefty. Well it turns out that past me thought so highly of this piece, before it was even a sketch, to have it be in 4K RESOLUTION. That shit is crisp as hell, drink in all that clear detail, so long as Tumblr doesn't nuke it from orbit. (Future me here to say that yep, it got nuked. Guess I'll be the only one who gets to see it in high def, just what I wanted lmao 😒)

It sucks even more because I'm noticing the lack of clarity on another piece I'm doing, but I 1. don't need 4K quality and 2. my laptop can't take that level of a beating every time CSP auto-saves. Yeah I could turn off auto-saves but that feels like just asking for trouble.

Also yeah, I'm doing one for Hebe. It won't be as detailed as this piece because, unfortunately, that ability is on cooldown. Doesn't mean I won't try my hardest regardless, I just fear what might happen to me if I try that again too soon. I don't want another 3 month long shutdown. (As I write this I'm literally at the same point in her piece as I was with this one just before I gave up, lol)

[interact-if]

hi, i’m looking for this IF where MC inherited their mother’s company/business because she was arrested for the supposed murder of her sister that happened like 20 years ago. also i think mc and their group of friends were famous.

Hi Anon!

You'd be looking for Checkmate in 3 moves by @checkmatein3moves. You can find the demo here.

[20elements]

I’ll be discussing some of my favorite perspectives on each of Night Raven College’s seven dorms and/or their chapters. If I sound like I’m using “fighting words”, it’s not my purpose to roast or insult any characters (I just like reading my own words). A lot of these may also tie into the deadly sin their Overblotters embody. Be forewarned that there will be Chapter 7 spoilers and more in this entry.

Heartslabyul - Rush the Roses Red

For why Heartslabyul marks our first chapter, I’ll get the obvious explanations out of the way first: We know both the game’s title and which dorm’s based on Wonderland itself. Not surprisingly, we get Ace and Deuce as joint tritagonists even before Chapter 1 starts. Additionally, the Queen of Hearts’ role in Alice was relatively short, so it’s easy to see why Heartslabyul would get the shortest hence first chapter in the game. But what I really want to go into is Riddle Rosehearts.

We now know that Chapter 1 is earlier than the writers had planned to explain Blot, but they still use so many puddle scenes to keep us in anticipation. And who better to use than Riddle, the irritable teapot despot? If I’m not mistaken, there were more Blot sightings in Chapter 1 than any other, not to mention how soon we would fight his Overblot. As Chapter 6 would confirm, Riddle easily produces Blot because of both his temperament and his exhaustive use of magic. In short, because Riddle's so quick to anger, he's also quick to OB, which is why he's up first.

Savanaclaw - Pawn Promotion

“If you intend to stay in this dorm, there is but one rule you have to follow. Obey me.” —Leona Kingscholar

What makes Leona so effortlessly charismatic is not only his strength and skills, but more importantly, how he strategically instructs his underlings just like a game of chess (in good faith to Scar’s campaign). As long as his leadership guides his team where needed, Leona can always get away with slacking himself; even the Spelldrive Club attests to this. But the clearest example is in Chapter 2, go figure.

For starters, Leona doesn’t have a high opinion of Ruggie’s UM, yet he invests a great deal into the hyena. Leona turns Ruggie into a serial “assassin” who successfully injures so many potential competitors, including even some vice housewardens. He even gets Ruggie a UM buff to carry a stadium’s worth of people. (When I first saw Chapter 2, I even wondered if Ruggie would be the one to OB instead, tbh.) 

As efficient as Leona’s tactics usually are, however, the king himself barely moves a square. When cornered, Leona just drops the ball on his plans, yet Overblots when pressed further. Still, as lazy as Leona is, stepping too close to the king is dangerous for both parties, but on this occasion, he doesn’t bring home a “checkmate”.

Octavinelle - Inciting the Impoverished

In order to make my point about Octavinelle, or at least Azul, I’ll also have to make this about “us”, or the MC. In Chapter 3, we are both Azul’s foil and a testament to his avarice. It’s harrowing enough for the MC that we’re isekai’d into TW with zero superpowers, but now our closest friends are “un-maged” and we lose our only shelter for trying to save them. In the end, we’re left with… Jack—whoescortsintolion’sdenandfindsushelp!! 

(…Ahem.) So for once the villain’s challenging the MC, our stakes are direct, and we have to explore options ourselves to protect our livelihood. In fact, this is the only chapter so far where the MC proactively contributes to the story. And although we still need help from reluctant allies, we ultimately come up with a solution that foils Azul’s plans completely.

So why is this significant to Tako Bell? Because the MC embodies everything that Azul’s afraid of becoming: a “nothing”. Azul attributes his own self worth to his possessions, but after his greed reaches the MC and pushes us into survival mode, Azul gets outwitted by someone so empty-handed. In contrast to the MC, none of Azul’s many gifts could prevent Leona from destroying his prized contracts. When Azul is reduced to desperation, even his most trusted Leech Bros. turn on him; at that point, not even Azul’s OB would save him from defeat. Justice couldn’t be more poetic in this chapter.

“Sorry, Azul. You’re just not as dastardly a villain as ___ is.” —Leona

Scarabia - Veiled Venom

At this point, Jamil is notorious for “acting mid” to hide his charts, no small thanks to social hierarchy. But TW does even more to hide our dragons; remember the housewarden greetings? Unlike other dorms, if you’re sorted into Scarabia, Kalim gives you a nice warm welcome describing only the perks of your medicine; no indication of side effects whatsoever. He’s not here to lie, but Kalim’s hospitality masks Scarabia’s fangs as effectively as Jamil’s cookings lure prey. 

And then there’s the timing of Chapter 4; as if to keep most of the student body in the dark from Jamil’s potential, Scarabia’s story takes place in the middle of winter break (go figure, the usual tritagonists are off-campus too). As a result, only a relative few are around to witness the first vice warden OB this year.

“Mediocre, nothing. He's easily one of the top magicians in the entire school, to say nothing of Scarabia!” —Azul

But while Jamil is sold as a dark horse and established as Scarabia’s true face, we owe Kalim another look. As carefree as he is, Kalim’s potential is also a crouching tiger. He was able to surprise the Octavinelle guests twice, with a heart strong enough to deflect Jade’s truth serum and an abundantly resourceful UM for the sea creatures to use (ntm Azul’s potential cash cow). Yet, Jamil belittles Kalim the same way he himself dreads and it becomes his undoing in Chapter 4.

"You clearly don't appreciate Kalim's power for what it is, then." --Azul

Pomefiore - Mirror Mirror Magnified

“As I often remind you, I spend more time looking at you than you do looking at yourself in the mirror.” —Rook Hunt

Chapter 5 is no exception to reflecting its mascot in some way, but it’s because of Vil’s pride that the story does a few things new. As a deadly sin, pride is often considered the “mother of all sins” and yet a reasonable amount can also be a virtue. Until Vil crossed the line, the story even justifies the confidence he exudes. Hence my gist: Vil's "magic mirror" is not merely on his wall (nor pocket), but the very world around him.

