#I NEED MORE PEOPLE TO PLAY OR WATCH IT Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[imaginespazzi]

NIVI!! Give us your postgame thoughts on Ole Miss!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING MY LOVIES! I am thankful for that fact that I found a stream that worked last night and got to watch this game even though that 3rd quarter took years off of my life.

AZZI. FUDD. I don't think I can even begin to explain in words just how proud I am of her. Everyone has been saying that it's only a matter of time before Azzi starts to contribute (not that she didn't contribute in the Oregon State game) but Azzi didn't just contribute last night; was definitely the biggest (not the only of course) reason we won. It was a one-possession game and momentum was without a doubt on Ole Miss's side and Azzi said fuck all of that and gave UConn an 8-pt cushion all by herself. And what won't reflect on the box-score is that her scoring those points did two things: it deflated Ole Miss and it energized UConn. She was just so good offensively and defensively; just an all-around performance and I'm just so incredibly proud. And you know what the best part is? Those 3s ain't even falling yet.

Casual 29 points for the NPOY, no biggie just Paige doing Paige things except you know MY Paige doesn't normally get 5 turnovers...jk jk because honestly she only should have had 3 (still "high" for her standard but also that's what Ole Miss hangs their hat on). That 1st half and that 4th quarter were just things of beauty. That's what you need your leader to do, set the tone and then finish things off. AND SHE FINALLY GOT SOME FTS!!

Sarah looked really good in the first half and then when Ole Miss got going, she looked a little shaken in the second half, emphasis on the little shaken because it was only really in terms of scoring, she was still doing all the little things. I've seen some discourse and I personally don't want Sarah to stop taking 3s because it's not like she takes bad ones and I think they're gonna fall and we need them to fall and they're not gonna fall if she stops taking them.

JANA!! She had some clutch has hell rebounds and some much-needed shots. I thought she had a really good game and a near double-double. She just looked really energized out there and I think she's only going to get better.

Ice had a up and down game. She definitely did a couple of things that frustrated me but also made some solid plays. I would have definitely liked a couple more points and a couple more rebounds but I think the hustle, that's been prevalent the last few games, is still there.

Ash needed more shots which is partially on her but also I feel like she was getting plays ran for AND her teammates weren't doing the best job of finding her. It feels like the aggression, particularly on offense, of the first two games had dwindled a little bit and she's in a bit of a slump. Also two of Paige's 5 turnovers, probably belong to her because girl what was you doing?

We definitely need more point production from KC but I thought she had a very stabilizing presence last night and did a pretty good job running the offense in the 4th.

KK hadn't made me want to scream at her for driving into traffic and getting blocked like clockwork in a couple of games and so of course OF COURSE she had to do it last night. But I do think she matched Ole Miss's energy well and I liked that one drive she had. She needs to look to score like that more.

Which brings me back to that KC-KK discourse, I still think the KK-Paige-Azzi-Sarah-Jana/Ice lineup is our strongest but I also did really like the KC-Paige-Azzi-Sarah-Jana that we used to end the game and was I believe the prominent lineup throughout the 2nd half. So I think my general opinion is that it doesn't matter who starts because ultimately it's gonna be a opponent-driven decision and it's good to have that option.

I love Paige and Azzi and I love that they had good games but I'm ngl, looking at that box score and seeing so many people with only 2 pts did not please me at all.

Blowing leads is becoming a recurring thing and as much as I think it's good character building for this team right now because as Geno says you learn more from overcoming the Ole Miss run than if you had stretched it 30, it is a little concerning that it's a bit of a pattern. And again this is only their 5th game and it was their first true test and also ofc only their 3rd having Azzi so I'm not necessarily super worried, but it is something I'mma keep my eye on.

But overall I'm just really proud of this team. They got punched in the 3rd and they punched back and I'm hoping to see a lot more punching in the upcoming games.

[anxiousapplepie]

I know it has been briefly mentioned but the talk with the change god will destroy traveler mirabelle. Like I'm sorry girly god enjoys in your suffering they will not help you more then they need to ensure your little play preforms perfectly each time <3 isabeau is in fact the perfect housemaiden why weren't you more like him <3

Hahahaaaaaaa yeeeeeeah can you guys picture just how bad Traveler!Mira's imposter syndrome standing next to Housemaiden!Isabeau will be? Mr Seemingly perfect and ever-changing, never stagnating and competent hero Isa? The amount of pain and suffering this man will go through to be anything and everything the people want, but never knowing himself well enough to be comfortable in his own skin is ridiculous. No wonder the Change God loves him XD And Mira, the Change God is rooting for you, but they're also gonna smile and watch you burn when it all comes crumbling down >:3 It's gonna be so bad and I am here for that energy <3

[auphelia]

Hopping on this because it was so cute >< Leaving open tags!

I spend a lot of my free time reading non-fiction and watching documentaries about almost anything, most of it done with my precious kitty :3 I also read, write, lots of crafts, play games, and train the local corvids! During the warmer months I'll take my various field guides with me and go look at plants and animals

Creative hobbies usually cycle for me, right now it's embroidery but I also do crochet, painting, drawing, sewing, calligraphy, and probably something I'm missing... I've always loved video games and fantasy, and now I'm enjoying writing as well. Used to be very big on dancing, still enjoy it, but luckily I have more personality than that now

I could name many books to be honest... One would be Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. My parents started reading it to me when I was four and I loved it, that definetly helped shape my love for fantasy (We're watching the tv series together whenever I visit). Another is 'The slow regard of silent things' by Patrick Rothfuss. Read it at perhaps the darkest moment of my life and it was exactly what I needed, have reread it so many times

I gravitate towards soft rock, but there's very little I won't listen to. Generally, I stay away from rap (just not my thing) and some pieces of classical music (ballet trauma)

All time favourite character might be Tyrande Whisperwind from Warcraft. Kind, loving, strong, tactical, doesn't take shit from anyone, makes the best of what she has. Invokes a ritual that will kill her in the end to seek justice for war crimes committed against her people. Current favourite is Il Dottore from genshin >:3

tag + q&a game ₊˚ෆ

hello! i thought it would be cute and exciting to do a tag game with all my mutuals to not only talk about themselves, but have fun! so here is my short little game:

alongside this picrew, share 5 things about yourself!

• how do you spend your free time? • what are your hobbies and how did you get into them? • what book or movie left a lasting impression on you? • what kind of music do you enjoy? • who is your favorite character (atm or all time) and why?

i will start first!

my name is rurumi and i enjoy spending my free time writing!

some of my hobbies (outside of writing) includes: drawing, building gundams and keyboards, and fashion! i got into most of them on a whim and became instantly hooked. aside from self-expression, being into fashion also helps with making friends in college because you always have something to talk about!

a book that left a lasting impression on me would have to be either kafka on the shore by haruki murakami or before the coffee gets cold by toshikazu kawaguchi. both stories have kept me up at night thinking a lot about the 'what ifs' in life.

i enjoy soul/r&b alongside anything of jrock influence, but i will basically listen to anything that sounds good. i am currently listening to 'so what' by lucy!

my favorite character at the moment is rin itoshi from blue lock because hes so ridiculously edgy, but at the same time i sympathize with him a lot. on the other hand, my favorite character of all time is suletta mecury from the witch from mercury series, she's an absolute ball of sunshine that i aspire to be.

tagging (+ no pressure) ₊˚ෆ

@kaiser1ns @naenaex0xx @shomatoriashi @choccorin @ryescapades

@rindreamery @soleillunne @kissxcore @rainswept @mitsvriii

[rhiannonsknife]

I'm sick :( I need Rhiannon to comfort me fr

oh no, get well soon anon!! here are some rhiannon hcs for you <3

rhiannon who becomes your personal nurse and care taker.

