#I don't know how to put it into words exactly

[creamecafe]

hii could u write something for Dae-ho set in the mingle game and its basically just him protecting reader and always keeping them at his side. 🫶🫶🫶

"As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you"

Summary: What the request says

Pairing: Dae-Ho x GN!Reader (No pronouns used)

Warnings: fluff, comfort, pining

Word Count:

Author's Note: Thank you so much for requesting. I hope you enjoy!

Want a request for a Squid Game character like this one? Check out my latest post, read my request guidelines and send a request!

Read on Wattpad & AO3 here

It's a miracle that you have made it to the third game. You were sure you were going to die in the second game, but thanks to the team you had, you were more than determined to still stay alive

Out of all them, there was one that you kept looking at. Dae-Ho. You couldn't help but find him cute. This certainly wasn't the place to have feelings as you could die before telling him.

It was the same for Dae-Ho, trying to make sure everyone is ok and that the team survives. But it was something with you.

He felt safe with you, and wanted to protect you. Even if it meant giving his life for you.

The announcement for the third game came, you were worried, but wanted it to be over it. Dae-Ho noticed you being anxious and asked if you okay

"Are you okay?"

You stopped zoning out and looked at him with your heart pounding.

"What? Y-yes I'm ok thank you." Nodding trying to reassure yourself.

"I think this might be the last game I play in." You chuckled knowing deep inside you dreaded the idea

"Hey look at me."

You did as he said. "Don't say that, you have us."

He held out your hand to hold it. You looked at it and hesitated putting your hand out but you held it. A tight squeeze was given but not too rough. It was a sign of reassuring.

He gives you a smile and you did too not of full happiness but someone is here to care about you.

All of you guys were called for the game. You got up and stayed close to Dae-Ho. He looked back at you and nodded. You did the same.

It was the same, climbing up those colorful but dreading stairs to the next game. Every minute or two, Dae-Ho made sure you were right behind him.

You finally reached the game and saw a carousel in the middle with horses and so many doors of different bright colors for a Pre-K setting.

"Welcome to your third game." The woman's voice from the previous games you heard came on the speakers.

"The game you will be playing is Mingle. Let me repeat. The game you will be playing is Mingle."

Turning your head to look at Dae-Ho, he's already looking at you.

You quickly look away not to make the situation worse. He didn't want to make you uncomfortable as well.

"All players, please step onto the center platform. When the game starts, the platform will begin to rotate, you will hear a number. You must form groups of that size, go into the rooms, and close the door within 30 seconds."

"Oh this game? We used to play something similar on school trips. We formed groups by hugging." Jung-bae exclaimed.

"Yeah. Instead of hugging, we go into those rooms" Dae-Ho mentioned.

"If the number is bigger than six, we'll get the additional people we need." Gi-Hun

And if it's less than that? You thought in your mind

"But what if it's smaller than five? Like three or four

You turned your head to Dae-Ho. It's like he read your mind exactly.

"No matter what happens, don't panic. Let's stay calm," Young-il nods. "We'll make it out together. Here."

Those words echoing in your mind, there wasn't enough time to doubt if your group would stick with you.

You've seen how quickly people are to turn against each other especially in the Red Light, Green Light.

But you're more than determined to stay alive, just to see Dae-Ho's face every chance you get.

Young-il puts the back side of hand out to form a truce. One by one, everyone is putting their hands on top of each other. You were the last one.

"Y/N. Are you in?" Gi-Hun asks.

Dae-Ho looks at you with worry in his eyes. You had no choice and no knowledge of trusting others in this game, so you put your hand out on top.

Dae-Ho becomes relieved at this.

"One, two, three. Victory at all costs."

Sighing at this with relief, you guys begin to spread out. The carousel is starting to spin

People scream out in fear. Lights go out and the light in the middle where horses out lights ups and music plays.

Children are singing about holding hands and ringing around.

Dae-Ho holds your hand lightly. He grazes your hand with his thumb. You don't look at him, as you fear you'll die doing so.

It suddenly stops. The number is 9. People are running out frantically pairing in groups of 9. Dae-Ho doesn't let go of your hand.

"We need 3 more." You said. Your group ran looking for 3 more.

A old lady, her son and another woman goes up to you guys.

"Are you guys 3?" Young-il asks

"Yes we're." The old lady nods frantically.

"Quickly we got to get into a room" Gi Hun exclaims

Your feet were starting to move, but the grip of Dae-Ho holding your hand made you move even faster.

All of you guys rushed into a room and closed the door. The room was filled with heavy breaths. There was a click on the lock meaning that the room was closed and nobody can get in or out.

Right now, you have never been more grateful to be alive in playing a game

It wasn't long before you heard gunshots, and it was safe to assume it was those who didn't pair up or get into rooms in time.

Now that you're safe, you look at Dae-Ho and he does too.

"Is everyone ok?" Dae-Ho asks

There was a lot of yes. That answer might change throughout the game seeing how long each of us might last.

The door lock clicked and you guys were allowed to come out. There were bodies on the floors and blood splattered. "Take off your mind off those bodies or you'll be one of them" Your mind was telling yourself.

"We got this" Dae-Ho talks to you

"We do" You smiled. Don't know how many smiles it will take to keep going, but you're ready to prove his point.

The game started again and the carousel spins. You hold out to Dae-Ho's hand.

Now the number was 4. Young-il grabs Jung-Bae and goes to find two more people. That's left Gi-Hun, Jun-Hee, Dae-Ho and you left.

There was no time to waste. All four you ran to a room and locked yourself in. Gi-Hun was looking around for Young-il. You pulled him back in.

The gunshots came again. The lesser the number, the more likely people will betray each other.

How long this game will last, you don't know. All you know is that you have people here to help you. Even if it's just one person, it makes all the difference.

The doors clicked and it was time for another round. The panic and adrenaline of it all keeps coming back. But Dae-Ho is making sure you're by his side, even if he may die in the game as well.

Six the group was. Dae-Ho said you and him were going to go and find another group. Luckily you did and you managed to still be alive locked in a room.

Now it all came down to the very last game. There were less people than the game started. You wanted to finish this for once and for all. While the carousel was spinning and music playing, you place yourself in movement ready to run and holding Dae-Ho's hand.

"2" The voice said.

It felt like time was going slow once it announced the number. Everybody is rushing to get into a room. Time's running out.

You felt a hand pull you back and you fell to the ground. Dae-Ho heard your scream and saw someone trying to stop you from going into a room. Someone else was already in the room that you guys were planning to go into.

Dae-Ho could go into the room and that would already make it two. But he's made it too far to leave you.

He ran and punched the guy that pushed you. He put you back on your feet and dragged the other guy out. He slammed the door shut and the timer just came to zero. The guy on the other side begs and bangs on the door.

A pink guard shoots him and the noises stop.

"Are you ok?" Dae-Ho rushes to you.

Still shaken at what happened, at the fact you almost died if it wasn't for him to save you, you nodded.

"Yes I am. Thank you."

There was a moment of silence between you too as you were catching your breaths.

The door clicked and you both came out.

"Y/N! Dae-Ho!" Both of your names were being called

Gi-Hun, Young-il, Jung-Bae and Jun-Hee run up to you guys and you all hug each other.

"I'm so glad you guys are ok." Jun-Hee smiles

You're also relieved that everyone else is fine and made it out alive. You could return back to the dorms.

Walking down back the stairs and into the dorms, everyone was mostly silent but some talked.

You ran up and tapped Dae-Ho on the shoulder.

"Hey Dae-Ho?"

"Yes Y/N?"

"You could have gone into the room where the other guy before you dragged him out, why didn't you?"

Dae-Ho took a pause before responding.

"I have lost many people when I was a marine, seen people get killed in front of me. I can't let it happen to you."

He starts to become close to you but not too close.

"As long as I'm still alive, I'll make sure you're fine. That's a promise I tend to keep Y/N."

Those words stuck with you. You could die in the next game, but right here at this moment is a reason to keep going.

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[seaofolives]

don't have asks open, don't feel like spamming my neighbors here and over at bsky, so we're doing it all under the cut!!!

How many fics have you worked on since January?

according to ao3, 47 works! blessedly few 😌 compared to my previous years, I mean. I did not double check lmao give me proper sql access to ao3 and I can

What’s something new that you tried in a fic this year?

oh man, I'm not really sure. deliberate bad endings I think??? ao3 filter agrees with me

What piece of media inspired you the most? (This can be the fandom you wrote the most for, the one that spawned the most ideas, the one you thought about the most, etc.)

I've slowed down since, but the honor of this question is gonna have to go to gundam witch! most of them my beloved rare pairs ofc 😌 I'll still write g witch (I have a duty to my rare pair babies) but rn, the ideas have slowed down a bit

How many fandoms did you write for this year?

four! ffxv, g witch, hadesgame and gundam wing 😂

What ships captured your heart?

right so, honorary mention to gladnis who will always capture my everything everywhere. but if I had to do any special mentions, it's absolutely olgue for g witch who I absolutely did not ship until I wrote my first long-form for them And Then. and trkt for gundam wing who are like...gladnis-lite to me for Some Reason o_o

What characters captured your heart?

like just from previous answer, trowa and quatre you know! I still don't know if I have a favorite character in wing, tho Quatre is probably the closest candidate (but I still won't buy commissions and merch of him without Trowa iygwim). but more than him and more than his boyfriend! guel jeturk my gundam son 100% 😌

Did you write for any new fandoms or ships this year?

fandom would be gundam wing! ships would be trkt, 2x5, 1x2 and technically 1xr??? for g wing and for g witch, olgue has the sole honor of being mentioned 😂

What fic meant the most to you to write?

I don't really have smth that's like...REALLY personal to me rn but if we're talking like the thing that I put a bit more careful-crafting into, it's either love is stored in the jam or spiracle.

What fic made you feel the happiest to work on?

my god why do I keep answering these things when I never know what to answer in these what-fic questions lmao. BUT UMMM technically all of them??? BUT I will give a shout out to kabilugan ng buwan bc filipino au! manananggals!! funny things you can't translate without losing some of its humor!!!

What fic was the most satisfying to finish writing?

by virtue of the fact that it went on much much much longer than what I expected, just the two of us (which is also what tipped me over to the olgue ship for good).

What fic was the most difficult to write?

HAHA the crying in public chapter of television romance/crying in public mostly bc despite being a gusu lover, the whole chapter is basc a whole load of suletta would absolutely not do that. but also like...the intrigue of putting suletta in a situation where she would Absolutely Do That was more compelling than whatever cheap excuse I can come up with you know??? happy to have done it tho but absolutely won't do this kind of thought experiment any time soon XDDD

What fic was the easiest to write?

in terms of like...the speed in which a fic was published from first word to permalink, what a fool believes was written in like under an hour and shared the next. I also didn't have to cut off any words to hit the 1k mark for the challenge. running up that hill was also p much like that but this one is far more quick and dirty? like I put more thought in what a fool believes than running up that hill. but in terms of like, the speed in which the words flowed out of my hands, I seem to remember developing relationship standing out.

What were your shortest and longest fics posted this year?

shortest fic would be any of the drabbles I have up (all of which are exactly 100 words). longest fic would be hands down just the two of us, my olgue porn with plot fic which stands at 41,494 words 😂 is it any wonder i ship them now—

What were your go-to writing songs?

I can't write with music!! not anymore at least~~~ so actually I really have nothing to answer for this BUT, while I was conceptualizing and writing pull me in closer, this song was my ear worm:

so I took the title from that and worked it in bc it was convenient!

What was the hardest fic to title?

ALL OF IT fuck titles man!!!!! but like, especially with g witch, I never write with any titles or summaries in mind so looking for an old song that fits it (bc I stupidly decided that that was my theme for my g witch fics, hence me dropping that bullshit for gundam wing) is one of the hardest parts. and then with the other fics I just...never come up with anything that's cool and clicks, you know? like "okay, boomer" was the fing working title until I ran out of time, the rest are just puns and memes

What's your favorite title of the year?

probably "developing relationship". it's an ao3 tag, trowa is a developer and this is his and quatre's meet-cute so it's very multilayer????

Share your favorite opening line

man that's like 47 fics in the course of 12 months so I don't have a really good memory when it comes to these things? especially as openers for me are just whatever gets things going you know? but off the top of my head, I thought I really liked this one from if ever you're in my arms again:

Staring at the elevator’s display, a wicked thought asks Suletta: what would she do if the numbers suddenly went right back to 1?

Share your favorite ending line

the first thing that really came to mind here is (i've had) the time of my life which is:

But at least, the light of dawn is warm.

bc i really remember having the ending lines set even while I was just outlining the fic

Share your favorite piece of dialogue

my god

UMMMM

“We’d been together since I joined the Crownsguard…do you realize we would have been together for ten years now if we hadn’t broken up?”

from you. no you. I just like that ignis is being silly even tho he's being serious 🤭

Share your funniest line

OH OK. this one's a bit easier! maybe.

ummmmm

Ares’ laughter is quiet, compared to the noisy whir of electric fans, the tricycles roaring here and there past the open gate, and the radio blasting from the cheap counter at the end of the cramped room, where the lines ‘it’s been raining in Manila’ repeat in eternal damnation.

from okay, boomer. and the song referenced is:

What's something that surprised you while you were working on a fic? Did it change the story?

off the top of my head, just the amount of words that can go into a manuscript 🤣 so no it didn't change the story bc the story is the reason why I had to write all those words you know XDDD

What writing programs did you use? Did you write by hand?

started the year on gdocs but happy to say that I think I've mostly fully migrated to ellipsus!! 🙌🏼 also I never write by hand anymore, that's why my handwriting skills are getting so shitty 😂

If you had to choose one, what was THE most satisfying writing moment of your year?

these questions are so complicated, I never want to answer these questions next year again 😂

prooobably maybe when I finished all my writing challenges for the year? like torokatober2024, assw, spite fest and stuff! it was great getting back into challenges this year but nothing is greater than writing your own ideas you know?

Did you do anything special to celebrate finishing a fic?

I finished a fic lately and I said I will do a writing break so I'm gonna try just that!!! tho the goal is to never write again for the rest of the holiday break but uhh...I'm pretty sure I'm going to start smth before this year comes to an end knowing me XDDD

How did you recharge between fics?

this year, I think I really got into the practice of resting more than I wrote and making sure I did other hobbies THO that briefly went wayward with a few gundam wing fics that I was really excited to write 😂

Did you create fanworks other than fic?

gif sets!!! it was so great getting back into them!!!

How many events did you take part in? (bangs, exchanges, ship weeks, zines, prompt memes, they all count!)

six events! fth, dark and cozy, ficwip5k, torokatober2024, assw and spite fest. I thought about attempting another exchange this holiday season but decided to nope out even before the sign-ups started 😂 I feel like there would be far less for me next year, like I've had my fill this year, you know?

