#I'm a rural player

[pokemongoloresociety]

This is why I love Tumblr and I encourage the Leader-Loving Niantic Hating base to stick around with the online GO fandom. It's sad to see such good characters wasted in bad hands, but the people who appreciate them keep them alive.

Part of the reason why I still play and GO and bother with Twitter (because most of the 'story' stuff is fed there) is to engage in the game enough to get some context and give more material for the fandom, myself included, to play with in their fanworks, dreams, speculations, and shameless, out-of-control, lust.

No need to miss them. Even if Niantic shits the bed, the fandom will still be here.

I don’t care for niantic at all but the characters? the characters ill miss

[iwanttobepersephone]

I can't remember who, but I think the funniest interaction I've ever had on Tumblr is someone being genuinely shocked to their core that I live in a very country, very rural small conservative town. I guess I give city vibes to most people? Anyways I'm curious now and want to see, of the few people who will see this, what vibes do I give off most

[maximumzombiecreator]

I've seen a lot of posts recently where people say they can't find players to play non-5e TTRPGs with. As someone who moves countries every few years, I've had to rebuild my roster of local TTRPG players from scratch a number of times. Here's how I do it.

Caveats first: while I've done this in small cities, I have always done it in cities. If you're in, like, a rural environment, you might just not have enough interested people around. You can always do it online in that case. I'm not really going to cover finding players online, except to say you should probably look for communities for the specific system you want to play. Most of them are enthusiastically looking for new participants. Especially game masters.

Okay, first things first, you gotta find people. I generally find I get better results if the search is location first. That is, rather than using city-wide or regional Looking For Group type internet groups, I look for physical locations that host gaming groups. Local game stores, public libraries, gaming cafes/bars, etc.

Being location first helps avoid some common bad behaviours. Online LFG groups often have a few shitty people hanging around who can't find long term groups because they're shitty. They'll jump at the opportunity to join new groups where people don't know them, because everyone else knows better than to game with them. But location-based groups are better at filtering this. Someone who harasses people at an LGS can be banned from the store, but decentralized online groups struggle to handle these situations in my personal experience.

Being location first also solves the next problem, which is giving you a location to play. Eventually, when I have a long term group, I'll host games in my home. But there needs to be a level of trust before that feels safe, and we're looking for randoms, so for now we need a public gaming venue. If, for whatever reason, there aren't dedicated gaming spaces where you can do this, I've had the most success gaming in cafes or restaurants during off peak hours. I've run a bunch of games in restaurants from, like, 2pm-5pm on a Saturday, and as long as you're buying drinks and some snacks or something, and being polite and non-disruptive, it's typically not too hard to get permission.

Now, if that local group has enough interest in a non-5e system that I'm interested in running, I'll happily do that, and it's pretty free from there. Most people who are willing to play one other system will gladly try others if they find they like playing with you. But even in big cities, I feel it's pretty often the case that postings for local games of other systems don't wind up actually finding successful groups.

So, here is the bit where, unfortunately, finding people to play non-5e games with involves playing some 5e. Community groups are always looking for more GMs to run games, so I will set out to run a number of short 5e adventures, each with different groups. These are typically oneshots that I have the option of extending for another 1 or 2 sessions.

I always run adventures that I've written myself for these, because I want my particular GMing style to really come through. Looking for players is a two way street. I'm looking for people I like GMing for, but I'm also looking to make sure they know what they're getting. Especially if I'm going to ask them to play a system they've never tried, they should know that there's going to be something they enjoy. So, these short adventures are full of the types of silly but sincere NPCs I tend to run, the open-ended scenarios I prefer, the tropes I favour, etc. If someone isn't going to enjoy playing with me, I want them to know it from this adventure.

I structure the adventures to give me a lot of flexibility in terms of how long they run. They're nearly always mysteries, but with some active component to the mystery, so that if things drag or dawdle I can have the villain show up and force a final confrontation. They're also structured to have a natural "next thing." You find and defeat the villain, but there's an implied next villain you'll be going after. That way, if the group is working well and I want to continue, it's easy to present the option to the group. But if I'm not interested in continuing with the group, the next thing can just serve as an "and the adventures continue" implied epilogue, and the game still feels complete.

I don't like players just bringing their own character sheet to the table. Someone who brings a disruptive character can ruin a session without me getting much useful information out of it, other than that I don't want to play with that person. And if it ruins the experience for the other players, I'm often out the opportunity to game with those people, through neither of our faults. I've experimented with both asking players to submit their characters in advance or making them choose between a collection of premade characters. The former is a good check for whether people will put in a basic amount of effort and follow instructions, but it can dissuade people who are just looking to dip their toes into playing for the first time. The latter can turn off players who are into crunchy games and are excited about character building. As a result, I'll usually choose the approach based on what non-5e system I'm currently most excited about running. Do I want to get together a group for a rules-light game? Premade characters it is. Looking to run some PF2e? Please submit your character sheet in advance. Some locations also do more drop-in based games, in which case it's premades all day.

As I'm running the game, I'm observing the players. There's a simple vibe check, obviously. Do I like playing with this person? But I'm also looking at how they play. What are they here for, what's exciting them? Are they struggling with finding optimal turns in combat, or do they like mastering a system? Are they curious about the world, or do they glaze over when the spotlight isn't on them? Do they light up in dialogue scenes? Do they want to try crazy things outside of their on-sheet abilities? Remember, later, I'm going to try to persuade this person to try to play a game they've never played before. I need to know what specifically is going to excite them.

I have (always with permission) recorded sessions before to go over in making these choices, but honestly even just a few small reminder notes will help me unravel things later. If a session goes well, I'll ask at the end for people to give me their contact information if they'd be interested in playing again. Non-committal, at their comfort, and it doesn't single out people that I don't want to play with. I can always just not call them. Usually I find I'm interested in playing again with a little more than half of the players I meet this way. In my experience, it's fairly rare for a player to say they're not interested in playing again, TTRPGs rule and there's a DM shortage.

What I usually do is keep running these until I have enough people in mind to run something else, even if it isn't the system I'm most excited about. Probably it would be better to spend more time in this starter phase building up more connections, but after running like 4-5 5e adventures, I'm usually more than ready to run anything else, and if I have to shelve my Lancer ideas because I've mostly found crunch-averse players, I'm usually fine with that.

So, next comes the invites. Now, most players I meet this way will eventually be open to playing most games, but listen: you can put people well out of their comfort zone for their third TTRPG, but you gotta be real careful with their second. Most of the time, the game I'm inviting people to will be their first real exposure to a non-5e TTRPG. If they don't like it, they will run back to the safety of 5e and you will never get them out of it again. So I am very careful in picking the right system for the players I am inviting.

Whatever the new system I want to run is, I will set up a pilot session for it. I am very clear to players that I will teach them the system at the session, they do not need to know it in advance. Eventually, when I have a reliable group of TTRPG people to play with, I'll expect them to be able to pick up systems without a ton of help, but for players that are only used to the complexity of 5e, the idea of learning a new system is daunting. I rehearse the teaching of the game session. It's the only thing for TTRPGs I ever rehearse, but I want to know down pat how I'm going to quickly teach a new system and make it feel approachable and non-threatening. I'm also very clear that this will be a single session, with the possibility of turning into a campaign if we like it. All of this is structured to feel very safe. No initial learning required, no long term commitment, with a GM you already know you like.

But even as safe as that is, you still have to pitch the system. Why should the player be excited about playing this new game? Don't go all TTRPG nerd on them and explain all the details of the system, or use a bunch of jargon. Give them one or two things to be excited about with short, detailed anecdotes to back them up.

"We're going to be playing Blades in the Dark. It's a game where you play a gang of criminals in a haunted, steampunk dystopia. Every session you'll do heists, but instead of meticulously planning them, you start right in the action, and when you need to have planned for something, you can do a flashback scene to explain your preparation. One group I ran this for got busted by guards during an early heist, but used a flashback to create a scene where they had gotten a buddy of theirs a job as one of the guards, and he helped them out of the situation. And for some reason they fell in love with this bumbling goof I improvised to be the buddy, and then on a bunch of future jobs they kept using flashbacks to get him jobs wherever they were robbing. So this one idiot was just a de-facto crew member who worked a dozen different inside jobs despite being about as sharp as an eraser. And eventually they fucked up and got him killed, but they brought him back as a ghost, because you can do that in Blades in the Dark."

I find using a specific example of play really helps get peoples' imaginations going, which is what is going to help them say yes. And that example is tailored to what I know that player vibes with, what it is I think that makes them a good fit for this game.

The last detail about the invites is that I'm telling them, not asking them. It is not, "Hey, are you interested in playing this new game?" It's "I'm going to be running this new game. If you're interested in playing, please let me know what times work for you." If you're asking, you're going to get some "well but can it be 5e?" If you're telling, then they can choose to learn a new game in order to keep playing TTRPGs with a GM they know they like, or they can choose not to play at all.

Once you get enough yesses for a game, you run it, and then from there you're on your own. I think those are basically just friends you have at that point, and I'm not gonna tell you how to have friends.

Hopefully at least one person finds all that useful!

[muxshwriting]

history is written by the winners

Jake Seresin x reader

summary: sure, there's a lot of history between you two but that doesn't mean anything bad. it's only what you make it || word count: 1841 || masterlist

You’d grown up in a small rural town in Texas, surrounded by farms and cattle ranches. There was only ever one boy, the one for you. He was perfect in every way, caring and kind. It was perfect, but perfection never lasts. He joined the navy as a pilot and one day, he was just gone with a kiss to your cheek and a sweet smile.

You were lost on where your life was heading, wandering the great expanse of the future alone. Eventually, you find yourself in San Diego, enrolled in college and working at a small beachside bar, spending all your free time basking in the sunshine and soaking up the warmth. You’d finally found your rhythm when life decided to throw another player into the melody.

It had been a busy night, patrons filtering in and out, groups of naval officers inhabiting corners and ordering ring round after round. You were clearing a round of bottles near the pool table when a familiar Texan twang made you turn. And there he stood, smartly dressed in his naval uniform, laughing with his friends and telling them a story about some plane he flew.

"As I live and breathe, is that Jake Seresin?" Your voice seemed to cut through the buzz as he span to see you, face going slack in disbelief.

"Y/N?" He laughed in disbelief, rushing to hug you tightly, relishing in your touch. You almost didn't want him to let you go but he did, stepping away to look at you properly.

"Who’s this?" One of his fellow pilots asked.

"This is Y/N, we’re old-"

"We grew up together," you interrupt. "Back in Texas."

A low whistle echoed through the tension between the two of you as Jake simply laughed it off and held you closer to him. "What have you been up to? What are you doing here in San Diego?"

"I'm here for college." You answer slowly. "Life doesn't end after high school, doesn't end when people move away or leave you behind." You know it's cruel, throwing Jake's choices in his face but you'd never been able to release your hurt before. It finally made you feel free, but you couldn't stop the pangs in your heart as you saw Jake's face fall. "Tell you what," You offered a compromise. "Meet me after my shift and we can grab a couple drinks and catch up?"

Jake flashes his signature smile that makes you feel weak in the knees. "I'll be waiting for you."

True to his word, Jake is waiting at the entrance to the bar when you clock out, jacket in hand. Silently, you lead him over to your car, driving him back to your condo. When you turn the engine off, he lean over you to stop you from getting out, his face ending up inches away from yours.

"I'm sorry."

You can feel his breath on your cheek, warming your skin. Or maybe that's the blood rushing to the surface.

"I'm sorry."

He says it again, his lips brushing against the side of your face. He's intoxicating, an addiction you'll never be clean from.

"I'm sorry for leaving. Please say something."

It takes all you power not to give in and let yourself belong to Jake Seresin in that instance. "I forgive you, I always did." You whisper back. "I can't be mad at you Jakie, not when you're so happy here."

Jake pulls away and sucks all the air out of your lungs as he does. He says nothing and does nothing, which infuriates you. Part of you was expecting him to blow up at you, or do anything else.

"Do you want to come inside?"

"Share a couple drinks?"

"Like old times?"

Jake smirks. "Like old old times or…?"

Playfully, you push his slightly, opening your car door and getting out. "No Jake Seresin. We’re not there yet, get your mind out of the gutter."

A couple of beers later, your feet are tucked under you as you lean against Jake on the couch. Things were probably moving to quickly but you couldn’t find it in you to care.

"What if we tried again..." The suggestion was unexpected as he turned to face you.

"Tried again?" You ask him in disbelief.

"Yeah. I could take you out for a couple dates, see how things are."

"Us? Try dating again?" You wanted to make sure. Was he being serious?

"Yeah..." Jake trailed off, not sure if your reaction were positive or negative.

A small smile appeared on your lips as you shuffled closer. "Alright Jake Seresin, we can try this again but you better have some exquisite dates planned for us."

"Only the best for you ma'am."

You couldn't stop the smile growing on your face. "And you better keep up with the ma'am, yes Jakie?"