if you thought she was protective before, you wouldn’t believe how she gets when you’re getting sick. rhiannon might not seem like the nurturing type at first glance but that whole facade cracks the moment she notices you’re coming down with something. suddenly, her focus narrows entirely on you, her usual edge softened by concern. turns out she’s almost oddly skilled at taking care of you, probably because of all the years spent cleaning up her own messes (or other people’s…) she knows exactly where to find the thermometer, has a bottle of cough syrup in her cupboard that she swears isn’t expired, and somehow remembers all the proper doses of medicine off the top of her head. “here, take this” and with that she’ll press the pills into your hand, a glass of water already in the other. when you raise an eyebrow at her efficiency, rhiannon shrugs. “what, you think this is my first time playing nurse?”

rhiannon who works from home whenever you’re sick so that she can be there for you.

she stays with you all day, restocks your tissues, binge watches all your favorite shows with you on the couch, or goes on a pharmacy run without being asked, returning with a bag full of remedies. “alright, i got cold medicine, cough drops, and this weird herbal tea…pick your poison,” she says, dumping the haul on the coffee table. later, when you start to drift off, your head heavy against her shoulder, she goes quiet as she adjusts the blanket over you. “you’re lucky you’re sick,” she murmurs, almost too quiet for you to hear. “otherwise, i’d never let you get away with this” she pretends to be annoyed by all the caregiving, but she’s secretly touched when you lean on her.

rhiannon, who’s surprisingly patient with you. 

she’s usually the type to lose her temper quickly. rhiannon’s the type to lose her shit over the smallest things (a lost phone charger, slow wi-fi, an overcooked meal…) but now, even when you’re grumbling or too exhausted to answer her properly, she doesn’t snap. no one else but you would ever get away with that. instead, she surprises even herself by being uncharacteristically calm. she doesn’t push you to eat or drink more than you can manage, but she’ll gently remind you to take your medicine on time and always has an eye on you from across the room. “think you can handle some tea?” she’ll ask gently as she sits down on the couch beside you. “or maybe just a sip of water? here, i’ll help”

rhiannon, who’s more affectionate with you than she’d ever admit around anyone else.

when it’s just the two of you, her carefully practiced guard drops completely. it’s always like this, but she enjoys it even more when she gets to care for you simultaneously. she’ll brush your hair out of your face, tuck the blankets around you, and sit by your side quietly. “your hair’s a mess,” she murmurs, her fingers ghosting over your forehead. “want me to run you a bath?” when you hum a quiet yes, her hand lingers for a moment before she stands. “alright,” she says softly, glancing at you like she’s making sure you’re still comfortable before she heads toward the bathroom. “you stay put. don’t even think about moving until i come get you!”

rhiannon, who’s even more protective over you when you’re sick.

if anyone tries to disturb you or suggest you should “power through” your illness, rhiannon will shut them down if given the chance. “she’s resting” she’ll say if someone makes a comment like: “oh, it’s just a little cold! she’ll be fine,” “unless you’re a doctor or a pharmacist, kindly mind your own business!” then she’ll turn back to you, all soft concern again. “you’re not moving an inch! don’t let anyone tell you otherwise” even when you start feeling better, she’s still overly cautious. the first time you try to suggest going out or doing something mildly active, she immediately talks you out of it: “no. you’re staying in. i didn’t spend all week playing nurse just for you to keel over the second you step outside!” “but i feel fine,” you protest weakly. “right” she deadpans, pulling the blanket tighter around your shoulders. “face it, you’re stuck with me, and i’m not letting you undo all my hard work!”

rhiannon, who will absolutely guilt trip you once you’re feeling better.

once you’re fully recovered, she milks her role as the “long-suffering girlfriend” for all it’s worth, sighing dramatically every time you ask her for even the smallest favor. “oh, you need me to grab the remote for you now?” sure, because i didn’t just spend days making sure you didn’t die of the plague” you can’t help but chuckle a little. but if you dare roll your eyes, she’ll double down with an exaggerated groan. “oh, you’re denying it now? fine, i’ll keep a list next time you’re sick. medicine at 3am? check. homemade soup? check. listening to you snore like a bloody chainsaw? double check” but, as much as she’s pretending like it was such an inconvenience, you both know rhiannon loves to take care of you!! <3

[namtanlovesfilm]

no but more seriously, although we are all (rightfully) hyped for burnout syndrome, I have to say comments like "omg finally offgun are doing something else than lame plots" MUST be pushed against. first of all, cooking crush & the trainee were NOT lame plots! cooking crush is legit the funniest & most wholesome romcom ever, and the trainee had good life lessons & offgun were adorable in it. I get it that more mature shows get more popular, especially one by the director of offgun's most beloved & popular show, and there's also the fact that offgun fans tend to skew slightly older since they've been in the industry for so long. HOWEVER, I NEVER see other ships have their other works discredited like that. lame plots? half of pondphuwin's shows are basic af & no one complains. no one complained about the basic ass geminifourth kieta hatsukoi remake. I'm not seeing people complain about firstkhao's cat for cash after a streak of more mature shows... and btw these are all shows I like/am gonna watch lol so I'm just using these as an example, no hate to these ships. what I mean to say is that these kinds of comments seem unique to offgun bc they come from their fans directly, and I need it to stop. if every offgun show since not me had been more mature, y'all be bored by the time burnout syndrome would've come out. offgun have proved time and time AGAIN that they can play in anything, and their filmography displays their ability to merge into any character & genre. so watch your mouth bc I'll forever be a cooking crush & the trainee defender <3

[lovezbrownies]

Machinery (Yandere!M!BioMechanic x Gn!Reader.)

Masterlist

Another character you might like...

Synopsis: You've worked your ass off to get to where you are today. And watching the guy who was naturally gifted intelligence, you can't help but admire him and he seemed to have noticed and lends you a helping hand.

Inspired by Viktor from Arcane :3. A random burst of inspiration came upon me to write this i looveve Viktor :3

The university was a place of perpetual twilight, where the sunlight above barely reached. Instead, a faint glow emanated from etherlamps scattered throughout the sprawling maze of stone corridors and mechanical apparatuses, their flickering light casting shifting shadows across the damp walls. It was here, amidst the hum of ancient machinery and the scent of oil and damp stone, that Elias thrived—a figure both enigmatic and unavoidable.

You had always noticed him in passing. How could you not? He was the kind of presence that demanded attention despite his unassuming appearance. Elias moved with a subtle grace, his shoes tapping softly against the stone floor as he navigated the labyrinthine workshop spaces. His amber eyes, sharp and unyielding, seemed to pierce through every surface, every person, as though searching for something beyond their physical form.

You’d admired his intellect from afar, envying the quiet precision with which he worked. His projects were always on the cutting edge—clockwork automata imbued with eerie lifelike movements, and crystalline contraptions that seemed to pulse with raw energy. But there was an intensity to him, a kind of fervor that made others keep their distance. You weren’t entirely sure why he had chosen you to notice.

It started as a flicker on the edge of your awareness—a glance here, a lingering moment there. You’d look up from your own work to find his eyes on you, studying you in a way that made your skin prickle. He didn’t look away when caught; instead, he would offer a faint, almost imperceptible smile, as though he was pleased you’d noticed him too. At first, you brushed it off as coincidence, but the frequency of these moments made that harder to believe.

Then came the night when you found yourself hunched over your workbench, your frustration mounting as you struggled with a stubborn gear assembly. The machinery before you was intricate, its interlocking pieces refusing to align no matter how many adjustments you made. The air was heavy with the scent of burnt metal, your fingers aching from hours of effort.

“That’s not the way to do it,” came a soft voice from behind you, startling you out of your thoughts.

You turned, your breath catching as you found Elias standing there, closer than you had realized. His amber eyes were luminous in the dim light, their intensity softened only slightly by the faint smile playing at his lips. Before you could respond, he stepped forward, his movements deliberate yet quiet, and reached for the wrench in your hand.

“May I?” he asked, though he was already taking the tool from your grasp. His fingers brushed yours in the process, a fleeting touch that sent a shiver up your spine.

He leaned in as he worked, close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from him, his voice low as he explained the mechanics in a tone more suited to a secret than an instruction. “This mechanism… it’s delicate, but not fragile. You need to coax it into place, not force it.” His hands moved with precision, adjusting the gears with a practiced ease that made you feel clumsy in comparison.

