#I'd just like to adjust it to ACTUALLY connect me to the land I'm a part of instead of like. you know.

[blujayonthewing]

might fuck around and start following the wheel of the year again

[thosetrollkids]

MONSTOBER: DESIGNS

Part 1: Teen Cast!

HELLOOOOO everybody! Welcome to my project, Monstober! A series of several posts with large, in depth looks at different aspects of my AU, Monster Kids, that I wrote during October this year. Special thanks to @eurazba for listening to me ramble over all this and helping with the AU over the years <3

This post will be going over the general monster designs for notable teen characters, as well as some thoughts as to why I chose said designs :D

There will be a second post for the main adult cast, and once posted, you can find it linked here :)

Jim / Toby / Claire

Jim Lake Jr (Sphinx): It's him! The poster boy! Wahoo! Honestly, I don't have many notes for his design process, because his design has stayed relatively similar since the early drafts. His was the very first design, and other than being a typical lion/eagle sphinx for like. two drawings, and then a panther/blackbird for two more, once the snow leopard/blue jay combo was struck, he's only really changed in small ways. I chose a blue jay, because they're one of my favorite birds, they're blue, and I'd used them to be an accent to Jim in a previous drawing. Snow leopards are also my favorite big cat! So similar reasoning for that particular aspect. If I were to design him today, blank slate, I miiiight have changed his cat species, but I still am way too attached to the leopard/jay combo.

Toby Domzalski (Gargoyle): Toby's design also hasn't changed much! The main trio haven't, other than minor adjustments. He originally had yellow eyes, but they're back to standard green. He also used to have larger wings, and while I liked the idea of the main three being able to fly together, I decided to go with a different route as I leaned into his design looking more aquatic, and he instead has wing shaped back fins! They fold down and sit under his clothes, as he only really can use them while swimming.

Claire Nuñez (Harpy) Also another design I haven't changed since conception! Harpies were always something cool to me, and I was inspired by an illustration of harpies in a mythology book I had bought at the time. Her design was originally just 'bird' until I tired to find a more specific species that fit. I landed on barn owls, and coincidentally, they are also associated with brujeria/witchcraft in Mexico! Win-win. With her stronger connection to magic overall, she's also the only member of Team Trollhunter that can fly reliably; her magic feeds her energy enough to keep in the air (Jim's wings are too small for anything besides light gliding and cushioning falls).

Steve / Eli / Krel / Aja

Steve Palchuk (Faun): Steve's design was always pretty formed in my head. For the guy that tries so very hard to be an all-American boy, an icon of that is the whitetail deer buck, and it very quickly fell into place! His design is fairly simple, which is why it works so well for him, IMO. Fun fact, he has a set of scars on his cheek from the equivalent of the fight he had with Jim in S1. More to expand on in a later comic, >:3c

Eli Pepperjack (Bat Humanoid): Eli was actually also a sphinx originally, but I wanted Jim to stay fairly unique among the main teens, so my follow up design was something more batlike! I did do plenty of research for monster bats, or hybrid bat monsters, but what research I could do didn't produce much (then again, could always be wrong!), so I went with 'attributes'. He's based on a Little Brown Bat. He little >:) His wings are also not capable of flight, they're basically large hands, all the better to hunt down creepers with, my dear.

Krel & Aja Tarron (Amphibious humanoids): WAHOOOOO!!!! I'm very proud of these, because you have NO IDEA how many months I struggled to find a design I liked for them. They have been (checks notes) spidertaurs, a few other passes of various insectoid tries, I was going to attempt something more seal like, because I knew the main group's designs were already mammal-heavy, and something aquatic or insectoid was what I wanted to balance the group out. Then my beloved @eurazba, listening to me ramble one night, helped me come to the idea of their 'human' transductions looking closer to old monster movies! Creature from Black Lagoon was an easy pick, I did some research about CFBL and Shape of Water (thanks Del Toro), and bada bing, bada boom! My fishy twins! Also Krel is the only one wearing shoes. Just realized this...

Mary / Darci / Shannon

Mary Wang (Dryad): Mary has also gone through a lot of changes (turns out, I was very indecisive outside of the main trio, AJDJSBSJFHB). She was actually a -taur alongside Darci! Specifically a unitaur (saw a lot of alternate Monster Falls art of Mabel Pines as one, and I really liked the idea. The overall AU was inspired by the Gravity Falls AU, now you know!) She stayed that for a while, then also went through some bug-like redesigns, and then a couple months back, I decided on a dryad! Before that point, I was trying to stay strictly to animalistic monster designs, but it became a little too confining, so she exploded into my sketchbook and became real. Her tree is a california redbud, and her 'antlers' are like the branches of the tree, and leaves/flowers bloom in time with the season on them. The hooves were based on a Zelda design from an artist I liked a lot (truffe.art on IG!)

Darci Scott (Praying Mantis-taur): HERE COMES THE BUG PAYOFF. Some of you may remember my design for Darci hasn't changed for quite some time, and while I liked the look of the cervitaur (a centaur, but deer), it didn't feel... as unique as I wanted? And I was still missing my BUG. So, debating over this, I did a few passes of her mixed with a bee, spider, etc etc... and then once again, @eurazba was like "hey! praying mantis." and I fell in LOVE with the concept. (Very quickly sketched her up as I was doing these sheets, actually NDJSNJKJD)

Shannon Longhannon (Gorgon): Last design of the group, another that has hardly changed since conception. Nagas, gorgons, lamias- whatever they're called, I love the visual of a reptilian character slinking around gracefully, and she helped balance out all the mammalian designs as well. She was originally a typical green/yellow snake, but when I inevitably color her, I picture something more ruddy, reddish brown, to match her hair :) She indeed is able to turn someone to stone, but as she was not born a gorgon, this ability is dulled, and only lasts for a few hours, working only if she focuses completely on doing so to someone. She's taken to wearing shades more often to not scare people who don't know this.

[madlori]

The Claw is our master.

I've had a few folks in DMs ask me how/why/when my shipping did such a completey 180. It's a fair question. I am, after all, someone who spent the last 2 years fervently Buddie shipping, writing fic for them, doing the same hoping/analyzing/searching etc that everyone else (well...not exactly the same, I've always been skeptical of most of the theories and such because I don't believe in a production's ability to be that sneaky, covert or mischievous).

And yet, here I am. I can't really even pretend I'm still a Buddie shipper anymore. Initially I said sure, I still hope for it. I...can't in all honesty say that now. I've firmly decamped for BuckTommy Land. Is this a recipe for heartbreak if they eventually breakup? Sure, but that's always a risk. No more than shipping a non-canon pairing, anyway.

And there's nothing wrong with shipping a non-canon pairing. People do it every day. Hell, it's practically the backbone of fandom. Obsessing about ships being canon is a one-way ticket to dissatisfaction and sometimes total unraveling. I've seen it happen more times than I can count over 30 years in online fandoms.

But if that's the case, why didn't I stay on Team Buddie? Why did I defect so thoroughly that I'm at the point now where not only do I not think Buddie will ever happen, I don't want it to, because I now want to see something different from those two characters, something I believe we will actually get from the writers.

The answer to that question is: I have no idea.

People ask this like I'm somehow in control of it. I'm not. The Fandom Brain is like The Claw in Toy Story. The Claw is our Master. The Claw decided who will go and who will stay.

Fandom Brain is my master. It decides what I'm going to ship, what I'm going to be fannish about and what I'm not, and when I'm going to stop feeling fannish about something. I have zero say in the matter, I'm just along for the ride. At some point in every fandom I have ever been in, my Fandom Brain has, usually with no provocation, decided "Ok we're done with this fandom now." And nothing I can do will make that not true. I can't force it. I can't cajole it. It just is.

Similarly, Fandom Brain has decided "Welp, we're done with this pairing now. We like THIS pairing now. Proceed." Are there reasons? I'm sure there are.

Is it just that it's a canon pairing? Possibly. There is something very seductive about a canon pairing after so long of looking for crumbs and tiny hints where there (mostly) none to find. But I've shipped plenty of non-canon pairings before.