Jake swallowed the lump in his throat. "Yes ma'am."

The days dragged on and the pair of you were steady. It worked, like it always had. Perhaps fate had been waiting for the two of you to reunite. It seemed strange, that you could find your soulmate in the first boy you ever kissed, the boy you would always run back to. No one else was worth it, no one else made you feel that way, only him.

Jake finally convinced you to come to the bar with him and his friends on your day off, promising you wouldn’t be dragged in to work. It felt weird, walking through the door for pleasure and not to serve old folks and naval officers all night. What didn’t feel weird, was to walk through the doors hanging off Jake Seresin’s arm.

"You just had to break out the old cowboy hat, huh?"

He’s looking down at you, beneath the brim of his stupid cowboy hat and can’t hide his smile. "Only for you."

You smirk, reaching up to his head and plucking the hat from his. You waved it in the air for a moment before pushing it onto your own and silently challenging Jake with your stare. "Well?"

"You're treading dangerous waters Y/L/N."

"Fight me Seresin."

"Oh, I plan to."

[w3irdoartist]

Remember I did that one YV boys but they're Brazilian thing a while ago and never finished it?

.... Uh well... I'm done now!!!

Here's the original idea by @mintygreencake

Enjoy! ;b

Jack is Gaúcho and Faust is from São Paulo (city).

Alphonse is from Curitiba, but grew up in Rio de Janeiro. He's one of those touchy Brazilians that become friends with your entire family in less than a second. Wears tacky shirts.

Lucien is an amazing cook from Salvador. He owns a famous local diner. Has the best passed down family recipes. Rides a Biz way too cutesy for his large size though.

Auron is originally from Belo Horizonte and Charlie is Paranaense. But both live in São Paulo for "business" reasons. Auron moved to São Paulo at a young age when his mother married Faust's father. Charlie takes up skating as a sport, and is surprisingly a great soccer player.

Seth is either from Minas Gerais or Nordeste. They're seen as more rural dry areas in Brazil (I drew both versions). Oh and, the ladies go crazy over him because he plays the acoustic.

Finn is from Mato Grosso do Sul, but moved to Amazonas for his botanical research. Dances well.

Big shoutout to @jollyinha and @magiclain for helping me with some of those headcanons. :)

Here's a few more related sketches. Learn some Portuguese!

I inspired both Lucien and Finn on indigenous Brazilian folklore for those sketches btw.

And yes I got a little too exited about this.

[bucketbueckers]

I'D RATHER PRETEND

extra 2: the wedding “you said i do, and i did too”

tags: @angryflowerwitch @avvwritesstufff @melpthatsme @rebecca-woso @bueckersg1rl @l0verl4ne @clouded-whispers @dolliest-thena @katemartinlvr @numberonepartyanth3m @glamourdaya @pbbucks @unadulteratedcyclepaper @paiges-1vur @thelightknight21 @ellehoops wc: 4.4k notes: lots of requests for this one 😩☝️ also yes i used the same banner as the proposal one shot and no i dont care. anyways this is just the wedding but i promise i have not forgotten the other requests: 1) teammate interactions/jealousy and 2) their kids, i'm just breaking these one shots down so i can get more out faster when biology isnt making me want to kms. they will be out eventually but the next fic i write will probably be based off of 'come around' by lisa curtis sooo keep an earhole out for that 👁️ not proofread bc i have 31 assignments due by the 24th. sorry for yapping but pls enjoy 🫶

FEBRUARY 8, 2029

After making their engagement official in November, Tess and Paige packed up their lives in LA and Dallas respectively, spending time with their combined families while negotiating with the Valkyries and trying to find the perfect realtor and the perfect house. The both of them knew they basically had a done deal with the Valkyries, which is why they weren’t all too concerned about jumping the gun and searching for the house in the bay they’d been talking about for months. They’d managed to narrow their search down to two houses, both having the right amount of bedrooms, bathrooms, ample outdoor space, a spacious kitchen large enough to fit their future family (and to handle the chaos of Paige learning how to cook). The only real difference between the houses was the location. There was one that was a little closer to the Valkyries facility, although the other one was a little more suburban and away from the bustle of city life. Tess was honestly leaning to the more rural of the option, but she knew that decision wasn’t fully hers – she and Paige had to remember they were expanding their family in the upcoming years, and it was important that their children had the space to flourish and be happy.

Tess and Paige still had plenty of time to figure it out, so they weren’t worried. By late January, once the official free agency period began, they spent only a few hours in meetings with the Valkyries front office. Tess and Paige wanted to go to the Valkyries, the Valkyries wanted them there. There wasn’t much to argue about. However, they did have to negotiate their contract salaries. The Valkyries initial offer was actually too much, especially since Tess and Paige weren’t planning on splitting up anytime soon and they had a career’s worth of endorsements, brand deals, and steady income. They talked the front office down to a less steep offer, requesting that the extra funds go towards maintaining the facilities and investing in growing their bench. Tess, Paige, Azzi, Ayoka, and Kiki would be their sure starters. It was already a deadly lineup, but when you had an excellent, deep bench with players like Temi Fagbenle, Kate Martin, Kayla Thorton, and Madison Booker, and when the front office was looking at several free agent players like Gabby Williams, Aneesah Morrow, and Olivia Miles, the Valkyries were looking to be in good form for the 2029 season.

In early February, the official signing period began. The internet all but lit on fire when it was announced that Tess and Paige signed to the Valkyries, mostly excitement – especially at the prospect that Azzi and Paige would be reunited, but even more excitement at the idea that Paige would be running point guard with two of the best shooting guards on the wings. Then, after a short trip to the Bay, they finally signed off on a house, too. They decided for the more rural option. The distance to the facility and the city wasn’t actually that bad and they were both getting a little too old for the constant city noise.

Then February 8th rolled around, which would be the perfect ending to a hectic three months. They’d had their wedding date set ever since the plane ride back from Italy in November – Tess was a flurry of excitement and anticipation, hardly allowing Paige the time to get buckled in before talking her ear off about wedding preparation. Though, to her credit, Paige was just as invested as she was, a perpetual smile etched on her face, a lingering warmth in her eyes as they discussed some of the broader technicalities. They both knew they wanted to be married before the season started – neither of them wanted anything too huge, but a ceremony with their closest friends and family on the Hawaiian coast sounded perfect to them. The weather would be mild, not atrociously hot, and Tess had to admit – the idea of Paige, windswept and sun-kissed next to the ocean waves, did something to her heart, so it didn’t take much convincing for either of them.

So, here they are now. Tess and Paige, along with their family, flew out to Hawaii a few days before the ceremony, enjoying their time on the beach and their time with each other. Tess spent weeks perfecting her vows, considering what brand of waterproof mascara she was going to buy (because she just knew she was going to cry like a little bitch as soon as she saw Paige waiting for her). But now that the day is here? She’s freaking out.

“Tess Alessanda, I’m gonna need you to get it together.”

Kamilla’s voice does little to soothe the pounding of her heart. It’s not cold feet by any means. She’s known for years that she was going to marry Paige, but it’s so real right now. In a few moments, her parents are going to walk her down a path made of rose petals and she’s going to marry the love of her life. The excitement and anticipation is so overwhelming, but in the best way possible.

“Kam, she’s getting married,” Aliyah gripes, which causes Kamilla to roll her eyes as she fixes the strap of Tess’s dress. It’s a clean white in color, the skirt of it extending down to her ankles. She opted for a classy ‘lowkey’ since she’d be getting married in sand and she’s sure she would have flipped out if she got their wedding pictures and her dress was wet and dirty. “It’s a big day for her. And for us.” Aliyah pretends to wipe away a tear as she fake cries.

Tess watches Bree and Raven exchange a glance, the amusement in their expression clear as day as Destanni steps forward, her suit a perfectly tailored lilac to match the color of the bridal party. “Kamilla’s right, though,” Destanni says. She adjusts the white flower in Tess’s hair, nodding in approval once it’s to her liking. “You’re crazy about her, she’s crazy about you. I know this is huge for y’all but let’s turn that anxiety into happiness, alright?”

“I know,” Tess agrees, nodding floundering a bit when she tries to wipe her sweaty palms on her dress. Zia hands her a towel and Tess gratefully wipes her hands. “I’m just…super fucking excited, you know? I didn’t think something like this was possible for me.”

“Marriage?” Zia asks, a little confused.

Tess shrugs a shoulder. “Marriage. Love. Buying a house with someone that’s not my mom.” Her joke causes her closest friends to burst out into laughter. “I don’t know. I’m excited and happy and anxious and like, everything is what it’s supposed to be. I didn’t think this was possible but I’m so glad my life has worked out the way it has and I get to get married with my best friends next to me.”

“Shut up,” Bree says, wiping her waterline slightly. “You’re gonna fuck up my eyeliner.” Laughter rings out again.

“Well, Tess,” Kamilla says, a coy smile on her face. “I have a surprise for you.” Tess raises a tentative brow, honestly feeling a little concerned as Kamilla huffs. “Come on, trust me, okay? Promise you’re gonna love it.” Giving in with a sigh, Tess allows Kamilla to cover her eyes as she leads her out of the dressing room and down the hall. She bites her tongue, not wanting to be negative on her big day, but soon enough, they’re coming to a halt and Kamilla is pressing her back against the wall lightly. “Keep your eyes closed, please?” Tess nods and slowly, Kamilla removes her hands from her eyes, reaching down to grab her wrist. “I know y’all were doing the whole ‘no looking’ thing, but I thought this might be fun.” Still confused, Tess allows Kamilla to guide her hand until her knuckles are brushing against someone else’s hand. Kamilla releases her and the other person fully intertwines their fingers. Tess knows almost immediately that it’s Paige’s hand from the firmness of the grip and the way her thumb finds that specific spot on her skin that always soothes her.

“Oh my God,” Tess says incredulously, chuckling a little in disbelief. Paige huffs out something akin to laughter, too, squeezing her hand. Tess barely registers the sound of Kamilla’s heels clicking away as she focuses intently on the woman next to her, still keeping her eyes shut.

“Heard you were freaking out?” Paige asks, her tone teasing.

Tess scoffs. “I was not freaking out,” she says. Paige hums, not quite convinced, and Tess folds instantly. “Okay, maybe I was freaking out a little, but in a good way.”

“If you asked Azzi or Nika, they’d tell you I was freakin’ out, too,” Paige admits.

Tess laughs gently. “Were you?”

“Oh, yeah,” Paige affirms. “Couldn’t figure out these fuckin’ cufflinks. My hands were shaking so bad, had to redo the button on my shirt a few times ‘cause I kept skipping a hole.” They both dissolve into giggles at the confession, some of the tension easing from Tess’s shoulders. “God, Tess, I’on think you know how happy I am right now. Part of me is still in disbelief…like I can’t believe I got lucky enough to end up with you.”

Tess feels the tears pool in her eyes, so she takes a deep breath, willing them back. There’d be plenty of time for crying later. “If you’re as happy as I am, I think I’ve got a pretty good idea,” she says, which makes Paige let out a watery chuckle, squeezing her hand again. “I’m so glad I’m doing this with you. I don’t know if I can wait.”

“Just a little longer, yeah?” Paige asks. Tess can hear the smile in her voice.

“Just a little longer,” she confirms.

They stand in silence for a moment, eyes still closed, but Paige speaks up again. “Don’t freak out, okay?” she murmurs. “I know – easier said than done, I know, but today is already perfect. I was yours from the moment you shot a three over my head eight years ago.”

That makes Tess crack a small, grateful smile. “And I was yours the moment you blocked my shot so hard it broke your nail.”

Paige laughs, a little smug. “That was a crazy block, not even gonna lie.”

If Tess’s eyes weren’t closed, she’s sure they would be rolling by now. “You’re not allowed to freak out, either,” she says instead.

“I’m good now,” Paige promises. “Bein’ near you helps. I’m getting a little impatient, though, so Kam needs to come and get you before I start sayin’ I do.”

Tess chuckles a little. “A kiss for the road?” she says hopefully.

Paige hums. “Keep your eyes closed.”

“Are yours closed?” Tess asks, hearing Paige shuffle behind her, but she figures she gets her answer when she hears some part of Paige’s body slam into the corner of the wall between them and she hisses under her breath. “Point taken.”

“Be nice,” Paige grumbles, both of her hands blindly grasping her hips. “Where’s your face?” Tess grins, reaching down to take Paige’s wrist’s in her hands and guiding them up. Paige’s hands find home on her cheeks, cupping her jaw, and Tess leans into the touch as Paige’s fingers map out her features, brushing across her cheekbones, the bow of her lip, the slope of her nose. “I can feel you blushing. Your cheeks are hot.” Tess groans, much to Paige’s endless amusement. Tess can hear the rustling of her clothes as she leans forward, her lips finding her forehead, and Paige presses a kiss so delicate on her skin that it feels more like the flutter of a butterfly’s wings. Paige’s thumb traces her jaw as she holds her a little tighter.