If this were an awards show, who would you thank?

good job everyone for making it this far!!! 🙌🏼

What's left on your to-do list for 2024?

resting LMAO and a year in review for meee

What would you like to write next year?

man i dunno I'm done making plans lol they never come true anyway XDDD I have ideas I wanna write and I'd like to have the time to write them all, that's all XDDD

well happy new year, everyone!! 🙌🏼 thanks for joining me along the ride this year!! 💖💖💖

A slightly revised version of last year's questions! Two ways to play: Reblog and have your followers send you numbers, or answer the whole list!

How many fics have you worked on since January?

What’s something new that you tried in a fic this year?

What piece of media inspired you the most? (This can be the fandom you wrote the most for, the one that spawned the most ideas, the one you thought about the most, etc.)

How many fandoms did you write for this year?

What ships captured your heart?

What characters captured your heart?

Did you write for any new fandoms or ships this year?

What fic meant the most to you to write?

What fic made you feel the happiest to work on?

What fic was the most satisfying to finish writing?

What fic was the most difficult to write?

What fic was the easiest to write?

What were your shortest and longest fics posted this year?

What were your go-to writing songs?

What was the hardest fic to title?

What's your favorite title of the year?

Share your favorite opening line

Share your favorite ending line

Share your favorite piece of dialogue

Share your funniest line

What's something that surprised you while you were working on a fic? Did it change the story?

What writing programs did you use? Did you write by hand?

If you had to choose one, what was THE most satisfying writing moment of your year?

Did you do anything special to celebrate finishing a fic?

How did you recharge between fics?

Did you create fanworks other than fic?

How many events did you take part in? (bangs, exchanges, ship weeks, zines, prompt memes, they all count!)

If this were an awards show, who would you thank?

What's left on your to-do list for 2024?

What would you like to write next year?

[scruckels]

HOW STEB COMMUNICATES!

And... that's kinda it. A deep dive into how Steb communicates but I fight to stay on topic the longer you read.

NOTE: I gave this whole post a hazy and blurry zonked glance while muttering to myself before pressing post. There may be some spelling mistakes / incorrect wording.

Question by this person, but I was too lazy to make a separate post since I already had a draft similar to this question saved. I LOVE YOU CORACOOKIECRUMBLE!!! 😁😁😁😁⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️🗣🗣🗣🗣🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯

There aren't many scenes of Steb trying to communicate with someone, so it's difficult to say for sure how he communicates, but I think I have a pretty decent idea.

IN THE VIDEO BELOW

You see Steb with Maddie. This is the only scene really showing how they talk to one another, and the situtiain is tense, so it's hard to say how he communicates in more relaxed situations. In this scene, Steb communicates with her that he's ready by grunting, to which she understands.

IN THE GIF BELOW

Once again, in a tense situation, Steb makes some noise to communicate. This time, he speaks. Not only does he speak, but he also motions for everyone to follow him. With that being said, this proves that Steb CAN talk. He just doesn't want to.

This is not the only time Steb uses body language to communicate.

IN THE GIF BELOW

Steb cocks his head to the side, signaling to Maddie that they should go, as well as walking away with her once they're called.

IN THE TWO GIFS BELOW

Steb uses some hand and arm motions to signal to others. In the first one, he signals to Caitlyn to fall back, being that he had planted the bomb. In the second GIF, he signals for the enforces to turn off the beacons, since there didn't appear to be anyone coming to help fight.

IN THESE TWO GIFS BELOW

Steb grabs Mel to help her up, and in the second GIF, he grabs up the other guy to detain him. (I don't know if he has a name, and im too tired to look for one.)

Steb doesn't say anything prior to touching them, but the situations are also something to consider. Steb has his hands out to both of them, catching their attention just before actually putting his hands on them. Whether or not it's intentionally meant to be a signal, it's still something he does.

With these situations, it's hard to say EXACTLY how he is when using physical contact to communicate, but it'd say it isn't something he does often. He grabs Mel because it's an emergency, and he needs to make sure she's alright and out of there as soon as possible. He grabs the guy to detain him, following Caitlyn's orders and arresting him. Every time he touches someone (on screen), it's not really to communicate, and more so to assist / do his job.

CONCLUSION AND ANSWERS:

Is Steb mute?

No.

Is he selectively mute?

It seems most likely........? (Considering the information we have, at least.)

That being said, if he IS selectively mute, he may be open to speaking more frequently with someone close to him. Maybe even if it's just a little bit. (Short sentences, short answers, quiet speaking voice, murmuring, ect.) I can speak more on this at the end of this post for the people who wanna read about it.

Do I think he uses sign language? No. I really doubt it. He communicates both intentionally and unintentionally with small gestures, body language, and expression. He might use some type of hand signs occasionally? Not sign language itself, but just hand gestures that give you a vague idea of what he wants. For example, maybe you'll ask him why he's out somewhere, and he'll tug on the fabric of his enforcer uniform, signaling he's there for work. You'll ask why he's looking at you, and he'll point to his face as reference to your own, signaling that you have something on you and showing where it is.

Again, there's isn't enough Information to be 100% certain, but I feel like my conclusion is relatively sound.

Extra yap you were previously warned about:

I can talk more about selective mutism in another post for the people interested. Keep in mind, I'm NOT a professional. I'm autstic and I'm just nerdy about this. I don't wanna dump a whole bunch of information that is not at least 87% Steb related in this post, so I'm gonna say this next part like I'm one of those youtubers who has an audience of 5 year olds and makes those 3 am challenge videos cause it's funny.

GUYS, IF WE CAN GET AT LEAST FIVE PEOPLE TO COMMENT THAT THEY WANNA HEAR ABOUT SELECTIVE MUTISM IN ANOTHER POST, ILL MAKE A POST ABOUT SELECTIVE MUTISM AND HOW STEB WOULD MOST LIKELY BEHAVE OFF SCREEN IF HE HAS IT!! DONT FORGET TO SMASH THAT LIKE BUTTON, SUBSCRIBE, AND TURN ON THE NOTIFICATIONS BELL!!

I LOVE YOU STEB NATION!!! 🗣🗣🗣🔥🔥💯💯💯💯💯❗️❗️❗️❗️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️🙏🙏🙏🙏

[diaferia-dhades]

Silent Treatment - Queen of Onychinus

Sylus x MC

Warning: fluff

Word Count:1015, no proofreading

Preview: MC and Sylus got into a couple's quarrel. So MC gave Sylus a silent treatment, something Sylus isn't a fan of. So he'll just tighten all the jars in the house and put all her favorite snacks on the highest shelf just so she can talk to him.

Sylus is in a bad mood. Fuming, in fact. Luke and Kieran can practically feel the anger radiating from Sylus. Before they come into his office, both take a deep breath and pray they get out of there alive.

Two short knocks. A deep voice called from the inside, "Come in."

Luke and Kieran walked in to give their usual report. They had found that the more they report the worst their boss mood is. They looked at the ground while they give their report, mumbling here and there. Once they finish their report, they continue to stare at their feet.

The entire room was silent except for the ticking of the clock.

"You may leave." Sylus finally said.

Luke and Kieran nodded and quickly left the office as quietly as they can. They didn't want to anger their boss anymore than he already is.

They quickly walked to their room and closed their door, finally able to breath.

"He is angry angry." Luke commented.

Kieran nodded in agreement, "She really done it this time. How many days has it been?"

"Only 4 hours."

"She gave boss 4 hours of silent treatment. Why can't he just go apologize?"

"Pretty sure he did."

Kieran shook his head, "Talk about pettiness."

I stare daggers at the snacks on the shelf. In fact, it's above the cabinet. I used stools and chairs, trying to grab them. I had never cursed my height so much as today. Just as I felt like I lost all hope, I heard the door open. I beamed as I looked over only to frown when I saw my husband walk in. I huffed angrily, turned away, and aggressively took the chair back to where it originally was.

The door opened again and Luke and Kieran walked in. I beamed. Finally, help has arrived!

"Luke, Kieran!" I called them. However, they look very nervous. "Help me get that." I pointed at the snack above the cabinet.

Luke and Kieran looked at the snacks and then looked behind me. I scowled as I knew who was behind me.

Both cleared their throat and mumbled that they had something else to do and left the kitchen without getting anything.

I stare at the closed door in bewilderment. Then I angrily turned around and faced Sylus. His smile quickly faded away when I turned around. I was about to yell at him, but remembered that I was giving him a silent treatment so instead, I huffed angrily.

If I can't have snacks, I'll just make myself one.

I opened the fridge to grab a jar of jam. I should make a classic, peanut butter sandwich. Though it's too big for a snack, so I'll cut it and eat half of it.

I twist the cap. I-

I tried to twist the cap.

I grunt as I tried to twist the cap open. I was out of breath after several tries. I looked up to Sylus.

He was staring at me while I struggled. Bastard.

I slammed the jar onto the counter, slightly surprised that it didn't break. Then I tried to open other jars in the fridge. As expected, every single jar lids are sealed shut.

Sylus, that bastard twisted the lids shut as tightly as he can.

I slammed the refidgerator door closed and looked at all the top selves. All my favorite snacks and food are all on the top shelf. As high as they reach.

I looked over at Sylus again. This time, he is smirking while sipping on his glass of wine.

Fine. I lost. Whatever.

"Sylus."

"Yes, sweetie?" He's still smirking while placing the wine glass on the counter.

"Open this jar." I handed him a jar of jam.

He held the jar but didn't do anything with it. "It looks very tight. I don't know if I can open it."

My eyebrow twitched.

"However, I can try to open it. It does require an intense amount of labor. So payment is necessary." He smiled at me. I knew exactly what kind of payment he wanted.

He held his hand up, showing five fingers. I raised an eyebrow. "You want five kisses?"

"Close."

"Five hugs?"

"No."

"What then?"

"Five hours."

I have a bad feeling about this. "Five hours of what?"

"Love."

The audacity of this man. "Fine! But-" I didn't finish my sentence when he opened the jar. "Not today, I'm in a bad mood."

"Oops, too late. I opened the jar before you said that. Therefore our contract only states that you give me five hours of love whenever I want."

Such a cunning crow!

I lay on my side, staring out the window, watching the city lights in the distance. Strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind me. Gentle kisses on the back of my neck and shoulders.

"I apologize, sweetie, forgive me?" Sylus mumbled as he nuzzled my neck.

I turned around slightly and look into his red eyes. I patted his cheeks, "Only if you say I'm right."

Sylus eyes slightly narrowed. Hesitantly he said, "Fine. You're right and I'm wrong. Forgive me please." He held me tighter into his embrace. "Don't ignore me like what you did yesterday. I did not enjoy a single moment of it."

I hold his hand that was resting on my stomach, scooting closer toward him, feeling his toned chest on my bare back. "I forgive you."

Sylus sighed a sigh of relief and pecked my neck, "Thank you, my love."

"You owe me snacks."

Sylus chuckled, "I'll get them off the shelf for you."

"I knew you put it up there! You sly crow! You're doing this so I ask you for help!"

"Are we starting another argument?"

I sighed, "No. I'm tired." Then I mumbled, "Don't really like to be too far from you."

Sylus leaned over and smiled, "Is that a 'I miss you, my dear husband' I hear?"

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever."

Sylus softly chuckled and kissed my lips, "I love you, sweetie."

I leaned into his kiss and whispered, "I love you too, dear."

[levis-poison-is-my-medicine]

Order Up, Chaos Served

A Levi x reader fanfic (for LeviWeek 2024)

Crossposted from AO3

You get to go on a blind date with none other than Levi Ackerman. There's just one catch: you have to make it an epic disaster.

tags: modern AU, romcom vibes but make it thirsty, fluff and humor cw: contains some swearing | word count: 3.5k

A/n: for day 6 of LeviWeek, I used the prompts "blind date" and "role-play". You'll have to decide for yourself whether this qualifies for the "dystopia" prompt, lol. (It's a modern setting AU where Annie's dad is a rich CEO).

(Levi x reader Masterlist)

"So, what did you want to talk about?" You asked, fiddling with the teabag tag hanging from your cup.

"It's happening again," Annie said gravely. She was sitting opposite you, unsmiling.

"Damn. Another blind date?"

Annie nodded, her hands clenching into fists on the table. "Like, I know he doesn't approve of Armin. As if his daily offhanded comments about him being a wimp weren't enough. But now he's gone over to pretending that Armin doesn't even exist."

Her eyes narrowed. "It's like he's enlisted every eligible bachelor in this damn country to make my life a living hell. Says that I need a 'real man' by my side if I am to take over the company. I can't take it anymore."

You scoffed. "Like you aren't perfectly capable of leading the company by yourself. Why should your choice in a partner have anything to do with it?"

"Exactly. He's driving me insane. I swear, if I have to sit through even just one more blind date, I'm gonna explode. Don't know what I'll do to him then, but one thing's for sure, it won't be pretty. "

You gave her a sympathetic look.

Annie met your gaze with a sly smile. "That's where you come in."

"Me?"

"Yes. You're gonna go on that blind date for me."

"What?" You almost spit out your tea. "Why the hell would I do that?"

"Multiple reasons. For one, you'd prevent and all-out war with my old man. You wouldn't want me to end up disowned, now would you?" She gave you an innocent look.

"Two. It's free food. I know you can't resist that."

You rolled your eyes. "I'm not that easily bought."

"We'll see about that." Annie waggled her brows. "It's at that exclusive sushi place even A-list celebrities can't get into without connections."

"Fuck it, I'm in."

Annie grinned. "I knew you'd come around eventually. But there's a small catch – you'll have to pretend to be me."

Oh no.

"And you'll have to make sure the date's a total disaster."

Oh no, no, no.

"So bad, in fact, that my reputation will be in ruins and no eligible bachelor will ever look my way again." She gave you an angelic smile.

"Think you could do that for me?"

– –

And that was the story of how you'd ended up here, in front of a high-end restaurant, wearing clothes that cost more than your car and all of your other possessions combined. You even wore a wig to look more like Annie. All in the name of friendship. (And free sushi.)

That sushi better be good.

You stepped inside, where an elegantly dressed hostess greeted you with a perfectly practiced smile and a courteous bow of her head.

"Welcome, do you have a reservation?"

Hell yeah. You put on a polite smile. "Yes. It should be in the name of 'Ackerman'?"

That was the name of your date for the evening, a certain Levi Ackerman, apparently a nouveau-riche-type of businessman who qualified as a real man in the eyes of Annie's father. He was supposedly a few years older than you. Not that it really mattered with the plans that you had in store for him.

The hostess nodded pleasantly and motioned towards the dining area. "If you would follow me, please."

You stalked after her in your high heels, feeling a little out of your depth.

"Eyes on the prize," you muttered under your breath. If nothing else, you would stuff your face tonight.

But as you passed the tables, eyeing the exquisitely arranged dishes, your dreams of a feast were crushed instantly – the portions were tiny.

