#Lemme know and also lemme know who you want to be in it

[cosmic-expressions]

⋮ ♯; ⤷ YOU'RE MY FAVORITE .ᐟ

alhaitham x fem!reader, smut; tying up, cowgirl, praise, check-ins (cuz they are hot as hell too); marking (hickeys), pretty vanilla if you ask me; idk what else needs a warning wc: 665 (man so close yet so far) a/n: reblogs are nice, lemme know what you think! i wouldn't mind some feedback..... inbox is always open and maybe yall see me here a bit more often in November (unless my studies kill me lol)

having ALHAITHAM tied to the bed, laid bare for your eyes and your eyes only, is almost like a dream come true. and since he came out with this idea, something you always wanted to bring up… of course your body reacted on its own.

“does it feel good? is it tight?” you make sure he’s not in pain, that he’s comfortable because the last thing you want to do is hurt him while fulfilling your little fantasy. but when he assures you all is well, you can’t hide the excitement coursing through you. “you’re so pretty like this… i mean- you’re always pretty and handsome but this is- i really like it like that…”

ALHAITHAM smiles and lets out a little chuckle, his body growing warm and face getting red thanks to your words; also, something about your hungry stare, about you clearly enjoying it, and about pleasing you like that… it gets him going as well.

you straddle his lap, plopping softly on it; the feeling of your soft, plushy thighs against his skin only fuels his desire and need, making him let out a little, somewhat impatient, sound. but you’re no better, feeling him grow harder underneath you, seeing his every reaction, you just can’t help and whimper softly. leaning in, you place your lips on his, kissing him slowly at first, just to get greedy right after.

normally, ALHAITHAM would hold your hips, would have his hands all over you, and would make sure it’s really you on top of him; but not it’s you who gets to touch him all over. getting handsy, he can feel the rough possessiveness in your touch, in every caress and rub.

“you’re so- mmmh, just- perfect,” you mutter between the kisses, humming and moaning quietly. with hands all over his upper body, you graze your fingertips over his muscles, making sure to leave a trace of fiery passion.

“baby-” ALHAITHAM lets out a short groan when you start rubbing yourself against him, a little teasing but also a preparation for what’s to come. “you’re a- you’re a tease-”

“i know, i know,” kissing him again, you continue the slow movements a little more. you two moan into each other’s mouth, bodies reacting and moving in an almost synchronized pace. “just a little more- a little more- i know you can-”

muttering soft praises and encouragements, you trail your lips down, leaving kisses across his cheek, jaw, and neck; in every place you know will get a reaction from him. “

oh- fuck! baby you’re-!” ALHAITHAM groans again, jaw clenching when you finally take him inside you, your tight and slick walls inviting and nestling his cock so sweetly. with your weak moans and whimpers accompanying your movements, it’s just a matter of time for him to go insane.

you reach for his palm and hold it tight, kissing him softly and lovingly, all while you move up and down on him. ALHAITHAM throbs and moans, loving how your hand feels small and warm wrapped around his own. kissing you back, shamelessly eager, ALHAITHAM bucks his hips up, reaching deep inside; reaching and pressing on all the sweet and sensitive places that have you breathless in seconds.

“fuck-! fuck, alhaitham!” you moan and throw your head back, losing it to the pleasure.

he’s fast to suck on your neck and leave soft kisses all over your cleavage, something that became a small habit of his. a little familiar thing, grounding him at the moment; the feeling of your warm skin, of your pulse underneath his lips, the warm and shallow breaths over his ear – it’s all he loves and needs to be sure you feel good and safe with him. safe enough to let yourself free and feral, safe enough to take him like you want and not be ashamed of it. that’s what causes his heart to flutter aggressively in his chest… and to cum inside you immediately, filling you up and stretching you well.

[MAIN-MLIST] [GENSHIN-MLIST] [INBOX] [KO-FI]

[cepheusgalaxy]

OHOHOHOHO

Cws: abuse, manipulation, vioelence mention and transphobia, dubcon mentions

^^^^^

OK, so the one who has Ex Baggage out of all of my WIPs is Kaiki. He was one of the earliest ones I did for Ein, and I was much more into exploring bad romantic relationships back then. I still kept it because it's fun (although i considered erasing that lore for a while)

I still have yet to settle for a good and consisten timespan and timeline, but he has had two partners in the past

He is greyaro, AND he was romance-favorable at the time, so he really wanted to date. (He started dating after he came out [as trans])

His first girlfriend was a bi girl called [lemme check her name in my old files real quick coz i haven't made an updated doc yet] Maliene

Ok, so, Mali was a pretty shitty person. She was like, violent and also treated him like a girl. He was very scared of breaking up with her so his family helped him.

After that, his new boyfriend was a gay guy named Lois.

Lois was way more subtly violent. He never beat Kaiki nor misgendered him often (when he did it was genuinely accidental) and he was so manipulative

He'd give out threats and ask Kaiki things like "come on, it's not like I am like your previous girlfriend. Do you want me to be like her or what?" And like the whole gaslight gatekeep mansplain pack

Extra notes:

In general the experiences were both so terrible he quit dating and is VERY romance repulsed.