“I love you,” Tess says as Paige draws back.

“I love you, too,” Paige whispers. “I can’t wait to see you.”

“Soon.” Tess squeezes her hand once more, hearing the sound of Kamilla’s heels once more. Before Paige releases her hand, she brushes her lips across her knuckles, finally parting with a lingering promise in the air.

Tess heads back to her dressing room for the final touches, feeling lighter than she has all day. After a while, her bridesmaids, Kamilla, Aliyah, Bree, Raven, Destanni, and Zia leave the dressing room to take their spots at the altar as Tess’s parents join her. Her mother and father are dressed in matching lilacs, the smiles on their faces full of pride and love.

“We’re so happy for you, piccola,” her mother whispers as she cups her cheeks, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. Her father rubs her shoulder comfortingly, kissing the crown of her head as all three of them try to hold back their tears.

“Are you ready?” her father asks, and with a strong, confident nod, Tess links arms with both of her parents as she walks out.

The sand is warm beneath her bare feet and the sun has begun setting across the ocean. She follows her parents along the familiar path towards the Makena Cove where the altar awaits. Her chin trembles a little, a strong mix of excitement and anticipation settling in her body. She’s really about to get married. She never thought she’d ever be over the moon for something like this, but knowing that Paige is waiting for her makes it so incredibly worth it.

The cove comes into view. Their guests rise – a mix of friends, family, teammates old and new, and it’s so beautiful. The horizon is painted a vibrant orange, streaks of pink and lavender and yellow coursing through; it reflects off of the calm ocean waves, which mesh perfectly with the soft music in the background as she walks closer and closer. The wind blows gently, flyaway strands of her hair dancing in the breeze, but what truly steals her attention away is Paige standing just a few yards away from her at the altar. She’s dressed in an all white suit, matching her dress perfectly. It’s crisp and tailored and fits her in all of the right places. The first few buttons are undone at her chest, revealing a nondescript chain, but from afar, Tess can make out the glint of the rose thumb ring she’s worn for years now. Paige’s hair is half up, half down in soft waves with two strands framing the side of her face and her make up is natural. Tess will never get tired of looking at her or saying it, but Paige is the most beautiful woman she’s ever met.

As she’s led closer and closer to her, more of Paige’s features come into view. Her eyes are a lighter blue, illuminated by the setting sun and the slight sheen of tears. Her lips tremble but her smile is bright and infectious, the joy and love and gratitude radiant on her face. Finally, she reaches the altar and her parents release her, swooping in to draw Paige into a tight hug, whispering words of encouragement to her. They wrap Tess up in their arms, too, pressing gentle kisses to her temple as they leave and take their seats at the front.

Taking their spots at the altar, Tess and Paige can’t wipe the smiles off of their faces as they link hands again. Tess can feel the slight shake in Paige’s hands, but the grin on her face is fearless. Paige’s bridesmaids (or brides-people, rather), consist of Aaliyah, Nika, Azzi, KK, Lauren, and Drew. Tess hardly has the time to think too much before the officiant launches right into the ceremony, welcoming their guests and delivering some opening remarks. Tess knows she should pay more attention to the officiant – it is her wedding, afterall, but she’s laser focused on Paige and honestly wants to skip to the part where they get to exchange their vows and finally say I do.

She doesn’t have to wait too long. The officiant makes it around to the exchange of vows and after a sure nod from Paige, Tess goes first, trying to find the words she’d spent so long perfecting. Her voice is soft, gentle, quiet enough that only Paige can hear it over the tender whistle of the wind.

“On this day eight years ago, we played against each other and I met you for the first time,” she begins, watching a slow smile spread across Paige’s lips as she listens intently. “Then, we competed again in 2022, and in 2023, I tore my ACL. I didn’t think I could survive it. I made it pretty hard on myself, to be honest, but the right people stepped in and there you were. You were there to stay – or so I’d hoped – and you made me want to take care of myself, to commit to PT and therapy and everything else under the sun so I could get better and live out my dream of playing basketball.

“When I was growing up, I thought basketball would be the only constant in my life. My dream was simple – play ball, get drafted. I didn’t expect to meet you or fall in love, but my future expanded. I dreamed of playing ball, of coming home to, or with you, of sharing a life with you and growing with you. You became part of my dream, Paige, and I’m so thankful that I get to do life with you. I’m thankful you understand me in the way that you do and I’m thankful that you push me every day to be better. I’m thankful that you love me unconditionally. My vow to you is that I will love you unconditionally. I promise you we’re a team and there’s nothing we can’t figure out. I promise to give you my all, to give our family my all. You’re my best friend, my person, and after today, my wife. I was yours before we even knew what loving each other meant and I’ll be yours forever – when we’re old and arguing about whose dentures were left on the nightstand, when we’re nothing but specks of stardust in space, when we’re in the next life together because there’s just not a world where you and I exist and I don’t fall for you. I love you endlessly, proudly, without reservation, and with every inch of my being.”

By the time she finishes, a tear is sliding down Paige’s cheek, and Tess wipes it away with a giggle. “I’on know how I can match that,” Paige jokes, drawing a fuller laugh from Tess, but she squeezes her hands gently. Paige’s eyes shine in the setting sunlight, holding so much warmth and wonder that Tess feels her heart swell at the sheer amount of love that she sees reflected in her features. “The first time we spoke, like actually spoke to each other, you said somethin’ that stuck with me for years. I was annoying you, tryna get you to tell me your middle name, and eventually you told me, ‘home is a feeling.’ I thought I knew what you meant by that. I always felt like myself on the court. I felt like no matter what, there was always gonna be a place I belonged as long as I had a ball in my hand. But as I got to know you, I realized there was more to that. A home isn’t just somewhere you belong – it’s somewhere you’re accepted and loved, where you can just be. As soon as I realized I felt at home with you, I knew there was no way I could ever only be your friend.

“You get me like no one else ever has, and it should be scary, but it’s not. It never is with you. It’s like this intense feeling of relief ‘cause you know you don’t gotta do it alone. That’s just who we are, right? We work together, we take care of each other, and we bicker and flirt and tease each other like it’s the first day we met all over again. That’s what I can – what I will promise you: I’ll love you more and more every day and cherish the time we spend together. As long as you’re with me, you don’t gotta be scared of anything. I promise to take care of you, of your heart, of our family, our future. I love you. That’s never gonna change. I thank God every day that our paths crossed and I got my chance with you, no matter how difficult our journey was. But it’s our journey and that’s why it’s so important to me. I wouldn’t change a single thing about us. You’re the best part of my life and I’m so excited to grow old with you – and, just to be clear, you’re the one leavin’ your dentures everywhere.” That’s enough to make Tess roll her eyes, giggling despite the tears beading at her waterline. One manages to slip through and Paige doesn’t hesitate before she’s wiping it off her cheek, her subsequent smile so soft and full of a warmth that would make the Dallas heat feel like it’s freezing. “I love you, Tess; you’re my better half, my purpose, and my home. You’ve made me the happiest woman in the world and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

Paige finishes, and it takes all of Tess’s willpower to hold her composure as her bottom lip wobbles. Kamilla spent an hour on her make up – she’s not going to start crying until they’ve both said I do and they’ve sealed it with a kiss. The officiant smiles, gently requesting the rings – Drew and Kamilla hand them off to Paige and Tess respectively. Paige squeezes her hand, trying to calm the tremors, but they’re both shaking from excitement and anticipation. 

“Tess, do you take Paige to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health? Do you promise to keep yourself open to Paige, to allow her to see through the windows of your world and into your innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams? Do you promise to grow alongside Paige, willing to face changes as you both change in order to keep your relationship alive and exciting? Do you promise to love Paige in good times and in bad, with all you have to give, and all you feel inside, completely and forever?”

“I do,” Tess responds confidently, her voice strong and clear. Paige smiles at her as she slowly slides the wedding band onto her finger, the ring glimmering in the last remnants of the sunlight.

“Paige, do you take Tess to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health? Do you promise to keep yourself open to Tess, to allow her to see through the windows of your world and into your innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams? Do you promise to grow alongside Tess, willing to face changes as you both change in order to keep your relationship alive and exciting? Do you promise to love Tess in good times and in bad, with all you have to give, and all you feel inside, completely and forever?”

Paige’s response is instant. “I do,” she states. She’s grinning widely, her eyes watering with happy tears as she slides the ring onto Tess’s finger, exhaling deeply in sheer contentedness as soon as it’s on. The ring is gorgeous, a perfect match to the engagement ring on her opposite hand, but Tess’s attention is captured by Paige wholly. It’s been like this for years – at the end of the day, Paige is truly the only person who is able to hold Tess’s attention. Ever since their initial fake dating agreement, Tess hasn’t looked at a single person since. Her heart was Paige’s from the day they met, and after their vows, their rings, and their marriage sealing kiss, her heart will remain in Paige’s tender care for the rest of their lifetimes.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you both married. You may now–”

Paige’s hands find her hips before the officiant can even finish their sentence, pulling her into her body and capturing her lips in a kiss that’s equal parts delicate, encompassing, and a testament of all the things they’ve been through to get here. ACLs, arguments, misunderstandings, the feeling that it was easier to pretend they didn’t love each other than to confess what they both knew to be true. Paige was right – this journey was theirs, and Tess wouldn’t change a single thing about them. In the end, they made it here on their own time after they learned crucial lessons about each other and about love. Their journey has been nothing short of perfect and as long as Paige is the one that she gets to experience life with, then Tess is all too happy to see where the wind takes them now that they’re married.

Their friends and family applaud for them and the officiant has moved out of the way for the photographer, but neither of them are paying attention to much of anything that’s not each other. Paige’s smile is bright, blinding despite the rising moonlight. The sheer happiness on her face is difficult to describe but Tess knows it, knows Paige well enough at this point. She fists her hands in the collar of Paige’s top, pulling her back down, grinning against her and laughing when Paige lifts her gently off the ground. The last kiss she presses to her lips is softer, but it’s a lingering promise that feels like returning home all over again.

(And, for the record, when Tess and Paige arrive at the Valkyries facility for their first practice of the season, they are met with gift boxes nestled in their lockers right next to each other. They open the boxes together, finding their matching home and away game jerseys, the name on the back proudly reading BUECKERS-KENNEDY.)

[queenshelby]

The Price for Fame (Part One)

Pairing: Dark!Cillian Murphy x Innocent!Reader

Warning: Manipulation, Infidelity, Smut, Dub-Con, Age-Gap, Cillian is being a bully in this one. It's pure filth.

Just last month, you turned eighteen and moved to Los Angeles to pursue your acting career.

With the help of your friend, Florence Pugh, you scored a role in a new movie which was produced by several big names in the industry, including 48-year-old Oscar winner Cillian Murphy.

Bold enough to believe that life as an acclaimed actress could be yours, you traded the innocence of a rural and religious upbringing for this glitzy haven where fame and glamour wove a pernicious network but it did not take long for things to fall out of place when you screwed up big time on set.

The embarrassment settled in like a slow, tormenting burn as you messed up your lines during a critical emotional scene as much as ten times, causing the shoot to be cut off momentarily. The director, Damien Chazelle, tried to hold his composure but the frustration simmered below the surface. You knew already that he had it out for you, wanting another actress to take your space, and your failure to perform this scene was simply the last straw for him and possibly the end of your career. 

Thus, a quick huddle of the film's top players led to Cillian pulling you aside.

"Let's have a chat," he said coolly, those famous blue eyes impaling you with a steely glare. It was more of a command than an invitation.

"Sure, Cillian. I am so sorry about what happened on set," you stammered, knowing what this was going to be about. 

He was one of the producers of the movie and it was his investment at stake, so you cut right to the chase, "I know you're disappointed but I swear it won't happen again. Anything you want me to do, I just want another chance."

Cillian studied your face for a beat, his blue eyes so piercing you thought he could see right down into the depths of your very soul.

"Let's talk in my trailer, Y/N," he finally said, and began striding off and you followed close behind, unsure of what to expect once you entered his inner sanctum. 

"Listen, I'm getting some heat thanks to you," he began as he sat down and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his bent knees. "Damien wants  you out and I'm getting slammed on all sides for not firing you."

"Listen, I'm getting some heat thanks to you," he began as he sat down and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his bent knees. "Damien wants  you out and I'm getting slammed on all sides for not firing you."

Your heart dropped into your stomach, the implications clear as day. You had to somehow atone for the massive screw-up on set and convince Cillian that you were still a valuable part of this project.

"Please, just tell me what to do and I'll do it," you said, looking him straight in the eye. "I can't afford to lose this opportunity. I'll do whatever it takes."

The words hung heavy in the air and Cillian seemed to consider them before finally responding.

"Whatever it takes, huh?" Cillian repeated, as if mulling over your words. His gaze never left yours, and the intensity of it made you squirm in your seat. "Well, you are a young and attractive woman, Y/N and we could, potentially, come to some kind of arrangement that would keep you employed on this film."