All of the previous Overblotters qualify as antagonists throughout their chapters, but Vil, despite a few quarrels, has mostly remained on our side. His motives may be self serving, but he puts an earnest effort into training his team. While his critiques may be harsh, Vil explains in painstaking detail why he finds them necessary, if not agreeable. Whatever his faults, I’d argue that Vil’s the most leaderlike out of all the housewardens bar none. And when Vil deserves to be proud, the story smiles on him…

Just as Pomefiore boasts being NRC’s oldest dorm, Vil is representing the whole campus rather than just his dorm (ntm it’s Chapter 5 that recalls “Piece of My World”). Vil's pride continues to be mirrored, now using the coliseum he's performing on. Thus, when his ego does drive him out of line, we fight Vil’s OB in this very location, where the weather now sucks, “repairmen” fill his audience, and the stage is wrecked. (To add insult, the masses were off-stadium to watch Vil's brainwashed rival instead.) Chapter 5's whole mirror theme comes full circle when "Spudling 2" literally reflects Vil's own power against him two-fold, finishing his OB off. This battle even compromises his team’s ability to perform at their best afterwards. 

“The skies were clear and sunny before, yet now a tempest rages... Truly, it is like a reflection of Vil's own heart.” —Rook

So we see just how much Vil’s ego can hurt himself, but the story does still give him a lot to be proud of. Even if his OB wrecks the place, Vil’s the first boss we fight outside of his dorm and it’s on NRC’s grand stage. While drawing the line between a healthy pride and its sinful counterpart, Chapter 5 uses everything to reflect Vil in both cases.

Ignihyde - Buried Blazes Burn Blue

“Maybe to Idia and Ortho, this nightmarish situation is the reality and their life at school was more like a dream. One they’ll forget as soon as they wake up.” —Riddle

Sounds about right, we don’t even get a tour of the blue dorm in their own chapter! Instead we get STYX, which is a glorified prison as far as Idia’s concerned and that sums up his mentality. Idia rarely has the heart to explore opportunities outside, but will sing like a canary inside his own fort. But more deeply than the STYX as a whole, the most powerful metaphor for Idia’s heart is Tartarus.

Idia has a dangerous UM buried several stories underground in a fixed location and reaching it is more tedious than its stair count. If a mage’s UM reflects their heart, this tells us just how trapped Idia feels. All his talent and passion are forced under a tight lid until it bubbles up and bursts. Case in point, when we do dig deep enough, literally all hell breaks loose: Idia’s Overblot battle outscales any of the previous...

…and may take a while to break down. It’s inferred that Idia’s curse burned enough Blot from creating his own Phantom. And although he still experienced a “rush”, Idia is still level enough to talk to Ortho pragmatically and be self-aware of his own OB (a first). Speaking of, Idia’s not the only trapped heat now venting; we also have Ortho who’s been below Tartarus’ gate for nearly a decade but has consumed enough Phantoms to cause this whole incident and become the giant “Hades” we see.

In addition to the Blot burner, if I assume that Phantom Ortho is backing OB Idia without draining him like the usual, Idia gets the perks of OB free of price! All the more reasonable then that our battle against the Super Shroud Bros. would take three whole phases alongside other housewardens, Rook, Epel, and three Thunder Spears to best! Meanwhile, Idia heals at every turn, inflicts burn debuffs, and uses his “triple threat” more freely than previous OB bosses. This is the monster we find at the bottom of Tartarus—the Idia we unravel.

Also notable are Idia’s flame colors. He confirms that touching his hair wouldn’t burn us normally, but as long as blue’s hotter than orange, that tells me it’s trapped heat. But when he’s extremely pissed, Idia lets his sparks fly orange and while cooler than blue, it’s widespread enough to become his ultimate during his final OB phase. Just as his flames reflect his emotions, trapped or freed, the Tartarus towers that symbolize his depressors are the opposite element—a deep freezer for the Phantoms. 

Diasomnia - The Truest Tall Tales Told

Silver: “This isn’t a game. This is our reality.”

Idia: “W-wow! Man, that was totally protagonist dialogue! I wish I could say cool stuff like that…”

Even by TW’s standards, the Diasomnia tribe looks straight out of a fairy tale in body and soul (go figure, they even have real Fae). They’re not trying to be fictitious, but members of other dorms may still find them “chuuni”. Conversely, Diasomnia can make the rest of TW look “realistic” by comparison. And I honestly find this amusing—just picture a more “normal” sports team losing to fantasy warriors; the Spelldrive results would be even less surprising but in the most comical way possible.

On the flipside, it’s not unreasonable for Diasomnia’s characters to have a peculiar view of others as well. Take Sebek, who patronizes mankind and barely wants anything to do with us. His background might have something to do with that—Sebek grew up with very lofty figures like Malleus and Lilia to look up to, long enough to skew his own standards. But his case is a much smaller example of my point compared to the most mythical housewarden in the game, Malleus Draconia…

“Even if I had great power, I couldn’t get anything. I keep losing them. Everyone will get up from their seats and leave me. …There is no one to invite me anymore…” —Malleus

A deity among mages, Malleus embodies many “unrealistic expectations” and probably feels that the real world has no place for someone like him. His own common sense sounds alien to everyone else’s (including his own dorm members’ at times) and vice versa. Yet here he is in this reality being feared for his strength and isolated by his own lifestyle. To add to his grievances, two of the few people Malleus could get along with have plans to leave. Overall, this is not a reality Malleus is happy with and his solution couldn’t be more on point: Trap everyone in an Infinite Tsukuyomi.

“If you surrender to sleep, 1000 years will pass in a blink. You will all become the main characters of a fairy tale.” —Malleus

Sounds a lot like Silver, who’s already a shining knight in all but armor. His UM is literally NiGHTS Into Dreams and helps us traverse literal fantasies. But ironically, the most fantastical dream we visit is Lilia’s true story (aside from the added guests) and it takes us along a mapped RPG quest. Back to my point, what’s real for Diasomnia is a fairy tale for everyone else. Only way my perspective can come full circle is if Malleus’ OB fight takes place in a dream world as well, but Chapter 7 is still a ways from done as I’m typing this.

[ikeromantic]

The Old Switcheroo, Sweet End

Arthur and MC (Haruko) are cursed and end up in each other's bodies. Part 3 of 3. Approx words. 2000 Sweet and fluffy. TW for gender dysphoric descriptions.

The Old Switcheroo pt 1

The Old Switcheroo pt 2

Want some spice? The Old Switcheroo Spicy End

Haruko did her best to smirk at Theo. The chess board sat between them, well-worn pieces carefully set in their starting positions. Willem sat to one side of her and Genevieve on the other. Several other patrons were arrayed behind them. Theo’s team consisted of the bartender and Serafine - who really was quite beautiful - and a handful of other patrons that Arthur had beaten at the game before.

All she needed to do to win this was to think like Arthur. 

“Are you alright?” Willem peered at her curiously. “White goes first so we need to move.”

Haruko nodded mutely. What would Arthur do? Something really smart, she was sure. Probably crack a witty joke. Smirk some more, and then make a brilliant move. She glanced at her teammates. “Suggestions?”

Genevieve grinned. “You know him better than we do. He’s an aggressive player. Hungry to win. Perhaps play to that?”