"Here it is," the hostess said, leading you past a delicate, ornamental paper divider to your table in the quietest corner of the restaurant. Mr. Ackerman was already there – not surprising, since you were almost half an hour late, the first part of your plan to leave the worst impression possible. His back was turned to you, so the only thing you could see was his dark undercut.

The hostess was the first to reach the table, pulling out your chair with a subtle, practiced gesture. "Yello!" You exclaimed loudly as you dropped into the seat, slouching with your elbows on the table. The man in front of you looked up with a frown. Your mouth fell open: The guy was hot. Somehow, Annie had failed to mention that not-so-little detail to you. You could already feel your cheeks start to burn, but you had to go through with the plan.

"Hi. I'm Annie Leonhart," you said in a fake, high-pitched voice, thrusting out your hand. "But my friends call me Leo – like the lion. RAWR!" You transformed your hand into a claw before he could take it, brandishing it under his nose.

Needless to say, he didn't look very impressed.

"I'm Levi," he said in an unflinching monotone. Damn, even his voice was hot.

You let out a shrill laugh. "How funny. I had a hamster with that name once."

Levi looked at you for moment, his expression flat. "Good to know. I hope your hamster had better manners than you do."

You nodded earnestly. "He was the most well-behaved hamster. Such a good boy."

Then you turned your gaze downward, squeezing your eyes shut to force out a few tears.

"Rest in peace, little one," you said, sniffling.

When you looked back up, his eyes were narrowed at you. You should probably tone it down a bit, or this date would be over before you even got to the entrées.

"Sorry, I get nervous at these things," you explained.

He gave you a curt nod.

Before you could say anything else, the waiter approached.

"Good evening. My name is Ryotaro, and I'll be taking care of you tonight."

He gave you a slight bow, before carefully setting down the menus in front of you.

"May I recommend our omakase for tonight? It is a selection of our chef's finest sushi, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Or, if you prefer, you may choose from our à la carte options."

"We'll do à la carte," you said immediately, not giving Levi any opportunity to get a word in.

"Certainly," Ryotaro said. "Please take your time. I'll return in a few moments to take your order."

Levi leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest. You could feel his eyes on you, scrutinizing you, like they were probing your innermost thoughts. You swallowed and looked away from his face, trying to avoid his gaze. His sleeves were riding up a bit, revealing the veins protruding from his well-toned forearms. It wasn't fair. How was everything about this man so goddamn hot? Get a grip, you told yourself. You cracked your knuckles and reached for the menu. This was what you were here for. The food. Not the man. Even if he was delicious. Probably.

You tried not to gasp at the prices as you scanned the menu. It wasn't like you had to pay for any of this. In fact, this was your pay.

You glanced at Levi over the edge of your menu. He, too, was quietly reading what the restaurant had to offer.

You cleared your throat. "A lot of seafood, isn't it?"

"It's a sushi restaurant." He didn't look up from his menu.

"Tough crowd," you said. The room fell silent again.

You took a gulp of the water provided on the table, but your mouth was still dry like a desert. This was even harder than you had anticipated. The man didn't give you anything to work with.

When Ryotaro came back to the table, you breathed a sigh of relief.

Levi ordered first. "I'll start with the Shishito Peppers with Miso Glaze. For the main dish, I'll have the sushi and sashimi platter, chef's selection. As for drinks, I will get a green tea."

"Certainly, sir." Ryotaro turned to you. "And what may it be for the lady?"

"I'll get the Daiginjo sake. A whole bottle, please." There was no way you'd get through this evening sober.

"As you wish. I can bring you a tokkuri, a carafe."

"That will do nicely," you said sweetly. "As for the food… I'll have everything."

Ryotaro blinked at you. "E-Everything?"

"Yes, everything." You looked at him with a dead serious expression. "For the entrées, I'll have the Tuna Tartare with Yuzu and Avocado, the Shishito Peppers with Miso Glaze, the Chawanmushi, the Seared Toro Carpaccio, and the Agedashi Tofu, please. I hope you won't make me recount the main dishes, too."

"Certainly not," Ryotaro said politely, having caught himself again. "Will it be the full portions, or may it be a bit of everything?"

"Full portions," you said, not missing a beat.

"Absolutely. Would you like to order all of our side dishes, as well?"

"Yes, that would be most darling."

"Certainly," Ryotaro said in a measured tone, betraying nothing. What an absolute professional.

He bowed slightly, then quietly stepped back, leaving the table.

Levi took a sip of his water, seemingly unbothered by your excessive ordering. You gave him an incredulous look. He put down the water, placing it on the table with a soft thud.

"You're really going all out, aren't you?" he said dryly.

"Of course. I'm here for the food."

He raised an eyebrow at you. It was a good look on him. (Everything was a good look on him.)

"Just for the food," you reiterated. It physically hurt you to say it.

"Is that so," he said, impassive.

"Yes. Daddy wants me to go on dates to find a real man. But I'm not into real men." You made a dramatic pause. "I prefer them two-dimensional, you know? Like from an anime. They're just so much cooler." You held your breath as you waited for Levi's reaction.

He didn't even flinch. "Of course they are cooler. They're not real."

"They are real for me!" You protested, adding a bit of a whiny undertone.

That earned you an eye roll.Yes! You were getting there.

"I'm sure they are very real... in your head. Good luck finding a two-dimensional guy that you can get dinner with, let alone hold a conversation."

You scoffed. "It's not like you are that great at holding a conversation. You're not the most talkative guy."

He gave you a deadpan look. "Good. I should be your type then."

Damn, that was smooth. You could feel your face heating up at his words.

"I'll have you know that the anime guys in my head are great conversationalists. I have a very vivid imagination, you know?"

"You'd need it, since you'd essentially be both sides of the relationship. Rather one-dimensional, actually."

He had a point. But of course, you couldn't let him know that. You let out a dramatic sigh. "Still more exciting than any real men I've encountered so far."

"Maybe you met the wrong ones."

"All of them corporate lackeys, like you. I'm sure you don't really want to be here, either. You're just trying to further your agenda, get a foot in the door of daddy's company. At least I'm being honest about what I want." You flipped your hair back for additional theatrics.

Levi tilted his head, his cool eyes fixed on you with newly-found interest.

"So that's what you think this is. Explains a lot."

You met his gaze, challenging him. "Am I wrong?"

"About me playing some corporate game? Yes. While it's true that I'm here because I owed Leonhart a favor, I'm not trying to get anything out of this. Nor am I planning on doing any further business with him, for that matter. This is separate."

"Right," you said with thinly-veiled sarcasm.

Before he could get a chance to respond, Ryotaro was back at your table, having wheeled in your entrées and drinks on a serving cart. He transferred your drinks to the table, setting down a ceramic carafe for you. You watched him pour you a glass and immediately grabbed it when he was done, downing it in one swift motion. He refilled it without batting an eyelid.

"The Shishito Peppers for you, sir," he said, placing the dish in front of Levi.

"And which one may you prefer to eat first?" He asked, turning to you.

"Whatever you recommend. I'm going to eat them all anyway. Just put as many as will fit on the table," you replied with a smile. The food was beautifully arranged, each dish looking like dainty little artworks with their delicate garnishing and vibrant colors. It made your mouth water in anticipation.

"Certainly," Ryotaro said, moving some of the dishes to your table. "I'd recommend the Tuna Tartare for a light and refreshing start. You could proceed with the Shishito Peppers for some mild heat, then move on to the heartier dishes. Would this be to your liking?"

"You bet," you said enthusiastically. This elicited a faint smile from Ryotaro, a nice change from his usual stiff demeanor. He didn't know it yet, but he would get a huge tip tonight for putting up with your antics. Annie had given you her gold card, and you intended to make good use of it.

As soon as he had left your table, you took out your phone and snapped pictures of every single dish. Levi gave you a look.

"You planning to frame those?" He sounded slightly amused.

This wasn't a good direction. You needed to double down on the weirdness.

"Almost. These are for my diary," you said with a serious nod, like this was perfectly normal. "Right, of course I'll need a snapshot of you, too."

You pointed the camera at him and took a photo without asking for his permission, perfectly capturing his frown.

You put on a pout. "You didn't even smile. What will daddy think? He might think you're not having any fun."

"Oh, I'm having fun alright," Levi muttered under his breath.

You snickered. This was more like it. He seemed a bit resigned, already. You just had to work him a little bit more. After the entrées, of course.

As you took your first bite, your eyes lit up with pure and utter delight, the exquisitely tender tuna melting in your mouth, harmonizing perfectly with the acidity of the yuzu. You couldn't stop a huge grin from spreading over your face. This was definitely worth the cost, even if it meant making a complete fool of yourself.

Levi watched you, and for a second, a ghost of a smile passed over his lips.

"You really are just here for the food, aren't you," he noted wryly.

"You know it!" You exclaimed in between bites. You savored every last one of them, closing your eyes to bliss out without any distractions.

"Tch. You look like you're about to propose to the chef."

You opened your eyes to grin at him. "That's a fantastic idea! I totally should."

"A shame that he's three-dimensional, though," he quipped in that monotone of his, which shouldn't be allowed to sound this damn good, but it somehow did. You actually laughed out loud at this – your real laugh – but you didn't even notice.

You shrugged. "Everyone should be allowed one flaw."

He did the eyebrow-raise again. It made your heart beat faster. "Are you implying that I have more than one?"

"We already established this. You're not the best at carrying a conversation."

"I think I'm carrying this one just fine."

"Even a broken clock is right twice a day." You smirked.

"Tch. You're being quite a rude brat right now."

Your smirk grew wider. "Everyone should be allowed one flaw, remember?"

Levi snorted. There was a slight quirk to the corners of his mouth, a bit higher on one side, like his smile would be lopsided if only he'd allow it to fully form.

His eyes were locked with yours. Your heart was thumping in your chest.

Ryotaro's polite voice cut through the tension between you. "Is everything to your liking?"

You gave him a dazed look, like you'd just woken up from a dream.

"Yes," you said softly, almost inaudibly.

"It's good," Levi said, his face blank.

That made you snap out of it. "Good? Just good? It's phenomenal! Heavenly!" You gesticulated wildly with your hands to underline your words.

"I'm glad," Ryotaro said, sounding genuinely pleased. "May I take your empty dishes?"

"Sure."

You had finished most of the entrées already. The portions really were criminally tiny.

Ryotaro served you the remaining ones from the cart, then wheeled it away.

The silence that followed was charged, somehow. Different from before. You knew you should probably do something ridiculous, outrageous, something to tarnish the good name of the Leonharts, but you just couldn't bring yourself to do it.

Surprisingly, Levi was the one to break the silence.

"So you're an ill-mannered brat who prefers anime men over real ones. Any more flaws I should know about?"

"Of course not. I'm perfect," you said, doing the dramatic hair flip again.

There was a ripping sound, and suddenly your head felt much lighter. Something fell to the ground with a weak flop. You stared at it in horror. It was a mop of blonde hair – the wig had fallen right off.

Shit. "I-I can explain," you stammered. "I have severe dandruff, and I didn't want it to fall on my black dress. That's why I wanted to cover my hair, but it's rude to wear hats in restaurants, so I opted for a wig, and –"

"You can stop the charades. I know you're not Annie Leonhart," Levi cut you off. "I checked her photo beforehand, and you look nothing like her."

You sighed, resigning yourself to your fate. "Damn, it was the nose, wasn't it?"

"Yep."

"Fuck. So we've both been playing pretend this entire time? Why didn't you say anything sooner?" You searched his eyes for some sort of clue, but came up short.

"I wanted to find out what your intentions are. See how far you would take this."

"And what did your little investigation uncover?"

"That you're really into food. "

You flashed him a sheepish smile. "Dang, I guess I'm easier to read than I thought. That's all you gathered, Mr. Detective?"

"Well, you also have quite the comedic talent. You might want to consider a career in that field."

You chuckled softly. "Glad I could at least provide some entertainment for the evening."

Levi nodded. "I still have some questions though."

"I can imagine."

"I'd like to know the story behind all this. But I'd understand if you'd rather keep your privacy."

"It's fine," you said with a wave of your hand. "You deserve some answers. Actually, I'm Annie's best friend. She already has a boyfriend, but her father doesn't approve of him and wants to set her up with someone he prefers. You know, the classic story." You rolled your eyes. "Well, Annie was fed up with the constant blind dates and wanted to put an end to them once and for all. That's where I came in. She kinda roped me into this with the promise of free food…" You awkwardly ran a hand through your hair.

He huffed out a laugh. "You really did this only for the food? Should've asked for more."

"I know, right? But anyway, the idea was to ruin her reputation, make sure no eligible bachelor would be caught dead within a mile's radius from her... Guess that didn't go quite as planned."

Levi shook his head. "If you wanted someone to badmouth her, you picked the wrong person."

"So I gathered. You're not exactly the rumor spreading type. Not chatty enough."

"Right. Not as conversational as the cool anime dudes in your head," he deadpanned.

"Shut up." You grinned. "You know I only did this to fuck with you."

"Didn't work."

"Not even just a little bit?" You asked. "A teeny tiny little bit?"

He shook his head.

"Not even a micro bit? A nano bit?" You leaned in, giving him big doe eyes.

"Fine, I'll give you that. You got off to a strong start."

The smile on your lips grew even wider. "Yeah? You liked that? RAWR!" You gave him the lion claws again.

"Don't push it," he said, but there was a spark of amusement in his eyes.

"Admit it, you want to see more of it."

"No." He gave you a long look. "But I'd like to see more of the real you."

Your heart skipped a beat. "Did you just ask me on a second date? "

"I suppose I did. Figured it couldn't be any worse than this one."

"Joke's on you. We're not even at the main course. This date isn't over yet." And you had a feeling it was about to get a whole lot better.

A/n: I admit the anime guy thing might've been a bit meta xD Btw, reader absolutely brought containers in her purse to take the leftovers. Can't have the good food go to waste, lol.

It's out <3 @nironasaran

[backupaccountt22]

Bahahhaha this is tumblr, why would I care if I am important enough ? Lmao ! men truly are pathetic

you don’t care enough to correct a typo but will write sentence regarding the type. The male logic Lmao.

“Yes I'm aware you guys will fight us with irrationality. That's why you are irrational and why you are evil. . Again if we wanted to refuse you, we could, we are stronger than you, and what ever you have we could take”

yes I am irrational for telling the truth and not coddling you demonic males.

“And again, what would raping women give us?

“what would raping women give us “ that is question you should be asking your fellow men and yourself ! Now you are denying men rape little girls and women ? You should ask yourself why you and men rape and then victim blame ? Why y’all commit cruel violence towards women and try to play innocent ! Millions of men have raped, why don’t you ask them ?

“We apparently already have power over you, and the strive for power is proof of its lack, but its quite clear we have power”

why does the Taliban keep making more restriction on women ? They already have power over them. What do they benefit from preventing women from speaking to other women ? why do they benefit by making more oppression on women ? Why do they get by forcing little girls to marry old men ? you are a man and already know the answer ! But here you are acting dumb and innocent lmao. you men are never satisfied with the power you have ! Y’all want to control every soul on earth and cause them to suffer ! Evilness is embedded in the Xy chromosome!