And sex repulsed as well

He did not have very nice first times or like, any times with any of them

I actually have a whole doc of what Lois' and Kaiki's interactions would be like. Like, dialogue lines and everything

I was coming up with a proper backstory for Lois when I first quit the idea, but I know he A. Is white and B. His family is from the south of the country C. Hes a very good-looking, black hair + blue eyes boy

This came from the era were Kaiki was bi (i think i also called him Ravi back then)

One of my plans from back then (still being revamped) was that later Lois would become a magician and show up in the storyline. Didn't evolved this one much

I had a very clear scene of how the Mali x Kaiki breakup went

Originally this was gonna go to lead to a subplot where Kaiki and the character that'd become Lis would have a beautiful friendship and the story would say that you don't need romantic relationships to be happy, even if you are alloromantic

how many Exes/Ex-Situationships does your oc have? Do they still talk or interact with any of them?

.

[you-need-not-apply]

you don’t even vote for the liberal party in your own country so stop judging others for not voting for Kamala

I love this ask because clearly anon has no fucking clue how politics in any country work. Lemme break it down:

In Australia, where I come from, liberal party = conservatives. They are not liberal, they’re mildly far right at best.

Also, how Aussie voting works is that you can still vote for third parties, as we don’t actually elect a prime minister. It’s a little confusing but to dumb is down (and yes I know it’s not completely acceptable just go with it)

Australia has multiple parties, notably are The Liberal party (right wing), The Labour Party (likes to be centre some what left mainly right, workers rights but voted against making price gouging illegal), the Greens (I vote for them just because we need green policy but they’re very far left wing), and like 40 other small parties plus all the independents.

How Aussie elections work is the people vote for people to get them seats in parliament, the majority wins and gets to elect a prime minister, they’re kinda like the kid who organised hide in seek and then didn’t play. Basically they have very little real power other than usual shit, they have to go through our Parliament House to get most stuff done.

And as Australia is still under British rule, we have a bunch on governors in each state and then a “head governor” in charge of says “yeah the colony is still there” back to England every now and again.

Also we can’t change our money without British permission. So every time we change something people hear make this big song and dance about it, which is hilarious considering they don’t give a single fuck.

But how does this allow for third party voting?

Let’s pretend there are three parties (only) the blue the red and the yellow parties. Blue and red want to make a ferry, yellow wants a train. People vote.

Now in America, you vote for the party and that’s your only vote. So if more people want the ferry, but because there are two options the vote is split. Boat wins majority vote, but the train would win because it has the most over all. Got it?

In Australia however, we rank our votes. My brain gone I thought it was 7 or 5 but I’m pretty sure that’s wrong, but it varies okay. So if I wanted a boat but I liked red party more than blue, I would vote 1-red 2-blue, 3-yellow.

Now red doesn’t get enough votes let’s say 20 people voted, 7 blue,8 yellow and 5 red: because I voted for 2 blue, and my first party (red) has been eliminated my vote now moves to the blue party, maybe some from the red party also did blue second and maybe some voted yellow second.

Let’s split the red party 4 for blue and 1 for yellow.

Blue has 11 and yellow has 9. Suddenly the ferry has won!

It’s a complicated system but it makes sure not a single vote is wasted, and as voting is compulsory here (thank fuck) it gives people a lot of leeway to fuck around. Hope this helped anon

[unforth]

Just fyi, unfortunately Peach Flowers House seems to be closing https://www.peachflowerhouse.com/closing

Damn. Thank you for letting me know.

They'd gotten so quiet this year that I'll own I had concerns but it's still a bummer to see those concerns are justified.

I just visited their webpage. Print books are 30% off and they're taking orders through November 30th (discontinuing outside the US shipping on the 15th). Ebooks will be on sale through the 15th.

I'm gonna grab a copy of University of the Underworld (ebook only), as it's their only danmei title I don't already own.

They have published in print editions:

Little Mushroom

Golden Stage

The Imperial Uncle

Peach Blossom Debt

In the Dark

I have read their translations of all of these and they're all solidly translated, decently edited, and excellent books. I honestly can't pick a favorite, they're all great in different ways. Little Mushroom is incredible, and I think everyone who likes spec fic should read it. The Imperial Uncle was delightful. If you like Modu and/or Poyun you'll almost certainly also enjoy In the Dark. Golden Stage I like so much I bought it even though I'd already read the fantranslation. It looks like at least some print titles are sold out; it's worth grabbing the ebooks if the print aren't available anymore.

It's depressing to know that if all the people I know who've said they want to or plan to read these books had actually gotten them, maybe they wouldn't be closing (but maybe they would, sales might not be the problem, idk). Regardless, you've got 2 weeks to a month left to buy them depending where you are in the world. Don't miss out, they're all great in their own ways.

If anyone outside the US wants me to play danmei mule and ship stuff forward lemme know, I can try to help.

[noornight]

Long distance besties. This definitely happened after the third movie (source: trust me bro)

Based on this

[fallout-fucker]

Part Two is below the cut.

Warning because it's long. @wizardhatwithacowboybrim Glad you like it! I've had a sequel in the works since I made this post but kept forgetting to finish it, so thanks for reminding me! I hope you guys like this concept, lemme know if you guys would like a Part Three. It's lowkey a fic now and I'm debating actually fully writing one with this concept on AO3 because of how fun it is, and have been debating so for a while. I haven't covered all of the companions in this Part, mostly some of the NV ones, because honestly I haven't played NV as much and haven't travelled with some of the companions yet 🤡💀 It also leans into Sole X Hancock. I hope it's enjoyable either way. Also, no beta reading because I cba and honestly I should be doing work right now but did this instead. I would make it actually grammatically correct and such if I was fully writing a fic on AO3 but alas, I have to actually stop procrastinating.