She swallowed. “Great advice. Luv.” She touched a pawn toward the center of the board. These moved two spaces at first, she thought. Or was it three? No . . . no it was two. She was pretty sure. She lifted it and set it down two spaces forward.

Willem grinned, then leaned to whisper in her ear. “A Sicilian Defense? Conservative. But a good choice against Theo.”

Haruko nodded as if yes, of course, a whatever-whatever was exactly her plan. Theo moved his pawn up and then captured hers. She felt a sudden spike of nerves. He was already winning and they were just two moves in!

“He took the bait,” Genevieve whispered. “Good job.”

“Right,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady and confident. Apparently that was supposed to happen? “What do you two recommend next?”

They had a whispered conference, debating a round of terms Haruko found mysterious. She nodded along as she imagined Arthur would. The three of them settled on a move with a knight, which was honestly a horse, but at this point they could have called it a clown and she would have gone right along. 

The game progressed tensely, with Haruko holding Arthur’s smirk firmly in place, and Theo scowling. The bartender kept the drinks flowing, especially to Arthur’s side. Liquid luck, he called it, but she thought it was really a bit like cheating. Trying to get them drunk. Didn’t mean she turned down the drinks though. They settled warmly in her belly and made her a little less nervous.

She began to see what Arthur liked about this. There was a sense of camaraderie. She found herself laughing genuinely at Genevieve’s barbed wit and Willem’s silly jokes. Even Theo’s dry humor landed. And the rush of joy she felt every time she made a good move on the chess board was intoxicating, almost moreso than the booze.

Eventually, she was down to a knight, two pawns, a queen and her king. Theo had more pieces left to move, but she’d taken his queen. Willem and Genevieve seemed to think they would win it. 

“Check,” Theo said, his expression deadly serious.

“Check? Whe - oh. Yes. Alright.” She contemplated the positions of her pieces. It was starting to make a sort of sense now. How the different bits moved and what the point of it all was. 

Willem nudged her and gestured to where she ought to move her piece. For once, she could see why. It would block the check and leave Theo’s rook vulnerable. The next few moves were crucial. Her team watched the board intensely.

The next round, she took his rook and put him in check. He used his turn to move out of check. Then she took a pawn. And another. 

“Alright, klootzak. You win.” Theo stood and stretched. 

“I - I did?” Haruko stared hard at the pieces trying to figure out how she’d won. He still had places to move. He wasn’t in checkmate.

Willem laughed. “It would be almost impossible for him to beat you with what he has left. See?” The Dutch artist showed her the few moves left to Theo. “Unless you just didn’t notice this piece here or, I dunno, ignored this one - you were going to win it.”

Genevieve looked at Haruko suspiciously. “You really aren’t yourself tonight. I can’t think of a time it wasn’t you explaining the moves to us.”

Haruko laughed it off. “Ah yeah. I was just . . . seeing if Willem understood it. Let’s - let’s have a drink to celebrate.” 

“A round on Arthur,” Theo shouted and then gave his friend a wicked grin. “Winner buys.”

She had no way to know if it was true. Everyone was so happy for a free drink that they weren’t going to say otherwise. And she didn’t have a chance to ask. Between congratulations, toasts, and jokes, the next few hours passed in the blink of an eye. The pale light of early dawn started to peep through the tavern windows. 

“Oh. Oh my goodness. I stayed out all night . . .” Haruko looked dazedly at the dawn. Her eyes felt bleary, her limbs heavy. Even the vampiric constitution needed a rest. “I didn’t even realize.”

“You’re lady is going to grill your balls for this one,” Genevieve laughed. 

Willem nodded. “I don’t even know her but I know that. You should have gone home hours ago.”

“Yeah. Wow.” Haruko had never realized how easy it was to pass a night like this. And she hadn’t even needed to walk anyone home or anything. They’d just been laughing and talking. “I am in so much trouble.” She could just imagine Arthur’s mocking. After all the times she’d gotten angry about him staying out, and here she was . . . 

She rounded Theo up from the bar and said their goodbyes. Her head was already aching and she felt nauseous. The carriage back was a quiet ride as the two men dozed on their bench. 

They got out at the mansion and began the walk up the drive. Theo patted Haruko’s shoulder. “I’d say she’s going to murder you but that’s not true, is it? Hondje?”

Haruko’s jaw dropped. “How - when - you knew?”

“Figured it out. So. You feel better now?”

She nodded. “I do.”

“Good.” Theo gave her a tired smile. “Best get up there and talk to that klootzak. I bet he’s worried about you.”

“I bet he is.” She smiled and her steps felt lighter.

Sebas greeted them with a solemn good morning at the door. 

Haruko wanted to kiss him for the hot cup of coffee he set in her hands but all she said was, “Thanks,” and then, “Where is Ar-ah - Haruko?”

“In bed.” Sebastian’s arched eyebrow was the only indication of his disapproval. 

“I see.” She had no idea how Arthur handled this part of creeping home at the crack of dawn. She gave a short nod and took a sip of coffee. It was so hot that it burned her tongue and made her eyes water. “I-I’ll just go say hello then.”

Sebas’ brow inched further up. “Will you be here for breakfast then?”

“I guess?”

Theo grinned. “I hope you’re making popcorn for the breakfast table show.”

The butler frowned. “No. Popcorn at breakfast can cause indigestion. However, if that is your special request, I can make some for you instead of pancakes.”

Theo’s mouth opened slightly in alarm.

Thankfully, Sebastian didn’t let him flounder for long. “I am only joking. I would never make popcorn for breakfast.” 

The Dutchman nodded, his eyes still a bit wide. 

Haruko smirked, glad to see Sebas’ teasing aimed at someone else for once. “On that note . . .” She took the stairs two at a time, eager to see Arthur. When she checked her room, he wasn’t in her bed though. Her room was practically untouched since the morning before, though the bed was made now and her clothes were put away.

She went to Arthur’s room next, wondering if habit took him there. Haruko opened the door as quietly as she could. Arthur was inside - slumped in the chair. He had a book clasped in one hand, and the other curled in a loose fist at his side. There was a little frown at the edges of his lips. Haruko was fairly certain she didn’t frown in her sleep like that.

Her fingertips brushed Arthur’s forehead, pushing back an errant lock of hair. It was a strange sensation to look at herself and to be able to reach out and touch her own face. But at the same time, she could tell it was Arthur there. Even in her small frame, it was the set of his shoulders and the slight pout of his lips. The way he breathed, even. 

Arthur didn’t stir. Only a slight fluttering behind his eyelids gave any reaction to her touch. He must be so tired, she thought. 

Haruko went to grab a blanket for him and then realized in Arthur’s body, she could just put him into bed rather than only cover him where he lay. The thought made her smile. How many times had Arthur carried her to bed? More than she could count. 

She lifted him carefully and cradled him against her chest. The beating of his heart felt so loud and faster than she’d expected. “Having exciting dreams?” She felt her heart grow heavy with emotion. Love was a weight, a fullness, that overwhelmed sometimes. Like now, when it overcame her suddenly. She didn’t know what to do with herself. She wanted to hold him tighter, to kiss him, to be held and kissed . . .