Is it that I prefer Tommy/Lou to Eddie/Ryan? Absolutely not. I love Eddie, always have. I admit to being slightly more of a Buck girlie, but that doesn't mean Eddie means nothing to me.

Is it the immediate gratification? Maybe. Is it just how the relationship's being written? Possibly. Is it just a mental adjustment for my belief that Buddie will never happen, and Eddie will always be straight? Likely. But that doesn't change the outcome.

So here I sit, just...yep. Sometimes it just be like that. I didn't choose this, it's just what my brain decided was going to work for me going forward. If this goes up in smoke, my brain will choose something else, whether it's to run back to Buddie, or be done with 9-1-1 entirely, or who knows what else?

The good news for any of you who follow my writing is that I'm still working on the next Husbros installment. That universe is removed enough from the canon that it almost feels separate to me now, and I'm still feeling connected to it. Yes, I've written a few short BT fics, but so far I've not had any lengthy or involved plot bunnies for it.

So there you have it. I didn't choose the thug life, the thug life chose me. I don't know if I'd have chosen this if I could, but tbh I'm having a pretty good time with it so far, so. That's probably a big part of the reason.

[inventors-fair]

Breaking Point: Increment Winners

Our winners this week are @corporalotherbear, @dimestoretajic and @misterstingyjack!

@corporalotherbear — Afterimage

Sometimes you see a card and you know immediately that it's immediately ready for the podium. I think I pulled one of those Oxidda Daredevil faces when I read this, because I knew immediately where it was going and it's pretty much exactly the kind of ramping-up effect that I was looking for here. It gets bigger, it gets nastier, and it's exactly the kind of fun shenanigans that red wants to get up to. Isshin has been a fun commander that everyone's thinking of, but I don't even care about that. My thoughts are for limited with any kind of value or evasion; getting a single copy can be nasty, and anything beyond that is game-ending.

I actually didn't think about this until now, but there's a single rules caveat: you do need to specify that it's either a creature you control, OR that the creature's controller is the one who makes the tokens. Otherwise, you can put it on an opponent's thing and then get attacking creatures during their turn which—yeah, you can see why that needs editing. But that's the most minor of nitpicks here. The single-word name here evokes a flavor here to me that's exactly what a copy-mirroring magic user would call it. I can clearly visualize the multi-frame image of a smirking warrior like Samut or Rip, cutting through the masses as vibrant copies of their swords and musculature decimate in their wake. Absolutely gorgeous work there. I'd be shocked if we didn't see this exact kind of card printed in our lifetimes.

@dimestoretajic — Grave Rewards

To be honest, there was a lot of competition for the rest of the podium this week. In the end, after a lot of shuffling, I kept ranking this card in my mind higher and higher. And you know what, it absolutely deserves a spot here because of one thing: its cost. That is to say: the rest of the card is pretty awesome, from the name-FT connection to the scaling to the game-ending-ness of it all. As a turn four enchantment, though, that's where the power level should be. In limited, it demands an immediate answer lest literally a single creature die and begin the spooky process. Sacrificing and removal and burn and beyond—it's a big push.

The more I look at this card, the more I want one or two tweaks just in case of power level balance. Maybe there can only be one counter a turn, maybe the Zombies enter tapped, maybe both. I'm slightly worried about massive burn spells taking out more of the competition and getting to Endless Ranks of the Dead exponential levels of tokens without as much build-around effort. But then again, like, this card is designed to be a windmill slam and a game-ending army-building card. How can you push it right up to the limit? I think that the simple nature combined with the intrinsic understanding of the prompt leads me to want to wiggle numbers in a way that I'm more lenient than punitive. Slight adjustments here and there to cool it down are better in my mind than a card that needs to be heated up.

@misterstingyjack — Chivalric Monument

No notes on this one. It's a fantastic control card and aggro card all at once. I can hear myself explaining at a prerelease already that "no, you won't get the other exalted trigger because of when attack triggers happen, but the next turn—yeah, there you go." Honestly? No notes on this one. The monument to knighthood is less about the conduct than it is about the rewards, and I like that. It's the temple of all that was noble and the strength that knights commanded that allowed them to reap righteous rewards. There's less of a 1:1 flavor translation but that doesn't matter here: the feeling of knights-go-swing is exactly what we need, and the ability to get that last point of damage in even without playing creatures is awesome.

The play pattern is already in my head: play this on turn two, then turn three, you can play a land and swing with a 3/3 that becomes a 4/4 without having to play another card in your hand. And then next turn, you can do the same thing, and you can just hold your resources while growing an intense threat, saving your further cards until you need to be more evasive or need to keep a control piece, or if you need to threaten either a blocker or bluff removal. This card is intelligent, it's dangerous, and it's deceptively strong. Something like Myth Realized wishes that it could get the same kind of play patterns as this card. The increment is unique, the ability counters matter, and the complexity is just right for me. Solid as armor.

Runners are comin' up~ @abelzumi

[devisopod]

Levity Creek!

Chapter One (?)

Grammar? I hardly know 'er

I really need to brush up but we're going right for it instead. Don't know how often I'll update this, or if it'll get any reception at all. Here you go, folks! Don't expect too much to happen right away.

____

Entry 1.

You know, I'm not even sure I could tell you the last time I spent three hours on the phone with someone. Let alone someone I felt growing further from my touch each year, but it was like the connection never really left as soon as we spoke. Hell, it felt like a blessing to hear from Fiddleford — some kind of proverbial spark reignited. Sounds silly, but I swear it's like we were kids all over again.

He always was as friendly as they come, and damn it if I didn't looked up to him for it. The guy could make a friend quicker than I could get my mouth open. Then again, I hardly ever did open it.

Fiddleford's still everything I knew him to be, actually. I guess I'd just been afraid that we were too different nowadays to be as close as we were. After all, he's got a kid now. Tate. How about that?

In his fashion, he forgot why he called me until the very end. He landed a freelance job up in Oregon that he wants my help with. I don't think I've ever agreed to anything quicker. If it'll get me outta here for a while, it's a gift.

I'm heading for Oregon tomorrow. Hope my van makes it.

___

If it weren't for the obnoxious rumble of the engine and the undeniable need to keep the vent windows open to accommodate it, I might have been able to hear the radio. Every now and again, I manage to hear the static of leaving and entering broadcast range — sometimes a dull guitar riff, but nothing satisfying. The speaker nestled in the driver's side has been busted for as long as I can remember. I think I've started to enjoy complaining about it, so I reckon that's why I never fix it. No, instead, I get to sit with my thoughts and a rattling doghouse. In hindsight, it was a miserable choice to make for such a long drive.

In fact, driving from the East Coast to the West Coast in a metaphorical brick, which reaches fifty-five miles an hour on a good day, is undoubtedly one of the stupidest decisions I've ever made. Sure, I could have flown, but then I would have left this marvel of machinery behind. And what am I without my office?

From floor to roof, I'd turned the back of my van into a space as comfortable as my apartment back home. More often than not, I spent my time in it. As long as I could hook it up to a power source, I could relax on the beanbag chair and type for hours. I've gotten better sleep and more work done in the back of this van than anywhere else to tell you the truth. At least, that's been the pattern so far. I'm starting to hope that Oregon changes that. I could use a change.

While I'm excited for the job, it's bound to be a big adjustment. From what I understand, which isn't a lot mind you, Gravity Falls is the town sending out contracts for the construction of the software service. When Fiddleford mentioned the name, I thought he might have been joking, but then I got the document in the mail. It looked incredibly legal, not to mention formal, for such a small job in a place that can only be described as "nowhere". Then again, most places were keen on adapting to new systems so they don't get too far behind.

It sort of made me wonder if the whole "nowhere" front has a purpose. After all, I did sign something that effectively mirrors an NDA.

By the time I reach Oklahoma and park, I recount that I've stopped about ten times for one reason or another. I had stayed in Memphis last night, which wasn't much of an annoyance, but the stops prior had been. A flat tire, the engine stalled, I suddenly really had to use the bathroom. Though that last one seems more like a poor lunch decision, I could almost swear that it was like the universe telling me to turn around and go back home before I got too far. I'd considered it while cursing over the carburetor as it hissed at me.