Six has half a mind to pick up Pre-War money when they see it, or jet and orange mentats. They don't really do chems, but finds themself collecting them. That and...Well, all sorts of stuff, really. History books. Ink and working pens or pencils, notepads. Comics. Wigs and different kinds of sunglasses. Silly hats. The pile at base grows overtime. They don't recall who they were meant to gift these things to.

Or why they grab at random junk. They have caught themselves reaching for a broken light bulb mid gun fight, almost getting shot in the proccess, on one too many occasions. We could use the copper- Who's we? Why would we need copper?

They're not keen on the NCR. They can understand the goal, and agree with the idea but don't quite like their execution. Six has an arguably egotistical belief that they could do a better job, for some reason. The NCR would do better with more structure. Less focus on a new currency, and more priority on actually rebuilding and providing support to the local settlements and people. There's a difference between being a militia out of necessity because of the world they live in, but with humanitarian goals at heart, and being a military faction that uses humanity as an excuse but not actually a goal. Too many of those factions around, in fact. The trade is a good idea, but are they actually protecting caravans on their routes? Cassidy would beg to differ. There has to be balance. Money alone doesn't solve these issues.

ED-E seems a comforting companion. Six doesn't quite know how they're seemingly already used to a little flying robot. They finally have someone to use some of the gifts for, though. They quite enjoy putting little decorative hats on her metal head. Sometimes, though, they'll go to hand something to the bot only to watch it drop. Many mugs have been shattered this way, glass and coffee everywhere. ED-E has never had hands, what did they expect? Yet they do it more often than they wish to admit.

Rex is adorable. Even with his brain showing. Loyal to a fault, but dogs are, aren't they? Six all but ran to him when they saw him sniffing about on his own, almost cried from the overwhelming joy. They'd had a dog, they think...Two...One before and one after...Before and after what? They can't recall...All Six knows is the relief they feel when Rex lets them pet him, trusts them enough to roll to his side and gives them room to rub his belly. Soft fur...A few metal paws, but that's okay. When they sit with him back at base, a screwdriver tightening the joints in his hand- No- Paw...They smile. But it's a sad smile. Like one would have when missing a friend, or a few. Not just a dog...But a man, too...Borrowed brains and metal limbs...Ha...Rex was a loyal dog, but an even better partner.

When they become properly acquainted with Boone, a sniper with a deceased wife, they feel a sense of deja vu. When the Novac mess is over, Six has to catch their tongue before they ask if Boone's son is safe, if they both got away. He never mentioned a son. Who would they be running from?

They also smile at the rare occurrences when Boone takes off his hat. Something about a man in sunglasses -Changing out of one thing, maybe into another- Makes Six chuckle, like they're expecting Boone will come out with some one-liner or joke. But he's not the type.

Cassidy is fiery. Downs more whiskey than water. Whiskey Rose is a fitting nickname, though Six had originally settled on Cass. That was until they almost called her Cait. They didn't, thankfully...Had they known a Cait? They don't know whether the question makes them happy or not. If it's a good thing to remember or not. Regardless, they can't deny the- Nostalgia...? Yeah...Yeah. Nostalgia- They feel when Cassidy's eyes burn into their own when partaking in their now traditional weekly arm wrestle. Whoever Cait was, Six thinks they must've liked her. They hope she is okay. They hope she is...Healthy? Well, they guess, they just hope she is still alive.

This world isn't kind. It wasn't really kind then, with all the Wars- What Wars-? But even worse now. Even with all that time...How long had it been? Since...Since what? A fresh breeze, a sunny morning...The sound of cars driving past an open window...Someone dancing by a kitchen counter...The soft sound of a crib mobile playing a lullaby...Maybe...Maybe in another life...Maybe past lives are real...In a way...

They should check on Boone and his son. Is the boy alright? Six hoped so, they know how awful it is to lose a chi-

...Boone doesn't have a son. I don't have a...Did I...Do I have a son?

Veronica is a sweetheart. Her love for dresses is enough to make anyone's heart just that much warmer. There's something familiar in the softness of her smile. Her eagerness to wear dresses and explore that almost long-dead idea of 'girly-ness'. Six knows she’s an ass kicker working with the BOS, and laughs at the idea of her beating people up in a dress and heels. Yet whenever they stroll their way towards the BOS HQ, something always makes Six reach out to grab her wrist; a want to high tail it and run the other way. A sense that they don't value their soldiers as much as they say. Six is scared Veronica will be met with a betrayal from seemingly nowhere. Veronica always just smiles and tells them everything is fine, and marches on in, like a good soldier. Always a good, blind soldier. Six swears they taste poison whenever they mutter the words 'Ad Victoriam'.

Raul is a breath of fresh air. Fresh air laced with a sense of home. Sometimes when he calls Six 'Boss', they look over at Boone, expecting it to have come from their designated sniper. But that isn't quite it.

A large part of it is the occasions he talks about the Pre-War world. When he does, Six goes quiet. Not even a peep. They just sit and listen to his tales, almost like they remember those years themself. Like they can see them. The grass, the beaches and neighbours and houses and shopping streets, the schools and college students and the kids in playgrounds...