“Sweeping me off my feet, luv?” Arthur opened one eye to peer at her. 

She felt heat creep into her cheeks. “I was just putting you to bed.”

He raised an eyebrow, mocking. “Going to take advantage of me while I slept? What a naughty bird.”

“I wasn’t!” 

Arthur smiled. “You know protesting only makes you look guiltier, luv. Now be quiet and give us a kiss. I missed you last night.”

“I missed you too.” Haruko pressed her lips gently to his, surprised for a moment by how good it felt to, well, to kiss herself. The touch sent a burst of electricity through her, tingling from the tips of her toes to the ends of Arthur’s messy mop of hair. 

He broke the kiss with a soft laugh. “Feels a bit different like this.”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “It’s nice though.”

“So you liked being me today, eh?”

Haruko considered for a moment and then shook her head. “No. I mean, it was nice sometimes but . . . writing is hard. And everyone expects you to know things. Everything. It was kind of exhausting.”

Arthur grinned. “You’ve got to be kidding. I spent today doing half what you get done - Sebastian told me so - and I feel like I went through the laundry press.” 

She leaned her forehead against his and they shared a moment of quiet together. Their breaths came slow and deep together. Haruko met Arthur’s gaze.

“I love you,” she said at the same moment he spoke the same words. The world around her blurred and for a heartbeat, she felt as if she were falling or flying. Untethered, unmoored, a petal floating through the darkness. And then she found herself looking up into two big blue eyes. “Arthur?”

“Haruko? Haruko! You’re you!”

She laughed delightedly and kissed him. “I am! And you! You’re Arthur!”

“The one and only.” He fell back into bed holding her. 

“I’m so glad.” She sighed, snuggling into him. “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you,” she added after a moment. “Your pub friends are all really nice.”

Arthur stroked her hair and held her. “They are but . . . I realized sitting home tonight alone that I’d rather be home with you. Or out with you. Or anywhere, really. With you.”

Haruko felt a warmth in her chest that felt bright as the sun.

“Is it alright if I never let you go, luv?” 

“Yeah,” she whispered. “As long as I can hold on to you too.”

[honeylemonbutte]

I drew the outfit choices from Horizon Day 1 twice because they're all so good.

Not only is every outfit choice amazing, we can have brightly dyed hair too. I'm gonna go feral because the MC can be so stylish.

From Checkmate in 3 Moves @checkmatein3moves

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Season 2 Chapter 54 Translation (Lucien's Route - Part 3 [Dimensional Ascension])

⚠️  SPOILER ALERT  ⚠️

This post contains a VERY HEAVY SPOILER for the chapter that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

"What do you mean by "only"? Clearly, you've always been the most important!"

"How does that saying go again? "I don't care about the world. I only care about you."

Lucien's lips curve into a little smile. He sighs gently. His brows and eyes soften.

"This little lady always calls me cunning, but I think you are even worse."

Translation under the cut!

Previous part-> [Here]

I lower my gaze, looking at Lucien.

In my mind, it feels like there's a corner gently swaying.

Or perhaps, he simply revealed the long-buried thought in the depths of my heart.

Resisting the world's direction is truly too exhausting.

Since it's not heading towards destruction but evolution, why should I continue to persist?

The unforeseen direction may surpass understanding, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing.

Moreover, there's still Lucien guiding all of this.

MC: (smiles softly) Lucien, take me to see the world you long for.

I gaze deeply at him, speaking earnestly.

Lucien: ….

The surrounding light and shadow dance around us, and Lucien speaks softly.

Lucien: Entrusting the future of the entire world to one person, it seems this classmate trusts me too much.

MC: After all, you've believed in me like that many times too, haven't you?

I say as our fingers intertwine, exchanging each other's warmth.

MC: We share the same desire, and besides, you've already handed the decision-making to me—

MC: So, it's okay if I authorize my 'God of War' to pave the way for me, right?

In my calm gaze, Lucien curves his eyes.

Lucien: (whispers softly) Of course.

Lucien: I will bring that world to you.

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

I held Lucien's hand and finally had a good night's sleep in the dream. Upon waking up, I returned to real life.

However, it seems like the world has been pressed on an invisible fast-forward button, and the situation is becoming more critical.

Over the past few months, rifts have been appearing more frequently throughout the city.

Earthquakes, landslides, and even accidents caused by mistaking distorted projections for reality...

The order of the entire world is slowly heading towards collapse.

As I look at the submissions with alarming descriptions, I can't help but sigh deeply.

Lucien: You've been working for so long, it's time to take a break.

With his words, a teacup suddenly lands in front of me, blocking my view of the laptop.

Lucien: What news are you so engrossed in?

I pursed my lips and decided to simply place the laptop on his lap.

MC: Look, it seems like a lot of people are having trouble because of the rifts.

Lucien's indifferent gaze lightly sweeps across the news, and he casually picks up a chess piece from the chessboard at the edge of the table.

Lucien: The speed of the world's dimensional ascension is indeed accelerating, and as the most direct manifestation, the inevitable increase in rifts is evident.

Lucien: Just like a chess game, before reaching checkmate, there will inevitably be pieces that get captured.

Lucien: And the overflow of energy during the process is just—

Facing his gaze, I move the laptop aside. With a "pat," I sit in his lap and lean on him.

Then, I reach to encircle his neck with my hand, burying my head in his embrace.

MC: Lucien, I want to seriously clarify one thing—I don't regret choosing this path at all~

MC: So you don't need to worry or be in a hurry; there's no need to fear that I'll escape from this path.

Lucien slightly pauses, and then the tense furrow of his eyebrows relaxes a bit.

Lucien: Is that so? I see... Was I a bit anxious?

Saying so, his gentle voice carries a hint of helplessness.

Lucien: However, although I'm already saying so much, it turns out this classmate's focus is only on the professor's expression.

MC: What do you mean by "only"? Clearly, you've always been the most important!

MC: How does that saying go again? "I don't care about the world. I only care about you."

Lucien's lips curve into a little smile. He sighs gently. His brows and eyes soften.

Lucien: (softly and teasingly) This little lady always calls me cunning, but I think you are even worse.

With a soft sound, he places the chess piece on the table. He adjusts his arms and hugs me even tighter.

Lucien: But holding you like this, those things that made me anxious don't seem so urgent anymore.

Lucien: However, what I said just now is also serious.

Lucien: With the accelerated progress of the world's dimensional ascension, the current phenomenon is inevitable.

MC: But, it feels unsettling to watch more and more people suffer in this process—

MC: It's hard to bear in my heart…

I deliberately sigh with a drawn-out tone, feigning distress as I bury my head in Lucien's embrace.

MC: Hah… If everyone entered a dream, and when they woke up, the world had already finished ascending—wouldn't that be great?

MC: Professor Lucien, do you think there's any way?

Lucien seems to understand my implication. His narrow eyes pretend to be aggrieved as they lower, and he lets out a gentle sigh.

Lucien: But I don't want to see others exist in our world.

Lucien: Hah… can't we fulfill MC's wish and satisfy my little selfish desire at the same time?

Imitating my expression, he lets out a long sigh, and I can't help but chuckle as I playfully poke the corner of his lip.