The only reason I still lay here in my motel with the intention of continuing tomorrow is for Fiddleford if nothing else. I called him when I first got here, half ready to let him know that it's just not a trip I can make, but he sounded so excited that I couldn't bring myself to crush his enthusiasm. He was already planning things we could do and prattling on about places he wanted to take me. The thought of disappointing him seemed wrong.

Pushing the covers of the stiff bed down toward my ankles, I roll onto my side and stare out the window. Each time I shift it feels like I'm getting further from sleep. Either the matress springs make an unholy creaking noise, they press into my back, or the people in the next room over get rowdy.

Eventually, I decide it isn't worth it. If I can't sleep, I may as well get going. So, I grab up my keys and my bag and sling everything into the passenger seat. Slamming the driver's side door shut behind me, I gas up the engine while it whines and protests before it finally relents. It isn't until then that I actually let some relief wash over me.

"I know you're tired," I mumble, "but I gotta get the hell outta Oklahoma."

I started hearing the radio a little more clearly after that.

NEXT

[atwooozi]

gojo x original character

Chapter 7: Trust

summary: At the end of a demanding week, Ai is invited to a wrap party, where she reluctantly agrees to mingle outside her comfort zone. Amidst the laughter and banter, Ai observes the real dynamics of the cast and crew, capturing fleeting glimpses of the man behind Gojo's public persona. Her determination to uncover the authentic Gojo fuels her, but as the lines between professional distance and personal connection blur, Ai faces an inner struggle—can she maintain her integrity while digging deeper into Gojo's guarded life?

genre: modern AU, slice of life, comedy, eventual romance, eventual smut, some angst

A/N: So before posting these chapters I like to think about what songs I'd like to pair with them because it's fun for me and I had a really difficult time deciding what songs would "fit" this chapter. Anyway, I landed on two songs that I think would be great for this chapter. Oddly, I think they kind of work together.

First is I CAN'T STOP THE LONELINESS by Anri. I love this song when I picture this fic as an anime I always pic this song as the opening. The second song is Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan. I love her 80s synth vibe that she brings to her music it really fits the energy that I picture whenever I sit down to write this fic. My interpretation of the lyrics could be off, but I always read them and thought of the person that Chappell Roan is singing to is closeted. It doesn't necessarily fit the narrative that I've created here, but I think the sentiment is there? Hopefully you get what I'm trying to say.

READ ON AO3

The first week of following Ai’s assignment was at an end. Just as she had gotten used to Gojo’s schedule but today, production was wrapping up, everyone seemed to be in a much better mood, except for Gojo. Gojo always seemed to be in a decent mood, whatever the circumstances. Ai wasn’t sure if that was an admirable trait or if he was just rather disconnected from everything.  

“Are you gonna go to the wrap party or are you just gonna hide in here some more?” Gojo asked as he tried to take a peek at Ai’s notebook.

The “here” that Gojo was referring to was his dressing room. At this point, it served as Ai’s de facto office space as well as Geto’s photo studio. The usually sparse dressing room now had different lighting and camera equipment placed in the corner of the room, while Ai’s and Junpei’s laptops sat on the table along with their scattered papers. It was something that Ai would usually feel bad about, but Gojo seemed to enjoy the three of them in his space even if it did feel cramped. 

Ai jumped a bit and brought her notebook to her chest as she gave him an unamused look. “I’m gonna head back to the hotel actually.” 

“Bo- ring ~” Gojo teased as he stood up straight. “You guys are gonna come, right?” he asked Geto and Junpei, jutting out his lower lip and batting his lashes. 

“I have some stuff to do, but I’ll make an appearance,” Geto shrugged as he snapped a quick shot of Gojo. Geto tsked as he looked down at his camera screen. “Satoru, stop looking directly at the camera.”

“But the camera loves me, Suguru.” Gojo pouted at his friend, batting his lashes.

Geto rolled his eyes in response and put his camera down.   

“I-I can come?” Junpei pointed to himself in disbelief, bringing Gojo back to his earlier conversation. 

Gojo clapped Junpei on the back and laughed. “Of course, Junpei-kun!” 

“It’s going to be at a bar not too far from here just in case someone changes their mind , ” Gojo glanced at Ai and playfully stuck out his tongue, reminiscent of a petulant child, before adjusting his blindfold over azure eyes. 

Ai narrowed her eyes at Gojo’s antics. “I don’t think so, but I hope you all have fun.” 

Gojo left the dressing room without looking back, his laughter echoing down the hallway as he waved carelessly. 

Once he was out of sight, Ai thumbed through her notes. The pages were filled with different scribbles from her week. She felt like she held a wealth of information in her hands, but hardly any of it was straight from Gojo, which stressed her more than she’d care to admit. As she scanned the pages of her notebook, she smiled to herself. During Gojo’s downtime, Ai noticed he liked to play the Digimon card game online. It made her laugh when he would get called for a scene in the middle of a game because of how conflicted he would look. Ai sighed and shut her notebook, she didn’t want to dwell on it too much. She was sure that once she did a proper look-through, she would see that she had more to work with than she expected. 

“Are you sure you don't want to go?” Geto approached Ai as she was packing up. While she wasn’t completely sure, the expression on Geto’s face looked a bit devious.  

“It's not really my scene, besides, I wouldn't want Gojo to feel like he has to filter himself because I'm there,” Ai said meekly.

Gojo snorted in response. “Trust me, Satoru won't care. See it as a networking thing.” He grabbed Ai's bag and slung it on his shoulder along with his own. “Leave your work at home for once, Ai-san.”

Ai narrowed her eyes at Geto as he gave her an innocent-looking smile in return.   

Junpei nodded in agreement. “Geto-san is right,” he said falling in step behind them as they made their way to the car. “It’s going to be fun!”

“Why thank you, supervisor Junpei.” Geto hummed.

Ai wanted to fall to her knees in despair when she heard Junpei agree with that demon . Somehow the menace of a photographer had turned her sweet kouhai against her. There was no way she was going to be able to weasel out of it now. 

Uncertainty spread across Ai's face as she listened to Geto and Junpei bicker about the pictures and lighting issues throughout the day. As much as Ai wanted to sort through her notes, she couldn’t really pass up the opportunity to talk with Gojo in a more natural setting–for the article , of course.  

“Fine,” Ai said, sealing her fate as she climbed into the car.

⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺

Ai wondered if she was right to want to stay at the hotel like she initially planned. When she arrived at the bar with Junpei, everyone was already a few drinks in. The energy in the room was lively and inviting, but she felt a bit out of place. 

Ai had always tried to skip work drinking parties since she and alcohol never seemed to mix well. She cringed inwardly as she thought back to the office New Year's party where she slurred her way through Anri’s “I Can’t Stop the Loneliness” at the top of her lungs. That could not happen again. 

Unlike Ai and Junpei, Geto had arrived separately. He was happily sipping on sake and picking at some yakitori near the corner of the private room reserved for the Jujutsu Kaisen cast and crew. 

While Ai couldn’t be certain, it seemed like Geto had made nice with the restaurant staff because despite being sat in the corner, fresh plates of food always seemed to travel his way first. She figured that it must've been one of the giggly waitresses since they would always linger a bit longer than they needed to after setting the plates down, blushing and smiling when Geto gave them a quick wink. 

Ai walked over to the table where Geto sat, Junpei following behind her. “You seem to be enjoying yourself,” she said as she and Junpei took the unoccupied seats next to Geto, the apparent womanizer.  

“I almost thought you changed your mind again.” Geto hummed as he took another sip of his sake. 

Ai shook her head. “I got a phone call from my boss.” 

“Everything good?” Geto asked, easily shifting from comfortable and relaxed and back into work mode. 

“Yeah…” Ai nodded as she got more comfortable. “He just wanted to check to see where we were with the story.” 

Geto nodded as he listened, lighting a cigarette. “Is he always so hands-on?”