The implications of his words sent a shock through your system. Was he suggesting what you thought he was suggesting?

"What... what kind of arrangement?" you stammered, hating how weak you sounded but unable to control it.

Cillian leaned back in his seat now, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Oh, I think you know."

You shook your head in confusion. You didn't though, not really.

But the way Cillian was looking at you, like you were some sort of puzzle to be figured out, made you feel exposed and vulnerable.

"You need to be more specific," you said, trying to keep your voice steady.

Cillian leaned forward again; his gaze unwavering. "Alright then. Let me be clear. I want to have you in my bed, every night, sometimes even during the day, until we are done filming," Cillian said, his gaze intense.

"What?" you exclaimed, your voice barely above a whisper. "You want me to, uhm, like have sex with you?" you asked and Cillian nodded almost bluntly.

Your mind raced as you tried to process his words. Was this some kind of joke? It had to be, right? Except Cillian's expression was completely serious.

"I don't understand," you said finally, your voice shaking. "Why would you want that? You are married and I am much younger than you," you protested, still reeling from his outlandish request.

Cillian sighed and rubbed his temples before looking back at you. "I am married but my wife is not here, and I do have needs, so this seems like an easy solution for me. Plus, I won't deny that I find you attractive," he told you and you swallowed hard, your heart pounding in your chest. This was not what you had expected when you agreed to come to his trailer. Your mind raced as you tried to come up with a response that wouldn't ruin your career completely.

"I am flattered but I have a boyfriend and we were waiting until marriage, so I have never been intimate with anyone," you told Cillian, hoping that would put an end to this conversation. But instead of appearing taken aback, Cillian seemed almost pleased by this revelation.

"Really?" he said, with a cunning smile before carrying on. "Well, I can be gentle and, as I see it, no one needs to know about this arrangement. Not your boyfriend, not my wife, and especially not anyone on set," Cillian leaned in, whispering conspiratorially.  His piercing blue eyes bore into you, softening just slightly.

"I don't know. I don't think I can do this," you said, your voice barely above a whisper. Your heart was still racing, and your mind was swirling with indecision. On one hand, you couldn't afford to lose this opportunity, and on the other, you couldn't imagine betraying your boyfriend like this.

Cillian leaned back in his seat, studying you for a moment before speaking. "Look, Y/N, I understand your hesitation, but this is purely a business arrangement," Cillian said, his voice low and soothing as he tried to persuade you.

A silence fell between the two of you as you contemplated his words. The dilemma wrestling within you was palpable, the weight of the decision threatening to crush you.

His voice broke through the silence once more, "Think about it, Y/N. You need this role, and I need... well, I need something else."

Cillian's words lingered in the air, making you uncomfortable, and the thought of betraying your boyfriend's trust made your stomach churn.

"Okay, but you have to wear a condom and no kissing," you finally agreed, trying to put in some boundaries.

Cillian's face lit up with excitement as if he had just won a jackpot, but he quickly hid it with a mask of composure. "Of course, Y/N. Whatever makes you comfortable."

You felt violated by the sudden power shift, but you couldn't deny that Cillian was offering you a lifeline, an opportunity to save yourself from drowning in the cutthroat industry of Hollywood. You had come too far to throw it all away for principles that seemed so trivial now.

"Tonight, 8 o'clock at my house, wear something nice," Cillian instructed, before dismissing you with a wave.

The audacity of it all left you breathless. In no universe did you imagine that your innocence would be the currency for maintaining employment in this industry. Yet, here you were, walking away from his trailer, carrying the burden of a secret agreement that clashed heavily with your very soul.

***

Eight o'clock came around soon enough, and after hours of overthinking, you stood by Cillian's front door, wearing an elegant red dress and high heels. You swallowed the lump in your throat as you hesitated for a moment, hesitant to knock.

Cillian answered the door with a seductive smirk on his face. "Right on time," he drawled. His gaze raked over you, leaving a trail of discomfort in its wake. You murmured a soft greeting and stepped inside.

The terrace he was staying it for the duration of filming was nice, tastefully decorated and obviously very expensive.

Cillian led you to the living room where he handed you a glass of wine and whilst you did not usually drink alcohol, you decided tonight was different. You needed to calm your nerves and calm down your inhibitions. 

As you sipped on the red liquid, he gave you a tour of his house and, without losing too much time, he led you to his bedroom.

"Let's get this over with," you gasped quietly, trying to sound confident but your trembling voice betrayed your true emotions.

"Eager are we?" Cillian chuckled as you put down your half-finished wine and sat down on the edge of the mattress, noticing a packet of condoms and a bottle of lubricant on the nightstand.

"No, like I said, I just want to get this over with," you reiterated, biting your lower lip nervously. "I don't want this, but you do, and I want to keep my job, so let's just make this quick," you added, your voice barely above a whisper.

"Alright then," Cillian chuckled, that smug grin still on his face as he moved closer to you. Without losing any time, he pulled his t-shirt over his head before slowly undoing his belt. 

"Why don't you get down on to your knees and get me hard , hmm?" Cillian suggested, the lascivious look in his eyes causing you to shudder.

You hesitated for a moment, feeling repulsed at the idea of going down on him but before you could protest, he grabbed your chin and forced you to look up at him. "Don't pretend you don't want this," he growled, his hot breath on your face making you cringe.

"Okay," you nodded reluctantly, your voice barely above a whisper.

You sunk down to your knees on the plush carpet, feeling completely degraded and humiliated. You could feel the bile rising in your throat as you looked up at him, his crotch directly in front of your face.

Cillian's face was smug as he unzipped his jeans, tugging them down along with his boxers. His cock sprang free, already semi-hard and pointing directly at your face.

"Go on then," he commanded gruffly, unaware that you had never done this before either. 

But you knew you couldn't refuse him. Not if you wanted to keep your job and avoid any negative consequences.

So with shaking hands, you reached up and wrapped your fingers around his thick shaft.

Cillian let out a low moan as you began to stroke him, your grip tight as you moved your hand up and down his length.  Your heart was pounding in your chest, and every movement made your stomach churn.

But you knew this was the price of maintaining your career, so you forced yourself to continue. 

Pre-cum glistened on the tip of his cock, an indication of his growing arousal and, even though you did not know what it was, you pulled away slightly.

"Now be a good girl for me and open your mouth ," Cillian demanded.

You hesitated again, feeling even more repulsed by the request. But you knew there was no room for hesitation or resistance, not if you wanted to keep your job and avoid any negative consequences. So, with trembling lips, you parted your mouth as wide as you could, trying to suppress the sick feeling rising up in your stomach.

"Now stick out your tongue," he ordered.

You did as you were told, sticking out your tongue and closing your eyes which is when Cillian collected some of his pre-cum with his index finger and smeared it on to your tongue.

You opened your eyes , still trembling as you stared up at him, hating every moment of this degradation. Cillian just smiled down at you before nodding for you to continue.

You reluctantly wrapped your lips around the tip of his cock, wincing as the taste of salt and bitter muskiness filled your mouth. 

Cillian then grabbed a fistful of your hair, using it to guide his cock deep into your mouth. He pushed it in farther than you expected, causing you to gag.

"You're going to have to relax and take it all in," he said, his tone cruel and condescending. "Otherwise we're never going to get anywhere."

You swallowed hard, fighting the urge to vomit as you felt his cock hit the back of your throat.

"Sshh , deep breaths," Cillian cooed softly, tugging on your hair as he pulled his hips back and thrust forward again.

You kept your breathing steady and shallow, trying to prevent yourself from gagging on his length. Tears streamed down your cheeks as Cillian's rhythm grew quicker. He groaned with pleasure, his grip on your hair tightening.

Suddenly he pulled out of you, and the sudden emptiness caused relief to flood through you.

"I want you on all fours now, baby," Cillian growled, his voice husky with lust. "That way, I can see how your virgin hole stretches around my cock when I stick it in there."

You swallowed hard, feeling scared but still you complied. You reluctantly positioned yourself on all fours, your heart pounding in your chest as Cillian reached for the condom packet and lubrication.

Cillian tore open the condom packet with his teeth, rolling it down his hard shaft before squeezing out a generous amount of lubrication onto his fingers. He traced them teasingly over your dry folds, causing you to flinch at the unfamiliar touch.

"Please, just get it over with," you whimpered, your voice trembling as you braced yourself for the excruciating pain of losing your virginity.

Cillian chuckled at your eagerness, but you could hear the sarcasm behind it. "So eager to give up that sweet little cherry of yours, huh?" he asked as he positioned himself behind you, the head of his cock brushed up against your entrance.

"This might hurt a little, but I want you to relax and let me in," he said as he began to push himself inside of you.

You couldn't help but let out a loud gasp as the burning sensation of pain spread throughout your entire body. You couldn't believe that you were actually doing this, allowing yourself to be used like this, for nothing but your career.

"Just breathe," Cillian whispered in your ear as he continued to push deeper inside of you.

You felt him bottom out inside of you, and the feeling of fullness was almost too much to bear.

But before you could say anything, he began to thrust in and out of your tight hole, the friction causing a burning sensation to radiate throughout your body.

"Fuck, you're so tight," Cillian groaned, his hips snapping against your ass with each powerful thrust. You couldn't help but let out a loud gasp every time he entered you, feeling every inch of him as he stretched you open.

Sweat dripped down Cillian's forehead, his breath coming out in harsh pants as he continued to pound into you.

"And you are going to have that cock of mine inside you every day now," Cillian grunted, his voice hoarse as he continued to pump in and out of you.  His words made you feel dirty and cheap, but there was nothing you could do to stop him. You were trapped in this situation, trapped in this twisted arrangement between a successful actor and a desperate young actress trying to make it in Hollywood.

Cillian reached between your legs, his fingers finding your clit as he began to circle and rub, causing you to moan involuntarily. The mix of pain and pleasure was overwhelming, making it hard for you to catch your breath.

You came, fast, and then you were in a state of shock, unable to fully comprehend what was happening to you. The man behind you, Cillian, continued to thrust into you with no mercy, his balls slapping against your clit with each pump. His fingers were still manipulating your delicate button, and the combined sensations were building up deep within your core.

Cillian grunted, his pace increasing. You could feel his cock swell inside of you as he approached his own climax.

He then groaned loudly, his fingers digging into your hips as he slammed into you with a final thrust. You could feel him pulsating inside of you, the condom filling with his hot seed.

Soon after that, Cillian withdrew from you, and your body ached with the emptiness. He tossed the used condom to the side before collapsing onto the bed next to you.

"You impressed me tonight," Cillian said breathlessly as he wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you close.

His body was slick with sweat, and his cock was still semi-hard against your thigh.

"I had to," you muttered, pulling away from his embrace. You couldn't bear the thought of being close to him after what just transpired between you.

Cillian chuckled softly, his breath hot against your neck. "I know, and I'm grateful," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss on the curve of your shoulder.

"I want you to go on the pill," he said, his voice firm. "I can't be bothered with condoms all the time, and I want to feel you bare. Can you do that for me?"

His request caught you off guard, but you didn't protest. You were already in too deep, and a part of you wanted to give him what he wanted.

"Okay," you murmured softly.

Cillian smiled at your response, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on your bare thigh.

"Good girl," he whispered approvingly, before pulling you close for another bruising kiss before leaving you to clean yourself up and head back home.

Tags:

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[s4bbatical]

YOUR GIRL | Part One. Patrick Zweig X Female!Reader

Pairing: Patrick Zweig x female!reader, Tashi Duncan x female!reader (platonic)

Summary: After your parents announce their divorce, you're sent to New York to pursue your passion for the arts at NYU. Your cousin, the infamous tennis player Tashi Duncan, introduces you to her insufferable colleagues at a house party in the upper east side. Already a sore thumb from rural Canada, Patrick can't help but find interest in an untouched territory.

Word Count: 2,250.

Warnings: Sexual tension, profanities, mentions of alcohol and cigarette use.

MINORS DNI

Notes: The timeline is inaccurate in comparison to the film, this is an AU. All characters introduced are barely in their early 20s, unless stated otherwise. No use of y/n.

Part 2. Part 3. Part 4.

CHAPTER ONE: "No. 1 Party Anthem"

It was a rather warm evening in Brooklyn. The year was 2013, and you were attempting to catch up on your introductory studies that had fallen upon you, against your expectations for your third year of university.

You were freshly 21 as of three weeks ago. Like many others, you had taken a gap year after you graduated high school. University seemed out of reach whilst dealing with the sour taste of your parents divorce, barely making it out alive of your hometown. Your mother approached you with the idea of transferring in the latter of your second year, suggesting it would be in everyone's best interests to get the fuck out of there. You could not have been more eager to arrive to your grandparents home in the heart of Brooklyn, able to distance yourself from the hellish scape of manure and arguments.