Six traces a finger over the watch on their right wrist. On their left arm is where they keep their Pip-Boy. It doesn’t say which Vault it was made for, but it doesn’t match the models of the local Vaults. The words 'Pip-Boy 3000' are engraved on the back, which is hidden when wearing it. It's the only clue Six has of their past. That and their watch. They don't need a watch, their Pip-Boy shows the time...So, they have come to the conclusion it was a gift. They think they would've made a good Detective in another life...If that were true, they'd probably be home now, though. Wherever home was...

Still, they look at the small hand ticking by the seconds and smile. The soft ticks and turning of gears. Whoever made this had been taught well, and had inherited their own habit of gift-giving. Six often puts the watch up to their ear and just listens. The sound of metal and gears. The sound of loved ones. They don't like the idea of wasting time, feels like they missed many years somewhere, somehow...But those moments are worth it. Copper. That's what he asked for...He wanted to fix a camera...Because...I mentioned I wanted...An album of...Of us...That's what we planned before he was born...I...I need to...I need...I don't even know...

But that’s still not fully it. Six also has a soft spot for captured people, like enslaved people at the Legion. Also a soft spot for ghouls, especially those with a sense of humour. Raul's had Six doubling over quite a few times. Sometimes when they're travelling, and sleeping near each other, when Six wakes up, all groggy and such, they almost reach for Raul, almost pull him close as if it's natural. Like one would if they woke up next to a friend of brown hair, and mistook them for their brown-haired love at first glance. That had also happened before, Six thinks...But then they stop, their hand hovering. There's a stigma that ghouls smell of rotting flesh. That isn't true. Six could smell vintage clothes and leather. Worn books. Jet and orange metats, could almost taste that latter on their tongue. They were his favourite, but he isn't here. Whoever he is.

He was always warm, the way that ghouls are. Something about the radiation. Six faintly remember how reassuring it could be, especially on those nights that brought the threat of chilly air. Especially when they were terrified of even the hint of cold. When a hand would gently touch their shoulder, and then someone's warm chest would press against their back and keep the cold, the fear and uncertainty and everything else, everything dangerous, at bay. Like a human radiator. It felt like fire meeting ice. Like moonlight and...

It's nights like that where Six has to turn away and put their hand over their heart, trying to rub the ache in it away. To force themself to focus on the night sky and breathe...But then that sky only reminds them of black eyes, the stars like glints of light and love against a pitch-black backdrop...Where only if you look close enough, you see blue amongst the black.

Six thinks they even really loved the word Blue. Six thinks they loved a lot of things.

Six knows they loved the sky because it reminded them of him. Six now hates the stars and hates the sunshine, which they can't escape from in the literal fucking desert, because they know they loved them at one point, but not why. Or at least not the person that caused them to.

So Six takes a break for a few days from all of their companions and sleeps alone again. Only when they look at the other side of the bed, empty and cold, do they feel the sting of tears. They don't even understand their thoughts, but that doesn't stop them from racing.

I may not remember you but I know I love you...Take care of...Of our boy. Get him some copper for me, will you? You're always good to him like that...Take pictures for me, so I can see them when I'm back. I don't want to miss watching him grow up this time...Not...Not again...I'll come back to you. All of you. I will.

I'll survive...I always do...

Don't I…?

---

The next time Six goes out, they make sure to hand-pick the best items from their 'Random Stuff Pile'. They walk. They help the locals, do odd bits and bobs, and take the odd jobs no one else is willing to do. Most importantly, they wait.

They walk. They work. They wait.

Until it happens.

Until they catch a glimpse of them. Exactly what- Who- Six was waiting for. The group of 'other Couriers' that follow Six when they start helping people again; leaving rumours of their reputation around the Mojave in their wake, like breadcrumbs and clues. A trail to follow. That, until recently, Six hadn't realised they had been leaving. Six almost made a betting game with themself based on how long they thought it'd take until they found them again. A small gamble.

They suppose that's what this is; a gamble. To see if there was a reason Six never felt fear when they saw those figures in the distance. If it were anyone else, they might, in a world like this. Or at least be on edge. But that was never the case. They felt familiar. Six wanted to test that.

Six finds a spot. Out in the open, a valley. One that they cleared any hostiles out of weeks ago. They wanted to make sure they would be safe during this. Six looks towards the hills and mountains looking into the valley, and sure enough, there's a group of masks and red lenses watching. They make no effort to hide anymore. It seems they're betting on Six, too.

Sol- Six smiles behind their mask, debating taking it off. But then they remember the scar that runs over their forehead and into their hairline and thinks not yet. I'm not ready. Small steps first. I have to be sure.

Gambling is dangerous, and they never were a fan of Russian Roulette or bullets or unprotected faces.

Six takes their time setting out the small shrine of trinkets and treats they had brought with them. It's made up of a collection of smaller shrines. It's set out in a way that the number of people on the mountain is accounted for, with a few spare piles depending on which cards Six is betting they have in their deck. Six thinks they can remember and recognise a few of them, their mannerisms, but is unsure about the identities of most of them.

The one with sunglasses sticking out of his shirt pocket, replaced by a mask, sticks out the most. He's always been good at this stuff; following, detail gathering, listening out for whispers and rumours through the grapevine type of stuff. He was the first person Six had put money on being in their recon group, they think he was even the original masked face trailing them around, back when it was just one. His pile is one of the ones Six is confident about, made up of an assortment of wigs and funky glasses, and candy he likes.

Six couldn't necessarily figure out the rest, but could reasonably guess. The Detective, perhaps? That made sense. Otherwise, Six only had their hope.