“You smoke?” Ai ignored Geto’s question as she eyed the cigarette. 

Geto raised an eyebrow at her. “Is that a problem?” He brought the cigarette to his mouth before exhaling a small puff only moments later. 

Ai shook her head. She didn’t mind, she just didn’t think it suited her image of Geto. In her mind, he would smoke using a kiseru-style pipe much like a monk or a samurai did back in the 1800s. For whatever reason, cigarettes seemed too modern for him.

“So about your boss…” Geto trailed off, waiting for Ai to get back on track.      

“Oh right,” Ai pursed her lips and thought and looked at Junpei, who just shrugged in response. 

The thing is, Ai wasn’t even sure. With all her previous jobs she had always reported to someone under Yaga. When she got the call from her boss earlier, her heart felt like it was going to stop. She wasn’t sure how he could have found out, but she was almost positive he had somehow discovered her crush on Gojo and was about to fire her. However, Yaga gave no indication that he knew about the crush because any sane person would know that it was impossible for him to even know that. In actuality, he called just to check in and see how things were going. Yaga had much more important things to deal with than Ai’s nonexistent love life.

“No, this is just a big story for the magazine.”

“Well of course it's a big story. It's about me .” Gojo butted in as he sat himself between Ai and Junpei. 

Ai couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Gojo's comment as she scooted over– then again, she couldn't deny the truth of it, either. 

The man was truly everywhere--on magazine covers, on billboards, on keychains, he was inescapable. She passed him each day on her daily commute to the office--promotional images of Gojo plastered inside the station. If she paid attention, she could make out lipstick marks and encouraging post-it notes littering the promotional pictures. If she paid more attention, she would notice the lipstick and notes increasing with each passing day. The love for the man’s character was unreal.    

Gojo shoved his phone in Ai’s line of sight. “Look, they’re making another figure of me. It’s beautiful, but I think I’m even prettier.” 

“You’re so humble, Gojo-san,” Ai said dryly as she poured herself a beer, getting a chuckle from Geto and Junpei.

She knew that drinking probably wasn't the best idea, but between Yaga talking her ear off and Gojo being Gojo, she needed something to help her unwind a little.

“Thank you, I know,” Gojo replied, not even missing a beat as he started to pick at the various plates that littered the table.  

Gojo leaned back in his seat, draping an arm casually over the back as he took the room in. “So what were we talking about before I so courteously interrupted?” 

Geto glanced at Ai, asking for permission to share their conversation. She nodded as she took a sip of her beer. It tasted awful, but she continued to drink it. 

“Work stuff, nothing too exciting, you really didn't miss much,” Geto explained as he took another drag from his smoke.

Gojo raised an eyebrow and looked at Ai from above his glasses, clearly unconvinced. He graciously let the subject drop and pushed a plate of yakitori in front of Ai's face with a charming smile. “Have some. It's good stuff.” 

Ai pushed the plate out of her face. She leaned forward to check on Junpei and let out a sigh of relief when she saw him talking with Yuuji, Megumi, and Nobara. She didn’t even notice him getting up and going to the other end of the table. She was worried that Junpei might have felt obligated to pal along with her, but she was glad to see him interact with others closer to his age. 

Gojo glanced in the same direction as Ai and smiled. “They're good kids.” 

Ai couldn't help but smile at Gojo's comment. Despite his usual obnoxiousness, there was a genuine warmth as he looked on at his younger costars. He almost looked fatherly with the way he spoke about them. There was an obvious care that went beyond the typical working relationship. 

“They are,” Ai agreed as she rested her cheek against her fist. She felt a warmth spread in her chest. She supposed it could be the beer making its way through her system or the pride she felt as she watched her shy kouhai laugh and smile so freely. In her mind, it was a bit of both.

“They work really hard.” 

“Oh yeah?” Ai glanced back at Gojo.

Gojo nodded as he bit some chicken off a skewer. “Mhm, I’ve been pushing them to train more.”

“Train more?” Ai sat up a bit straighter. 

She cursed herself for not bringing a notepad with her to write anything down. Of all times–why didn’t she take her notebook with her? She quickly fumbled for her phone so she could at least type some quick notes down for later.  

If Gojo noticed Ai acting like a frantic mess, he didn’t give any indication because he continued to speak calmly and affectionately. “Itadori and Kugisaki are pretty new, right? I mean, Gumi-chan is too, I guess...” he shrugged. “Anyway, I’ve been pushing for them to train more so they can do more of their own stunts.”

“How come?” Ai asked curiously. It’s not like Jujutsu Kaisen had a tight budget; they could easily afford as many stunt doubles as they needed. They just finished making a blockbuster movie with a record production budget.

“It might be a load of crap, but I think it’s necessary to truly understand your character,” Gojo explained rather matter-of-factly as he tried to steal some gyoza from Geto’s plate.

“Do you feel more connected to your character because you do your own stunts?” 

Gojo pursed his lips as he continued to try and steal from Geto’s plate. 

“Satoru, just get your own,” Geto complained as he started to fill a plate for Gojo himself.

“But I think the ones you have look the best,” Gojo insisted as he easily swiped Geto’s plate with a smile, causing Geto to glare at him. “Anyway, as I was saying, I think it just flows more naturally if you do it yourself.” Gojo shrugged as he started to eat his newly acquired food.  

“What do you mean by ‘flows more naturally’?” Ai asked curiously as she struggled to type as much as she could before Gojo continued. When she glanced down at her phone screen the text was riddled with typos. What the hell did ‘I’ve been psy9ny for them to twin more so they dan fo their own stunts’ even mean? She hoped that Junpei would help her decipher it all later. 

“I mean, it just looks better,” Gojo stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “It opens up so many different possibilities in terms of shooting fight sequences and aside from what Itadori and Todo have to do, the choreography isn’t that difficult.” 

“Are you sure it’s actually that easy?” Ai questioned. “I mean, of course, it’s easy for��you –you were a professional fighter before an actor.”

Gojo put his chopsticks down and looked over to Ai with a cat-like grin, dipping his glasses down his nose to see her more clearly. “Ai-chan, have you been looking into me?” 

Ai blinked at the man. “I mean, that’s literally my job.” 

“Oh yeah.” Gojo chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “I forgot.”         

Ai rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help but smile to herself. Internally she wanted to throw her hands up in the air and cheer. She had finally gotten something more from Gojo. She made a note to herself to thank Geto and Junpei for convincing her to go.

The night carried on and Ai seemed to relax. The worries of work melted away as she drank more and more beer. She felt her body noticeably relax as time passed. She wasn’t sure if it was because she had some more workable material or if it was the alcohol making its way through her system. The only thing she could wonder now was when had she become so stressed that her whole body seemed to ache with tension. 

⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺

On the trip back to Tokyo, Ai decided to use the two-hour ride home to sort through her notes despite her mild hangover. She wasn’t ready to start writing the article yet, there was still too much work that needed to be done, but this would help keep the information fresh in her tired mind.

She skimmed through her notes and prepared to transfer them to her laptop.

He hides behind smiles, but maybe even unbeknownst to him, his giveaway when he’s stressed is the way he tends to clench his fist. 

Ai frowned as she looked over that particular note. She recalled jotting it down when there was a technical malfunction on set, but she noticed him doing it whenever Gakuganji didn’t like a particular take of his. It was too wordy or maybe it was just that it wasn’t that interesting to begin with. She didn’t like it at least. She frowned as she transferred the line into her word doc. As a writer, she’d find a way to rework it at a later time. It could be the future Ai’s problem. The dull headache she had made it difficult for her to do much else anyway.  

Ai leaned back into her seat and stared out the window, taking in the blurring scenery. She was still having a difficult time pinning Gojo down. She couldn’t really make a whole article based on their brief conversations. It was difficult for her to discern what was real and what was just an act he put on. She only could capture brief moments of the person beneath the character; that was the nature of the game with actors, but she wanted to dig deeper. 