Your phone was ringing, piercing through the music playing through your headphones. You had been listening to Arctic Monkey's hit album AM while trying to cram all your assignments in one night. The triple shot latte you ordered two hours ago was far from warm, and had only made you more exhausted than helpful.

You picked up your phone, seeing Tashi's name displayed across the screen. You answer without a second thought.

"Hey, what's up?" You say nonchalantly, rubbing your forehead with your free hand. The caffeine was starting to create a dull ache between your brows.

"You're still coming out tonight, right?" Tashi asks eagerly on the other end.

You furrow your brows, confused. "What?" You say after a moment of silence.

Tashi sighs. "Don't tell me you forgot already. I asked you to come to this party with me not even a week ago? Is school already melting your braincells?" She asks, a tone of bemusement behind her words.

The conversation from last Monday replays in your mind quickly before you sigh.

"Right, sorry. That's tonight?" You ask, hoping that wasn't the case.

"Why else would I be calling you," Tashi says. "It starts at nine. I'm planning to be there by ten, obviously." She states matter-of-factly.

Your other hand runs through your hair. You were already tired at the thought of leaving the house from the comfort of your desk, let alone for a party.

"Tashi, it's like, eight already." You point out, pursing your lips as you read the clock on your macbook. You'd hope that statement alone would prevent her from egging you further.

"I know, that's why I'm already outside!" She exclaims.

"You're what?!" You respond, standing up.

"Can you let me in? I think grandma and grandpa already went to bed. I've rang the doorbell like three times." She says.

You raise a brow, looking over your computer and into the street through your window.

Tashi was, in fact, on the phone in front of your grandparent's house.

You laugh in shock, shaking your head. "You continue to surprise me since we were four, swear to god." You mumble into your phone right before hanging up.

You exit your room and head down the stairs, unlocking the front door to reveal Tashi.

She was still wearing a tennis skirt, but opted her matching top for a sweater that hung off her shoulder perfectly. She reminded you of a Brandy Melville mannequin.

Before you could even say a word, she steps into the house and engulfs you in a hug.

"I missed you, I am so glad your mom sent you here." She says, pulling back to reveal a mischievous grin.

"Hey, I chose to be here." You remind her as you close the front door. "But, I'm glad I'm here too." You admit, smiling back.

"Okay, so let me give you a run down of most of the people in attendance."

-

An hour later, you find yourself three shots deep into the grey goose bottle Tashi's mom gifted her as apart of her congratulatory gift for her tournament wins last month. Your bluetooth speaker plays a ripped playlist you curated yourself, thanks to the ability to download MP3s via Youtube. Tashi is giving you the most comical stories on every person she introduces into the story, and you are enjoying every single minute of it.

"...And there's this stubborn asshole named Patrick," She says, rolling her eyes. "I had my eyes set on Art all summer, but he would not leave me alone." She says, taking another swig of her bottle. She winces before continuing. "We did end up hooking up a few times, though." She giggled.

You gasp, smacking her arm. This action only cause her to laugh even more, shrugging in response.

"Seriously? Where's your dignity Duncan?" You scoff, chuckling.

"It was worth it, he's the best in bed I've had so far." She admits, sighing. She looked off in the distance as if she was reminiscing for a moment. "But what a fucking egotistical dickbag." She adds, shaking her head.

"Dickbag?" You repeat, laughing at the odd insult she used.

"He is equivalent to a bag of dicks!" She exclaims holding up a finger to further accentuate her point. "If you see him tonight," She put her hands on your shoulders, looking into your eyes. "Do not speak to him. He's a waste of space. Everyone he hasn't slept with- yet! Still fuck with him for some reason. We will definitely be seeing him there." She sighs, letting go of your shoulders.

You hum in thought. "Can I see a photo of these people you speak of?" I ask out of curiosity.

Tashi nods, holding up her phone to unlock it. "Wait, shit! We need to go!" She exclaims, getting up almost too fast. She nearly loses her balance before straightening herself out. "Let's get a taxi." She ushers you to get up, the alcohol coursing through your body.

-

Before you can even comprehend where you were, the taxi pulls up to a gorgeous mansion, somewhere in the upper eastside. You didn't recognize the address Tashi gave the driver, simply watching her pay him the fee as you both got out of the car. You could hear the music pulsing from within the house, recognizing We Are the People by Empire Of The Sun from anywhere. You were ecstatic, to say the least. It was your first party in New York after all.

Tashi grabs your arm and leads you eagerly to the front door, reassuring you that it "Isn't that big of a party."

As she opens the front door, you're met with colorful lights and the faint scent of smoke and music entwining with your senses.

If this wasn't a big party to her, then it was the Met Gala she must've been comparing to. You were already being pulled through a mass of sweaty, drunk bodies, barely holding your own upright. You held onto your cousin's arm as you just make it through to the other side. It was the kitchen, you assumed. The island was littered with different liquors and mixers to pair. You reserved your shock for a later conversation, attempting to hold a nonchalant demeanor as Tashi introduced you to some of her friends and colleagues from the tennis realm; a world you were a stranger in.

"Art, this is my cousin." Tashi introduces you. You recognize his name from the earlier conversation, sticking out your hand to shake his.

"Nice to meet you!" You exclaim over the music.

He laughs, shaking your hand. "Likewise!" He says. The blonde held a red solo cup in one hand, and a cigarette behind his ear. How classy. you thought to yourself.

The amount of bodies passing by and grazing you made you want to scream, overwhelmed by all the sensations around you.

"Tashi, I'm stepping outside for some air." You tell your cousin. She nods, rubbing your arm before rejoining her conversation with unknown characters.

You step out into the backyard. A game of beer pong is to your right, and a wide backyard with a pool lies ahead of you. You decide to find solace in a lawn chair, digging for your smokes in the pocket lining of your grandpa's leather jacket that you claimed as your own.

You placed a Marlboro Red in your mouth and lit it up, watching the scene in front of you.

The game of beer pong was rather intense, men yelling at each other over the bounce of a plastic ball. You knew you should socialize, but the alcohol was beginning to wear off. Your confidence was at a total zero. Your eyes wander off to the left, landing on someone who caught your eye.

He also had a cigarette dangling from his mouth, egging his opponents to sink a cup. He holds his cigarette to let out a laugh as they fail to do so, flipping them off in return. He was wearing a striped button up that was surely no where near buttoned, and jeans that hung around his waist perfectly, a mess of black hair on top of his head.

You kept your eyes on him as you took another drag of your cigarette. You could hear the infamous song Sexy Boy by Air playing from inside, which was oddly fitting for what you saw in front of you. You play it off when he looks in your direction, redirecting your eyes to the pool instead. You glance back over at the game, the mysterious male's eyes still on you before he throws the ping pong ball into the final solo cup. He secures his victory, cheering as his teammates gather around and pat his back vigorously.

Men. You think to yourself, holding back from rolling your eyes. You decide you needed another drink, getting up and heading back into the house.

Tashi was nowhere to be seen, not that it was a total surprise to you. She was one of the newest it girls to the scene, she deserved her rounds of congratulations in return for you being left to your own devices.

You wander over to the island full of alcohol, retrieving a plastic cup for yourself to fill with a random concoction that you could barely stomach. You down it in a matter of seconds, not wanting the taste of vodka with a splash of sprite to linger on your tongue longer than it has to. You decide to make yourself another for extra measure, knocking it back like it was cough medicine.

You continue to move through the masses, finding an armchair that was beckoning for you to sit upon. You place yourself on the plush throne, pulling your phone out of your pocket as you mindlessly scroll through your Instagram feed.

For what seems like merely a minute later, you sense a presence hovering over you. You look up, your eyes meeting the same ones you were ogling earlier. It was mystery beer pong man.

"Can I help you?" You ask, the alcohol giving you a surge of confidence.

The male raises and eyebrow and begins to smirk down at you. "I don't know, can you?" He queries, sipping on his drink. He notices your lack of interest, chuckling to himself. "What's your name?" He asks.

You let a moment go by before answering. His eyes widen slightly at your response. "Aren't you Tashi's cousin?" He says, his smirk now grown into a idiotic smile plastered on his face.

"Yeah," You say, standing up from the chair to meet his level. Unfortunately, he still towered over you with his height, but that didn't stop you from standing your ground. "And you are?" You ask, crossing your arms.

"Save that for later." He says, looking down at you with a drunken gaze. "I think you're quite beautiful." He states bluntly, taking another sip of his drink.

Your cheeks develop a pinkish hue at the sound of his words, looking down for a moment before returning his gaze.

"Aren't you a confident one?" You say, your eyes narrowing.

"I only speak the truth." He says in defense, closing the space between you two by a few inches. "Where is your cousin? Quite rude of her to leave you all alone." He murmurs, tilting his head.

You scoff, glaring at him. "She has more friends here than I do, I'm not obligated to to stay by her side the whole time." You remark, challenging him with your tone.

The mystery man raises his hands in defense. "Hey, relax. It was just an innocent question." He glances over at the vacant couch to the left of him. "Sit with me, yeah?" His question was more of a command, finding yourself sat beside him before you could realize what was happening. He stretches his arm out on top of the cushions behind you, basically inviting you to sit closer to him.

You don't understand what came over you, whether it was the alcohol or your loneliness, but you listened. Your hips were basically touching, and you started telling him about myself.

"... And that's how I ended up here. Well, Brooklyn." You finish, placing your hands in your lap.

He nods, taking a final sip of his drink. "So, you really don't know anyone besides your intolerable classmates and Tashi?" He says, his eyes gazing over your body before meeting your eyes again.

"No, not really." You admit, shrugging. You attempt to ignore the flames licking the inside of your stomach due to his constant stares at your body, your hands fidgeting with the tassels of your bohemian camisole.

"Well, consider me a new friend." He hums, leaning in closer to you. He places his hands on top of yours, stopping you from playing with your shirt.

At this point, you could feel his breath just barely grazing your lips. You found the sudden urge to take this man to the bathroom and do inexcusable things to him, things you couldn't even tell your own cousin about.

Before you could suggest a change of scenery, Tashi appears in front of the two of you.

"I've been looking for you everywhere!" She exclaims, glancing between the two of you. She glares down at the man who you nearly were about to hook up with if given the chance. "You," She scolds, pointing a finger at him. "Do not speak to my cousin ever again Patrick!" She grabs ahold of your arm and pulls you onto your feet.

Patrick.

Your eyes widen, looking between your pissed off cousin and the bemused man.

That's Patrick? You thought to yourself. The douchebag Tashi warned me about?

"Chill the fuck out, Duncan. I wasn't gonna do anything," He reassures, looking over at you. "Yet." He adds with a handsome grin.

Tashi groans. "You... Ugh! We're leaving, now." She tells you, pulling you away from the scene and towards the door.

You look over your shoulder to catch a glimpse of Patrick waving goodbye, a smirk growing on his face. You had a feeling this wasn't going to be the last time you'd hear from him, and you couldn't figure out if that was a bad thing or not.

-

hii, this is the first chapter of a mini series im attempting to start during my personal writers block, lol. ignore any grammar errors, I didnt really read this over. i hope you like it! let me know if you'd like the next part, my crush on josh o'connor keeps my inspiration growing. feel free to suggest other scenarios you'd like me to write. thank you for your time!

[artsekey]

Recommended Media | 2024 Roundup!

Hey, everyone! I decided to collect a list of my top media of 2024; I'm very picky about how I spend my limited free time, and everything on this list gets a 10/10 recommendation from me!

I don't do reviews often, but I personally prioritize strong storytelling over everything else... though as a professor of animated film, I'm a sucker for strong technical execution, too! The media included on this list were not necessarily released in 2024, either-- I personally experienced them for the first time this year.

Best Shows:

These pieces of media are exemplars of storytelling and objectively excellent technical execution; I'd recommend them to most.

Blue Eye Samurai was captivating from start to finish-- so much so that I watched it three times all the way through! I'm not one to re-watch shows, but this was a true gem. The style didn't draw me in at first, and I'm not a huge fan of the genre, but the tight writing, clear themes, and artistic execution make this a much-watch for me.

Unsurprisingly, Fortiche's Arcane makes the list. Not only did the team do a great job of creating an immersive world and compelling characters, but the art direction on this show has been phenomenally influential in the animation world. Everything-- from the editing, camerawork, animation, voice acting, foley-work, score, and pacing-- is excellent. I use sections of this show in my Master's level courses because the use of film theory is so consistent and well executed!

Pluto is a beautifully animated adaptation of the 2003 Award-Winning Manga by the same name that discusses the horrors and aftermath of war through the lens of a futuristic sci-fi murder-mystery. Though it gets off to a slow start-- demanding a three episode investment before it truly has you hooked-- its beautiful visuals and compelling narrative act as a wonderful tribute to a touching and poignant story.

Best Games:

Big Mode's Animal Well is the indie studio's debut title, and as someone who loves story, this game... has none. It's on this list because despite my aversion to story-light games, I could not put it down. It's a reasonably priced, beautifully art-directed puzzler that rewards exploration and experimentation in a way that few modern games do.