“You’re very focused,” he murmured after a moment, his gaze flicking toward you. “It’s admirable, really. Most people here are… careless.” The way he said the word made it sound like a personal offense, his lips curving into something that wasn’t quite a smile.

You weren’t sure how to respond. His praise felt heavy, almost intimate, like it carried more weight than it should. But before you could dwell on it, Elias finished the adjustment and stepped back, his hand brushing your shoulder as he passed the wrench back to you.

“There,” he said, his voice softer now. “Try it again.”

You did, and the mechanism slid into place with an ease that made you blink in surprise. You turned to thank him, but the words faltered as you met his gaze. There was something in the way he was looking at you—something that made your chest tighten.

“It’s late,” he said suddenly, his eyes not leaving yours. “You shouldn’t stay here alone.”

“I’m used to it,” you replied, though his concern was unexpected.

Elias tilted his head, studying you for a moment before he took a step closer. “That doesn’t mean you should. The city isn’t always safe.”

Before you could protest, he reached out, his hand grazing the small of your back as he gestured toward the corridor. “Come. I’ll walk you.”

His touch was light, fleeting, but it lingered in your mind long after he’d pulled away. The walk to your quarters was quiet, his shoes tapping softly against the stone as he kept pace with you. He stayed close, too close, his shoulder brushing yours with every other step.

“You’re too kind to people,” he said quietly as you neared your door. His tone was gentle, but there was something beneath it—an edge you couldn’t quite place. “Not everyone deserves that from you.”

You glanced at him, startled by the sudden comment, but his expression was unreadable. He reached out then, his fingers brushing against your cheek as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear. The gesture was tender, almost reverent, and it made your breath catch in your throat.

“You’re remarkable,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t let anyone take that from you.”

The moment felt suspended in time, his hand lingering near your face as his amber eyes searched yours. And then, just as quickly as it began, he stepped back, offering a faint smile before turning to leave.

But as you closed your door behind you, your heart still pounding, a quiet realization crept into your mind: Elias didn’t just notice you. He was watching you.

[nicky35]

UConn vs Ole Miss

imma just do a player breakdown cause i think that's the best way to break this one down. sorry but this is gonna be rambly.

paige: i mean i gotta address the obvious, pretty sure she tied her career high for turnovers, when i saw that stat i was hoping i would watch and see that maybe there were other things that led to them, but honestly all of them were her fault and just dumb errors, she did good with the physicality of old miss, but that wasn't surprising, she's still over-helping on defense too much. i also hate seeing her go from floor general to standing around any time she's on the floor with kkm but i think that might be a coaching thing.

azzi: oh how i loved this. firstly, big dawg az is basically averaging 1 block a game since her return, i know this is the boring part but i'm such a nerd for good defense and seeing how much she looks like her old defensive self from like hs has me geeking. i love seeing how smart she plays. in the past, she's gotten in her head when shots aren't falling and either just stopped shooting or kept settling for the three. seeing someone so notorious for that to be the one lifting them out of the 0-15 run just made me tear up. loved seeing her drive and cut, while also still taking a few 3's. i would love to see her take a few more middy's in the next game cause those are always beautiful.

sarah: strong first half, but they definitely targeted her in the second and she got clamped. however because of what she's shown, i am excited to see how she responds to that. also, the 3 ball... i like that she's not afraid to shoot, but i think after 4 misses, especially as a post-player, it's time to cut your losses. defensively she still looked solid, even when they were being aggressive.

jana: i mean with her size, just having her on the court helps this team, especially against aggressive teams like ole miss. you could really see her trying to stay disciplined on defense and not foul and it showed. one of the fouls she got called on was actually bs, but i'm glad she didn't get heated over it. i love her fiery energy on the court and i think it's a good compliment to a lot of the quieter people on the court. she only got 3 fga but she was 100%, which was her biggest problem last time. however, i need her shooting freethrows every day. especially as a center, it is so easy to get fouled and those need to be easy points.

ice: this was her best defensive game i've seen so far. she took to aggression from ole miss really well and was reacting a lot faster. what i've noticed so far from ice is that she is either doing well on offense or defense, but she hasn't had a game where she's contributing on both ends of the floor. i also think she could maybe work on her handle and be able to not be so stationary on offense. jana's taller and is still able to move with the ball more. i think she's lucky she never got double-teamed and stripped, because she won't move with the ball. also there is no world in which she needs to be attempting more than one 3 a game. overall glad to see her improving each game, even if it is incremental.

kaitlyn: gosh this one hurts me. it's harder watching her not score more, when we've seen all that she's got in her bag and she's typically on the floor with another pg. defensively i think she was great and i think both of her fouls were smart and not the typical dumb stuff. i would still take her over kk, just because of her level-headedness and leadership, but with azzi back in the mix and multiple players who can switch between guard and forward, she's not really making an argument for why she should be on the court over others.

ashlynn: liked to middy instead of the regular 3, but zero 3pta's for her is just dumb. at this point i would rather see lower efficiency and just take more shot attempts, but mixing it up between 3's, middy, and getting to the rim. on the postive, i did notice she went under less screens in this game. even though she's improved tremendously on defense, that was an old habit that came back last game and i was happy to see the adjustement.

kk: i'm sorry but i'm just not seeing it. she just has to have more to offer the team offensively than passing and layups, especially being so small. stronger defensive teams are gonna continue to block her shot. i thought we were finally seeing her experimenting with a little floater, but haven't seen that in a bit and the middy and 3 pt shot are still nonexistent. very reminiscent of nika, but at least nika had more of a leadership and aggressive quality to her that helped with the team's energy. i just really cannot see her running this team next year. also putting her on the court now just takes paige off the ball which is the last thing this team needs. i simply cannot see why she is over 10 minutes when morgan is a better defender and allie can shoot.

[activesplooger]

ʜᴇʟᴘ ᴍᴇ | ᴘᴀʀᴛ 6 | ᴠᴏx x ᴀꜱꜱɪꜱᴛᴀɴᴛ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ɴᴏᴛᴇꜱ: (MDNI) YAYAYYA DONEE!! shorter chap, sorry, but it has a set up for a long chapter! pt.7 here we come! ehhehe

ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ: Alastors back after 7 years! Vox goes into a downward spiral and retreats to his penthouse for awhile. Meanwhile, you're stuck on Vox babysitting duty so you yell at him to get his shit together.

ᴄᴡ: vox being pathetic and dumb

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 2,370

ᴘᴀʀᴛ 1 | ᴘᴀʀᴛ 2 | ᴘᴀʀᴛ 3 | ᴘᴀʀᴛ 4 | ᴘᴀʀᴛ 5 | ᴘᴀʀᴛ 6

ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀᴘᴏꜱᴛ!

"FUUUHUUUHUUUCK"

The duet between the Radio and TV demon had been broadcast throughout hell; it was pretty hard to miss. You wouldn't be surprised if the other rings had heard the clash as well.

Vox hadn't seen the Radio Demon in 7 years, not since he presumably got his ass kicked all those years ago. The first time you got involved, you got choked half to death. So naturally, you stayed out of it when he first heard the news, busying yourself with menial tasks and attempting to drown out the noise with the music in your headphones. It worked for a moment until suddenly the power goes out; the floor you were on became pitch black and the music that played in your headphones had come to a halt.

There was a pause for a moment, followed immediately by Vox cussing at the top of his lungs. Navigating in the dark, you managed to find your way to Vox's office. Upon approaching him, you notice his distraught expression, eyes fixated on the plethora of monitors displaying "No Signal" before him. "Vox?" you say quietly. No response. "Hello? Sir?" you try again, and yet, you get nothing. You wave your hands in front of his face a bit frantically to try to get his attention, "Vox, answer me!". After trying to snap him out of his lifeless trance, you give up with a groan and walk out. You had things you needed to do anyways.

__

And that was the last time you had seen him. Vox had pathetically retreated to his penthouse for the past week after a crushing defeat in song and in his attempt to have an employee spy on Alastor.