Most actors put up a front. It was all part of the job for them. It didn’t matter how famous the actor was. Ai remembered when she interviewed Nobara, the girl put up as much of an act as Gojo did, but unlike Gojo, Nobara was able to reveal her caring nature and sense of duty to her craft without much trouble. It did take some work, though. It was when Ai finally convinced Nobara that she wouldn’t write about her more-than-platonic relationship with one of her female co-stars that she seemed to really open up. 

Given that there was a large shipping culture around Jujutsu Kaisen characters, Ai decided to ask Nobara about her thoughts on same-sex female pairings. She expected Nobara to give a diplomatic answer, but she answered rather casually. Ai tried to remember what the actress said. It was something like, ‘Honestly, I think it’s great that people can see themselves in the characters they love. If I saw that on TV I’d probably come out to my grandma.’ Ai wanted to include that in the article. But since Nobara wasn’t fully out to her, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She wouldn’t be able to live with herself if she hurt someone like that–even if she was trying to encourage others in the process.

Besides, it wasn’t the type of story that Ai wanted to write anyway. Ai did her best to be professional; she wanted her subjects and sources to know that they could safely talk with her. Yes, she was a reporter, but her integrity as a person meant more to her than any story. She would like to believe that didn’t need to rely on such underhanded tactics to get readers. She just had no idea how she’d convince Gojo of that…

It felt like whenever she was getting closer to gaining his trust, he’d immediately put a wall up. It was frustrating, honestly. She scoffed as she thought about it. People always said she rarely let people in, but she'd argue that Gojo might be worse. 

Ai frowned as she crossed her arms over her chest. She generally didn’t like getting too friendly with the people she was writing about–it was just easier that way. It probably would be safer for her if she kept Gojo at a distance anyway. She didn’t want her feelings to grow into anything more than a crush. For the sake of her sanity, she couldn’t allow that to happen. After all, these stories weren’t about the relationships she formed with her subjects. The articles Ai wrote were about her subjects and her subjects alone. 

Ai would have to make a special exception for this case. In order to get something tangible from Gojo, she would have to offer a bit of something in return. It was the last thing she wanted, but she didn’t have much of a choice. How else could she get Gojo to open up to her if she didn’t open up a little herself? She could stand to be a bit more vulnerable if that’s what he needed to trust her.  

As the train carried on towards Tokyo, Ai couldn't help but feel some anxiety stir within her. It felt like electricity was traveling down her arms and into her fingertips. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on her breathing instead. The tingling soon dulled and she opened her eyes again to stare out the window. She could see her reflection in the window and frowned as her tired face stared back at her. 

She could do this. Ai sighed and rubbed her temples, the faint throb of her headache still there. She refused to let it slow her down, though. 

Her gaze drifted back over to her laptop. “One step at a time,” she muttered to herself, as her hands moved swiftly over the keys. As time passed, Ai had amassed pages of notes, each line a fragment of who Gojo was. The pieces were coming together but she still couldn’t see the whole picture. 

Ai glanced out the window once more, the skyscrapers of Tokyo coming into sight. The train began to slow, and a voice came over the speaker alerting passengers of their imminent arrival. Ai quickly saved her work and shut down her laptop. 

She glanced at her reflection once more. The same tired woman stared back at her, but now there was at least a flicker of confidence. “You’ve got this,” she whispered to herself, standing up and preparing to disembark.

[tarnishedinquirer]

Night's Cavalry and Deathbird (Weeping Peninsula)

((OOC: Apologies, but this recording messed up and I don't have any footage. Only pictures will be from items))

The Merchant near Morne Castle had warned me that things in that area get interesting at night. So I bided my time, waiting until nightfall. I must've dozed off, because next thing I know it was night. Sure enough, in the dim light, I could see the distinctive form of a Night's Cavalry patrolling on the road. Again, a chokepoint. In Limgrave, they were guarding the bridge. Here, the gap in the wall.

I mounted Torrent, and rode to war.

This one was wielding a triple-headed flail instead of a halberd, which made me adjust my tactics a little bit. She could effectively block me off from one side, and each hit inflicted bleeding wounds.

Still, the biggest difficulty here was not running over the poor Merchant. As we rode in loops around each other, more than once I almost trampled the guy.

When she fell, she dropped that flail, plus an Ash of War for Barricade Shield. Which is interesting, considering she did not wield a shield.

Skill made famous by Sir Neidhardt. Focus your energy into the shield, temporarily hardening it to deflect greater blows.

Now, I'd never heard of Sir Neidhardt before, but I recognized this skill. It's the skill of the Turtle Shield. Which, incidentally, I had found very close by on the tower of this very wall. Was one of those dead bodies up there Sir Neidhardt? Unlikely....it's more likely they looted the shield after the Cavalry killed him.

But looking at this Ash, I saw the ghostly shape of a shield that was very much not a turtle shell. I try not to put too much stock in the mental images projected into my brain like this. They're only representative, after all. But this one had a very distinct crest. A bird, possibly a phoenix, grasping a sword in its talons. I'll be on the lookout for this symbol anywhere else.

The Voice didn't have anything interesting to say about the flail, but at least it had an interesting design. The spikes were shaped more like thorns, something I'm noticing is a motif.

When I sat back down at the fire the Merchant said, "Oh. I guess you're not fighting the bird?"

I sighed.

I found the Deathbird near another large piece of rubble. This time, I was ready. I noticed these things weren't actually very good fliers and tended to just jump pretty high. It landed at the foot of the rubble, but I just stood at the top and tossed Holy Water pots down on it. I assumed they'd be effective, since it seemed undead, but I was surprised by just how effective it was. I didn't even use my full stock.

It dropped a Sacrificial axe that... honestly, I kind of laughed at the design. It looked like it was vomiting out the axe blade. The voice called it a malevolent deity, but I thought it looked more comical than malevolent. I think the voice might be biased on this point.

Is there any relationship between the Night's Cavalry and Deathbirds?

Who was Sir Neidhardt?

Is there any connection to their ancient rites and the ancient rites of the Crucible?

[kianbe]

hi, everyone! 🥰 i'd like to give everyone an update on kian. these changes won't affect any of his active plots right now (as far as i'm aware), but i thought it should be known that, as an astrology nerd, i've been toying around with different charts to freshen him up a bit, and i landed on one that now makes his date of birth 20050305 (march 5th, 2005)! he's now nineteen years old, but most things in his life are still the same. the only real adjustments are that of personality and growth, and even those are somewhat minimal. below the cut, i'll reintroduce you to him, and if you're interested in plotting with him, give this a like and i'll dm you! 💛

at present...

kian's still a trainee at lime entertainment, and he's really nervous about the chance of debuting given the rumors that have been going around the company. all eyes are on lime entertainment, and while he thinks he's worked hard to improve his vocal skills and musicianship, he has no control over whether he makes the cut or not. in his personal life, he's been writing a lot of music, he's newly single, and has mostly been keeping to himself, but he's ready to stop being a loner. he's just inspired, and he hyper-focuses on his passions all the time; he's very obsessed.