Atlus's Persona 4: Golden has my whole heart. I played Persona 5, enjoyed it, but picked up Persona 4 while on vacation. It is, by far, my favorite Persona game. You arrive in a small, rural town on the heels of a gruesome murder and slowly collected a group of misfit teenagers who are truly struggling to figure out who they are. Every character feels well-rounded, and at over 150 hrs of playtime, this dated title-- available on Switch-- is worth every penny, even in 2024.

Hiding Spot's Beacon Pines is a touching story about a kid slowly unraveling the dark history of his hometown. Though it's a short experience, the mechanics offer a fun and unique twist on the visual novel genre that had me coming back for more over and over again! The art is adorable, the music is sweet, and the story is a compelling delight that gives the player the convincing illusion of agency.

[sidedished]

stardew valley mods

hi! 👋🏻 listing down all the mods for my current sdv save, will do my best to update this list as i play!

✧ stardew valley 1.6 (with sve) ✧ mac mini (m1) ✧ updated 04.10.24

always double check the requirements before downloading mods! feel free to ask me questions, i'll do my best to help! 🫶🏻

📝 prerequisites

✧ smapi ✧ content patcher ✧ json assets ✧ spacecore ✧ alternative textures ✧ expanded preconditions utility ✧ farm type manager (for sve) ✧ mail framework mod (for life cycle)

🎮 gameplay

✧ dying grandpa intro retexture ✧ event expansion ✧ life cycle ✧ romantic love letters ✧ stardew valley expanded + grandpa's farm

👩🏻‍🌾 farmer & characters/npc a lot of my JA clothes don't work since the 1.6 update, so i may temporarily move to using FS until i get JA clothing to work in game. keeping these on the list regardless!

✧ alternate dusty portraits ✧ coii's girl sets ✧ cozy scarves (fs) ✧ customizable baby and children ✧ fashion sense ✧ gh's peach body type ✧ rural outfitters (fs) ✧ seasonal improved leo ✧ the coquette collection (fs) ✧ yomi's retro colored dress (fs) ✧ baechu's seasonal outfits + slightly cuter aesthetic seasonal outfits (i'm using a combination of baechu's and poltergeister's portraits and sprites so unfortunately i can't share an accurate link for this) ✧ baechu's seasonal outfits (sve) + slightly cuter aesthetic seasonal outfits for sve (same for this one!) ✧ beom mung's shirts & pants (beom mung has since changed their id, so i can't share an accurate link for this) ✧ delloti's daily pants set ✧ delloti's daily shirt set (ver. 2) ✧ delloti's hats set ✧ delloti's look ✧ the teddy edit

🐥 animals & livestock

✧ elle's cuter dogs ✧ elle's new barn animals ✧ elle's new coop animals ✧ elle's new horses ✧ elle's town animals

🏠 house interior/furniture

✧ aimon's fancy farmhouse ✧ aimon's tidy cozy ginger island farmhouse ✧ cozy farmhouse kitchen ✧ dustbeauty's industrial furniture (at) ✧ elle's kitchen replacement ✧ futan bear (at) ✧ greenhouse set (at) ✧ guxelbit's furniture (at) ✧ mi's and magimatica country furniture ✧ nano's retro style furniture (at) ✧ redesigned shed layout ✧ rustic country walls & floors ✧ seasonal open windows (at) ✧ suitcase record player ✧ tile kitchen & dining set ✧ too many swatches (lite) ✧ warm cozy fireplaces ✧ west elm furniture by atlas (at)

🌱 farming/craftable retextures

✧ chest deco (at) ✧ dshi food retexture ✧ fancy artifacts retexture ✧ fancy artisan goods retexture ✧ fancy crops & foraging retexture ✧ fancy fish & tackles retexture ✧ fancy trash & resources retexture ✧ firefly torch ✧ forest wood craftables (at) ✧ gwen's lamps ✧ nano's garden style craftables (at) ✧ nyangcarecrow ✧ terracotta garden pots ✧ wallet items retexture ✧ warp totems to magic book tomes

🧸 aesthetic/map

✧ daisyniko's earthy recolour ✧ daisyniko's recolor fix for sve ✧ dustbeauty's country town interior ✧ elle's seasonal buildings ✧ elle's town buildings ✧ ellie's seasonal paths & flooring ✧ interiors of pelican town ✧ molamole's seasonal mailbox (at) ✧ more grass ✧ seasonal special order board retexture ✧ simple foliage ✧ wildflower grass field

🎨 ui

✧ cozy accent interface ✧ custom menu background ✧ farmer 2.0 ESWF looks ✧ farmer portraits ✧ generic mod config menu ✧ script font

🌻 quality of life

✧ cjb cheats menu ✧ cjb item spawner ✧ cjb show item sell price ✧ lookup anything ✧ noclip mode ✧ npc map locations ✧ ui info suite

[lavenderlight]

"In fair Summerset we set our scene, In Alinor, built from glass, or insect wing, A single hulkynd on her own, One day, she dreams, of the throne…"

Alright, here we go.

Introducing Sirieth Morag, a hulkynd (Altmer who was disowned as a child for being 'imperfect'... yeah... in Medieval TS2 terms, this means Orphan+Outcast).

"Morag" means "woodsman/forester", and since Sirieth doesn't have/know her family name, she took that one for herself now that she is an adult. Sirieth dreams of properly joining Altmeri Society, ashamed of her past as a burdensome child at a monastery for Stendarr and desiring a place in the world and identity as well as to perhaps meet her One And Only, as a Hopeless Romantic...

Having been forced to live off the land to survive, Sirieth was shown mercy when the lord of the rural outskirts of Alinor put her on the books as a hunter for the lesser townsfolk. It is her hope that by being dutiful, pious, and striving for Alaxon, she can get somewhere...

-------

Now for the gameplay talk! I've always wanted to try the Warwickshire Renaissance Challenge - like do the full thing, and have a hood following it. Problem is, every time, I got way too overwhelmed. Still, the idea of playing the overachiever perfectionist iron-laced society of the Summerset Isles with this ruleset was too tempting, hehe.

One thing I'm trying is that instead of working "top down" like the WRC guide asks you to do, I'm playing with a more MCC style "bottom up". In other words, while I do have my main hood with the Alinor Royal Palace, I made the royal family and called it there. Sirieth isn't going to be interacting with nobility anyway, so I don't see a point in burning myself out building. Right now I have a sort of "fog of war" thing going on where I have empty lots named with whatever it'll be, but no sims or builds until Sirieth gets there (if ever)

Anyway, Sirieth is a serf since looking at the rules, all a born-outcast that has become an adult has to do is... commit to being one lol. Sirieth's first goal will be to rise to Peasant. Can she do it? Let's see!

Also, I will of course, be tweaking rules as I go to fit Altmer history rather than European human. As an example, no gender roles are in place. Rather, the eldest child. Skills, social relationships, and family history will be of great value. AL witches will be a big player in Clerical Favour stuff since Altmer religion has a huge huge huge focus on, and appreciation for magic.

Of which, Sirieth doesn't have a single lick of knowledge on. Yet.

[irisintheafterglow]

End Game #4 (volleyball captain!gojo x you)

summary: your ex shows up as a captain at a training camp and your captain puts him in his place.

word count: 1.8k

cw/tags: language, jjk volleyball au, reader's ex sucks (allusions to cheating and crossing boundaries, but nothing descriptive)

note: i'm a sucker for protective satoru, that's it.

likes/reblogs/feedback are always appreciated <3

The last time you could recall Satoru taking his duty as captain seriously was during training camp several months earlier, and even then, his motivation was fueled by spite. 

“Fuck.” 

“What’s wrong?” 

“Nothing, it's fine. Can we just go around this way instead?” You pinch the sleeve of his track jacket, tugging him back the way you’d just entered. He follows, obediently but puzzled, sneaking a glance over his shoulder to see who you were avoiding. Your vision zeroes in on the doors, ears ringing in panic. Just a few more yards, you think. Just a bit further.

“It’s good to see you, sweetheart,” a sickening voice calls from the other side of the hallway, and your body tenses on its own, heart dropping into your stomach. Your jaw aches from how hard you’re clenching your mouth shut, and your feet are carrying you faster away from the asshole behind you. You don’t dare look at Satoru. “Aw, ignoring me? I see you haven’t changed.” Hold out. Ignore his remarks; they’re just words. Just get Satoru out of here–  

“Huh.” He makes an unamused, slightly disgusted noise. You can clearly imagine the scowl boring into the back of your head. “That's your new boy toy?” 

Immediately your captain digs his heels into the linoleum hallway, effectively screeching you both to a halt. You look back at him, eyes pleading with him to keep moving in the reflection of his round-rimmed sunglasses. But he’s stubborn, and cracks his neck from side to side like he’s ready for a fight. He turns, and his eyes narrow dangerously as he takes in the guy approaching him. You watch his body subtly drift in front of you, so easily and protectively that it makes your heart falter. 

“Satoru, wait–”

“It’s okay. Let me handle it,” he murmurs, flicking his eyes across the player standing right in front of him, tall enough for their eyes to meet. His voice drips fake chivalry and lethal venom. “From the countryside, hmm? You must be pretty good since there’s nothing else to do out there.” 

“How ‘bout you ask your little manager what we’d do out there?” Red-hot anger flares in your chest, but the cool calm of Satoru’s voice cuts you off. 

“I’m not gonna ask them anything regarding you.” His voice is even, but his fists open and close, a habit that only showed itself when he was on the brink of snapping. “Since they already deemed you unworthy of their time, you’re definitely not worth any more of mine. Toodles!” You cough, choking on your own oxygen at his childish goodbye.

“You fucking–”

Razor-sharp blue eyes stun him into silence. “See you on the court.” 

Satoru’s long, muscled arm snakes around your shoulders, pulling you into his side and steering you away from the prick in the hallway. He doesn’t let you go until you’re safely deposited by Yaga’s side, even as you take the long way around the school to the gym. You mumble out a thank you before he walks away to join the rest of the team warming up, shooting a lopsided grin over his shoulder. “Tell me about him later, yeah?” 

“Yeah.” You smile softly, chuckling as he dances around the trembling first-years in an attempt to ease their nerves. As much of an idiot Satoru was, he was a caring upperclassman when he wanted to be. The tender moment doesn’t last long, though, as the team you’re matched against first takes their positions on the other side of the court; there in the middle, wearing a repulsive leer and rolling a broad shoulder, is your ex. 

He was a summer fling from when you stayed with relatives for a month in a rural prefecture outside of Tokyo. His family was a friend of a friend of a friend, and you’d met at a neighborhood reunion when no one else your age was present. You’d bonded initially over volleyball, and you found yourself naively fascinated by his egotistical boasting. He asked you out shortly after, but rushed your relationship even when you were still new to having a partner. Nothing intimate occurred beside kissing, but you’d abruptly cut things off when he started wanting more physically than what you were comfortable with, not to mention the handful of other girls he kept on speed-dial when you weren’t available. Now he was here, captain of his school’s volleyball team, about to face off against the captain of your school’s volleyball team. It seemed that Fate had a cruel sense of humor. 

Yaga summons the team to huddle before the match starts, spouting his usual instructions to focus on offensive power and allow defense to flow organically. The players nod in assent, but you catch Satoru’s eye one too many times to be called merely an accident. 

“We haven’t played them before, but that doesn’t mean they should be underestimated. Be smart. Don’t die.” Yaga finishes his spiel, and the boys scoff at the usual melodrama of the ending, preparing their hands to break like clockwork. To them, it was just another practice match; you give them a pained smile when they ask you what lunch will be. You wring your hands unconsciously, sweating slightly from the unrelenting stare of your ex on the back of your neck. 

Carefree laughter dies back as Satoru’s stern voice cuts through the comfortable atmosphere of the team. “Oi, oi. Quiet, all of you.”  His expression is serious and unreadable, eyes dark with determination. “I’m going all out, this game.” You’re taken aback, and you catch Suguru blinking, dumbfounded. Even Yaga looked surprised. His face asked what you were all thinking: Why now? “I’m not saying you should go all out; that’s not what I mean.” His large hands quiet the team’s muttering. “This isn’t a command.” His gaze settles on you and your heart stops.

“It’s a warning.” 

The match starts, and it ends just as quickly. 

Satoru, Captain Satoru, leads your team to rack up fifteen points like he’d done it in his sleep. 

Most of the points were service aces from his own hands, to the point where Suguru and Nanami started grumbling that the match was just target practice. Even though he said he would go all out, you could tell he wasn’t wasting any extra energy; you bit your lip in an attempt to muffle laughter when you saw him yawn. The match wasn’t anything special, but you witnessed him act as captain in his own way, instructing players to do things that he knew would piss off the other team. Inumaki barely had to touch the floor as his upperclassmen formed an impenetrable wall over the net, much to the dismay of the other team’s hitters. He told Megumi to trial-run his setter dumps, Yuuji to try his jump serve at full power, and even pulled off a few good fakeouts with Panda that had you fistbumping Yaga. When the match concludes, you sneak a smug glance at the captain of the other team and are delighted to see his face bright red, practically steaming from the ears. He huffs out a muddled threat of a rematch before stomping away with his team to run the punishment lap around the school. 