“Again what would we have to gain from raping you? Pleasure? A sense of conquest? A sense of control over someone who offers us nothing we couldn't just take? Lol. You have nothing to offer, and what do you have to offer we can't just take right? So why have we allowed you anything? Why don't we just crush you?”

men are now denying the fact that women are raped by their fellow men. Comical yet evil!

you answered your question, you men already know! “ Pleasure? A sense of conquest? A sense of control over someone who offers us nothing we couldn't just take” exactly that ! When there was interview of rapists they gave those answers! You men know it so why pretend you don’t ? Lowlife scums.

“ A sense of control over someone who offers us nothing we couldn't just take” this part stood out and explains your male nature ! After a man rapes woman, other men shame , humiliate , blame and try to kill her spirt, self esteem , self worth and hope ! If you couldn’t completely ruin her by rape, you get your community of men to do that emotionally ! It shows the evilness embedded in men and the methods men use ! Sometimes you men lacking self awareness can become a gift !

“The fact you even have a word to describe yourself, is proof, that men do not seek to oppress you. If we did, we could, would, and you wouldn't be able to fight us. We would win by default”

bahaha nice cope ! If that was the case all these nations of incels would have done that years ago. men do not seek to oppress you ? Men hate peace and harmony !

I am able to fight you, I do that all the time! It is cute how you think physical fight when I just make sure the men around me suffer and self off. No blood on my pretty hands. Why do you think I work for under paying mental health clinic ? To make sure you men suffer for the horrid things you have done to childern and women.

“

Do me a favor, walk off a building and see if your feelings will save you from the ground you are rushing towards.

Put a loaded gun to your head and pull the trigger and see if your feelings will shield your gray matter.”

no thanks I get thrill of watching men put gun to their head tho.

“And why you will fail. Irrationality is not a weapon, its poison. Refusing to grant your hysteria the title of anything rational is my ultimate point. It's hard to prove to other people, that your philosophy does not believe in reason, reality, or rationality.

hysteria but it is backed by studies, data and reality! While we are expected to believe your opinion as facts …typical male. You didn’t use any rational, you kept yapping the same thing in these replies lolz. Whatever feeds your broken male ego. “You can say it all day but people think you are just insulting them. The only way you can hurt me, is by choosing to allow you to hurt me”

why would it hurt you ? I am just telling the truth ? The fact that you keep mentioning your feelings is comical. Why would I care if I hurt you or not ? You are random dude on tumblr. I care more about making sure men’s suicide rates are going up.

“Irrational means create irrational ends. Like your entire movement not knowing how to define woman all of a sudden. After all we can feel what a woman is, and don't need to really know after all. After all why should someone need that tool of male oppression to define what is a woman.”

wtf are you yapping about now ? Woman is human female ! Not knowing what a woman is so you can justify your evil acts towards women. Of course men think only men can define what woman is. Nasty lowlife males.

your entire male right movement is screeching about why no one cares for them as they go around terrorizing society ! Irrational mindset = men in which they believe they are entitled to compassion and empathy despite being the most cruel heinous evil scums in earth. if your male right movement had any rational ideology so many men wouldn’t be killings themselves ! Aren’t richest and most powerful men on earth men ? Why don’t your fellow men help eachother ? Even other men know men are evil and insufferable ! That is why other men want women to be men’s punching bag.

“You know I am enjoying this conversation. Its great to take a live specimen of what your philosophy produces and bringing it back to civilization.

It brings me great pleasure, you see and any and all of your insults are easily ignored. You have no power to hurt me, but by choosing to engage with me, you've given me so much joy. It actually brought a smile to my face.”

Male loneliness and isolation is doing number on men, they even getting great pleasure from random tumblr post Lmao. Guess that what happens when all your social interactions is online. Also insults ? They are just truth ! no power to hurt you ? Bahhahahaha this is tumblr ! Getting egocentric and proud bc tumblr posts didn’t hurt your feelings. My goodness that is funny. Like I said before men lacking self and social awareness is sometimes gift. good for you little jimmy, I am glad random chick online didn’t hurt your lil feelings lmao.

I am glad I am helping you with your loneliness and lack of human contract. Too bad your fellow men can’t say the same, they just have to eat dirt 6ft under.

“I wonder even knowing this youll continue to engage with me. It would be delightful to see what you'll do.”

of course you are ! I am light and life to your worthless and dark existence. I hope you are sitting refreshing your page waiting for my response lmaoz.

why do women always have to be the bigger person? why don’t men just stop “joking” abt raping us?

[corkinavoid]

The Tip Of The Iceberg · Owl City

Grumpy x sunshine

Winter wonderland

DPxDC Love at Frost Sight

Jason's favorite season of the year was fall. Early fall, to be exact, when the trees become red and golden, and the air smells of pumpkin spice because of all the coffeeshops simultaneously deciding it's the time to bring it back once again, and it's not yet cold enough to wear a coat, but just cool enough to put on a comfy sweater.

On the other hand, his least favorite season was winter. All of it, starting from late November and ending in early April. His bones ached in the cold that no coat could manage to keep out, the roads were always slippery, no matter how much salt was thrown over them, and he despised the amounts of hot tea he had to drink to keep himself from freezing to death.

Not to mention the lack of sunlight, the vitamins he had to take daily, the shiver that ran down his body when he stepped out of the shower and-

"You know, if you keep frowning like that, people are going to start thinking I've brought you here under the threat of a gun."

Jason blinks and tears his gaze away from the dimly lit, snowy scenery of Robinson Park and looks to Jazz, who is walking just beside him, a steaming cup of coffee in her fingers. She looks beautiful, even wearing a puffy purple jacket that makes her look like an off-color penguin and a knitted hat that hides all her red hair.

Jason huffs and rubs his forehead, smoothing the wrinkle between his eyebrows manually.

"You still hadn't told me why are we taking a walk in the park instead of doing literally anything else," he reminds her, and Jazz smiles, holding her chin higher.

"I have my reasons," she tells, her voice full of mischief. Jason rolls his eyes and hides his freezing palms deeper in his pockets. "We're almost there, don't roll your eyes at me," Jasmine shorts a short laugh and pokes him in the side.

Almost where, he wants to ask, because he is pretty sure she can't show him anything he hasn't seen before in here. He is a Gothamite, after all, and she just moved here two years ago, and Robinson Park couldn't have changed that much since his whole dying and coming back act.

But then, Jazz finishes her coffee in a few large gulps, tossing the empty cup into the nearest bin, and takes his elbow, all but dragging him forward, off the path and into the who knows where.

Jason stumbles over his feet but catches himself quickly enough to not faceplant the snow. Yet, that doesn't help in the slightest with figuring out where they are going because, well, it's half-past-six, which means it's already rather dark around them even with all of the street lights, and Jazz can be really fast when she wants to, and-

"Here," his impossible girlfriend suddenly stops, so abruptly like she's just ran into a wall. Jason, despite all his vigilante training, is not capable of canceling the laws of inertia on command, so he takes a few more steps forward to slow down.

"And what exactly is here?" He shakes his head, trying very hard not to snap, because he is cold, and he doesn't like surprises, and Jazz can be frustrating more than she likes to admit. But, before she can answer, and before Jason is able to put all that winter irritation into words, there's a snap.

Jason turns his head sharply, looking for the source of it just out of habit.

And halts, feeling his eyes go wide and his head completely empty.

The lights appear one by one, a slow, charming process of illuminating the small clearing they've run into. Warm and fuzzy, like tiny stars, or maybe fairy lights, but with no strings to hold them, they light up the trees and the sparkling, untouched snow under their feet. Jason blinks. The sight that he's grown to associate only with those decorative glass balls full of fake snow doesn't shatter.

And, to be fair, Jason knew winter could be beautiful - he's seen countless pictures and movies, and he understood the appeal it had on some people. But he's never really felt it, what with winters in Gotham, even at Christmas Eve, being more glum and gray than sparkling white and twinkling pretty.

But this is exactly that.

The tall trees covered in white snow, the gentle fall of snowflakes over them, the bright yellow lights that surround them.

"Close your mouth, love, you'll catch a cold," he hears Jazz say with a fond, soft laugh, and only then he realizes he is gaping.

His mouth closes back with a snap as he turns to face his girlfriend.

"How did you..." he trails off, not even sure what he's asking. How did she bring a fairytale into life? How did she find this place? How did she manage to bring him here?..

Jazz's teal eyes hold the reflections of countless warm lights around them, and she is grinning from ear to ear, her hand finding Jason's to intertwine their fingers.

"Danny helped," she admits, "But I just wanted you to see it. See why I love winter - not just because my brother is a living icicle, but because winter is magic, in a sense. It's only in winter that you can feel what's really warm and what's not."

Jason has half of a thought to ask her what she means, but he gets it just a moment before the words fall out of his mouth.

Because this, standing in the silent snowfall among the tiny lights of miniature stars, holding Jazz's hand in his, is warm. Not in a literal sense - his skin is still moments away from freezing - but something inside his chest feels like a tiny, flickering flame.

And that flame makes him smile.

"It's very pretty," he says, not taking his eyes off Jazz, and watches her cheeks become pink.

Somehow, he is certain it's not because of the cold.

~•~•~•~

This was written to not one but two Owl City songs. The first one was, as requested, 'The Tip of The Iceberg', and the second was 'Peppermint Winter', my all-time favorite winter song.

And here's the additional aesthetic!

Danny, who is responsible for the gently falling snowflakes and keeping the lights from going out, sitting invisible in a tree above them: what great lengths do I go for you, Jazz, you better get me something nice for Christmas or I swear to Ancients-

[engie-ivy]

Happy New Year!✨

Enjoy some New Year's Wolfstar Fluff😃

1430 words

“If, in the upcoming year, you actually manage to convince Lily Evans to be your girlfriend, then I promise that before the year is over, I will get up on a table and loudly proclaim my feelings for Remus Lupin for anyone to hear.”

May We All Have Our Hopes, Our Will To Try

Happy New Year - Abba

“I swear this is gonna be the year.”

“Mate, for Godric’s sake, just give it up.”

James shakes his head, not taking his eyes off of Lily. “She's warming up to me, I swear.”

Sirius rolls his eyes. “And what gave you that idea? That she called you an arrogant pillock just a moment ago?”

“Her tone is changing,” James insist. “It may sound exasperated, but as of late, there's a hint of fondness underneath.”

“I'm not trying to rain on your parade,” Sirius says. “Really. I'm not. But I want more for you. You're a catch, mate.” Sirius clasps James on his back. “Best in every class, maybe except for me sometimes, absolute Quidditch hero, master of pranks, together with myself, of course. Do you have any idea how many girls are always looking at you? Who would give up half their house's points to be with you? There's so much more out there for you!”

“But I want her,” James says curtly.

Sirius sighs. “Yes, you've made that evidently clear over the last few years. Aren't you at least getting tired of constantly being rejected?”

Now James turns to Sirius. “At least I'm putting myself out there, putting my heart on the line. It's by no means a guarantee that my love will ever be reciprocated, but it sure as hell gives me more of a chance than you have, with your strategy of always keeping your feelings hidden for the object of your affections.” He turns his head to look at Remus.

Sirius cheeks colour and he slaps James’ arm. “Don't look!” He hisses.

“Really, Pads,” James says, looking back at Sirius. “It might not exactly be where I want it to be, but at least I know where I stand with Lily. You have no bloody idea how he feels about you, because you won't bloody tell him how you feel.”

Sirius crosses his arms over his chest. “Some of us are not quite as fond of rejection as you are.”

“There's a chance of rejection, by no means a certainty. If you would just take the risk…”

“Him and I have a close friendship that could be ruined,” Sirius reminds James. “Excuse me for not being willing to risk that.”

“Okay, fine,” James says, throwing up his hands. “Let's forget about reciprocation or rejection for a moment. I think Lily simply deserves to know she is loved, regardless of whether she loves me back or not. So I tell her, as often as I can. Don't you want Moo-”

“Ssst!”

“Don't you want the object of your affection to know that?”

“It'll probably just make him feel awkward,” Sirius mumbles.

“Or confident. Happy. Loved. And besides,” James shrugs. “If Lily ever does change her mind, she won't ever have to doubt where I stand.”

“Prongs, she's not gonna-” Sirius shakes his head. “You know what? Let's make a deal. If, in the upcoming year, you actually manage to convince Lily Evans to be your girlfriend, then I promise that before the year is over, I will get up on a table and loudly proclaim my feelings for Remus Lupin for anyone to hear.”

A grin spreads over James’ face. “Deal.”

It's five minutes to midnight and Mary is handing out glasses of champagne to everyone at her New Year's Eve party.

“Is everyone ready?” Mary asks excitedly.

“Well,” James says, holding his glass of champagne in one hand, while his other is resting on Lily's waist, who's leaning heavily against him. “I actually think Padfoot still has an announcement to make.”

Sirius glares at James, but he has given his word, Marauder’s honour, and he has been postponing as much as he could, with only five minutes of the year being left.

Here goes nothing.

He walks up to the table and climbs on top. All their friends, including one Remus Lupin, stop their conversations to stare at him.

“Right. Ehm, hello. So… I suppose I should tell you that…” Sirius takes a deep breath. “I, Sirius Black, have feelings for Remus Lupin. I mean, I'm actually quite besotted with him. In love, you could say. I'm in love with Remus Lupin.”

Gasps echo through the room.

“Finally,” Marlene says.

“I knew it!” Mary exclaims.

“What?” Fabian asks. “Our Remus?” Gideon asks.

“Sirius and Remus?” Peter squeaks.

“Oh my god, oh my god,” Benjy says on repeat.

Caradoc is just opening and closing his mouth without any sound coming out.

Remus doesn't say anything, just stares at Sirius wide-eyed with his mouth slightly parted.

The new year arrives almost immediately after, and everyone snaps out of the shock by starting to hug and kiss each other and wishing everyone a happy new year. As they embrace him, people whisper things in Sirius’ ear like ‘good luck!’, ‘I'm rooting for you!’, ‘You've got some guts, Black’ and ‘I can't believe you just did that’.

Except for Remus. In fact, Remus seems to be avoiding Sirius completely.

“Give him some time,” James whispers as he embraces his brother.

Sirius just nods around the lump in his throat. This is why he had wanted to keep his feelings to himself, this is exactly what he thought would happen. Well, maybe it's not really… Maybe he had hoped…

“Give me your keys.”

Sirius, who ended up going home early and had just reached his motorcycle, turns around at the sound of the voice. “Excuse me?”

“Give me your keys,” Remus repeats.

Sirius stares at him for a moment, then shakes his head. “I hate to break it to you, Moony, but me having feelings for you is still no reason for me to give you my bike.”