modifications

the change of birthdate was an opportunity for me to freshen him up, while still keeping him true to himself. here are ways these new influences affect him. oh, and for anyone interested, his updated natal chart is: pisces sun, sagittarius moon, aquarius rising, pisces mercury, pisces venus, & capricorn mars. kian has always felt otherworldly. i've always joked that he's actually an alien from outer-space who crash-landed on earth and is trying to get with the life and times that the earthlings have going on, but somehow can't seem to adjust. his mind is so fanciful, so full of dreams, and romance, and music, and magic, and genuine wonder that he can find beauty, and love, in literally anything. anything. he falls in love every single day, and not always with people. it can be with a song he's never heard before, or a new dessert he's never tried, or a new color that he accidentally created while mixing paints. he's so awestruck by everything that it gives him a certain childishness, much to his chagrin, as he hates being treated like a toddler, but it's only in that he's so, so intrigued by learning new things, and he thinks people can be so cool, and so impressive. there's a naïveté about him that's a blessing, and a curse. this naïveté often keeps him blissfully ignorant to the evils of the world around him, but whenever he gets glimpses of it, it takes him by storm. he gets so hurt by injustices and cruel realities that it often brings him to tears, so he chooses to remain in the dreamy galactic world he's created in his mind. escapism is how he copes most of the time, and music is often the key to this world he runs away to. it's his first love, after all. he chases it everywhere. there's something about the way he writes his songs, too, that give them a very raw, relatable quality. he's a poet, a storyteller, and the emotion woven into each line can be felt so deeply, especially when he sings songs himself. he tries to connect emotionally with everything he performs, believing that the best type of music is the kind that moves your soul. his mom's always told him that his voice is exceptionally special, that its strong enough to change the world if he uses it well, and though the thought of that is daunting, he does wonder if she's right; wonders if he can genuinely affect people in that way. unsure still, he's adamant on working hard to improve his vocals and his musicality. he never, ever wants to stop learning, and he nerds out over discovering anything he's never heard before. if you're also a songwriter, he adores getting to know other people's creative processes. if you're into music, there's a high chance that he wants to talk to you about it. obsessively. he's also not someone who spends a lot of time connected to the online world. he much prefers finding trees to climb, or spending hours at a time writing a song, or visiting his parents and siblings, or doing things that feel more enriching. he's young, but he frankly has no idea what's going on most of the time. like many pisces, he oscillates between 8 and 80 years old. i don't know. i think he's super cool.

plotlines

i would loOoOoOoOve new plots and threads for him! he's been so shy and reclusive in the past, but this change of chart should make him a little more eager for human connections. 💛 here are some ideas below! * kian's been a resident of seoul since birth, specifically the mapo district. his family owns a guitar repair shop where they also sell instruments, collectible vinyl records, and other music related supplies. if your muse is from the area, or into music, you may know of the shop/his family! current or former employees, frequent patrons, etc. are welcome as connections, too! * he's a hopeless romantic and falls in love every single day. he's newly single and keeping his options open. maybe your muse makes his heart flutter a little and he writes a song about them, even if it's just as simple as that and no feelings are involved. 💓 * i'd love some past classmates/friendships, too! he's a 2005 liner, so this may apply best to 2003-2004 liners, but older works too if we come up with a great backstory! * his brother, kim doan, is an idol, too! he's the main vocalist of a boy group along the lines of seventeen (mostly because i envision doan resembling seungkwan). maybe your muse is a fan and pursues a friendship with kian to try and get closer to doan? * honestly, i prefer brainstorming, so if you're interested in plotting and none of these sound interesting, i'd adore coming up with something together! 🥰

[everyhowlmarksthedead]

Not bad at all.

FRANCISCO ‘CATFISH’ MORALES. ┃ TRIPLE FRONTIER.

❝ request by @chibsytelford: Heyo. What about reader being very shy around Frankie on the first date, who's also shy, and one of them just cracks a joke and they just laugh and laugh and the ice is broken, and they have the best date. ❤ Thank you.

❝ words: about 1.9k.

❝ a / n: first time writing for Frankie! I'm really excited and I hope you all enjoy it.

Gif credits to the author.

“Santiago García, I swear that if you stand me up, I'm gonn—”.

“(Y/N)?”

Your blood freezes at the call as your eyes go wide, keeping the phone in your ear as you spin around with a forced and ashamed smile on your lips, you feel your knees weak watching Frankie some steps away from you with both hands inside the red and black flannel jacket. Son of a bitch. Hanging up the call —or better said, the voicemail— the two of you come closer to each other.

“What 'you doing here?”

As the question comes out of his mouth, there's an awkward moment where you don't know if you should greet with a kiss on your cheek or hugging, being a mix of both that makes you giggle.

“Well, uh… It was supposed I'd have dinner with Santi, but… he hasn't shown yet”. You reply puckering your lips, noticing the change in his gesture. “I've been waiting for the last twenty minutes and I'm really hungry”.

You can't help but frown watching him rub the back of his neck, slightly moving the hat covering his softs curls. Squinting at him you don't really need Frankie to speak to know what's happening. You can feel your face and the tip of your ears burning because of the embarrassment. Last week you confessed to your best friend the things you were starting to feel for Fish and he has decided to force you to take a step ahead.

And seems like Santiago has done the same with him. But, does it mean he feels something for you too? You sigh rubbing your face trying to calm down the heat covering your skin, while he babbles random words. You see him waving a trembling hand between the two of you, perceiving he's as nervous as you are. That causes you to curve your lips up with a soft funny smile.

“Listen, we don't have to do this if you don't want to. I— I— I… shit”. He ends up grunting stroking his lips and his chin passing his palm over them, putting his terrified dark chocolate eyes from you. Frankie looks like a pudding and you can swear it's the sweetest thing you have ever contemplated. Too captivated by the way he has to raise his black hat from his head to brush his hair using only three fingers, before putting it on again, he takes your silence like a negative. “Lemme walk you home at least”.

His beg throws you back to reality, finding an insecure gaze looking for a positive this time. It's the first time since you met him two years ago that you watch him doubting, feeling unsure of himself. He has always given you the impression of being a cool-headed and confident man, but now Fish is quite the opposite.

“I'm hungry tho”. You reply as soon as you can react. “I just… think he did it on purpose. Making me wait for dinner, you know… So I wouldn't say no”.

Santi knows pretty well how to play his cards. It is his specialty. But that hasn't sound how you were expecting, as Frankie continues feeling ashamed, probably misunderstanding you.

“I me— mean, I wouldn't say no anyway”. You confess with a soft whisper, bowing your gaze down to his boots for a second. A brief second that seems enough to offer you a hand without noticing it.

Your heart races with the deep belief it could fly off from your chest when your cold fingers get laced with his warm ones. An electrifying shiver roams your body from your tiptoes to the top of your head, as he secures your hands together to come inside the restaurant. Only like a gentleman would do, he keeps open the door for you to walk in first, not loosening your connection at any time. For an instant, you can't help but fantasize about having real dates with Frankie, with him falling for you while continuing to believe he's just being polite and compensating you for Pope's ambush.

You lead your steps through the hallway between tables with old couches just in like the fifties, till the end of the place with the last table free close to the large window from where you can see the street. That's when, much to your regret, your hands are separated to take a seat in front of the other, occupying yours then with the menu to calm the nervousness shaking them briefly. You're going to kill Santi tomorrow. How does he dare to play dirty to you? And poor Frankie who —probably— could have a better plan than having dinner with you, if it wasn't for his friend.

The silence is installed soon around your table after the drinks are served, feeling the tension in the environment while you continue not knowing what to say or how to break the ice. You're about to tell him that he doesn't have to stay, just like he has said a couple of minutes before, but when you open your mouth nothing comes out; totally enraptured on the way he's looking at you waiting for something. You can't help but force another smile pursing your lips shamefacedly. Putting down your eyes over the menu between your hands, you try to pretend you're actually reading it, but your mind is busier on how the simple touch of his hand stole the air from your lungs.

“Pope told me you're learning Spanish”.

You have to hide your face for a second, cursing your damn best friend in silence before sticking your head out of the carte nodding with your cheek.

“Why?” Frankie sounds so curious that makes you think he maybe knows the real and main reason.

“Oh, uh… expand knowledge”.

You're a terrible liar and he doesn't need to be a genius to notice it.

“Tell me something in Spanish”. He asks cockily, placing his arms over his backrest.

You chuckle shaking your head this time while saying no once and once. But when he leans over the table, forearms against the edge of it, you have to gulp before choking on your own saliva like an idiot. The heat invading your whole anatomy again causes you to lick your lips, hoping that gesture calms you somehow.

“There's a… sentence that… I find funny for some re— reason”.

“Okay… Go'head”.

You make a short pause, finding some encouragement to utter it by remembering why you started to learn it. To impress him. To talk with him and call his attention.

“Juan come manzanas”.

(Juan eats apples).

Your accent is horrible, that's a fact, you knew that; but you feel more embarrassed when he remains silent for a second, breaking into a burst of loud laughter after not being able to contain it. You can't avoid a chuckle either, leaving in the background your shame, to focus on the beautiful melody his laugh is. You could spend all your life listening to it without abhorring it.