You gravitate to Satoru, handing him a water bottle and a towel as he rests his head against the wall of the gym, cross-legged on the floor. You slide down next to him, and the corner of his mouth quirks up arrogantly. 

“You see me block that idiot’s cross shot?” 

“I did.” You look at him appreciatively, too happy to hide behind spunk or cynicism. “It was nice, seeing someone so effortlessly counter what he brags as his best attack.” 

“‘Best attack,’ my ass. He loves to act like he’s ambidextrous, but he’s–”

“More comfortable on his left than his right. I’m surprised you noticed.”

“He’s also shit at receiving and bullies that kid setter to give him the ball every other play. Their defense wouldn’t know a hole if they were the ones that drilled it.” 

“You really analyzed the hell out of them, Satoru.”

“Of course I did. Needed to know how to properly kick them to the curb.” You chuckle at the unfiltered malice in his voice and he beams back at you, bright as full moonlight. Your stomach turned, and you let yourself acknowledge how beautiful he looked, blue eyes glimmering and hair falling messily across his forehead. 

“Why can’t you be like this for every game?”

“Because I’m not defending your honor in every game,” he says nonchalantly, tilting the bottle toward you for emphasis. His tone is casual, but you both knew that he was taking a practice match more seriously than usual, more than it deserved. 

You can’t help feeling amused at him considering your ex a petty villain, like a rival knight from a neighboring kingdom. “Is that what that was, then?”

“Oh, loudly telling Suguru the match was a waste of time wasn’t obvious enough?” 

“Mmm, no. I think you should do it again,” you tease, bumping your shoulder gently against his. He mirrors your smile, alleviating any lingering worries pestering your mind. His voice softens, eyebrows dipping as he carefully chooses his words. 

“Were you with him for that month when you were in the countryside?” 

“Yeah.” 

“When you abandoned me?” He jokingly glares at you, and you roll your eyes. He was impossible. 

“Satoru.” 

“Sorry. Force of habit.” It’s silent for a moment, and then Satoru’s voice drops to a barely audible octave, low and cautious. “He didn’t do anything, did he?”  

Understanding washes over your face and you shake your head adamantly. “No, no. I cut him off before he could try anything stupid.” 

“Good. I knew you wouldn’t let him, but I wanted to be sure.” His eyes are still dark with something like suppressed wrath, mouth drawn into a tight line. 

“I don’t like that look on your face.”

The dangerous expression is gone in a blink, replaced by faux-indignancy. “This is just my face! Are you saying I’m ugly? I can’t believe you just called me ugly.” 

“No, I’m saying you look homicidal.” 

He snorts. “You’re not wrong.”

“Satoru!”

“Kidding! Partially.” Your face falls when he walks back into the gym, scowling and breathless from the punishment lap. Satoru catches you looking, and clicks his tongue disapprovingly. “You don’t need to worry about him anymore.” 

“You think I’m worried?” 

“I know you are, even if you won’t admit it. I’m just saying. I won’t let him bother you. I'm the strongest, after all.” You’re speechless at the earnestness of his statement, and settle for mumbling another thank you, avoiding his eyes. 

For the remaining days of the training camp, Satoru is attached to you at the hip, guarding you from the hungry stares and glares of other players. Though the rest of the team notices, he doesn’t explain his declaration of war against your ex’s team. In return, you feed him the meager information you had about his strategies, murmuring what ankle he seemed to be weaker on so Satoru could exploit it and enrage him further. The best part was that he did all of this subtly, never drawing extra attention to you or giving the impression that this was all to make you laugh. You find that he likes to look at you over his shoulder when he does something to piss your ex off, and his grin gets wider when you laugh. 

You find that you like it when he looks over his shoulder at you, too.

[kiss-players-rewrite]

WELCOME TO KISS PLAYERS REWRITE!

AKA the blog that is meant to be the rewrite for the infamous and rather-disturbing Transformers Kiss Players!

Now to explain the rewrite, it's basically that: a rewrite of Transformers Kiss Players except make it a lot more approachable for everyone. That, and well, it's now a magical girl show! Well, "show" is not really the right word as it's a blog and a fanfic, but I digress.

Now allow me to introduce the Kiss Players themselves!

Marissa Faireborn - A 19-year-old American girl who grew up near the beaches of South California and was a massive Optimus Prime fangirl when she was young, Marissa is the optimistic and cheerful leader of the Kiss Players, best friends with everyone but is the most friendly with Elita-1 and Optimus, equally. Marissa transforms into her Transformer form "Hibiscus", whose vehicle is that of a pink-and-black Camaro (or at least something similar.), and fuses with Elita-1 to become Malva-1 or "Borboletta". Hiya, everyone! This is Marissa Faireborn, coming to you, live on Kiss Players Rewrite!

Shaoshao Li - An 18-year-old Chinese girl who once grew up in the rural parts of China before her family moved to the city and has a connection to organic life, like plants and animals, Shaoshao is the stern yet gold-hearted Kiss Player, essentially the caretaker of the group (despite her being one-year-younger to Marissa), though she tends to have a short-length fuse, she genuinely cares for others and when someone is hurt, she won't hesitate to tend to their wounds, which is how she managed to meet and become friends with Dinobot (Beast Wars Dinobot, to be precise.) Shaoshao transforms into her Transformer form "Kickback", whose vehicle mode is a fiery-red-orange Honda Dream motorcycle (or at least something similar.), and fuses with Dinobot to become Dinokick or "Velocikick". Oi, everyone. This is Shaoshao Li, also coming to you, live on Kiss Players Rewrite. (Can I go home now? No? Okay).

Atari Hitotonari - A 16-year-old girl (Plot Twist: She's 17 due to the E.D.C.'s fuckery and Amao's dark intentions) who grew up in the suburbs of Japan before being taken in by the E.D.C. after her parents were killed in a building-collapse, Atari is the Kiss Player who starts off as a shy and dependent girl, afraid of everything and is often considered a crybaby to some, but later down the line, she ends up becoming independent enough to go against the E.D.C. and its wrongdoings (in the form of her abuse at the hands of Amao) and ends up becoming a powerful member of the Kiss Players, despite at the beginning of being a Kiss Player, her powers were unstable and she can't control them, but thanks to others close to her, she manages to control her powers and become a powerhouse. She cares much about others around her but cares the most about her hospitalized colleague Kayu Michikusa, and the mentally-troubled Decepticon Starscream, who saved her from getting eaten by a spider-scorpion monstrosity in a cave system after her Autotrooper, Ne-04 was torn apart by the thing, and has been attached to Starscream ever since (Even going as far as to try and figure out what led to him being the monster he was in Earthspark S2-S3). Atari transforms into her Transformer form "Techcross", whose vehicle mode is a jet (any model is up to you, it's a rather small jet), and fuses with Starscream to become Techscream or "Starcross". O-Ohayo, gozaimasu. I'm Atari Hitotonari... Coming to you... (Gosh, why can't I say the whole thing?)

= = = =

PLOT SUMMARY OF THE REWRITE:

Set in a merged continuity outside of the Cyberstars continuity, Cyber-Spirit Hanenohara was researching how to make humans into powerful Cybertronian warriors (Magical-Girl style) after succeeding with the Cybertronian Androids, or the Cyberstars, and their ability to transform Magical-Girl style, and landing on the Kiss Players, dragging the girls (and others from the Kiss Players) into the Earthspark continuity, wiping their memories and changing them drastically while still keeping their original formula, and shaping everything into how she properly wants it to be.

Afterward, the E.D.C. was formed by Hitoshizuku Amao after her daughter died in an unknown accident, on the surface is an organization that works for the Japanese government and specializes in pilot-powered Transformer-Mechas called "Autotroopers", but really the organization was only a facade to hide Amao's darkest secret, to find a way to resurrect her daughter by finding the DNA of a Transformer from all over the globe and using rather unethical experimentation to recreate her, which leads to Amao having an alliance and partnership with the Unicronian-descent Cybertronian-Quintesson cross-breeds, The Legion, and their leader Elysia. In doing so, The Legion would contaminate certain spots where Cybertronian life might be active with tiny microscopic eggs that, when ingested, will grow and parasitize on the Cybertronian's spark, draining the Cybertronian of their hope and morality, before becoming nihilistic murder machines that the parasites will control in. All of this, to resurrect Amao's daughter.

The members of the E.D.C. are sent on death missions to retrieve the DNA of Transformer Amao, whom the Legion needs to resurrect her daughter.

One of these members is Atari, who was initially thought to be the rookie of the E.D.C. members but was with the E.D.C. for quite some time, despite their rather illegal policy of letting members retire once they reached a certain age, which is 17, 18, and 19, meaning that those members sent to these death missions were children, as young as 13 and as old as 16. She and her Autotrooper were sent on one of these death missions in a cavern system, leading to the Autotrooper getting torn apart by a large spider-scorpion monster and Atari being saved by (conveniently-placed) Starscream, who she became friends with before departing back to the E.D.C.

Then, some girls were formally part of the E.D.C. but were either kicked out because of the E.D.C.'s policy or something else. Two of them are Marissa Faireborn and Shaoshao Li.

Marissa Faireborn was the daughter of Flint and Jaye (Idk, I don't watch G.I. Joe, so I'm not familiar, but I know Cobra, loosely.) who grew up in Southern California near the beaches, having a lax and almost stereotypical-girly personality. Meanwhile, Shaoshao Li was the daughter of a family rich with generational history, rumored to have been related to an emperor of China who is hypothesized to have a connection with creatures beyond Earth, not in a spiritual way, more like a conspiracy-alien kind of way.

Now I would explain more but for now, this is all I got. I, Hanenohara in this case, have other things to talk about.

Have fun with talking to my girls!

HAVE FUN, EVERYONE!

[cemeteryspider]

Ballet on the Bayou Pt. 3

Alastor x Ballerina! Reader

Summary: After the accident on stage Alastor invites her to stay at his home.

Trigger Warnings: Injury, emotional distress, mention of Alastor's (ahem) activities

Word Count: 1055

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Ballet on the Bayou Masterlist

Alastor was made to stay in the waiting room as they set your ankle to the best of their ability and put it in plaster of Paris so it would heal. Even then, they said it would be a long way to being able to walk again. Feebly he brought up the subject of dance, but their silence spoke volumes.

He waited until your ankle had been set into place before he went home to check on his mother, who by this time would be worrying about him.

While he was there he grabbed one of his mother's old skirts and a sweater from their house. Alastor explained the situation to his mother who, as the loving woman she was, told him to offer you a place at their home. She also told him she would have dinner ready for when he returned.

When he got back to the hospital, you were sitting up in the hospital bed happily talking to staff. It seemed like a far departure from how you were mere hours ago.

A nurse pulled him over to the side and calmly explained that you were on pain medicine. He knew that you would be out of it for at least a few more hours.

A simple nod was all he could manage to the nurses, and he shifted his focus to you. He made his way over to your bed.

"Why aren't you just the cat's meow" A slight purr came from her lips with a big smile.

He let himself chuckle, even at the speakeasy a couple drinks in you, you weren't this loose. A warmth crept up his neck and to his cheeks and he hoped that you were too out of it to notice.

"I brought you some clothes, darling, I'm taking you to my house and we can call your folks there"

"Usually a man will take me out to dinner before takin' me home"

His smile was blinding as he left the clothes on your bed, discreetly exiting to give you some privacy. He informed the nurses and helped you sign the release paperwork.

~~~

After safely bringing you home, Alastor observed her peaceful slumber before tending to his mother and eating dinner with her.

She was rushing around the guest bedroom trying to make everything perfect. He knew exactly why. Never once had he shown interest in another human being besides his mother. He made no friends at school, and rarely went out of the house except to the radio station.

It came as a shock to him too when he took such interest up in you. Maybe part of it was just how happy she made him. How quickly he started to change his mind about humanity.

"Mother, we don't know if she wants to stay here"

"Just in case darling-boy"

They continued to sit quietly in the dining room and eat while you slept soundlessly on the couch.

~~~

You woke up to a searing pain in your leg and a vinyl on the record player beside you. In a seat opposite yours sat Alastor.

"Oh good, you're awake" He smiled as you wiped the sand out of your eyes and looked around.

Alastor lived in a modern house with velvety furniture. A massive stone fireplace adorned one wall, a majestic deer head presiding over the room. The crackling flames cast a warm glow, illuminating the velvety furniture that exuded an air of luxury.

"Wow, this place, it's beautiful" You had never seen such a lovely home. This was practically a palace compared to your meager living in a rural small town.

"Ah, thank you Dearie, now would you be staying here? Is there someone whom I could call? Or would you rather a hotel perhaps?" The questions swirled in your head.