Things were fine initially, until the employees started getting way too casual. People were taking days off without warning or permission, they weren't doing their jobs efficiently, and on top of it you had to carry all their slack! Well, you didn't have to, but you felt like you needed to so you did. And holy shit it was taxing on you.

You tried to take on Vox's role and command the employees, but you only got a scoff or a laugh. Eugh, so embarrassing... It couldn't hurt to try again right? Maybe this time you could actually have an impact!

Standing in the front of the office, you call out to get everyone's attention, "Excuse me! Everyone, I have an announcement!". The employees glance up at you from their computers with an unamused expression. "Look, I understand that Vox hasn't been around lately, but that doesn't mean we can just screw around, okay? So let's get work just as efficiently as when Vox was here.".

It goes quiet for a moment before the room erupts in laughter. "Like we'd ever listen to you!" an employee calls out, eliciting more laughter. You groan and drag a hand down your face. "Oh fuck all of you," you mutter. Another worker walked by when you said that and snickered, "Speaking of fucking, they're totally screwing the boss.". "What?!" you exclaim. Where the fuck did that come from?! "Pft, yeah," a cocky sinner from accounting remarks, "who wants to listen to some whore?".

That's it. You march up to the hysteric sinner and knee him in the crotch. The office watches in shock before scurrying back to their desk and quickly go back to work. You turn back to the employees, your more demonic features now emerging as you face them; a black tail whips behind you and the sclera of your eyes turns red. "Anyone else have anything to share?!" you say exasperated. Everyone is silent as you talk, eyes fixed on their screens as they clack away on their keyboards. Taking a deep breath, you smooth your hair back to calm yourself. "Good," your demonic features start to withdraw as you relax.

Walking off, you make your way to the elevator, aggressively pressing the button to Vox's penthouse. __

You grab the spare key Vox had given you for emergencies and unlock the door. Vox's pet hammerhead shark, Vark, greats you by tackling you to the floor and giving you puppy-like licks. Letting out an "oof" as you hit the hard floor, you prop yourself up on your elbows. "Hey cutie," you say with a baby voice as you pet him, "where's your owner? Huh boy? Where's that mopey wittle shit?". Vark barks in response, walking off you and leading you down the corridor of Vox's sleek penthouse. Once you reach the end of the hall, Vark pushes the door open with his head and trots into the room.

Vox groans as the door lets in a peak of light. The room is dark and messy, junk food wrappers scatter the floor beside the bed where Vox lays. Vox hides under the blankets and whines, "'s too bright... go away...". You sigh and march over to where Vox is, "Vox, this is ridiculous.". Grabbing hold of his bedding, you strip the blankets off of him.

Vox whimpers and curls up in a fetal position, "Fuck off, Y/N.". "No," you protest sternly, "you have a business to run! Now stop whining and get up!". He sits up abruptly and speaks in a hoarse voice, "Alastors back!". "So?". "So?!" he responds incredulously, "so, I'm fucked! I don't want to see that red fucker again! I'm gonna get my shit rocked.". "No, you're not," you roll your eyes, "he's been dicking around for 7 years doing God knows what while you've been expanding your empire. I'm not saying you should pick a fight, but I'm sure if something happened you'd kick his ass.".

"You're just saying that to make me feel better. Don't lie to me, I fucking hate that," he replies in a bitchy tone. "That's it," you grab Vox off the bed and sling him over your shoulder. "What the fuck?! Why am I being punished?! You're the one who told me to be all vulnerable and shit," he yells.

You walk into the techy lavish bathroom and set him down on the counter, "I meant vulnerable not pathetic!".

"What's the difference?!".

"Dear God," you mutter to yourself, rubbing your temples in a circular motion, "Vox, listen up. You're gonna get your act together and go to work. Now go get showered!". "Psh," he crosses his arms, "you don't tell me what to do.". "Vox!" you warn. "Fine, fine, Jesus..." Vox hops off the counter and starts the shower.

__

About ten minutes passes before Vox emerges from the bathroom, a towel loosely tied around his hips as he makes his way over to the closet. You had been tidying up the room he rotted in while he showered, throwing away any trash and brightening up the room with light.

"Wheres my suit?" he asks flatly. "Oh it's-" Vox turns to you ask you speak, revealing his toned navy chest to your gaze. You realized that you had been staring directly at his chest subconsciously, a blush starting to form across your face as your heartrate picks up. Grabbing the suit off the dresser, you shove it in his face and usher him out of the room, "Hereyougobyeeee!".

You lean against the door and cover your burning face with your hands, "What was that...".

__

After Vox gets dressed he knocks on the door, "Can I come in now or are you gonna kick me out again?". "Ha ha, funny," you say sarcastically, "you can come in.".

Vox comes in and pulls open his dresser drawer, pulling out a red clip on tie. You tilt your head at him, "A clip on?". "Yeah? I never learned how to tie an actual one, besides, this looks fine.". "It's just tacky". "Hey!" he calls out defensively. You chuckle and dig in his dresser drawer for a red unmade tie, "Sorry sorry, here,". Reaching up, you slide the fabric in the collar of his shirt and begin to tie.

Your chest rubs slightly against his every so often as you had to be in pretty close proximity to tie the bowtie. Vox's breath quietly hitches as you brush up against him, his palms starting to feel sweaty over the simple graze of skin, berating himself in his head as he tries to reassure himself that its just a simple touch! So what if he hasn't felt a touch as electric as this in years?? It doesn't mean anything, right??

Vox's mind spirals until suddenly you pull back. "There," you grab his shoulders and pivot him to a mirror, "doesn't that look better?". "Yeah.. whatever, thanks," he mumbles. You chuckle and grab your things, "See you at work, Vox.".

"Yeah, see you."

__

"You bought them a giftbasket?" Velvette asks while Vox paces Valentino's floor of the V-tower. Vox stops pacing and sits down on the couch, "I know! Who fucking does that?". "Oh, papi," Valentino coos, snaking two of his hands over to Vox's shoulders and massaging them, "socializing was never your strong suit~". Vox pushes Valentino away from him, "Oh fuck off, Val!".

Valentino chuckles, "Relax Voxy, it's not that big of a deal. Besides, they probably don't even know it was from you anyways.". Burying his face in his hands, Vox mumbles sheepishly, "...I left a note.". Velvette sighs, "For fucks sake, Vox-". "And I watched them open it from behind a wall... they totally caught me...".

Both Velvette and Valentino groan in unison. "Vox, why can't you be normal for once?" she asks, pointing an angry finger at Vox. "Sweetheart, Vox can't be normal. Especially when he's got a crush on that sexy little assistant of his~" the moth demon teases. Vox whips his head out of his hands and glares at Val, "Don't call them that, why are you always such a fucking pervert?!".

Reaching his hands out, Val cradles Vox's face and whispers seductively, red smoke seeping out of his mouth and into Vox's face, "You love it~". Once more, Vox pushes Val off him and gets up off the couch, "Eugh, that shit doesn't work on me, Val.". Vox sighs and sits on the arm chair adjacent to the couch, "Anyway, before I got fucking molested, y/n is just- y'know, the first real friend I've had since, well, ever really.".

"That's fucking sad," Velvette remarks as she absent mindedly scrolls on her phone. "Fuck you too, Vel," Vox deadpans at Velvette. Valentino feigns upset as he speaks in a mocking voice, "Awww, are we not your friends, Voxy?". "No, you guys are pieces of shit I happen to tolerate," Vox states as he glares at them both, eliciting light laughter from the two.

Relaxing his expression, Vox rests his elbows on his knees and stares at the ground, "I just can't figure out how to act around them.". Velvette groans and looks up from her phone at Vox, "I don't fucking know! Maybe you're just a creep!". Valentino chuckles as he adds on, "Or maybe he's in love~". Vox sighs, gets up, and walks out, flipping them off as he exits, "Okay, fuck you both, thanks for being absolutely useless.".

"Love you too!" Velvette calls out with a snicker.