“Your pronunciation is awful”. He giggles adjusting his hat, raising a little the visor to look you better.

“Woah, thank you”. You reply with a humorous grimace drawn on your lips and a light sarcasm in your tone of voice. “I really appreciate it coming from you”.

“You're welcome”.

Shaking your head you begin to feel somewhat relaxed, finding a topic to talk about and joke about it so this situation is less awkward. You grab your beer to have a sip whilst he continues keeping visual contact with you, noticing he wants to add something but he doesn't dare. You know what it is, tilting your head as your eyes are narrowed.

“I don't trust you to be my teacher, surely you'll teach me the wrong things to make fun of me”.

“Meh…” He replies waving a hand jokingly, causing you to chuckle again.

As the night goes on and you discover more interesting things about him and his stage in the army, the dinner comes to an end and he insists you to walk you home. He doesn't want either to finish your conversation, talking about everything and nothing, in reality, just enjoying your voice and how excited you sound while talking about one of your hobbies or your favorite tv show. Just like you, he couldn't get tired of your company.

You reach your house sooner than expected, having been entertained and feeling this time your way back home has become shorter than ever. The nerves kick you again standing close to your porch not knowing what to say, what to do, or offer him a last drink. You'd sell your soul to the devil for five minutes more, but maybe you need to take it easy.

“Thanks for walking me”. You utter in a thin voice thread, playing with the keys between your fingers.

“It's been a good night”. Frankie opines then keeping a hand in a pocket and using the other to scratch a side of his neck. “I mean… we can repeat it whenever you want”.

Like another date? Has it been a date, actually? Or just two friends hanging out?

“Yeah! Yeah, sure. Sounds good to me”. You nod an instant before letting go a soft sight. “Uh… I should… you know”.

“Yeah, 'course. Good night, (Y/N)”.

“Good night, Fish”.

Offering him one last smile, you turn around to go upstairs your porch straight to the front door. But as soon as you introduce the key in the lock, you're interrupted.

“Hey!” You face him again, curious and intrigued, watching him coming closer towards you with his hat now in a hand. “How bad would be if… I kiss you?”

That's the most unexpected question you have ever heard, causing your brain to collapse momentarily until you realize it hasn't been a figment of your imagination. The smirk on his face curves shyly in the right corner of his lips, stopping his feet not too far from yours.

“Not… bad at all”. You giggle in response. What else could you say?

His mouth meets yours with a soft sweet touch. Just a touch, until they get used to each other. Slowly, Frankie places his hands on your lower back seeming afraid if you suddenly decide it's a terrible idea, and take a step back. This feeling disappears when yours land on both sides of his neck, securing a little more the grip and shortening the small distance between your chests. He tastes like beer and chocolate, after sharing a piece of brownie like dessert. For you, Frankie tastes like heaven. And without planning it, he needs the urge to slide his tongue between your lips to find yours. By inertia, your fingers tour his skin till being gently nailed in the back of his neck, breathing through your nose not wanting to finish the kiss.

As both of you swirl your tongues around the other, you become a little addicted, almost moaning inevitably against his lips when you have to stop not having enough air filling your lungs.

“How bad would it be if I ask you to stay?” You murmur unable to believe what you have just said.

“Not bad at all”. He doesn't hesitate, caressing the tip of your nose with his, wrapping his arms around your waist to hold you tighter and pepper your lips as you try to open the front door.

If you’ve liked it, lemme know in a comment, I’d really appreciate it. Reblogs are welcome too, so more people can enjoy it! ✨

GENERAL TAG LIST: @mayans-sauce @peoniarose @destynelseclipsa @band-psycho @myakai13 @petlaufeyson @-im-fantastic- @horsesandwolvesaremyanimals @rocketqueen @rosieposie0624 @ellyseveronica @Jessprins13 @diaryofkali @ravenmoore14 @starrynite7114 @kenbechillin @miahelen @monkeyluver4546 @sheeshgivemeabreak @jadesamhart @rawrlittlepanda-95

TRIPLE FRONTIER: @phoenixhalliwell @goldielocks2004

[ndthrace]

what my autism looks like

A primer for my friends and family:

Socializing—even when it's fun for me—tires me out quickly.

Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, and being tickled are uncomfortable and sometimes even physically painful for me.

It can be very difficult for me to hear in places where there are several different sounds happening, like in a restaurant where background music is playing while many people are talking at the same time.

I hear things that other people don't hear or are able to tune out. The fridge buzzing. The bathroom fan that someone left on. The speaker that's on but isn't connected to an audio source. Those are as distracting to me as an ambulance driving by—sometimes more because they don't stop.

It's hard for me to adjust when you stop by my house or office without advance warning.

In fact, it's usually difficult for me to adjust to any sudden changes in plans.

I VERY MUCH wish I could "just go with the flow" as so many people have implored me to do all my life, but sudden changes cause me literal physical and emotional distress.

I arrive very early to new places so that I can get a lay of the land and plan where I'll be safest and most comfortable. I also always try to have an exit strategy.

Oh, you like my photos? I see the things I take photos of because my autism helps me to notice all the tiny details around me.

Does it seem like I'm checking out or being distant? It's not because I'm not feeling anything, it's actually the opposite: I'm taking in too many stimuli and they're overwhelming me to the point that I can no longer function.

If I'm not able to leave an overwhelming situation, there is the possibility that I may melt down. When I melt down, I have become so overstimulated that I have lost control. This means I might start to cry, become very distraught and irrational, and/or hit things. Hitting things is one way for me to feel inside my body again and feel like I've regained control. I'm still learning more healthy ways to stim. (Stimming is a repetitive behavior that relieves tension. Autistic people aren't the only ones who stim. Do you bite your fingernails or tap your foot? That's stimming.)

I need lots of quiet alone time in my own safe space after a lot of socializing (and especially after a meltdown).

I don't "look autistic" because I have spent my entire life covering up my autistic traits, or "masking." Masking is utterly exhausting for me. (How many of you have told me that I always say I'm tired?) I'd really rather not have to mask any more than I have to (because sometimes I need to for my job or in particular social situations).

The most beautiful thing in my life is when I find people with whom I can be my full, authentic self.

I reserve the right to add to this list at any time.

[elejahfanfic]

Start Over/4

Fanfiction

Part 4

Tvd/law&order svu crossover story.

Totally AU.

Pairing: Nick Amaro x Elena Gilbert

Premise: Nick Amaro leaves New York and his job in Spwcial Victim's Unit to go live in Mystic Falls, where his ex-wife lives with their daughter Zara.

He will rent a house next to Elena Gilbert. They become friends...who fall for each other.

a/n: this part is pretty smutty, 18+

🍓

tags: @miguelsbrat

☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆•☆

Days after

Boarding House

"We got to establish some rules" Caroline said to Eric as she closed her office door.

"Rules?"

"Yes. You are a teacher here and you live here. Me, too - and the girls can't see you slipping out of my bedroom. This morning can't happen again. I mean - not us being together, but - you know what I mean."

"I know what you mean. And I've actually thought about moving out. Get a house." Eric said.

"Really?" Caroline was surprised.

"Yes. I know that this is maybe a casual thing - though I'd like it to be more. I know that you - I don't want to pressure you into anything."

"I totally like you and I haven't felt so good for a very long time. So - let's just see how it goes. But you moving out is a great idea." Caroline curled up a smile, biting her bottom lip as she moved to the vamp-witch placing a kiss on his lips.

🏡💕

Meanwhile   

Elena's house

"Fence mended, as well as the creaking board in the bedroom. I have also fixed the attic door." Nick said as he put the toolbox down.

"Thank you." Elena smiled, placing a peck on the detective’s lips, adding "You're a dream"

"A dream?!" Nick smirked cutely, snaking his hand around Elena's waist, pulling her to him.

"Ah, yes! You are so handy and I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams how good you are."

"So, you dreamt of me?"

"Yep. But you were not doing house repairs." Elena joked.