Cait's name is the only one they remember, and only because of Cassidy. So they hope Cait is there. Six leaves a bottle of whisky as the centre of Please-Be-Cait's pile, more so as an inside joke to themself. That pile is one of the spares, towards one of the sides of the general shrine.

There's hope in all of the piles, Six supposes. Bits of 'I'm trying', 'I want to remember. I want to know you again', and 'I hope it's you, whoever I think you are to me' scattered throughout all of them.

History books. Ink and working pens and pencils, notepads. Comics. Wigs and different kinds of sunglasses. Silly hats. Copper and orange mentats. The shrine grows over time. Six doesn't recall who they were meant to gift these things to, but they're hoping they're right regardless.

When the offerings and gifts are all laid out, and Six has ensured they're perfect, they look once more towards the mountain. The figures are still watching. Of course, they are. They would follow Six anywhere. That's what they did, didn't they?

Six stares back for a moment, savouring it. The hope. Then they begin walking away from the offering. Six moves slowly, so they'll have time to investigate the offerings and still catch up. But now the ball is in their court. Six…Had made their move. Now it's their turn to make a play. To gamble.

Because if Sole's time in the Mojave had taught them one thing…It's that this game…This game was rigged from the start.

What do we think of finessing the Fallout timeline a bit so that Fallout NV takes place after Fallout 4 (I'm working out details and looking into lore to see if this would work without a bunch of plot holes and what not. As far as I know it's not too interconnected to the other games so I feel like you could get away with a 6-8 year jump without too much going wrong) for a plotline where Sole and The Courier are the same person.

So after a bunch of Nuke World shenanigans, Sole 'takes care' of a lot of the people who were running Nuka World, but someone gets away. Anyway skip a few months and Sole and MacCready go to The Capital Wasteland to bring good ol' baby Duncan to the Commonwealth, as well as catch up with an old friend of MacCready's (The Wanderer) to look into the water purification thing that Sole would wanna attempt to do in the Commonwealth.

On their way back to Boston, however, they're ambushed by a group of raiders, who have links to some cult-ish faction down in Nevada. One of the raiders recognises Sole. It's the person that escaped Nuka World. For payback, they take Sole (MacCready manages to escape with Duncan when Sole gets them an opening) and sells them off to that cult. MacCready catches the name just barely. Caesar's Legion.

He gets Duncan back to Sanctuary as quickly as he can and immediately gets word to the rest of the companions. Preston had stayed to run the Minutemen in Sole's absence, Hancock to run Goodneighbour, Nick to carry on with the agency but also to attempt to keep peace in Diamond City after the Sheep's Clothing disaster, etc. Of course there's panic, and they begin to make a plan.

Sole on the other hand, was taken to the Legion. They managed to escape, but not before they were stripped of all their possessions. They have no money, no weapons, no food, no connections. No way to survive, and no way home. They scavenge, get basic supplies. Manage to ask around for work. They get a few odd jobs, not enough caps yet though to be able to get home. Until, they hear of a job through the grapevine. Some delivery that needed to happen, its important, but all hush hush. Doesn't matter much, the pay out is huge, if done right. Last time they took a job no questions asked, it didn't exactly go well, but they ended up with Hancock willing to be their companion, so who knows. Besides, reluctantce based on the unknown isn't so putrid next to the sweet smell of enough caps to tag along with a few trading caravans along the routes back to Boston.

Really, how dangerous can a delivery job be? Being a courier sounds like an easy job compared to being a General.

It should be easy. Should be. Until they're looking up the barrel of a gun. Until a bullet goes through their brain.

They survive, somehow, because they always do, don't they? It's in their name. Sole Survivor. Was it ever a surprise. You'd think they're immortal, a God, when neither a bullet to their brain or even a nuclear war can kill them. But they're not a God. They're human. So, it's doesn't take long for that kind of luck to run out. Like Russian Roulette, there's always at least one bullet in the chamber. You'd think in Vegas, it'd be worth the gamble. But, when they wake, they don't remember anything. Being a Courier sounds easy when you're under the belief that's what you always were.

Less easy when it seems everyone in Vegas and their mother is gunning for you, for whatever reason. All Sole is interested in is catching the bastard that shot them, and getting some damn answers. Both about the damn chip, and who they are themself. Not a single person in Nevada seems to know who the fuck they are, like they appeared from nowhere. The mask probably doesn't help, but it beats getting shot in the head again.

All they know is they have it out for Benny.

As well as a few strange things.

Like how a chill runs up their spine when they hear talk of the Legion, and have almost an instinct to stay away. The same happens with the Brotherhood of Steel. The name feels like it should mean something. Those men and women prancing around in clunky armour feels like it should ring a bell.

They hate the heat of the Nevada, but they know if they had to choose, they would rather boil to death than freeze. They pile on blankets at even the slightest hint of a cold night, which is rare in the desert anyway. But Six doesn't like to gamble. The threat of a bullet has a history of not going well for them. They didn't sign up to play this game. They don't want to know if the other gun chambers are empty or not. Something about the cold just doesn't feel safe, reminds them of something they can't even remember. It's just an inkling feeling, gives them anxiety of a looming threat. Especially going to sleep cold. Something about that thought keeps them up at night, scared to sleep. Like a haunting sense that when they wake up, things will be different.