__

After receiving zero help from the other Vees, Vox decided he needed to get his act together around you. Maybe if you guys bonded outside of work, Vox wouldn't be such a mess! Vox wasn't entirely sure it would work, but he hoped it would. What if he lost you like he lost Alastor all those years ago? This needed to be perfect. With a deep breath, makes his way to your office, trying to ignore his rapidly beating heart.

You had been working at your desk for about an hour, ignoring the awkward stares other employees had given you from your outburst earlier. Vox knocks on the door to your office and walks in, "Hey". Looking up from your desk, you smile softly, "Hey, glad to see your back at work finally.". "Yeah, uhm," Vox walks in and closes the door behind him, "Can we talk?". "Hm? Sure, what is it?" you stop typing and push your keyboard aside, turning your full attention to Vox. Vox somehow forgets how to speak, a sudden lump in forming in his throat, "Well, I was wondering if uhm…". He trails off, leaving you confused, "If what?".

"If…. if you kicked another employees in the balls today?" he backs out of his initial plan pathetically, mentally wanting to slap himself in the face. "Oh shit," your face burns red, "you heard about that?". Vox nods, plastering on a wide grin to convey a normal outward appearance, "Yeah just some employees have been complaining and-". "Am I in trouble?" you hesitantly ask. "No no, I get it, they probably fucking deserved it.".

You chuckle and nod, "He did.". Vox smiles as you chuckle, snickering quietly to himself along with you. Your laughter dies down and look back up at him "So, was that all?". "Oh, yeah I guess I should get back to work then," he says quietly, trying to ignore the pang of disappointment he feels. You nod and get back to work before he suddenly pipes up, "Actually, no, I wanted to ask you if you wanted to go out to dinner with me.". He suddenly blurts out, not realizing the romantic connotation until after he spoke. "Oh-" your eyes widen in surprise. Was he fucking with you or something?

Vox quickly backtracks, "For a business meeting! Yeah, uh, some investors are in town and they want to meet over dinner.". "Right," you say softly, part of you was a little disappointed but that's not something you wanted to get into right now, "where are we going?". "Hells Kitchen, tomorrow at 7." he states. "Ooo Fancy! I'll dress accordingly.". "Alright… goodbye." he says before exiting your office. "Bye, Vox.".

Vox's breathing quickens as he exits, a fucking "investors meeting"? What's he gonna do when the "investors" don't show up? That's surely gonna raise some eyebrows! Why couldn't he have just said something normal like going out for drinks? Vox walks into his office and slumps into his office chair, running a hand over his face, "Fuckkk me…".

__ IYGAHDSUHWFJWIEJF i hope ygs like this one i think its cuteee. it segues into a lil bit of romance aha wink wink

TAG LIST:

@lovelyemily, @preppyfellaa, @diffidentphantom, @lil-glum, @leonotlara,

@matpatsstuff, @rapunzelbro, @n0tmentallystable, @thisisthepartwhereishutup

@tommyjeffjeff, @user0715991108, @meowermeowing, @fru1tbatzz, @ldrst4n

ʟᴍᴋ ɪꜰ ᴜ ᴡᴀɴɴᴀ ʙᴇ ᴀᴅᴅᴇᴅ

[respectmyfrench]

Hello! Sorry the food knocked me out lmao.

So. Miss Fudd got 18 points. Paige got 29. This duo 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ I told y'all. Whew. This will be a fun season.

I was impressed with the first half of the Baha Mar championship. That needs to be a consistent thing. Started off strong and discombobulated the Old Miss defense. They were stunned. It started to unravel a bit in the second half. They almost blew a 21 point lead which cannot happen against higher ranked opponents.

Sarah is so good. Like really good. I'm so happy at how quickly she's acclimating to the team. Literally her last name. STRONG.

Jana is a really good center. She's technically still a freshman so people need to give her a break. She has real potential to be a star. I can't wait to see her develop more.

KK and Ash both had 16 mins in the game and both got 2s in their stats. Kk with the angel numbers 2-2-2 and Ash with 2 pts and 2 rebs. A bit of a slower night for Ash but with each team they play against, a different need will require different asks so I'm not worried about. KK got looks good on defense. It's starting to look like she's a pass first guard now which is interesting and I'll dive into that another time.

We had some nice assists from Kaitlyn and good rebounds from Ice. People love ti hate on Ice but she's not bad guys lol.

I didn't like the refs, I didn't like the environment, I didn't like the braodcast, I hate Flohoops. Lol ummm yeah the people wiping the floors were slacking and everyone was slipping on sweat which I hated because everyone literally just recovered from injury 😭😭 I was paranoid watching everyone drop.

To dive deeper on Azzi's highest scoring game since she came back, I saw some quick release shots that reminded me of old Azzi. That shooting form🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️. She made some really good plays too. She even broke someone's ankles a lil 👀🙂‍↔️ lol. Ole Miss was on a 15-0 run but Azzi hit a crazy 3 and shut that down REAL QUICK. Also also mentioned that her knee feels great and she feels more flexible already which is amazing.

I didn't talk too much in Paige because yall know how great she is already lmao. Paige doing Paige things. We gotta work on those turnovers but when you're shooting like that, I might let a couple slide lol.

If you know me, you already know who I missed dearly in this game. I love all the girls on the team & as l much as I speak on Azzi, my first fav is Aubrey. We're form the same state, play the same position, I'm very biased on her sorry😂.If Aubrey was in this game, I'm positive this game would have been like 90-64. Her impact on defense is missed. Her and Sarah on the court together will be MAGIC. Her basketball IQ🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾. Her speed🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾I can't wait until she's back🙏🏾

Y'all can rewatch the game below from this youtuber i found🙂‍↕️

[angelwishess]

Songs from Epic: The Musical that I think fit my ocs !!!!

— Kyra:

Open Arms: One of the songs I relate to Kyra alot, despite all of the tragedy and cruelty shes faced, she still looks forward with a bigger smile than before. And even more love in her heart. No matter what challeneges life tries to throw at her, she still remains hopeful and chooses to trust the world anyways, leading with her heart above all. Despite how mischevious and careless she can be at times, deep down she really does care about the people closest to her.

Keep Your Friends Close: Kyra is extremely mischevious, and her morals are tricky to understand. She seems to follow a strict set of rules, but no one knows that they are. Shes playful, and treats most things as a game or as a joke, usually never realizing how dire a situation is, and being somewhat uncaring about how the others around her feel as long as she gets a kick out of it. The playfulness of Aeolus’ voice really gives me Kyra vibes too 😭😭

— Elena

Ruthlessness: Elena has never been one to trust, and she never will be. Though she definetly isn’t a sea deity that’s had their son’s eye impaled by a Greek king— Elena definetly goes by the saying “Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves”. By being cruel to others she saves herself from the pain of betrayal. And as shes closed her heart off from the world, she doesn’t care how or what she has to do to come out on top, no matter how cruel she’ll seem to others. After all, down in the depths, its Kill or Be Killed.

Puppeteer: The biggest part of Elena’s character (atleast from Prologue to Book 3,) is the fact the persona she shows to the rest of the world is a facade. She invites people into her presence, gets them to lower their guard and they eventually regret it. Because despite how sweet and harmless she seems shes a puppeteer that uses people for whatever it is she needs, and she does anything in her power to protect her loved ones from any harm, no matter what she has to do to do it. Nothing is too cruel or too vile if it means she can keep them safe, and she’ll happily play the part of Puppeteer if it means that her loved ones can remain untouched.

— Jester

Wouldn’t You Like: Jester is an extremely powerful and talented mage, and she often helps Kyra and the Aduece duo with whatever it is they need. While she’ll never directly do anything to help them, she’ll give them hints and point them in the right direction to get what they need. All the while she’ll be watching from afar, amused.

(Fun fact!: Jester is also inspired by this song, and Hermes from this musical!! :3)

Dangerous: If it wasn’t obvious already, Jester likes to pop up at only the most convenient of times HAHAHA. Shes always giving advice to the younger students, telling them to take risks and subtly pushing them into the right direction. Jester is a very supportive upperclassman, and while she won’t ever get involved directly she will give them the best advice they’ll ever receive HEHE, despite how silly she seems she can be rather wise at times.