Nick gazed at Elena, lost in his own daydream for a moment.

"What?" Elena said, her eyes sparkling.

“Nothing - so- pick you up at 7 - for the date?”

“Yeah. Seven is great.” Elena smiled, wrapping her hands around his neck, pulling him into a kiss.

He ran his hands down the length of her body. Easing out of the kiss, they exchanged little smiles, eyes gleaming at one another.

His hands snaked around her waist pulling her closer to him as his lips latched onto hers again, kissing her long and deep.

Any rational thought fled as she savored his lips. Her hands tugged his T-shirt out of his jeans. Breaking slightly away, his eyes mashed with hers as he raised his arms, letting her pull the T-shirt off him, tossing it on the floor. 

"You're so beautiful" Nick breathed, placing his hands on her hips, inhaling sharply, “but - didn’t we say that we are going to take this slow?”

“Yeah” Elena swallowed hard nodding, fluttering her eyes shut for a second. Thinking it over another second, she shook her head, slipping a short nah. Sliding her hands up his neck, she pulled him into a hungry wanton kiss.

He picked her up, twirling around to the sofa and lowered her gently on it.

His brown eyes danced over the beautiful shape of her body as she untangled the sundress over her head. Her warm hazelnut eyes met his, blurred with desire, glistening dreamily at him, as she unhooked her bra.

Everything inside him was set aflame, and he now met her gaze with want and need throbbing in his heart. She was everything he wanted. And she obviously wanted him.

Tugging her hands down the side of his jeans and his boxer shorts, Elena pulled them swiftly down, her feather light lips brushed over his abs, leaving a fiery trail behind.

Nick shuddered as they continued pressing tiny fervent kisses down the side of his hip.

"Elena" he grunted as he now cupped her face. "You don't hav-"

The brunette shushed him and took his hardness into her mouth, making him gasp in pleasure. Nick closed his eyes as her warm mouth enveloped him.

He made a strangled sound and cradled her head in his hands, pulsating his hips gently, letting another hoarse groan out as she now nearly swallowed him whole.

He knew that he would not last long, and he now stopped her. "I need to - I want to feel you"

Shedding his jeans off completely, he pushed her softly down on the sofa, placing a burning kiss on her lips.

Elena quivered beneath his lips, his soft hands gliding over her body, working their way down.

Pulling her panties down, he now dipped his head, pressing small open-mouthed kisses up her thighs.

Elena arched up, digging her painted toes into the velvet sofa, her heart hammering feverishly, waiting in anticipation knowing what was to come.

As his mouth landed on her sensitive spot, she curled her fingers in Nick's hair, rocking her hips against his skilful tongue, swirling and flicking with its tip over her nub. Strong spasms rippled up her core. Head tossed back, her legs began to shake. She let out a long high-pitched cry, as she tumbled over.

"Omg - you- are amazing" Elena breathed against his lips as she drew him to her into a kiss.

Kisses were now deep and more vigorous, sending both into a new kind of sweet shuddering frenzy.

She let a small muffled moan as he shifted, lining himself up with her entrance, disappering slowly into her. She felt so good. He stopped still for a moment, letting her adjust to him, before he pushed deeper, swallowing her moan with a kiss.

Breathing sweetly his name between shaky gasps, she egging him on, fluttering around him so deliciously, meeting his ever increasing thrusts, his breath coming in short, rasping pants that matched her own.

She whimpered into his mouth, tasting him, straining toward the orgasm that trembled just beyond her reach.

And then, his hand travelled down, flicking over her nub with his thumb, making her shake under him as her orgasm ripped right through her. The way he quaked, his thrusts getting sloppier, he was not going to take long.

His gasps turned to moans in her open mouth. She swallowed his breath and clenched her body around his as he came.

A moment later, easing out of the kiss, he moved from her, pulling her into his arms. She snuggled up to him, laying her head in the crook of his neck, her breath, and her whole body slowly relaxing from the rippling waves of pleasure, smiling happily. She beamed up at him. "Aren't you glad we didn't take it slow?"

"I am - but I'm still picking you up at seven. I have a table reserved in 'Mystic Bell'" Nick said, placing a small kiss on the temple of her head.

"The 'Mystic Bell'- really? They have the best steak. And the best live music."

"So I've heard."

"Did Caroline maybe gave you the idea? She did, didn't she?!" Elena now remembered the blonde vampire mention it when they were discussing wedding venues.

"I'm so busted." Nick admitted cutely.

"It's ok. I love the place."

🌸

Elsewhere

Bonnie stood in shock as Caroline now told her that Josie said that Maria Amaro, Nick's ex wife was found near Fell's church dead.

"Oh, no."

"Where is the girl?"

"She was with Hope, with the the play group." Caroline said.

"Is this connected with the killing of The Five Witches?" Bonnie asked.

"I think so. Maria was a Tulle witch. They mistook her for Valerie." Caroline replied.

"Damn. Are you going to call Elena or me?"

"I will. And then we got to call Matt. He is the Sheriff now." Caroline said, taking her phone.

[folkelorde]

Hi Kati! I'm Admin Izzie, and I'd love an opinion if you can. We're a brand new supernatural RP, set in a hidden borough in NYC. Supernaturals cannot leave the borough due to an enchantment placed on the land and tensions between species are rising. Will you be safe in the only city where supernaturals can roam free? Thank you so much!!

hi izzie ! sure thing – keep in mind that my opinion is simply that…my opinion ! everything i say is meant to be constructive and helpful and if you have any questions about anything, feel free to follow up !

first impressions. i definitely get an urban supernatural vibe right off the bat, and dark colors lend me to believe that this is going to be a more serious plot. i almost get a mythology vibe from this, probably from the gargoyle. i’m always intrigued by the “kingdom come” concept alluded to on your sidebar and i want to read more about that.

plot. this is actually a really interesting concept for a supernatural roleplay! rarely do i get invested in the plot, but it’s a cool concept, and i think there’s a lot of ways to stir up conflict and create waves within the story as an individual or a group. i’m definitely wondering a little about the murder (who did it? are they still around? are there a group of vampires hunting the faes or is it just all-out war at this point?) but that’s lore that the plot can sustain itself without. really awesome idea and great job !

graphics and theme. these are fine, but there’s nothing really stand-out about them. maybe think of introducing a complimentary color to your color scheme or a theme that allows for a more dynamic graphic or more bold text! the dark red text over a dark red background is pretty hard to read, so i might suggest changing that color. however, there’s nothing super egregious about this theme, it just lacks elements that can really make things pop, which can be hard without photoshop.

other stuff.

when i don’t see the admins playing characters, i tend to not join a roleplay. idk, maybe that’s just me.

on the species page, it shows a large picture of the species but no text that says what that species is, it just jumps right into the description. i would put a title to clarify things! scrolling through, it wasn’t immediately clear what the species were at a glance.

you have platonic listed twice on your wanted connection page

i think this particular roleplay might have more success with an appless formatted app, since your app really doesn’t demand all that much to begin with and people are...particular about longer-looking apps. i think you’d probably get more apps with an adjusted format that still included most of your info & if you marketed yourself as “appless.” but that’s totally up to your preference.

your FAQ says (date) instead of the day you hit the tags.

i tend to disagree with banning youtubers, since that’s a way you can find more diversity in fcs (in terms of plus size fcs, different ethnicities, etc) that the rest of the media doesn’t always support.

your inspo blog link sends you to the locations page

i’d suggest making a separate page for your rules, since it’s a lot to read in such a small box! it’s also unclear as to whether or not you accept minors into the group, so you should make that clear, since it’s a common question.

you seem like really friendly admins and have a good presence on the page !

hope the hurricane doesn’t fuck with either of you too hard & best of luck with everything ! let me know if you need clarification or if i can help w/ anything else.

[alliance-recruitment-agency-blog]

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Headhunters In Bangalore - The Next 10 Things To Immediately Do About bangalore 

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Author Name:- Shreya Mehta

Address:- 104 Esplanade ave 120, 

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Mobile No:- +1 917-668-8461