“I hate to break it to you,” Remus retorts. “But you publicly embarrassing me is still no reason for me to let you drunk-drive yourself into an accident!”

“Drunk-dri- What are you even talking about?”

“Come on, Siri, you must be drunk off your arse.”

“Remus,” Sirius says. “I had one sip of champagne at midnight, and that's it. Do you really think I'd be that stupid?”

Remus blinks at him. “Then why… Then why would you… Why would you get up on the table and…”

“I'll admit that it wasn't my preferred method,” Sirius says. “But I had lost the wager I made with Prongs…”

Realisation dawns in Remus’ eyes, like the world suddenly makes sense again. “Ah, so you didn't publicly embarrass me because you're drunk, you publicly embarrassed me because you lost a bet.”

Sirius frowns. “I can't pretend I also would've done it if it wasn't for the bet, no, but honestly, I think I mostly ended up publicly embarrassing myself.”

“Can you at least try to consider someone else's feelings?” Remus asks angrily. “Do you, or you and James both, actually think it's funny to use pretending to be in love with me as a stake in one of your stupid bets? Did you ever consider what that would feel like for me?”

Sirius can only stare at Remus as he wraps his mind around his words, and suddenly he sees his anger from a whole new perspective.

“Of course you didn't,” Remus says, and he turns to walk away.

“Moony, wait!” Sirius rushes forward and grabs Remus’ arm, spinning him back around. “If you think what I'm thinking you're thinking, it's not what you think.”

Remus just gives him a cold look.

For Godric’s sake, Sirius thinks. He got up on a bloody table and announced his deepest feelings in front of all their bloody friends, he's not gonna let Remus walk away now still not knowing! For the second time that evening, Sirius takes a deep breath.

“I didn't believe James constantly publicly proclaiming his feelings for Lily would ever work, so we made a deal that if it did work, I would publicly proclaim my feelings for you.”

“Your…”

“My feelings. My true feelings. No pretense.”

“So you're actually…”

“In love with you.”

Remus opens and closes his mouth a couple of times. “You're an idiot, Sirius Black,” he eventually manages to say, which might not be as romantic as Sirius would've hoped for, but luckily, he continues. “Getting up on a table like that in the middle of the party, instead of just coming and talking to me.”

“So had I done that… you wouldn't have avoided me all night?” Sirius asks tentatively.

Remus takes a step closer and grabs the lapels of Sirius’ jacket. “My response would've been something like this.” And before Sirius can do anything, he crashes their lips together.

[crazylovelylee]

but when he walks in, i am loved

✰ info - jeongin knowing exactly when you want to cling to him

✰ tags - gn!reader, very short, fluffy cutesy moment, written in second person

✰ comments - HEY GUYS uh I don't know, I should be writing on my main. I'm not. I have 0 motivation to write there but like a lot to write here. Don't ask.

You and Jeongin have been together for quite a long time now.

And being the observant and amazing boyfriend he is, he already knows whatever you want just by looking at you.

Just like now.

It's quite obvious, to be honest. You're just sitting next to him, wearing his shirt while staring at his face.

Holding back a smirk, he just opens his arms, a random video on his phone still playing as he looks back at you.

Without thinking twice you almost jump on Jeongin, burying your face on his neck as wraps an arm around you to keep you in place.

You appreciated a lot the fact you didn't have to speak to tell him what you were thinking.

He basically already knew.

And for you, that was like as if you just won the lottery when finding your boyfriend. Because ever since you remember, you always hated to say how you were feeling or what you were thinking.

But he learned that, and managed to make you feel comfortable. In all honesty, you always asked yourself how amazing can he be.

After a few minutes or so, Jeongin moved his hand to now gently push your head on his lap so that he could play with your hair.

Of course you didn't deny it, already smiling a bit without even noticing as he does that.

As you started to get sleepy, Jeongin heard you mumble a few words.

“I love you so much.”

And he smiled. Now putting his phone aside and pulling you closer.

“I love you too, love.”

©crazylovelylee

[mandalhoerian]

i've been in the far orbit of this argument for a while and I'm really baffled why people can't be understanding of each other's perspectives and i'm sorry for what you're going through...

i want to have a little break-it-down for reblog's sakes if anyone wants to put this in their blog because there is MUCH to be said about the non-MC and you are the MC angles. spoiler alert: there is no wrong answer. it's about respect & understanding.

you are the main character

This perspective is all about inclusivity and self-insertion, which is honestly such a big draw for otome games in general. The idea is simple: you’re not just playing a game--you’re imagining yourself in the game. Your avatar is customizable, so you can tweak your appearance to reflect how you see yourself, or even how you want to see yourself. It’s like being dropped into an isekai where you’re not just some regular person--you’re someone special.

and HEY, who doesn’t want to imagine themselves as this badass, idealized version of themselves? In this game, you’re a cool hunter, you’ve got skills, you’re navigating this wild sci-fi/fantasy world with monsters and powers & oh yeah, you’ve got a literal aether core in your chest. That core isn’t just a plot device, it’s a metaphor for potential, for becoming something more. The game practically screams, “Hey, this could be you! Look how powerful and capable you could be!” It’s empowering in a way, and I totally get why people love this angle. It’s fun to imagine yourself as the one charming the LIs, holding your own in battle, and rising to the challenge of this world.

For people who vibe with this, it’s about escapism and self-expression. You don’t want to read about someone else being awesome, you want yourself to be awesome. It’s the ultimate power fantasy.

key word: power fantasy. which brings me to

you are NOT the main character

The argument here is that while the game tries to sell the MC as us, it just......... doesn’t land for a lot of players. Let’s start with the fact that this is a Chinese game, and the default character design is heavily rooted in East Asian beauty standards. Which is fine. It's their game, I'm not complaining I'm just telling it as it is. Yes, the skin tones are inclusive, and I’ll give them credit for that, but the body type? The facial features? The overall aesthetic? It’s not exactly universal. I mean, take a good look at my big fat ass and tell me how I’m supposed to feel immersed when the MC looks like a dainty stick figure who’d snap in half if she ever actually tried to fight (despite all the "abs" talk.) Like, she’s cute, sure, but she’s not me. And definitely not you. (Don't talk to me about "she has to look like that because she's a hunter, remember". all of us know that's not the case. it's about beauty standards.)

And then there’s the way she acts. Oh boy,,,,,,,, Sometimes it feels like she’s actively trying to make the worst decisions possible. It’s one thing to be flawed, flaws are human and relatable, but there are moments, especially in the Sylus arc, where I’m sitting there like, “Girl, what are you doing?!” She makes choices that I would never make, and it pulls me right out of the story because it’s not even a matter of imagining myself in her shoes anymore. It’s like watching a character in a TV show make a bad call, and you’re yelling at the screen, but it’s not like you can change what happens. That's okay, though, it's not a sin. She has her own personality, her own reactions, and her own story, and while that makes for a compelling narrative, it also makes it really clear that she’s not us.

For people who lean toward the “non-MC” argument, it’s frustrating because the game is selling this experience as one where we’re supposed to see ourselves in the MC, but she’s written in a way that feels so disconnected from how many of us would act or feel. It’s hard to immerse yourself in a story when the character representing you feels so far removed from who you are or who you want to be.

so what?

Honestly, I think this boils down to what you’re looking for in the game. If you’re someone who loves the “you are the MC” vibe, then you’re probably willing to overlook or even embrace the gaps between you and the character because the customization and the overarching narrative of personal growth are enough to make you feel seen. But if you’re in the “non-MC” camp, then every time the MC makes a cringe-worthy choice or the story reminds you that she’s more of a predefined character than a blank slate, it’s going to take you out of the experience. (This was me in "No Defense Zone", I had to put my phone down and do laps around in my room out of second hand embarrassment.)

Maybe the real issue here is that the game is trying to have it both ways. It wants to tell a story with a strong narrative and a compelling lead character, but it also wants to let players insert themselves into that story. And honestly? That’s a tough balance to strike. It works for some people, but for others, it ends up feeling like a half-measure that doesn’t fully satisfy either camp.

At the end of the day, I think it’s okay to feel a little jealous of the MC because, in a way, she isn’t us. She’s her own character, living her own life in this world, and we’re just along for the ride. And whether you see her as “you” or as “another character,” what really matters is how much you’re enjoying the story. So let’s keep discussing it, but maybe we can stop tearing each other apart and harrass people over it. It’s okay to love the game for what it is—or even for what it isn’t.

Guys I may be mentally insane but ... Why do I low-key feel jealous of MC when I see clips of the upcoming cards... Especially the Sylus one..

IK SHE'S MEANT TO BE US BUT 😭😭

[userautumn]

i didn't have a big post planned and, in fact, actually forgot it was new year's eve because i've been working but i NEVER miss an opportunity to reflect so 💕 hmm let's see. 2024 was a Character Development year for sure. this year was for the plot. from april onward, this was one of the hardest years of my life, if not the hardest, but the people i love... oh, the people i love. you guys kept me going this year. thank you for allowing me to spend this life with you. and now, a few love notes, because i can <3

@bigassbowlingballhead - jon words cannot express how grateful i am that this year brought you and i together. you have been one of the most comforting presences in my life and i love you so deeply. thank you for always listening, for making me laugh out loud, for holding all of my secrets in the palm of your hand, and, as always, for your unrelenting kindness. i adore you and can't wait to scream about snw3 with you.

@malinaa @meyhew - seedlys, we've been in each other's lives for many years but this year i felt like i became friends with you guys all over again. you provided me a safe space to share the thing that's most precious to me in the entire world (my book) without judgement and words cannot express how much i do not take that safety for granted. thank you for holding my hand and listening to me be an annoying perfectionist about it, thank you for being excited and screaming with me, for being supportive, for letting me ramble. thank you for being in my life. i love you. i worry sometimes you guys don't know how deeply that love runs but please know that the fountain of my adoration is infinite and without bottom, even if i seem awkward or don't always show it / express it. i grow more and more thankful for you guys every day.

@godlightbuckley @ontoheartache - not to be all like "finding light in the darkness" but the fact that liam's death brought me closer to you guys truly is the one (1) bright spot out of that whole thing. annie and katie, you two are so beloved to me. your kindness, your compassion, your inner beauty — both of you have become such lights in my life in such a short time and i, with full sincerity, couldn't have made it through without you. thank you for being exactly who you are. i love you.

@dadbodbuck - jay dadbodbuck, i would trust you with my life. thank you for being a BIG part of the reason i made it through this year alive.

@texasbama - you already know, friend. thank you. for all the large and small things, thank you. ily.

@kitkatpancakestack - k, i consider it one of my greatest privileges and highest joys to be in your life, to be considered a friend by you. the amount of trust you've shown me, the number of times you've made me laugh, your kindness, the way you put me at ease from literally the moment we started talking, all the times you message me randomly just to say hi — these are all special little treasures i hoard deep inside my chest. i love you, yes, but i also love being loved by you. your friendship is a warm balm on a cool day. thank you for taking a chance on me. you are an incredible human being and i'm excited to see where life takes you because i know in my soul you're going to flourish at everything you do.

@rewritetheending - morgan, you and i are cut from the same cloth in a lot of ways and that makes you one of the few people i feel totally at ease with. watching you become a Writer(TM) this year has made me so proud and i know it's only up from here. thank you for all the long talks about life and characters, for speaking my language, for letting me love you and your family, and for always being a message away.

@bucksboobs @freewayshark @kinardbuckleys - cedric, brittany, and jess, fellow survivors of the 911blr descent into purgatory and the reason i'm not a bigger bitch on main. i love you guys. thank you for letting me be a cunt in peace.

@mistletouchunderthetree - amber, you were a friend to me in a very specific way when literally no one else was. i can't really articulate what that meant to me, especially considering how vulnerable i was and the layers of emotion wrapped up in that particular moment. but. you know what i'm talking about and i hope you realize how grateful i am for you. i'm so thankful for this year because it allowed us to become a deeper part of each other's lives. i am so lucky to know you and to have the opportunity to exist in your orbit. you and i are locked in for life, sorry, no takebacks. i love you, girl. i hope 2025 brings you nothing but peace and bliss.

@letmetellyouaboutmyfeels - lincoln. ough. man. thank you for being a part of my past and my present. i hope to be a part of your future for as long as you will have me.

@flaming-phoenixes - you are always the best part of every year. thank you for riding out 2024 with me. i love you down to the marrow of my bones, down to all the molecules and atoms that comprise my being, and i promise i always will.

there are so so so many more people i can name here who, in some way and with full sincerity, made this year worth living. to name a few more:

@comfortingevanbuckley @kirkaut @apassingbird @catdadeddie @nydoorin-lionett

@mistchievous @louferrignojrofficial @jdeanmorgan @nubuckleather @ohithankyou

@newtkelly @mellaithwen @libraryofloveletters @gayhoediaz @lemmeaskthedevil

@alex1424 @bigfootsmom @honestlydarkprincess @buckxtommy

i'm still forgetting so many people, but if you think i'm talking about you, i probably am. thank you for walking with me through the labyrinth, for lighting up my night sky, and for being my joy when i couldn't find any.

happy new year, guys. i hope it's kind to you all 💕

[honeypiehotchner]

The Gambit (Hotch x Fem!Reader) -- part four

(Yes I'm posting another one don't look at me) Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Another treat for the holidays from me as I keep writing at the speed of light xxx

Warnings: angst angst angst!

When you get downstairs to the hotel lobby in the morning, Hotch thinks it’s time to play twenty-fucking-questions.

“Did you sleep?”

You give him a weird look. This is question number seven. “I took a nap. I’m fine.” Never mind the fact that Hotch doesn’t look like he slept a wink. He probably stayed awake, mulling over files all night.

“How much did you smoke?” he asks. Number eight.

Behind you, Derek joins in as he walks up with coffee. “You bought cigarettes? We talked about this.”

“Can both of you get off my dick?” you laugh, trying to hide how annoyed and uncomfortable this is making you. “We have a missing girl. Shouldn’t we focus on that? Can we go?”

“Does everyone have what they need?” Hotch asks, though he’s already moving toward the door. His phone lights up in his hand and he takes it, muttering, “This is Agent Hotchner.”

You all wait anxiously for Hotch to finish the call, but continue walking toward the parking lot. It’s not until you’re nearly at the cars that the call ends, and Hotch begins speed walking.

“That was the sheriff,” he says, opening the driver’s side door. “Richard Monroe turned himself in five minutes ago.”

“What?” you blurt, hopping in the passenger seat of Hotch’s car without thinking. You see Derek get in the backseat and think thank god someone else got in. “Does he have Lila?” As much as you hate Hotch’s view of this case, you still feel the need to ask.

“No,” Hotch says, and you feel a spark of pride in yourself. “He claims to not know where she is.”

You groan, but it’s cut off by a surprised yelp as Hotch speeds onto the main road, putting the lights on, and squealing the tires. You reach up for the safety bar, holding on for dear life as Hotch races to the precinct.