MC: Anyway, the dream is created by you~ If Professor Lucien doesn't want much interaction with others, you can use a little cheat!

MC: After all, everyone is just temporarily staying in the dream.

MC: When the world finishes ascending, it will be the two-person world Professor Lucien desires, right?

A hint of helplessness crosses Lucien's face as he looks at me, seemingly contemplating how to respond to my request.

Seeing a slight shift in his expression, I seize the opportunity and gently poke his arm.

MC: Is it okay?

I gaze at him with a smile, and after a moment, I finally hear a sigh that seems like a concession.

Lucien: It takes some time for the dream to envelop the world, but with the power of CORE assisting, the process won't take too long.

Lucien: Perhaps in a few days, when the sun rises, this dream will come true.

My eyes light up, and then I suppress the teasing expression, embracing him deeply.

MC: Lucien, thank you.

Thank you for being willing to leave a corner for this less-than-perfect world in our two-person world.

—--------------------------------------------------------

News: ".....Surprisingly, all the cracks disappeared overnight. We interviewed several scientists, but their opinions vary."

News: "If this is a comedy staged by nature for humanity, then we sincerely hope it comes to a permanent conclusion…."

It has been three days since the world was covered by the dream.

When there was only a month left before the world's collapse, we immersed the world into the dream.

Fortunately, the flow of time in the dream can be controlled. We have fifty years to find a way to preserve the world before the completion of the ascension.

Warm air flows gently, carrying the fragrance of grass. The soft grassland, like sparkling green waves, covers all worries in people's minds.

I lie side by side with Lucien, allowing our cheeks to be warmed by the sunlight.

The clamor fades away, and those troubling matters seem to vanish like birds in flight, leaving no trace behind.

Thinking that I haven't paid much attention to the outside world for a long time, I curiously open my mouth.

MC: Lucien, do you think the ascension of the outside world is still going smoothly?

Lucien: Everything is progressing as usual, but the appearance of the real world is no longer as beautiful.

MC: Perhaps it's unavoidable. So, after the ascension is complete, let's all come together to rebuild this world!

MC: As for now———

I tap Lucien's cheek and gently break into a smile.

MC: Now is the precious resting time for Professor Lucien, the hardest-working person in the world! Just stay by my side and rest well~

Lucien tightens the hand that's holding mine, and his voice takes on a slightly seductive and deep tone.

Lucien: (whispers) But what if I'm greedy and want to keep resting by your side forever?

MC: Anyway, you are the master of this dream. You can adjust the flow of time at will, rest for as long as you want, and go wherever you like to rest~

MC: Wherever you go, I'll be by your side—

Saying this, I lift his arm high, reaching toward the sky, together feeling the healing power of the wind and the earth.

A butterfly comes from afar, fluttering and dancing on the swaying grass blades. My gaze follows its graceful movements.

MC: Lucien, do you think I can be a butterfly in this dream?

Lucien pauses for a moment, then smiles.

Lucien: Although it may be a bit challenging to implement, I've thought of some methods to try. Perhaps we can give it a shot in the future.

My eyes light up, and I snuggle up to him, resting my chin on his chest.

MC: If even becoming a butterfly is possible, then turning into other professions should be even simpler, right?

Lucien raises his eyebrows with interest, and I playfully straighten my posture, pretending to strike a pose as I raise my hand.

MC: Professor Lucien, may I be a scientist this year, an artist next year, and a financier the year after?

Lucien: This classmate has quite big dreams, and realizing them could be quite challenging.

MC: Eh? Why is that? They're all humans…

Lucien chuckles lightly and places his hand on top of my head, gently rubbing it.

Lucien: Because I find it hard to imagine that the all-around superhuman MC would still have time to stay by my side.

Lucien: So, convincing myself to pursue this wish is quite challenging.

My heart instantly softens, and the moment we lock eyes, we both burst into laughter.

MC: Great Professor Lucien, did you forget? "Having you by my side" is the prerequisite for my wish.

Lucien: (whispers softly) For me, it's already the wish itself.

I curve my lips into a smile, nuzzle into his embrace once again, and gaze at the distant sunlight.

The weather is really nice today.

We only need to stay like this, forever looking ahead without any changes.

Achieved ending: "Never Ending Dream."

[T/N: the exact translation of the ending title is 'a dream one never wakes up from']

-

[More about this bad ending: R&S In Dreams (soon)]

-

[Lux's short analysis of this BE]

I'll add more analysis on the R&S once I translate it, but for now- I want to talk about what makes it a Bad Ending besides how things are unchanging when 'exploration' and 'change' are both Very Important themes for them ahah.

At first glance, if you don't know much about Lucien's character, it feels like a 'good ending'. But… It's called a bad ending for a reason. The reason is that both of them throw away their hopes and ambitions just to get the 'safest' ending (though from the R&S it turns out that it's not exactly the safest either and a dead end :").

It’s very obvious with MC, but less obvious for Lucien. In S2 Chapter 7, it's established that Lucien always seeks the best possible future and hopes to take as many people as possible in that future. Seeking the most optimal choice is part of his core.

However, in this ending, he gives up on his ambition of seeking the optimal future and settles for the 'safest and worry-less' route for MC. What happened in the last chapter probably traumatized him and made him prepare a lot of things to make sure it won't happen. One is paving the route where she doesn't have to worry about anything and doesn't have to keep endangering herself. Others will be revealed slowly through this chapter.

The dream world that he creates with Cyril's help is similar to the safe house in S2 Chapter 23- a place of refuge when she's just too tired with everything and wants to give up saving the world, the one where he will absolutely protect her- if that's what she decided to do. Anyway, the details of this bad ending will be explained more in the R&S, so stay tuned~

[prodigy-if]

Valentine’s Day Snippet

Happy Valentine’s Day! I decided to write a little flashback snippet between Marlon and MC for you all considering he was the winner of the poll between the ROs.

It can be read as romantic (with Marlon and MC having puppy crushes on eachother) or it can be read as platonic. It takes place when they are younger and still attending the academy. I would place MC as 13 and Marlon as 13/14. 

I hope you enjoy it!

Valentine’s Day [Hiraeth Academy Year 3]

The halls were silent. Usually, that would be something to take note of but today your attention was solely on the board in front of you. Every sound seemed to be muffled and distant, as if it was meant to stay out of the way of your concentration.

You move a piece.

White, E4.

You move another.

Black, E5.

You stare at the board. The scene of your victory replays in your head. Something suffocating begins to reside in your chest. You should have lost that game - re-enacting it just proved that. You feel as though a rug has been pulled out from beneath your feet.

It's not often that you end up being wrong after all.

Which is exactly what makes your victory so puzzling. You were supposed to lose. Every sign pointed to that outcome.

Yet, the game had ended with your checkmate. The Headmaster didn't seem surprised. He had just patted you on the shoulder and praised you in that jovial tone of his.

"I suppose you were always going to end up surpassing me one day. I just didn't expect it to be so soon."

He had laughed after - like he was aware of some joke that you weren't in on.

He had thrown the game.

That was something you knew with a deep sense of certainty. What you couldn't figure out, however, was why.

No matter how much you thought about it, you could not identify a single reason behind his decision to throw the game. It was an uncomfortable feeling, knowing that you had been so wrong and uncertain.