They're a little paranoid of people whose movements seem too perfect, not entirely human, find themselves looking at the back of people's necks where there could be scars, as if they're chipped or have inplants. It's not like they're not actually human though, right? Right...? They have no reason to believe that. Maybe. They hear a folktale about how your phobias in your current life are warnings from your previous lives. Six doesn't know what they think of that theory. They don't know if past lives are real. Something tells them they could be, in a way.

Six also feels watched. Turns to look over their shoulder far too much. At first they blame the paranoia, but something feels too real. Something feels familiar. After a while, they start to notice the figures in the distance. Faces ducking back behind rocks when Six turns around at the feel of eyes on the back of their head. The man, or men(?), who wear the same Courier outfits as them. Who follow Six's every move. Who, from what Six has been hearing from their discreet asking around, seem to be trying to find out who Six is almost as quickly as Six themself. Six had wondered what had happened to the other Couriers. They wonder if it's actually them. Or maybe they hope they do. Otherwise, the reflective shine of a red lens in an identical mask that matches your own behind your reflection as your walking past a broken window gets too eerie for someone who still doesn't know if they even have a friend's house they can run to if shit hits the fan. At first it was one. Now it's a handful. Six swore there were only five more couriers other than them. Despite the unease, there's still something else. That familiarity. Like when Six sees that ducking of a head in the corner of their eye, it's like a hand on their shoulder. A guardian angel only you don't know if it's an angel just yet. It's like they're growing more confident, like they want to actually reach out. Six isn't so sure they don't want them to, isn't so sure they shouldn't just walk over to them the next time they see them lingering on a cliff in the distance. It feels as if their meeting is inevitable. As if it's not really an 'if', but rather a 'when'. Then again, they shouldn't be surprised.

After all, the game was rigged from the start.

[itsmariejanel]

can you hear me through the white noise, friend? 🩸

introducing blood type, an underground vampire band ft. myra vatore, kat cave, samantha gratz and markus crow

[demonir]

The TF2 men and their beautiful bodies <3 I'm just so overcome with love for all of them and I wanted some anatomy practice so here ya go!

close ups over here ↓

And BONUS!

[ywpd-translations]

Ride 781: Three wheels!!

Pag 1

1: Ohhh... this fence?

2: He jumped over it!?

With a bicycle!?

As he was riding it!?

3: Ahaha you're lying

That can't be, Taa-kun

4: It's true... I saw it!

There's no way he jumped over it

He showed me a jumping technique called bunny something!

You said that guy is running in the race now?

Ye!Yeah!!

Pag 2

1: Then if it's true, should we go see him?

The television there is showing the race, right?

If he's such an amazing cyclist then he'll play a big role in the race, right?

3: Onii-chan....

4: It's exciting, they're arriving here at the sprint line

The race is at its climax

How does this guy looks like

Uhm, huh

5: He- he wears sunglasses and they're huge

But he might have takes them off.... he's very tall and his hair are chestnut color....

There's an “R” written on his pants

Ehh, he's realistic (haha)

Pag 3

1: Taa-kun, you're practicing with your bike yet you haven't improved at all

Hahaha

2: So... if I practice I'll be able to do it too one day?

Of course

If you fall a lot, and skin your knees a lot, and eat a lot

3: And he had really beautiful eyes!!

4: It would be so cool if someone like that actually existed

Let's find an “R”, an “R” (haha)

Huh... it's true!

5: Hahaha

6: Three people are neck and neck before the sprint line

Please look!

Pag 4

1: Because there's a small kid

Pag 5

1: cheering for me

Pag 6

1: 30m left!!

2: They're still neck and neck and the sprint line is getting closer!!

Pag 7

1: The sprint line!!

2: This year for sure I'll take it!!

3: Impulse!!

Pag 8

1: It's an “R”

A person with beautiful eyes

Chestnut color hair

3: Amaziing...!!

Do your best, Onii-chan!!

Pag 9

1: Doubashi-san!!

2: Kaburagii!!

Pag 10

1: I'll take it!!

2: Pedal!!

3: I won't yield!!

Pag 11

1: I'm right

I'm Hakogaku

The right person wins

2: I'll be the one to prove it!!

3: This is why I gained experience

4: To win the spot of number one in Japan!!

5: MTB and road racing are different

In MTB you're always....

6: you always fight alone!!

Pag 12

1: Three people are jumping towards to sprint line!!

Pag 18

1: It's decided!!

Did you see? Just now

The one who controlled the sprint line is Gunma!!

Amazing

The last speed was terrific

2: From Gunma Ryosei, who's participating for the first time this year, number 181, the two times champion of the mountain bike Inter High....

Pag 19

1: Kiji Kyuui!!

Ah.....!!

2: It was hard

Yon

4: Well, I'll play a big role in the race, so watch it!

Cheer for me!

5: He really did play a big role....!!

Pag 20

1: Wait, who's that – Kiji, they said

Gunma!?

That guy caught up all on his own, and at the end he also lined up on his own....

2: And passed Hakogaku and Sohoku!!

3: Isn't this the first time in history? That an unknown cyclist takes the first result!?

He must have held those two down with his power!!

He rode in mountain bike until last year?

This year's Inter High is incredible

4: The flow is changing!!

[esoterictboy]

to all the tgirls on my frat tboy posts yall can audition to be in it in some capacity but you’re gonna be stripped and fucked and humiliated as much as the other ppl in it so long as you don’t mind getting your mouth spat in and gettting pounded in front of other people while they laugh at you…then you’ll be fine

[hauntingofhouses]

BRB thinking thoughts about Taigen's character, the TaiMizu ship, and a big chunk of fandom's perceptions regarding both those things.