[haunted-headset-alt]

goin' back to old yazoo 𝜗𝜚 ‧₊˚ ⊹

summary: headcanons about Vox with an old-fashioned reader (like Alastor)

warnings: Vox is a bit of a stalker, mentions of Valentino, one mention of slavery from Valentino (talking about the reader's time), reader is an overlord (not really a warning but just a heads-up), Vox being a little jealous

a/n: hello, readers (i need to think of a name for you guys lol)! i know this wasn't requested, but i played Bad Parenting recently and the intro song has been stuck in my head for days 😭

tags: (as always, just tagging a few people i think would be interested in this, please let me know if you would like to be on or off of the taglist!) @o-kye @zuuriell @strangleetomz@ax-y10 @stars-around-scars-collective@blu3-lemonad3@myheartticks@mochamuff1n@unbeleevable@danvstheworld @radio-to-trenchcoat-demons @average-vibe @back-totheoldhouse @prettysinners @lovevxle

(listen to this while reading if you want!)

When Vox first saw you at an overlord meeting, he was pissed. Was there another one like Alastor?

He took a little bit of a liking to you when you retorted back at him when he made a passive-aggressive comment about you.

^^ "How'd you even get here? You probably don't even own a cellphone or a car with your old-timey ass. I bet you don't even know what those are." "First of all, cars were invented in the 1920s, so I know of their existence. Second, just because I'm old-fashioned doesn't mean I'm stupid or incapable. Being a tech-savvy businessman doesn't make you smart; I'd say all that screen usage has fried what's left of your brain, Mr. Vox."

You two eventually became friends and even let him ramble about his technology (even though it took a little explaining)!

I think he'd realize at some point that you weren't as interested about technology as he was and would be fine with letting you talk about things from your era.

If you two started dating, at first he might try to make you dress in a more "modern" way to better suit his brand, but soon enough he'd just let you dress however you wanted (he would love it if you had a blue flapper dress 🤭)

He wouldn't try to explain security cameras to you (he wouldn't want you to know that he watches you whenever you leave the house), which he claims is "just to make sure you're safe"

I think Vox would eventually become a know-it-all about your era

^^ "So like...wasn't there slavery in the 20s, cariño?" "Actually (🤓☝️), Val, slavery was abolished in 1865." "I was asking Y/N, Voxxy." "I don't care. Get educated."

He would for sure dance with you to vinyl records of your favorite songs to give you a feel of nostalgia <3

[icewindandboringhorror]

I know this is just a silly bad quality random screencap of a screencap that I found on facebook lol, BUT it's a succinct enough image to easily describe the concept in a quick/accessible way hopefully :

-

(and of course, feel free to elaborate in tags, etc.! (especially elaborating about other senses as well.. can you "hear" in your mind just as well as you can "see"? taste? etc.) It's an interesting topic to me, as someone who's like a 4.5 at MOST lol. I'm curious what option will be the most common :0c )

[chimerahyperfix]

You’re looking for something— no, someone, too, aren’t you?

(I can’t comprehend how you understand what’s going on, with your lifeless shell. Craft as you are.)

[ancha-aus]

Gifted Drabble - NewAgeAu - Q&A

As I said! I totally wasn't scheming :3 @spotaus

But i had to wait until you uploaded your drabble about very sneaky Cross to make sure I got more references and a better idea about his character :D

So... here we are :3 Also yes the name of the drabble is a very bad joke but i thought of it and it was too funny.

*------------------------------------------*

Cross just sits there... He is such an idiot!

Getting caught?! As quickly as he did? that must be a record on how incapable he was.

It wasn't as if Cross had an excuse. Dream and Blue warned him! Warned him that the Knights were very skilled and watchful. That he had to leave as soon as he got the information and plans. Do not linger!

That had been the mission!

Instead he was a coward and just. Took too long. He spend too much time trying to form a plan instead of just acting. And then He tried to solve mysteries himself instead of just grabbing and leaving as soon as he could!

But he just... Cross groans.

He hadn't found anything fitting the brief. He hadn't been able to find anything that spoke about hurting people or raising taxes to hurt the poor or anything!

In matter of fact.

All he found was plans to improve the infra structure. To tax the nobels more and lower the taxes on people who earned less. He found information on how the king had contact with farmers to work on more structures and installations to help farmers recover from the change in weather and to fully utilise the land without exhausting it.

Projects on testing mixed crop planting and stricts rotation schedules to make sure the soil itself wasn't exhausted from nutrients or risks infections or fungi growing which would hurt the soil and specific crops.

There was even this whole program about apprentices!! something about orphans and children and teens on the straights and a way to offer them schooling and housing and even training with the people helping them! That the crown would pay these people for helping those who don't have family to count on!

It is still in draft clearly as it had been covered with sidenotes in this very elegant and curve handwriting. notes about how to pay for it. where to start it. which people to ask for posibilities. but also notes about how to check the children. how to make sure the children and teens weren't use or abused or even worse!

And... well... not too shortly after that one of the Knights just... Sat in the chair and spoke casually... Scared the shit out of him at the time.

How was that dude so quiet?! or so strong for that matter?

How could his magic had backfired so badly?

Cross sighs as he turns to his side. He is an IDIOT. How could he have gotten so reckless?

Drema and Blue would have already been happy with him getting anything back from the king's plans... maybe he just couldnt see the danger in them clearly? Hell if he knows what the state in the country is. He knows nothing about this place.

Maybe the things he saw was a bad thing? Maybe there was some... weird way to make them look bad?

Like.

Maybe there was already little nature? Sure Cross saw a lot of it on his way here but hell if he knows? maybe there is little in the cities or soemthing?

Maybe the nobels are already being taxed a lot? maybe this will make the nobels all poor? and euh.... Cross isn't sure how taxing the poor less could be bad but maybe there is some way?

the farming thing... Well... Cross isn't sure... maybe the farmers don't want him to micro manage or soemthing? maybe the king is being too controlling about it? that works...

The children are obvious. those are vulnerable kids and teens! Who are being used and exploited!! Well... he would have to ignore all the sidenotes about the kids wellbeing... and the notes about banning child labor...

Cross groans. Why is it so hard to see the things he is doing as bad?! Dream told him that Nightmare is corrupted and the thing ruling now is evil and terrible and needs to be removed to save his twin!!

Then why are the plans good? Maybe he is faking it? But why? XGaster never bothered to fake anything... He was just rightfully the king and people should respect him.

Cross frowns as he turns on his side. Ignoring the guard standing well guard outside of his cell. He tugs on the magical blocker on his arm. Making him unable to use his magic to summon any weapon or try to take control over someone elses magic again.

Well... Not like he can try that with the guard guarding him again anyway. Seeing as it is Dust guarding him...

Cross tugs on it again and Dust speaks "Don't bother. Those things can't be removed by the wearer."

Cross freezes and looks over. He thought he had been sneaky enough. The one with the panther mask stares back.

Cross frowns as he turns back to the wall.

The Knight goes quiet again.

Cross tugs on the band one more time. Just to be spiteful. Before laying back and staring at the wall.

Fuck... He is going to die here? Isn't he?

Maybe they will just starve him...

Or maybe they will first torture him to figure out who he works for.

Cross is going to have to withstand it until he dies. He can't give up Dream and the fact he is planning a revolution.

He can't ruin another revolution that could save and help so many people.

He will have to be strong. Not give in. Not even an inch.

"I apologise I took so long Dust. Thank you for keeping watch."

Cross freezes at the new but familiar voice. Cross had heard the voice before. He had seen the owner walk around and had been getting information on him.

The king.

The fucking king.

Nightmare himself!

Why was the king here?!

Sure Cross had been spying and stealing information. But was that really such a big deal to get the king himself to interrogate him?!

Then again... Shed's tail had aparently been removed and used for cat toys...

He is so dead.

A click and the door to his cell slowly creaks open.

Cross's pulse is beating so fast.