"No, nobody to call, I left to pursue my dreams and when I went back to visit they wanted nothing to do with me. I haven't any money..."

"No need to worry about any of that, I will get you a room if you wish, although our guest room is pretty comfortable. Plus you get my mother's cooking"

"You'd let me stay here?" You tried not to get your hopes up, whenever you were with the troupe they always made you sleep on the floor. Or they would kick you out of the room.

"Of course! How could I kick someone as lovely as you out?"

You took the aspirin he guided into your hand and swallowed, hopeful that some of the pain would subside. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes. You spotted a pair of wooden crutches leaning against the wall, you would never be able to dance if you didn't start walking.

You made a move to stand up. Alastor just tutted and brought the crutches over to you and carefully pulled you up until your forearms rested against the arm rests.

~~~

After giving you a tour and formally introducing you to his mother, who gushed over your beauty and grace on the stage. Profusely apologized for grievous injury, and told you to stay as long as you liked.

Over the months of healing you had ahead of you, you helped her cook in the kitchen, clean around the house, go out for groceries with her, and help her wash and hang up the clothes. It was the kind of domestic life you didn't see in your future, but this somehow felt right.

~~~

Under the cover of night, Alastor silently left the house, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. He knew exactly which train to be on to be where your troupe would be now. He also knew exactly how much time he had before he needed to be on the train back in time for breakfast and for his shift at the radio station.

He had everything he could need in the duffle bag at his feet. To any other passenger he was just a guy on a train, maybe going home for a short stay. In reality, he was paying Louise a visit. He couldn't wait to hear her beautiful screams as he wiped the grin off of her conniving face.

The tip of his wingtip shoes played with the bag near his feet, and he tested the weight of the hunting rifle and knifes inside.

[lucy90712]

First kiss- Carlos Alcaraz

"Do you use tongue on a first kiss?" Asks the interviewer 

Most people would fully expect Carlos to say no including me but no his inability to lie kicked in again. He simply nodded his head and smiled while his cheeks went a bit pink but I think mine were worse I imagine I looked like a tomato. 

Carlos brought me to this interview as I had just made it out to Australia after missing the first few matches due to work and he wanted to spend time with me. I was expecting a normal interview with a few basic questions as I've been with him to plenty of interviews like that but this one was a little different from the start as it felt more like a little game show or quiz show thing. It was nice to have something a little different and I was enjoying it until that question and answer came up. All of the crew shot me a glance as when we arrived Carlos introduced me as his girlfriend now I'm really wishing he didn't. I know exactly what they were all thinking they were wondering if Carlos did that when we had our first kiss and that's what everyone is going to wonder when this interview comes out. 

The story of our first date and first kiss was bound to come out one day but I was hoping that would be further down the road and that people would think it's a cute story but now this interview will be in the back of everyone's mind. It is a cute story though. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Most people never get to experience going on a first date with someone even remotely famous let alone a famous tennis player who is very much well known across the country and the world. Somehow I've found myself in that exact situation who knew looking like an idiot on a tennis court could end with a date with a professional player who somehow found your awful attempt at tennis endearing. 

I feel like I should be nervous but for some reason I'm not. I just don't have any expectations I never thought I'd be in this situation so if  things don't go well then my life hasn't really changed I've just been on another bad first date. It's only if things go well that things will change which is definitely a problem for future me which is why I'm not really that bothered right now. As much as I'm not nervous I do want to make a good impression as Carlos was really nice and he's incredibly attractive. In my mind to make a good impression and not just seem like any random girl I had to make sure I dressed up and made myself look nice. I did some stalking before today so I know that Carlos could probably have any girl he wanted definitely someone prettier than me so I want to look my best and hope my personality makes up for the rest. 

Carlos said he would pick me up from my apartment at 8 and exactly as the clock turned 8 I got a text and the buzzer to my apartment went off. I made my way downstairs at lightning speed not wanting to keep him waiting too long which was exhausting but as soon as I saw Carlos' face and his bright smile running down 5 flights of stairs felt worth it. He greeted me with a hug and we made our way out to his car where he opened the passenger side door for me before getting in himself. When we planned this date he simply asked me my favourite type of food and if I have any allergies and that was it so I assume we are going to a restaurant but other than that I don't have a clue what we are doing. He drove us out of the busy city centre and into a smaller more rural town which I had never been to before. We drove for a few more minutes before he pulled into a parking space outside this small, quaint looking restaurant. It wasn't somewhere that I'd have ever found myself but I'm excited to try it out. 

Being a wonderful gentleman Carlos opened my door for me and offered his hand to help me get out which I didn't need but I wasn't going to miss out on the chance to hold his hand. He kept hold of my hand as we walked into the restaurant and were shown to our table, he only let go to pull out my chair for me and take my jacket. He was being so lovely which I'm not going to say I didn't expect as I'm sure his parents raised him right but you never know how someone with such a big following is going to act I mean I've had a run in with a footballer who was the rudest person I've ever met. Carlos is different though he's been nothing but kind since we met and clearly he hasn't let his success get to his head. 

We both ordered our food and got to talking properly for the first time since our brief interaction when we met. I really thought we'd have nothing in common as our lives are nothing alike but we actually had so many common interests and our lives growing up weren't as dissimilar as I thought they would be. We ate our food which was so delicious but we both just wanted to keep talking. I've never wanted a first date to keep going as much as I do with this one I think I've finally found my person and when I least expect to as well. 

After dinner Carlos drove me home and this time he came up to my apartment with me as he wanted to make sure I got in safely. While he was there I gave him a quick tour of my apartment before the time came that we had to say goodbye to each other. As we were saying goodbye there so much built up tension we were both looking into each others eyes and then at one another's lips. Carlos took the initiative and leant in finally attaching our lips, the kiss was amazing feeling his lips against mine everything felt right in the world. He took me by surprise when he added his tongue to the kiss I wasn't complaining but I didn't expect him to be so forward on the first date or with our first kiss. When he pulled away he pecked my lips before saying goodbye with a smirk on his face and me with the biggest smile on mine. 

~~~~~~~~~~

I was so distracted reliving my first date with Carlos that I had zoned out of the rest of the interview. I only came back into reality when I felt a kiss be pressed to my cheek by none other than the guy I was thinking about who has made the best boyfriend. He smiled at me and helped me up from the chair I was sat on before giving me a proper kiss which also garnered a look from everyone else in the room which made me blush.

“Are you ok?” Carlos asked 

“I’m fine just next time you do an interview maybe don’t tell everyone that you use tongue on the first kiss or at least not when I’m in the room it attracts attention” I said 

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to embarrass you” he apologised sincerely 

“Its ok I’ll forget about it in a few hours but don’t you dare go telling anyone about the first time we had sex or I will kill you” I smile walking off to the car ready to go back to the hotel

[theresattrpgforthat]

Okay! So, is there an RPG that's more rural, like farms and fields, windmills and carts, swamps and forests, but also still like big monsters and magic? Vibes wise, something akin to Amphibia the show, or Atomicrops the game. I'm sure one could just repurpose any regular RPG to make a world like that, but I'm curious :3c

THEME: Farming Plus

Hello friend, so I have a few games here that feel at least slightly fantastical, as well as a game that definitely works as a post-apocalyptic kind of game, although I don’t think any of the games listed here have the cartoonish-ness of either Apmhibia or Atomicrops. My main goal was to find games that felt like they communicated a slice-of-life style of game, while making room for a setting that feels outside of our normal experience. I hope you still find something that works for you!

Take Root, by katykoop.

You've achieved the dream! You have a farm, in a cool place full of forests and the mysterious dungeon keep, and there is the promise of glory-- with a festival at the very end of the year. Play against several farmers, with a world master controlling it all, to win by having the most points in your farm display. 

Each season is condensed into 9 days,  with harvest on the 4th and the 8th. Unlock cool items through random events with NPC's, buy livestock, and traverse the dungeons of Dungeon Keep. 

This is take root. 

Take Root is a very procedural game, with each player responsible for their own farm, which they are tasked with caring for until harvest and the bringing of your fruits to market. The phases of the game are (predictably) sorted into 4 seasons with 9 days in each season, with two market days per quarter of the year. Different seasons have different basic crops, and certain items are more valuable than others.

However, you’re not just farming in Take Root - you’re also venturing into dungeons, and trying to romance select NPC’s. Diving into the Dungeon Keep is dangerous, but could have you coming away with rare items that give you money for seeds or items that allow you to fulfill mini quests - such as wooing the love of your choice, for example. The end of the game results in a winner - the player with the highest accumulated points, acquired through selling items, adventuring, and romancing NPCs.

All in all, Take Root is streamlined and simple, and yet manages to combine both dungeon delving and farming into one neat little brochure.

Farmtasy Simulator, by Guanaco Games.

The goal of this game is to build up your farm by managing resources, while dealing with threats both mundane and fantastic. Using cards for the encounters and dice to determine the outcome of actions taken, the player will gain resources and try to figure out how best to use them to continue building their farm. This game is meant to be played with one player and a GM. Farmtasy Simulator can be used as a supplemental mini-game for an on-going fantasy campaign, or as a standalone to enjoy some agricultural fantasy hijinks.

This is meant to be a two-player game, with one player and one GM. The character has dice and five stats with varying modifiers, while the GM has a deck of cards that they will pull from over the course of each year, used to generate encounters that will make the farming difficult. Farmtasy Simulator appears to be primarily designed as an add-on to another game, incorporating farming mechanics into a larger story. I think it might be a neat way to watch time pass for one character who’s trying to settle down and start a farm - perhaps each player takes their turn running through the simulator with the GM, or the GM use this as a mini-session with the only other player available to build their backstory before they went adventuring.

What’s So Hard About Farming?, by K.Petker.

This is a game about working on a farm and dealing with the triumphs and hardships of such a life.  It might not be any kind of farm or farmers you’re familiar with, but the connection to the growing green and the earth is still there.  Regardless of the season, there’s work to be done.  And things might get a little weird.

I don’t own this game, but my experience with What’s So Cool About…..? games is one of light rules and plenty of freedom to let you take those rules where you like. What I expect from this game is just enough rules to give you a reason to roll dice, and the rest of the world is up to you.

On the plus side, this means that if you want to farm in a swamp, or in a post-apocalypse… well, you can do that! On the downside, the experience won’t fundamentally change according to to the setting unless you decide to do a bit of game design yourself, which is a delightful challenge for some, and an unnecessary amount of labour for others, so take from that what you will!

Mectors, by Harper Jay.

After the war, thousands upon thousands of bipedal mechanized fighting vehicles (or “Bimechs”) were left scattered across the land. Many were brought back to the capital cities to be repaired or scrapped, but the majority of them were too damaged to be easily transported. With the war won, the victors simply left their mechanical refuse in the battlefields to rust and wither. 

In Mectors, players take on the role of a farmer, miner, fisher, carpenter, or some other worker in a labor intensive field. Mector Owners come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some own a Mector that’s been in their family for generations. Others came across theirs recently, through purchase or luck. And a rare few have managed to piece their own together using scraps from decommissioned Mectors, but this is even harder than it sounds. No matter how they got it, they now have a powerful tool with a long history.

I’ve recommended Mectors before for a similar request, and I think it definitely holds up as a great option for a fresh take on the slice-of-life farming sim - because it involves mechs! The setting is post-war, in a country that has learned to beat their technological swords into highly efficient plowshares - and the troubles that plague your settlements are less sinister and just the problems of a small community, such as the mushroom fungus spirit who is willing to guide lost travellers out of the cave, but also can’t seem to stop herself from feeding them mushrooms that also leech away their memories. If you want to tell stories about people solving everyday problems, set in an agricultural setting that’s wholly divorced from our own, I recommend Mectors.

Weeds in the Waste, by Megan Cross.

Weeds in the Waste is a solo storytelling game about tending a garden in a post apocalyptic wasteland.

Determine the state of your wasteland, create your gardener, plant your seeds, and tend your garden as you play through the seasons in the wastes. It is a narrative, storytelling game played using 2d6s and a 6x6 grid, as well as a series of prompts. 

As primarily a solo game, much of the tone and pace of Weeds in the Waste is set by you, the singular player. This includes describing how the world ended, and how your garden started, as well as what kind of gardener you are. The game moves through different phases for every season, indicating what parts of your hard work pay off, and what parts are unfruitful.

The end game (and reflection phases) revolve around what withers, and where - which I think is truly reflective of the post-apocalyptic themes in this game. Try as you might, the current conditions of the wasteland can only be so fruitful, and you will have to learn how to live with a drastically reduced yield in comparison to the work that you’ve put in.

There are also rules for multiple players of Weeds in the Waste, so you can also make this a collaborative effort, answering the questions together, and strategically planting your crops as best as you can.

I’d Also Recommend….

My Small Town Farming Recommendation Post (some overlap with this one)

Grandpa’s Farm, by Tyler Crumrine.

Iron Valley, by M.Kirin.