+++

Richard Monroe looks like a ghost.

He spends the first few minutes of the interrogation asking Morgan where Lila is. And when Morgan finally says “we don’t know,” Richard starts to cry.

“Hotch…” you shake your head, looking away. “He’s telling the truth. He doesn’t have her.”

Hotch stays silent, arms crossed over his chest as he watches Richard and Morgan. “Or he’s playing a game.”

“Can you be serious for one second?” 

Hotch doesn’t even turn his head to look at you. Instead, you get a glare from the corner of his eye. “I am being serious.”

“We need to ask him if he knows anyone that might pose as him,” you press. 

Hotch ignores you.

Morgan stands and leaves the interrogation room, coming out to stand next to you and Hotch. “He’s distraught, man.”

“Because he doesn’t have her,” you insist. “Let me talk to him.”

“No,” Hotch says.

“You didn’t even think about it.”

“Because I don’t need to,” Hotch replies, still cold. “You don’t have clearance.”

“Clearance?”

“Hotch, what does that even mean?” Morgan butts in, surprising you. “It can’t hurt, man. I think he needs someone in there that’s not me or you. He’s just going to get angry if you walk in there.”

“Exactly,” you nod in agreement. “He needs to feel in control again. So let me.”

Hotch takes a moment to at least think about it, and then he says, “Go.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Go before I change my mind.”

You smile. “Is there a box of tissues around?”

+++

You set the box of tissues in front of Richard Monroe, also giving him a cup of water. He keeps his head down, his fingers clenched together.

“Here,” you barely whisper. “I’m really sorry about my colleague. He can get a little…aggressive.”

Richard says nothing, but he does nod.

“I’m Agent L/N,” you begin. “I’m new. I just felt so bad for you, I had to come say something.” You pause, taking the seat across from him. “I’m really sorry about your daughter. We’re doing everything we can to find her. I know you had nothing to do with this.”

“I really didn’t,” he says. The words are as quiet as they are pitiful. “I wouldn’t. Not her.”

“I know,” you nod. You need to ask your next question. You just hope it won’t set him off again. “Do you know anyone who would?” 

He shakes his head, but doesn’t seem angry or upset. “No one knows about her. And if they do, they know not to fucking touch her.”

That sounds about right. “I understand,” you nod. “Is there anyone who would,” you pause and chuckle, playing up the dumb newbie act, “have ‘beef’ with you, so to speak? About anything?”

He looks up then, and grins. It makes your stomach turn. “They don’t live long enough.”

You lean into your startled reaction. You can see he’s opening up more and more with how vulnerable you let yourself seem. 

He grabs the cup of water and downs it in one go. “How new are you?”

“It’s my first day,” you reply sheepishly, making yourself smaller and smaller. “I’m not supposed to be in here, but I just felt so bad.”

“You’re a sweet girl,” Richard says, still with the same smile that makes you uneasy. It takes too long for you to realize that it’s the same crazed look your dad used to have. “What’s a sweet girl like you doing working for the FBI?”

“What’s someone like you doing turning yourself in to the FBI?” you counter. “I’ve heard about you, y’know.”

Richard leans back in his seat. “Yeah? What have you heard?”

“That you’ve gotten away with it all thus far,” you shrug. “Been completely off the FBI’s radar. So why’d you jump back on it now?”

He narrows his eyes at you. “How new did you say you were?”

You ignore him. He’s halfway onto you now anyway. “Surely it’s not just because your daughter has gone missing. You couldn’t possibly love her that m—”

He slams his hands on the table hard, and you almost jump, but you don’t move an inch. He stares at you, that same wild look you’ve seen before.

“You don’t scare me,” you say. “What’s the real reason you’re here?”

His left eye twitches. “Why do you look familiar?”

Your blood runs cold but you don’t show it. “Why are you avoiding my question?” You cross your arms over your chest. “I know you don’t give a shit about your ex-wife either, Richard, so what is it?”

“You think we’re all the same, don’t you?” he taunts. “That just because we do what we do means we can’t feel love.”

I know you can’t, you think. “Do you love your daughter?”

“Yes,” he answers instantly. Zero doubt. “And despite what my ex-wife tells you, I love her too. I just want to keep them safe.”

“Safe from what?”

“People like me,” he replies. “Who do you think?”

You stay silent for a moment. He’s studying your face in a way you don’t like. That’s your cue to leave.

You nod like you’ve figured him out and stand up, pushing your chair in. “Do you want more water?”

“No.”

“Suit yourself,” you shrug, turning for the door.

“What’d you say your name was?”

You repeat it, knowing it will tell him nothing. There’s a reason you changed it. He seems dissatisfied as you expected because if your hunch is right about his, it wasn’t the surname he expected you to have.

He shouldn’t have expected you to keep the name. Lila probably won’t keep hers.

You return to the other room where Hotch is waiting and watching. His eyes follow you as you step inside, looking through the window at Richard.

“I’m not sure if any of that was remotely useful,” you admit. “But maybe he’ll be more amenable now. I seem to have caught him off guard.”

Hotch says nothing. And he won’t stop looking at you.

You sigh, turning to meet his eyes with a tired stare. You raise your eyebrows. “What? Do I have something on my face?”

“Why did he recognize you?”

You keep your expression neutral. “I don’t know, Hotch. Ask him. He’s the one in handcuffs.”

Hotch seems to accept your answer — or if he doesn’t, he doesn’t show it. You leave him to brood and head back into the conference room to help Reid. Rossi goes to join Hotch and you pointedly don’t think about how they’re probably talking about you.

+++

Richard must really love his daughter. He’s not happy to learn there’s someone posing as him on said chatting site, and that they convinced Lila to run away with them. 

He swears up and down that he’ll do anything to help find her. It makes you angrier than it should.

You’re not angry at him, not really. You know it’s misguided anger. You know who you’re really angry at. But you refuse to admit that to yourself, so instead you’re picking fights with your boss.

Although, in your opinion, Hotch started it.

“You’re seriously going to keep me from speaking to him just because he thinks he recognizes me?” You nearly roll your eyes at Hotch, but you stop yourself. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“You’re being defensive,” Hotch points out, his arms crossed like he’s trying to prove a point. “What are you not telling me?”

“Why are you so interested?” you counter, crossing your arms too. You’re not trying to mock him, but if it comes across that way, then so be it. “Trying to get in my pants or something?”

Hotch’s gaze might as well be laced with fire. “Take a walk. Now.”

“Fuck off.”

“Agent—”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m going.” You glare at him over your shoulder as you head for the doors of the precinct.

You shove the doors open with a huff, turning and walking to the left of the parking lot. You’re really wishing you didn’t leave the pack of cigarettes in your hotel room right about now.

What the hell is Hotch’s problem— No, what the hell is Richard’s problem? Why does he think he knows you? How is that even possible? 

You think back. Your dad would’ve been in his sixties now, pushing seventy. Richard is 54. The possibility that they knew each other is small, but still there, and not impossible like you’d prefer. The fact that the possibility is there at all is pissing you off.

You’re not stupid. You know this comes with the territory. You know this is what you get for testing fate like this. But there’s a reason you changed your name. There’s a reason your mom packed everything up and moved halfway across the country with you when you were a teenager. It was a new start, a new life. One where you had no ties to him. None.

So why does some random FBI’s Most Wanted act like he’s seen your face before? Has he? How?

“You’re gonna start a tornado if you keep turning in circles like that.”

“Not in the mood, Morgan,” you say calmly, despite the anger raging through you. “Sorry if he’s being a jackass.” You raise your hand and gesture to yourself, “My fault.”

Morgan scoffs. “Right.”

You shrug. As much as Hotch irritates the shit out of you, you’re well aware you bring it on yourself sometimes. It doesn’t help that he gets under your skin so easily and will have you firing off at any little thing. You bring it on yourself just as much as he starts it on his own.

You’re both at fault and neither of you will admit it. Ever. Over your dead body.

“Come back inside.”

“Can’t. I’ve been exiled.”

“Y/N,” Morgan tries again. “What’s going on?”

You stop pacing. “Nothing is going on.”

“Hotch told me the guy recognized you.” 

You roll your eyes. “Hotch is paranoid.”

“Really? ‘Cause right now you’re looking just as paranoid.”

You shoot him a glare. “Don’t.”

“I’m just saying.”

“I know you are, but don’t, okay?” you all but plead. “Leave it alone. Please.”

Morgan tilts his head. He looks ready to do everything except leave it alone. “You’ll tell me if it’s a problem?”

“Yes,” you nod, meaning it. He’s dead, anyway, so it won’t be a problem. “But it’s really not. And I’m not paranoid, I’m just thinking. Well— Maybe I am paranoid. We need to find her.”

“We will,” Morgan says. “Now, come inside. We need everyone on deck.”

You can’t argue with that and you’re cooled down enough now, so you relent. “Alright.”

You follow Morgan back into the precinct and into the conference room with the rest of the team. You share a look and single nod with Hotch. A silent truce, for now. 

+++

Turns out, a serial killer like Richard does have a lot of enemies, including some who would jump at the chance to torment his daughter. Go figure.

They’re easier to narrow down and pinpoint once Richard actually starts to work with the team. Hotch struck a deal, apparently, to make his sentence lighter if he helps. No death penalty, but still life in prison, after all he’s done.

To your surprise, Richard is relieved about no death penalty. Because, he said, if there’s any chance his daughter will see him one day, he wants to be alive.

It sends a spark of anger through you so hot that you have to walk away. 

You spend the rest of the day with Reid, decoding messages, silently nodding back and forth, and chewing on as many pen caps as you can. It’s probably not good for your teeth, but neither of you care about that right now.

You’re both shocked out of your trances when Morgan comes flying into the room, Garcia on speakerphone, with Hotch and Prentiss right behind them. 

“I found her phone, I found it,” Garcia’s voice comes through the speaker. “Sending coordinates to everyone now.”

“Rossi and JJ are on it,” Hotch answers. “They’re already out.”

“It’s not moving, so it might be nothing,” Garcia says.

You worry for a moment that her phone is thrown in a bush somewhere. And then you feel sick to your stomach when Rossi confirms as much.

“They’re bringing it back here,” Hotch says, his phone still pressed to his ear. “It’s broken, like someone threw it out. Garcia, can you get me any and all CCTV footage in the area?”

“Already ahead of you, sir,” she replies. “Give me five.” The call ends abruptly, no doubt so she can focus and type faster.

“Should we tell Richard?” you ask. “He’s been cooperating, but this could be an extra push.”

Hotch studies you for a moment. “Fine. But wait until they bring the phone. Show it to him.” 

He gives you a look that just screams and if he recognizes you again, you’re out.

[midnight-mourning]

Night Ride

❄️❄️Midnight's DCA December Day 23❄️❄️

Another fun one! decided to have a little bit of a twist with the storyline, mainly to add a bit of extra fluff and the likes, hope you all enjoy!

Prompt: Polar express au! Perhaps yn as the conductor and sun/moon as the engineers? Or perhaps eclipse and yn are both conductors. My favorite segments are them getting over the frozen lake and the roller coaster ride right after while the main characters are stuck at the front!

Word Count: 1819

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

"What do you mean we're out of marshmallows? How does a magic train to the north pole run out of marshmallows?" You say, exasperated, then shake your head. "I've got twenty kids in that car alone that are going to want marshmallows with their hot chocolate. I don't care if you have to get in contact with Mrs. C herself, you get marshmallows, got it?"

The sous chef nods, hurrying off as you sigh. This trip has been such a disaster already. One kid almost missed the train, someone was missing their ticket, and now no marshmallows! Thank goodness you only did one of these a year, you don't think your stress levels could take anything more. 

A pair of hands rest on your shoulders, massaging. "Breathe, love. They'll figure it out, we always do, right?" 

"I know, 'clip. I know." You lean into his touch with a sigh. "This year's just been a bit of a mess and it's getting to me."

Eclipse bends down to your line of sight, chuckling. "Be honest, when is it not?"

"True. That's... true."

He kisses your cheek, releasing you again after a moment. "I'll see what I can do about our marshmallow situation. Can you handle our missing ticket problem?"

"Yes. And thank you." You reach out for his hand as he turns to leave, giving it a squeeze. "I appreciate it."

He nods, lifts your hand for a kiss, then heads off to one of the other cars. You sigh, shake your head, and get back to work. After a bit of discussion with the kids, you're thankfully able to resolve the matter. Eclipse—somehow—manages to find marshmallows, thus averting utter disaster. 

You think the trouble is over, but when the train comes to a halt, you feel dread overtake you once more. Not wasting any time, you make your way to the front, bursting into the cab only to find—

"I, Helpy, what are you doing in here? Where's Sun and Moon?"

The small bot is standing on a stool, one of the boy's hats on his head. He waves to you, then points outside.

You peek out the window, and spy sun's rays around the front area of the train. Looking further you see—"Caribou?! We don't have time for this." You duck back inside, nodding to the small bear bot. "Guess it was wise they put you in charge after all."

He salutes you and you hurry out to the front of the train. 

When you get there you see the two bots bickering back and forth. You hop up onto the platform, and quickly move between the two. 

"What exactly do you two think you're doing?" 

Sun ducks his head. "Changing the light... Or at least we would be if someone wasn't being so difficult!" He turns back to Moon. 

The other bot chuckles, arms crossed. "You were doing it wrong~"

They start to argue again and you push them away from each other further. 

"Listen, I do not care if you did it right or wrong or whatever, we have bigger problems here." You nod to the massive heard of caribou. "That, needs fixed or we're going to be more than just a little late. So get to it."

You usher the two of them off the platform, grumbling as they go and start shooing them away, with little success. 

You check the time again. Still five minutes to midnight. You click the watch shut and shove it back in your pocket. 

"You never cease to amaze me with your patience, Starlight."

You glance up, seeing Eclipse peering down at you from the top of the train. "Tell me about it. This'll take hours to clear out, we don't have time for that."

He hops down to stand beside you as you turn back to where Sun and Moon try in vain to get the caribou to retreat. Going so far as trying to shove them this way or that, with no success. 

"Ah, you forget, my sweet, what train we're on." He whistles to the other two, waving them to come back. "Return to the cab, Helpy can't do all your work for you."

Shoving each other back and forth, they trudge back to cab. Not before shooting a glare to Eclipse and wink and kiss respectively to you, however. 

You turn back to the herd. "What do you think we'll be able to do?"

"They know." Eclipse's arms wrap around you. "Believe it or not but when they put their heads together they can be quite clever."

Sure enough, the train's whistle suddenly blows, startingly you and the caribou. After a few quick blows, they finally clear the tracks, and you're moving again. 

You relax into Eclipse's hold. "Right. Should have thought of that."

"You're stressed, and you certainly can't be expected to think of everything." He presses a kiss to your hair, then moves down to your neck. 