It was like being confronted with a puzzle with pieces that wouldn't fit together no matter how hard you tried. You had the pieces in front of you, but you still couldn't make sense of them.

You have come to the conclusion that you deeply dislike not knowing things.

The sound of your door creaking open interrupts your thoughts. The sound of footsteps follow yet you don't turn around. Your eyes continue to be focused on the board - rearranging the pieces in your mind.

The footsteps get closer until finally, the familiar individual is standing behind you. He drops something on your desk. You ignore it.

"You know if you wanted to play, you could've come and found me instead staring at the board in the dark like some creep. You know I'm always happy to kick your ass."

Marlon's smug voice rings out across the room. You find a certain irony in his words - after all he had only ever "kicked your ass" once. After a few moments of contemplative silence, you drag your eyes over to the wooden box he had ungracefully dropped onto your desk. You pick it up.

"...it's a puzzle box."

Your eyes dart over to him. His face is an odd shade of red. Perhaps you have somehow already managed to annoy him. As your eyes gaze at him, the deep red shade of his face darkens.

Odd.

You glance down at the box, Marlon must pick up on your confusion because he begins to reluctantly explain.

"I thought you would like it. At least more than the chocolates everyone else is making that is..."

Chocolates? Ah. You had forgotten that Isla had rounded everyone up to make some sweets and cards for Valentine's day. That explains the silence of the halls.

"...I mean we both can solve it and compare times. I'll obviously beat you but it wouldn't be fair unless I gave you a shot at it."

That makes much more sense. You feel something warm settle in your chest. Marlon is incredibly predictable at times. Predictable but not boring. Never boring.

The feeling in your chest expands. You ignore it.

"I see. Do you have a timer?"

Your question seems to cause his cheeks to redden even more. Perhaps, he is getting ill?

"I don't- I mean I- I have to go. Just make sure you solve the stupid thing!"

There's the anger you are familiar with. You can't help but watch with detached interest as the blonde angrily stomps out of the room. He slams the door shut, leaving you alone in the room, pondering what could have caused such a reaction. You glance down at the puzzle box lying in your hands.

You still need to figure out why the game between you and the Headmaster had been thrown.

You continue staring at the box.

…

…

…

You suppose it couldn't hurt to play along with whatever odd competition Marlon has made up in his head. Just this once.

[jerzwriter]

Tobias x Casey Masterlist - 2 Take One!

Welcome to Part 2 of my Masterlist for my Open Heart MC, Casey MacTavish & Tobias Carrick.

Fics/content in this section take place during Open Heart Book 2 and cover their meeting, first go-round at dating, and how it got all messed up. It stops just before the chemical attack in Book 2.

Stories are in chronological order.

Casey's 1st Year of Residency/ In my world, that's 2020 (and no, there is no COVID in this world!)

About Casey | About Tobias | Original Characters in T/C World

🎭 Angst  ☁️ Fluff  ❤️‍🩹Ansty Fluff 😂Humor 🔥 NSFW /18+  Ⓜ️ Mature 📱 Text Fic  📷 Edit 🎨Fanart

A Deli...ghtful Meeting ☁️ Casey & Tobias meet during a chaotic scene at a local deli, and both like what they see. Featuring: Aurora Emery. [Re-write of the deli scene in OH Book 2 Ch. 3]

Enchanted ☁️ FIC: Their meeting from Tobia's POV. 🎨 Featuring art by @/artbyainna (IG)

Wildest Dreams Ⓜ️🔥Casey made quite a first impression on Tobias, and he cannot get her out of his mind.  

A Not-So-Chance Encounter ☁️ After an unplanned but impressive first meeting, Casey and Tobias “bump into each other” with a bit of help from Aurora. After spending an afternoon together, will they still feel the same way? Featuring Aurora Emery and Jackie Varma.

Know it All ☁️😂(Casey and Bryce Lahela) - Casey needs the scoop on someone, and she knows exactly who to go to.

A Change in Plans ☁️ (slightly NSFW) Casey and Tobias finally get some time together, but her friends put a damper on their plans. Later, they meet up unexpectedly at Leland Bloom’s mansion, where it becomes apparent that they have much more to learn about each other. Featuring: The Roomies & Bryce Lahela. Later, Ethan, June and Bas.

One Way or Another ☁️Ⓜ️ (steamy fluff) Frustrated by their inability to mesh schedules, Tobias takes matters into his own hands and surprises Casey at work. But they never make it to lunch. Featuring: Ethan Ramsey, Bryce Lahela

Entanglements ☁️ They’re still in the getting-to-know-you stage, and so far, they love everything they see and hear…even when Ethan and June come up. But, when Casey shares a medical miracle she encountered, Tobias’s interest is piqued. Could there be trouble ahead?

Stollen Chances ❤️‍🩹 Tobias pays the price for his shady deed, and Casey gets by with a little help from her friends... who help her plot revenge. Featuring: The roomies

Striking Out ❤️‍🩹 Casey plans on taking her revenge during the Edenbrook/Kenmore softball game. Tobias gets some guidance from a friend, and it’s time to play ball.

Checkmate 🎭 After Tobias steals Casey’s patient, she finds a way to settle the score. Will that level the playing field and give them another chance? Or will new discoveries leave them permanently in the past?

Betwixt, Bothered, and Bewildered ❤️‍🩹 Casey’s friends have had enough of her moping and push her to move on after her break-up with Tobias, while his friends do their best to prevent him from doing even more damage. Then each of them makes a discovery that makes them reconsider things, but will they live to regret their choices? ❤️‍🩹

[butchdollyparton]

omfg i forgot this existed anyway have some recs, my love

fallen hero: rebirth (re-played this one so many times)

the bastard of camelot (fascinating adaptation of arthurian legend)

a mage reborn (re-played this one probably the most)

checkmate in three moves (i really love all the characters)

myrk mire (very cute and intriguing)

magician's voyage (solarpunk--i think you would enjoy)

absentia (not very long yet but the premise is fascinating)

the abyssal (again, not very long, but also just incredible)

water to blood (urban fantasy and so cool)

red sugar society (heist--fantastic)

honor amongst thieves (kinda like if you were a street urchin in kirkwall)

college tennis: origin story (this is actually fucking amazing and i know nothing about tennis)

merry crisis (same author, and also fantastic & very cute)

fell star (honestly just so good)

keeper of the sun and moon (urban fantasy college student. ive replayed sooo many times. do have to pay tho, but i really enjoyed)

the northern passage (horror fantasy and very cool)

zorlok (absolutely fucknig wonderful)

abyss (space heists)

eye of the moon (inspired by Filipino mythology! obsessed!!!!)

virtue's end (similar vibes to the northern passage. absolutely love)

cantarella (not very much so far but i had to include bc the MC is a museum curator)

ofna: birds of a feather (uh-oh a magic cult!~bizarre but good)

split the body asunder (spooky medieval medical mystery? yes plz)

there are a ton more newer IFs i havent played yet, but these are the ones ive played and really enjoyed!!

i hope you have fun! <3

It is once again time for me to ask y'all for interactive fic recs 😬 Please reblog/reply with your favorites!