Footsteps walking closer. before the door creaks closed. and is relocked.

He is so dead.

A few more steps and then silence for a moment as Cross tries to keep his panic at bay. He regrets staring at the wall.

"I know you are awake. Speaking will be a lot easier if we face each other."

Cross keeps laying there. What does he do?! He can't ignore him. Come on Cross. Be brave. You faced down scarier threats!

'But you had magic back then.' his mind whispers 'You had a way to defend yourself.'

Still. Cross sits up and turns around. Making sure he is glaring. He is not going to give in. "What is there to tell?" His voice holds the challange. He isn't afraid. He will not give in. He is not going to give this so-called king anything!

Nightmare tilts his skull slightly. intrigue clearly. Cross doesn't like the fact that he seems just so... unbothered by Cross. Cross is the enemy! He is sitting in the cell after Nightmare's forces found him snooping around, trying to steal information.

So why is this king staring at him with just intrigued! No rage? No disgust?!

Nightmare speaks again. Seemingly taking his time to think about his answers. trying to be actually truthful? or trying to think of an answer that Cross wants to hear? Wait... Is the king already in cross's head and mind? is Cross already being tricked?

Nightmare's voice breaks him out of his spiralled thinking "I think I disagree. there is a lot to talk about."

Cross tilts his skull upwards. stubborn energy in his soul "I won't tell you anything about who send me or why. No matter what!"

Nightmare looks slightly amused "I don't exactly care about who send you or why."

... what?

Nightmare continues, at his aparently obvious confusion, as he explains "I know there are people who wish to know what I am doing. I know people are scheming against me. It is nothing new. Even a spy as yourself is nothing new." he looks amused "The fact they even send you implies they know close to nothign about me, my land or my home. Or, that they don't care about you at all."

That.. that doesn't make any sense?!

Ngihtmare nods "I do apologise you swore your loyalty to those who know nothing of the target they send you to spy on. Otherwise they would have known that I am aware of what goes on in my castle and land." he smiles "they would have known that my Knights are everywhere and good at their jobs." he shoots Cross a look "They would know that i am aware of who is suposed to work where at which moment."

Cross feels his mind lock up as the information filters in... How... how hadn't Dream known this?

Ngihtmare waves a hand casually "You are a rather inexperienced spy. Not that it matters. As there is very little any type of skill could have done against me and those of mine. Either your employers know nothing of me which means they aren't much of a threat quite yet. Or they were willing to throw you away as some sort of test against me or you. Which just makes me unimpressed with them overall."

Cross just stares at the ground.

The Knight speaks softly "Way to ruin his worldview my king."

a moment of silence before "I apologise. I shouldn't have said those things. You did not deserve to hear those or have to worry about which case is true."

Cross snaps "Why am i not dead yet?!" He had heard about the terrible punishment this parasite of a king does. How he hurts people for jsut the hell of it... From Dream... form the guards working here... It makes no sense that Cross is still alive. Unless he wants to torture him of course...

A moment of silence.

Ngihtmare speaks a bit softer but still sure and confident "You meant no harm. You were here for a few days and no one was attacked. Neither myself, my knights, my servants or my people in the city. I do not see why i would punish you with death if you did not do a crime earning such a thing."

Cross glares up "And if i had hurt someone?" So he was just doing this own test?! this is just a test. That Cross can deal with. Cross can deal with someone trying to trick and test him!

The king chuckles and shakes his skull "It is very bold of you to assume you would have been able to hurt anyone. Just because we aren't obvious you were not walking around unnoticed or unwatched. If you had made a single move to hurt someone you would have been stopped and caught right away. I must admit however if you had tried that this conversation would be going very differently."

Cross frowns, wait... "If i moved to hurt someone? Anyone?"

Nightmare nods "Of course. The people who work for me are people who's safety i take very seriously. They are willing to work for me. in trade for their servitude i make sure they have what they need and want and more importantly. That they are safe to live their lifes." He sounds so certain and the answer is instantly.

He didn't even need to think about it.

Cross's mind is swimming as he tries to focus. This makes no sense... Why is he implying that he only punishes those who deserve it? That isn't waht others said. This... this is weird. This is the weirdest interrogation he has ever been part of. But he manages to find his voice again "What do you then even want to know?" It isn't like he knows anything.

Nightmare watches him "I am curious about the Lost Kingdom."

Cross flinches as he looks away. "It isn't called lost..." it isn't lost... it isn't! His... his brother- Nine is trying so hard to fix the mess Cross left behind. the mess Cross helped cause. It may be broken and a bit of a mess but it isn't lost. Lost implies there is nothing that can be saved from it.

A soft hum before he speaks again "I apologise. It is a name i took over from others." a moment of silence "I supose I am just curious what made the most loyal of knights of that land leave the country he was working on protecting."

Cross freezes. huh?

Nightmare waits for a moment but when Cross doens't answer he continues "It doesn't make sense to me. Your every move and motivation was from trying to protect the country you served. Yet here you are. Instead of there."

Cross looks to the side. He... he had tried to protect but he failed everyone. He always failed... He made the most terrible mistake of mistakes... How could he stay? they didn't want him to stay. He didn't deserve to stay after that.

Cross looks to the side and speaks "No one wanted the loyal dog of the tyrant to stay. so i left." there.

a moment of silence. "Seems a bit of a harsh name for someone who was loyal to the country."

Cross glares "I wasn't! I just did what the old tyrant wanted!" Like an idiot who can't think for himself. He just did whatever his father told him. Too blind and too stupid to see that XGaster was hurting others.

Nightmare continues to look at him "And you believed in him to make the right choices for the country. That is the job of a king. Make sure that what is done is done to improve the land. improve the country. improve life for the people. It is not your fault that XGaster didn't honour his rule. That he did not do what he was suposed to. What he was sworn into."

Cross can't hear this. Not form sometone who is suposed to be eveil but seems to know so much. Who seems to know what it means to be king yet who isn't suposed to care. Why is this thing who is possessing an innocent acting as it he cares? How would this thing know what makes a good king?!

Cross asks him as much. "Why do you care!?" it is more of a snap than a question.

Is it... Is it Nightmare? Influencing the thing brainwashing him and controlling him? Fighting back?

Dream would be happy to hear that.

Nightmare still thinks about the question. He looks ahead of himself with a tiny frown. Seemingly thinking.

Cross however can't help that notice how blue the cyan eye is. Clearly unnatural. Toxic even... Yet calm. There is no rage hidden that Dream warned him about. No edge of insanity or madness. Just calm and insightful thoughts. Control over his mind? but that makes no sense if he is brainwashed...

The body is not at all what Cross even expected to once see. Ngihtmare had this imposing presence. The fact his form was covered with a goop that had melted over one of his sockets didn't help. The way those tentacles on his back moved and idled. Seemingly without a single thought- wait... didn't octopusses have like... brains in each tentacle. Did that mean that Nightmare had five brains working and thinking for him?

Still... The corruption is so clearly... strange. Dream had told him that the powers given by the ritual was suposed to make a king and warrior of light. Of good. This form is proof that Nightmare wasn't suposed to gain this power. It is dark and moving and changing... But Cross can't help but think it doesn't look that bad, that the name corruption doesn't quite fit. It doesn't radiate any harm in anyway. Not like that time in the hall... Is... Nightmare able to control the presence it gives off? Why wouldn't he use it now? The slight magic he can still feel is potent and strong and unlike anything Cross ever felt before... But it isn't like other poisonous magics Cross had learned about. That he had trained to recognise. It is strange...

Cross decides to focus on the clothes he is wearing. It is clearly high quality stuff. not to forget the golden accents and actual bands around the tentacles. the clips with apple motifs. the detailing of branches like swirls in the same cyan colour as that eye, just less obvious because the fabric is slightly see through.

It makes for one intimidating image. One that the king carries with confidence and familiarity.

Nightmare speaks "I care because i wish to understand. We learn by understanding others. Even if i don't agree with someone doesn't mean i don't have to understand them. In matter of fact. the only way to truly disagree and be against something is to understand or at least know about the concept. When it is about why people do certain actions it is important to learn their motives and reasons. to understand why they did what they did before casting out judgement."