You laugh, hands coming up to grip his arms. "Clip, we're working. Save it for later."

His grips tightens, and does not stop. Figures. 

"You know, speaking of clever, if this was all a ploy to get me alone, I'm not going to be happy with you." 

He tsks against your skin. "No, never. You know our control doesn't go beyond the train."

"Uh huh,"—you say, then notice that the winds picked up significantly—"Hey, don't you think we're going a little fast?"

Eclipse pauses his assault on your neck, looking up and out to the path in front of you. "It would appear so. Too fast for what's up ahead."

"Yeah, that's what I thought." You remove yourself from his hold, going over to the side of the train to yell back. "Boys! Slow it down. Glacier Gulch is up ahead, remember?"

Nothing but the wind as a response. 

You curse under your breath as you continue to pick up speed, going back to the front railing. "Not good. This is not good."

"The train and everyone inside will be perfectly fine, love. It's you that I'm worried about." Eclipse comes up behind you again, hands encircling your own as they cling to the railing, holding you securely against it. "I think we're in for a ride."

You see the hill prior to the gulch rapidly approaching, your stomach already dropping in fear.

You press your back into his chest, hands shifting to be able to grip his in some regard. "I'm worried about you two, you big dummy. Sorry in advance for the screaming I'm about to do."

"No need for apologies. I don't think you're going to be the only one."

You make it to the top of the hill, and only have a second before you plummet to the bottom. You both scream, clinging to each other and the railing for dear life as you ride up and down, and up and down through the mountainous terrain. Your heart lurches into your throat several times over, and if you weren't facing every the track head on you think this might be fun. 

Forcing yourself to glance up after a moment, your eyes widen as you see there's ice over the tracks up ahead. 

The train bursts out onto the ice, tilting this way and that as you twist around and hug Clip as tight as you can, burying your head against his chest. He returns the gesture ten-fold. 

After seconds that feel like hours, the train comes to a halt. Before you can even think to react, Eclipse has let you go, on the move as he storms back to the engine's cab. From here you can hear him chastising his siblings for the situation, and you sigh for the umpteenth time that night. 

You climb the steps and head back as well, coming to stand by the other conductor on the top of the train. 

"Do you have any idea the danger you put them in—" You put a hand on his arm and he stops immediately, voice softening. "Oh, hello, love."

You smile and don't miss the scoffs and muttering you hear from below. You squat down and address the two yourself. "I'm sure you two were trying your best back here. Thank you for getting it under control again."

Eclipse huffs as Sun's rays spin and Moon tugs his hat down to avoid your gaze. A cracking sound to your left however interrupts you. 

Across the lake, rapidly getting closer are massive cracks in the ice, with waves of water following right behind. You step into action. 

"Compliments later. Get us the hell out of here right now!"

The two below spring into action, getting the train moving again as you wobbly get to your feet. Eclipse reaches out to balance you, helping you turn around to face the other side of the lake. 

"Tracks ahead! Follow my signal." You look up to Eclipse, shifting so that he's behind you. "Keep me balanced and an eye on that back there for me."

"Always, sweet."

Zeroed in on the tracks across from you, you call out commands to Sun and Moon. 

"Left! Right! Left! Give it more steam!"

You hear the cracking noise growing louder and louder but keep your attention forward. 

"Right! Left! Left! Come on! More power!"

You feel the train drop behind you and assume the worst, just a little further—

The wheels hiss and screech as they make contact with the tracks again, lurching forward suddenly as you climb the hill. Before you can fall, Eclipse catches you, holding you close as you regain balance, and your sanity. 

You all but melt into his arms, stress leaving your body and leaving nothing left but a puddle of a person. 

"I think... I need a nap..." You collapse into his arms, drained. 

Several minutes later, after regaining your composure, you're sentenced to the stool in the corner of the engine's cab. There's hot chocolate—with marshmallows—in your hands and a blanket around your shoulders as you decompress. 

You think if they didn't have to drive the train, the engineers would be taking turns holding you, so instead they stick to walking by to for a kiss every now and then. Something you're sure is going to upset a certain conductor. But, it was arguably his fault you'd needed this break in the first place, so he'd just have to suffer until after your trip was done and over. 

You take a sip of your drink and lean your head against the cool glass of the window, staring out into the night sky with its lovely hues. A sign you were nearing the North Pole by the minute.

It was a good thing you only did this one night a year, but that didn't mean you didn't enjoy it any less. Not when you had moments like these to remember it by.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Thank you for the super fun request @rosescarletful!! Enjoyed rewatching the clips of the movie for context, forgot how much fun it is lol, hope you enjoyed the moments with the boys, thought i'd be cheeky and include all three ^-^

Masterpost link

Tag list (if you would like added, see this post for more info):

@scarletcowboy @beemyhuneybee @fishm0ther @deviouscrackers @elsajoyagent8

@luckyyyduckyyy @zenkaiankoku @jogimote @local-shrub @amarynthian-chronicles

@robinette-green @everlightreader @sinister-sincerely @starredeclipse @dangerva

@juukai @crystalmagpie447 @mothgutz236 @lizyxml @divinit3a

[7grandmel]

Rip of the week: 23/12/2024

PRIMEneria

Season 8 No Album Release (Read More) Corneria (Brawl) (Alpha Mix) - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Ripped by Yassir F.

I don't know if words could even begin to describe the emotional rollercoaster I have been on since December 19th, 2024.

It's such a funny thing, following this channel for so long. Throughout the early days in Season 1, the team would cobble together ideas for rips, events, and story in mere weeks' time, seemingly just to get reactions out of the fanbase. Beyond the inherent lunacy to The Reboot and I Saw a Brainwasher Today, this was also the year where one contributor just decided to tell a storyline about the Australian rental service Mr. Rental's titular mascot and his hatred for mashups back on Mr. Rental [B Side] ~ Out of Options; this was the year where legendary folk singer Bob Dylan became a reoccurring joke on the channel, just because PinkieOats was on a voice call and sung a cover in a captivatingly shoddy impression back on Can't Say Goodbye to Yesterday - as performed by Bob Dylan; this was the year where the termination of the original GiIvaSunner channel was explained in-universe as being a scheme by Angry Joe, in a slapdash meme tribute to Baneposting in the one year that it was relevant on the channel. It was a mess we all adored following due to the clear passion for entertainment that lay underneath; and when Season 2 returned with an unbelievably explosive bang and showed just how much could be made with this chaos of a story being told, I was more excited than I can put into words. As said back on ULTRA S+G, Season 2 was when it felt as if EVERYONE was aboard the ride that the SiIvaGunner team was promising; shooting for the stars for quality and evolving the lore into something shockingly compelling despite its absurd origins.

It's hard, especially as someone who hardly ever lost their passion for the channel in the first place, to pinpoint exactly where things started to lose Season 2's momentum. Perhaps it was the two years spent covering Season 4, with all the focus spent on an event of unprecedented scale that all ultimately was an aside from the channel's typical mold; during the production of which many core team members wound up leaving to never return, including channel founder Chaze the Chat. Perhaps it was Season 3's more low-key format and direction, one that Chaze the Chat himself appeared adamant to steer away from when Season 4 Episode 1 first began; or perhaps it was all inherent to Season 2's overambitious nature, with the Christmas Comeback Crisis episodes growing ever more vast in scope, eventually resulting in a 6-year long gap between Episode 10 to 11. Perhaps it was later, perhaps it was sooner; nevertheless, its undeniable that the wait occurred, and the driving narrative that had enamored us all throughout Season 2 was left on ice, forever frozen in time on December 2016.

Yet it felt, in a way, inevitable that things would grow in this way. The SiIvaGunner team was growing, its members maturing, its worst influences leaving; and most important of all, their creative juices were flowing like mad. To be confined to one 12-episode run of a fake visual novel couldn't contain the ambitions this team have; even before the CCC began, the aforementioned Mr. Rental and projects of its ilk show just how hard it is to keep SiIvaGunner's contributors from doing what they want. Gradually, it felt as if both the team and us in the audience came to accept that inevitable constant – that the only predictable thing about SiIvaGunner is its unpredictability – and so the side projects grew to the scale of main projects. We'd see experimental projects still hinting at the main story such as The Lost Rip and The Life and Times of Wade L.D.; not long therafter, we'd get everything from the King for Another Day Tournament and NIGHTMARESCAPE ~ Unrestrained Hypercam 2 ~, to The Disappearance of Super Mario and Your Best Nightmario, to entire festivals containing their own events, art direction, and self-contained storylines. SiIvaGunner was no longer just on one lane, but doing so many different concepts and events and journeys with such excellent finesse; even though many had given up on the return of the Christmas Comeback Crisis itself returning, it was impossible not to be impressed and enamored by the effort put into everything that was, effectively, taking its place.

I've made it no secret that Season 5, despite having events I greatly enjoyed such as the aforementioned Mario incident and everything discussed on Epic Rap Battles of History: Funny vs. Funnier, was the time at which my interest in the channel (particularly from a narrative perspective) felt more muted than before. Especially without the behind-the-scenes knowledge I know now of the team's troubled state, it to me was the year when I began to feel as if the channel was forever going to drift along in this excess of creative endeavors. Past an incomplete Christmas Comeback Crisis now filled with sideshoot stories, we still had Mr. Rental left unresolved, now had an AI running the channel that we knew next to nothing about, had a gigantic cast of 32 characters left from the King for Another Day Tournament that each seemed to be prodding at some sort of developments of their own, had Nutshackwoodman34's unexplainable cacophany still up in the air, had everything relating to Astronaut in the Ocean and Yankin', and a multitude of audio dramas with a canonicity that, at the time, felt largely up in the air. I'm well aware of how bizarre this all sounds and I want to clarify that I've long since accepted and adore just how much SiIvaGunner team have been able to do; but back then, I couldn't help but feeling as if things had steered out of control for the lore. In essence, I had to accept that SiIvaGunner was now primarily focusing on its rips, events, and quality; long-time followers of the channel's lore were becoming vastly outnumbered by a growing audience of KFAD kids, Friday Night Funkin' fans joining through excellent rips like Satinpanties Symphony, and those simply here to enjoy what the channel could offer.

This, then, brings us to Season 6 and Season 7. Despite not technically continuing those stories that I was longing after, throughout almost every corner of Season 6 I got the sense that the team was eager to make some genuine change to their status quo; as expressed back on Bramble Blast Collab and I've won, but at what costI've won, but at what cost, there's a solemn feel that underscores the season, the realization that one can't stay hung up to the past forever, which all culminated in its beautiful season finale. It felt as if the SiIvaGunner team had themselves realized just how large their world had gotten and were beginning to grab their many bulls by the horns; and, once grabbed, Season 7 felt like a year-long celebration of each and every facet of the channel's long life. With a series of tribute beautiful enough, as said on The Paragoomba and the Wiggler one whole year ago, to bring me to tears, paired alongside the unbelievable return of the core series Christmas Comeback Crisis with an eleventh episode freed from development hell; I felt as if I was finally, completely on track with everything SiIvaGunner could throw at me. The past was the past, its many endeavors had been celebrated; and now, everyone was caught up and ready to finish that story started so many years ago.

I never quite knew what to expect from Season 8, aside from an understandable sense that the team needed plenty of rest and time after having just finished up the biggest story-related release in the channel's entire history. And so, after just a few events of time to get to know our lovable new channel host Joke-Explainer 7000, I labeled this the "silly season"; a year for a new character to bring back some lower-key whimsy to the channel after the prior two seasons had so expertly reminded us of how much the team genuinely do care about the world they've (almost inadvertently) built. I had no qualms; Joke-Explainer 7000 was hilarious to follow through rips and events such as Super Ludacris JB World, the rips have been higher quality than ever through efforts like Wake Up! It's Friday! and no more nuzzles in my skin, and we were all on the same page in knowing exactly what would come next, eventually. The conclusion to it all.

Yet once again, history repeats itself; the only predictable thing about SiIvaGunner is its unpredictability.

On the train to my family home for a Christmas weekend, I check my phone to see a server-wide ping within the SiIvaGunner discord; was this related to that Direct that I'd told myself to watch after the fact? I shrugged and checked it out althesame, only to be met with an ominous link and a wish of good luck; https://hwcinternaldb.highquality.rip/. A portal into an in-universe file directory divided into five intriguingly named folders, collections of confounding yet alluring files. I return to the Discord server to confirm my suspicions; sure enough, for the first time in 7 years, the SiIvaGunner community is tasked with solving an ARG; a quest across websites, image files, encrypted text, file formats and high quality rips to uncover a truth buried deep within the channel. Yet to say it was only one truth would be misleading; with five folders came five separate branches, five separate community subsets, and five different endpoints.

Inexperienced as I am in ARGs to begin with, I was sadly also too occupied with the holidays to partake in these great mysteries being solved. Yet at every moment I had to myself, I would refresh myself on everything being discovered across all three branches, gradually growing more and more amazed at what I'd called the "silly" season was delivering. More than just providing further teases toward the finale to the Christmas Comeback Crisis, each path was addressing its own loose end from those intermediate years that I'd been so divided on. The FOOLS path explored the aforementioned The Lost Rip duo of NutshackWoodman34 and his best bro and actual brother Jerome, connecting their absurdist videos and reality-bending powers to the Fool's Spirit teased back in Season 7's April Fools event covered back on Christmas Spirit [FILE-07] (Beta Mix); The AIRTH path, meanwhile, uncovers buried logs, thoughts and feelings of the SiIvaGunner AI across all five years of its time spent as host of the channel. Most surprising of all to me, the BLACK path covered something I never thought I would see revisited; Season 2's alternative "Genocide ending" to the first-ever SiIvaGunner storyline, The Reboot, wherein Chad Warden instead chooses to take immediate control of SiIvaGunner for himself rather than sacrificing himself for the greater good. The release of Nice, Slick, Blackness was one of my most treasured memories in all my time following the channel, and seeing its events ACTUALLY explored so many years after the fact – alongside loose ends that I had long since given up on knowing the resolutions to – felt genuinely unbelievable.

I understand that, to even a lot of the channel's biggest fans, being as invested in its lore as I am may come across as a little ridiculous. But to say that this ARG was an absolute dream come true for me was an understatement; as if Seasons 6 and 7 weren't enough affirmation in themselves, as if the SiIvaGunner team hadn't already matched and exceeded all of my expectations with the treatment they gave CCC Episode 11 last year, the ARG and its revelations exceeded every expectation and idea I could have ever had for tying these eight seasons of the channel together. A Visual Novel, an Undertale fangame, an all-new KFAD Mojo! site, a Mr. Rental Choose-Your-Own Adventure game, the best-yet episode of NutshackWoodman34's escapades, and one more as-of-yet unrevealed reward to close the entire season with, a grab-bag of reveals unlike I could have ever thought of...