Here are some of my own recs in exchange: Wayfarer, A Tale of Crowns, When Twilight Strikes, The Wayhaven Chronicles, The Exile, Project Hadea, Shepherds of Haven, Blood Moon

[brightburner]

LUCREZIA ♕ VINTEREN of @checkmatein3moves ““My being charming…is not quite enough to induce me to marry. I must find other people charming - one other person at least.”

[villains-promise]

For Z! >:3

"i lost, didn't i?" and "given your history, i should have known better" :D

Ah, breaking myself :]

Under the merciless sun, their arms began to burn from the heat and the strain, eyes stinging from the bastardized mix of blood, sweat, and tears. Z aimed not to maim MC, while their lover had no such qualms. Blood poured from them in multiple places, all of them grazes- flesh wounds, but only by Z's reflexes were they non-lethal. Each one had been aimed at a vital organ or vulnerable place. MC was aiming to kill while they were aiming to subdue.

They knew it was pointless, but they couldn't just give up on them.

Z ducked under a wildly thrown punch, throwing themself into roll realizing MC had anticipated the move and brought their dagger up to meet Z's throat, but instead MC slashed at empty and Z got the cut on their arm covered in dirt, their skin screaming in protest.

Z gave themself some room between them and MC, taking them in once more. Their dead expression, Z's blood dripping from their dagger, the way their body was posed to pounce again any moment. Something about their look was so foreign, not even during the height of their rivalry did MC ever glare at them with such... Disdain.

Z shuddered, moving away from MC's advancing movement, though they were sure to keep MC from getting closer to the retreating form of the two nobles. My last act may as well be saving their skin again. It's with that bittersweet thought that Z realized they were already resigned to the fact that they'd die here. In the hands of their lover, by the hands of their lover. Wasn't that some poetic fate kind of bullshit?

Z pulled on their fakest, most confident smile, despite their tears, despite the aches, and despite the pain of having to see MC like this, their words coming out in the familiar lilting teasing tone, "Given our history, I should have known better- should've expected it to come down to this. We flew too close to the sun trying to change things-- change things between us and change the system, didn't we?"

MC snarled, twisting their dagger in their hand, a movement that made the alarms in Z's head go off. "You talk too much, Kontos."

Z's legs tensed, readying for the next movement they knew was coming, smiling slyly though it felt exhausting to slip back into the act. "You didn't mind it so much these past few months, darling."

MC scoffed, eyes flashing dangerously, the first hint of life in their eyes since this began. "Who says it wasn't all an act? You were so easy to fool, Z. So desperate for love you fell for the first person to hint at interest."

The venom with their words was almost a cruel addition, Z thought as they scrambled backward as though they could physically escape the truth in their words. Logically, Z knew it couldn't be all true since they had fought against their feelings, but... They couldn't deny that they had been fooled if this is who MC truly was.

"MC... What the fuck happened to you?" Z growled, dropping the act as their hand started to drift their own set of knives for the first time.

"Why the hell does it matter? If I give you a good enough sob story will you get the fuck out of my way?"

They didn't wait for an answer, finally launching their dagger as Z predicted moments before, swiftly lunging out of the way and using the momentum to catch MC off guard, taking them to the ground. "I would never let you get away that easily, darling. I got you."

MC raised a brow, mouth widening into an unsettling smile as the bite of metal meeting Z's throat registers. "Did you?"

Z laughed bitterly. I've done my duty. C and Y should be far enough away by now. They should be with M now. I can rest. I can... "That's it then? I lost, didn't I?"

"I do believe this would be checkmate." MC pressed the knife harder into Z's throat, the latter wincing at the burn and the feeling of their blood beginning to fall.

"Then let's get it over with, shall we?" Z asked with a small smile, staring at MC's eyes, because despite everything... Those were the eyes of the person they had loved deeply. Even if everything else was only the ghost of their lover, their eyes were the same and Z would die with the memories of who they had been with them.

After the deed is done, MC roughly shoves Z off of them, heading in the general direction of the nobles. As they bled out, gasping uselessly, one hand clasped around their throat, Z wondered if they could've done anything differently.

[ichor-if]

what would each of the ROs do if they found themselves returning from the dead in mc's situation??? which of them would be the calmest abt it?? the most panicked/emotional??

Did someone say new ROs (who will eventually get intro posts too, I prommy <3)

Oli:

They can't think about their own, aching body. Not now, not in a circumstance like this one. Their family must be worried, must be searching, must be heartbroken. And you? What about you? How will you fare with another death?

Perce:

A stench finds their nostrils. Death. Decay. Despair. In contrast, a grin finds its way onto their face. „How interesting," Perce mumbles. "And here I thought Haruspex would've finally gained the upper-hand. I suppose the checkmate's been delayed, then."

Umbra:

How curious. How senseless. What craven cycle. Rinse. Repeat. It's unfair, they think. Far, far worse than love, than forever loss. Loss… shock widens their eyes. What effect shall this have on their associates? What effect must it already have…

Lazarus:

They've been here before. Far less panicked. Yet at the cost of another's life. Who has it been this time? Who have they whisked away? Whose voice will join their memories now, haunting them for another lifetime?

Ezra:

Disoriented, breathing heavily, lungs almost bursting, they sit up. Scouring the dark for any hints as to how long they've been here. As to how long they have left to save others. Is it over -- all over again?

Arek:

An oozing, monstrous palm clutches at stuffy air. Looking far worse than the last time he's checked it. It's spreading. Growing. Every time he teeters along the abyss, the thin thread between life and death, his soul breaks into smaller pieces. Even though his body continues moving onwards, ever on… he's afraid what will happen when there's no more fragments of his mind left. One day. One day, for sure.

Lailah:

She thought it would've been over at long last. That her sacrifice would rescue everything she had learnt to love. But it seems fate is feeling especially cruel today, reviving her along with all her problems. All her fights. All her defeats.

[interact-if]

IF's where the mc starts as a kid/ has long flashbacks to when they were younger?

Hi Anon,

There are a handful of IFs where you either start as a kid or have long flashbacks to earlier years:

Completed:

Choice of Rebels: Uprising by Joel Havenstone

Dragon Racer by @13leaguestories

The Passenger by @the-passenger-if

The Sword of Rhivenia by @theswordofrhivenia

Demos:

Aequitas: The Off-Set by @aequitas-if

Checkmate in 3 Moves by @checkmatein3moves

Crown of Ashes and Flames by @coeluvr

Crown of Exile by @ramonag-if

Dear Diary, We Created A Plot Hole! by @ddwcaph-game

Fallen Lights by @fallenlightsif

Hollowed Minds by @shai-manahan

Honor Amongst Thieves by @leoneliterary

Merry Crisis by @merrycrisis-if

Our Life: Now and Forever (VN) by @gb-patch

Ouroboros by @honeypeabrain

Prodigy by @prodigy-if

These Reluctant Years by @specterwrites

The Bastard of Camelot by @llamagirl28

The Exile by @exilethegame 

The One Chosen by @parrotwatcher

The Seven Heirs of Ophaesia by @esfawkes

The Spirited: Origins by @yuveim

Throne of Ashes by @13leaguestories

Vendetta by @vendetta-if

Wayfarer by @idrellegames

Happy Reading!