(Inspired by @farintonorth's post related to this topic that just got my brain going brrrrr)

OK so let me just... start off by saying that I think that reducing stories to their tropes is seriously detrimental to the way some people are interacting with fiction, and while that honestly warrants its own post about the subject, I wanna talk specifically about how this affects the way some people in the fandom talk about Taigen and TaiMizu.

Because yeah, tropes are useful shorthand to refer to certain dynamics or archetypes etc, and they are indeed the building blocks to any story. But in a well-written story, characters and their relationships, actions, and motivations, are much more complex than just tropes. Because in a story that has characters who are more than just cardboard cutouts, their behaviours, backgrounds, motivations and all of that, are inseparable from the context of the overall story they exist in.

So like, sure, you can say Mizu and Taigen have an enemies-to-lovers or rivals-to-lovers dynamic. I also use those terms because it's easier. But I also think this is where things start to get a bit twisted, especially from an intertextual sense. Because "enemies-to-lovers" is also commonly used to refer to other ships in other media, whereby it tends to be rooted in an imbalanced power dynamic, such as oppressor-oppressed and bully-victim.

And while that's a whole can of worms that I won't be getting into because it can quickly derail into a whole separate sort of fandom discourse, I'd just like to make it clear that Mizu and Taigen, in particular, do not have an imbalanced power dynamic. They are not bully-victim or oppressor-oppressed. The only understandable reason why someone might actually think their relationship is imbalanced is if

A) they only watched the first episode, or

B) they cannot grasp the slightest bit of nuance in a character, or

C) they're being obtuse on purpose simply because the Mizu/Taigen relationship, or Taigen's character in general, just doesn't suit their tastes.

While yes, Taigen, along with his whole gang, had bullied Mizu when they were children, that dynamic does not exist between them whatsoever in adulthood. Whatever imbalanced bully-victim power dynamic that had once existed between them was decisively ripped apart the moment Mizu beat him in that duel in the dojo, and then completely obliterated by the end of the season.

Mizu is not a defenseless victim at Taigen's mercy. Mizu can beat Taigen's ass any time she wants (and she DOES, repeatedly in fact), and could even kill him if she felt like it. She taunts him openly and without fear ("I like your hair"; "I can beat you with any weapon you choose") and all he does is bark back, because that's pretty much all Taigen ever does. Time and time again, he yaps about how much he wants to kill her, but time and time again, his actions prove that all of it is just an empty threat. Because though his words say "I hate you", his actions demonstrate the complete opposite. He's shown how protective he is of Mizu, how unhesitatingly he sacrifices himself up for her, how loyal he is in enduring days-long torture to not give up information about her, how even when near-death and in pain, he's still willing to keep standing back up so he can fight by her side and help her win against her enemies.

And Mizu is not an idiot! She sees that too. She does not see him as a threat, an enemy, or even a bully. Especially not by the end of Episode 3, and definitely not by the end of the season. When she finds him in the dungeon in Episode 6, she smiles from relief, and doesn't think twice to take him with her. Mizu finds him, at best, an annoyance, or at worst, an infuriating hindrance on her quest for vengeance. Which is why, when Taigen is about to say, "It's a shame our duel's set for tomorrow; I have to kill you before you get your revenge," Mizu whacks him on the head without a second thought before he can even finish his sentence, and leaves him lying unconscious, face-down, in the snow.

And this further emphasises how he does not hold any power over her. There is no abusive power dynamic between them. She is more powerful than him, he knows this, and all he's ever done after they've met up again in adulthood is get his ass whooped by her, get mad about it and pester her and follow her around, get his ass whooped by her some more, and put his life on the line to protect her.

"OOoooOOoooH b-but he called her a demon at the end of Episode 7 and threatened to kill her again!!!" Oh my god. He called her that because he's calling her out on her selfishness to stay silent about her knowledge of Fowler's plans to attack Edo. Because to him, loyalty and honour as a samurai is more important than anything. So in his own brash-and-immature Taigen way, he felt betrayed that Mizu did not hold the same principles. That's why he got angry. He wasn't even that mad about letting Akemi get dragged off by the Tokunobu guards. It was about saving the Shogun and the Shogunate as a whole. That's why the first thing he does in Edo is not find Akemi, but try to warn the Shogun about Fowler's attack.

Look, I'm not defending his stupid ass, of course. Because calling her a demon especially after their cute little wrestling time was obviously rude and inappropriate, especially since words like "demon", "monster" and "Onryo" have had such a deep effect on Mizu throughout her life, and continue to contribute to her self-hatred. But like? That's the fun of realistic and flawed characters, and realistic and flawed relationships. They're not perfect, and it's why we as an audience root for them, wanting to see them work through their shit and find a way to prevail despite it all.

Also, him saying that was in the heat of the moment. He was angry, he felt like his initial belief of who Mizu was—a strong and loyal samurai, just like him—was shattered, and so he lashed out. Was it rude? Definitely. Was it immature of him? Yes, incredibly. But it's also very much in line with his character, because even though he's grown a lot over the course of the season, the show isn't over yet, so obviously his character arc is just beginning, as that is also the case for the other three main characters: Mizu is beginning to accept herself, Akemi is beginning to grow into her position of power, Ringo beginning to train under Master Eiji, while Taigen is beginning to simply be a better person.