...all happening while the SiivaGunner YouTube channel itself – along with all the people blissfully unaware of the ARG happening – was uploading rips almost exclusively using hit YouTuber KSI's awful hit song Thick of It. Yeah, remember? PRIMEneria is what this blog post is meant to be about! Cast like a veil over all that's transpired since December 19th, the YouTube-only audience continued to blissfully truck along with one of the most obnoxious-yet-funny rip trends we've had in recent times.

The juxtaposition between the insane lore and fanservice being delivered behind the scenes versus the YouTube channel providing what may be the funniest possible stretch for Winter-themed song to base their event from is genuinely still making me giggle even days after the event's all wrapped up, and the best part is of course that the rips themselves were genuinely really good. Given my track record of covering Jake and Logan Paul rips like Logan Paul's Shop and It's Everyday Lake and last week's post on If Air Man came to life, that would be creepy, it should perhaps come as no surprise that awful YouTuber music is a pet favorite rip source of mine; yet the sheer quotability and horrendous flow of Thick of It makes rips like PRIMEneria special even by those standards. The change in pitch (key?) to the song itself sets it off on such a strong foot immediately, and though the initial 20-seconds or so of the rip are already a really funny mashup, it's what happens therafter that really makes shit funny. Toward the end of the first loop, and for the entire rest of the rip, KSI's vocals are pitch-shifted for specific segments to follow Corneria's punchy hi-octane melody in a way similar to something like no more nuzzles in my skin; and it's arguably even more funny given the song used.

The fucking gall of the SiIvaGunner team, man. The sheer audacity to make my every possible dream for the channel's future and legacy come true practically over the course of a week and to pair it with rips of KSI's Thick of It happening at the same time. Perhaps I wasn't so wrong after all; Season 8 may well still be the silly season, and PRIMEneria is the clearest, funniest showcase of that there could possibly be, capping off the year in unabashed style.

Rock the fuck on, SiIva team.

[tj-dragonblade]

🎓🎓🎓 you have no idea how excited i am for this one omg

Ahh, thank you! You have no idea how much I want this one finished and ready to share already, lol. Here is a longer-ish snippet for these three 🎓, picking up directly after the last bit in the wip tag:

"Oh, sweetheart—" His cock surges in his trousers. "I'm not going to last if you put that pretty mouth on me, and then I won't be able to fuck you, not with my dick."

Dream pouts, looks absolutely torn. "I do want that. But I also want to taste you."

"Tell you what," Hob says, arousal singing in his gut. "Go ahead and take it out. Taste it if you like, I'll be strong. And you can decide how you want it from there."

"Yes, Professor," Dream breathes, eyes glowing, and folds to his knees between Hob's spread thighs. His hands move eagerly to Hob's fly and Hob slouches so he can unbuckle and unbutton and unzip and then Dream is pulling his trousers open around his ready cock, is nuzzling at him through his white cotton pants.

"Oh fuck," Hob breathes, as Dream's slender black-nailed fingers work their way inside the underwear to pull him carefully free. Then Dream has an eager hand wrapped around him and that delicate pink tongue is licking up the underside of his head, hesitant but curious. Like this truly is Dream's first time tasting cock.

Which is insane, given how often Hob has lost his load to the talents of Dream's mouth on him, but Dream does go all-in on roleplay and he's incredibly good at playing his part, at bringing his stories to life.

Dream licks him again, exactly like he's eating ice cream, and makes a delighted little sound. His eyes lift to Hob's, questioning, seeking a response, and his tongue flickers softly against Hob again.

"Oh sweetheart," Hob manages, flexing his dick so it bumps Dream's lip. He knows he's repeating himself but he can't help it. He slides a hand into Dream's hair, curls his fingers around the back of Dream's head, the slightest pressure urging him forward.

Dream leans in, eyes still on Hob's, makes another of those little sounds and licks with relish, then again, and again. Hob groans, strokes his fingertips against Dream's scalp, drowns for half a second in the blue of those eyes.

"Professor," Dream breathes, between licks, voice tight with excitement. "I want—I want you inside me, I want you to fuck me, but—but—" He whimpers, lips trembling, and then he dives onto Hob's cock, mouth closing around him just past the head. He whines, a needy little noise like a man starving at a feast, and starts working Hob's cock with convincingly inexperienced enthusiasm.

Hob bites his lip, tips his head back, panting out short little moans that are entirely authentic. Dream is so so good with his mouth, and it would be so easy to let go his control and let Dream make him come just like this. This isn't the Dreaming where he can get it up again instantly, though; he's got to pace himself, control himself, so that he lasts as long as Dream needs him to.

But lord, it's hard when Dream's on his knees in that outfit suckling at the head of his cock like he's never done it before.

He strokes both hands through Dream's hair, focuses on finding the words to move the fantasy forward. "Christ, Dream, you look so pretty with my cock in your mouth."

Dream glances up at him, blushing, for god's sake, lips stretched red and rounded on his shaft and Hob groans. "We'll do whatever you want, it's your choice. But if what you want is for me to fuck you proper, I need you to stop."

Dream makes a pleading little noise of disappointment but draws off, licking his lips as he goes.

[REFINE - CLUNKY "It's fine if you just want to suck me off after all," Hob continues, catching his breath. "There's always next time, we don't have to do it all today."]

Dream nods, teeth sunk in his lower lip. "I want to sit on your cock," he says, and the heat in Hob's stomach curls sharp and sweet. "I want you in my mouth as well, but. I will leave it for a time when I am not so desperate to know the feel of you inside me." He sits back, rises fluidly to his feet and grabs Hob's hands, directs them up beneath his skirt to the waistband of his lacy knickers. "Take them off, Professor, please," he murmurs, the demure shyness in his face somewhat undercut by the heated gleam in his eyes.

Make me write!

[vulpixisananimal]

[A:2 C:3]

"You okay, Sif?" (Isabeau was kneeling down in front of you. You were panting, sadness defeated, air clearing up from that sweet smell of sugar that was driving you mad. In, out. In, out. In. . .)

"I-I'm fine!" (You laugh, nervous. It had been hard to fight that sadness while struggling with your own sense of smell. Luckily, the others were able to pick up for your useless self.) "Juuuust needed a second."

"What's with your nose anyway." (Bonne asked.) "Like, mine's good but yours is weird."

"Haha, I dunno." (You get up, wiping your nose.) "Alright! I’m Good to go!"

(You lead the party out of the room, weird star thing in hand. You feel Odiles eyes on you.)

>>>

(Huh! A kitchen! You had used that star charm to pass through the wall of tears, and ended up in a kitchen! You don't question it. You do, however, smell something in the air. Something that wasn’t sweet sugar, finally.)

(You check the shelves, yep, there’s juice! You hand them to Bonnie. You look at the plates, everyone else talks about them, you're just impressed at how high it goes! Alright, enough of that, you swing past the counter to the rest of the kitchen-)

(OW!!!)

"Woah!!" (Isabeau sounds shocked.)

". . . Siffrin." (Odile looked at you.) "Did you hit your hip on the counter, and meow?"

(Uh-) "N-no-"

(Odile smirks.) "Okay, mrrow."

"MADAME?!?!?" (Mira says in shock. You all have a good laugh! Ow, that, hurt.)

(You open a closet, there's a key inside. You got the EGG KEY! You hand it to Bonnie, they chomp on it. There's a whole nice conversation about why eggs are such a THING in the Change Belief. Breaking and destroying to change. Something like that. Bonnie gives you the egg key back.)

(. . . You wonder if you can eat eggs, since they're just birds, really.)

(Looking over at the sink, there's a few things here but-)

"WOK!!!" (Bonnie exclaims.)

"W-what is it??" (Mira looks over, worried.)

"WOOOOOOK!!!!" (Bonnie grabs the Wok in the sink excitedly.)

(. . . Bonnie got a wok!! You're not exactly what a wok is, but, Bonnie has one now! You continue looking around. There's a pot of bubbling food on the stove, frozen in time.)

(You sniff at what's in the pot.) ". . . I think they were cooking, crab?"

“WHAT?!?” (Bonnie jumped up and looked in.)

“EEK!! CRAB?!?” (Mirabelle tugged on her coat.)

“W-what is happening?!?” (Odile looked between everyone, confused.)

(You were asking the same thing, the others were still shocked at the food choice! You LIKED crab! It tasted so, so, SO good!! The shells were the best part!)

>>>

(You pause on the way back, what WAS that door, anyway. The second door on the right side. You walk up to it and knock. It felt very sturdy.)

“I don’t think anyone’s home, Sif.” (Isa comments, the others chuckle.)

(You look for a lock. . . . Uh, there’s no lock?)

“Have you never seen a lock like this before, Sif? (Isabeau asks, leaning in.) “It's a special kind of Vaugardian lock! Instead of a key, it needs specific words to open!”

“Words. . ?” (Odile asks.)

“Yes, you just need to say the words aloud!” (Mira answered enthusiastically.) “I think they call it a, uh... An openphrase?”

(Openphrase? You turn to look at her.) “Do you know the openphrase for this one?”

“Uhm. . .” (She tugs on her coat.) “I don’t know, maybe, maybe the store owner in Dormont knows? I saw him walk in here a few times now.”

“Well that stinks.” (Bonnie pouted.)

“Too late to ask now!” (Isabeau smiles.) “Chin up, it’s just one room.”

(You look the door up and down. An openphrase, huh. . ?)

>>>

(Huh! An armory?)

(Looking around, yeah! It’s an armory, the row of spears proves it.)

“Why the need for an armory with weapons anyway? Does the house get attacked often?” (Odile asks, looking around.)

“Oh! Not at all! Well, apart from right now of course. But! This is just one of the many classes offered by the House of Change!” (Mirabelle happily explained.)

“The Jouvente house does this too! Most people put their weapons on a wall to look cool.” (Isabeau asks.)

“Like that?” (You ask, pointing to the sword on the wall.)

“Yeah!! Like that!!” (Isa chuckles.) “Actually, that sword does look very rapier-like. Wanna take it, Mira?”

“Hmm. . . Taking things that aren’t yours is bad. . .” (Mirabelle said innocently.) “But yes. I will take it.”

“You got over that quickly.” (Odile comments as Isabeau grabs the sword for her.)

“Nille made a hammer and put it on our wall once.” (Bonne adds.)

“Oh? What happened?” 

“Hammer too heavy. Wall broke. We had to share a room for MONTHS!”

“Tragic.”

[You got the NEEDLE SWORD! You give it to Mirabelle.]

(It’ll be fine, the people who made the sword will understand. You continue on, going to the other half of the room, then freeze. You, don’t, remember what the big metal slab is but you DO remember the big forge. Forge, used for,  making weapons, and has, okay, o-okay-)

“Iiiit’s alright, Siffrin!” (Isabeau says encouragingly.) “It doesn’t look like it’s on, plus any fire would be frozen, right?”

“Just take your time!! W-we don’t need to check over there if it’s too much, alright?” (Mirabelle adds.)

“Phobias are no joke.” (Odile turns.) “We can check again on the way back, so you can mentally prepare. And if it’s too much, we just move on.”

(You nod, hiding your head in your cloak and hat, embarrassed. . .)

>>>

(The key works!)

(You all continue through the hallways, cutting through sadness as you go. The rooms of the house did feel a bit, weird? Out of place? Not how someone would design a house? And Mirabelle confirmed it, everything was shifted around.)

(Luckily that hadn’t been a problem, yet. Continuing forward, you made it to a few dorm rooms. You decided to skip the left room for now, you could smell a lot of stuff from there and it made you nauseous. You go to the right one and look around. There was a soft bed, some paper on a wall, and a notebook with scribbles on it.)

(Looking through one of the closets, there’s a lot of arts and crafts supplies, and. . . Oh! There’s a pile of hand-drawn cards. You pick one up.)

(The card’s upside down. Turning it over, there’s a lady in a field of grapes, surrounded by nine stars. Weird.)

“Why does that pillow look so comfy…” (You look over, Isabeau was leaning over the other bed.)

“It has a strange shape, though, doesn't it?” (Odile leans down and picks the pillow up.)

“That’s. . .” (Bonnie jumps up and grabs it from Odiles hands) “That's not a pillow! THAT'S A HAT!!! JUST LIKE MINE!!!”

(Mirabelle giggled.) “First a wok now a hat! You’re really lucky today Bonbon!”

“Yeah!!” (Bonnie looks chuffed.)

(You keep looking around, next is a dresser with art books on top of it. Digging through, you find a key! You got the BROKEN EGG KEY!! You toss it up and catch it, before showing it to the others.)

(Odile put a hand on her hip.) “In someone's drawer? What a weird place for a key. . .”

(Bonnie leans up and makes grabby hands at the key. You give it.) “Definitely not a very king-like place, huh!!! That's pretty stupid of him!!!”

(Isa crosses his arms.) “I'm not sure... Hiding keys in places like drawers isn't very King-like, yeah, but it means they're harder to find since it's not a very expected place. . .” (He gestures to you dramatically.) But thankfully we have our good ol' Sif to help us find them!

“Thank you, Siffrin! Good job, Siffrin!”

“Yaay, good jooooob.”

(Odile claps her hands sarcastically, and everyone joins in. You take an overly dramatic bow.)

(You’re doing a good job!)

(You got a [Memory of Keys!] With this equipped, you’ll be able to remember exactly where keys are kept!)

>>>

(O-okay, okay, take two. You breathe in. . . And out. . . You walk into the armory.)

“We got your back Siffrin!” (Mirabelle cheers. You hide your head in your cloak, blushing.)

(Okay, it’s not even lit, just go. You walk to the other side of the room, and to the metal slab. Uh, it’s, goes with the forge. . . Uh. . .)

“An anvil, Siffrin.” (Odile offers.) “To go with the forge.”

“And the little stone is a sharpening stone!” (Isabeau adds.)

(O-oh yeah! You smile sheepishly.)

(You skip over the forge and turn around, checking the table. There’s more juices here, good. You hand them to Bonnie then quickly leave.)

“Well done Siffrin.” (Odile sounded, genuine?)

“Y-yes!! Very well done Siffrin!!” 

“We’re all really proud, Sif!” 

“I don’t get why it’s such a big deal.” (Bonnie pouts.) “It’s just a stupid forge.”

“Phobias are strange like that.” (Odile comments.) “Something that you’d expect to trigger it might not, and simple things that look innocent might make you shake. Right, Siffrin?”

(You keep your eyes down.) “Y-yeah. . Like, the torches.”

“Oh yeah!” (Isabeau looks up at the touches on the walls.) “I’ve never seen you get super skittish around candles and lamps.”

“Well it’s a small flame, high up, and is used to give light!” (Mirabelle thinks aloud as you walk.) “I guess it’s not as scary?”

“I guess that makes sense.” (Bonnie huffs.)

“And you don’t remember what caused it?” (You nod.) “That’s alright. Perhaps if we know what started your pyrophobia, we’d be able to help you get over it.”

(You glance up at Odile, smiling sheepishly. That would be nice.)