[genevievemd]

One post a day, for 101 days, with something that made MC smile.

Day 1: Ethan Ramsey

Day 2: Fancy Snacks

Day 3: Roomie Game Night

Day 4: Boyfriend or Bossfriend

Day 5: One color, One mood

Day 6: Sugar high

Day 7: Pictagram official

Day 8: Breakfast in bed

Day 9: G’s favorite people

Day 10: People Watching

Day 11: Girls Night Out

Day 12: Roomie Breakfast

Day 13: Ethan gets revenge

Day 14: Jenner is back

Day 15: Ethan in glasses

Day 16: Breaking the rule

Day 17: A gift from a patient

Day 18: A walk at sunset

Day 19: Real life Cinderella

Day 20: A moment of peace (ficlet continuation)

Day 21: Date night at the opera

Day 22: Ethan successfully makes pancakes

Day 23: Shopping Spree with Sienna and teasing Ethan

Day 24: Skating Skills

Day 25: Attendings and wine tasting

Day 26: Fancy Poutine (Ficlet Continuation)

Day 27: Part 1: Peanut Butter, Part 2: One for the win column

Day 28: A friendly game between “Bros”

Day 29: Snail Mail

Day 30: Date Night (extra: date night dress)

Day 31: Roomie Dinner

Day 32: Grand-Mentor Quality Time

Day 33: Gym Session (ficlet continuation)

Day 34: Coffee with Annie

Day 35: Movie Night

Day 36: An Excursion around the city (extra: baby bits of dialogue from the day)

Day 37: Paper Ring

Day 38: Pockets

Day 39: Fresh Snow

Day 40: Bryce Lahela

Day 41: Flashback Friday

Day 42: Portland Meets Boston

Day 43: Part 1: Miami, Take 2, Part 2: Valentine’s Day

Day 44: Checkmate

Day 45: G’s Spirit Animal

Day 46: Surprise Dinner (Their Forever : fic continuation)

Day 47: Postcard from Kyra

Day 48: Packing for Miami

Day 49: Miami: Departure and Arrivial (The Balcony: Fic Continuation)

Day 50: Miami: Panels and Parties

Day 51: Miami: Speeches and Beaches

Day 52: Fanart

Day 53: “Secret” Admirer

Day 54: Ellie

Day 55: Karaoke Night

Day 56: Naptime

Day 57: Self Care

Day 58: Heart Breaker

Day 59: Jenner Ramsey

Day 60: Coffee Break with Sienna

Day 61: True Love

Day 62: Last Night with the Roomies

Day 63: Moving Day

Day 64: coffee and snuggles

Day 65: Beckett the cat

Day 66: Georgian Stuffed Chicken

Day 67: Hogwarts Houses

Day 68: ICA

Day 69: Naveen Banerji

Day 70: Laps of Luxury

Day 71: Dog Park

Day 72: Cannolis

Day 73: Lovers

Day 74: Ethan Hudson

Day 75: Dolphins

Day 76: Domestic AF

Day 77: Afternoon Nap

Day 78: Providence

Day 79: The Green Jacket

Day 80: Couples Cooking Class

Day 81: Red Nose

Day 82: Box of Chocolates (ficlet continuation: Ethan v. Richards)

Day 83: Street Performers

Day 84: Group Trip to Salem

Day 85: Movies on Commons

Day 86: Ethan vs Binx

Day 87: Elementary

Day 88: Red Bottoms

Day 89: Keiki Lahela

Day 90: McRam and Michela double date

Day 91: Portland, Maine

Day 92: Easter

Day 93: Furniture Shopping

Day 94: Champagne Study Session

Day 95: Board Exam Advice from Ethan

Day 96: Throwback Thursday

Day 97: Grumpy Ethan

Day 98: New England Aquarium

Day 99: Martha’s Vineyard

Day 100: Charity Gala

Day 101: Part 1 - A Diamond, Part 2 - A Trip Down Memory Lane, Part 3 - The Journey to the Ring, Part 4 - Proposal Fic (The Diamond)

[neo-shitty]

checkmate tested my sanity like for reals. ending got me shocked like wtf but its so good. i wasnt expecting it to end like that honestly. like !!OK SPOILERS!! yeah i inferred as much that they were drugged but i didnt think that it would go deeper. so damn you got me. checkmate is a masterpiece. my gut feeling did tell me that theres a high chance they were really killed off but my heart really rooted for jisung and me(?)/reader aaaanddd changbin x saeyeon. srsly tho very very well written. well in all honestly i didnt cry because i was so shocked i couldnt budge. and thats how you know how good a story is lmao.

moving on to obliviate!!! the moment i saw the title and it being an l2e ,, i alrdy knew it would be sad af. so i was sobbing while reading the whole thing. and please dont get me started,,, harry poterr x skz fics are heaven. the 2 fandoms im in in one story is *chefs kiss* draco is my favourite charac in hp thereforeee idk i just rly felt the story. reader had the same circumstance as draco did so maybe thats why i cried (??) draco is no doubt one of the most misunderstood characters and i rly just fking bought the whole book series just to read his redemption arc that they didnt include in the movies lmao.

ANYWAYS BACK TO OBLIVIATE, my heart literally burst of sadness when jisung asked reader to erase his memories. like idk remembering it now still makes me feel things that i cant interpret through words.

my point is ur a rly rly gud writer so keep it up<3 and that those 2 are my favourite of yours. would you mind telling us, ur readers, what your favourite work is?

i'm just here to tell you that i think checkmate tested my sanity just as much as it did yours. like i knew how it was going to end bc that was the first thing i planned out but getting there without spilling too much just drove me MAD. making a cut bc this is going to be a lengthy one.

thank you for taking the time to read checkmate! i like how your gut feeling told you shit was gonna go down bc some just didn't see it coming kjdksj and i'm also glad it go that reaction out of you (?) i was aiming for that sort of impact. i'm soooo glad that you enjoyed it. also I TOO ROOT FOR THOSE PAIRINGS. well, all three pairings actually + everyone else. i got so attached to this little squad that i started writing more for them. basically every skz high school au i come up with at this point leads back to checkmate.

AND OBLIVIATE, GOD. NOT OBLIVIATE MAKIGN YOU CRY IM SORRYJSDKK. tbh that fic was just me recreating that 'wand fight' they had in half blood prince. and yes i'm fond of draco as well and poor boy was misunderstood :((( i havent read the books yet so EXCUSE ME HE HAD A REDEMPTION ARC?@$?@#?$ how much of the redemption arc can you tell me without completely spoiling it bc i'm really interested in knowing :((( the betrayal in obliviate tho and it's quite sad that mc didn't really get to explain nor did they have that much of a choice. ok now i'm getting sad too damn it.

thank you for reading my works, i do appreciate it a lot! just the thought of someone taking the time to read makes my heart swell :( <3 also this million-dollar question EYE. plot-wise, my favorites would be checkmate (isn't a surprise atp, it's by far my favorite child), kill steal (a purge fic centered around the neos) and nabi (which is yet to be posted). writing-wise, i adore cherry wine and if i fall.