Cross can't deal with him... how is this suposed evil tyrant so understanding?

He is nothing like XGaster.

Nothing at all.

Cross can see that so clearly and so easily. This is someone who knows what he is talking about and who doesn't just say what you want to hear. Cross thought he knew what he was going into. He thought he would meet a man simular to XGaster.

Someone who manipulates. Someone who lies. Someone who turns every answer into a small insult. Someone who tells you how to think and why you are an idiot for not thinkinf like that from the start. Someone who believes himself to be perfect and not capable of fault.

Cross believed his father to be rightful in being this way and thinking that way for so long. It wasn't until after the revolution Cross finally noticed the cracks in the facade.

Cross thought... he figured he would be able to see through whatever mask Ngihtmare is wearing. Metaphorical of course. But he can't... he is failing. He can't figure this out.

Is... is cross being an idiot again? is Nightmare lying to him and is Cross still just unable to see it?

Or is there no mask to see through? no mask to spot the cracks in?

What does he do?

Nightmare waits and remains quiet until Cross actually focusses on him. When he does Nightmare speaks again "I wish to know what happened there. In your home."

His home...

"It isn't my home..." not anymore...

Nightmare nods and speaks again "Then what happened to the country that you used to serve and protect. What caused the downfall?"

Cross looks to the side "A revolution obviously..."

Ngihtmare nods and waits.

Cross glares "I was an idiot and could not pick a side. I couldn't fight my brother who lead the revolution but i could also not betray my lord. I ended up trying to help both yet messed everything up." he glares at the king "I made everything worse." all because he just couldn't pick.

Ngihtmare tilts his skull "Rather extreme. Thinking just one person can make or break a revolution."

Cross blinks.

Nightmare nods calmly "I am not saying that you couldn't have made it go better. That is always an option. However. A revolution... a rebellion. It is the same thing, and it is messy. it is dangerous. One person can not make things go perfect. that is impossible."

Dust coughs lightly into his hand. The king shoots him a look but nothing else happens.

The king turns back to him "You are not responsible for everything that happened. could you have helped? Yes. But... the choice that you made also enabled you to do the few things you could. the little bits you did to help your brother. If you had picked to defend the old tyrant. You would have had to hurt others."

Cross glares down "I know i should have helped."

Ngihtmare shakes his skull "That isn't what i am saying. the point i am trying to make is. You never know what you would have done in the other two situations. You could have joined your brother. but then you would have had to fight the very people you trained and fought beside before. The same people who know you through and through. who know how you fight and move." and he looks at him. "You helping them. either side of the conflict. would have meant you would have been at a different position at any given point. The things that happened wouldn't and couldn't have happened because your actions in this... neutral choice also had consequences and effect. It meant that XGaster stationed you as a guard. if you hadn't been available he would maybe have used two others to gain the same protection you gave him. You didn't stop the revolution when they got to you. instead there would have been two guards guarding the door." And nightmare give shim a moment to let that information sink in.

Cross stops... he... hadn't thought about... all he could think about is how he could have made things different. Thinking about how his skills could have helped specific moments... he hadn't considered that... him helping them from the start would have chanced everything...

and the moment where he could have helped... may never have even happened.

Cross shakes his skull "Things would have been better if i had picked a side."

The king considers it "Maybe it would have. Maybe it wouldn't. Maybe by not picking a side you were able to do enough damage control for both sides that enabled it to even be successful. Maybe not picking a side made it last longer. You can not know which choice would ahve been better as you never saw the options."

Cross isn't sure what is even going on anymore. He had believed... He had been sure that him not making a choice just made everythign worse. Everyone agreed. Everyone must have agreed or else they wouldn't have made sure to remind him about his mistake each moment they could...

right?

Nightmare nods before getting up. Cross only now notices that Nightmare had been using his own tentacles as a chair "But I think I have pushed you too far already with my questions. You need rest and time to process and calm down. Food will be brought to you later." he turns towards the cell door and exits.

The king nods to the guard and starts to walk away.

Wait...

Wait!

Cross jumps up and rushes to the bars "Wait!"

The king stops and turns back to him "yes?" and he waits.

Cross pants "You said... Way before... at the start... There had been others like me. other spies. Where are they now?" Dream said others had been send before right? Or maybe even other forces. That Nightmare killed them?

Nightmare tilts his skull "My knights or I myself spoke to them. Much like I am doing wiht you. Those who meant no harm and held no wish to hurt those here... They were offered a change of scenery. They mentioned they couldn't and didn't want to return a failure to their old leaders. There is always room and a need for people willing to work and help."

Cross frowns "And those who did wish to return home?"

Nightmare looks unbothered "After making sure they were no threat they were released at the border. With a warning to not return. Once is an happening after all, one people can learn from. However if it turns out they lied or wished to return to do harm after all they were punished for their crimes."

Cross looks down as his mind spins "Oh..."

Nightmare waits for a moment longer before nodding "Rest up. I will come back either tomorrow or the day after to continue our conversation." he turns and leaves.

Cross slowly lets go of the bars and goes back to the bed in the cell... He can't help but notice that it is actually rather comfortable here.

Sure there are bars and he is locked in and unable to use magic...

But there is fresh air. Some natural sunlight comes in through the barred windows. It isn't cold or wet. There are warm blankets and soft places to sit...

Even if it is a jailcell. It is comfortable at least.

Cross rolls back up on the bed and thinks.

His mind going over the past conversation and thinking about what he learned. For it having been suposed to be a way for the king to learn about Cross it was just Cross learning about Nightmare.

What had the king even wanted to learn? All Cross told him was how he thought about things and experienced it. Not even how the revolution happened or what events took place.

If Nightmare had wished to know those it would make sense. Then it would gain Nightmare insight to how the revolution managed to be successfull and what to defend against.

And yet...

and yet...

He didn't. All Nightmare wished to know was what Cross did.

It doesn't make sense.

None of it does.

It doesn't take long but eventually a maid comes along. a human and she bows in respect to the Knight before turning towards Cross with a smile "Hello there. I brought you some food. It are roasted potatoes and a salad." she puts it on the little opening to push it into his cell "Once you are done please place it back in this same area. Makes us able to clean it up which will leave your area a bit cleaner!" she smiles happily before nodding once she sees Cross paying her attention.

After that she turns away, bows to the Knight again,before leaving.

Cross makes his way to the food slowly but the Knight standing guard doesn't make a single move to take or mess with it.

Cross grabs his food and takes a seat on his bed again. He eats it slowly and feels his hand shake once he realises it is actually good.

It is taste and warm and filled with nutrients.

Why are they treating him so nicely?

Cross just... doesn't get it...

Maybe he can ask the next time Nightmare comes to him to talk?

Maybe he can get some answers after all...

*------------------------*

In case you guys don't get the title name. It is a joke. Because Cross is being interrogated but it is more a mutual Q&A...

I will leave now.

[art-from-the-juice-box]

hiiii heres my qsmp stuff from my ipad :) its all really old now i don’t have anything during or purgatory since during is in my sketchbook and after that charlie only streamed like one more time before the server imploded and id moved interests in like october

they’re in chronological order from oldest at the top to newest at the bottom- and the tallulah and chayanne designs are so old that if i redrew them now they would look completely different lmao. (they’re also so old that i spelled tallulah’s name wrong lol) those are from before we knew all that much about them (at least for tallulah, i think for chayanne i just hadn’t watched enough streams) but the canvas next to it that didn’t pass the cringe test does have chayannes skull mask so i fixed that part RIGHT after that drawing lmao. the election doodles are from during the winner announcement stream and the charlie glitches are from the evening that stream dropped i watched his pov live and then watched cellbit and phil’s perspective afterwards while doodling it :) watched a lot of tubbo for a bit since he was always live when i was up and before anyone else went live so there’s frubbo as well :]

[oh-meow-swirls]

i think this was funnier in my head.