On that note, when speaking of Taigen's immaturity, I think that's also one of the main things that people tend to gloss over when it comes to his character. Because when you boil everything down to its bare essentials, Taigen is, essentially, a boy. I've talked about this before, but to reiterate, Taigen very much behaves like an unhealed child. Even as an adult, he is insecure, prone to throwing tantrums, and is desperate to latch onto some material goal in hopes that it will make him feel better—initially he was chasing status/glory/greatness, and then when Mizu tells him that "Nothing comes from being a samurai but death," he immediately decides he wants to run away with Akemi in hopes that he will be happy.

And it's a big step, acknowledging that he doesn't truly want greatness, but had always just assumed it was his only path to a good life. But it's clear he still hasn't really figured it out. Because if he did run off with Akemi to get married and live in the countryside, he still wouldn't be happy. Because he still doesn't know who he really is, or what it is he really wants. Marriage at this moment is the last thing he needs, and as he is now, he would be a pretty awful husband. A simple life would be good for him, but would he be good at a simple life, when he still has so much he needs to work through?

So anyway, what I'm getting at here, is that he's trying and he is learning and growing. So yeah, he is flawed, but honestly? So is Mizu. And the funny thing is that they're flawed in very similar ways.

Because Mizu is also an unhealed child. That's why she's so angry all the time. That's why she pushes people away. That's why she, just like Taigen, is so happy when given the chance to playfully wrestle in the forge, laughing and rolling around like children without shame or pretense.

Again, this shows there is no imbalance between them. They had grown up together as peers from the same town. And while Taigen had had the upper hand back then, because he'd had a gang of other kids with him, that is definitely not the case anymore. Today, they are equally flawed, equally strong, equally skilled swordsmen, and equally bull-headed.

However, yes, Mizu is definitely leagues more mature than Taigen. But she still holds a lot of childhood wounds that mirror Taigen's own. And we see this especially in relation to her mother. Similar to Taigen who had an abusive and alcoholic father, Mizu's Mama was an opium addict and had hit her, berated her, had shaved her head without her consent as a child, and as an adult, had constantly emotionally manipulated and guilt-tripped her. Mizu's love for her Mama was what had driven her to a path of vengeance in the very beginning. And when she'd found out Mama was still alive, she had wanted nothing more than her Mama's love, and it was this alone that pushed her to agree to the marriage with Mikio in the first place. And now, knowing from Fowler that her birth mother is someone else entirely, is what makes her agree to keep him alive and haul his ass to London to seek answers.

Thus, integral to Mizu's self-hatred is also Mizu's intense longing for love and family. Just like Taigen, whose pompousness comes from his insecurity about being the son of a poor fisherman, Mizu's goals are also shaped by who her parents are. Remember, her vengeance is not against just anyone who's corrupt or evil, but specifically against the men who she believes had assaulted her mother, the men she believes had made her a monster, the men she believes had abandoned her to die and continue to try to kill her. Her vengeance is against a father, on behalf of a mother. In The Tale of the Ronin and the Bride, Mizu is not merely the Ronin, the Bride, or the Onryo, but also the Child.

This is also why Ringo is so good, not only for Mizu, but for Taigen as well. Ringo is wise and caring and considerate, but above all, he is in tune with his inner child in ways that Mizu and Taigen are not. He is always earnest and positive, he sees the world with childlike wonder, but is not naive or blind to its ugliness. His whole life has been a battle. Ringo brings out the best in Mizu, consistently acting as her moral compass and conscience, and Mizu's choice to save Akemi in the final episode is only because she promised Ringo that she would. Because it's the right thing to do. Ringo inspires her to be a better person, and to think outside of her narrow-minded goal of revenge. At the same time, Ringo also brings out the best in Taigen. While at first Taigen had looked down on both Mizu and Ringo ("Half-limb to a half-wit"), by the end of the season, he's proud to have Ringo as a friend and ally, he listens to Ringo's advice ("What would Master do?"), and asserts to the fucking Shogun that Ringo is a worthy warrior to have by his side.

Okay, I've gone on a bit of a tangent here, but my main point is that Mizu and Taigen are incredibly similar. They are equals. They are both flawed, unhealed children who are chasing some impossible outlandish goal in hopes that it will fill the void in their hearts. They also both have a long way to go in terms of character development if they were to ever build a healthy romantic relationship (either with each other, or even with anyone else). So while I believe things will be rocky (because duh, it's a story, we all live for the drama, etc), I think with Ringo's help, they'll get there eventually.

[front-facing-pokemon]

[widowmaker]

How do we feel about my melnem themed phone :3c

[newtafterdark]

I found this old CD-ROM from 1997 by pure chance! It just arrived in the mail too, so I haven't had a chance to put it into my CD drive yet, but I am excited!!

This is a CD-ROM specifically for the parents, but judging by the booklet it seems to also have a few bits of extra content on it that is not found on the official software?

Important note: This was not made by the company that made FinFin, but a German company unaffiliated with them. That being said, it has an ISBN number, price tag and everything! You could've bought this easily back in the day!

I plan on fully translating the booklet & whatever is on the disk itself into English and post it all on here. Also, I'll try to get all of the files from the disk and put it up somewhere for everyone to download for free!

[kingleedo]

U-Kwon || HER [240906]

bonus:

[didsomeonesayventus]

It was the raging storm of a foreign war... and a face I’d seen before.